Chapter 13 Battle Plans

"Thank the Protector my lord. We have been very concerned."

Sheppard had been greeted by a throng of personnel from both of his personal worlds.

Sheppard shrugged. "Thank you Saphides. Really not a big deal. Been there and done all of that, but I did find out some very interesting information. Saphides, I want to see all of our defense ministers and generals as soon as possible."

McKay looked at Weir, "Did he say been there done that?"

"Yeah he did," she said softly. Given Caldwell's report of what happened, she realized that Sheppard had actually been through much worse. She sensed from O'Neill that there was more, but he did not say. She sighed. "Come on Rodney."

Caldwell looked at Sheppard in amazement at the nonchalance of his experience. So many had underestimated this kid. The AF would still have him a major on a God forsaken ice box, but O'Neill had seen something most had not, gene or no gene. Sheppard was brilliant in a maddening way. Caldwell had come to respect him, and despite the barely hidden subordination at times, he actually liked him. He realized that he had underestimated Sheppard as well and promised himself that he would not do that to anyone again, despite how smart of an ass they pretended to be. Sheppard's looked up from his map, surrounded by his generals, and stared at Caldwell oddly for a second then gave him a half grin before getting back to work. Caldwell had the feeling that Sheppard had known he was thinking about him.

"I think General Aralin, that they will feign an attack on one of the other worlds, to distract us, but their main objective will be here," Sheppard said thoughtfully, "This world and this city is the prize that he wants, and he will want to claim it."

"What world first my lord?"

"I am not sure Minister Lear. Each world appears mostly prepared. Technologically we are more advanced. But when we see the bait, we have to take it. Fool him into thinking that we have fallen for the ruse. This is why each world must be able to defend itself. Minister Lear, I want supportive airstrike teams prepared to go anywhere. I don't want them deployed until the attack because we need to flush them out and they might be more hesitant if they see us mobilizing our defenses."

"Yes my lord."

"How are you going to defend this world? I mean this is a pretty big place," McKay asked looking at his friend.

Sheppard looked around the room and grinned. "Mostly land and water Dr. McKay. They don' want that so much as they will want this city. They will come at us in mass and overrun what is in their way and what Minister Lear cannot take care of with our air defenses. We are vastly outnumbered is my guess otherwise he could not pull this off. Remember Lord of the Rings the Two Towers?"

"Yes," Rodney said nervously.

"Like that."

Rodney swallowed the lump in his throat.

"General Terendale. I want you to see to the defenses of the villages." The general bowed curtly in acknowledgement.

"How will so many come to this world?" Caldwell asked.

Sheppard looked up. "Sir, a great majority of them are already here."

"What?"

"In the great wilderness."

"How do you know this?" McKay asked.

"I don't for sure, but I suspect as much. When Minister Lear and I went for an orientation ride a few weeks back, then again when I took Gen O'Neill we saw various signs of life so to speak out there. Some intelligence has filtered back lending support to this theory. "

"The wilderness is vast." Saphides said in realization.

"Yeah. Perfect hiding place. I suspect, that they took advantage of our belief that we had no true enemies anymore. They came posing as traders, refugees, and so on. But I am not sure how the rest will come and this worries me most. I have noticed an increase in our gate log. It is possible that they have transport ships, or quite frankly can come through the gate, which is only about 20 kilometers from the most outer edge of the wilderness."

"So how will we protect the city?" McKay asked again.

Sheppard smiled again at the scientist. "Thermopylae Rodney."

McKay looked from side to side as he processed this. He smiled.

"And maybe Zama."

"Zam what."

"Zama Rodney. Scipio and Hannibal, except this time without the elephants, so the advantage is ours in that regard." Sheppard said.

Rodney shook his head. "I am not a historian."

"We have developed several battle plans to defend and attack, but not being the aggressor we must determine what manner in which we will be attacked before we implement them." Sorhan said pointing to the charts on the table.

"If they attack the city one way, we use plan A," Sheppard added, "if they attack another way, then plan B and so on. Same for attacks on the villages. I am hoping that they will just head straight for us but they will probably want to distract us."

McKay looked at the table of charts and maps. "You are using paper?"

Sheppard smiled. "Not exactly. I just needed to draw out what was in my head. Some of it was ancient battles from either galaxy, some of it civil war, etc. But I need your help. I need this stuff transferred to our defense computer. It is in the command center. I then need to have this on PDAs of sorts that I can communicate with the generals in the field. "I mean if you don't mind helping Rodney. We have the personnel but I know you can do it quicker."

