A/N: Many thanks to ladygris again for her help. I got stuck in a few places and she helped me figure them out. That's why this is such an awesome, angst-filled chapter.

Also, I haven't been feeling well the last few days so don't be surprised if I miss posting a couple of days. I'll try to make up for it when I feel better.

Thanks,

~Sandy

Not a Hero

Chapter 22

Variations on a Theme

Suddenly it was all too much for Kenny. He wasn't a stupid man. He'd just made a multitude of bad choices in his life. Choices that had brought him to this place and time, but none of that mattered. A man he'd seen die was alive. And that meant that everything from the moment he'd picked up the weapons and offered them for sale had been a sham, a fake, a deception. His new position was gone along with his increase in pay. His face reddened with rage and his right arm that had sagged until the weapon was aimed at the floor came up pointed at John.

But before Kenny could press the trigger, Evan shot him. Not once. Not twice. But three times. He watched Kenny's body vaporize into nothing with that calm, stoic expression, only his eyes showing what he was feeling just like when he hit Magee. John was beginning to understand that his partner hid his emotions, holding them in reserve to be taken out and examined at a later time. At this exact moment, John envied his partner's ability to compartmentalize and hoped some of it would rub off, but he'd never tell him. And yes, he had a great poker face, but it was unlikely he'd ever be in a position to need it again.

Gasps came from behind Evan. He spun around, Zat at the ready, prepared to defend both of them, if need be. But it wasn't necessary. Dak and Fischer were held in place by two things: Shock at seeing the weapon being used in that way on a human for the first time and by the squads of soldiers now swarming over the area, taking the men into custody and arranging for the stolen Zats to be returned to a more secure storage facility in Colorado better known as the SGC.

Evan deactivated his weapon and handed it to the Marine Captain in charge, moving over to crouch next to John. "I'd say this was a successful mission. The bad guy was the only one who got hurt and we got back all the stolen goods."

With a sardonic grin, John indicated his hands still tied around the pipe. "Still one loose end left to wind up."

"Oh?"

"Untie me…please."

Returning the grin, Evan did as requested then helped John to his feet. After a moment, Evan said, "You know, a thank you would be nice, Sheppard."

They turned for the exit, John rubbing his sore wrists. "For what?"

"Saving your life."

Shrugging, his partner pushed a hand through his hair. "I knew I wasn't gonna die."

"How'd you figure that?"

"Because only the good die young, Lorne. And I haven't been good in a very long time."

Evan thought about that for a moment but didn't confirm or deny his thoughts on the subject. "So what does that say about me?"

John paused for dramatic effect. "Start making funeral arrangements."

The shorter man chuckled. "You know, you didn't even hesitate when you shot me, and it has me a little worried."

"Just playing the part."

Outwardly Evan nodded, but to himself he said, Wish I believed that.

~~O~~

Woolsey walked into Sheila's office and waited patiently for his executive assistant to conclude her phone call. "Sheila, Morticia and I have set our wedding date for two weeks after the conference in DC."

"That's great, boss. Where's it gonna be?"

"We'll have a small ceremony at The Little White Church."

His assistant smiled. "I've been by there. It's very nice. Recently renovated but still has that small town charm and best of all, not an Elvis impersonator within three miles."

"And therein lays the reason it was chosen. I need you to do me a favor, if you would."

"Anything."

For the first time since she'd known him, her boss seemed at a loss for words. "I don't have any siblings. You are the closest thing I have to a best friend and I would be honored if you would stand with me on my wedding day."

"Me? Your best man? Wow! Um…Sure, boss."

"And as my best man, would you also run a few errands for me?" Reaching into his side pocket, Woolsey withdrew two business cards. "Pick up the invitations at the printers. They're pre-printed with the names and addresses so I'd appreciate it if you'd also mail them. And please call the rental agency to confirm our order for tables and chairs."

"Of course."

