Chapter 27: Okay, let's do this dance thing
I'd put it off as long as I could but after the trauma of the Kirsan fever outbreak I finally agreed with John that a party was just what people needed to feel normal again. And so I pulled out all the stops and with Teyla's help finally organised that 'wedding' reception we'd been promising ... complete with invitations both within Atlantis and back on Earth. As the RSVPs came in I became more and more nervous about the whole thing, until the day of the party dawned and I was so worked up I could barely hold myself still.
"What time are they getting here again?" I sat up in bed abruptly, looking down at John in the early hours of the morning.
"Mmm?" John mumbled into his pillow, still more asleep than awake.
"John!" I shook his shoulder impatiently. "When does General Landry gate in?"
"Sabina," John cracked an eye open and groaned when he saw the time. "It's 5am – can't this wait until I don't know ... daylight?!"
"It was your idea that we do this," I reminded him grimly, "and if a bit of sleep loss is the worst you have to suffer then count yourself lucky!"
"It's just a party," John said with a touch of exasperation. "You're taking this way too seriously."
"I told you I was no good at this," I slumped back down miserably. "I hate parties, and I've discovered over the last few days that the only thing I hate worse than parties is having to organise one."
"It'll be fine," John pulled me in close to his side with a sigh. "Besides, you're not running the whole thing yourself – that's what the catering staff is for. I'm sure you've picked nice ... stuff, so it'll all be good."
"You're sure I picked nice stuff?" I propped myself up on one elbow so I could look at him incredulously. "That's the best you can do at propping up my confidence?"
"I'm still half asleep," John excused in amusement. "How about this?" Wrapping his arms around me he rolled us over until he had me pinned beneath him. "I love you Sabina Sheppard and I don't care whether people hate the food or find the music irritating or get annoyed with the decorations ... as long as they leave knowing that one important fact the party's a success in my eyes."
Pulling John down towards me I kissed him with abandon, my heart doubly warmed with the novelty of being a 'Sheppard' too and his view on what the party was about. John reciprocated, his reactions, his purpose making it clear he was more than awake now. Early morning intimacy was always something to keep close at heart but that day it was more than that ... shifting my focus solely to John was exactly what I needed to turn off my silly worries and relax.
I took that relaxation with me the whole day ... every time I felt myself getting nervous I'd remember what John said and end up smiling fondly instead.
It wasn't all nerves. There were people coming from Earth I was really looking forward to seeing ... the anticipation seeing me pacing the Gateroom in the early afternoon, a few minutes before the SGC was due to dial in from the Midway Station. I'd felt almost guilty that everyone we'd invited from Earth had to spend 24 hours there before they could progress to Atlantis ... under new rules courtesy of the IOA because of the Kirsan fever outbreak. It added 48 hours to every round trip back home but that was still a significant improvement on the three weeks it used to take on the Daedalus so I consoled myself that our guests would at least appreciate that.
John came down the steps to stand with me just in time to greet the first arrival, Colonel Carter joining us a moment later.
"General Landry, welcome to Atlantis," Colonel Carter stepped forward with a welcoming smile when the General was the first to appear. John stood to attention, that automatic military reaction he'd probably always have regardless of how laid back things were on Atlantis.
"Colonel Carter, Colonel Sheppard, Sabina," Landry replied, looking around with interest. "It's great to finally have an excuse to come here that the IOA couldn't object to."
"We're glad you could make it Sir," John spoke his welcome for the both of us.
"Speaking of the IOA," I drew John's attention back to the still open wormhole where the next guest was just stepping through, this one someone I hadn't actually wanted to invite.
"Mr Woolsey," Colonel Carter turned towards the latest arrival. "Welcome back to Atlantis."
"It's good to be here as the official representative of the IOA," Woolsey said formally.
"Come on Richard," General Landry earned my eternal gratitude with his next words. "Why don't you show me around the city – let Colonel Sheppard and his wife greet the rest of their guests."
"Of course General," Woolsey looked pleased to have something important to do, something that carried the added kudos of demonstrating that he'd been to the city before.
"We'll see you at the party Sir," John looked to his boss with gratitude of his own. We both then turned back towards the wormhole a final time, waiting for our last two guests to appear.
"General O'Neill," Colonel Carter greeted her former team leader formally, although the smile that reached all the way to her eyes made it clear she was personally glad to see him. "Daniel!" Carter grinned as Daniel swept her up in a big hug.
"Colonel," O'Neill greeted John first and then turned to me. "And Mrs Sheppard ... I must admit I was surprised when I heard you'd actually married this guy."