O'Neill grinned. Sheppard really did know how to motivate people. "Yeah of course," Rodney said.

Sheppard looked at Weir. "Dr. Weir," he said formally. "I should ask you first if this is acceptable to you. This is basically a civil war. One which we could use minor technical assistance such as what Dr. McKay can offer, but I would not assume that Atlantis or Earth would become entangled in this."

"Your majesty," Weir responded equally as formally, " I have considered this and discussed it with both General O'Neill and Col Caldwell. We agree that Earth, Atlantis and your kingdom are our allies. The survival of your people and your government will directly affect the survival of our people."

Sheppard grinned. "Good. Just had to ask. Tons of work to do people. Rodney how quick can you get that done for me?"

"I should have it good to go by dinner."

oOoOoOoOo

Caldwell was sitting with Sheppard and O'Neill in a room in Sheppard's chambers. "So you have all the battle plans from earth and the Ancient battles in your head?" He asked.

"Yes sir," Sheppard said, "I mean I was always a war history buff. My dad and I would talk about those battles and he would quiz me, but over the last few weeks, combined with what I have learned about the Ancients and my own history, they just seem really clear. It's weird."

Caldwell continued," Your plans look like a combination of several styles."

"Yes sir. Kind of like a melting pot."

Caldwell nodded approvingly. "That is impressive colonel."

Sheppard resisted the urge to look surprised at this high praise. "Thank you colonel. It is going to be really funny when you see a bunch of men on horses and some of them holding PDAs."

"Do you have ideas for space combat? You seem to have a natural knack for tactical space combat." He was thinking of several times that Sheppard had performed in space including getting two hive ships to fire on each other and outwitting a computer run F-202.

Sheppard really had to suppress the surprise. "Yes sir...I mean thank you. I do have some ideas. Once this is over I wanted to talk to you about them."

Caldwell smiled. "Any advantage against the Wraith is welcome. I am tired of the Daedalus getting whupped."

O'Neill watched the exchange. Praise from Caldwell was rare but always sincere. Good for both of them. The general looked at O'Neill. "John. What you said to McKay, about the Lord of the Rings battle. You meant that? I know you like to light a fire under him to motivate him sometimes."

Sheppard looked grim. "Yes sir. They outnumber us at least a hundred to one, but that is their only advantage."

"Gonna be one hell of a fight."

"Yes sir."

"What part do you want us to play" Caldwell asked.

Sheppard looked surprised. Were they actually asking him for orders? "Well sir, I had not thought about that. I did not want to assume anything. But, Colonel Caldwell if you could direct operations once the other world is identified that would help immensely. General Alanir will lead the ground forces and General Sauridan the air, but they will need a central coordinator. That is if we get any confirmation on which world it will be before they actually hit. If we can't get through then they are on their own. My money is on Arcadia."

Caldwell nodded. "Done."

"And me?"

"Well General. I need someone to watch my back. Of course General Sorhan and Minsiter Lear will lead their respective forces, but I need another field commander since there is likely to be two fronts here, one out there before the city and one here on the outskirts and in the city.

"Cool. When do you guesstimate all this occurring?"

Sheppard looked out the window. "I think within a week, maybe days."

O'Neill looked thoughtful. "You know Shep, something has been bothering me."

"Yes sir?"

"Well you keep talking about this guy Scelus who was the brother of Evander.

"Yes sir, older brother."

"Well McKay had told me the story or legend so to speak, and my understanding was that Evander was an only child."

"No sir, he was the only heir of the Armentarii. He had a half brother, different father. Marrying Ilian would have given him as much power as the Armentarii, but Ilian wisely chose Evander, given Scelus' ego and desire for power. Long story, but bottom line, the heir of Scelus is pissed like his ancestor at the Armentarii, and that is why I think he will attack Arcadia, the planet where the Arementarri family lived for centuries."

