Revelations and Expectations

by Kariesue

Will things go awry when secrets are revealed? And will Sheppard pay the price?

2. Chapter 2

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Woolsey joined Sheppard and his team in front of the Stargate as the event horizon rippled and figures started emerging. Men and women of obviously different ethnicities moved forward, their eyes bulging as they took in the city that was Atlantis. John had to admit it was a rather breathtaking sight. He'd thought so when he first stepped through and at that time it had been dark and they had been under water.

Woolsey stepped forward in greeting. "Welcome to Atlantis. I'm Richard Woolsey, the leader of this expedition. I hope we can make your stay here an enjoyable one."

A tall, blond woman stepped forward and introduced herself. "I'm Julia Donovan from Inside Access. Mr. Woolsey, thank you for having us here."

"Like we had any choice," Sheppard muttered under his breath.

Woolsey gave him a stern look and began introductions. "This is Colonel Sheppard, he's the Military Commander of this base and my Second-In-Command. He and his team will be escorting you during your stay here."

The woman stepped toward John and extended her hand. John grasped it firmly and replied, "Ms. Donovan. This isn't a big surprise for you though, is it? If I recall you were on board the Prometheus when it was hijacked a few years back. Bet it's been tough sitting on all this information for so long."

"Colonel Sheppard," she greeted. "It's nice finally meeting you. I've heard a great deal about you from some of the personnel at Stargate Command. And I've done a little research of my own," she said in a way that made John decidedly nervous. "But you've done some research as well it seems. Yes, I was on the Prometheus several years ago. It's a shame it was destroyed."

"No research, Ms. Donovan. I'm the Military Commander here. Reading Mission Reports is part of my job. Seeing the mistakes that others have made helps me not to make the same ones."

"Understood, Colonel," She said then turned to the others behind her. "Let me introduce my traveling companions." She motioned for the people behind her to step forward.

A dapper gentleman in his fifties extended a hand to Woolsey and then John as he introduced himself. "Nigel Vincent from the European Press. This is an amazing accomplishment, I must say. I have so many questions, I don't even know where to begin."

"You can begin after I introduce everyone," Donovan reminded him. Next came a petite woman with toffee colored skin and dark hair slicked back into a tight bun.

"Navi Parwana of India." she stated.

"I am Vladimir Plekanov, Russia." said a booming voice coming from a large strapping man with dark hair and a long mustache.

Before he could say anything else, a dark-skinned man of medium height and build came forward to say, "Latif Suhuba. My names means 'gentle friend' in my language and I represent the region of Kenya and Tanzania. It is a pleasure to meet you all."

He stood aside politely to indicate the stunning young woman who moved up behind him.

"I am Akira Hanako from Japan." She bowed her head daintily. Woolsey immediately came forward and offered an awkward bow himself.

McKay cleared his throat, shaking Woolsey out of his trance. "Oh, yes, the rest of Colonel Sheppard's team. This is Dr. Rodney McKay of Canada. He's the Head of Science and Research here on Atlantis."

"Any questions you have about technology, I'm your man." Rodney said equally enthralled with the Asian beauty.

"Stop drooling, Rodney," Sheppard whispered from behind McKay.

"Huh, what…? I'm not…Oh, very funny!"

Sheppard stepped forward and addressed all the news crew. "This is the rest of my team. Ronon Dex from Sateda and Teyla Emmagen of Athos."

Ronon just nodded but Teyla took a step forward. "I have made arrangements for you to visit my people. They are looking forward to meeting you and teaching you many of our Athosian customs."

Suhuba took Teyla's hand and said, "Thank you for arranging this. I am quite looking forward to meeting your people." He looked like he was about to ask another question when Woolsey interrupted.

"There will be plenty of time for questions all week, but protocol states all off-world travel must be followed up with a medical evaluation. I'm sure you understand."

They all nodded but Ms. Parwana looked at her luggage, so Sheppard informed them, "We'll take your luggage to your quarters. When you finish up with Dr. Keller, I'll have a Marine bring you back there to unpack and freshen up. Just so there's no misunderstanding, any non-personnel are required to have an escort while in the city. It's nothing personal, it's just standard procedure."

"Yeah, I had a Marine following me around for about a month when I first got here." Ronon supplied.

Woolsey indicated that the group should follow him. Sheppard motioned for a few airmen and instructed them to put the luggage and video equipment in the guest quarters. Then he gave a huge sigh and figured it was going to be a long week.

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The rest of the first day passed uneventfully. After an extensive tour of the city, where the video cameras were kept busy, the news crew had a light dinner and retired for the night, Marines stationed at the doors. They had been worn out from the travel and time change and needed to adjust and get a good night's sleep before they started out with full steam in the morning.

The next morning Sheppard and his team met them at their doors and escorted them to the mess hall for breakfast. A long table overlooking the ocean had been set up and the reporters were seated there. John and his team chose to sit a few tables over, close enough to keep watch over them but far enough away so their conversation was somewhat private.

"So Sheppard," started Ronon, once they were seated with trays of food in front of them. "What's the plan for today?"

"To try and waste as much time with them as possible without them actually learning anything useful," John said. "How does that sound?"

"Well, Akira said she wanted to see my lab and what I was currently working on," informed McKay.

"Fine," agreed John. "Why don't you take the geeks and I'll take the rest on a tour around the city and mainland in a Puddlejumper."

"What makes you think they won't all be interested in what I'm working on?" Rodney sulked.

"If they are, then we'll still split them up and then switch after lunch. There's only so much room in a Jumper and you can't see too much from the back."

Rodney nodded in agreement.

"What would you like Ronon and I to do during this time, John?" Teyla asked.

"Why don't you stay with Rodney," John winced as he looked at Teyla in apology. "Make sure no one charms any top secret info out of him."

Teyla nodded her head in acknowledgment, but Rodney sputtered, "I…I know what I can and can't divulge, Sheppard, thank you very much. I don't need Mother here looking over my shoulder."

"Stay with him anyway, Teyla," John suggested. "Ronon can come with me. McKay, you might want to introduce them to Zalenka and Miko at some point. That whole International House of Pancakes thing the IOA wants us to sell."

Rodney looked confused. "International House of …what?" then light dawned and he said, "Oh, right, united front, common ground, yadda yadda. Gotcha." But he seemed disappointed that he would have to share the limelight at some point, especially with Zalenka.

"Then we get to hand them over to Lorne at 16:30 hours and we're off duty for the night. Well, at least babysitting duty anyway," John added.

"John? We are still on for sparring at that time?" Teyla confirmed.

"Yeah, I think I'm gonna need to let off a little steam by then." John said. "Do you want me to get T.J. after that so you can grab a quick shower?"

"Do you mind?" asked Teyla and at John's nod, finished, "Thank you, John, that would be wonderful."

"So what's Lorne gonna do with them tonight?" Ronon wondered.

"After they have dinner, they're having a group interview with Woolsey. I figure that should take most of the night. Hopefully they'll all be so tired they'll go straight to their quarters and sleep. But I'm setting up extra security details for the next week just to make sure none of them decide to go wandering off in the middle of the night."

"Excellent idea, John." Teyla said and Ronon also grunted his agreement.

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"You all right, Teyla?" John reached down to give her a hand up from where she had fallen on the gym floor.

"I am fine, John," Teyla reassured him. "But you did not speak in jest when you said you would need to …let off a little steam. I find your sparring quite improves when you are irritated at something … or someone."

"Someones," John stressed the plural. "Those damn reporters. I tried everything I could to get out of answering their questions, but they're relentless. That Donovan woman spent more time trying to pry information about my relationship with my Dad than she did on any questions about Atlantis."

"I am sorry, John," Teyla sympathized. " I know that is a private matter you do not wish to speak of."

John just nodded at Teyla's quiet perception and acceptance of who he was.

Teyla grabbed her sticks from the floor and spun them around a few times as she faced John again. He noticed her face tighten and her left stick move slower when she did this.

"Are you all right?" he asked again with concern, pointing to her wrist. "You look like you're favoring it."

"It will be fine, John. There is no need to worry," Teyla reiterated. "I just landed on it a bit hard that last time."

John put his sticks on the floor and moved toward Teyla to gently take her wrist in his hands. He moved it in several directions and when Teyla winced, he immediately said, "God, Teyla, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."

"John," Teyla said removing her hand from John's. "Injuries are part of sparring, are they not?"

"Yeah," John agreed. "But it's usually me being the injured one."

"Then I guess you are improving," Teyla said brightly.

John just grinned and suggested, "Why don't we call it a night. You might want to have Keller check that out," indicating her wrist. "I'll get T.J. and keep him with me. We'll meet you in the mess hall in about an hour."

Teyla nodded and reached for her bag, storing her bantos rods snugly inside. As they stepped inside the transporter, John pressed the display in the area closest to the central tower.

"John, where are you going?" Teyla asked surprised.

"Well, you're going to the infirmary." He picked up her bag as they stepped out of the transporter and he nodded in one direction.

"John, there is no need to escort me all the way."

"You'd do it for me, right?" John confirmed.

Teyla rolled her eyes but headed in the direction John indicated. They walked in to see Jennifer sitting at one of the computers.

She looked up as they approached and questioned, "What did you do to him this time, Teyla?"

"Sorry, Doc," John corrected. "It was me taking out my frustrations today. She banged up her wrist."

"Oh!" Jennifer responded a bit surprised. "Okay, well let's take a look, shall we?"

