Jack looked around Atlantis wondering if somehow this whole time dilation nonsense was an elaborate way to make him leader of Atlantis. He knew four months was a walk in the park, but damn he was supposed to get married in 3. Of course, Teal'c could come to Atlantis, Cassie, well Cassie would be the tricky one. Cassie had already made it clear she was going to be part of the SGC, or Atlantis. She was the best candidate by far. Jack didn't want this life for the little girl he considered one of his own. He knew he had little say in the matter though. Sam, was in full support even though she had voiced concern as well. Cassie was leaning towards her mother's medical skills and Sam could see her as part of the medical team. Cassie had been accepted to medical school the coming fall, as long as she passes the other classes, which Sam had no doubts and Jack weren't sure when Cassie had become old enough to make all the choices but it was too short of time for their liking. Jack prefers if the girl lives in a bubble and Sam was happy no matter what Cassie ended up doing.
As they days went by on the ships several decisions were made. One was that Sam would travel back to Earth with Richard and the stranded scientists as soon as Atlantis was secure. The other decisions included a lot of personal choices, several people had decided they were no longer willing to be part of the Atlantis Expedition. Although everyone Sam was close with, seemed to have liked the alternative timeline, several others had admitted that their other selves were depressed, upset, and longing for home. Several people took this as a sign to leave the mission. Jack and John had agreed that if they weren't all in it was time to move on. 22 in total would be leaving Atlantis, it was a decent blow but there were many people just waiting at the SGC to come to Atlantis.
Sam had not told herself anything too personal. She knew it was easier that way. Teyla eluded to a big personal discovery but didn't disclose to anyone what that was.
John had also acted a little different and nervous around his team, something Sam had never seen before. She contributed to what he had told himself but John had also not let on to anything.
Rodney told Sam he looked happy and indulged his younger self in the video.
Sam wasn't sure what this new timeline will bring but she knows they have learned so much from the other one, that they will be more advanced. They may very well have a cure for the wraith worked out. Jennifer had been well on her way before the ship took off. There was a lot of promising data and paper written by so many on the crew, even military people had found a hobby and really researched as much as they could. It was incredible. Sam as well as many people had spent almost all their time reading.
Richard Wolsey hadn't told the crew, of what he had seen on his tape. The man looked considerably older and worse for wear. He admitted to himself that he had trusted the scientists but 9 years drifting out into space had done a number on his mental health. The team had done what they could to help him through. He had given up command 2 years in. He felt like he couldn't take it anymore. He had immersed himself in testing food, and medical treatments. He had become a lab rat willingly but it didn't always work out in his favor. Sometimes it did, he was cured of MS a diagnoses he got shortly before stepping down. He wouldn't ask for them to focus on the cure though, he didn't want to feel like anything was owed to him. He wasn't sure if the doctors would discuss the medical issues with their other selves or not. He wouldn't bring it up he would just take his leave. He was hopeful that Earth would find someone fit to lead, he knew Jack O'Neill didn't want it. He deserved to be home with Samantha Carter, living out their much-delayed dream. He wished he had found someone. He knew it wasn't too late but at the same time, he was ready, to leave. He was ready to retire and put this life behind him. He was tired of all of it. He was always in a position he didn't like but put up with it because he was fearful of what would happen to both SG-1 and Atlantis if he didn't. He had found though that at the current time, almost everyone had seen what SG-1 was doing was positive and after running for so long there was no way they could pull the plug not now, not ever. The stargate program would run until Earth was no more. He had done his duty and he truly felt he was one of the few people on Earth who found their true calling.
Teyla and John had actively avoided each other. To the point, it was getting comical. John sighed in frustration when he saw Teyla and Ronon coming down the hall together, he instantly turned around.
"John," Ronon shouted out but the man walked quickly down a hallway to the transporter as though he was deaf.
Ronon looked at Teyla somehow knowing that she knew why Sheppard was ignoring him anytime he was with Teyla.
Teyla sighed knowing that Ronon had no clue what had happened in the future. Ronon hadn't said much in his video to himself just said that Rodney had uploaded his research and that the last few years had been very interesting but that is all he said. Ronon had researched food, as well as some weapons tests.
"John must have told himself that we were in a relationship in the future."
Ronon smiled "Oh yeah?!"
"Yes, and I fear that John must think that it must all happen at once. I myself am not sure when or what transpired for us to become partners but he must have told himself more information than I did. My future self left it vague. You know John, he is one to throw it all out there as they say. I must find a way to speak with him." Teyla explained.