O'Neill said nothing but thought of the whole stupidity of it all. 10,000 years of savoring and planning vengeance was really just stupid.

oOoOoOoOoOo

Sheppard lay in bed thinking. There was a part of him that was torn. He knew that except for planetary air defenses, the four planets as like most of the other worlds they had visited, did not have weapons even as advanced as the Genii. Sauriko stated that as the bloodline of the Ancestors had diminished they were unable to use many of the weapons and so had vaulted them away thousands of years ago. Their location in some texts, but Sheppard had no time to find them and train anyone, so they would fight the way they had always fought. The Guardian families and a few others had retained the ability. There were only enough to be able to defend the planet, but not enough to wage war as the gene had been spread throughout the population. In the ten thousand years there had been a few that had tried to assert a position, but could never muster enough likeminded who possessed the gene to overtake the leadership. What he was torn about was that all the descendant of Scelus had was people. Lots of them. One report stated that nearly three fourths were under the enslavement of a drug, or just threatened with the death of their loved ones if they did not fight. Many were in the wilderness, but he figured that these were the ones loyal to Scelus II or whatever his name was. Most of the non-volunteers would likely be in transport ships. He guessed the guy could probably get hold of those somewhere. If there were Pirates on Arcadia then there were others who would be willing to work for someone who could pay. He could have those transports shot down and, he had the air power to decimate at least half the forces before they reached the city, but any in the wilderness would be hard to tease out from the air. They would not get everyone but they could get half. But he was torn because it would basically be a slaughter. He had killed enough people already in Pegasus, and he really did not want to add thousands more to that. He sighed. Why was there always someone so willing to kill so many to get what he wanted? The wraith had killed millions. Not that it justified it but they viewed humans basically as humans viewed cows. He hated them for that. But humans who killed other humans for power only, sickened him. He was so tired of killing and so tired of hearing and watching people die. He decided in that moment that he would not order the transports shot down in space if that is how the creep was going to get his army here. He just could not do that to innocent lives despite the consequences to the people of this planet. Wraith yes, but drugged reluctant terrified human villagers, farmers or whomever, no. There would be thousands on the ground all trying to just stay alive.

So the enemy would be carrying swords, and spears and arrows and whatever else. That is all the Iliarians and others had for the most part except for the air defenses, some shields and some stunner type weapons, but not nearly enough for the hoard that would greet them.

He shot up in bed. Stunners! He had only removed his shirt, so he quickly ran out the door as he put on a light robe. He could hear his boots clicking on the marbled floors. He slid to a halt outside of McKay's quarters and tapped loudly on the door. There was no answer. "McKay!" Finally the door slide open and a very tired looking McKay looked at him. "Sheppard. What's wrong?"

"Rodney can you fix the weapons on our planetary fighters to stun."

"What? You woke me up to ask me that? It's like two in the morning."

"Rodney," Sheppard growled, "Can you do it?"

"Well I guess so..." the scientist thought a moment, "Well yeah I can, but why do you want to do that?"

Sheppard turned to look over his shoulder as he walked away. "To save lives Rodney. To save as many as possible."

Rodney looked confused. He may not have been a warrior like Ronon, Sheppard, or Teyla, but he was keenly aware of the scientist role in war. He had worked tirelessly with little sleep to fulfill all of Sheppard's requests, because he was not going to let his friend down. He shrugged still half asleep and went back to bed. It was going to be a long couple of weeks.

oOoOoOoOoOo

Ronon sat next to Sheppard at the dinner table. It had been four weeks since the incident on Arcadia. They ate quietly. Ronon liked that about his CO, he did not have to engage in idle chatter, and silence could be comfortable. Sheppard looked tired. He had not talked about the events of Arcadia, but his arm was still in a cast, which Ronon knew irritated the colonel at times. Beckett had to remind Sheppard to take it easy or rest, and surprisingly the new king listened. He knows what is ahead and knows he needs to be ready. Ronon smiled slyly, "Hey that sling is really pretty."

He heard Sheppard choke a bit then sputter, "What did you say?" Sheppard's tone was measured and challenging, but Ronon saw a sparkle return in his friend's eye.

"I said your sling is pretty."

Sheppard looked down at the soft silky material. Comfy too as far as slings go. He was ready for it all to come off. How the hell was he supposed to fight with the damn thing? "Well I have to protect my image," he quipped.

"Your image of what...pretty boy king or pretty boy air force pilot?"

Ronon heard Samsus stifle a laugh. Sheppard heard it too because he turned to glare at the old man before looking through narrow eyes at Ronon.

"How about both," Sheppard said finally with feigned seriousness. "There's an advantage to being underestimated. Pretty boys are always underestimated."

Ronon nodded with a grin. He himself had underestimated Sheppard at first. The man did not physically look or even act like a warrior except when he turned it on to warrior mode. Sheppard in warrior mode could be quite scary to the enemy and maybe even his friends.

