A/N: This is it, folks. The last chapter of Not a Hero. I'm grateful that so many of you found this story entertaining. Please keep a look-out for the sequel coming up sometime in the next few months.

Acknowledgments:

First and foremost, I would like to thank our Lord for bestowing on me the ability to create works that entertain as well as inform and stir the emotions. I can never thank Him enough. It's also His doing that I have a loving family and friends I can rely on. After Miss Kitty passed, my nephews were worried that I was lonely without a cat. I assured them that I am fine by myself.

Coming in next is ladygris. Without her continued support and encouragement I might never have taken on such an epic adventure. When I told her that I'd expected this to only run 20 chapters or so, I know in her mind she was ROFL. But then, that's how this collaboration began. We'll tell you about it one day.

And let's not forget:

Dwparsnip, Shadows-of-Realm, Skye Graham, ElisaD263, Geeksandlies, and Lithane. If I've left anyone out, thorry!

Gracias, Merci, Namaste,

~Sandy

Not a Hero

Chapter 36

Uncharted Territory

In the morning, John awoke with a weird and wonderful feeling of warmth in the region of his heart and it had everything to do with the woman cuddled against his side. He thought about waking her and picking up where they left off the night before but she looked so peaceful he couldn't do it.

Lifting the hand resting on his chest, he kissed her fingers and eased away from her. Gathering up clean clothes, he went quickly showered and dressed.

Sitting at the desk, he watched Angel sleep for a moment, a smile of wonder lifting the corners of his mouth that this beautiful, intelligent and kind woman had seen something in him that he hadn't known existed until last night.

Sparky seemed to understand the need for quiet as she hadn't once cried for his attention. He'd already fed her and packed her personal items. She didn't know it but she'd be staying with his brother's family while he made a trip. Now all he had to do was compose a note to Angel, grab the bags he'd packed the day before, and take off.

Crouching, he whispered to Sparky, "Now remember, you have to stay in the carrier until we get there and you can't go berserk like last time. Deal?" She must have been in agreement because she didn't fuss when he put her in the carrier.

He knocked on Evan's door and his partner answered yawning and scratching his chest. "Hell you want, Sheppard? I was out late last night with a bunch of Marines celebrating Cooper's promotion to Lieutenant."

"Um…" Did he really want Evan to know that he and Angel spent the night together? Not that it mattered, but he didn't want her to have to worry about gossip. It was time to make the trust between the partners complete. Lowering his voice, he glanced up and down the hall. "Jennifer…"

Evan smiled and nodded. "I'll take care of her."

John had already known that his partner would look out for Angel when he wasn't around, but it was good to hear him say it. "Thanks."

~~O~~

A spot of sunshine crawled across the carpet until it hit the side of the bed then traveled up, finally touching the bare foot sticking out from under the covers. The toes wiggled at the feeling of warmth, pulling away when it got to be too much. The foot's owner sighed and rolled over, coming awake when she realized that the other side of the bed was empty. Holding the sheet to her chest, she glanced around finding herself alone. Not even the cat in evidence.

He wouldn't have left without saying good-bye. Not after last night. And that's when Jennifer saw the handwritten note on the desk propped up so she'd find it. Tossing the sheet aside, she padded over to pick it up. Again he'd signed it "yours." Her frown at finding herself alone changed to a silly grin she was certain she'd be wearing for days. You are most definitely mine, John.

Taking her bag into the bathroom, she showered and changed thinking about the events of last night knowing she hadn't imagined John's softly whispered words just as she fell asleep. My angel. This time he wasn't using the name to taunt, annoy or just to see her blush. This time it was…different. He'd never called her his before. Now he'd made her his in every way but one. He still hadn't told her he loved her. She hadn't told him either so that was sort of fair. Wasn't it?

This was uncharted territory, but they would navigate it together, just the three of them. Her, John…and Sparky.

Tucking the note he'd written into her bag, she wrote him one in return, pausing before adding "yours, Angel."