Ronon nodded his head and then drops the subject. He doesn't want to know the details it was bad enough that he knows the little he does. He felt that John deserved someone and Teyla would be a great partner. Ronon had never seen the woman in that light, he had to admit he had been interested in a few women on the base after he had realized that he was part of Atlantis but he had never had the courage to be so open. One day he hoped he could, but that wasn't today and he didn't think it would be for a long time.
Jennifer had finally decided to go through the medical charts of each person she cared for, and Carson was doing the same. It seemed as if she put people with the most needs to least and had only put in issues that would be considered life-threatening, or chronic. The first person on the list was Jack O'Neill.
She hated that, but he was the oldest man on board so he probably did come up with many aliments over the years they had been drifting off into space. The major issue was a cancer diagnosis, but she had written in the explanation, that it was possibly due to the large Gamma Radiation he was exposed to, during their 9 years out, he had attempted to go into an area that was deemed unsafe when one of the kids wandered off. The next diagnosis was degenerative disk disease. They had done surgery to fuse a couple of vertebrae, but 2 years later came up with a way to regenerate the cartilage and they took the bone graft out with some other research. With that, they were also able to heal the man's knees.
Jennifer put in her notepad to check out the research as well, as routine cancer screenings for Jack.
She saw some other things in his chart high blood pressure and low vitamins but that would be expected.
She moved on to the next chart, Richard Wolsey. She clicked it and noticed the MS diagnoses, and that it had been pretty severe before they had found a way to combat the disease. Reading through, it seemed some of the damage had been permanent such as premature aging, and a limp in his right leg but they had reversed a lot of it. She was hoping that they had research to stop it before it started but she wasn't sure if that was even possible. She writes that down on her list as well.
She scrolls through patient after patient, marking search phrases and prioritizing what needed to be looked at first.
Carson was doing the same every once in a while they'd catch each other in a sigh.
They hadn't consulted other patients yet, but they would have to, and start giving bad news about medical issues. Luckily no one died in the time frame, but it seemed like people were diagnosed with various issues that they would all have to confront. By no means did they figure out how to treat several conditions. Some of them it was just easier to combat with medicines and herbs. They had been able to synthesize a lot in the labs over the years. There were enough Chemists on board to help out with the medication and although some of it was very outdated they learned from it and made new medication. They had also found the scanners and medical equipment on Atlantis had done a lot more than they previously thought and just needed to be calibrated right.
Both Carson and Jennifer had hoped they could make everyone's life better, starting with Jack and Richard first.
Teyla realized it was the longest time she went without speaking to John since she had met him. Teyla was rather annoyed and wasn't sure what to say or do. She can't help what happened in the future but she also can't believe his attitude as if he was disgusted by the fact they were together in the alternative timeline.
John was walking the hall, Teyla knew he would have to go that direction sometime today as it was the only way to get a meal on the ship. John saw Teyla and turned in the other direction.
"JOHN WAIT!" Teyla yelled.
Some people looked but continued on there had been a lot of that going on in the last few days since they found out about their future selves.
"Sorry just forgot I'm late," John said as he walks quickly and Teyla easily catches up.
"Late to what?" She asks.
John looks at her but doesn't say anything and continues to keep walking.
"Is it that awful what happened in the future?" Teyla asks.
John stops this time and looks at her, he can tell she is upset.
"No of course not, I just don't know how to react to what I heard," John stated.
"I don't know what you heard John, but I do know that I told myself that I needed to let you in, but obviously in this timeline, it's the other way around," Teyla explained.
"I just. We're safe in that weird bubble despite being trapped, and we had time, enough time that we weren't too concerned about raising kids in the bubble. I can understand my rationale in there but out here." John signified waving his hands around, I don't think I can do that, even though I want it." John admitted.
Teyla's eyes soften. "John that is just one outcome of many, I understand. Torren wasn't exactly planned and I questioned how I could allow myself to bare a child in the middle of an awakening Wraith. I know there is a lot of danger out there, but there always has been for several generations. I know that on Earth your people have just become aware. For me and my people, it has been this way for as long as anyone can remember. If people were too afraid there would be no humans left in Pegasus and they could have moved on to the Milkyway long ago. We don't know what this timeline will bring but I do know one thing." Teyla said.
"Oh yeah, what's that?" John asks.
"I want to find out with you," Teyla exclaims and pulls John in for a kiss.
John smiles and leans into the wall in the hallway.
