Start Epilogue Part 1
A/N Most European cities have a New version in the Americas New York while the most famous isn't the only one. I didn't make a mistake there.
"Rodney, how was Earth?" Teyla asked as he stepped through the gate.
"Good, New New York, New New London, and New New Paris are almost done, the rest should be done by next month."
"Parliament?"
"Completed and submerged."
"So you were able to successfully build ZPMs?"
"Yeah, how's Ronon?"
"He is bored, he misses the old days." She sighed, she was bored to.
"Well I imagine he doesn't have much to do considering he's the military commander of a peaceful galaxy. How are you?"
"I am well, although I must admit I find some of our practices disconcerting."
"Like what?"
"We basically force planets to join us or we destroy them."
"They haven't updated that yet?"
"What do you mean?"
"They're supposed to make it so that we would just isolate the planet not destroy it, more in line with our charter that way."
"Yes, well I have seen several planets attacked and even one glassed because they refused to join."
"Wait they glassed a planet?" Rodney was surprisingly angry.
"Yes," she said sadly.
"Did they have a reason?"
"They killed the delegation sent to the planet."
He nodded in understanding, there had been a huge uproar when they had been killed. "Oh that planet, they glassed it?"
"Yes Rodney that's what I've been telling you."
"That planet was filled with a bunch of pirates and scoundrels."
"That does not excuse your actions."
"Rogue Genii had sold them a nuclear weapon."
"What did we do to the Genii?"
"They're alive probably on P3X-2479."
"That is the ice planet with the space gate?"
"Yeah the prison planet."
"Have you seen John?" Rodney asked as they headed out onto the balcony.
She blushed slightly as she remembered the last time she had seen him, "yes a few times."
"Do you know what he thought about us?"
"We did not spend much time discussing politics."
"Oh, are you ever going to come to Earth? We'd love for you to meet the twins." Katie had given birth the month before.
"I am very busy Rodney, but I'll try and visit soon."
"Ok, how's the integration of the planets going?"
"With a few exceptions very well, Athos has taken a lead role."
"How are your people?"
"Well, they are trading again and our first city is set to be completed at the end of the quarter."
"You're doing finance reports?"
She smiled, "yes as I said I'm very busy."
"Atlantis is still as beautiful as ever."
"Lanti tries."
"She still around?"
"Oh yes she was very excited last month when you said you'd managed to create your own AI."
"Lanti I've got it on me if you want to install it."
She appeared smiling at him, "thank you."
***
John smiled at her as she prepared to head to Earth for the first time. "Tey you sure you don't want me to stay? Or come with you?"
She pulled her top on, "I think you'd be recognized pretty quickly and we both know they'd have a billion questions for you."
"We could just stay in the hotel."
"I have to give my report and Rodney and Katie have invited me to spend time with them."
"Well if you ever get lonely just call me."
"How's Morgan?"
"Good, she should win her seat back next month and the Ancients have finally completed their information superhighway."
"Good, how have you been?"
"Fine, it gets a bit boring and lonely up there though."
He pulled her down into a kiss, "No, John we had all night together and I've really have to go."
He smiled at her.
"I have to go, they need me to give a report on the progress in Pegasus."
"Stay here and give me the report."
"John," she said as she pulled on her coat and headed to the door.
"You going to be here when I get back?"
"Maybe."
She walked out smiling at him.
***
Teyla flipped through the contents of her folder, "it's been almost two years since your program was started."
"Yes."
"Ms. Emmagan how has it fared?"
"Sheppard."
"Excuse me?"
"Call me Mrs. Sheppard."
"I'm sorry I was unaware you were married."
She ignored her apology, "The program has been very successful we have three planets which should be able to rival Earth within the decade and most of the others will be on track to become productive members."
"That seems a little sluggish only 3 planets on track to becoming equal to Earth."
"How has the Milky Way fared?"
"All planets are on target to meet production goals with 5 approaching Earth level capabilities within a decade."
"Do those numbers include the Jaffa worlds?"
"Yes."
"Those Jaffa planets have had years to create working advanced societies we've only been without the Wraith for a little over two years."
"Perhaps but I think you could have done more to achieve your quotas."
"I exceeded my quotas."
"Oh."