~~O~~

Carrying a tablet in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other, Toby walked through the halls of Area 52 with a bounce to his step. He'd known within days of meeting her that he wanted to be more than just Sheila's colleague. This past weekend he told her and she'd professed the same. They had agreed to take it slow and get to know each other before going to the next step. His ultimate goal was to spend the rest of his life making her happy. However, this morning, he had another goal in mind. Rounding the corner, he nearly ran Jennifer down.

"Oh! Good morning, Mr. Ritter."

"Beg your pardon, Dr. Keller." When she made to step around him, he asked, "Have you seen Agent Sheppard, ma'am?" She blushed confusing him. Why should the man's whereabouts embarrass her?

"Uh, no. He's gone to California to visit his family. Why?"

"Oh, it can wait until he returns then. I just have a few questions about his reassignment request." Her eyes widened in shock confusing him even more as he'd been certain that Sheppard would have discussed something of such importance with her being as they were so close. The smile she'd been sporting was gone as well.

"Of course. He should be back in a few days." Ducking her head, she scurried down the hall and entered the Infirmary.

Toby returned to his office and started going through the files Woolsey had sent him the day before he and Dr. Adams had left on their honeymoon. He'd been tasked with hiring Sheppard's replacement. Their boss didn't know it yet, but they would also need to find a replacement for Agent Lorne. His reassignment request had been in Toby's Inbox when he'd arrived this morning. He reconnected his tablet to the network and settled down to work.

Huntington Beach, California

The Sheppard Home

Pulling in through the gate, John followed the private road that passed the stables. The landscaping crew could be seen taking care of the grounds and John wondered if Joe and Inez were still around. They'd been middle-aged at the time he'd enlisted and should be retired by now. Though knowing them, they were still taking care of his family home, Joe ruling the outside while Inez handled the housekeeping staff with a will of iron wrapped in a velvet glove.

He stopped behind a white Lexus, dark green Isuzu Trooper and black Mercedes but didn't get out right away. On the way from the car rental agency he'd called ahead to let them know he was coming though he hadn't mentioned Sparky. He picked up the carrier and peered in through the door, her big green eyes looking back at him with curiosity and expectation. Chuckling, he thought he probably had a similar expression on his own face. "Be good while we're here." He took her agreement for granted. "Now let's go meet your uncle, aunt and cousins."

~~O~~

"Dad-dad-dad!" Haley shouted from the living room at the front of the house. "He's here! He's here!" Dave, Annie and Dylan rushed to her side where she was peeking out the window.

A little slower but still as eager, Inez joined them. Hands on her hips, she gave the family a friendly glare. "You gonna let him in or what?"

The kids rushed to the door only to be stopped by the elderly housekeeper. "Get back! Your father hasn't seen his big brother in a dog's age."

"Yes, ma'am," they replied stepping out of the way.

~~O~~

Taking a deep breath and putting on a welcoming smile, Dave opened the door. John stood there, a case in one hand. "John."

"Dave."

John entered, Dave watching his brother scan first the faces of his family then look around at the home he'd grown up in and hadn't seen the inside of since he was twenty-two. The case was set on the floor with exceptional care. After a few false starts, the brothers finally embraced holding tight just a little longer than they would normally have done.

"I'm glad you're here." Dave stepped back from John. "This is my wife Annie and our kids, Dylan and Haley.

John shook hands with Annie and Dylan but Haley threw herself into his arms and hugged him tight. "I'm sorry Grampa was mean to you, Uncle John." She sniffed as a few tears welled up in her eyes. She snatched a tissue from the table alongside the front door and dabbed at the moisture. That's when she saw the case on the floor. "What's that?" Dropping down in front of the carrier, she looked at the cat while Sparky just looked back.

"Oh, uh, I hope you don't mind but I brought my, uh, cat."

"Cat?!" Dave and Inez said at the same time.

"Her name's Sparky." He took her out of the cage, cradling her in the crook of his left arm while the right hand rubbed her neck. She purred loudly, not at all upset with the new venue.

Haley extended her hand, letting Sparky smell her. Apparently she was acceptable because the cat arched her whiskers and let the girl touch her head. "Where'd you find her?"

"Actually, she found me. Would you like to hold her? She's very friendly." He lifted the cat to look her in the eye. "Behave." Passing Sparky over, he stepped back while Annie, Dylan and Haley fussed over her, telling her she was the most beautiful cat in the world. Sparky agreed and allowed them to heap adoration on her, fussing over her tattered ear and speculating on how it had happened.