If anyone had seen the two of them they didn't say anything because that word would have gotten around fast and Rodney had made 0 comments come dinner time. John wasn't sure what to say about the change in the situation and he wasn't quite ready to say anything yet. He knew he would have to tell Jack, and there wasn't too much he could say considering. John knew that Jack and Sam would have never done anything while still working together, neither one of them would break that rule. There were plenty of rules meant to be broken he had found that out from SG-1s various mission reports but something so selfish he knew didn't happen. He was sure the two had their moments but now here he was with Teyla, she was under his command but it was different hell she wasn't even from Earth.
John smiled at the thought, he was going to date an alien. He had kids with her in another timeline. If his parents could only see him now. He laughed out loud about his thoughts, and everyone looked in his direction.
"Sorry just thinking about Earth," John claimed.
They all noticed how he didn't call the planet home. No one commented on it though, and Sam brought up the topic of landing on the new planet and who would be going back to Earth and who would be staying. They had made several contacts with Earth in the days leading to their destination. Daniel had joined the group at the table, claiming he would be going, as well as Sam and Jack. Jack would only be on Earth long enough to get belongings and have an official changeover to the leader of Atlantis, as strange as that was. Sam was unsure how long she would be gone but would be back and forth as long as Jack was leading the expedition. General Landry had agreed to stay at Stargate Command until the day Jack was done and that would be the day that General Samantha Carter would take over. Sam would be getting her promotion on the return to Earth. John would be overseeing Atlantis while they were away. Daniel would be staying at SGC
Finally, after 30 minutes or so Jennifer joined the group.
"Doc is there someone in the infirmary, you're late," Jack mentioned.
"Oh, no Carson should be here any moment as well, we're just trying to get ahead and start on some research for some people," Jennifer explained.
Jack nodded his head and they all continue their conversation.
It's a strange time, everyone knows there are literal years worth of science documents at their fingertips everyone had been pouring over the data and research, and working backward. Several people found it hard to sleep, and hard not to stop reading. Some people were stuck in the information received about the alternate timeline. Other people had let it go.
With only 2 days until Atlantis re-homed itself, Richard Wolsey insisted that everyone take a break.
Sam had to admit she was going hard at a lot of the ZPM information with Rodney and they had already come up with a few ways on getting needed materials that would have to come from both galaxies.
Carson and Jennifer had gone through everyone's records that they supplied their selves with and immediately found the MS therapy and tried to synthesize the cure but it seemed that years of research also found things that they had not yet found so they were going to have to go back through and find the research on other things to make it work. The cartilage regrowth was something very simple they just never had the need but there was an easy way to grow it in the lab, notes they had found left by the ancients made it simple and quick. Jack's disk disease wasn't an issue yet so they would work on his knees first and according to Carson and Jennifer's calculations they'd only need a few weeks and with the Alantis devices he would only be down a few days.
Teyla and John were excited to have the day, and play with Torren. Teyla had to admit that compared to others on the ship she hadn't been fooling too much with the research she had collected, knowing that this time was rare. She wanted to spend every moment she could with her son and had only read the research when he was napping or went to sleep for the night. The research she had read so far was just advancement in crop yield and different fertilizer mixes to help with growth among plants. She knew that it was important, especially for some of the planets they visited, but now without the need of growing everything on Atlantis, and being on a planet as well as ways back to Earth, she didn't feel that this was the best use of her time.
John himself hadn't been too worried about his research either. He had very little in comparison and instead had a lot of messages about keeping a lot of people in check during the time. There weeks he was a counselor with Daniel Jackson, and though he didn't write detailed notes and didn't go into any detail about who was upset he did go into the whys. There was a lot of grief for not seeing various people on Earth. There was also a lot of happiness and gratefulness that they were together. That was a different timeline he knew and he was glad that he wouldn't become a shrink but apparently, he was damn good at it, to the point he had written several times that this version of himself should look into taking classes. John didn't think that was happening. He had a very important job now they were back in Wraith land. The next ship from Earth would include a new shrink that would be able to help whatever issues were thrown at them.
Daniel had been very confused by his feelings. He had dreamed of living in Atlantis, it had taken him over a year to get to the city after it was discovered thanks in part to Jack's refusal to let him go, and Vala entering into his life. Now, he was never so willing to leave the place, not that he wasn't willing to come back. This trip almost more than any other had given him a lot of time to reflect. His alternate timeline self had acknowledged how much he had done in the time he was in Atlantis, and left translations of thousands of reports, that apparently helped all departments discover various needs and how to create and build. Daniel was beyond proud of himself for that. Daniel now wanted nothing more than to take some time off. This was the first time he had felt this way. He had of course enjoyed the weeks and sometimes months of SG-1 downtime he had gotten for various reasons. This journey had been tough and had finally made him realize that Earth was home, and more importantly, Egypt was home, and felt as if he was missing something. By no means was he wanting to leave SG-1 but he was certainly wanting an extended vacation, and he deserved it. Maybe, just maybe he could talk Vala into going with him as well because he also realized that he desperately missed her.