"I'll go get T.J. and meet you in the mess in an hour," John said then added with a twinkle in his eyes, "Unless the Doc here decides to keep you overnight."

"I do not think that will be necessary," Teyla said.

"Probably not," Jennifer admitted with a grin.

John nodded and left to collect Torren.

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"Hey Pal, you ready to go?" John asked as he stepped into the child care room and spotted Torren already galloping in his direction. He dropped his and Teyla's sparring bags just in time to catch the child as he launched himself at John. He gave the boy a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek that soon turned into a loud raspberry. Torren giggled and started wiggling in his arms. John put him down saying, "Okay, go get your bag and let's go." Torren promptly obeyed and held his bag up for John to take.

"You know what Buddy, I think you're old enough to carry that yourself," John said and then indicated the two bags he already had. "See, I've got Mommy's bag and my bag, so I think you should carry your bag."

John bent down to assist the child in putting both straps over his shoulders. Torren's eyes lit up as he realized the big responsibility he was being trusted with.

"Otay," he responded proudly.

John picked up the other two bags and waved. "Thanks Aleeah, we'll see you in the morning."

The young woman looked away from the four-year-old girl she was playing with and responded, "Good night, Colonel Sheppard, good night, Torren. It is always a pleasure to watch him."

It only took a few minutes for the transporter to get them near John's quarters. Once inside, John dropped the bags and helped Torren off with his too.

"Wow!" he praised the young child. "Great job carrying that bag. You're really strong huh?

Torren mimicked John holding up his arms in a muscle pose. John laughed then said, "Okay Pal, Uncle John's gotta take a shower so…"

John looked around the room for a second. "I've got it!" John snapped his fingers and grabbed a plastic plate from near the small fridge. He picked up Torren and deposited him on the bathroom floor. He handed the child the plate and put a few squirts of shaving cream on it. He showed Torren how to smooth the cream around the plate and then how to use the tip of his finger to draw pictures in it.

Torren looked thrilled that he got to 'play' in this cool stuff. John jumped in the shower and made quick work of cleaning up. When he got out, Torren was still sitting in the same spot on the bathroom floor, but most of the shaving cream was now located on his hands, clothes and even his face. John walked out into the room and quickly dressed in clean BDU pants and a black T-shirt. He then wet a towel and started to clean up the child. When he realized shaving cream didn't wipe cleanly off of clothes, he grabbed Torren's bag and changed him into a fresh outfit, too.

He looked at the boy and said, "Well, we still have a half hour until we need to meet your Mom, so…how about we go to the Control Room, okay?"

The child placed his hand in John's and smiled trustingly up at him. John felt that familiar pain squeeze his heart whenever this child gave him love so freely. He hoped he could always be there to give it back.

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John walked into the Control Room with Torren dogging his steps. "Banks, everything quiet?"

Amelia nodded and tilted her chin to look around her CO. "Quiet for now, Colonel, but I have to warn you, there's a bit of a shadow following you around."

"Really?" John questioned teasingly. He moved around a few consoles then stopped. He looked conspiratorially at Amelia and whispered, "Is it still following me?"

Banks grinned and said, "I'm afraid so, Sir."

He moved to another console and said, "What about now?"

Amelia's "Still there, Sir." was punctuated by tiny giggles.

John whispered again, "What do you think I should do, Banks?"

Amelia's voice was serious though her eyes were not. "I'm not sure, Sir. The shadow seems to be sticking pretty close."

The giggles increased as John scratched his head for a second. "How about if I move really fast?"

Amelia shrugged and said, "Maybe."

John started moving really slow. The little voice behind him whispered, "Dat's slow!" and John realized T.J. was directing his words towards Amelia.

This was confirmed when she said, "Um, Sir, that's slow."

"Oh, um, right. I said fast, didn't I?"

At Amelia's nod, John raced around the console, nearly tipping Chuck over in his chair. But he managed to come up near Torren and scoop him up from behind. The boy let out a huge squeal as John collapsed to sit on the upper landing. John threw a "Sorry, Chuck" at the technician as he folded Torren up and rubbed his face against the child's belly. Another peel of childish laughter rang across the room.

"Amelia, is everything okay in here?" Richard Woolsey skittered into the Control Room. "I thought I heard something like a scream."

Both Chuck and Amelia looked point blank at Sheppard but didn't say anything.

"Oh, I should have known," stated Woolsey when he saw John with the young child. "Colonel, how were our visitors today?"

John stood up and tucked Torren under his arm like a football, eliciting another round of giggles. Woolsey gave them a patient smile. "They were nothing but a royal pain in the ass, Sir, truthfully." John supplied.

"I know you don't want them here, Colonel, but we have to make the best of it." Woolsey suggested, "Be patient with them, okay."

John gave a grudging smile and said, "Sure, no problem. Good luck with your interview, by the way, especially when they start asking about your failed marriage or why you never had kids."

"Colonel, they're not…" Woolsey started then stopped. "Wait, they asked you those kinds of questions? They're supposed to be focused on Atlantis."

"Oh, they'll ask you plenty of questions about that, too," John informed him.

"Oh, I guess I should go and prepare a few more things for this interview then." He looked at his watch. "I only have a little more than an hour." He bustled over to his office leaving the occupants of the Control Room snickering.

"Is he really nervous?" John asked as he transferred a dangling Torren to his other arm.

Amelia nodded. "He's been like that all day."

"He's hardly been out of his office," Chuck added. "Which isn't always a bad thing."

"Well," John said. "He's not bad for a pain in the ass." and Torren blurted out "Pain a ass!"

John groaned as the two gate techs chuckled. His eyes flew up to them as he put T.J. on the floor. He pointed at them and ordered, "You did not just hear that, understood?"

"Yes, Sir!" they chimed in unison, but their eyes held laughter.

"All right, time to meet Mommy and get something to eat. Banks?" John said as he looked at his watch. "You're off now, right? Come join us if you want, Ronon'll be there."

"Thank you, Sir. Maybe I will." Amelia answered.

John hoisted Torren into his arms and began to move away. Torren clapped his hands and yelled again, "Pain a ass!"

"No, no, no!" John moaned. "You can't be saying that when we're going to meet your Mom. How about we sing a song, okay?"

As he started down the steps into the gateroom, Amelia and Chuck could hear "Old MacDonald had a farm, E I E I O," and by the time his voice was starting to fade down the hallway, they were oink oinking here, there and everywhere.

Amelia spent a few minutes updating her replacement on important matters before she left the room. Chuck had done the same and called, "Wait up! You going to the mess hall?" At her nod he said, "I'll walk with you." No other words were needed. Sheppard, Torren and the rest of that team were always good entertainment for the staff. Why should tonight be any different?

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"Where's Sheppard and Teyla?" Rodney complained as he scooped a forkful of potatoes into his mouth. "They're usually here by now."

"I don't know." Ronon shrugged sitting on the opposite side of the table from McKay with his own tray of food. "Maybe they got sidetracked by some of those reporters."

"Why would the reporters want to ask them more questions? They were with them all day and will be with them the rest of the week." Rodney worried that he wouldn't get his share of the notoriety.

Ronon tilted his head and said, "Sheppard's the Military CO and Teyla's from a different galaxy. Yeah, you're right. No reason."

"Ha ha!" Rodney snipped. "Besides, the reporters are all sitting right over there." He pointed to a table across the room. "Oh, there's Sheppard. It's about time."

"What are you griping about McKay?" Ronon grunted. "It's not like you waited until he showed up to eat."

They both watched as John walked in with Torren on his back, the boy's arms clinging around John's neck. They walked over to the serving line to get some food.

"Why is Sheppard always taking care of that kid?" Rodney asked in between mouthfuls.

"He's just helping out a teammate," Ronon supplied.

"Well, I'm a teammate and you don't see the kid attached to my hip."

Ronon just snorted at that comment. "Sheppard enjoys spending time with Torren, so it's no big deal.

Rodney just shook his head. "I still don't get what the attraction is. Especially since the kid's not even his."

Ronon looked at McKay still shoveling food into his mouth. The man was supposed to be a genius, but there were times that he truly wondered. McKay really had no clue how deep Sheppard's feelings ran for the boy. Or for the boy's mother for that matter.

John approached the table balancing two trays while Torren ambled along behind him. As John put the trays down, Ronon grabbed the booster seat they'd had specially made for Torren and put it on top of the end chair.

"Right up here, pal," Ronon instructed and swung Torren up into the seat. John sat to the chair's left and started breaking apart his meatloaf into bite sized pieces.

"You know he's never going to eat all that," Rodney whined, looking at the amount of food on Torren's tray.

"It's half the amount you have, McKay," John pointed out. "And you can have whatever he doesn't finish. I promise."

"Yeah, like I'll actually eat it after he slobbers all over it," Rodney criticized. "By the way, have you seen Jennifer? She should have been here by now."

"Oh, sorry!" John apologized. "That's my fault. I gave her a new patient a little while ago."

At Ronon and McKay's questioning looks, he explained. "Teyla fell a bit hard on her wrist while we were sparring. I thought the doc should look at it."

"Which means," Ronon chuckled, "that you got the drop on her. Nice going!"

"Yeah, way to beat up women, Sheppard!" McKay snorted.

John glared at Rodney and said, "Thanks for making me feel even more guilty."

McKay chirped back cheerfully, "You're welcome." and dug back into his pile of food.

Just then Jennifer walked through the door of the mess hall. John was about to get up to ask about Teyla when he saw that Teyla was right behind the doctor. She was freshly showered, her hair still slightly damp and her left wrist was wrapped in an Ace bandage. Guilt flooded John again. It's a good thing she's usually invincible, he thought.