"He gave me an order I couldn't refuse," I quipped. "Plus you know ... he's hot, so ...,"
"And embarrassed," General O'Neill returned with obvious amusement as he watched John's face redden in reaction.
"It's good of you to come all the way out here like this Sir," John ignored the teasing, speaking respectfully.
"I'd go a lot further than this for really good wedding cake," General O'Neill replied with a faint smirk. "There will be cake, right?"
"Of course General," I laughed at his teasing. "As soon as we got your RSVP I put one of the chefs on that alone – it'll be a masterpiece of cake construction the likes of which you'll probably never see again."
"See now that's only gonna end in disappointment," the General complained. "And I thought we'd agreed you were gonna call me Jack."
"I didn't want to presume," I said easily. "You know, since the city isn't under the control of the Ancients and Mr Woolsey is off showing General Landry around the base."
"Presume away," Jack waved his hand vaguely in the air.
"I think you've hogged our hosts long enough Jack," Daniel stepped up and held out a hand to John. "Colonel Sheppard." He turned to me, raising an eyebrow. "Sabina."
"Hey Indiana," I smiled at his pained expression. "Did you find your Ark yet?"
"No," Daniel stepped forward and hugged me quickly before stepping back again. "It's a work in progress."
"Let's show our guests to their quarters," Colonel Carter suggested, gesturing for Jack to walk with her. Daniel walked beside John and I, looking eagerly around.
"I can't believe I've managed to get back here without anything happening to stop me," he admitted ruefully.
"Probably because it's for something completely frivolous," I joked.
"Probably," Daniel laughed. "How'd the party planning go in the end?"
"I think we all know how much I love party planning," I looked at Daniel and then at John who was holding in a smile with some difficulty. "But I've finally decided that it's our party and if everyone else hates it, too bad."
"We haven't had a real party here since Christmas two years ago," John reminded me. "You could serve hotdogs and beer in a tent on the mainland and have everyone coming back for more."
"Good point," I smiled as we arrived at the room we'd assigned to Daniel. "This is you."
"Thanks guys," Daniel walked inside, looking around curiously.
"We'll just leave you to get settled," I said, "and then ... "
"You've got free run of the city," John told him. "Just don't get lost or distracted because Sabina will have my head if you don't turn up on time tonight."
"Of course," Daniel's expression made it clear that as soon as our backs were turned he'd be out there.
The room next door had been assigned to Jack ... he and Sam had already disappeared inside when we turned to leave Daniel. "Should I check in with General O'Neill?" I asked John uncertainly.
"Jack and Sam will have a lot to catch up on," Daniel answered instead. "I'd give it some time before you offer the grand tour or anything like that."
"Thanks Daniel," I kept my real thoughts to myself but my mind was spinning with the possibilities. The more I thought about it the more I realised the truth of it – if Colonel Carter did have a thing for another military officer then I was almost certain I now knew who. She had good taste ... if Jack were a few years younger and you know, not a General, and if I wasn't completely in love with John I would have totally been into him myself.
oOo
John and I arrived at the party together but were separated soon after when General Landry and Richard Woolsey arrived. I'd done the cowards thing and left John to talk with them after the initial greeting. Much as I liked General Landry I was still wary around Woolsey and didn't want to give him anything he could use against me in the future. The look on John's face as I'd left had said he knew what I was doing and thought I was being just a bit silly, but he let me escape without any outward protests.
John and I had gone for the same outfits we'd worn to actually get married in ... in seemed appropriate under the circumstances, especially since everyone had been personally invited with a request to dress up. That had been my idea ... not that it was something I actively focussed on, but anyone spending time in the city couldn't help but notice we had some seriously hot men stationed there ... none as hot as John of course ... but still, very nice. I'd decided to do the women of Atlantis a favour and give them both a reason to dress up and the chance to admire the men in more formal attire. It made a fun beginning to see how different some people looked wearing something other than their standard Atlantis uniforms.
"Did I thank you for your help?" I asked Teyla, sitting down for a moment at Team Sheppard's table soon after the party started. Ronan had ignored my request and dressed in his usual attire but Teyla had chosen a delicate blue shirt with flared sheer sleeves and a matching skirt that accentuated her colouring. Even Rodney had made an effort, swapping his usual fleecy pullover and pants for a nice dress shirt and trousers.
"Many times," Teyla replied with a smile. "I was more than happy to assist you, particularly for such a worthwhile event."
"Yeah it kind of bothers me that people are seeing this as a morale booster instead of just a party," I admitted. "I hope it's not a complete flop."
