Chapter 26: New Lantia Three

By the time John reached the control room, he was on the verge of panic. There were so many thoughts running around in his mind. Have we ended up at the wrong time? Are we in the Pegasus galaxy? What the hell is a hive ship doing here, and are they ready to destroy us?

He should have kicked himself at that point because if there was a hive ship, there was a good chance they were in the Pegasus Galaxy. The only question was when they were.

As he approached the monitor, he looked at Rodney, and for some reason, he couldn't explain, the man was calm.

"Report, Dr McKay!" He said with authority.

"Don't worry, Sheppard. I think it's Todd's Hive."

A moment later, Todd's face showed up on the monitor.

Todd smiled his creepy smile and hissed as he spoke, "General Sheppard, it is good to see you. But what happened to the ship that was tearing hives and planets apart?"

John shuddered at his yellow teeth, "How long have we been gone?" He asked with apprehension.

"You disappeared into the Nebula about an hour ago. Ronon and Amelia followed shortly after, and the unknown enemy entered twenty minutes ago. What has happened to the enemy which was tearing ships and planets apart?"

To say Todd looked confused was an understatement, but Todd had answered John's questions at least. They hadn't been blown apart and had ended up in the right time and Galaxy - definitely a good day. Now all they had to do was find a planet to call home.

"It's a long story Todd and one I'd be happy to tell you another time."

Todd looked closer at the screen before answering John, "Is that Ronon Dex I see?"

"Yeah, I found them, "Ronon replied.

"And how is your lovely wife, Ronon?" Todd turned to John before continuing, "And how is your lovely wife, General?"

John didn't have time to discuss family issues with a Wraith, so he shut the conversation down, "We have a lot of work to do, so if you want to talk, we'll transport you aboard Atlantis.

"I think I'll take you up on that offer, General Sheppard."

"Well, prepare for transport, and I'll have Lorne beam you over. Ronon and Lorne can fill you in. Sheppard out.

He looked at Lorne just in time to see him mouthing," I hate you."

Grinning at Lorne, he mouthed, "Thank you."

He turned to look at Rodney, "Have you found anywhere to settle yet?"

"I have a few ideas. How about we take this to your office?"

Nodding, he walked toward his office, indicating that Rodney should follow. He hoped Rodney had something good because he longed for a place to call home. John was eager to contact the Satedans, Athosians and their other Allies. He wasn't sure what he thought about reestablishing contact with the SGC.

Once they were in the room, he shut the door and sat behind his desk. Rodney sat opposite him.

"Okay, Rodney, what have you got?"

"Well, my first thought was we should return to our original home world until I remembered that the Assurans had used a giant laser beam to try and destroy the planet."

Nodding at Rodney, he attempted to remain calm, "So what else have you got?"

"I've found a planet near the old Satedan home-world. It has a large ocean and a small mainland. The only issue is it appears to be much colder than New lantia or Atlantis' original planet."

"Anything else, McKay?"

"I've found one or two other planets, but they seem less hospitable than New Lantia Three."

He rolled his eyes at the scientist, "You've named it already? And all you could come up with is New Lantia Three?"

"Yeah, Sheppard, what of it?"

"Nevermind. How long will it take?"

"If we leave now, we should arrive in two days."

How cold could it be? Was Sheppard's first thought followed by, "I guess we don't have much of a choice."

He turned to Rodney and asked one last time, "Is this the only planet that's a possibility?"

Rodney sighed, "I could do some more research, but before we went through the anomaly, I did a lot of research, and I barely came up with any ideas then."

"How close is it to the Satedans and Athosians?"

"Unfortunately, it's on the other side of the galaxy."

"Are you sure it's the best we can do?"

"Yes."

Before John stood up to leave his office, he had another thought, "How close is the original anomaly we went through?"

"We could get there in half an hour."

"Can you close it, McKay?"

"Yeah, it should be as simple as closing the anomaly we just came through. And it's in the same direction as we're heading."

John stood to his feet and opened the door to his office, "I'll tell Lorne to go to the chair room and set a course then." He said before leaving his office."

As he walked out of his office, he was shocked when Todd jumped in front of him, "John Sheppard, would you like me to contact the Satedans and the Athosians?"

"Sure, go ahead." He said to the big Wraith.

Looking at Todd, he realised that he hadn't asked him about the situation with the Wraith.

"So, what's happening with your group of Hives?"

"More Hives want to join us every day. But they need the retrovirus. Some are becoming sick, and I fear they may not survive." Todd hissed before he continued, "Without the unknown enemy destroying hive ships, our enemies will have a chance to become stronger, and civil war is brewing."

"I'll chat with Keller and Beckett about the retrovirus, and we will do our best to help with the Wraith situation."