John turned at the touch on his arm, Inez having gotten impatient for his attention. Both hands came up to hold his head still, her eyes roaming over his face as if she couldn't believe he was finally home. "Come here, boy, and give me a hug." And he did. She held on so long, John was afraid she wouldn't let go, but eventually she moved away. "We'll be havin' dinner in a bit. I've made your favorite. Chicken and Dumplings."

"I haven't had that in years." Though he tried to keep an impassive expression, Inez saw through it, grinning. "Would dessert by any chance be your pineapple upside down cake?"

Shuffling in the direction of the kitchen, Inez chuckled. "It would indeed, boy."

When she was gone, Dave told him, "She's made it every year on your birthday hoping you'd show up."

The jovial atmosphere melted away. "But I never did."

"No." Dave looked around. "Where's your luggage?"

"In the car. Wasn't sure you'd want me to stay." John took a set of keys from his pocket.

Annie came forward to stand next to her husband, Dave's arm going around her shoulders. "Of course you're staying. You're family. Go get your things and I'll show you to your room."

~~O~~

Dinner had been over for a while and the reunited family eventually went their separate ways. Dylan had plans with friends, Haley took Sparky out in the yard to play, Annie sat in the kitchen with Inez while the housekeeper supervised the cleaning and prepping for the next day's meals and the brothers sequestered themselves in the den to talk.

Dave went to the safe, taking out a file an inch thick. He dropped it on the desk with a resounding slap then settled into the chair next to John who looked at it, thought lines crinkling his forehead.

"What's that?"

"That is you. Your life since the day you were arrested and Dad disowned you. Everything you did, everywhere you went."

"You had me followed?" He couldn't keep an edge from creeping into his voice.

Shaking his head, Dave laced his hands together. "Not exactly. I knew that eventually Dad would regret what he'd done and want to reconcile. But you seemed to want to stay lost.

"Not long after you joined the Air Force, we were approached by a consortium wanting us to do some heavy-duty top secret R&D. With that contract came…perks such as being able to check up on you through our government connections." He watched his brother trying to gauge his emotions but, as he had when they were kids, he kept his thoughts close to his vest though he did see the acrimony in his eyes. "I know you're probably pissed, feeling betrayed and wondering why I didn't contact you."

Allowing the hostility he now felt show, John said, "Something like that." His words were sharp.

Standing, Dave went to the liquor cabinet in the corner, took down a bottle of scotch and poured them each two fingers. Passing one of them to his brother, the younger man took a swallow of the mellow drink. "Truth is I did. But every one of my letters was returned unopened. After a while I just stopped sending them though I did keep tabs on you." He turned away from the look on John's face. "Then a few months ago you disappeared and I thought you were dead." He faced him again. "Did you know that SI is the premier supplier for Stargate Command?"

"Sorry?"

"Don't play dumb, John. I know you've been working at the Hammond research facility." Now Dave smiled sardonically at John's shock. "How do you think I got your cell number?" He wisely didn't mention that he'd spoken to Lorne. John's animosity had lessened, but that was one speck of deceitfulness that probably wouldn't be forgiven. "I only did what I did because I was worried about you. I kept hoping you'd call, but you didn't. Until a few weeks ago." John didn't respond and Dave could see that his brother would have to process all the new information. And he wasn't done. "Dad regretted everything. He felt responsible for all that happened since that day because he didn't believe you were innocent of the charges. After his heart attack, I found a copy of his will. He put you back in years ago. As of today, John, you own thirty percent of Sheppard Industries." Taking out an old fashioned bankbook, he handed it to his brother.

~~O~~

John went to his room-the one that had been his as a teenager-to think about everything he'd just been told. At first, he'd felt angry and betrayed all over again knowing that his brother had watched but didn't contact him. Then he found that he had tried and somehow the letters Dave had sent never reached him.

