A/N: Copious thanks to ladygris, dwparsnip and Shadows-of-Realm for all their help with this chapter. All three provided Beta services, opinions and comments that made this a much more interesting chapter than I thought it would be.
Merci,
~Sandy
Not a Hero
Chapter 23
A Nice Place to Visit
"Don't just stand there. Get packing." Totally forgetting about staying calm and in control, John's enthusiasm poured out of him. This new adventure had him feeling like a kid again. Or rather, like the kid he'd been before his mother had passed away.
"What are you talking about?"
Huffing, John took a deep breath. "Atlantis." He let that thought sink in for a few seconds. "In or out?"
"In."
Both men turned when they heard the familiar voice of the shrink. "Hello, boys."
~~O~~
"Doc," Evan said while Sheppard just nodded.
Tish stopped in front of them, her mouth turned up in a smirk as her violet eyes glanced downward.
That's when Evan realized his towel had loosened, gaping open in the front. He grabbed the edges and wrapped them around him again holding the side with one hand, blushing mildly. That blush deepened when, with a twinkle in her eyes and the lift of one eyebrow, Tish said, "You have nothing to be embarrassed about, Agent Lorne." She winked and continued on her way.
Under his breath, John muttered something about having nightmares.
Finally seeing the humor in the situation, Evan said, "What's wrong, Shepp? Afraid you don't measure up?"
"Oh, I can unquestionably measure up. It's unexpected peeks at…" he shuddered and followed Tish. "Hey, doc. Got a minute?"
Tish ignored the byplay behind her and kept walking though she did slow down to let John catch up. Evan couldn't tear his eyes away from how the material of her slacks tightened over her firm backside as it shifted side to side with each step. That is until she said, "Eyes back in your head, Evan" a millisecond before he groaned and his door slammed shut.
The Next Morning
Tish's Office
The office looked the same, smelled the same and even felt the same. However, something was different but John couldn't quite put his finger on it. He took a drink of water waiting for Tish to begin their session.
She sat down and crossed her legs. "I know you're going on a trip today so we'll get right to it. Tell me about…"
"If you don't mind, doc, could I choose the subject?"
She folded her hands together where her knees crossed. "Please."
"Thanks." Taking one more drink as a stalling technique, he tried to organize his thoughts. "I, uh, went to a casino the other day to…play poker." Tish's expression didn't change as she waited for him to continue. "I was just about to go in when something stopped me."
"What stopped you?"
"I stopped me. I realized what might happen if…uh, I just…didn't want to…there've been so many…failures in my life. I didn't want this to be another." The admission didn't come easy for him and he knew she could see it. The change in her eyes was subtle but it was there. As his shrink, she was proud of him and that made him feel…cared for. "On my way out I called my sponsor. We had coffee and talked."
"Good job, John." She paused watching him with those eyes that saw more than most. "What else is on your mind today?"
"Kenny Talbot. We grew up together, our families were good friends and we went to the same schools up until college. My sophomore year at Stanford, I was home for spring break…"
Woolsey's Office
1230 Hours
"Boss, Agent Sheppard wants to see you. I'm sending him in." Sheila's voice interrupted Woolsey's train of thought. Not that he was thinking about work. At the moment he was using his personal SmartPhone to plan a honeymoon cruise to the Caribbean. He'd booked a balcony suite and several land excursions as well as shipboard functions.
A moment later, Sheppard entered and took the chair in front of the desk. "What can I do for you, Agent Sheppard?"
"I've already forwarded you the recording where Kenny Talbot admitted to killing those people, but there's something I didn't put in the report because it's, uh, personal." Sheppard laid his phone on the desk. "He also admitted to committing a crime that I was convicted of." He touched the key to activate the recording already cued up. The sound of Kenny's voice filled the room telling how he'd stolen the car and made certain that Sheppard would be blamed for it.
Woolsey listened to Kenny's confession without expression, hands resting on the desk in front of him. When the recording finished, he sat back, not showing what he was thinking. "That puts a somewhat different spin on the situation. Forward that to me and I'll see what I can do."