"Thank you, John Sheppard, I know you will try and help, but Atlantis needs to get settled, so they can continue to protect the human populations of this galaxy."

He nodded at Todd. And he had no idea how the wraith had become an ally. When they'd first met, Todd had fed on him and tried to kill him, thanks to Kolya. Now there was a chance there could be peace between humans and Wraith.

"I will return to my ship now, "Todd said, turning to look at Lorne.

John nodded at Lorne, "Transport Todd back to his Hive. Then I want you down in the chair room. Dr McKay has found a planet for us to call home, and he will send you the coordinates when we are ready to get underway."

Once Todd transported off Atlantis, John watched Lorne leave the control room before contacting Zelenka.

"Sheppard to Zelenka, come in, please?"

"Go ahead, General."

"I need you to head down to the chair room. We have found a planet to call home. McKay will send you the coordinates when we're ready to go. First, we will need to go and close the original anomaly we went through.

"Okay, General, I am on my way. Zelenka out."

"Mckay, send Lorne the coordinates, so we can get moving. I will be in my office if you need me."

Before he could move, he felt a hand on his shoulder, "Are you alright, Sheppard?"

He turned to look at the tall Satedan and could sense the worry in his friend's eyes, "I have to start writing letters to the families of the deceased, and I'm not looking forward to it."

His job as a military commander was to write to families of fallen soldiers and civilians. Lorne was technically the military commander, so maybe he could get him to do it, but then he couldn't do it to him because it was a job that every commanding officer dreaded.

oOo

Rodney watched as his friend left the control room and found himself worrying about the man. They had all been through a lot over the last eight months, but the Sheppard family had suffered the most.

This morning John had been on top of the world since today was Charin's birthday, and now they were back in the Pegasus galaxy. But now, Sheppard was down in the dumps again, but If he had to write letters to all the families of the deceased, he would be depressed too.

He and Jennifer were happy and had their wedding all planned out. Ronon and Amelia seemed contented and had a baby on the way, and Carson and Jasmine were getting close. He wondered if there would be another engagement to celebrate soon.

He wondered what John and Teyla had to look forward to. Sure, they had kids, and it was Charin's birthday, but what were they hoping for in the future? The family had been through so much, and he'd wondered if John and Teyla would make it, but they were both well again. And they both seemed to have the same optimistic outlook as they'd always had.

Perhaps, when Atlantis landed, he would attend Charin's party. He might even buy her a birthday gift. He would also suggest that Sheppard and Teyla take a vacation somewhere. He may even offer to look after the kids.

His thoughts were interrupted when his com activated, "McKay here," he said, tapping his earpiece.

"Rodney, it is Radek here. Where are the coordinates?"

"Sorry, Radek. I'll send them through now."

"Thank you, Radek, out."

Rodney tapped a few keys on his computer and looked up to find Ronon staring at him, "What?" He asked, staring back.

"I'm worried about Sheppard and Teyla too. We need to do something for them once Atlantis has landed."

"Yeah, I think they need some time together without the kids," Rodney suggested.

"Amelia and I can look after them, "Ronon offered, "because I know how uncomfortable you are around them."

He was about to reply when he realised Ronon was right. He was uncomfortable around kids, and he wondered how he would react around his own.

"Sounds like a plan, Conan. Now how about you leave me alone so I can do some work?"

When Ronon grunted and walked away, he was happy to look at his computer. He didn't have much work to do but any excuse to escape from an uncomfortable conversation.

He intended to return to his lab at the first convenient opportunity to start analysing the ancient devices on his desk. But he knew that wouldn't be for a while because the SGC would probably want them back on earth for a debrief. At the very least, O'Neill or Landry would come to Atlantis for a debrief.

A few minutes later, Atlantis began to move, and he felt a sense of relief. Finally, they were on the home stretch, and soon they would have a place to call home.

oOo

John sat in his office staring at the computer. He had no idea what to say to the families of these people. John hardly knew some of them and was supposed to come up with something positive to say about them. Perhaps, he would start with the men and women he knew well and ask Rodney, Lorne, or Beckett for help with the others.

Perhaps, he'd start with Major Jenkins and Lt Stevens. He knew both men well and was positive he could say something nice about them. The thorn of the Jazella plant had poisoned them, and he had no idea how to tell their families that they had died from the thorn of a plant indigenous to the Pegasus Galaxy.

Taking a deep breath, he decided to start with Lt Stevens, who was twenty-three years old and from the United States. It always grieved him when a soldier died so young. But every man and woman who came to Atlantis knew the risk, and they all chose to be there.

Dear Mr and Mrs Stevens,

I regret to inform you that your son Jeremiah, has been killed in battle.

