Christmas came and went on Atlantis, everyone was back to their normal ways of life before they knew it. Everyone including John and Rodney; no one could over look the fact that Elizabeth and Rodney had grown closer since the Christmas they had spent together, no one could over look the fact that Teyla and John just seemed stronger when they were around each other, and everyone noticed the smile on Carson's face shortly after he and Laura Cadman were seen at dinner one night together. Christmas may have been over, and the New Year on its way, but for Atlantis the spirit was still there, and there were new things to explore and check out before another year passed them by so quickly. It was one week after Christmas that John, Teyla, Ronan and Rodney made their way through the gate for the first time in a long time. John watched his brother closely, wanting to make sure Rodney was okay, and could do this.

"You ready for this?" John asked as he continued to prepare himself, he glanced sideways over at his brother.

"Are you kidding me? I've been ready this since I got back from earth…this is where I belong John…I'm meant to be doing this," grinned Rodney.

"Damn right you do Rod, all right, let's get this show on the road," John called.

"John, you've got a go," called Elizabeth grinning.

Without a look back the four teammates made their way through the gate. Elizabeth smiled, she couldn't be more proud of Rodney at this very moment, couldn't be prouder of the fact that he wasn't afraid of stepping through that gate.

There was a light drizzle around them as they stepped out through the other side. John looked around, his gun drawn, ready to fire if needed, and stepped away from the gate, following him was his younger brother, then Teyla and finally Ronan.

"The people on this world are friendly people John," spoke Teyla softly, "my friend Serianna will be here momentarily."

With those words John dropped his gun as there was a soft rustle in the underbrush from a few feet away. Seconds later a beautiful woman, probably in her early thirties with long elbow length raven colored hair, pale white skins, bright green eyes stepped out. She had curves in all the right places, which weren't lost on the guys, her face was stunning, freckles brushed lightly across her nose and high cheek bones.

"Seri," Teyla moved forward and greeted her friend in the usual Athosian way. The woman opened her mouth to greet Teyla's friends and smiled at Rodney, John and Ronan.

"Hi," Rodney said suddenly holding out his hand in a greeting, "I'm Doctor Rodney McKay…this is Colonel John Sheppard and Specialist Ronan Dex."

John eyed his brother, hiding the grin that he desperately wanted to play across his features. He remained quite however and watched as Seri shook Rodney's hand in return.

"It is wonderful to meet you, I am Seri Temper, welcome to Adnia, if you would like to follow me I would be pleased to take you to the city."

"Wonderful," Rodney said as he quickly began to walk at her side.

Teyla smiled as she dropped back slightly to join her two friends, "I think our Rodney is smitten," John said grinning.

"Perhaps…he does seem…nervous," chuckled Teyla.

"What kind of crops do you grow here?" John managed to ask as they caught up with McKay and Seri.

"We are a simple people Colonel, we grow maze…as well as some other crops, we would be all to pleased to trade with you for simple medical supplies…that is what Teyla said you would be willing to offer us."

"We can off you technology too," Rodney added quickly, "Uh…sorry you probably don't understand what that means, we can offer you ways to…clean your water…to uh create ways to protect yourself," explained Rodney.

"This sounds interesting, we shall speak further on this…Adnia does not have many confrontations…although we have a small group of settlers that have not come to like our new leader…they sometimes rebel…"

"Wait? New leader?"

"He is a fair man Specialist Dex, believe it or not, he has brought much to our world that his father never brought, including trade with other plants, more food, more areas to plant our crops."

"He took his father's place?" John said in surprise.

"Yes…Michel's father died two years ago…some of the older people were against his taking over, they felt he would not provide us with what we needed, afraid that perhaps he would bring too much freedom to our people. However many of us do not feel such things. His father was very much a… Over powering man."

"You mean a dictator?" questioned Rodney.

"If you mean someone who runs the people like they are animals…then yes…His son is a noble man…a noble good man."

"You care for him?" Teyla asked.

"Not as you think, no, he has been my friend these past two years…as you know I have grown up with him for most of my life, I enjoy being near him, but not like that."

"We'd like to help you with anything you need," explained John.

"We would appreciate any help you are willing to give us," Seri replied thankfully.

"Tell me more about this place…" Rodney urged.

The woman chuckled softly and nodded. They spent the next twenty minutes walking towards the city and listening to Seri and Rodney just talk. John was surprised, because he could have sworn his brother's heart already belonged to another woman…one that already lived on Atlantis.

John wasn't going to press the issue, this being Rodney's first real trip through the Stargate, part of him just hoped this infatuation that suddenly transpired wouldn't last too long…or reach Elizabeth's ears; she would certainly be hurt.