Sheppard nodded, touched a few keys and a moment later Woolsey's computer beeped signaling receipt of the recording.
With a nod, Woolsey dismissed his visitor. When he was gone, he put on his headset and called his contact in California. "Arthur? Richard. I need your assistance with getting a friend's record corrected…Yes. The episode needs to be purged from his file as if it never happened. Plus the record of the true perpetrator should reflect the incident…That will be fine. Thank you. I'll send the particulars to your office immediately. And please give my regards to your family…of course you and Paula are invited to the wedding. Your invitation is already in the mail. Yes, old fashioned but then so am I." He pushed out of his chair and went into Sheila's office. "Please call the printer and have one additional invitation printed and sent to Arthur and Paula Chen today. The address can be found online."
"You got it. Wait. Isn't Arthur Chen the governor of California?"
"He is."
"Oh. Okay."
Woolsey turned at the door. "By the way, David Magee's replacement will be here tomorrow. His name is Tobias Ritter, a former Marine. I'll forward his information."
"Yes, boss."
~~O~~
As John packed for his trip to Atlantis he went over his session with Doc Adams. Something had been different when he'd entered her office and now he knew what it was. Him. He was different. Not much but enough that she'd noticed. It was almost as if the change had happened over night though he knew it hadn't. The change started the day he met McKay and had been shown a world that he never knew existed.
Nothing is what you think it is.
And McKay had not been exaggerating. In his mind, he'd known there was a possibility that there could be life somewhere other than on Earth and that one day humans would travel out among the stars to find them. And now he knew it had been going on for, well, since 1928. His mind had finally wrapped itself around the concept and accepted it as fact. Now all he had to do was go forward.
In a few minutes he'd be not only on another planet but in another galaxy. His excitement rose with each passing moment along with his fear of the unknown. And this was a huge unknown. Though how difficult could it be to get used to all this extra knowledge that he couldn't even share with his family, if he'd had one?
Family…
There'd been a time when he and Dave had told each other everything. Now it had been so long since he'd spoken to him he wasn't certain he'd recognize his voice. He'd only spoken to his wife Annie once and had only seen photos of their kids in magazine photos.
He pictured his brother's face the last time he'd seen him. Sad but bravely holding it all together. That had been at his father's funeral though Dave hadn't seen him. The last time he'd come onto the property before that day the butler had called the cops as he'd been instructed by his dad. John had left before they could arrive and arrest him for trespassing. He didn't want a repeat so he'd just watched the wake from a hill on old Mr. Morrison's property using a set of binoculars. The elderly man was in his nineties, attended by nurses and doctors around the clock and never went farther from the house than the back patio. Though he'd been a ruthless businessman, he'd always been kind to John. Partly to tweak Patrick Sheppard and partly because he thought the man's treatment of his eldest son was unreasonable.
When the party moved to the family crypt for the interment, he'd followed at a discrete distance, again watching through the binoculars. They were one of the few gifts he'd gotten from his dad that he'd taken with him when he left. They were gone now, destroyed with his car. Every time he got near a pawn shop he was tempted to see if they had anything similar but didn't and now wished he had.
Out of habit he grabbed his cell phone though he wouldn't need it in Pegasus. He was about to drop it into the bedside table. He stared at the dark screen. Turning it on, his thumb poised over the keys, he dialed a number from memory before he could change his mind.
It was answered on the first ring. "Sheppard." Dave. He sounded just the same. "Is someone there?"
With an angry jab he hung up, shut it off and dropped it in the drawer next to the Celtic cross. He roughly zipped up the duffle bag, shouldered it and left to join Angel and Lorne in the Infirmary.
Stargate Command
1300 Hours
The wormhole kawooshed from the center of the Stargate startling both men as neither one had seen a dialing in person before. The blue water illusion rippled like the surface of a pond in a breeze.
Jennifer hitched her bag on her shoulder and stepped onto the ramp. Evan and John followed stopping just before they reached the event horizon.