It was a lie to suggest that Jeremiah died in battle. But his family deserved the truth.

He deleted the last sentence and started again.

Dear Mr and Mrs Stevens,

I regret to inform you that your son Jeremiah, has been killed in the line of duty.

That sounded better. But how was John supposed to tell them their son died from the poison of a plant indigenous to the Pegasus galaxy?

Before he could contemplate the letter further, Atlantis started moving, and he wondered if it was time for lunch.

He was about to stand and head to the mess hall when he found Teyla standing at the door. He waved at her, and she entered his office.

"John, I thought you might like some Pizza for lunch."

"You must have read my mind, Sweetie," John said before closing his office door with a thought.

"Torren and Charin are in childcare for the afternoon, so I thought I could bring you lunch."

She set the tray on his desk, and he was happy to see a plate of Pepperoni Pizza with a cup of Rodney's coffee substitute on the side.

"Are you not eating, Sweetie?" He asked Teyla because there was only one plate on the tray.

"I ate with the children before they went to daycare."

He stared at her and wondered if she was telling the truth. She was still thin and pale, and he knew she struggled to eat a large meal.

"Are you sure, Sweetie?"

She glared at him, so he knew he should say something to soothe her, "I'm worried about you, Teyla. "

"Thank you for your concern John, but I assure you I have eaten. Now, why will you not tell me what is bothering you."

"I'm trying to write a letter to Jeremiah Stevens' family, and I'm struggling to tell them how he died. I know how he died, but how do I tell his family."

"You tell them the truth. Jeremiah died protecting children."

She was correct, as usual. It didn't matter how Jeremiah died. The fact is he was protecting children at the time.

"Thanks, Sweetie. You've cleared a few things up for me. I can write the letters now."

"It is time for my afternoon nap. So I will see you later, Honey," Teyla said, kissing his cheek.

He watched as she left before looking at his watch. It had only been fifteen minutes since they'd started moving, so he had another fifteen minutes before he needed to be in the control room. That should be enough time to finish his letter to Mr and Mrs Stevens.

Taking a bite of the pizza, he set about writing the letter.

Dear Mr and Mrs Stevens,

I regret to inform you that your son Jeremiah, has been killed in the line of duty.

He died protecting a group of children and saved them from an almost certain death. I assure you he wasn't in any pain when he died.

Jeremiah was kind and considerate, and well-liked by his peers. He always had a smile and a joke for whoever he met and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

The united states marines thank you for your son's service, and we honour his sacrifice.

It was an honour to serve with him.

General John Sheppard.

John re-read the letter and decided that he was happy with it. Eventually, Jerimiah's remains would be sent to Earth. But for now, all he could do was, write a letter explaining their son's sacrifice.

There were still ten minutes until they arrived at the original anomaly, so he filed the letter away and started on one for Major Jenkins' family.

oOo

Atlantis came to an abrupt halt, which surprised Rodney because he wasn't expecting it. Looking at his watch, he was surprised that they had been travelling for exactly half an hour.

His com activated, and he answered it, "McKay here."

"Rodney, it is Radek. We have reached the coordinates you have given us. Can we have a break now?"

"Yes. Go and have some lunch while I close the anomaly. You have half an hour before we should get moving again."

"Let me know when you're ready, Radek, out."

He looked at his computer and began the complex calculations he needed to close the anomaly. Considering it was a failed experiment, he wondered if closing the anomaly would be difficult.

A loud voice interrupted his thoughts, "Do you need any help, McKay?"

"Not unless you know anything about complex equations, Conan."

Ronon grunted and walked away - much to his relief. Because what he really needed right now was another genius.

His prayer was answered when Sheppard entered the control room, "Do you need any help, Rodney?"

"Yeah, can you help with these equations? I could do it myself, but things would be quicker if you helped me."

"Sure, why not," Sheppard said, sitting beside him.

Over the next twenty minutes, they worked in silence, and Rodney was surprised at how easy it was to work with Sheppard. The man was a genius, and only two other people he knew fit into that category - Zelenka and Samantha Carter. Not that he would tell either of them that.

"These equations look finished, Rodney? What do you think?"

"I agree, Sheppard. Now all we have to do is press a few buttons, and the anomaly should close automatically."

"Will we have to enter the nebula again?"

"No, I should be able to do it from here."

"Okay, go ahead, McKay."

Within seconds a strange beam of light left Atlantis and entered the nebula. Rodney ran out to the nearest balcony to watch. The ray of light was strangely beautiful, and Rodney wondered why. He'd been on Atlantis for nearly ten years and had no idea Atlantis could produce such a beam. It was another thing about Atlantis he could study when they made it to New Lantia Three.