"Thank you." He started for the door then turned back. "Morticia and I will be leaving early tonight to meet with the caterer. Would you send an email to these persons, please?" He handed her a sheet of paper. Sheppard and Lorne's names were at the top. "They're additions to the list of attendees for the conference in DC next month."

"Wait! My name is on this list. I've never been to one before."

"Well, you're going this year."

Sheila started sputtering incoherently finally getting her words back. "But that place'll be filled with Generals and diplomats and heads of state. Compared to them, I'm nobody."

Woolsey lifted one eyebrow at her little rant then turned for the door. "Consider it an order, best man. You're going if I have to come and get you myself."

"But…" The door closed before she could complete whatever she'd been about to say. "Okay, fine. But now I gotta get a date 'cause I am not going alone and I'm not going with my brother. And a dress. I need a dress."

Palm Bay, NC

Abandoned Warehouse

Evan and John conferred with the soldier in charge, the agents exited the warehouse headed for the 'Ray and something to eat. Evan hissed in pain as he rubbed the spot where he'd been "shot." "That damn blast pack hurt like hell."

Touching his own injury involuntarily, John said, "I was shot in the same place a few weeks ago. Still hurts sometimes." He pulled away from the curb, made a U-turn through the parking lot and roared down the street. "How'd you end up at Area 52?"

"Why?"

"Curious."

"Stopped a nest of Goa'uld from infiltrating the world's power structure. You?"

"Killed a Wraith. Saved the entire planet." John's pride oozed out of him.

Evan, relaxed in the passenger seat, his seatbelt snugged across his chest and lap, said, "Is everything we do gonna be a contest?"

John shrugged. "Probably."

"Good. Wouldn't want it to get boring," Evan stated with supreme satisfaction. "So bring it on…partner."

~~O~~

Evan didn't know what made him issue the challenge to Sheppard. He didn't like the man and Lee's death still rankled, but he was starting to get the feeling that even the military court didn't know the entire story about the crash. What's more, Sheppard probably hadn't told it to anyone, military or civilian.

And he burned with the knowledge that there was much more to the story than just a pilot disobeying orders with the result being the deaths of twelve people. A lot more. And the only way to get that information was to stick close to the one person who could give it to him. Not that he'd do so willingly, but if he stuck around long enough, saved the man's life a few more times, maybe he'd be able to convince Sheppard to give it up a little at a time.

His thoughts came to an abrupt halt when a young man jumped out in front of the car.

~~O~~

Out of the corner of his eye, John watched Lorne stare into space wondering what he was thinking. He didn't strike him as the type to be able to just kill someone and not feel it even if the guy was scum.

"Stop! Please stop!"

John slammed on the brakes, barely missing the man who'd jumped out in front of them. His hands came to rest on the hood and he looked scared to death.

"Please help us! My wife's having a baby, the car won't start and I'm not getting cell service."

Lorne was out of the car before the engine had been turned off. "Where is she?" Both men followed the young father to a mid-sized hybrid sedan. A young blonde woman was in the back seat panting, both hands rubbing her enormous belly. The ex-cop took his jacket off, tossed it aside and opened the back door.

"What the hell are you doing, Lorne?" Though John couldn't see it, he knew Lorne was grinning.

"Surely you've done this before, Sheppard." He placed one knee on the seat, his voice low and soothing. "We're sort of cops, ma'am. We'll take care of you."

Groaning, she lifted her head and glared at Evan. "How can you sort of be police?"

"We work for the ISA, the International Security Agency." At least that's what is says on our IDs. "Um, I need to take a look, okay?" The young woman nodded, panting and looking scared. Over his shoulder, he said, "Sheppard, give, uh…"

"Jeff…Chandler. That's my wife, Ashley."

"Give Jeff your phone so he can call the paramedics then go around the other side and help Ashley." Lorne peeked under Ashley's dress again not surprised to see the baby's head showing. "This baby is ready now." To John he said, "Open the overnight bag there and see if there's a blanket, something to wrap the baby in."