The town was probably just ahead of the Athosians but behind the Genii still, they seemed like a simple town. There were several houses and various structures around, in the middle was a well, probably where they got their water, who knew if that was sanitary.

"Is this everyone?" Ronan asked.

"No, there are many more of us that living in other towns…but this is almost everyone that works for our new leader or are families working for him."

"What about these…renegades?" John inquired.

"They live on the outskirts of town."

"Don't they understand that you could easily hurt someone they love?"

"Colonel Sheppard, my father is among them, I assure you that is all they think about…and the very real possibility that the king could hurt us."

"I'd really like to meet this king myself…" Ronan began.

"I am here, hello, I'm am Michel, it is nice to meet all of you." He did not look like a stately man, he also had raven hair very short, with jade eyes very much like Seri. He couldn't possibly be over thirty.

"Michel, it is nice to meet you as well…we would love a tour…if possible."

"Of course, come," the man said invitingly as he led them towards one of the nearby houses. "We meet here, my friends and I…"

"Friends?" Ronan asked.

"The people who help me run my world," the man explained.

"How advanced are you people?" Rodney asked as he looked around the house.

"We are simple people Doctor McKay, Seri has told us of you and Atlantis, we are aware of how far you are from us…we would accept any help you could give us, in trade for some of our crops…"

"We would certainly be grateful," grinned Rodney.

"Can we see the crops?" John jumped in, not really wanting his brother to do all the finalizing without a little talking here and there.

"Certainly, Seri would you care to take Colonel Sheppard and Specialist Dex to the crops, while I speak with Teyla and Doctor McKay?" the man requested.

"Yes sir," John eyed Teyla, then Rodney and made his way out behind Seri with Ronan at his side.

"To be honest Michel…I'd be lying if I said we aren't a little concerned about these…rebels Seri spoke of. We want to help you and we would be all too excited to strike up a deal with you…but our leader Doctor Weir…well trust me when I say she may be a little hesitant about making a trade with people who are at some type of…disagreement," Rodney tried to explained delicately.

"I understand Doctor, believe me, I would also be hesitant, like you we are both at war against the Wraith…I do not wish to make the fight against the elders your fight as well. I would not ask for assistance in such a fight. These are the elders of several smaller towns that feel my father's heavy hand was far more comforting than my guiding way. I do not claim to be right, you must understand…I simply want what is best for my people."

"And what is that?" Teyla asked.

"For everyone to live happily, healthy…long lives in peace from the Wraith, disease and fear of war. We are truly a new world…though we have been here hundreds of years…we are just now getting the chance to live freely on this planet. During my father and grandfather's rule…people worked as slaves to those with more money."

"And now?" Rodney continued.

"Now everyone is paid for the work they do…or they do not work, I will not have people slaved or traded to other worlds. It is wrong."

"That's a very smart position for someone raised by a man you say was so evil."

"Doctor McKay…tell me did you ever have someone so evil…so powerful in your life that you loathed and wanted to be so different from that person that you became the complete opposite of them, you stood for everything they couldn't stand for?"

Rodney stared into the man's jade colored eyes, he saw truth, but beyond that he saw himself in this man, "yes…yes I have. I cannot personally agree on a trade, our leader will want to speak with you…but I can honestly say…we are all to happy to offer our services to you in anyway."

"Thank you," the man said smiling as he stood.

"And you feel they are good people?" Elizabeth asked as she continued to look over the notes several hours later. She looked up from John to Rodney.

"They're very good people Elizabeth…and with our help they could move so far in little time…"

"I'd like to meet him…how do their crops look?"

"Plentiful, they were great, some stretched for as far as the eye could see. The food was amazing…They've got a lot we could benefit from," John answered.

"And what about these elders?"

"They preferred Michel's father over him….we haven't seen or met any of them…" Rodney answered.

"That's not a little…weird to you? That people preferred a dictator over a man like Michel?" Elizabeth said raising an eyebrow.

"Well hundreds of people preferred Hitler over others…but they obviously weren't right…look what he turned out to be…"

"Thank you Rodney," Elizabeth said sarcastically.

"Elizabeth, Rod's right…this could really be something good for us…it deserves our time and attention.

"Very well…they'll have it. Set up a meeting tomorrow, you and your team will go an hour early, I will follow with Lorne," Elizabeth said smiling.

"Are you the smartest on your planet?" Rodney looked up at Seri and chuckled softly from where he sat next to her, hooking up some equipment by the well.

"No, no not by a long shot…I used to act like I was…but once you tend to go face to face with death…it puts you in your place pretty quick," Rodney replied smiling at her.