Going to his bag, he took out running shorts and a T-shirt, changed and headed for the dirt road that started in front of the stables, winding through the property. When he'd taken off after Hartley's death he found that running was a great way to lubricate his brain, allowing it to work out problems and help him come to grips with an overload of information or to work off anger and frustration. Not to mention it was good exercise.

He returned soaked with perspiration and exhausted, almost too tired to take a shower though he did anyway. Sparky was asleep on his pillow and resented being moved at first, until he lay down and provided her with someone to sleep with.

And his last thought before falling asleep wasn't for his father, his brother or any of the shocking elements he'd heard about today. No, his last thought was of the face of an angel, eyes closed in sleep, her blonde hair spread out over the pillow and the sheet pulled up to her chest leaving her shoulders and arms bare. Of course, that vision was helped by the fact that he'd taken a photo of her in that position just before he'd left her in his room.

~~O~~

The enormous ring stood guard over the underground cavern just as it always did, silent unless awakened. Guards stood at the ready to make certain its sleep would remain undisturbed in between periods of activity.

Trying to hide her anxiety, Jennifer climbed the stairs to the Operations area, the ever-present Walter hard at work as always.

"Dr. Keller, something I can do for you?"

She chewed her lower lip nervously. "Yes, Walter. Would you look something up for me? Sort of, um, what do you military types call it?"

"On the QT?"

"Yeah."

With a smile, Walter poised his hands over the computer keyboard. "Of course."

"Special Agent Sheppard has requested reassignment." Walter began typing before she'd finished speaking.

"Atlantis."

Again she tried to hide her emotions. "Pardon?"

"Special Agent Sheppard, I mean Major Sheppard has already passed his fitness quals. After the required training, he'll be transferring to Atlantis."

~~O~~

John waited until the day before he was due to leave to ask a favor of his brother. It was night and they were sitting on the patio beside the pool sipping beer.

"Dave, just how much do you know about the Stargate program?"

He shrugged. "Most of it. Why?"

"Next week I'll be…I've been offered reinstatement in the Air Force with an increase in rank to Major. There are a few weeks of training before I move on to my new assignment."

"And that is…"

Taking a drink of his beer, John glanced at his brother and away. "Can't say."

"I understand." Dave rubbed his hands together. He'd just been reunited with his brother and now they'd be separated again. "And the cat?"

"That's one of the things I wanted to talk to you about. She was going to stay with my partner but he can't do it. Can she stay here? I'll be able to take her with me when I ship out, but not to the training facility."

"I'm sure Haley would be happy to take care of her." He watched John not looking at him and knew there was more. "Wanna tell me the rest?"

"It's dangerous where I'm going and…"

"You want to make a will."

"That's the second thing. Until a few days ago, Sparky was my most valuable asset. Still is. But now that I have something besides her worth leaving to someone, yeah."

"I'll call my attorney and set up an appointment for tomorrow."

Relieved, John sighed as he got to his feet. A basketball sat at the edge of the grass near the half-court. He bounced it a few times then started tossing free-throws. Just as he was lining up for number ten, Dave snatched the ball from him, dribbled down the court and back to throw it in from offside. From there, it turned into a rambunctious game of one-on-one.

~~O~~

John looked at himself in the mirror, straightening his brand new, crisply ironed Air Force uniform. He smoothed his hair as much as possible and tried to calm his wildly beating heart. Today was his first day of training and though there'd be others in the same situation, his nerves were on edge. If things had gone differently in Afghanistan, he'd be exactly where he was now, but with the additional years of experience under his belt. Years that this training would bridge.

That was only one of his concerns. He'd called Angel to let her know what was going on. She was excited for him and somewhat relieved though he had no idea why. However, he'd been unable to contact Evan. He thought it only fair that his partner be kept informed of a situation that affected him. Likewise, the man hadn't answered the email he'd sent letting him know that he'd taken O'Neill up on his offer.

Exiting his room at the SGC, John joined a group waiting for the elevator. From the corner of his eye he saw a familiar head of dark hair. Moving to his side, he tapped Evan on the shoulder. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Evan wasn't surprised to see him. "Same thing as you. Reinstatement training."

"So you're…"

"…transferring to Atlantis, yes."

"Why?"

Pretending to misunderstand, Evan asked, "Why reenlisting or why Atlantis?"

