While John and most of his team were on vacation Rodney, Jennifer and Sam had time together. Sam was thoroughly intrigued by several pieces they found in storage. A lot of the writing was early ancient and she knew Daniel would be able to help when he got there. Sam had to admit she had missed Daniel. She had only seen him in passing from leaving the George Hammond to Atlantis. Of course, at the time they didn't know just how many items were to be found, and now his appearance would be a welcoming sight for all involved.
When Daniel finally arrived it seemed like everything was going smoothly. He could easily read the ancient records and they were figuring out what more and more of the items did. A lot of things were simply outdated, but they found a few useful items to study. Sam and Daniel would spend hours debating how some of the items worked. Rodney wouldn't even intervene during those times knowing to leave the two alone. Rodney had to laugh because Daniel and Sam reminded him of Jeannie and himself.
Rodney had wished Jeanie was with him at that moment. Although he had recently seen her, she would love to be a part of this. He wondered since it would be on the moon if Jeanie would be more open to an active role in the city. Rodney had found that he was longing for the Pegasus galaxy. He wouldn't admit that to anyone. So many people were happy to be home but there was something about Atlantis being on Earth that made it feel like it didn't really matter anymore. He did love his friends and Atlantis was the first place he felt like he truly belonged. Now, here on Earth he somehow thought that it would change people for the worst and he hoped that he wouldn't suddenly lose everyone.
Rodney and Jennifer had been more than fine since returning to Atlantis. Rodney couldn't believe his luck even with all the sorting and collecting and rearranging he still had Jennifer to himself every night. He loved the fact they would cuddle close and fall asleep together. He had never been this close to anyone and Jennifer still gave him butterflies after a long day and she would fall into his arms. He wasn't sure how she had grown to love him. Rodney knew how easy it was to fall for her, but everyone fell for Jennifer.
The week went quickly and they had everything tagged sorted some things were sent to Area 51 some to the SGC and several items were left on Atlantis. The biggest find was directions on how a ZPM was made. They didn't have any of the materials as described and never heard of some of the things, so the next step was trying to figure out what it was or if there was something comparable to what the ancients had back then. They had also found several crystals and storage devices with even more information than Atlantis had previously shown them.
Rodney had to admit that he missed Sam on Atlantis. Although he begrudgingly admitted that some of his scientists were close to his wit, Sam and he had always been on the same thought process even when Sam couldn't stand him. Rodney had found an easy-going friendship. They could both easily trigger one another but they were learning to attempt to bite their tongue and at least give each other a chance when they happened to disagree. Rodney was trying his best to learn to be optimistic and by all means, being in Atlantis for 5 years he should be, but he couldn't ever get rid of the sense of impending doom all around him. He was a great pessimist and felt even with his and Jennifer's relationship there would be nothing to shake that from him.
When John, Teyla, Ronon, and Torren came back Rodney couldn't help but have some relief. John had a way of getting into trouble even in the safest of locations. Rodney hadn't bonded well with Teyla's baby but would never wish anything bad to happen to the little boy. Rodney hoped Torren would learn to his mother's good senses and not get manipulated by John and Ronon. Rodney wondered if he should spend more time with the boy just so he could have some equal footing.
"Welcome back, what did you guys think?" Sam asked the group more towards Ronon and Teyla.
"It was interesting, we have brought several entertainment options," Teyla claimed as she looked back at the large boxes some people had been carrying back to the large common room near the control room.
Sam smiled knowing that even though they could request things, they never knew when they would get it, and some things were better left to get on your own.
"John, are you going to drink all that before you retire?" Sam asks as he was carrying 2 30 packs of Coke and there were more to be seen coming in.
"Canned Soda stays good forever, they'd never let me ask for this much, and I know this thing is supposed to just be going to the moon, but I don't know Atlantis has a funny way of telling me things might not end up that way," John claimed.
"What do you mean?" Sam asks suddenly worried.
"I can't describe it, it's like it knows what is happening and it's not okay with the idea," John stated.
"Wait you can talk to Atlantis?" Sam asks.
"Once again, it's hard to explain it's not talking or thinking it's just there. There is this hum and it's a little bit off now so something is not up to par, but I can't say what or why." John claimed.
Sam frowned, never in her time at Atlantis had John mentioned that. It kind of hurt that he wouldn't have said anything before today. At the same time, Sam is sure several people would think he is crazy even if they'd been on Atlantis. Sam had no such thoughts or feelings, she trusted John and could easily picture Jack saying the same thing, or keeping to himself. So Sam doesn't say anything and does her best to hide her surprise.