Teyla and Jennifer made their way over to the table with Amelia right behind them. After greetings were exchanged and room made for all, John addressed Jennifer.

"What's the prognosis, Doc? Is she gonna live?"

Teyla just rolled her eyes but Jennifer smirked. "Probably, but I think she'll need some definite pampering. And NO sparring for at least a week!"

"No sparring. Lots of pampering. Gotcha!" John confirmed.

"Jennifer!" Teyla warned but John interrupted. "How about we start with a night all to yourself." He looked at Torren and said, "Slumber party at Uncle John's tonight, Pal?"

"That is not necessary," Teyla told John but Torren had already started clapping and bouncing in his seat.

"Hey, watch it Buddy. Your Mom has a boo-boo on her arm," John warned the youngster.

Torren's eyes got big as he suddenly noticed the bandage. "Mama, boo-boo?" he said and his lips pouted. "I tiss it, mate it bettah?"

"Yes, of course you may kiss it." Teyla said. "That is exactly what I need to fix it. I do not know why Dr. Keller did not think of this earlier."

Teyla put her injured hand near her son but looked in Jennifer's direction. Jennifer looked like she wanted to say something but was holding her tongue. Teyla knew whose kiss Jennifer thought would help her heal and she was pretty sure it wasn't Torren's.

As if Torren had read her mind, he lifted his head from Teyla's hand and said, "Unta Dohn, you tiss Mama boo-boo and mate it bettah."

Jennifer's eyes lit up with glee and Ronon and Amelia looked straight at Sheppard to see what he would do.

"Uh, friends," Rodney interrupted, "Just stating for a fact, I am not kissing any dirty old bandages."

"No one's asking you to, McKay," Ronon snapped back.

Jennifer smacked his arm so that he dropped his fork. "I just put those bandages there and they are not dirty!"

"I didn't mean…I know they're not…" Rodney backpedaled. "Forget it." He hunched over his tray again but the others all trained their eyes on John and Teyla.

Torren patted John's arm and repeated, "Tiss Mama boo-boo."

"I will," John promised the boy. "But not while we're eating. Later, okay?"

"Otay," Torren agreed and resumed eating his food.

Jennifer, Ronon and Amelia hooted with laughter. John and Teyla just rolled their eyes and smiled at each other.

After a few more minutes of laughter and a few more of eating, Jennifer asked, "How was the day with the reporters?"

"Amazing!" Rodney stopped eating for the first time since he had sat down. "They shot video of me explaining several of my latest accomplishments. Surprisingly, a few of them seemed to understand what I was actually talking about and asked semi-intelligent questions."

At John's snort, Rodney sniped, "What's the matter, Sheppard? None of them drooled all over you?"

"Not interested in drool, McKay," John claimed. "If it were up to me, I'd hand 'em all over to you for the rest of the week and I could actually get some work done."

"Really?" McKay squeaked, "Cause I could ask Woolsey…"

"He'd never go for it. O'Neill gave a direct order, I don't have much choice."

"Yeah, like you've never disobeyed a direct order before," Rodney snapped sarcastically. "I could actually make an offer to Woolsey…"

Amelia interrupted this time. "Mr. Woolsey is getting ready for his interview soon."

"He's not in it yet!" Rodney exclaimed. "They're all still over there eating." And he pointed to the table across the room where the reporters were sitting. Several of the compact cameras were panning the mess hall.

"Oh, great!" John griped. "We don't even get any privacy while we're eating."

They continued eating and laughing and joking for a while longer then started to drift off.

John followed Teyla back to her quarters with Torren by his side. When they got inside, Teyla insisted, "You really do not need to take him overnight. I am sure I can manage just fine. The wrist is only slightly sprained."

"I know you can manage," John agreed. "You're Super Mom. But sometimes it's okay to accept help, too. Especially since Kanaan isn't here to give you a hand."

Teyla looked solemn, almost sad for a moment and John figured she must be missing Torren's father.

"Thank you, John. It would be nice to have a night to myself. I do not think I have had one since Torren was born."

"Then you're way past due," John said and bent down to Torren's level. "We could make this a regular thing, kiddo, huh?"

Torren jumped up and down and nodded vigorously. Teyla looked at the happiness radiating from her son's face and then at the man responsible for it. "You are too good to us, John."

John looked at Torren, then up at Teyla's beautiful face. "Nothing's too good for you," he whispered.

He gazed at Teyla for a while trying to read her emotions. In a way Teyla was a lot like him, an expert at keeping her feelings hidden. She'd had to be, to show her people a strong leader, one who didn't crumble even in the worst of times. And her people had suffered what could definitely be considered the worst of times. Even though she was so stoic most of the time, she had occasionally needed support.

He could remember several times she had needed solace and had sought out the comfort of his arms. That had been pure torture for him. He had wanted to wrap his arms around her and never let go. But he liked that she trusted him with her emotions. "So why don't you trust her with yours? Because you're scared. But caution had always held him back from showing too much of himself. Like now. He could definitely see gratitude in her eyes but there was some other emotion there, too. But even wishful thinking couldn't make it the emotion he was hoping for. He needed to break this spell. The one that was holding his gaze so tightly to hers. Like she was trying to read his soul as well. And if he stood here any longer, he wouldn't be able to keep his feelings from seeping out through his own eyes.

Torren took that moment to grab John's leg and yell his name. "What's up, Bud?" John said, thankful for the interruption. For a second anyway until the next words came out of the boy's mouth.

"You tiss Mama boo-boo to mate it bettah."

John sucked in a deep breath and looked at Teyla. She looked at John and then a small chuckle escaped her throat. John followed with a chuckle of his own.

"Doesn't miss a thing, does he?"

"No, he does not," Teyla agreed.

John reached forward and took her bandaged hand in his. "Since I'm responsible for hurting it, it's only fair I try to make it better." He cradled her hand and brought it to his mouth, gently touching his lips to the bandage and brushing her knuckles on the way. He knew he probably lingered a bit longer than he should have but it wasn't nearly long enough.

"Bettah, Mama?" Torren broke the silence again.

Teyla smiled at John and then at her son. "Yes, it does not hurt nearly as much as it did."

"Okay, let's get you some jammies and a bag for tomorrow."

John looked at Teyla for direction and she went about gathering what they needed. John had been required to open a few drawers for Teyla during the quick packing session so he asked, "Anything else I can do for you while I'm here? Any jars need opening, heavy boxes moved?"

Teyla smiled and declined. "I think I shall be able to manage quite well for one night."

"Okay," John said," If you're sure. Hey, Pal, give your Mom a hug and a kiss."

Mother and son said goodnight and Teyla let him go. But John thought she seemed somewhat nervous.

"I'll take good care of him, Teyla. You don't need to worry."

"I am not worried about him," Teyla explained. "I know he will have a wonderful time with his Uncle John."

"That's right," John agreed as he handed the little backpack to Torren who eagerly tried to put it on. John helped him then faced Teyla and put both his hands on her arms.

"Take advantage of this time alone, Teyla. I'll bring him to Aleeah in the morning so I can go for my run. We're not scheduled to take our guests to New Athos until thirteen hundred hours so Woolsey said we could take some time off before that. Stackhouse and Teldy are scheduled to take them around the city with their teams in the morning. I'm gonna use the time to actually get some real work done. Use that time for yourself or visit with T.J. if you really miss him that much."

Teyla just nodded and thanked John again as he grabbed Torren's hand and guided him out the door.

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Torren was in his pajamas, cleaned and brushed and John had read several of his favorite stories to him. They had played with some toy airplanes and blocks and Torren still hadn't gotten tired enough to sleep yet.

"I know," John said. "Let's send an e-mail to Dave. He's probably overdue for one about now."

John sat on the chair in front of his desk, pulled T.J. into his lap and opened his laptop. He was just starting the webcam when Torren jumped down. John saw where he was going and turned back to look at the computer.

"Hey, Dave. How's everything? Sorry if it's been a while. Duty calls and all that."

T.J. came toddling back with his blanket and stuffed giraffe now in his arms, which he held up to John. John picked the boy up and snuggled him in his lap.

"You remember T.J. right? Teyla sprained her wrist this afternoon, kinda my fault, so I've got T.J. to myself tonight to give her a break."

"T.J." he looked down at the child. "Say hi to Uncle Dave."

Torren pulled his blanket and stuffed animal closer to his face but mumbled a "Hi" around the thumb that was in his mouth. The boy leaned into John's chest and his eyes started to flutter. John wrapped his arms firmly around the child then kissed the top of his head.

He looked at the webcam and snickered, "Sure, now he wants to sleep. Well, you can see I'm fine. Nothing too dangerous going on right now if you don't count that I may shoot myself in the head by the end of the week. Some brilliant big wigs decided to send a bunch of reporters to our little neck of the woods and my team's on babysitting duty. So very soon, I may not need to be so cryptic in our messages to each other."

He shifted Torren in his arms and muttered, "How much meatloaf did you eat tonight, Pal?" He looked up and continued, "I should probably get him into bed. Say hello to Julia for me. Stay out of trouble, huh? And I'm working on getting the time off for your wedding. Hopefully it won't be a problem, but around here things can crop up pretty quick. Take care of yourself, Dave." And John tapped a few buttons to shut off the webcam. A few more were pushed and the file was sent. Of course it would probably not get there for a while as the weekly status reports weren't due to the SGC for another few days.