"You just seem so wise…what are your people like?"

"The people of Atlantis? Or Earth?"

"Earth…where you come from?"

"Oh…well uh, they're good people, strong people, of strong values…I don't know, they're just like you and me…" he grinned replying as she moved closer. He was surprised by how at ease he was around her, she was so beautiful, he found himself enjoying her company.

"Do you miss home?"

"I miss my cat," he replied nonchalantly.

"Cat?"

"It's…it's a four-legged animal….fur on it's body…anyway his name was Sydney," Rodney said smiling faintly.

"Why?"

"Well…we have this thing called Television back where I come from…I'll show you one day if I can…anyway so there was this old TV series called Doctor Who, well to make a long story short there was a man named Sydney Newman who created the series…I used to watch it all the time."

"Intriguing, tell me of…Sydney," Seri said grinning.

"He was a mut cat…that means several breeds, none of which I could name, but I had him since he was a kitten…nearly fifteen years…"

"How long do cats usually live?"

"Eighteen…if you're really lucky…Sydney was getting up there when I left…" Rodney sighed, he missed his friend dearly, he was partly afraid the kitten would already be gone if he returned and asked about him.

"He seems wonderful…you are an interesting man Doctor McKay," she whispered.

Rodney looked at her, his eyes locking into hers and smiled crookedly, "you're one of the only few who feel that way…" he leaned in closer, "call me Rodney," his voice turning into a whisper.

Her lips suddenly captured hers, Rodney's hand gently touched her cheek as he deepened the kiss. Finally he pulled away, breathing deeply and smiled gently at her, "you truly are an amazing woman Seri," he replied softly.

"You are not too bad yourself Doc…Rodney," she grinned.

He found himself suddenly dipping in for another kiss when suddenly he heard someone clearing their throat from behind him. Turning they looked into John's hazel green eyes.

"Now who's playing Kirk, Rodney, Dr. Weir is here…she'd like to see you…" John tried to remain neutral to what he had just seen.

"Thanks John…Seri, I'll be back soon," he smiled at her then slowly stood to his feet and moved off with his brother trailing in front of him.

"What the hell was that?" John asked once they were out of ear shot.

"What was what?"

"That?" John said pointing back in the direction they had just come from.

"Uh…you're going to have to be specific."

"Rodney! I just caught you in a lip lock with an alien…aren't you always the one spouting off things about Captain Kirk…last time I checked Spock rarely got the women…."

"Oh please I am not Spock! I'd be closer to Daniel Jackson than Spock…and last I checked he married an alien."

"Uh…Rodney, for one you aren't married, two you are always talking about me being a Captain Kirk and yet I just found you seriously kissing that woman…third aren't you supposed to have the hots for a certain leader… And I don't mean Caldwell."

"John, seriously nothing will ever work between Elizabeth and I…what's wrong with me finding an interest in someone else. Seri appreciates who I am."

"What and Elizabeth doesn't?"

"Look John, let it go okay," Rodney said beginning to move.

"I just don't want you to get hurt little brother."

"I'd be more hurt if I waited around for Elizabeth to come to me, than falling in love with someone like Seri…at least I know I can fall in love and live happily ever after with her."

"Right…well just be careful," John said grinning.

"You're sick," Rodney replied shaking his head.

"I'm just telling you to be safe…don't want a bunch of mini McKay's running all over the planets."

"Cute…who knows how many little Sheppards we have," McKay jibbed in return.

The two brothers continued their joking and jibbing, enjoy the personal time for a few minutes. Elizabeth watched from a far as her two finest men approached, smiling, chuckling and laughing. It wasn't something she had seen for so long. As she watched him, she couldn't help but feel her heart fly as she watched Rodney smile.

"Having fun boys?" she said as the two men joined her side.

"Elizabeth, have you found everything you need?" Rodney asked.

"Actually I have, we will begin trading with Adnia…"

"Excellent!" Rodney said grinning.

"You seem very happy about this," she said smiling at him softly.

"This is the chance of a life time, do you know how much we could help these people…"

Elizabeth cocked an eyebrow at him weakly, "does this mean you're going to help them with their advancements?" grinned Elizabeth.

Rodney looked from John to Liz and grinned, "sure."

It wasn't lost on Elizabeth over the next three weeks how much time Rodney would spend on Adnia, he had already brought Seri back to Atlantis once, and while Elizabeth thought she was quite a woman…however Elizabeth would've had to been stupid not to notice how close Seri was getting to Rodney.

Elizabeth wasn't jealous, at least it didn't seem like it, but she didn't want to see Rodney get hurt….In all honest it was hurting her as well, knowing that he didn't love her anymore.

