Chapter 25: Return to Earth
John hobbled into Rodney's lab, his determination overshadowing his frustration. He'd been on crutches for over a week and had enough. When Carson told him what had happened to the hologram, Dave, John was furious because Dave could have found some way to heal him. He wasn't too impressed that the healing devices they'd found on the planet they'd been stranded on—no one remembered its name—were destroyed when the supply ship they were on was obliterated, either. Luckily, the burns he sustained to his arms when the supply ship exploded around him were barely noticeable. Unfortunately, the gunshot wound he'd sustained when he'd been shot in the head a year before was still partially visible. Carson and Jennifer had both informed him on more than one occasion that because the injury was so severe, he would always have a scar—a constant reminder of when they were first stranded in Galaxy K2203 ten thousand years in the past.
With only half an hour left before he departed for the gate room, John felt the weight of the ticking clock. He had to speak with Rodney before he left. Some questions needed answers, and John couldn't afford to wait until he returned from Earth. More to the point, he didn't want to wait until he returned from Earth.
When he entered the lab, he was surprised that Rodney wasn't there, but Zelenka was. But that shouldn't surprise him because it was also Radek's lab, "Where's McKay?" John asked impatiently.
"He's just gone to the mess hall for lunch," Zelenka replied, not looking up from his work, which appeared to be the system's diagnostics.
John took a deep breath, struggling to contain his mounting frustration. He felt like shouting, but he knew it wasn't Radek's fault that Rodney wasn't in his lab. Yet, it seemed to John that Rodney had been avoiding him since his return from Hilaring two days ago, and this only added to his simmering anger.
"Can you tell him I'm looking for him?" John asked with as much patience as he could muster, considering his frustration.
As he was about to leave, Rodney entered the lab, his face a mask of shock at John's unexpected presence. The scientist turned to go, but in haste and frustration, John reached out on his crutches and grabbed Rodney's arm. In the commotion, he dropped his crutch and would have fallen if Radek hadn't come to his aid quickly.
"Please be careful, General." Radek said kindly, "You don't want to delay your trip to Earth."
While Radek was helping him to a chair, Rodney stood and stared, "Geesh Sheppard, you need to be careful, or else you'll end up in the infirmary - again." Rodney said unkindly, stating the obvious when he managed to open his mouth.
John just glared at Rodney. His last comment was not worth acknowledging: "I didn't come here for you to criticise me; I came here to see if you've found anything that can heal me quickly. Because these crutches drive me crazy, and I don't want to be off work any longer than I have to."
Rodney shrugged, "Sorry, Sheppard, but I haven't found anything in Atlantis' database to help you. Neither has Carson—not our Carson, the Carson on New Hillaring. Our Carson hasn't found anything either." His words were a bitter disappointment to John.
"Great," he muttered before hobbling towards the exit, his determination to find a solution evident in his voice. " Please keep looking?" he said before he exited.
Looking at his watch, he realised there were fifteen minutes before he was due to meet Carson and Teyla in the gate room. A group of marines coming to Earth had already picked up his family's luggage, and Carson was going to help Teyla with the children, so all he had to do was make it to the control room.
Sighing, he started the long walk - or, in his case, hobble - towards the control room. He hadn't got far when his com activated.
"Sheppard here," he replied wearily.
"It's Lorne here. There's been a change of plans. The IOA wants to meet with you and Cason before you go on vacation, so General O'Neill is asking that only you and Carson come through the gate now. Your families can come through when the meeting is finished."
"Do Teyla and Jasmine know this?" He asked suspiciously.
"Yes, I have already informed them, and they will be in the gateroom to say goodbye before you go. I think Teyla's bringing the kids as well."
"I don't suppose I can refuse?" He asked his second in command and was serious about the request.
"No, I don't think that will work, sir," Lorne replied, and John could sense the seriousness in his voice.
"Okay, I'll be there in ten minutes, Sheppard out."
John eagerly anticipated his upcoming vacation on earth, a much-needed break from his duties. He was excited but also apprehensive about the prospect of seeing Dave again. He hoped to reconcile with his brother and put the past behind him. His desire to get the first meeting with Dave out of the way as soon as possible was strong. However, the sudden interest of the IOA in his activities over the last few months was a cause for concern. He suspected it might take another few days before he could finally get his family vacation underway.