John shifted Torren in his arms so he could pull the sheets down on his bed. He set the boy down and then tucked the sheets up around him. He sat on the side of the bed rubbing Torren's back and a wave of exhaustion passed over him. This whole news crew thing was stressing him out, probably more than it should. John decided his bed looked rather appealing so he stretched out next to Torren. He continued to move his hand up and down the child's back. He hadn't really thought where they would sleep when he mentioned this little overnight, but he supposed he could manage on the couch. It wasn't all that big, but he'd certainly slept in a lot worse places. As his mind went through what those places had been, his own eyes drifted shut.

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xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxox

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When his eyes opened again, John saw the dark curly hair next to him and was confused for a moment. He shook himself awake and sat up carefully as he remembered. He looked at his watch, noting it was a little after midnight. He'd wanted to check on Atlantis one more time before he slept, but now wondered how he would do that with T.J. here. He certainly couldn't wake the child to go with him, but who else did he know who would be awake at this time. Rodney and Ronon were usually still up but he had seen the looks McKay had been flashing Keller at supper. And the doc had actually been blushing. Yeah, didn't want to disturb that. Okay, so try Ronon and hope he and Amelia hadn't gotten the same idea as McKay and Keller.

He tapped his earpiece and said, "Ronon, this is Sheppard." It took a second but Ronon replied, "Yeah, Sheppard. What is it?"

He knew he could count on Ronon to keep an ear out for him.

"I wanted to do a quick check of the city before I went to sleep but I've got Torren here. You wouldn't be willing to sit here with him for, say half an hour, until I got back?"

Again a pause, but then Ronon answered, "Sure, can I bring a friend?"

John chuckled but told him yes and he'd see him in a few minutes.

When Ronon arrived, he had Amelia in tow. She looked somewhat reluctant to be there but Ronon dragged her inside anyway. "She didn't want to come saying it was too weird cause you're her CO," Ronon explained. "I told her she was nuts."

John just smiled at the uncomfortable woman. "You're off duty, Banks, right?" At her nod, he just shrugged. "Ronon's not military, heck he's not even from the same galaxy as you so it's not a problem. And I don't care what you do when you're not on duty unless it threatens the safety and well being of the people on this base. Sound fair?"

Amelia nodded. "Yes, Sir!"

Ronon chuckled at her stiff formality but pointed at Sheppard, "Go, put the city to sleep. It looks like you already managed Torren." He indicated the slumbering boy in Sheppard's bed.

"Thanks Chewie, appreciate it." He walked over to the door, gave one last wry look at Ronon with a still nervous Amelia at his side and winked. "I'll give a call when I'm on my way back." And he walked out the door.

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xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxox xoxoxoxoxox

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John did his usual nightly check and was soon satisfied that everything was as it should be. With the exception of the damned reporters on Atlantis. And that thought brought him to the guest quarter's area where they were all staying. As he walked down the hall, he nodded and made a comment or two to the Marines who were keeping watch at each of the doors. As he turned the corner and approached the last one, he was dismayed to see the Hanako woman in the corridor talking to the SO assigned to her. As he came into view, the man snapped to attention with a salute and a "Sir!"

It always amazed John when they did that. He would love to have seen his Dad's face in these situations. So many people giving him their rapt attention and respect and waiting anxiously for the orders he would give them. His Dad had loved being the boss and handing out orders like candy. John wasn't so enamored with that part of the job.

He enjoyed being part of the decision making on the base and working with others to solidify strategic plans or treaties to work together with other worlds. He loved going on off-world missions and exploring new places. He especially loved that he didn't have a whole hierarchy here in the city to report to. Woolsey hadn't been as bad as he'd thought he would be. The man actually listened to everything he said and took it into consideration before making decisions. And he looked to John for advice on many occasions. It felt good for someone to appreciate his talents and expertise.

But John really didn't like giving orders. Especially when those orders resulted in the death of one of his men. The guilt would eat away at his soul and he sometimes wondered if there was anything left. He figured there must be something because it still bothered him when this happened. The day someone died and he didn't feel anything, that would be the day he knew it was gone for good.

"Sergeant," John greeted the man. "Ms. Hanako. You're up late this evening."

"I could say the same about you, Colonel," she responded in her slight accent.

John grinned. "It's my job to make sure everything's safe and running smoothly in the city."

"Yes, it is," she agreed. "But surely you have people to do this for you?"

"I like to do it myself. It makes me sleep easier at night." He nodded at her. "Have a good night, ma'am. Sergeant."

"Good night, Colonel," she said as he walked down the hall away from them.

He smiled when he heard the next few sentences from behind him.

"So, Sergeant, does the Colonel do this every night or just when you have visitors?"

"Every night, ma'am, every night," the Sergeant replied.

"And does he actually sleep easier because of it?"

The Marine chuckled. "I'm not sure Colonel Sheppard knows how to sleep. I've seen him walking the city at two a.m. and then out for a run by five."

John chuckled once more as the voices faded away. There was that larger than life persona again. He hoped he'd never disappoint his men.

He passed Teyla's quarters on the way back and listened for a minute outside her door. Everything was silent so he walked the few corridors over to reach his. He was about to open the door when he realized he'd told Ronon he'd give him a head's up.

He tapped on his radio and said, "Ronon, it's Sheppard. I'm coming back." He waited about thirty seconds, then opened the door.

Ronon was lounging on the couch and Amelia was just coming out of the bathroom, smoothing down her hair. John looked around the room but everything was in place and Torren was still sound asleep.

"Thanks, Buddy, I owe you one," John told Ronon.

Ronon waved it off with a "no problem" and headed for the door.

John quickly said, "Banks, thanks for helping out. Sorry I interrupted your evening."

She gave a quick nod and said, "It was my pleasure, Sir."

As the two of them walked out the door, John's grin widened. "I'll bet it was."

He quickly cleaned up and threw on an old T-shirt and sweats. He was about to grab a blanket for the couch when Torren started to whimper. He rushed over and saw the little boy's eyes sleepy and confused.

"Mama?" he whispered.

John sat next to him on the bed and stroked his cheek. "I'm right here, Pal. You're okay."

The boy's hands reached up for him trustingly, so John lowered himself onto the bed and drew T.J. into his embrace. He rearranged the covers around them and brought Torren's blanket back near his face. The boy snuggled deeper into John's arms but kept his eyes open, looking right at John, as his mouth pulsated around his thumb. John moved his hand through the toddler's hair and down his back in a rhythmic motion hoping he'd go back to sleep.

But those eyes stayed open like they were making sure John wouldn't disappear. He wouldn't, but he understood that Kanaan had been absent quite a bit recently and that could be causing Torren to be as unsure of John as his real father. REAL father! Hold on! That insinuated that John was also a father figure. When had that happened? But looking back at his ever-increasing time with Torren, he realized it was true. At least in his eyes. And seeing the child's steadfast gaze, he figured it was true to some extent there as well.

Maybe this sleepover wasn't such a good idea. Kanaan was the boy's father and should be doing this. But he wasn't and the bottom line was that he hadn't done stuff like this in a long time. That was one of the reasons John had started taking a bigger role in this kid's life. But maybe he had been wrong to do this. Maybe he should back off and hope Kanaan would pick up the slack. That thought alone sent panic wrapping itself around his heart. As tightly and deeply as this boy had wrapped himself around John's heart. He looked down at the child who was still silently staring up at him. He couldn't do it. He couldn't back away from this child anymore than he could one of his own flesh and blood.

How had John let this happen? He was supposed to be the carefree Uncle who came to play every now and then. And here he was, lying next to him, helping him sleep through the night. John wasn't complaining. This thing he had with Torren gave him a reason to be a kid again. And that helped get him through the times when things were really crappy. John chuckled and realized that Torren was kind of like his therapist. But even better, Torren helped him feel good without having to talk about his feelings. So he didn't have to feel guilty about spending time with the boy, he could just consider it therapy. John's eyes met Torren's one last time before both sets fluttered closed.

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xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxo

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John finished dressing and picked up the stuff he'd brought for Torren last night. He smiled when he recalled how he'd woken up with the child's head in the crook of his arm this morning. He'd lain there quietly listening to the sound of the boy breathing. He hadn't planned on sharing the bed with the kid but when he'd woken up asking for his Mom, Sheppard knew he needed to comfort him. The surprising thing was that John had slept really well.

I wonder if you'd sleep just as soundly with the boy's mother in bed beside you?

John stopped in the corridor on the way to Teyla's room at that wayward thought. Whoa! Get those ideas out of your mind before you reach Teyla's room.

Why? Because you know the answer is that if Teyla were in bed next to you, the last thing you'd be doing was sleeping.

John shook his head, knowing these thoughts had just undone what his five-mile run and subsequent shower had tried to accomplish. Another deep breath went in and out before he swiped his hand in front of her door controls. It was a few moments, but she finally opened the door. She looked flustered and was still in her pajamas.

She gave John a forced smile as he stepped into her quarters and she asked, "Where is Torren?'

"I dropped him off with Aleeah for the morning. I told you I would." John reminded her then looked closer at her face. "Are you all right?"

Teyla sighed heavily then looked up at John with a strange look on her face. "I am a bit embarrassed by this," she began. "But I have been unable to change because my wrist is too weak and I cannot get this knot undone."

John then noticed that her pajamas were the kind that tied inside on the left then crossed and tied again under her arm on the right.

"I thought it would be easier than attempting buttons, however I must not have managed a decent bow and during the night it became a tight knot. I have been incapable of getting it undone."