"Liz," came John's voice, snapping her out of her thoughts. She turned and smiled softly at him.

"Sorry, I was just thinking, are you guys about ready to go?"

"Yeah…Rodney seems to be the most excited of us, but you know how he is…anyway…we'll check in, in a couple hours."

"Sounds good, bring everyone home safe John."

"Will do boss," he said grinning.

He joined Rodney, Teyla and Ronan as they headed through the gate.

No one was expecting what met them as they stepped through the gate, gun fire sounded through the air. Rodney looked at John with fear in his eyes. They suddenly broke into a run, towards the city in fear of what they would find there.

Surprisingly Rodney led the pack entirely, perhaps because he was so worried about Seri. John, however was right behind him, reaching for his brother so the man would not get shot.

They reached the city to find it in complete chaos, bodies were scattered everywhere, blood draining into the sand below them. Rodney stopped short, his brother running right into him. John had to stop himself from running into Rodney by grabbing him around the chest and shoulder.

"My god…what happened?" whispered Rodney as he looked at the scattered forms on the ground.

"RODNEY!" came a cry from one of the houses.

"SERI!" he screamed, before John could grab his brother's shoulder Rodney shot off to the nearby house he had heard Seri's scream from. Rodney raced into the house, he easily spotted her white face behind the table in the room. "Seri, what the hell is going on, Michel…are you two okay?" he asked gently.

"It's the rebels Rodney, they attacked early this morning…no one was expecting it…" she looked at him, tears trailing down her cheeks.

"Shh, it's okay," he whispered gently as he pulled her close for a moment.

"We'll help you…"

"It's too late Doctor…they've killed almost everyone in my town…all of my people," whimpered Michel. "They relied on me…and I have failed them.

"Not yet you haven't," came John's voice from the entrance as he, Ronan and Teyla crouched down behind some other tables and furniture. "Where are they now Seri?"

"Ransacking houses at this point…"

"How many people are left?"

"Six…perhaps a few more, we have hid them all in this house," whispered Michel.

"Then let's get them out of here…gather those left…we'll get them back to Atlantis…"

"I cannot abandon…" Michel began.

"Look Michel, we don't have time to argue, you said yourself there aren't many left, do you want to save those remaining or stay here and watch everyone die?"

"They are my people Colonel…would you not fight for the lives of your people?"

"Of course I would Michel, but I wouldn't get myself killed doing it, what good would I be then?"

The two sets of eyes met for a moment, John was sure for a moment that Michel would still say no. Finally as if an answer to his prayers, the king nodded slowly. "Seri, go round up the others, we shall go…"

Within seconds there was a group of eight to ten people surrounding them, John looked at them quickly, "we're going to do this in quick bursts…Rodney you take Michel, Seri, and the two kids, Ronan will go first you'll take the family of four, go only when I say go. Teyla you'll go next with these three kids. Then you Rod, and finally I'll go after you. Do not waste time, if someone falls you pick them up and keep going."

"Sheppard…the gunfire is getting closer…"

"I know, Ronan go!" John shoved him gently.

He winced as he heard the gun shots and looked at Teyla, "get the hell outta here!" he yelled to her.

She nodded and grabbed the smallest child, seconds later she was out there with Ronan, John sent up a quick prayer to whoever was listening as he looked at his brother, "Do not hesitate Rod," John said.

"We'll be fine," Rodney said as he grabbed Seri's hand tightly, "let's go," he whispered.

John would never forget in the rest of his life as he watched his brother run as fast as he could, the elders, whoever they were took quick aim. Michel dropped within ten feet of the house they had been hiding in.

"MICHEL!" cried Seri as she ripped her hand from Rodney's, turning back around she dropped at Michel's side.

"Seri! Kids, go, run that way!" Rodney yelled suddenly he looked back at the woman he had come to deeply care for and ran back towards her. He jumped as he heard a crack of a pistol, and watched Seri look down at her stomach, then turn her eyes towards him in pain and fear. "NO!" Rodney managed to rip from his throat as he peddled towards her, catching her just as she dropped to the ground.

"RODNEY!" yelled John as he hurried out of the house, shoving the children in the same direction as Rodney's kids. He hurried over to his brother, who was clutching Seri's body in his arms. His face was covered in tears as he rocked back and forth.

"I…lov…e…you," whimpered Seri dying in his arms.

"I'll never forget you…," he cried softly as he pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"Rodney, we've got to go," John said as he grabbed a fistful of his brother's jacket. There was another crack of a gun discharging and Rodney hissed in pain as he looked at his shoulder, "please Rod," John pleaded, ignoring the gunshot wound causing his arm to bleed.