When he arrived in the gate room ten minutes later, he was surprised to see Teyla and the kids. Jasmine was also there and was already saying goodbye to Carson.
Teya immediately approached and bowed her head toward him, "I am sorry that you have to meet with the IOA again. I hope it will not ruin our vacation, as the children and I look forward to meeting your brother."
"You and me both," he replied, mirroring her gesture.
Almost four years had passed since Atlantis was sitting in the middle of San Fransisco Bay, and he hadn't seen Earth since then, except for the brief time he'd spent at the SGC after the whole trip back in time incident. The SGC and IOA had deemed him good enough to command Atlantis then, so what had gone wrong now?
"Dad, I can't wait to meet Uncle Dave. I hope this meeting with the IOA won't take too long," Torren said, his eyes filled with a mix of excitement and sadness at the potential delay.
Charin's face mirrored her brothers, "Up, Da," she demanded, putting her arms in the air.
"Sure, princess," he replied, picking her up the best he could on crutches.
Halling was asleep in the baby carrier they'd found in storage, so he decided not to disturb him because the last thing Teyla needed was a screaming baby to deal with once he'd left.
Lorne called him from the balcony, where John always stood and watched teams depart or return from missions. It was the exact place Elizabeth watched from when she was alive, so John decided to do the same long ago.
"The SGC is expecting you, sir."
He kissed his daughter on the top of her head before putting her down. " Be a good girl for Momma, okay, Princess?"
"Yes, Da Da," she replied, and John could see the tears brimming in her eyes.
"Look after you, Mom and help her out while I'm gone, Torren?" John asked, ruffling his hair.
Torren nodded and said nothing, but John could see his son's pain written all over his face. They had spent too much time separated over recent years, and John wondered what he could do to prevent future absences from happening.
"I'll see you soon," he told his family before turning to Amelia. "Dial her up," he said, indicating that she should dial the gate.
As the Chevrons on the gate lit up, John's dread of the impending meeting with the IOA grew. He knew enough about their ways to anticipate a grilling about his actions, likely related to KK203.
The tension in the air was palpable as he and Carson stepped through the gate together, their unease reflected in the glowing blue puddle.
As he emerged from the wormhole and set foot in the familiar surroundings of the SGC, he was taken aback to see Woolsey and O'Neill waiting for him. It had been years since he had crossed paths with Landry, and he couldn't help but wonder if the man was deliberately avoiding him.
"Mr Woolsey, General O'Neill," he said formally and with suspicion. Why were these men here? He had a fair idea why O'Neil was there, but why Woolsey?
Woolsey was the first to extend his hand, a warm smile on his face. "John, it's good to see you again. And remember, I'm not your boss anymore, so please, call me Richard. You always used to." His words were a reminder of the camaraderie they once shared, instilling a sense of unity.
"Richard, it is good to see you again, but why are you here?" Carson said, stepping forward to shake the man's hand."
"When I was in command of Atlantis, the IOA liked to judge every decision I made as well, so I am here for moral support," Richard replied.
"And why are you here, Sir?" Sheppard asked, his suspicion evident in his tone, "I thought Landry would be itching to get rid of me.
"Landry's well and truly retired this time. I'm here until they find a replacement. Remember, it's Jack, and I am on your side."
"So what happens now, Jack?" John asked, barely containing his frustration and annoyance at the situation.
"You will be shown to some quarters until the IOA is ready for you," Woolsey replied, and John could sense the man was hiding something.
John knew he wouldn't like the answer but asked anyway, "Yeah and how long will that take?"
"The IOA would like to speak with Dr Beckett first. They have requested you remain in guest quarters under guard," Jack replied sheepishly.
John was astonished by what he'd just heard, "Am I under arrest for something?"
"No, the IOA is afraid you may try and escape before they can question you," Jack replied with a smirk.
"Yeah, I have a broken leg, and I'm on crutches. I'm really a flight risk," John retorted with a hint of sarcasm, his humour cutting through the tension in the room and eliciting a few chuckles.