"Both."

Twitching one shoulder, Evan's tone made light of the situation. "We've been watching each other's backs for a while now. Seems a shame to stop just when we're gettin' good at it."

Shrugging, John accepted his response. "Works for me."

The elevator dinged and the group piled on, Evan continuing his thought, "Besides, you need someone to keep you out of trouble."

"Me? Wasn't it you…"

Evan's eyes dropped in embarrassment, his voice lowering, "You promised you wouldn't mention that again."

"Did not."

"Did too."

By now, they'd reached the training room and took seats next to each other. Crossing his arms, John whispered out the side of his mouth, "Didn't."

Just as quietly, Evan responded. "Did."

The instructor entered and the men turned their full attention to her.

~~O~~

Entering the Mess Hall, John and Evan were still engaged in the argument that had started at the elevator, both snapping to attention when Sam came up behind them. "At ease, gentlemen. You know, when your applications came across by desk, I had to come down and see for myself. I have one comment." Hands clasped behind her back, she watched them with a look that had caused many a junior officer to want to fidget and they were no exception. "I thought you two despised each other."

The two former civilians exchanged a look then said together, "We do."

John continued alone. "But we've gotten into the habit of saving each other's lives…"

Pointing at each other, they again spoke at the same time. "And it's his turn!"

"My turn?" John aimed a look at Evan. "I thought it was your turn." As one the men filed down the food line, John grabbing two glasses of iced tea, placing one on Evan's tray.

Evan took a small salad for himself and handed John a serving of blue Jell-O. "No, I distinctly remember it being your turn. MY turn was when we were in Toronto and that Re'tu tried to…"

"No, that was five weeks ago. Since then, we met up with those Mimetics in…" John snapped his fingers to jog his memory.

"Yakima. That was before…" John handed Evan a roast beef and provolone on rye, taking a turkey and Swiss on whole wheat for himself.

Sam listened as they continued the argument noting that they had gotten to know each other so well, they were able to choose each other's meals. At the dessert station, Evan passed John a piece of chocolate cream pie as he took a slice of pecan for himself. Turning, they saw her watching.

"What?" they said together.

"Uh, nothing. Carry on."

As they walked away, she heard John mutter, "What's up with that?"

Evan shrugged and replied, "No idea. How about over there?"

John shook his head. "Too close to the exit. What about there?"

Shaking her head in wonder, Sam carried her tray to her office where Siler was watching the babies. He nodded indicating that they were still asleep on a big blanket spread on the floor and left, softly closing the door.

San Francisco

The Downing Home

Six Weeks Later

Evan ran a hand through his military short hair, tugged at the hem of his T-shirt to straighten it and rang the bell. The sound of sneakers slapping on the hard wood floor hit him just before the door opened and he was attacked by his nephews, Alex and Travis. In a ritual they'd developed over the years, he hooked an arm around the neck of one then the other, using the free hand to give noogies. The boys protested and shoved him away as they called for their mother. Courtney was gathered into a hug and a kiss was dropped on her cheek.

After the usual pleasantries and while dinner cooked, Evan went to the back yard where he chased and was chased by the boys until told to get washed up.

After dinner, Evan helped Courtney do the cleaning up and the boys played video games. The boys were eventually sent to bed, Evan tucking them in himself while his sister made a pot of decaf.

Now that it was quiet, Evan needed to talk and Courtney was ready to listen…at least at first. He told her as much about his new posting as he could.

"When do you leave?"

He took a sip of the hot brew. "A little over a week. Thought I'd spend the time with you and the boys, if that's okay?"

"Of course. School doesn't start again for a while." She could always tell when something was on his mind. "It's going to be dangerous, isn't it?"

"Yeah. I, uh, have an appointment with an attorney tomorrow and I'd like you to be there." Their eyes met over the rim of her cup as she took a sip. "Just in case something happens…I'm leaving everything to you and the boys. There's more than enough to get them through college if I…"

Courtney stopped him by laying her hand over his and squeezing. "Can we not talk about this now?"

"Court…" She abruptly got up and went to stand at the sink, her hands gripping the edge. Moving over to her, he let his hands rest on her upper arms and a moment later she was hugging him tight.