Daniel and Vala had admitted feelings but never did anything about them, and Daniel knew why Sam and Jack had waited so long. It wasn't a conscience choice, but there was always something bigger than them holding them back. The fear of losing each other was too great and even though, they had feelings, it was easier not to act on them just in case. Daniel had decided he was going to change that when they landed. Vala was well aware of the incident that occurred and he had talked to her insisting he was fine multiple times, he knew that Vala wouldn't be sure until she saw the man in the flesh.
Rodney wasn't quite sure where Jennifer had run off to, she had been acting strange recently. Rodney hadn't questioned her, as he knew that there was a lot going on. Rodney was sure there were some concerning medical issues. He knew from his own video that they had been doing well in the time dilation so he couldn't imagine anything between them. Rodney decides not to worry too much about it. He assumed when Wolsey had given them time off he would find her easily but that hadn't been the case. He knew he could just radio her, but it felt too needy and Rodney was trying his best to give her some space.
The day went on and Rodney had found himself talking to Zelenka, he wasn't sure how they had become so friendly. Rodney also realized although at times he was jealous of the man's ideas he wasn't annoyed by the man as much as he used to be. They had been talking about all sorts of different science while playing chess. It wasn't Rodney's favorite game but he had overall enjoyed his time. The two hadn't realized how much time had passed until Rodney's stomach growled and he looked at the time.
For years now it had always been an unsaid rule, that if you wanted to join the group for dinner you should meet at 6pm. It was currently 5:45. The group changed weekly and it wasn't like it was planned or anyone was excluded. A lot of times Rodney was busy and was late. Other times everyone was so busy the group was only 2-3 or three people but it was a time to wind down, a time when they didn't talk about work, even though it was impossible not to. Rodney had asked Zelenka to join him and he agreed.
When Rodney arrived, John, Sam Teyla and Ronon, Jack, and Daniel were already seated.
The group talks but John who is usually pushing the conversation is quiet and eyeing Jack oddly. Jack and Sam both noticed but neither said anything.
"Has anyone seen Jennifer today?" Rodney asks.
John takes his eyes off Jack for a second to look at Rodney and confirm he saw her in the hallway about an hour ago. Sam said she and Jennifer had a conversation that morning and Teyla said that she had been a little preoccupied recently.
Rodney nodded his head slightly concerned. Just as they were done talking about her Jennifer appeared with a tray in hand sitting next to Rodney.
"There you are." Rodney smiled.
"Here I am." Jennifer smiled, but anyone could tell it wasn't genuine.
"Is everything okay?" Teyla asks.
"Just fine," Jennifer claims again looking down at her meal.
She knew that technically this early on in her pregnancy shouldn't really affect her yet, but she couldn't stand the smell of the corn on her plate. She loved corn, and although she was used to it fresh off the cob the canned stuff didn't take long to get used to. Right now though she couldn't bare to look at it, much less eat it.
Rodney frowned at Jennifer's face but didn't want to confront her in the group.
"Hey, how about a movie tonight," Jack suggests.
Everyone looks up at him and this time Jennifer smiles brightly and nods her head. Rodney smiles too they all agree to meet in one of the large rooms that they designated as a lounge. It had a large TV that some electrical engineers had wired to work in Atlantis. Now they had several lounges set up with everything needed for a movie night.
After dinner, they go their separate ways Rodney finally goes with Jennifer.
"Hey, are you sure everything is okay, we really haven't seen much of each other lately and I just want to make sure you know, I haven't done something to mess this up completely?" Rodney states.
Jennifer once again has a genuine smile.
"We're fine Rodney I just have a lot on my mind and I didn't mean to ignore you. In fact, we have some time before the movie." Jennifer claims.
Rodney smiles liking where this was going.
Jennifer is giggling as she and Rodney walks quickly as they are officially late for the movie. Rodney is grinning at the laughter and was glad to hear it. As they make it into the room everyone looks at them.
"Finally, I was about to call a search party," Jack announces.
Jennifer blushes only slightly enough for John to roll his eyes, knowing the reason the two were late.
"I'll start the popcorn," Sam announces.
There are two couches and several chairs around the room. Ronon had taken over one of the recliners. Sam and Jack had taken one of the couches. Zelenka, John, and Teyla are sitting spread out on some various other chairs. Leaving the other couch open. Rodney sits down and Jennifer instantly curls up next to him. He was surprised by her behavior. This was a safe space he knew, but she had never cuddled up next to him a large group. He put his arm around her. No one said anything.