Pointing, John said, "So we step through that and we'll be three million light years from here?"
One side of Jennifer's mouth lifted in a smile. "Not scared, are ya?"
"Of course not. Except for my tour in Afghanistan, I've never been out of the country, and this is way more than just a three-day trip to Mexico or Vancouver."
Evan didn't say anything, just watched the Stargate taking everything in. He stepped to the side and peered around the back. It looked pretty much the same as the front except that he could see Sheppard and Jennifer through the illusion of the event horizon, their figures distorted and surreal like a funhouse mirror. Taking a deep breath, he stood up straight. "Okay, I'm ready…I think."
Looking from one to the other, Jennifer's face scrunched in annoyance. "You are two of the biggest babies I've ever seen. It won't hurt you." Still they hesitated so she got between them taking their hands. "On three. One…two…" Before they could object, she stepped into the wormhole. Caught off guard, they stumbled forward, inexorably drawn into the wormhole.
Atlantis
Gate Room
"…three."
Their arrival in the lost city left John and Evan speechless. Well, sort of. Evan groaned leaning over to press his hands to his knees, gagging. "Ooohh I'm gonna be sick."
John felt the same way, but refused to let it show, especially in front of the experienced travelers staring at them from around the room.
They looked up when a deep voice echoed slightly in the vast room. Hands leaning on the railing, a balding man in uniform glowered down at them. "First time through the 'gate, gentlemen?"
Out of the side of his mouth, John asked, "Who's that?"
Equally quietly, she responded, "Colonel Steven Caldwell, the new expedition commander."
"I see you and your guests have arrived safely, Dr. Keller."
"Yes, Colonel. And thank you for approving their visit on such short notice."
"Not at all. While they're here, they will be your responsibility." His tone left no room for argument.
Doing her best not to growl in annoyance, Jennifer smiled. "Of course." To her companions she said, "Come on, guys. We'll get you settled in your rooms then after your physicals, I'll take you on a tour."
"Physicals?" Evan asked. "But I feel fine now." Liar!
"You didn't say anything about physicals. I've been poked a prodded enough to last a lifetime."
Jennifer started walking and they followed. "Sorry. Regulations." She dropped her voice down to barely a whisper. "And Caldwell's a stickler."
"I would've used a different word, but we can go with that." John was slightly distracted as was Evan. A couple of female soldiers passed by dressed in workout gear and they stopped to watch until Jennifer snapped her fingers in their faces.
"I'm over here, guys."
The trio entered a small enclosure similar to an elevator. It had controls and what looked like a "you are here" map. Jennifer touched a random place on the screen, the doors closed and suddenly they were somewhere else.
~~O~~
John couldn't help staring at, well, everything. This is so much better than Disneyland! He'd watched the videos but nothing quite compared to seeing it live and in person. Angel showed Lorne to his room then led him around the corner to his.
She waved a hand over the biosensor and the door opened. "Dr. Zelenka will enter your biosignatures into the system so you can roam around freely. Sort of. There are a few places that Caldwell doesn't want visitors to have access to."
"Don't blame him. This place could be a death trap to someone who doesn't know squat about the tech. Like me."
"And Evan." She followed him inside but stayed near the door so it wouldn't close. Atlantis operated like a small town. Everyone knew everything about everybody. And she didn't want to be the subject of gossip that was sure to follow if she was seen disappearing behind closed doors with him.
"Right."
"So what do you think so far?"
John tossed his bag on the bed, turning in a circle to survey the room. He'd been given a room that had a window, stained glass that turned the sunshine streaming through it red, blue green and yellow. There was a desk but it was in the corner so he had an unobstructed view of the city's east pier. Evenly spaced scorch marks showed that something very big landed there on a regular basis.
"It's great. What d'you think the chances are of getting in a little surfing?"
Jennifer thought for a moment. "I know just the place. PC5-559. The weather's warm and constant breezes make waves perfect for surfing." She really sounded like she knew what she was talking about and couldn't help grinning. The first time she'd tried surfing she hadn't been able to let go of the board because she was petrified having never told her instructor that she didn't know how to swim.