"Anything else?"
"Yes, what is your relationship with John Sheppard?"
"What do you mean?"
"Do you see him often? I assume you took his last name?"
"I see him from time to time, and is it not a custom among your people to take the last name of one's husband?"
The bureaucrat nodded, "what does he say about us?" Another asked earnestly.
"We usually do not speak of politics."
"But you do rarely?"
"We have spoken of them."
"What did he think of us? Did he say we were doing a good job?"
Teyla sighed some people here had a near god like reverence for John. Her steely gaze fixed on the weak bureaucrat, "When I am with John we generally discuss my efforts in politics such as the progress of Pegasus. We do not spend our time debating tax policy and trade negotiation progress. There are also other things that we prefer to do together."
"Such as?" the same politician asked.
"Who was the idiot who put Mr. Alnip on this committee?" A formerly silent politician asked. "Are you really so stupid that you're going to ask Teyla what her and her husband do during their alone time?"
"What? Well I just-"
"Just what? Wanted to get some good stories to tell your drinking friends? You might have a brain for numbers but that won't keep you safe forever."
"Hey he's earned his position, he was duly elected by the people."
"The people of what planet? Oh that's right P7C-9126 a SCIENCE planet where everyone else is too busy to run for office."
"I was duly elected by the people."
"Oh shut it, I'm not going to have you removed from office just take your seat and learn your place."
He glared at Teyla's protector but closed his mouth and simply sat staring at her for the remainder of the meeting.
"Teyla, thank you for your time and in the future if you could possibly ask John what he thinks of us; he does have an official position and if he wanted to appear in it more often that would be fine with us."
Teyla smiled, "you really wish to know what he thinks of you."
"Of all of our policies not me specifically."
"Ok, John."
The committee stared at her perplexed.
"Wait a minute."
Teyla was vindicated a moment later when the council door was opened contrary to procedure, the chamber was sealed while in session. John walked through calmly wearing a self satisfying smile, "how are you today my love?"
"Well John."
"What's up?"
"They are curious about your opinion on their government."
John rolled his eyes, "you are doing fine perhaps be a little more understanding of planets that don't want to join you but your current policies are within the range."
"It is an honour to meet you."
"Thank you, good luck with the ruling."
"Wait, we would like to go over several other matters."
"Teyla…"
"Goodbye John."
"Sorry."
Teyla turned back to them hoping their curiosity was satisfied for the moment. "Anything else?"
"There will be a party to celebrate our new treaty with the Jaffa in two days and we would like you to attend."
"Send the invitation to my hotel room."
***
"You look great," Ronon said as she turned around in the mirror.
"I do not share your optimism," Teyla frowned at her appearance in the mirror.
"John gonna be there?"
"Perhaps."
Ronon shot her a knowing look, "Why haven't you accepted his offer yet?"
"I have things to do. You should get ready."
Ronon shrugged, "figured I'd just go like this."
"You are going to an Earth dinner party."
"I don't have any suits."
"Woolsey had me pick up a tuxedo while I was on Earth."
Ronon stared at her as she handed him the tuxedo, "I don't care what you make me put on I'm not going to fit in."
"Take it up with Mr. Woolsey."
Ronon retreated from her quarters. "Lanti."
"Yes, Teyla."
"Give me a status report on Larphtia."
"Negotiations are proceeding although their progress has slowed current projections put them joining in 2 weeks or declining in 3 days."
"Update me with the new projections after the days conclude."
"They've returned to their planet for day to consult with their leaders."
"If they return message me regardless of where I am."
Teyla headed down to her personal control room where all of her work was located. "Any other updates?"
"Rodney's AI is finally coming out of its shell, there have been a few new medical advances today, the markets are up again, and Lorne will be commanding a strike team to root out a rogue genii base."
"How are Rodney's R&D projects going?"
"For reverse engineering my weapons systems nowhere; for his normal projects they're proceeding along normally."
"Thank you."
"Teyla Earth has enacted some new protocols for tonight so please don't wait until the last minute. Remember the people there are going to be trying to kill their opponents and some might have friends who want your job."
"They can have it."
"Teyla…"
"Lanti I've been in politics my entire life but this time I've got a secret weapon."