"Then I came at the right time," John said. "I can probably manage to get a knot out."

"I am not certain of that," Teyla said skeptically. "During my efforts, I fear I may have tightened the knot even more. Perhaps we should just cut the tie."

"Let me try first," John suggested. "I'd hate to ruin the pajamas. They're my favorite pair." When he realized he'd said the last thought aloud, he cleared his throat and said, "Um, okay, let's see what we have."

Teyla lifted her arm up and he bent his head to look where Teyla indicated. That's when he realized he was probably in a lot of trouble. First, the knot had indeed been tightened extensively and second it rested right on the outside of Teyla's breast. But not one to back down on a promise or a challenge, John sat in Teyla's desk chair and pulled her to stand between his legs.

Teyla moved her shoulder and arm behind her to give John room to work but John wasn't sure that was such a good idea either. It pushed her chest out prominently right in front of his face.

He took a deep breath and moved his hands to start working on the knot. He kept his gaze on the thin cord that was bound together, but the fact that his knuckles kept brushing Teyla's form was more than a little distracting. He spent a few minutes trying to determine which part of the knot needed to be loosened to unravel it. Then he attempted to do it. He wondered if subconsciously his fingers were fumbling so that they could spend more time in proximity to this tantalizing part of Teyla's anatomy.

He snuck a glance at Teyla and saw her eyes were closed and her breathing was a bit heavier than usual. John shrugged it off. She's probably just frustrated that it's taking so long to get undone.

John tried again to no avail. "I can see what section needs to be pulled but I'm having a hard time gripping it with my fingers. If it were something of mine, I'd just grab it with my teeth but…"

Teyla took another deep breath in and said impatiently, "Then try that please, John. I am close to ripping these pajamas off my body."

John almost wanted to wait to see if that would happen but he figured it wasn't such a good idea. John took one look at exactly where his teeth needed to go and made his first attempt.

John's fingers brushed over her breast gently as the knot began to loosen. Her traitorous nipple betrayed her and pushed proudly against the thin satin of her pajamas. John finished with the knot and moved his lips across the rounded mountain of her breast to settle on the prominent peak. As he sucked on it through the fabric, Teyla's breath grew ragged. He opened her top and untied the inside cord exposing all of her to his hungry gaze. His rough hands moved under her breasts and caressed them as his mouth found the now exposed nipple. He drew it into his mouth and lavished it with his tongue. Teyla's knees started to go weak and a groan escaped her lips.

"Did I hurt you, Teyla?" John asked, alarmed at the sound that came from Teyla's throat.

"No, no, I am fine!" Teyla assured him, coming back to reality. "I just moved my wrist in an uncomfortable way, that is all." She was profoundly embarrassed that her little fantasy daydream had caused her to moan out loud. She hoped John wasn't aware of the real reason behind it.

He leaned back and pulled out the last of the knot. He started to pull apart the ties when he realized it would expose half her chest. He quickly dropped the ties and moved her slightly away from him.

"All set," he said through clenched teeth and a fake smile. "Um…I uh… should, uh…"

Teyla moved away from him saying, " I can be dressed in just a few moments and then we can go to breakfast together. You may wait right there."

Teyla gathered some clothes and walked to the bathroom. John stayed seated facing away from the bathroom door. He was kind of glad actually that Teyla had told him to stay because after having his mouth and nose resting where they'd been, he wasn't sure he could walk yet. He'd need a few seconds to recover.

He looked up and knew that was the wrong thing to do as well. His eyes had been drawn to the large mirror nearby and he had a perfect view of Teyla's back as she removed her top on the way into the bathroom. He knew Teyla's people were much less inhibited, having lived together in large tents for all their lives. But as much as he was enjoying the view, he wished she would close the bathroom door.

She didn't. And this time the groan in the room came from deep in John's throat. He tried to tear his eyes away but couldn't. Like a deer caught in the headlights, he watched at Teyla stripped off her bottoms, ran a wet cloth over her body, dried it then dressed. John knew she'd be out in just a few seconds and he needed to cool his body down but wasn't sure there was anything here to douse the flames.

He was wrong. His eyes moved round the room and settled on a jacket hung on a hook. He knew instantly it was Kanaan's. That's all it took. The sight of Kanaan's coat, right here in Teyla's quarters, the ones he had to reiterate again and again, that she shared with another man. Of course that man was hardly ever here, which had resulted in John's lapse in judgement.

But he shouldn't forget, couldn't ever forget that Teyla belonged to another man.

She returned from the bathroom, fully dressed in traditional Athosian clothes. They were going to her village today and she had dressed as one of them. It was yet another reminder to John of the bond between Teyla and Kanaan.

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xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxox xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

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"Everybody all ready?" John asked as he set his tray on the table overlooking the city. "We need to head out at thirteen hundred hours."

"Yeah," Rodney answered first. "Zalenka's just putting the finishing touches on the parts for the new irrigation system. They should be ready by the time we leave."

"Good! What about you, Doc? You got your lollipops all packed up?"

Keller laughed. "Of course! That's the most important part of the medical bag. Especially since I have to give a few booster shots."

"Teyla and I are just pack mules for this trip, so I don't have to get anything ready," Ronon bragged.

"Except I have Torren to keep my eye on as well." She turned to John. "Did you not say you would pick him up from Aleeah before lunch?"

"Yeah, I did," John said. "But I was running late trying to get a few more status reports done. Lorne asked if there was anything he could do for me, so I sent him to get T.J."

"And here he is now," Lorne announced as he strolled up to the table with Torren riding on his shoulders. "One little boy, packaged and delivered."

Ronon got up and eased Torren off of Lorne's shoulders and plunked him in a chair.

"Thanks, Major," John said. "Appreciate the help."

"No problem, Sir," Lorne replied. "He's an awfully cute kid. Actually, that Aleeah's not too bad, either."

That got a few chuckles and Teyla said, "I will tell her you said so, Major, if you like."

Lorne's face turned red and he stuttered, "Oh, um, no… that's probably…fine. Have a good trip. Sir." He addressed the last to Sheppard and turned on his heel and quickly departed.

As they continued to eat, they spoke about their trip. Which reminded Ronon of something that had been bothering him lately. "Is Kanaan going to be there?"

"Um…" Teyla stalled, fiddling with the food she had put in front of her son. "I do not believe so." She turned back and busied herself again with Torren.

Ronon felt his blood begin to boil. He'd been more than willing to accept this guy that Teyla had partnered with. He'd tried to make him feel welcome and even given him the benefit of the doubt when he'd spent more and more time in the village. He knew how hard it was to adapt to new situations.

But it had been almost two years since they'd brought him back from Michael and he spent almost no time with Teyla or their son. Ronon thought of Teyla like a sister and he hated the idea of anyone treating her this way. Especially when there was someone as good and decent as Sheppard waiting to step in. Sheppard had already proven he was more of a father to Torren than Kanaan had ever been.

"How was the sleepover last night, Sheppard?" Ronon asked.

John had just stuffed the rest of his sandwich in his mouth, so he just gave a thumbs up.

Torren took the cue and looked at John. "I seep over aden?" He then looked at his mother to repeat, "Mama, I seep over aden?"

"We shall see," Teyla replied then asked, "How was he last night, John?"

John had gotten his sandwich chewed and nodded. "He was great. He fell asleep in my arms when I was sending an e-mail to my brother. Aside from one little fuss when he woke up disoriented, he slept right through to this morning."

Teyla looked thoughtful for a moment then asked, "Was it shortly before one?"

Surprise showed on John's face but he nodded, "Yeah, how'd you know?"

"I felt his distress and awoke as if he had called my name."

"He did," John confirmed, his eyes confused.

"I then saw an image of your face and felt him relax, though he still remained uncertain if you would stay near," Teyla finished.

"Yeah, I uh… crawled into bed with him and he laid there quietly, but watching me for a while. Then I guess we both fell asleep."

"He trusts you and feels safe with you, John," Teyla surmised.

Rodney broke in incredulously, "Are you telling me you can read this kid's thoughts?"

"No, Rodney," Teyla chuckled. "But I am able to sense his emotions, especially when they are strong ones."

"Have you always been able to do that with him?" Rodney asked again.

"There has been a strong bond since I carried him," Teyla replied.

"That is so cool!" Rodney exclaimed.

John snickered. "Of course, you know, when he's sixteen and has the hots for one of the cheerleaders, he's not gonna like it at all."

"You would have the hots for some brainless cheerleader," Rodney snarked.

"I never said I did!" John defended but several people chuckled and Rodney just snorted.

"So this is probably related to that Wraith communication thing or even like how the Wraith Queen gets into people's heads."

Teyla shrugged and Rodney continued. "So, can you do it with anyone else? Tune into their head, I mean?"

"She's not a radio receiver, McKay!" John criticized.

Teyla sighed and confessed, "At times, Kanaan and I have been able to sense the other's feelings. It does not work if we are far apart or if we purposely shelter our emotions."

McKay seemed to think about this for a minute then snapped his fingers. "Ooh, ooh, What about Sheppard?" He pointed to John who almost choked on the water he was drinking. "Sheppard had that bug thing on his neck and then almost turned into one. If there's any residual bug-stuff left in him, maybe you could… I don't know…do it with him."

All noise at the table suddenly ceased and all eyes tried to find something else to look at. Except McKay who really had no clue what he'd just implied.