"But…"

"Just do it!" John opened the bag and took out a hand-made light blue blanket. He passed it to Lorne then got behind Ashley kneeling on the seat and holding her shoulders elevated as he'd seen in the movies.

Ashley, her face coated with perspiration, tried to smile. "I made it myself."

"It's beautiful. Now, Ashley, when the next contraction comes, I need you to push. Okay?"

She nodded. "Okay. Oh! Here it comes! Aaaahh!" Her face scrunched in concentration, she grunted.

John watched as Lorne calmly took control of the situation, giving the scared parents-to-be orders that sounded like suggestions. "Get ready. This next one is gonna be the big one. Push, Ashley! Push!"

~~O~~

The EMT climbed inside the ambulance, John closed the door then slapped the back. The flashing lights came on and the vehicle pulled out into traffic. Evan came to stand next to him, arms crossed and looking very full of himself. Instead of engaging in their usual banter, John said, "What d'you think it would take to get Woolsey or Carter to get us each one of those Zats? You know, as a back-up weapon."

Uncrossing his arms, Evan reached into the side pockets of his jacket and pulled out two of the palm sized weapons, tossing one to his partner. Not another word was exchanged as the men got into the car to go back to their hotel.

~~O~~

Back in his room at the hotel, Evan showered, pulled on the boxers he wore as pj's and went to the wet bar. At first he'd complained about the cost of renting the overpriced suites, but at the moment he was glad for Sheppard's foresight. Opening the refrigerator, he started to take out a bottle of his favorite root beer, changed his mind and put it back. Standing behind the bar leaning on the edge, he just let himself drift for a few heartbeats. With a muttered oath he took down a glass, opened the freezer, tossed in a few cubes and stood there looking over the liquor selection.

Normally he drank lite beer, stopping after just one. He'd never been drunk before and didn't want to turn into an alcoholic like his uncle. The man had died a mean, lonely drunk about five years before. It was a good thing though because if he'd gone on as he had, his liver would have exploded from the cirrhosis that had been in the first stages. His wife and kids hadn't had anything to do with him for the ten years prior to that and Evan hadn't seen them much after they moved to a small town in New York.

Finally choosing a fine old bottle of scotch, he poured two fingers of the amber liquid. Cautiously taking a sip, he wondered over to the balcony doors, pushed them open and went to lean on the railing. Watching the moonless night sky over the water he thought about everything that had happened today.

He'd taken a man's life today. Not that he hadn't in the past. But this time it was for a different reason than because he was protecting the lives of his squad or a group of innocent civilians.

Nope. Today he'd had the chance to get revenge for Lee and the life she could have had, the family she might have created to carry on her legacy of patriotism and self-sacrifice for the sake of freedom. Today he'd had the chance to watch Sheppard die for the pain he'd caused her family and friends. All he would've had to do is stand still and let Kenny hit him with the Zat a second time.

And he'd almost done it. But in the end, he didn't. Couldn't. He couldn't let his one chance of finding out the truth get away.

So he'd killed Kenny instead. Without a second thought he'd hit the guy with three bolts from the Zat and watched with something akin to pleasure as he was vaporized. With Sheppard watching, he hadn't been able to react to what he'd done so he'd taken refuge in that place of stillness he'd created the day he'd heard his dad had died. He kept his cool, giving the appearance of detachment and apathy, waiting until he was alone to pull out his emotions and examine them.

He thought about punching a wall or even kicking a chair, had even started to do so but stopped with his foot drawn back thinking about the events that occurred almost immediately afterwards. And that changed his scowl into a smile.

A baby. He'd brought a new life into the world, a baby boy who would inherit the planet…planets being explored now. A fitting heritage for anyone and he was there at the beginning.