"John."
"I bring him up and they'll be so distracted they'll forget I even exist."
Lanti nodded and disappeared.
Mission to Sivos
"Please come this way our king has graciously decided to grant you an audience," one of his numerous attendants called from an upper balcony out into the courtyard where Teyla and her negotiating team waited. Teyla packed up her bags and headed inside with Ronon's men guarding her and her team she didn't even bother carrying a P90 with her anymore just a simple sidearm on first contact missions.
"Teyla I know you have experience with this kind of stuff and all but do you think I can take the lead in these negotiations?"
Teyla nodded tiredly she was beat after days of negotiating with another planet that had been adamant about maintaining some of their antiquated ceremonies. She had personally wanted to lock the planet out after first discovering that they liked to sacrifice people to the Ancients.
They walked through a series of chambers that were lined with guards armed with swords and spears. As they proceeded deeper the spears and swords were gradually replaced with guns that were obviously there for more than simple show. They finally came to a grand door that was several meters high; it parted for them as the ascended the staircase leading up to it. Once inside the grandiose chamber Teyla was awed by the vast display of wealth and power. The king's court was filled with elaborate tapestries, numerous dancers, soldiers dressed in intricate uniforms, and numerous gold plated objects ranging from chairs to cups. The throne appeared to be made out of gold and then gemstones were implanted into it in a swirling formation.
"Good you have-my, my you're quite an exquisite gift," Teyla looked at the king who was sitting next to his wife. She was immediately put on guard as the king advanced on her ignoring his queen. The queen didn't even seem to notice that her husband was ogling another woman only yards away from her. Teyla immediately took pity on the woman who was trapped in a marriage to a man who Teyla had already developed a distaste for.
"King John it is an honor to meet you. I'm Henry lead negotiator for this team."
"Yes I'm sure you're wonderful, but who is this beauty?" The king said staring rather inappropriately at Teyla.
Teyla rolled her eyes, "I am Teyla Emmagan minister of interplanetary relations for the UHR." She used her maiden last name for trading in Pegasus as many people knew of the Athosians and her father but few knew of her relationship with John or what John really was.
"UER?"
"United Earth Republic," her protégé answered attempting to retake the lead on the negotiations.
"Hmmm and have you come to join my royal court?" He grinned lecherously at Teyla.
"No, I have come to observe my protégé during his first lead on a first contact mission."
"Perhaps you will stay though?" He eyes still hadn't made their way above her neck.
She rolled her eyes already tired of dealing with him, "No."
"I think you will."
"I won't."
"You would make a wonderful addition to my harem," She was becoming angry with the king.
"I will not be staying with you."
The king turned back towards Henry, "perhaps we can negotiate for her?"
"No."
"It is the only thing you have that is of value to me."
"We have technology and resources that would greatly aid your civilization."
"I want her and only her."
Teyla was seething, she would have loved to see this man's kingdom burn, but she knew that would be unfair to the thousands of innocents who would be killed. "Look we don't trade our people away and if you're even thinking about kidnapping her you should know that we stop at nothing to get our people back." Teyla smiled at her protégé's protectiveness.
"You have nothing else to offer me besides your women," the king flashed her a smile that made her feel nauseous. She realized that this would not end well this guy would not be willing to give her up.
"Then we're leaving." He said.
"You can. She's not."
Ronon's men immediately brought up their weapons and moved to cover her and her team.
"Lower your weapons no one needs to be harmed here the rest of you are free to go apart from Teyla, and you," he pointed to the only female marine. They kept their weapons up eying their targets anxiously.
"Lower your weapons I am sure we can work out some sort of deal," Teyla calmly told the soldiers.
"Ma'am are you sure?"
"Yes captain I believe we will be safe."
He shook his head but complied with her request, "happy now?"
The king smiled at the soldiers who were obviously unhappy about being forced to surrender.
"You should know my mate will not be pleased with your actions."
"You are bonded?"
"Yes."
"No matter I am sure he can find another."
Teyla remained silent her eyes giving him a last chance to save himself.
"What is his name?"
She smiled, "John, John Sheppard."
"His deeds are well known although I heard he disappeared perhaps I can give you some much needed companionship."
"Oh he hasn't disappeared in fact he should be here shortly."