The movie is on the title screen. "The Mummy." Rodney had never seen it, Jennifer had remembered seeing it in theaters when it first came out but hadn't seen it since.
"Did Daniel pick this one?" Rodney asks.
Daniel shoots Rodney a look.
"This was Teyla's choice." The man deflects.
Rodney shrugs he had of course heard of the movie and knew the general premise but thought it might hit a little too close to home for entertainment purposes.
The popcorn was starting to pop and the smell of butter-flavored oil, and corn wafted through the air. Jennifer's stomach rolls and she now knows that for the next few months, there is no way she is going to eat corn. She prays the smell dissipates because she doesn't have an excuse to leave, and she doesn't want to throw up.
Luckily, John makes coffee and the smell overpowers the smell and she can breathe happily again.
The movie begins and everyone is enjoying it laughing at the jokes. Jack asks Daniel if he had written the script a few times. The movie goes on and afterward they all talk about the movie. Overall they seemed to enjoy it.
John asks if anyone was up for some Poker, just for fun. He didn't want to owe the next leader of Atlantis something. Sam smiled.
"No card counting, even if it's just for fun," Jack warns.
Sam sighs and Daniel laughs.
There is a long table in the back of the room and they rearrange furniture for everyone to sit around the table. Teyla excuses herself from the game but agrees to be dealer. John finds the chips and splits them evenly.
Daniel goes to microwave to pop another bag of popcorn. Jennifer's stomach lurches once again, and this time she can't help it, she hops up quickly in the middle of the hand and pukes in the nearest trash can.
"Jennifer! Are you okay, are you sick? Some one page Carson!" Rodney starts.
"NO!" Jennifer screams before John can get the words across the radio.
"What do you mean NO, you just threw up, you might be contagious," Rodney explains.
John is about to call for Carson after Rondey's reasoning.
"I'm not sick, I am not contagious. You're fine." Jennifer claims, grabbing a napkin and a bottle of water off the desk and tying the trash bag.
"How can you be so sure, have you already been to Carson is that why I haven't seen you a lot lately, have you been sick and not telling me because you know I don't like sick people?" Rodney questions.
"No! Of course not, I Rodney I'm fine." Jennifer insists.
"Doesn't look like it to me, where is Carson?" Rodney asks looking around. John is about to radio the doctor again but for the third time he halts when he hears Jennifer's next words.
"Rodney, I don't need Carson, I'm pregnant," Jennifer explains.
"What, how? I mean when, why didn't you tell me, are you serious?" Rodney asks.
No one else is sure what to do at the moment considering they just all found out at the same time.
"Yes, Rodney it's early and I wasn't going to say anything until I knew everything was okay," Jennifer admitted.
"How long have you known?" Rodney asks.
"When we got the tapes, my alternate self told me," Jennifer claims.
"Oh!" Rodney waited a few seconds. "That makes sense actually, I just thought you had a lot going on with medicine and stuff but you, why didn't you tell me sooner?" Rodney asks.
"I didn't know how you felt about it, and it's not like this was exactly planned," Jennifer explained.
"Well no of course not, but Jen, I want to be there for you no matter what. Maybe not with the puke part, but everything else." Rodney claims.
"Really?" Jennifer asks.
"Yes," Rodney claims.
Jennifer hugs Rodney and he holds her close. It's just then that Jennifer realizes everyone else in the room is looking at the ceiling of the ground.
"Well, since you all know, I'm sorry I haven't said anything sooner. Sorry I threw up and ruined the poker game."
"Nonsense, congratulations," Jack replies.
"Congratulations, Jennifer I'm thankful although younger Torren will have another child to grow up with." Teyla smiled.
Jennifer frowned looking at Jack.
"That's another reason I didn't say anything, I didn't want to have to leave, or have to go back to Earth once the baby is born," Jennifer claimed.
Rodney frowned suddenly.
"That wouldn't happen would it, I mean Teyla's here with Torren. Jennifer can stay right?" Rodney asks quickly looking at Jack.
"As much as I would love to say yes, that's actually not my call. Of course, with an expedition, there should be assumptions that this would happen. I'll look into it." Jack explained.
Jennifer frowned.
"Well, you tell whoever that if Dr. Keller has to leave Rodney McKay is too," Rodney claimed going back to Jennifer whispering reassurances in her ear.
"I'm sorry." Jack stated.
"I know it's not you," Jennifer answered.
"We're just gonna…" Rodney pointed to the door.
The rest of the group nodded, not really sure where to go from here.