"I hate you right now." He could hear the tears in her voice muffled against his shoulder.

"I know, and I'm okay with that as long as you still love me."

Giving him a soggy laugh, she pushed out of his arms. "Of course I do, you big dope."

Area 52

Secure Holding Area

The secured door slid open in front of the Wraith. Though weak from hunger and his extended confinement, he knew the face that he would see. John Sheppard. He'd tried many times to contact him through the mental link they had, the one that allowed him to see into Sheppard's thoughts and emotions. It had only worked once, when the human had come close enough. Since then he'd stayed away.

The longer he went without feeding, the less he was able to project his thoughts. But now, with Sheppard mere inches away, he made contact once again.

"I came to see what you have to say for yourself this time, pal." Sheppard stood in front of him, arms crossed, a challenge in his eyes and in his mind.

"The future is now." Grinning, he touched the clear wall of his prison. "You approach your destiny, John Sheppard. Your strength of purpose flows. You will become the savior of the weak and defenseless."

A sound of disbelief came from Sheppard. "I'm not a hero. Just a man who tries to do the right thing."

Laughing, he pressed both hands to the wall, his warm breath again leaving condensation on the surface. "Your dreams and the dreams of those who surround you will be realized when you break away from the limited existence of this world. The territory is uncharted. Spread your wings and fly, John Sheppard."

Without changing his expression, Sheppard backed up, turned and strode away, the security door closing behind him.

Stargate Command

One Week Later

A mixed group of military and civilian milled around the Gate Room. Several of the civilians fussed with equipment that would be transported with them to Atlantis with the next dialout. Some of the military did the same, a few casting suspicious glances at the scientists who in turn ignored them.

Two of the military kept quiet and to themselves anxious to get going. They didn't say anything to each other or anyone else, just glanced around at the organized chaos. Their assignment for the trip through the 'gate was to move the pallet of storage containers and duffle bags, all personal items for the staff rotating to Atlantis. The huge pallet would be emptied and refilled for the return trip just as it always was.

The 'gate was dialed and soon they were headed up the ramp on the first leg of their new journey.

John stepped through into the Gate Room of Atlantis, Evan at his side. Glancing around without making it obvious that he was looking for anyone in particular, he found Angel standing off to the side, a smile of welcome just for him. Next to her stood Teyla and she was watching Evan. Without looking he knew that his partner…friend had seen her as well. "Lorne."

"Yeah?"

"We are the two luckiest men alive."

Evan nodded in agreement, a small smile turning up the corners of his mouth as his eyes met Teyla's. "Yeah."

~~O~~

Being a member of the Alpha offworld team had its perks and Teyla wasn't above taking advantage of them. That is, until she'd discovered that she was no longer able to get into some of the more sensitive information, such as staff personnel files. Huffing, she slammed her fist down on the table drawing stares from the group a few tables away. She backed out of the application and closed everything down.

Ronon approached while she waited for her laptop to power up again and stood at the end of the table. "Busy?"

"Yes. It seems that my access no longer works. I am trying to find out what room Evan will be staying in so I can call on him later."

"Three-nine Kilo. Just a short walk from the balcony that overlooks the west pier. It has a lovely view of the incinerator and the underwater Jumper Bay."

Her eyes widened at the sound of Evan's voice stopping herself from saying his name out loud and the big man just grinned and left them alone. Instead she turned, a warm smile coming to her face as he sat in the chair next to her. Not normally demonstrative in public, she allowed herself a few moments of being not herself. Her small hand gripped his where it lay on the table. He held on, rubbing the backs of her fingers with his thumb.

"I am glad you're here, Evan."

"Me too."

She reclaimed her hand, clasping it together with the other one on the table, turning serious. "I wish to ask your forgiveness. I acted in anger, treated you harshly in the wake of your fight with Kanaan."

He shrugged off her apology as unnecessary. Standing, he waited for her to do the same. "I have to go. Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?"

Her smile showed her delight. "I would." A quick look over her shoulder told her they were now alone on the patio, the sound of the waves slapping against the supports below not drowning out the blood thundering in her ears. Tip-toeing, she kissed him on the cheek.