"No one can get past my guards without my authorization."
John chose that moment to make his entrance. Two guards exploded through the giant doors and a solitary figure ascended the steps up to his court. She recognized him immediately, "last chance."
"I…What is the meaning of this?"
Teyla shook her head, it was too late.
"You have attempted to kidnap, forcibly marry, and then rape my mate I suggest you don't speak and perhaps I'll simply kill you."
"GUARDS." More guards streamed from behind his throne out into the room and aimed their weapons at John.
He flicked his wrist at them in a dismissive fashion and the weapons disappeared, "fools." He calmly strode from one end of the hall to the other as one of the guards charged him. The guard attempted to punch John but was proved far to slow as John dodged the punch grabbed his arm, broke it, spun him around, twisted his arm behind his back, knocked him down, and broke his neck in one a matter of seconds. The king looked horrified at John's display of physical prowess and unsympathetic nature.
He glanced around the chamber at the horde of guards, "I suggest you don't try that again."
They took a collective step back leaving their king to fend for himself. John approached the Lantean group and smiled, "I already notified Atlantis they're sending an extraction team to pick you up they should be here within the hour."
They stared awestruck at him. "Thank you, sir," one of John's old soldiers said for the rest of them.
"Hello John."
"How are you Teyla?"
"Thank you for coming," while she would have liked to have avoided bothering him she was still angry at herself for how she had behaved at the party and wanted to take every opportunity to thank John.
"Thanks for not waiting so long." He walked over to her wanting to kiss her for the first time since the party.
"I won't make that mistake again." She smiled as they shared their first kiss in months.
As it ended he turned to the king, "and now you."
"Well since she is in fact already bonded she is free to go."
"No."
"I can have her?" The king was shocked he'd never had the leader of another world offer his mate to him.
"No, you're not going to have anyone ever again."
"I apologize for my actions towards your mate I didn't know."
"Your actions are inexcusable and your very existence offends me," John's eyes were now a cool orange color purposely changed to reflect his temper.
"Surely we can work out some sort of arrangement…"
"Are you next in line to the throne?" John asked looking the Queen who appeared to be amused by the situation.
"Well technically although my son will become the next king when he becomes of age."
John looked back at the king, "looks like your obsolete."
"What? I-No you can't do this to me-"
Teyla stepped up placing a calming hand on John's shoulder, "let me do this…please." She whispered in his ear.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
John nodded but didn't move from his spot.
"I find you in violation of UHR law and you will now be escorted back to Atlantis to stand trial for your crimes."
"Wait." His wife called from her throne, "allow me to at least have one last goodbye."
She walked over to his throne and grabbed something before heading over to the king.
John and Teyla walked away confident that King John wouldn't try and escape. His wife walked up to him and revealed what she had taken from his throne. His favorite pistol. "Thank you Linara once the leader is dead the rest will surrender to me," He whispered to her.
"This isn't for you, it's for me." She raised her weapon aiming it at his head and pulled the trigger getting the revenge she had so richly wanted since she had first caught her eyes as a teenager and been forced to marry him.
John and Teyla spun around shocked by the gunshot and the military escort raised their weapons at her preparing to fire should she seem the threaten any of their people.
"Bastard." She tossed the gun away reassuring everyone that she was simply going to kill him.
"You could have let us take him."
"You saw what he was going to do to you, he's been doing that to me for years."
"Please you may return home we have much to do the tyrant has ruled over this world for many, many years and we must adjust to life without him."
Henry spoke up, "We'd still like you to join."
"Come back another month to renegotiate."
"Thank you," he extended his hand.
She shook his hand, "please you may wait outside for your people."
"Thank you and good luck." They moved quickly towards the exit.
***
The jumpers had arrived about half an hour later and the team was now boarding.
"Goodbye John, it was good to see you again."
"Goodbye Teyla." John gave her a quick goodbye kiss before she boarded the jumper and then disappeared back to his normal realm.
***
Teyla stood in her quarters dressed in the same clothes she had been wearing years previously when she and John had first met. She stood next to the table in John's quarters finishing a note which she than left open on the table. With that finished she picked up the pistol off the table and closely inspected it.
End Epilogue Part I