Doors opening to his right jerked him out of his reflections. Glancing to the side he saw Sheppard come out onto his own balcony and flop into a lounge chair, his legs crossed at the ankles. The dark head turned in his direction. He lifted his bottle of imported beer in a salute. Evan mirrored the gesture then he too took a seat in a matching chair and there they'd stayed just watching the world pass by knowing it would be left in good hands.

The Next Afternoon

Mercy Hospital Maternity Ward

Room 10C

Jeff opened the door, his face lighting up when he saw John and Evan standing holding an enormous stuffed animal and a powder blue bag respectively. They were ushered in and the door closed again.

The room was bright and cheery. The shades open to let in the afternoon light. "Ash, look who's here." Jeff went to the opposite side of the bed and sat down next to his wife.

The new mother's face smiled hugely. "Hey! Come on in."

Handing Ashley the gifts, Evan and John stood in the middle of the room uncertain what to do next.

"We were hopin' to see you again, to thank you for all you did." Ashley looked happy and excited. And well she should be.

Evan looked embarrassed. "You're very welcome."

"Would you like to see him?" The men nodded and Ashley pointed at a clear-sided bassinet beside the bed, a tiny figure wrapped in a white and blue hospital blanket asleep inside, a blue knit cap on his head. One little fist was pushed against a cheek and the other on his chest. "Um, we hope you don't mind but…" the young mother blushed, "…we named him after the two of you."

Evan and John huddled over the baby, careful not to bump the bassinet, peering at the sleeping child. His voice soft, John whispered, "Hey there, John Evan."

His voice just as quiet, Evan said, "John Evan? It could be Evan John, y'know."

Waving a hand, his partner huffed gently so he wouldn't wake the child. "Nahhh. It's not. It's John Evan."

"Um, we're a little confused. Your first names are John and Evan?" Jeff's voice held a note of awkwardness mixed with embarrassment.

The agents looked at each other then at the parents, John saying, "Yeah. Why?"

"Um…we only heard you call each other Lorne and Sheppard so…"

Evan's eyes narrowed as he realized why Jeff and Ashley were giving them dazed looks. "So the boy's name is…"

Together, Ashley and Jeff told them, "Lorne Sheppard Chandler."

~~O~~

Evan and John left the hospital, got in their car and pulled out into traffic. At the light, John looked over at his partner who sat there with a smug and very self-satisfied grin. "Say it."

"I think that boy's gonna go places. With the Lorne name, how can he go wrong?"

"He's also part Sheppard, you know. And he'll probably go by his middle name."

Shaking his head, Evan hid a grin. "He won't."

Area 52

"Hi, guys." Angel's cheery voice reached them before she did. "How was the first official mission?"

"Great. And only one fatality." Evan told her with pride. "Turns out the ringleader was an old acquaintance of Sheppard's."

John snorted. "Yeah. Kenny is, at this very moment, being greeted at the gates of hell by none other than the devil himself. I wouldn't be surprised if he was made second-in-command." He didn't mention the recordings of Kenny admitting that he'd let John take the rap for the theft of the dean's car and that he'd killed a total of eleven people. That he would take to Woolsey as soon as he talked to Angel.

"Good work, John."

"Wasn't me though I'd thought about it a time or two over the last couple of decades. Lorne did it."

She gave Evan an impressed smile.

To cover his embarrassment over the praise, Evan said, "Well, he was about to shoot Sheppard. I'd have let him, but the paperwork is such a pain in the…backside."

John watched Angel try to hide a startled look and he wished Evan had kept quiet about him nearly getting killed. "It was no big deal." The look on Angel's face turned into one that told him they'd be talking about it later. But for now, he had the perfect distraction. "And we delivered a baby."

"Really?"

Both men puffed their chests out. "The parents named him after us."

Angel started walking and they followed. "John Evan or Evan John?"

After exchanging an eye roll and a small glare with John, Evan explained. "Neither. They named the kid Lorne Sheppard Chandler."

"Oh, no." She covered her mouth to keep from laughing out loud.