Sam would be leaving soon back to the SGC, to see what the next step was. She had wished to go back to Atlantis now that it would be on the moon there wouldn't be much in the way of her and Jack. He did have a few more months until retirement like she told Rodney, and eventually Jennifer. When Jennifer heard the news from Sam, Jennifer seemed more excited than Sam felt. Sam had been waiting so long that she was fearful the day wouldn't come and wasn't going to hold out hope until Jack O'Neill grabbed her around her waist and kissed her lips to celebrate his retirement.
Sam had packed her things and was leaving the next morning with all of Atlantis's crew back on board she was happy catching up and having a few moments of calm before making the trip to the moon.
The landing on the moon had been relatively easy they had enough power for the shield and cloaking device but it didn't go off without a hitch. Sam had been asked to split time between the SGC and Atlantis. She didn't go with them as the city left Earth's atmosphere and headed to the moon, but was beamed onto Atlantis when they found out the shields weren't holding. Oxygen was being sucked out of the city. It never got too dangerous levels of oxygen deprivation but several people reported dizziness and being lightheaded. Sam and Rodney, as well as the crew, acted quickly to restore oxygen levels and within 24 hours of Atlantis being on the moon, it seemed everything was within order for the moment.
Jennifer was busy in the infirmary treating people for lack of oxygen. No one was in severe distress but several people went to get supplemental oxygen running several cannulas from one oxygen tank. Carson was better at calming people and Jennifer was trying her best to get people to stop thinking so much about the lack of oxygen. When Jennifer finally made it to the shared quarters she went straight to the bathroom, ignoring Rodney, and turned on the shower.
Rodney frowned knowing that Jennifer was in no mood to hear how he and Sam saved the day. He knew that she had worked hard and that she was overwhelmed. Although it was not life-threatening he knew best that people easily panic, specifically scientists like himself. Rodney gave her a few minutes and then lightly tapped on the door.
"Do you need anything?" Rodney asked.
Jennifer was shocked that Rodney had asked. Jennifer did love the man dearly but with that, came the price of knowing that Rodney McKay was not always the best at reading people or the best at finding the right words to say.
Jennifer smiled at his voice.
"No, just you," Jennifer claimed.
Rodney smiled. Throughout his life, he never considered himself enough. His parents had always wanted more when he was excelling and outsmarting men when he was just a kid his parents would say "That's not how you make friends Rodney!" When he had brought some friends home, "If you slack off you're not going to make it." When he graduated with his doctorate at 20, "Well why not become a real doctor you'll make more money that way." When he went back and got his second doctorate "What are you trying to prove Rodney, we get it you're smart." When he brought home his first serious girlfriend when he was 22 his dad quickly told him "not to throw his life away building a family and not following through on his dream as he had."
When Rodney was hired for the SGC, he finally felt that someone needed him. He never knew that his theory and research would be Earth-saving. When he first met Sam, he had felt the need to be arrogant, cocky, and unwavering. He had to prove that he was needed and deserved the spot at the SGC just as much as anyone else. That got him stuck in Russia. He was mad that once again he was being punished for knowing too much. After a few months though he realized that Russia was just trying to keep up with the US, and wanted information just as much. He had been concerned for his safety a few times during his stay. He knew he was walking a fine line, and he wasn't sure if there was an "accident" that the United States would ever investigate.
Now, Rodney felt that people at Atlantis although often annoyed with the man, understood him more than anyone else had. When Jennifer came it was as if she had known him his whole life. He wished that he had known Jennifer his whole life, maybe things would have worked out better for him.
Rodney had loved working at Atlantis but even there with friends, he was pressured to find solutions to problems a human had never had before. He felt inadequate because sometimes the most he could do wasn't enough. Sometimes time wasn't on their side and someone got seriously injured or died
Jennifer had pointed out character flaws and helped in times of need. She would mention when she didn't think things were a good idea but she never condoned him. She had a way of healing him that no one else had. He had been learning because of her and Rodney felt that this woman has taught him more than everyone he's ever met combined, and had nothing to do with academics. He was truly in awe of her. He couldn't wait to have the woman he loved in his arms as she quickly fell asleep after a long night.
It had taken a few days but Rodney and Jennifer had found the time to have a picnic overlooking Earth.
"See, just like I said purely romantic," Jennifer said.
"Yeah…" He said breathlessly.
The two had time to look out the window with the blue orb out in the distance. Rodney almost felt further away on the moon than he did on in the Pegasus galaxy. The earth glimmering in the background is a constant reminder he isn't on Earth. Not that Atlantis felt like Earth either but there were times he could just imagine he was in a giant remote resort of some kind, that home was just out there. Now he could physically the planet where he once resided. It was very strange indeed. As they stared onto Earth they could see Africa and some cloud coverage. It truly was breathtaking. As they enjoyed their time eating a variety of food, Jennifer started talking about her childhood.
"I remember when I was in Kindergarten, and we were learning about the planets. The teacher had read a book with the different planets, and I argued they couldn't be represented properly in a book, because the book was flat and the planets were round."