"The men are ready for defense of the Serian pass leading to the castle." Ronon finally said.

Sheppard had observed the group of a thousand of the tallest, meanest looking military men he could muster to train in the ancient Greek phalanx that Leonidas used at Thermopylae. All had been unfamiliar with the technique, so Sheppard had taught Ronon and the key officers so that they in turn could train the handpicked men. All the artisans, blacksmiths and anyone else that could forge or build weapons were working around the clock to create armor and spears to his specifications. They had worked endlessly for four weeks. The men were in full gear today. They looked very intimidating with their helmets tipped in horsehair. Not exact replicas, but he hoped the group could win the battle through intimidation alone.

Sheppard nodded. "I know. Good job. They looked pretty scary. Hope the garb was not too much, but it worked on 300." Ronon loved that movie. He and Sheppard had watched in several times, and Sheppard had it brought back from Atlantis to show the Iliarian men what they were going to do, and boost their confidence. Sheppard had only shown parts of it and left out the end. It seemed to have the desired effect.

"Where would you have me Sheppard?"

Sheppard looked at the Satedan and grinned. "Where did you see yourself Ronon? I always like you at my six, but I understand if you want to stay with the men you trained," He then looked mischievously at Ronon, "But you cannot be part of the phalanx unless you dress like them…and we get that on camera"

Ronon laughed. "I don't think I am needed there quite honestly. Captain Aristades has it under control. So I think with you then."

Sheppard put his hand on Ronon's shoulder and nodded.

Teyla was going to be with General Terendale deployed to the outskirts of the wilderness to help with the protection and evacuation of the villages. Rodney in the control center with General O'Neill doing what Rodney did best.

Ronon and Sheppard said their goodnights. Sheppard felt a tension in his gut he had not felt for some time. He closed his eyes as he sat on the edge of the bed. It would be tomorrow. God help his friends and his people. God help him.

He looked at the two swords set off to the side near his bed along with his Iliarian military uniform. These people sure do like black when it comes to war and ceremony. He too had been training. He knew that he would meet the descendant of Scelus and he would kill him. Sophistides had told him that Scelus II would war in the old manner, the manner of Ancient human kings before the Wraith devastated their worlds. Lear had been training him in this way. Although having trained with Teyla was very useful, he knew that he would be at a disadvantage slightly since his nemesis had likely trained for a long time. However, Sheppard had trained in many styles of martial arts, and in a street fight, which this would become, he would win. He closed his eyes, there was nothing more he could do.

oOoOoOoOo

Teyla looked at Rodney. "Why would these people not have more advanced weapons Dr. McKay? The ancients left them with so much."

"They left then with a lot defensive weapons Teyla, and most of those to defend against the Wraith and not each other. I read through some of their database and it seems that the laws prohibit most other types so that no one would try to take over so to speak. I mean they have tried, but the gene seems to be spread amongst all of the people. Even in the Guardian families not all members of that family have the gene, so there really was no advantage for anyone person to gain control. They would basically have to convince all the other gene carriers to be on their side which I guess is hard to do since it is spread throughout the population in enough numbers to keep things fair. What I can't figure is why the colonel wanted me to set all the weapons on the defense ships to stun."

Teyla looked out across the balcony at the open fields surrounding the city and the mountain it sat atop. There would be many in those fields trying to attack the main city where the castle was center. "To save thousands of lives Rodney."

McKay looked confused then swallowed in understanding. What an awful choice Sheppard had to make. So many people. McKay would have never imagined himself in the positions he had been placed so often coming to Pegasus Galaxy. He doubted that Sheppard had ever had to make so many of the choices he had to make, even as a military pilot particularly at his rank. Sheppard, a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force had now become an Eisenhower or Alexander the Great equivalent. He could understand why the Ancients left very little advanced weaponry here except for defenses. If Evander had not been here, there likely would have been less if the other planets that had visited were any indication. Except for a few planets, most were left defenseless.