Jennifer broke the silence. "It's not a parlor trick, Rodney and I'm sure Teyla doesn't go around trying to get into people's heads."

"Besides, I don't have any of that bug DNA left in me, right Doc?" John confirmed.

"Well, no…I mean… not really… um… You are fully human again." Keller stumbled through the words.

John's eyes turned dark and worried. "You're not showing me a whole lot of confidence here, Doc!"

"No, really, you're fine, Colonel!" Jennifer insisted. "It's nothing to worry about."

"But it is something!" John snapped. "I thought Carson told me I was fine."

Jennifer took a deep breath and let it out again. "You are fine, Colonel!" Jennifer paused again. "You've read the reports of people who've temporarily been a host to a Goa'uld or Tokra like Sam or Vala. Well, when the symbiote dies or is removed, it leaves a protein marker that's detectable in most cases and allows them to use certain technology."

"So you're saying I've got some sort of bug protein left in me. Why didn't you tell me this before?" John's voice was getting louder the more he spoke.

"We don't know exactly what it is. It's barely detectable and it hasn't caused you any problems, so Carson and I decided to keep it to ourselves."

"Woolsey? The Air Force? The IOA?" John inquired, looking worried.

"Nobody. Well, Elizabeth knew. And now the people at this table." She looked apologetic.

John looked cautiously around the table.

"I didn't hear anything," Ronon grunted and Teyla nodded her consent.

All eyes were on Rodney. "What, like I'm gonna say anything. Although… I still think Teyla should try getting into Sheppard's head."

"Rodney!" Jennifer warned.

"Okay, okay, I didn't hear anything either."

Everyone else realized that what McKay said wasn't too far off the mark. Except they all knew that Teyla had gotten firmly inside John's head quite some time ago.

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xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxox xoxoxoxox

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"How much longer must we travel before we reach this settlement?" Nigel Vincent questioned as they tramped through the forest on New Athos.

"It is not much longer," Teyla answered. "Another twenty minutes perhaps."

"Twenty minutes!" Vincent exclaimed. "My Italian shoes are already beyond hope, but another twenty minutes in this heat and my Armani suit will never be the same."

"Quit your complaining!" Julia Donovan snapped at him. "They told you to wear something comfortable and suitable for walking."

"I'll have you know I've strolled many a boulevard on the French Riviera in this suit and it has been perfectly comfortable."

"Well, this isn't the French Riviera," McKay informed him as he passed by the English gentleman.

Navi Parwana moved closer to the agitated reporter and said, "You should be grateful that they are not insisting we help carry all of that." She looked at Sheppard who had a huge backpack, a large tote in one hand and his P-90 in the other. Ronon and Teyla were similarly decked out although McKay and Keller managed with just the one large backpack.

"Even the little one is required to carry something." Suhuba Latif smiled as he pointed to Torren who galloped along happily in front of everyone with his little backpack strapped on tight.

John had taken point and was keeping an eye on the kid. But they'd traveled this way many times and T.J. took it all in stride. It helped that the boy seemed to have an abundance of energy right now. John didn't doubt that he'd be crashing not long after they reached the village though.

His thoughts were interrupted when Ms. Hanako asked, "Colonel, could we not have taken one of your puddlejumpers to arrive at the village quicker?"

Sheppard sighed for the tenth time since they got here. "There are too many trees near the gate. A puddlejumper can't get through."

"You have the equipment to cut down trees, do you not? Why have you not made it easier for yourselves," Hanako persisted.

"Because then it would be easier for the Wraith to send darts through the gate as well," John explained with a limited amount of patience. "This way, if they want to get here, they need to send a hive ship and many of those are busy fighting each other these days."

Ms. Parwana moved forward and flashed a dazzling smile at Sheppard. "I think it is very noble that you make every attempt to safeguard these people even though they are not of your race."

"They're human, aren't they?" John pointed out. "That's good enough for me."

John glanced back to make sure everyone was still with them. Ronon was a few steps behind Hanako and Parwana. Rodney seemed to be doing an on camera interview while they were moving. John figured it was the only reason he wasn't complaining about the long walk. He usually did. The last few reporters straggled after that and he could just make out Teyla on their six with Jennifer keeping her company. He turned back, whistled for Torren to slow down and stay with them and hoped they'd all leave him alone for the last few minutes of the trip.

At the back of the line, Jennifer was pumping Teyla for information. "So did you really see the Colonel's face in your vision last night?"

Teyla rolled her eyes but knew she would answer. Jennifer had been her friend and confidante for quite a few years now. She was trustworthy and an excellent listener. And there had been many times that Teyla had needed a sympathetic ear. Because of this, Jennifer knew all about the difficulties between Teyla and Kanaan and Teyla's continually growing feelings toward John.

"I did not see his face so much as feel his presence with Torren."

"Wait, you know what his presence feels like?" Jennifer asked. "Was Rodney right? Can you get into the Colonel's head?"

Teyla looked around carefully to see how far away the others were. "I have occasionally attempted to… how shall I say it… interpret…his feelings and emotions. But I have not attempted this very often."

"Okay, forget this doctor stuff. You have so got to tell me, as your closest friend, about this. When was the last time you interpreted?"

Teyla's cheeks flushed and she looked embarrassed. "This morning."

"Oh, my God!" Jennifer gushed. "Spill it girl! Spill everything!"

Teyla took another look around before telling Jennifer about the stubborn knot in her pajamas and her subsequent daytime fantasy.

"And you actually groaned out loud?" Jennifer said in disbelief. "Did he hear you?"

"Yes," Teyla winced. "But I made some excuse about moving my wrist and causing it pain."

"So he was completely unaffected by having his hands and mouth … where they were?"

"He was affected," Teyla nodded confidently. "That was when I attempted to sense his emotions. They were … quite strong." Teyla lowered her eyes almost guiltily.

"What did you do?" Jennifer smirked.

"I told him to wait while I changed," Teyla began. "He was sitting facing away from the bathroom so I started to disrobe as I approached the door. I felt a strong throb of desire and realized…"

Jennifer's eyes widened. "The mirror in your room!"

Teyla nodded.

"So you closed the door and left the poor man wondering," Jennifer guessed but at Teyla's continued guilty look, Jennifer squealed, "You didn't? You left the door open?"

Teyla nodded. "I sensed such desire in him, I am afraid it tainted my judgement. I should not have teased him so, but it has been so long since I have felt desire that intense… I should not have done it. I do not know what got into me."

Jennifer's lips turned up and her eyes sparkled. "I know what you wanted to get into you."

"Jennifer!" Teyla gasped. "I… I … want to deny that but I am not sure I am able."

"Yeah, sorry for being so crude," Jennifer apologized. "Guess I'm a bit frustrated myself. Last night, Rodney and I went back to his quarters… and he got called away on some emergency in the lab that only he could deal with."

Jennifer and Teyla looked at each other and burst out laughing.

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xoxoxoxox xoxoxoxox xoxoxoxo

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"If I have to sit in this sweltering, bug-infested wilderness much longer I may go stark raving mad," Vincent complained loud enough for most people in his vicinity to hear him.

Plekanov glared at him. "This is the most amazing story any of us have ever been on and all you do is complain. What did you expect to find traveling to another galaxy?"

"I expected spectacular cities like Atlantis, not this uncivilized shanty town without even a hint of technological advancement," Vincent insulted.

"I must object," Latif challenged. "I find these people to be quite civilized. They have shown us every courtesy at their disposal."

"I quite agree," Parwana joined in. "If you had taken the time to learn of their history and culture, you would realize that their nomadic lifestyle has been imperative to their very survival."

Plekanov snickered, "He was too busy, how do you say, putting the moves, on the attractive Athosian woman, Teyla."

"I do not think she has an interest in you, my friend," Latif bluntly told Vincent. "Besides, did she not inform us that her child's father is also of this village?"

"She did say that," Donovan butted into the conversation, as she walked over to the long tables filled with food for the guests. "But I have my doubts personally. Apparently this guy hasn't been around much lately. Who knows if he even exists."

"But why would such a story need to be fabricated?" Inquired Parwana.

"Think about it," Donovan began. "What's the alternative?" She shrugged. "That the father's from Earth, right? There's still so much prejudice in our world, can you imagine the stir an intergalactic relationship would cause, never mind an intergalactic child."

"But who?" Parwana asked innocently.

"My money would be on Colonel Sheppard," Hanako said, finally entering the conversation. "I have been very successful in getting a good deal of information out of the Marines who have been assigned to monitor us."

"I'll bet you have," murmured Donovan suggestively.

Hanako ignored the snide comment and continued. "Colonel Sheppard spends a great deal of time with the boy, even to the extent of delivering him and picking him up from his daily caretaker."

"That does not prove anything, other than that he is a caring, thoughtful man who is willing to assist a teammate," Parwana insisted.

"I would normally agree," Plekanov said, "But I have also watched Sheppard these last few days and it seems the connection he has with the boy is a bit more than I would expect from a helpful friend."

He tilted his head to indicate where Sheppard had just finished telling a very animated story to the Athosian children. As the children moved off laughing, young Torren reached up his arms and was hauled into the embrace of the Colonel. The young boy wrapped one arm around Sheppard's neck, put his head on the Colonel's shoulder and popped the thumb from his other hand into his mouth. Sheppard rubbed the child's back as his eyes canvassed the area. He whispered a few words to one of the village children, who ran off and then back again, carrying a small homemade quilt. Sheppard tucked the blanket between the boy and his shoulder and continued to move his hand on the child's back.