Amanda Cole hadn't laughed like others had. They'd spent the next couple of weeks with her friend patiently teaching her the fundamentals of swimming so that their next time out at the beach would be her first real surfing lesson. "I can arrange for us to go one day, if you like."
"Cool." He rubbed his hands together in anticipation. "So what's next?
"The Infirmary."
~~O~~
After their physicals and stopping in the lab to see Zelenka, John walked beside Angel through the halls of Atlantis, Lorne on her other side, doing his best not to stare at the unusual architecture. The stonewashed earth tones seemed to fit somehow, the high tech devices blending in flawlessly.
The doors to the Mess Hall opened bringing his attention to the people inside. They were a mixture of military and civilian in a variety of uniforms, some even in causal or workout gear, except for a man with long dreadlocks and a very pretty auburn-haired woman. Both were dressed in natural fabrics.
The woman stood, barely reaching John's shoulders. "I am Teyla Emmagan, daughter of Tagaan and Torren and leader of the Athosian people."
"John Sheppard, son of Caroline and Patrick."
"Evan Lorne, uh, son of Susan and Richard."
Her smile was warm and genuine. "Welcome to New Lantea." She placed her hands on John's shoulders, bending her head forward. He looked at Jennifer and she nodded. Tilting his head down, he let it touch hers briefly. She moved over to Evan and performed the same ritual. "I'm teaching a Bantos fighting class this afternoon. Would either of you care come?"
John saw that though she was talking to both of them, she was looking at Lorne, and chuckled to himself because Lorne was looking back.
~~O~~
Evan touched his forehead to Teyla's, her small hands on his shoulders and felt a slight tremor, a shiver of awareness traveling along his nerve endings. He stepped back before it reached some of his more sensitive areas that would react in predicable fashion. One glance into her dark brown eyes told him she'd felt it too. She ducked her head, invited them to her class then hurried from the room.
Exerting all his willpower, he tore his gaze from her lithe, catlike walk and turned his attention to the man with the hair before someone, like Sheppard, made a comment.
~~O~~
"Sounds like fun." John said and Evan agreed, Jennifer rolling her eyes at their assessment.
"We shall see," Teyla said enigmatically, gathered up her dishes and left.
Jennifer indicated the man. "This is Ronon Dex. He's from Sateda."
"John Sheppard." When John stuck out his hand, Ronon stood, towering over everyone, even John's six plus feet presenting an imposing figure with his long wild hair, beard and dark, penetrating eyes. "Now I know why she calls you Chewy."
"What?"
His deep voice sounded dangerous and John got the idea it would sound that way even if he were reading the Wal-Mart ads. "Never mind. Uh, you spar too?"
Ronon snorted. "Yeah. Why?"
"No reason. Maybe after I've had a couple lessons we can…"
"John!" Angel's hand on his arm and the warning tone of her voice stopped him midsentence. "Sorry, Ronon. He's gonna be too busy while he's here."
"But I was just…" Now she had him by the hand dragging him out of the Mess Hall, Evan close behind.
When they were out in the hall Angel stopped walking. "One piece of advice for both of you. Do not get into a sparring match with Ronon."
"Why not?" John wanted to know.
She opened and closed her mouth working out the best way to say what she had to say. "He's the last of his people. There are no others that we've been able to find. When the Wraith destroyed his planet he was culled and turned into a Runner. Runners are humans hunted by the Wraith for sport and training. A tracking device is inserted between the shoulder blades next to the spine. When we found him he'd been on the run for seven years. The need to avoid populated planets forced him to live on his own. When he first came to Atlantis he wasn't used to being in one place for more than a day at most. The first week he put five of our biggest and strongest soldiers, and Caldwell, in the infirmary."
"So he's got a lot of anger to work out. Don't we all?"