McKay had not been able to get the shield working for the city, and Sheppard refused to use the one chair on this world against the people. This was one of the laws of Ilium that if broken was punishable by death. Good system overall. He had been able to adjust the air defense ships so that the weapons were stun only, but there remained some tactical bombardment available. It shocked McKay when Sheppard had said so many of the enemy were already here hidden in the vast wilderness that covered most of the earth. They had flown for reconnaissance but they had only inklings. Unfortunately, they had not found any life signs detectors available to scan the whole planet. There was so much that they had not had the opportunity to explore. He wished that this whole vendetta taking over the world thing could be squashed quickly, so they could get back to their normal problems of saving the universe. Sheppard had not asked Atlantis for help, and he had not asked for advanced weaponry. They would fight hand to hand or sword to sword or whatever they did around here. McKay had learned much about Sheppard these last few weeks. He had seen glimpses of it before, the tactical genius, the ingenuity and the courage. McKay knew that as far as intelligence went, Sheppard was probably his equal but in a vastly different way. That is why they made a good team. Sheppard would tell McKay what he needed, and even if impossible, McKay would deliver. That is how it worked. Secretly, he always thought Sheppard had the harder job of tactics, fighting and all that stuff. Rodney just had to come up with amazing solutions, and he always relished the challenge.

He left to go get some rest. Hopefully Sheppard would not have another middle of the night revelation. He knew that once things started, he would get little sleep. He dreamt of Orks scaling the city walls.

oOoOoOoOoOo

O'Neill looked at Caldwell sitting across from him in a chair. "What do you think Steven? We don't have to be here. You know Stargate Command would not be to happy losing three of its officers."

Caldwell looked at wryly. "Who said that SGC is going to lose anyone? I for one think we are going to kick some renegade ass. Although the image that Sheppard portrayed about Lord of the Rings did not sit well with me."

O'Neill nodded. "Yeah I know. He could have asked us to supply his people with P90s and so on. Hell could have had the Daedalus here by now."

"Most of the so called enemy though, are basically slaves or so Sorhan told me. Intelligence reports indicate that this guy after Sheppard's throne has used drugs and threat of death to loved ones. Basically fight or die. Sheppard said he would use whatever force necessary if it came to that, but hoped to avoid that if possible. I think the stun will take out about one third, more will run or lay down their arms, and then the true followers will be known. Did you see Sheppard's plans?"

O'Neill noticed the admiration in the colonel's voice. "Yeah, I did. The kid is smarter than he lets on."

"A hell of a lot smarter than he lets on. Weir told me how the Ancient device unlocked the knowledge from not only his Ancient ancestors but also his Earth ancestors. Did he tell you he descended from Theosticles?"

"Theo who?"

"Theosticles, one of the greatest tactical minds in Ancient Greece. Lots of other military leaders in there too."

"You seem impressed."

"Lineage never really impressed me, but I have to admit that Sheppard's ability has impressed me a great deal, once you get use to his smart ass insubordinate attitude."

"I have learned that smart ass folks are usually more gifted than most. They just need to be handled differently."

Caldwell looked at O'Neil knowingly. "You mean with a Hammond touch?"

"Exactly."

oOoOoOoOo

Sam watched his king sleep peacefully. He did not know when this battle would begin but he hoped this king would prevail. He had not told Sheppard that he had known him for some time…that his brother Sophistides had shown him the mental images. The king is born! He smiled at the memory that set his life in motion.

Sam occasionally dreamt of this child then the man, small glimpses of hazel eyes brown hair, nothing more, but when he saw him and spoke to him for the first time, his heart swelled. Neither he nor his brother had their own children or families. Since that moment they saw the future king as an infant, they devoted their lives to preparing for him. He sighed with worry as a father would for his son going to battle.

He watched his king sleeping a few seconds longer. His young face looked peaceful despite the future. Sam then knelt next to him and prayed for him.

oOoOoOoOo

The blonde man looked at his companion.

"We are ready my lord." As ready as we will every be.

"Do they know of our plans?"

"No indication, but hard to know for sure. They do have superior firepower."

"They will no doubt inflict great losses but we have far superior numbers. It will come down to hand to hand, and I doubt that they will be prepared since they do not expect us. Begin the attack on Arcadia tomorrow at dusk. This should allow the ground forces on Ilium to gather in the dark quickly and make progress before they are discovered. This will be followed by the transport of our main forces now in hiding and aboard the transports. Once the city on Ilium is besieged we will send our small group of fighters make our way to the city and land near the castle. There we shall take the city from the inside."

"Yes my lord."

oOoOoOoOo

Sam smiled at Sheppard as he handed him his breakfast. The king had wanted to eat alone this morning. The younger man looked up at him. "You know Sam, I think a lot of people are going to be dying today or tomorrow."