Rodney smiled.
"I wish I could tell you a Kindergarten story, I don't remember it. School was always such a blur to me, the academics were a cakewalk, but the social aspect not so much, so I just tend to bury all that away." Rodney said in a sad voice.
Jennifer looked down knowing how hard it was for her, and she thought that for Rodney it may have been even worse. Rodney didn't have a loving family back home except for Jeanie so to take it from all angles it had to be rough. She had her dad at least and some other family members. She had a best friend Kaitlyn a girl who lives across the street the same age as her. Unlike most of the other kids Kaitlyn thought it was "cool" Jennifer was so smart. They still were friends to this day. Kaitlyn now lived in New York City and they had kept in contact. When Jennifer told Katilyn she was working with the government and couldn't say what she was doing Kaitlyn laughed and said "I wouldn't expect anything less, so you come to find me when you can. I'll be waiting." Jennifer loved that Kaitlyn always knew exactly the right words to comfort her.
Jennifer and Rodney had been together for some time. It wasn't strained in any way but it was rare for them to talk about their past. Partly because Rodney didn't like talking about his childhood and partly because there was always some crazy crisis that became the topic instead of anything else.
"Rodney, I am sorry you didn't have the same experience growing up."
Rodney looked at her, "Yeah well I probably wouldn't be here with you right now if I hadn't so, I guess there is that."
Jennifer smiled.
They continued looking out over the Earth, with the food gone, Jennifer stood up and sat in Rodney's lap. She thought for sure he'd tell her that she was crushing him but instead he wrapped his arms around her and watched as the Earth turned.
Because Atlantis was on the moon it gave an unprecedented opportunity for all kinds of different experiments that researchers had wanted to do for years all over the globe. With Atlantis on the moon, several countries demanded that their best and brightest scientists be on board to carry out top-of-the-line experiments. With that came some language barriers and confusion as the new members confused transporters and ended up on the whole other side of the city. There was a lot of confusion but overall a happy, healthy crew.
John had more than one admirer from the slew of new crew members. He rolled his eyes when Sarah Lingam asked him out. She was fine and exactly his type. He couldn't describe it. If it had been five years ago he'd been all over her but there was something different. There had been minor threats in the past few weeks since they'd been on the moon but it wasn't Wraith, it wasn't anything his military experience could help. First was the oxygen levels, then about a week later an asteroid was coming directly at the moon. Luckily the trajectory was just off it did hit Earth, the atmosphere burned most of it up before it hit the ocean with no one the wiser. He guessed after learning everything he has in the universe he was even more particular about his next relationship.
When Sandra Wells had asked him out he immediately told her he was taken. John wasn't sure why he said that but hoped that maybe a rumor would fly around and the woman would stop asking. Then, he found out that Lydia Johnson was wondering if John and his mystery mate were interested in a polyamorous relationship and he closed his eyes and quickly said no thank you, and then got a history lesson about human relationships until he could come up with an excuse to leave her presence.
John could tell Ronon was getting cabin fever even though they had only been there two weeks. He understood, he wished they were back on Pegasus or hell even back on Earth to go through the gate. John was in an interesting position, several of the military staff on Atlantis now got to go back and forth and were planned to regularly go to the SGC and continue missions but being in charge of Atlantis he couldn't leave the ship. Although Ronon had proved himself time and time again in Atlantis, the US government thought that although it was fine with him to proceed with John and his team, he wouldn't be able to stick with the members of the SGC therefore he was also left to stay on Atlantis as well. They also said the same thing about Teyla. With Rodney being the only other member of his team, it left all of them in the city, with Rodney being the only one to have a whole lot of work to do.
Because of this John, Ronon and Teyla had found themselves sparing regularly, working out together and spending a lot of time with one another. They made sure to rope in Rodney at least a few times a week even if they regretted it 15 minutes later.
The only redeeming quality this had at least in John's eyes was that Teyla had plenty of time with Torren. It was time she would never get back. John's mother was regularly out of the picture his whole life, of course, he wasn't sure if she was around when he was Torren's age. If John had to describe his mother he would say, she was around when it was convenient for her. She would make sure she showed off her "cute little boy" when it suited her. Most of the time he was in the house with a nanny who cared more for him than either parent seemed to.
John wondered for a second if his parents were still alive. Elizabeth had talked to him early on in the expedition about the possibility of reconnecting. He had wished it was that easy, but nothing like that ever was. He had mourned the loss of his parents already. He was over it and it was time to move on. Even if they knew exactly what he was doing, they would scoff that it didn't bring in any money. They would roll their eyes at his sense of adventure and they would surely complain he hadn't found a suitable partner to "settle down with." He shook his head out of his thoughts wondering if or when he would be needed for more than just a way to turn on a new device.