"I rest my case," Hanako gloated proudly.

"It is an interesting theory." Donovan's eyes narrowed and she moved her camera from where she had filmed the interaction to pan the village, all the while managing to keep Sheppard somewhere in the shots.

"You people, with your petty ideas and paparazzi ways, should not have been chosen to highlight such a momentous revelation in the history of our planet," Latif scowled. "I will not sit here and listen to anymore of this gossip." He got up and walked away to interact with the villagers.

Parwana rose as well. "I must agree with Suhuba. There is a fascinating story to tell here and I plan on doing it justice."

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xoxoxoxox xoxoxoxox xoxoxoxoxo

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"What'cha got there, Teyla?" Teyla jumped at the sound of Ronon's deep voice behind her. She quickly lowered the item in her hand back to the chair she had removed it from.

"You startled me, Ronon. I did not hear you come in."

Ronon moved all the way into the tent and his eyes roamed the walls and around the items inside. "Sorry," he apologized. "Old habit, I guess. So this is Kanaan's tent, huh? I mean when he's not in Atlantis with you."

Teyla could hear the disapproving tone in his voice. "Yes," she answered and looked toward the child sleeping in the bed on one side of the dwelling. "John carried Torren in here a while ago when he fell asleep. I was just checking on him."

"What'd ya find?" Ronon asked again, reaching for the discarded item. He picked it up realizing it was a delicate scarf in an intricate pattern.

"It is nothing," Teyla explained. "Just a scarf. It is not important."

"Is it yours?" Ronon wondered.

Teyla's gaze was troubled as she replied, "No, it is not."

Ronon picked up on the implication. "So what's Kanaan doing with a fancy ladies' scarf in his tent? I'd think he got it for you, but it's already got a scent on it," he said as he held it up to his face.

Teyla looked around the room and released a heavy sigh. "The scarf is Pangoran, you can tell by the unique design," Teyla explained "They are highly sought after on many worlds, but most are worn by Pangori women."

"Pangori? You said he was going there a few weeks ago right, on some mercy mission or something?" Ronon confirmed.

"Yes, he has apparently been making trips there for quite some time, although most of my people have not said why."

"Or they're not telling you," Ronon suggested, "because maybe they don't want to cause you any pain."

Teyla looked down at her sleeping son, up at her friend and then glanced around the room with a confused, lost expression on her face. When she looked back at Ronon, he thought he saw a shimmer of dampness in her eyes. Ronon moved to her side quickly and pulled her into his arms. He held her there for a few seconds then murmured, "The guy doesn't deserve you, Teyla!"

"He is the father of my son," she reminded him.

"You could have fooled me," Ronon grunted. "A father's supposed to love you and care for you. He teaches you stuff and spends time with you. I don't see Kanaan doing much of that recently."

"He is uncomfortable in the city." Teyla made excuses.

"You love someone enough, it doesn't matter," Ronon disputed. "Kanaan doesn't act this way, but there is someone who does."

Teyla leaned back from Ronon but kept her hands on his arms. "Ronon, I am unsure what to do."

"You need to do what's best for you and for Torren," Ronon responded. "And I don't think Kanaan is it, not anymore."

At Teyla's slight nod, Ronon continued, "Teyla, you deserve someone who's gonna put you first. Someone who's willing to do whatever's needed to make you and Torren happy. Someone who's willing to die for you if necessary." At Teyla's skeptical look, Ronon finished, "Know anyone who fits that description? And I'm not talking about me, although you know I'd do anything for both of you, right?"

"You are a wonderful friend, Ronon. Torren and I are lucky to have you."

"And who else?" Ronon coaxed.

Teyla looked concerned for a few minutes then said, "Please, do not tell John about this." She held up the scarf. "Not yet anyway. He is already carrying a heavy burden this week. I do not wish to trouble him further."

"But you will tell him?" Ronon demanded.

"Yes, I will," Teyla promised. "After these reporters are gone and I have had a chance to speak with Kanaan."

When Ronon seemed ready to argue, Teyla silenced him with a strong look. "I must settle things with Kanaan first," she insisted. "You know as well as I do that John has lines he will not cross and I believe that this is one of them."

Ronon nodded his head in acknowledgment of her wisdom in dealing with the situation.

Her eyes turned to him again. "Was there a reason you came looking for me?"

"Yeah, Sheppard wants to leave soon. He wants to be through the gate before it starts getting dark. He's getting pretty tired of these whiny bastards and he wants to hand them back over to Lorne."

Teyla chuckled. "Yes, I have sensed John's frustration. I am ready but I am not sure Torren will be capable of walking back to the gate on his own." She held up her still bandaged hand.

"Most of the stuff we carried in is staying here, so between me and Sheppard I think we can manage to haul one little kid home," Ronon offered. "I'll let Sheppard know and give him a hand rounding up our guests. One of us will be back to get Torren in a few minutes."

"I will have him ready," Teyla said and moved toward the child to wrap him more firmly in his blanket.

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xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxo

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"I swear these people are gonna be the death of me," grumbled John as he finished zipping up his TAC vest. "If I make it through the next few days, it'll be a miracle."

"Come on, Sir, it can't be that bad." Lorne said. "Besides they're only here for another few days. How much trouble can they get into?" Lorne was repacking vests while Sheppard's team got ready for their 'Recon Mission'.

"You weren't there two days ago, on Galinor, when they almost caused a riot. Good thing Teyla was there to explain things to the locals."

Lorne chuckled, "Yeah, I heard they were a bit too intrusive with a few vendors."

"The British guy and that Hanako woman are the worst," John stated. "They just don't know when to quit."

"Oh, I don't know, I think Akira is quite charming," Rodney contradicted. "She's a fascinating woman and quite well educated, too. I mean, you know, for a reporter."

"Oh, she's charming all right," Lorne scoffed. "She charmed one of the techs into giving her access to the data base."

"What!" Sheppard roared. "When the hell did this happen?"

"Woolsey took care of it, Sir," Lorne explained. "Although I think he's a bit smitten with her, too. She convinced him it was imperative to see what the Wraith look like and what danger we're in from them."

"I was just thinking I wouldn't mind dropping them off on a Wraith-infested planet," John said smugly.

Actually, Sir," Lorne winced as he shared the info with his CO. "Woolsey showed them the video feed from when Kolya took you prisoner."

John's eyes bulged and his nostrils flared as he tried to keep from exploding. He slowly turned around, closed his locker and then, as if he couldn't hold back anymore, kicked it hard. The sound reverberated throughout the locker room.

When he turned around again, he was taking a deep breath to calm himself. "Great!" he fumed. "I can see it now. Me, on the six o'clock news getting the life sucked out of me! Going through it the first time wasn't bad enough."

"I don't think Woolsey gave them a copy, Sir," Lorne placated with an attempt to diffuse the situation. "I think he just showed them."

"I can go through their equipment and break it all if you want, Sheppard," Ronon offered with a smirk.

Thanks, Chewie!" John nodded his appreciation, but Rodney protested.

"Oh, no, no, no. I've got some great stuff on those tapes. I'm finally going to get a little recognition for some of the amazing discoveries I've made."

"Shut up, McKay!" ordered Ronon.

"Hey, I…" Rodney started but Teyla stepped forward and laid a gentle hand on Rodney's arm. "I think it would be best if you got the reporters into the jumper."

Ronon seemed to get her message so he grabbed McKay and pulled him out the door saying, "We'll be in the Jumper Bay."

Sheppard just nodded and looked at Lorne. "Major, just be ready to take them off my hands when we get back, okay?"

"Absolutely, Sir!" Lorne replied crisply and left the room.

John sat down on one of the benches, his shoulders sagging slightly and let out an enormous sigh. Teyla paused a moment then moved to stand right behind him. She put her hands on his shoulders and whispered, "I am sorry, John. I do not know what Mr. Woolsey was thinking."

John just sat there staring straight ahead. He took another deep breath and let it out slowly. Teyla wondered if she had the ability to help calm John the way she sometimes did with Torren. She closed her eyes and concentrated on sending peaceful thoughts in John's direction. She began to sense his turmoil but also felt it start to ease with the intrusion of her mind and thoughts.

She sent more calm feelings his way as she said quietly, "John, I know it is not your way to dwell on your times of suffering, however, I want you to know should you ever have need to share these feelings with another, I am here for you."

Teyla couldn't see John's face but she felt immense gratitude fill him. His hands came up to rest on hers and he squeezed them softly in appreciation. His head then slowly moved up and back until it rested against Teyla's vest. They remained unmoving for several minutes and Teyla could feel John getting his emotions back under control.

She was pleased with this, but had also enjoyed the experience of sharing the emotional moment with him.

"Colonel Sheppard, Teyla?" Chuck's voice came over their earpieces. "They're ready for you in the Jumper Bay."

John stood up but kept one of Teyla's hands in his as he turned to face her. He gave her a lopsided grin as he squeezed her hand again. He then touched his radio and said, "We're on our way."

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xoxoxoxox xoxoxoxox xoxoxoxox

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Teyla moved past the reporters into the front of the jumper with John a few steps behind her.

"Okay, campers, listen up!" John announced as he stepped into the back of the jumper. He grinned and continued in a tour guide voice. "We have a fun filled adventure planned for you today. We'll be taking a puddlejumper to the lovely planet of P2X 458 where we will cruise at a low altitude until we find anything worth looking at closer. Once we land, we will enjoy a brisk walk, so I hope you all wore your traveling clothes today."