"Oh please," Rodney said incredulously. "The standard for these things isn't exactly that high you know." Before I could respond he was getting up, his attention on the doorway. "Hey – there's Katie – I think I'll go ask her to dance."
"It's just a party," Ronon looked at me intently once Rodney was gone. "Don't make it any more than that."
"What, like a statement to the IOA and the SGC on the success of John and I being married and still stationed here together?" I asked sarcastically. "Now why would I be doing that?"
"Mr Woolsey is a reasonable man," Teyla said simply. "I know you have had concerns about him in the past but I believe he genuinely wishes the best for everyone on Atlantis."
"Yeah, according to his definition of what 'best' means," I added, relenting with a sigh when Teyla looked at me pointedly. "Okay, you're right – he doesn't know me but I don't know him either."
I'd been keeping my eye on John's conversation with General Landry and Richard Woolsey and sighed when he caught my eye and wordlessly let me know he expected me to join them again.
"Duty calls guys," I said, getting up and turning to smile at Ronon and Teyla. "Enjoy the party."
"Remember that it is your party to enjoy as well," Teyla urged with a smile. Nodding wordlessly I got up and went to play 'military wife'.
oOo
The party had been in full swing for a couple of hours before I finally felt justified in labelling it a success. There was a low buzz of conversation, couples dancing while small groups of people sat together talking and laughing. John and I spent most of our time visiting each group of guests, joining in and listening as a variety of conversations were held. It seemed that holding a wedding reception made people think they could comment on practically anything – we had topics ranging from opinions on the unique challenges of marriage in the Pegasus galaxy to requests for inside information on our plans for children ... for the purpose of scooping the betting pool of all things.
"And did someone scoop the pool on the wedding?" I asked Chuck curiously.
"Elopement back on Earth was a favourite with a number of punters," Chuck admitted freely, "but when you take into account the timing there was one clear winner."
"Who?" John asked with interest.
"Major Lorne," Chuck smiled at my incredulous look. "I'm not surprised you didn't see that one coming Ma'am. I was in the Control Room the day you arrived home and if I hadn't known the bets already placed I never would have suspected the Major."
"He knew he had the winning bet and he still gave me a hard time for not inviting him?" I looked around the room, trying to spot Evan amidst the crowd.
"Go easy on him," John said in amusement. "Seems he knows you pretty well."
"More like he had inside information," I countered. "There really should be rules about that ...," I stopped suddenly when I realised what I was saying. "I can't believe I'm talking about the betting pool like this – especially since everyone seems to be betting on us!"
"That's a good point," John raised an eyebrow at Chuck as he continued. "What else are people betting on these days?"
"Just the usual Sir," Chuck dismissed. "Who's hooking up with whom, which team's next up to be late checking in and for what reason, stuff like that."
"I would have thought that last one wouldn't have much competition," I looked at John teasingly. "Wouldn't most people be betting on Team Sheppard?"
"You'd be surprised at the number of different reasons people come up with," Chuck didn't deny John's team was seen as most likely to run into trouble.
"Anyone betting on Major Lorne for anything?" I asked hopefully.
"There were some bets regarding him and Teyla for a while there," Chuck admitted. "Rumour has it Teyla hooked up with someone from New Athos recently so that's kinda died away now."
"Teyla's got a boyfriend?" John asked in surprise. "She never mentioned anything."
"She wouldn't!" I scoffed at the idea. "Between you and Rodney she'd never hear the end of it."
"Tough but fair," John agreed easily. "Speaking of Major Lorne, he's heading over here now."
"Sabina, Sir," Evan greeted us almost formally. "Would you mind if I asked your wife to dance Sir?"
"Not at all," John waved a hand expansively, urging me to go with it. John and I had previously agreed we'd save dancing together for the end of the party since it'd make a nice segue way into ... other activities.
"I'm not sure I should dance with you," I looked up at Evan mutinously. "Not after I just heard you made quite a profit from John and I eloping."
"I wonder where you heard that," the Major glared at Chuck who had the grace to look slightly sheepish.
"Dance with the man Sabina," I raised an eyebrow at John's cavalier attitude. "What?" he looked at me in amusement. "Would you have preferred someone else ... someone not on your team to scoop the pool?"
"Good point," I stood up abruptly, deciding to let Evan off the hook. Putting a hand on the table beside John I leaned in and planted a kiss full of promise on him. "Don't go anywhere," I ordered before turning back to Major Lorne. "Okay, let's do this dance thing."
Author's Note:
Next Up? Fortunate Journey Season 4 Chapter 28