Teyla had found for the first time in years she was able to relax. She knew Atlantis was the safest place for her and Torren to be. She did want to see her people once more, but so many on Atlantis have become her people. She wished to show Torren to the village but she had a feeling that Atlantis and Earth would always be home to him. She wasn't upset by the fact and seemed to want that for herself more and more. She loved her people and her culture but this was the adventure she'd always been waiting for. Teyla had spent a lot of time looking out onto the Earth. She still couldn't conceive how many people were on the planet and the majority had no idea how close they had come to full extinction and only this last time was the wraith. It showed her just how much difference she had and she wondered if the saying she had heard John saw was true "Ignorance is bliss."
She had been happy on her planet before she met John and the rest of the Atlantis crew. When they very first met she thought the people would just be another trade, an ally, yet another planet culled by the wraith. She thought they may be able to share crops and medicine. When she had come to realize the full meaning of the Atlantis Expedition she still never thought she would join in. Her people needed her, she thought. She was wrong though they'd survive. If she had been culled there would be another to step into her place. She could not imagine life now without Earth, without all the worlds she has seen. She could never go back and stay with her people. She hated that she couldn't stay there long term, but knowing what she knows now, she just couldn't go back to the way things were.
Atlantis was inviting more and more people from Earth, the population at any one time now doubled as people were transported to and from the moon. John had wondered when this expedition was going to turn into an old 50s sci-fi thriller. He hoped it didn't end like one though. John had to admit it was nice to see Sam back and forth. She seemed lighter a little more carefree but still very military. John had to guess she has mellowed throughout the years due to the fact she finally feels she no longer has to prove herself. John especially enjoyed when Sam, and Daniel were both on Atlantis and Rodney would come up with a theory instantly shot down by one or both of them.
Daniel and Sam had been a rarity but John did enjoy seeing Daniel's enthusiasm like a kid on Christmas despite being there several times it was like Atlantis was a shiny new toy every time he showed up. Although John didn't know Daniel too much, he knew Daniel had a greater appreciation for the universe as a whole. John could not deny that ascended beings existed but he couldn't quite wrap his head around a higher plane, other than the heaven he was told about as a child. It didn't seem like Daniel's experience was all that heavenly. Looking at Daniel reminded him of his mortality and as much as he liked Dr. Daniel Jackson he never could stay with him too long before thinking too much into everything the man had been through.
Sam had been counting down the days, she was extremely grateful to be back on Earth, and still able to go to Atlantis, she felt for the first time she could have it all. Her father's words still ring in her ears. She still missed her dad every single day. Sometimes she would still expect him to walk through the gate. She had been told that General Hank Landry would be retiring soon. She was the next in line and was expected to lead the SGC. She couldn't believe she was going to move up the rank to General. She wasn't supposed to know any of this, at least not yet but when you're fiance had connections, and blurts things out loud with no regard to the regulations, you can't help but get caught up in everything.
Sam wasn't sure how General was going to be. She had always done paperwork a lot of paperwork, but becoming General that would be her number one job, and the experiments and trips through the gate would sit on the back burner. She didn't feel old enough to be General at least not yet, but she had her time in, she had a nearly spotless record and she felt like she was the best for the position. She had mixed feelings but it was truly an honor and she couldn't wait for the latest step which apparently would be happening in 6 short months.
Sam knew Jack had told her about the arrangements because he didn't want her to think he had forced anyone's hand. Jack hadn't even brought it up. When Hank said he was retiring, he was asked if he had any recommendations for replacement. He quickly gave Sam's name and explained it was the only option that made sense. Although there were some other considerations at the end of the day the president agreed that Hank would be out and Sam would be in.
Jack would get his old desk back, working out of the SGC when needed. Sam wasn't sure exactly how everything was going to go over but she trusted the process and didn't think it would be a problem. She had kept everything under wraps. Sam was tired of hiding her whole life, but now it would become slightly easier. Being General meant less gate travel and more possibility of time off. Mark's kids were almost grown she had only seen them a hand full of times throughout their life and that was one of the regrets she had. She felt blessed to have had her father for 3 years. To finally get to know the man she had felt a grudge and disdain for most of her life.
All those years ago when she had gone to Mark's home with her dad, they had reconciled but, Mark still had no idea. She wished someday he would know that his sister has been out saving his world, defeating aliens that would have killed him and his kids. Sam was tired of the world not realizing how lucky they were. She wondered how long it would be before the Stargate was made public. She knew why it wasn't, it would destroy world cultures, it would scare people, and it could easily become mass hysteria. She knew why the powers that be didn't want the Stargate known about but she hoped in her lifetime, the world would be ready for it. She was hoping a day wouldn't come when their hand would be forced because then, it would be even worse. If the Ori didn't do it though, she wasn't sure what else could. Sam got back to work looking through the ancient databases, once again learning more and more each time she went through them.