He looked pointedly at Vincent who had the grace to almost blush. His voice still remained sickly sweet but now had a firmer bite to it. "Now the rules of our little adventure. Rule number one. I am the boss! If I tell you to do something, you do it, immediately! No questions, no arguments, no comments. Rule number two. We use the buddy system. No one goes anywhere by themselves, not even for … delicate matters. This is a new planet and we have no idea what kind of dangers could be hanging around. Your tour guides today will be McKay, Ronon, Teyla and myself. You must stay within sight of one of us at all times. Remember, if you can't see us, we can't see you."

As Sheppard finished his rules and exacting promises from his guests, Rodney moved toward Teyla and asked. "What the heck did you do to him? He was like Mount Sheppard, ready to erupt, a few minutes ago."

"I did not do anything, Rodney," Teyla denied. "I simply allowed him time to get his emotions back under control and gave him peace while he did it."

Rodney looked at her dubiously but remained silent.

"Okay, boys and girls, extinguish all smoking materials, buckle your seatbelts, keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times and…have a pleasant ride."

John walked past the reporters and into the front to take his seat. He powered up the jumper and radioed the control room to dial the gate.

As they were waiting for confirmation, Rodney leaned forward and said, "Uh, Sheppard, since when did you become a Mouseketeer for Disneyland?"

John just chuckled and lowered the jumper into the gate room. About fifteen minutes later they had circled past an area of rocks and caves that Rodney wanted a closer look at.

"The rock is made from a mineral that's a bit unusual. I want to get some samples."

"What's so unusual about it?" John asked.

"If I knew, I wouldn't need to get a closer look now, would I?" Rodney snapped.

Sheppard just shook his head, pointed out a herd of huge rhino-like animals on the ground that they might want to avoid and found a suitable place to land some distance away from them. As everyone exited, Sheppard reminded them again of the rules.

Vincent, not one to be outdone in derogatory jest, jeered, "Yes, father. We promise to be good little children."

Sheppard smirked. "Be real good and I might let you borrow the car tonight."

Donovan laughed as she marched past Vincent making sure her camera was working properly. It was less than ten minutes when they got to the rock formations McKay had wanted to study. Rodney set about doing scans and collecting samples. Latif, Parwana and Plekanov mulled near him asking questions as he worked.

The other three ventured a bit further. It was barely an hour before Vincent was complaining of hunger and boredom. John had been walking the perimeter trying to ascertain how suitable the planet was for an alpha site when he realized Donovan and Vincent were no longer in his sight. He clicked on the radio. "Teyla, Ronon? You got a visual on Donovan and Vincent?"

"Uh, yes. I can see them," Teyla responded. "However they have traveled further than I would recommend without a team member."

"Okay, keep your eye on them. I'll be right there." It took less than a minute to get back to where Rodney was with half of the reporters. He headed toward Ronon and saw Teyla a bit beyond that. "Chewie, keep your eye on both groups if you can. I'm gonna corral these clowns a bit closer to the rest."

Ronon grunted in affirmation. As John approached, he saw Teyla tense up and start to move quickly to where Donovan, Vincent and now Hanako were. He could see they all had their cameras trained on something near another group of rocks. A bad feeling raced down his spine and he picked up the pace.

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.

"Stop!" Teyla warned. "You must stop at once and back away." As Teyla approached she saw three cameras trained on a few young animals sunning themselves on the rocks. Teyla had not seen this species of animal before, but they looked young and therefore would more than likely have adults nearby.

"They are adorable!" Cooed Hanako and Donovan added, "They couldn't hurt us."

"No, but their parents might," Teyla informed them. "Please, do as I say."

Vincent snorted and moved closer to one of the animals. A loud screech echoed through the air. Teyla turned around to see a much larger version of the pup leap across the rocks straight at her.

"Get back!" she yelled bracing for the impact she knew was coming, unable to get her weapon up in time. A hail of bullets bounced off the rocks and diverted the animal from its course. Relief surged through her and gratitude as she saw John lower his P-90 and continue toward them.

"What the hell do you think you were doing?" he thundered at the reporters who still hadn't moved from their spots. "Did you not remember Rule number one? When a member of my team tells you to stop and move, you stop and move! Now…"

John never got to finish his order as several more roars came from a few different directions. He held out his finger and yelled, "Move! Back to the jumper!"

Teyla was just hustling them off when another roar sounded from John's direction. Blending in with the rocks, the great cat-like animal had been unnoticed until now.

"John!" screamed Teyla but it was too late. As John turned around at the warning, he barely had time to push Vincent to the ground before the animal rose on both back legs like a bear and swung a clawed paw at John's head. John dodged slightly, but the massive claw, connecting with his neck and shoulder, sent him flying backward to land sprawled on the ground. Vincent screamed as the animal approached to strike again, but a blaze of light struck the gray fur and the animal collapsed on the ground.

Teyla turned to see Ronon standing a few yards away with his weapon drawn. She rushed over to her fallen teammate. "John?" She reached his side as he was opening his eyes and attempting to sit up.

Ronon and Teyla grabbed him by the arms and hauled him to his feet. "You okay, Sheppard?" Ronon checked. "You're bleeding."

John shook his head as if to clear it and reassured them he was fine. When he saw that the reporters had barely moved twenty feet, he opened his mouth to yell again. He was stopped by a cacophony of yowls and shrieks and roars. That alone got the reporters moving in the right direction. John clicked his radio and instructed, "McKay, we've got problems. Get back to the jumper now!"

"What…?" Crackled over the radio.

"Just do it!" John ordered.

As they ran, John started to feel the scratches on his neck and shoulder. He figured he might have hit his head because he felt weird. His head didn't really hurt, and he was thinking clearly, but his arms and legs were beginning to feel heavy the more he moved. Ronon had fired a few shots behind them, buying another minute or so. He looked ahead and nearly stumbled when he saw that Vincent was running almost sideways with the camera still facing in the direction they had come.

When they got to where Rodney and the lesser of the pain-in-the-asses had been, he was relieved to see them already packed up and gone. In a few more minutes he could see the jumper and Rodney's crew in it. The other reporters were almost there, with Ronon right behind them. Teyla was just a few steps in front of him.

His limbs were so heavy now he wasn't sure he would even make it as far as the jumper. But he could still hear the wailing of the animals, so he pushed on. He almost made it to the ramp when his right leg gave out. He went down hard and was surprised when his hands didn't automatically go down to cushion his fall. Teyla and Ronon were right there to pull him up and he stumbled the last few feet. Ronon closed the rear hatch as soon as everyone was safely inside.

"Colonel, you are injured! You are bleeding badly!" Parwana stated as if Sheppard didn't already know.

John dropped his P-90 on the way to his seat and collapsed into it.

"John, I should look at your wound," suggested Teyla but was shaken off with a scratchy "Later."

"Um, John, I can fly us back if you don't feel up to it," McKay volunteered, concerned.

John powered up the jumper and took her into the sky back toward the gate.

"Fine," he mumbled and wondered why his throat was so dry all of a sudden. His leaden limbs continued not to cooperate and John was thankful this ship could fly with just his thoughts alone. What the hell was happening to him? He tried to turn his head to check how everyone else was but found it too wouldn't cooperate. He could see Teyla in his peripheral vision hovering and watching him like a hawk. They were approaching the gate so he opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He concentrated harder on that one small act and managed to croak, "Dial."

Teyla dialed the gate, entered the IDC and they were back in Atlantis within minutes. John breathed a sigh of relief when he finally set the ship down in the Jumper Bay. Now he just had to get his arms and legs moving again. Oh, yeah and move his head and speak. God this was not good! John's heart beat faster when all of a sudden he didn't have the strength to even stay in the pilot's seat anymore.

Teyla had been watching John carefully as they made their way home. She could tell something was wrong but John had a tolerance for pain like no man she had ever seen, so it was often difficult to gauge exactly how badly injured he really was. The barely audible "Dial" had given Teyla her first real clue and when John hadn't moved after they landed, she knew it wasn't good.

She motioned for Ronon just a second before John started sliding out of his seat. "John!" she cried alarmed and she and Ronon maneuvered him out from the pilot's seat to the floor behind it.

Teyla looked up and said, "Rodney, get Jennifer!"

But he had already tapped his comm. and shouted, "Medical Team to the Jumper Bay STAT!"

Teyla grabbed a gauze pad from her vest and pressed it to John's neck. Ronon hovered and asked, "Sheppard, you still with us, Buddy?'

Teyla looked up and indicated to Rodney, "The medical team will need to get through."

"Oh, right. Of course," mumbled Rodney and turned to find all the reporters staring at Sheppard lying still on the floor. "Get out of here, you vultures!" Rodney demanded and almost exploded when he saw that a few cameras were actually still on. "Get out!"

Jennifer came running in a second later and crouched down near John. "What happened?" She asked as she lifted the gauze pad to inspect the wound.

"Some sort of animal attacked him." Ronon supplied simply.

"Hanako said it was a cross between a large cat and a bear," Rodney added.

"Colonel," Jennifer addressed Sheppard as she listened to his chest and felt his wrist for a pulse rate. "Does it hurt anywhere besides the wound site?" When he didn't answer, she tried again. "Colonel, can you hear me? Can you understand what I'm saying?"

John's mouth twitched and his breathing became more rapid but he didn't move a muscle or utter a sound. With the exception of his eyes. Those were wide open and filled with confusion.

"We need to get him to the infirmary, now!" Jennifer ordered and within minutes they had John on a gurney and had wheeled him away.

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