Rodney nodded, he pressed another kiss to Seri's forehead as he slowly got up, stumbling backwards with his brother, he forced himself to press forward, to run as fast and as hard as he could.

John didn't say another word as he dragged his stumbling brother painfully back to the gate, until there was just the distant roar of gunfire. John was pleased to see all the children had made it and the gate was already dialed. Teyla waited for the nod from John, then led the children through, followed closely by Ronan. John gently grasped his brother's arm, and pulled slightly, "we need to go Rod," whispered John as his brother continued to look back in the direction of the city.

Rodney turned his tear stained face, back towards John and nodded, he allowed himself to be led away from the body of the woman he loved. He felt the gate surround him. The gate shut down behind them as John and Rodney stepped through.

Carson ran over towards them, followed closely by Elizabeth, they were stunned in fear by the sight of Rodney's clothes, "what happened?" Elizabeth asked.

"He's not injured…Teyla are all the children unharmed…I have a graze on my arm…I'll be fine…"

"The children are fine, as is everyone else."

"Good, would you help them get cleaned up please, Colonel, go with Carson to the infirmary… Rodney and Ronan why don't you guys fill…"

"Uh Elizabeth, Ronan can tell you, Rod, come with me buddy," John said gently as he again grasped his brother's arm.

Carson was terrified by how quiet and agreeable Rodney seemed to be as he sat and allowed Carson to check him over. "Physically there's nothing wrong with him," Carson explained to John, who stood by Rodney's side, his arm in a sling wrapped tightly.

"Yeah well…good, Rod, listen to me buddy, okay…"

"She's gone…I…" he shook his head.

"I know Rodney, I know I'm sorry," John whispered, reaching out he grabbed his brother in a hug, something he hadn't done for a long time. Burying his face in his brother's uninjured shoulder, Rodney wrapped his own arms around John's chest.

"Carson…get him some sedatives…admit him, he needs rest, and care…"

"He'll get it John," Carson whispered. John leaned his head against Rodney's head and sighed.

"I'm here Rod, I'm here," John whispered as he continued to rub his brother's back, allowing the man a chance to let it all out and just cry.

Rodney stepped out onto the balcony and looked out at the beautiful ocean surrounding Atlantis. He sighed, it had been two weeks since the loss of Seri. They had returned to the planet, buried all the dead. He had let her go, like so many of the other women he had cared for, he had buried her that day and let her go, hoping she was happier now.

"Hey big guy," John said softly as he walked out onto the balcony, knowing he was probably intruding, but also knowing his brother could use a friend right now.

"Is it wrong for me to be happy that she's gone?" Rodney asked quietly. He leaned against the balcony railing, looking out into the distance.

John sighed for a moment, imitating his stance and shrugged, "no, because you know nothing will ever hurt her again...and you know she's happy...there's nothing wrong with loving someone so much that you accept their fate."

"I just feel...empty."

"Yeah...it'll pass, I promise, you're not always going to feel like this Rod, you'll never ever forget her, but you won't feel lost and empty forever."

"Right now...that really doesn't help."

"No..." John said pausing, "'spose not, but then again, I'm only here to help you heal, not to make miracles. Wanna know something though?"

Rodney looked up at his brother curiously, "what?"

"I love ya."

"I know."

"Good, you should...I knew you'd be my best friend and brother by the second day you stayed in our house."

"What! That was a terrible day! We fought the entire day, mom was sure we'd hate each other forever."

"That's how I knew...good grief Rod, you could out-wit me in verbal sparring, I never had so much fun in my life...you could drive anyone crazy, try the patience of any saint, but I knew the minute you started your famous snark, that you would be my best friend and brother for life. You were always there, you still are...you always backed me up...always made me feel better. You were the one thing I spent most of my life praying for, a little brother...I know I'm not always such a good brother in return, but you should know, that I have a very high respect for you, for your strength, your passion for your job, you morals, and your brains. In the end Rod, this is only going to make you stronger, and maybe right now that's not much of a consolation...but it's true."

"Thanks," whispered Rodney, his eyes never leaving the ocean in front of him. He saw John nod and began to leave, "wait...don't go...I could use a brother right now," Rodney said finally turning his head.

"I'm always here," John replied as he took up his spot again.

Elizabeth watched through the window, smiling softly; as Rodney's head fell slightly, a smirk coloring his morose features, John out right laughing at something that had been said. Rodney wasn't healed yet, but in time, he would get over his heartbreak, he would get past the pain he was feeling right now, and there was no one better in his life, than John, his best friend and brother to help fix his problems.