He hadn't seen the beam when he'd opened and closed the last anomaly, so he took a few moments to enjoy the show.

"Is it closed yet?" Sheppard asked from beside him.

Once the beam has shut down, it should be closed. And then we can be on our way.

They watched the beam for a few minutes until it shut down, and he assumed that the anomaly had been closed.

"Now, it's closed," Rodney told Sheppard.

"I'm going back to my office. How about you contact Lorne and Zelenka and tell them to get us underway."

He nodded at Sheppard and returned to the control room, leaving Sheppard on the balcony.

It was the same balcony Sheppard had spent many hours staring into space on when Teyla had been sick. And he wondered what might be on the General's mind now - Although it wasn't his business. If Sheppard wanted to talk, he could. Rodney seriously doubted that the man ever would, though.

Contacting Lorne and Zelenka, he began to get a little excited because soon they would be home - hopefully.

oOo

For the next two days, John spent a lot of time in his office composing letters to the families of the deceased. It was one of the hardest things he'd ever had to do, and he hoped that he'd never have to write as many letters again. John had completed a little over half. Once they settled on New Lantia Three, he would finish the rest.

When he hadn't been in his office, he had been with his family, in the chair room or sleeping, and was happy that he hadn't had a nightmare in days.

Teyla's health had improved dramatically over the last two days, and she had started doing stretching exercises along with her physical therapy sessions.

Charin and Torren were happier than he'd seen them in a while, and they were both constantly giggling and laughing. Things were certainly getting back to normal.

It was almost time to head down to the chair room, as they would be landing on New Lantia Three very soon.

Before they landed, he decided to go and stand on the balcony where he'd spent so much time over the last eight months - although technically, it had only been six.

He walked through the control room and saw Zelenka and Rodney arguing about something. Ronon and Amelia were there, looking as happy as ever, and Carson was on the bridge looking over Zelenka and Rodney's shoulders. They all looked more relaxed than they had for a long time.

Right now, he was happier than he'd been in the last eight months, and hopefully, things would remain that way.

When he arrived on the balcony and looked out into space, he was surprised by the magnificent view. He saw New Lantia Three in the distance and could make out a small mainland. There appeared to be icebergs in the ocean and clouds above the planet. He was beginning to get excited because soon they would be home.

Taking one last look at the magnificent view, he walked back into the control room and addressed the staff.

"I'm about to head to the chair room and land this city. I'll send Lorne and Zelenka up to keep an eye on things. But hopefully, nothing will go wrong. Does anyone have any questions before we land?"

When they shook their heads, John knew it was time to land on their new home world.

Five minutes later, he entered the chair room with Rodney by his side.

oOo

Carson entered the mess hall as Atlantis began its descent, and he rushed to the balcony windows to watch.

Carson was mesmerised, by the black of space turning to a dark shade of blue, as they entered the upper atmosphere. The shield was glowing, and a bright streak of light behind them. The dark blue gave way to a lighter shade as Atlantis continued to descend. A little further down were white fluffy clouds on the horizon, and finally, as they neared the ocean, he saw land in the distance. A few minutes later, Atlantis touched down on the water.

Someone came up and put their arms around him, and he was surprised to see it was Jasmine.

"I thought you were working?" Carson said, leaning into her embrace.

"The infirmary isn't busy, so Jennifer suggested I look for you."

"Shall we go and look outside?" He suggested taking Jasmine's hand.

When they walked outside, he was shocked by the beauty of the ocean. Large icebergs were floating in the distance, and the temperature was icy.

He pulled Jasmine close and wondered if it was time to propose to her. She was the most beautiful woman in the world, even in her doctor's scrubs. No one else was on the balcony, so now was the perfect time.

He knelt on one knee and held her hand, "Jasmine, I love you with all my heart, and I can not imagine my life without you. So will you do me the honour and become my wife because I want to spend the rest of my life with you,"

For a moment, there was a stunned look on her face, and he was afraid she would say no. But suddenly, a grin spread across her face.

"Yes, I would love to be your wife."

He pulled her close and kissed her lips, and he couldn't be happier. He was now engaged to the most beautiful woman in two galaxies.

When he realised he was a clone, Carson didn't think, he could ever find happiness with another, but now he had.

Someone clearing their throat caught his attention, so he pulled away from Jasmine.

"Is there something you want to share, Doc?" General Sheppard asked with a grin.

"Umm…Jasmine and I are engaged."

"Congratulations Carson."

"Thanks, John."

They were silent as they stood on the mess hall balcony, looking at their new home. Things were looking up, and Carson prayed that nothing else would go wrong.

TBC…

Now they have found a new home. And Carson and Jasmine are happily engaged. But can anything else go wrong?