Sam sat next to him. "There is nothing that you can do to prevent this event from beginning, but you have taken measures to prevent as much loss as possible. "

"I though the Wraith were our enemy Sam."

"They are. But evil takes many forms. The ancestors of Scelus have created trouble for many for so long. Now is the time to end it. I have prayed for the Protector to keep you safe."

Sheppard looked at the old man surprised. He remembered the name used at the coronation and when he had returned from Arcadia, but had forgotten to ask. "Protector? I thought like many of these worlds, you prayed to the ancestors."

Sam smiled. "Not on our world we lived very closely with the Ancestors. Even as they ascended we, knew that they were not Gods. Many in our world believe in one creator of all. Do you not believe such?"

"Yes in a general sense. Most people think someone like me would not, but you never get away with what you are brought up with."

"I will pray for the Protector to keep us all safe."

Sheppard sighed. "Today will be the day. I can just feel it. I think I would like to go for a ride today."

"No flight?"

"No. Did that yesterday. Everyone is busy right now getting the ships ready. I just need some time to think. Need to check on the calvary as well."

Sam handed him his belt with the knife.

Sheppard turned and looked back at him. "I'll be back soon. I'll have my radio if anyone needs me before then."

"Yes sire."

oOoOoOoOo

"I will pass your word, Dragan. Thank you. Do what you can for Arcadia. I will let His Majesty know of your news."

"Yes my lord Gaurdian."

Sarik turned to his aide. "Send a message to Ilium. Urgent."

oOoOoOoOo

Sheppard pulled back on the reins and stood before Eileron.

"The Calvary is ready my lord."

"I am glad the calvary has been maintained. It was easy to draw up plans for their use."

"The men are glad that you will be leading them directly in the field, although I worry about your exposure to danger."

"Well a leader cannot be in the shadows while his men risk their lives. The calvary is going to be key. Just glad my grandfather taught me to ride. Although I don't think he ever had this in mind."

Eileron had kept his stable well. They had light armor, nothing like Knights of the Round Table or anything, but helmets again with horsehair sticking out at the top. The damn helmet weighed close to 7lbs alone, but the material was strong. He touched the knife at his side. He felt that it was weird that his own ancestor had carried this knife. It was weirder still that he was going to be fighting a battle of more ancient non-technological proportions when in fact his Ancient predecessor had fought a technological battle with the Wraith. This whole galaxy was a paradox of advancement and simplicity. Just in the time he had been here, what maybe 12 weeks now, he had begun to feel as if he had forgotten what Atlantis was like. A lot had happened here in such a sort time. What if he hadn't come when he did? This idiot might have taken over the damn system and everything would be so different. But the Guardians had a lot in control. They had faced similar, so maybe the he would not have prevailed. Didn't matter. Sheppard had to face the problem now. He finished adjusting his gear on Zorthos.

"I'll be back. Just a light ride."

"Yes sir."

Sheppard let Zorthos run as fast as he wanted. The horse knew how to pace himself and was young and rested. He was glad that these people did not have guns or else things would have been worse. Too bad they did not have more people that could run some of the stun weapons but the aircraft would take out a great number. Zorthos slowed then stopped. Sheppard looked at his garb. He wore the black of the calvary. At heart he just wanted to be in his flight suit but Lear would control the skies. Sheppard then just wished for his BDUs and body armor circa 21st Century Earth not this mix of Roman/Henry V, Lord of the Rings garb. I look ridiculous he thought. You look majestic. Sheppard smiled at Teyla's words. She wanted to say beautiful but held back.

His mental abilities troubled him some. It was not as if he had special powers, but like he was using more of his brain. Thankfully Sophistides was here to help, but there was so much more for him to learn. They had worked together nearly every day and Sheppard had grown close to him and to Sam. It was like having his grandfather back times two. He also had numerous meetings with his "uncles" and it was always strange for him to think he had actual family in a different galaxy. He Shep, where are you from? Pegasus galaxy how about you? He loathed to admit it, but he fit in here. He did not want to. The independent in him wanted to be alone not admired. He wanted to be responsible for himself and not so many. He did not want more family, Atlantis was enough. But Sheppard had learned to accept things as they were and find a way to make things work. He had family here now and that was that, he would protect them too just as he had vowed when he was crowned.

Zorthos snorted breaking Sheppard out of his reverie. He realized that the horse had walked back to the stable.

"Bathe and feed him well," he told the groom as he patted the big black neck, "We are in for a hard day."