When they reached the Infirmary door, John thought it was now or never. "An-Jennifer, can we talk?"

Angel glanced at Evan who jabbed a thumb over his shoulder. "I'm gonna get a shower and a nap. Later."

Now that they were alone, John's courage had taken a hike. But he wanted this and had to find out if she wanted it too so he reached out and grabbed his courage by the scruff of its neck. "I was wondering if you'd like to have dinner."

"Oh, sorry. I just had lunch. We can meet in the Commissary later if you like."

"No, I mean go out to dinner. Saturday night. You and me."

Angel's eyes widened in comprehension, her heart suddenly began beating wildly in her chest. He's asking me on a date! "Um, I'd love to. Really but I have to get back to Atlantis."

Though he was disappointed, John tried to keep his face unreadable the way his partner did. "When you get back then."

"Sure." She swiped her card and opened the Infirmary door. Turning back, John saw a bright smile liberally laced with the look that said she had an idea. "Why don't you and Evan come with me? Just for a few days."

He didn't even think about it. "Count me in."

"Great. We leave for the SGC at 1300 tomorrow. Both of you be there…" she poked him in the chest, "…or be square."

~~O~~

Jennifer hurried down the hall to her office, her eyes wide and trying not to blush. She'd asked John well, sort of on a date and he'd accepted. Maybe in Atlantis he'd loosen up a little and they could get to know each other better as a man and woman, not just as doctor and patient. But not to have sex. Well, yeah, to have sex. Just not yet. He still had some issues to work through with Caitlin and the chopper crash that killed her before he would be ready to have any kind of LTR. LTR was Amanda's shorthand for long-term relationship.

That thought led her to another and she rolled her eyes at herself. Now that David was gone as was the stress of him always being around watching her, she put some pieces together that had been floating around inside her head, finally seeing the big picture.

The night she and John had first kissed she'd written a report. But that wasn't all she'd done. With that report she'd removed herself as John's doctor turning his day-to-day care, should he need it, over to Derek and his staff. At the time they'd almost slept together, technically she was no longer his doctor and completely within her right to do so if she wanted to, if he wanted to.

Jennifer wasn't actually the CMO of Area 52 but she was tasked with overseeing its staff, at least for now. But this running back and forth from Pegasus to the Milky Way was wearing on her physically and mentally. And not just because of the travelling.

She tried to push away the memory of the whispered rumors that said the OAB was contemplating recalling the Atlantis expedition but they jumped around waving their arms to get her attention. Not knowing if she should believe them, she hadn't asked Sam or Mr. Woolsey though that seemed a little childish. If I don't ask, it won't be true…even if it's true.

Rolling her eyes, she was about to sit down at her desk when alarms went off and that could only mean one thing. Running down the hall, she encountered Derek and Ana heading for the door that opened out toward the airfield.

Hurrying to the jeep that screeched to a stop just inside the covered area adjacent to the Infirmary, she saw a man dressed in camouflage and covered in blood. All her fears and worries for the fate of Atlantis faded away as the soldiers carried their injured comrade into the triage area. The three men stood back out of the way while the medical personnel worked to save the life of their friend.

~~O~~

Evan turned off the shower, grabbed a towel from the rack, dried his hair then slung the damp cloth around his waist, tucking the end in over his left side. It hung low on his hips leaving the expanse of his chest bare down to below his navel. Rubbing a hand through the dampness of the sparse hair on his chest, he touched the purple bruise above his left nipple, wincing because it was still sore. If he didn't know better, he'd have thought Sheppard had made the pack too strong on purpose.

He stood at the sink to brush and floss his teeth. That done, he went out to the dresser to get something to sleep in. But before he could do so there was a loud banging on his door that had him flinging it open ready to respond to whatever emergency awaited him, totally forgetting he was wearing nothing but the towel. Sheppard stood there, a look of excitement in his eyes Evan had never seen.

"Get packed, Lorne. We're going to Atlantis."

TBC