"No, John. Not like that." She turned away from both men as they were looking at her with identical stubbornness and disbelief. "Fine. Do what you want. The Infirmary is always open." Reaching into her pocket, she handed each man a wireless headset. "I have to get to work. Call if you need anything. One tap turns it on and a second one turns it off. Don't touch anything and don't get into trouble."
~~O~~
John and Evan watched Jennifer walk quickly away and around a corner.
Scoffing, John said, "Don't get into trouble? Does she know who she's talking to?"
Evan let out a rare chuckle. "Yeah. That's why she said it."
"I'm gonna do some exploring," John told him, ignoring his comment. He wanted to be alone to process everything he'd seen and experienced so far.
"Yeah. Me too. Don't forget that class tonight."
John snorted. "I'll be there."
~~O~~
Somehow, John found himself outside the open doors of the Jumper Bay. The voices inside spoke with a variety of accents and were made up of scientists and a few military. He eased into the enormous room taking in the cylindrical ships berthed at different levels around the walls up to what looked like a hatch that would allow them to leave the city. And they looked just the right size to fly through the 'gate. Another hatch in the side wall was probably how they got to the Gate Room.
"Can I help you?"
John turned in the direction of the voice. A young Marine stood there, his eyes pinched in suspicion and annoyance. He had no doubt that this…boy could and would take him out in a heartbeat if he thought there was a need. "Special Agent John Sheppard, Area 52. I'm sort of a friend of Dr. Keller's."
Now the Marine grinned and extended his hand. "Sergeant Tommy Stackhouse, sir. Welcome to Atlantis."
"Thanks. Uh, what are those?"
"Jumpers." Tommy gestured for John to follow him. "They have the capability of flight through space, a planetary atmosphere and underwater."
"Jumpers?"
"Yeah. Colonel Sumner said they were like the small Earth aircraft called puddle jumpers and the name stuck." Leading him around the room, Tommy's expression changed, his smile disappearing. "The Colonel was our original military head. He was killed the first week. Fed on by a Wraith."
Trying not to cringe, John nodded. "Saw the video. Not a pleasant way to go."
"No kidding. One of the docs could explain it better, but the thing is they inject you with something that strengthens your systems all across the board so you don't die immediately when the feeding starts."
"So they make you stronger to take longer to kill you?"
"Pretty much."
John's silence gave his opinion of that aspect of the Wraith.
Both men turned when an accented voice called out. "Sergeant Stackhouse, I need your assistance please."
Following Tommy into the nearest Jumper, John watched as the young Marine performed tests the scientist requested using the control console to the left in the front of the Jumper. He missed flying. The entire situation fascinated him. The ship, the controls, the HUD, everything, his palms itching to get at the controls.
"Agent Sheppard, please sit down. The inertial dampeners are offline and I'm going to lift off."
"Sure." John took the seat to Tommy's right, stifling a gasp when the rear hatch closed and they began to rise into the air. The ship hovered in place just a few meters off the floor of the bay until the scientist told him to land again.
"Sorry to startle you, sir."
"No harm done. So how do you fly one of these things?" After a short internal debate, John explained, "I was a chopper pilot in Afghanistan."
Tommy smiled understanding. Once a pilot, always a pilot. "You need to have the ATA gene to be able to access its systems. It sort of reads your mind but also obeys your commands." He took his hands from the console and all the controls went dark, the engines shutting down. "All you have to do is touch the controls…" he did so and they came on again, "…and think what you want it to do." A moment later the HUD came back up. Tommy shifted his gaze to John. "Do you have the gene, sir?"
John shrugged as if he didn't care. "No idea."
"Sergeant, come here for a moment."
"Excuse me. And please, don't touch anything."
John nodded and Tommy went into the rear compartment to confer with the man. They hadn't been introduced but the patch on his sleeve indicated he was from a country in South America.
While the two men were talking, John got up and went over to look more closely at the flight controls. He glanced over his shoulder but the men were faced away from him. Taking that a sign, he seated himself in the pilot's chair, resting one hand on the edge and leaning forward so he could see all of the controls. The second he touched it, everything came to life again. The engines came on and the ship lifted into the air…and kept going.
TBC