"Tonight then." Stopping a few feet away, Evan turned back, a smirk lifting one side of his mouth. "He really did start it, you know."

~~O~~

John had waylaid Jennifer in her office, taking her in him arms, pulling her close and giving her a quick kiss. He wanted the word to get around the base the Chief Medical Officer was spoken for.

With a grin she leaned back far enough to speak. "He sure is active today."

"He?"

She glanced downward then back up, blushing lightly, her eyes not able to meet his. "Yeah. You know, your, um…"

Loosening his hold on her, he chuckled. "You can't say it, can you?"

"I…but…its…why do you care?" Her hands resting on his chest, her blush deepened.

"You're a doctor. How can you have problems using the correct terms for the human body?"

"Just because I won't refer to your…business…in appropriate anatomical terms doesn't mean…"

Through the glass wall Amanda could see them talking. She announced herself by knocking, watching as they pulled apart, awkwardly on Jennifer's part. "Sorry to break up this tender reunion but…"

"Then close the door on your way out again, doc." John grinned to let her know he was teasing.

"Can't. We have to complete the physicals on the new arrivals. Caldwell will want them ASAP." Her mouth twisted impishly. "Though it looks like his has already been done. I assume he's in perfect health."

"Amanda!" Now Jennifer's face turned bright red as the door closed on Amanda's chuckle. She stepped away from John taking a step in the direction of the exam area, stopping when John briefly wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"For the record, he's happy to see you."

Ready to get back some of what had been given to her, Jennifer smiled impishly. "Happy? He's jumping for joy."

John released her after whispering in her ear, "Always happens around you." Opening the door, he ushered her out then followed her to the exam area.

One Month Later

Colonel Caldwell's Office

"Gentlemen…" Steven Caldwell said the word with a hint of irony, "…I've made some changes to the assignments. Sheppard, you'll be taking charge of Charlie team from Irwin, and Lorne, you'll be taking over Delta, replacing McNeese. Both are rotating back to Earth for reassignment." Neither man could help the looks of confusion making Caldwell smile ever so slightly. "I understand the restlessness, the need to be doing something besides teaching self-defense to the scientists, some of whom speak almost no English, as well as the live-fire weapons training of same." Standing, Caldwell came around the desk, planted his feet shoulder width apart and crossed his arms. "I'm hoping that, by separating the two of you, giving you time away from each other, that there'll be fewer…incidences like the ones we've had just the few short weeks you've been here, not to mention those that occurred while you were still civilians."

John and Evan gave each other a quick sheepish glance before responding. "Yes, sir."

"You have a meet with Teldy scheduled for 1500." He saw the acknowledgment in their eyes. Uncrossing his arms, he nodded once. "Dismissed."

~~O~~

Lieutenant Colonel Teldy had ideas and her newest team leaders were more than happy to go along with her recommendations for the make-up of the teams.

John and Evan were pleasantly surprised to find that they and their team members complimented each other quite well…once they got to know one another other. And she made certain that plenty of time was set aside for team-building exercises, workouts, meetings, and so forth to make sure that happened.

At the moment, John and his team were sitting in the Mess Hall going over the results of the most recent round of drills that Caldwell had put them through and working out ways to improve their standing against the other offworld teams. Their musings were interrupted by Chuck's voice coming over the PA.

"Beta, Charlie and Delta teams to Colonel Teldy's office for mission briefing."

~~O~~

Sixteen men and women stood around the Gate Room waiting for their superior to give the order that would allow them to leave the city.

Though they tried to give the appearance of impassivity, John and Evan were excited to finally be going on their first offworld mission. Not that the Genii attacking a village that dared to defy them when they tried to turn them into slave labor was a good thing. But at least Atlantis was in a position to help.

The wormhole whooshed, settled and Teldy gave the order, "Move out!"

Just before they crossed the event horizon, John and Evan exchanged nods and smiles, each knowing the other would always have his back.

The End

A/N: I probably shouldn't mention this but there's an epilogue coming. It's filled with short blurbs on what happens for some of the OC's and canon characters that were in supporting roles. If you have anyone specific you want to hear about, let me know.