"Come on, Sheppard. I'll show you your quarters," O'Neill suggested with a wave. Hopefully, this won't take too long, and you can get on with your vacation."
John sighed; he had no idea how things could get worse than they already were. "I think it's more medical leave, sir."
John hobbled down the corridor after O'Neill, wondering why Dr Lam hadn't cornered him for a medical check-up. Usually, she would have him in her infirmary by now.
Before he'd gone very far, his worst fears came true, and Dr Lam stopped before him, "General Sheppard. You aren't avoiding me, are you?"
"No, Doctor," he replied sheepishly, "I just want a rest before the interrogation begins."
She smiled as she answered him, "Well, since Carson has already given me recent medical files, I don't need to examine you, so you might as well go and rest in guest quarters until you're needed."
"Thank you," he replied gratefully, his weariness palpable, weighing him down more each passing minute.
Usually, he would have thought he was reasonably fit, but after the events of the last few weeks, he was feeling tired a lot of the time. Carson assured him he'd be back to peak performance in no time, but he was seriously beginning to wonder if he was getting too old for this, his self-doubt creeping in like a persistent shadow.
When they arrived at guest quarters, John wasn't surprised to find two guards at the door. O'Neill unlocked the door, and when John entered, O'Neill entered behind him. His duffle bag had already been delivered to the room and was on the floor by the bed.
Once O'Neill shut the door, John threw his crutches on the floor and threw himself on the bed before looking at O'Neill.
"Is there a reason you're still here, Jack?"
"Just wondering if you've ever considered returning to Earth permanently."
"Beleive me, Jack. There are days when I think I'm too old to lead Atlantis, but then I realise I need to be on Atlantis because my children's mother is from the Pegasus Galaxy, and then I can't imagine living elsewhere."
"Good answer, Sheppard," Don't ever let the IOA see you doubting yourself because they've been looking for a way to get rid of you for years."
John chuckled before closing his eyes, "Doesn't surprise me, sir."
"Anyway, I'll let you get some rest, Sheppard," O'Neill said before exiting the room and locking it behind him.
Finally, he was along with his thoughts, which wasn't good. All sorts of thoughts were going through his head like, what have I done wrong this time? Do they think I'm Unfit for command - it wouldn't be the first time. With all these thoughts running through his head, it wasn't long before he drifted off to sleep.
oOo
Teyla's gaze lingered on the closing wormhole, her thoughts filled with concern for John. Would he ever find a moment of peace while leading Atlantis? The memory of his near-resignation at the last SGC and IOA meeting still haunted her, a testament to his unwavering commitment to Atlantis. He had almost resigned after the whole trip back in time to the Galaxy KK203 incident. She had no idea what had gone on in the meetings with the IOA, but she knew they were brutal. John was a strong man, and they hadn't worn him down then, so why would they now?
It wouldn't be the worst thing living on Earth, where her children could grow up without fear of the Wraith, but she couldn't fathom leaving the Pegasus Galaxy, her home, until there was peace between humans and Wraith, a goal that seemed achievable within five years, according to Todd and John.
A tug on her sleeve returned Teyla to her surroundings. She realised that the children were still beside her and that Jasmine, who had become one of her dearest friends, was still staring at the gate.
"Momma. We eat?" Charin asked, still tugging at her arm.
She looked down at her daughter, "Yes, that would be a lovely idea. Would Auntie Jasmine like to join us?"
Jasmine turned to face her, and Teyla didn't miss the unshed tears in her friend's eyes, "I would like that very much. Thank you for asking."
Charin took Jasmine's hand, looked up at the woman and smiled, "Tum on."
Teyla was amazed at how kind and considerate her daughter was becoming. She hoped the mischievous little girl could offer some comfort to Jasmine, who was upset that Carson would be missing again—although it could be the pregnancy hormones, as Jasmine was beginning to show. Everyone on Atlantis would know that she was pregnant by now.
Torren was beside Teyla and slipped his hand into hers; Halling was still sleeping in the baby carrier, so they made their way to the mess hall together. She had no idea what the time was, but the children were always looking for a snack, so what better place to find out if anything was bothering Jasmine - other than the obvious?
Charin immediately led Jasmine to a table by the window when they arrived in the mess hall. Although the days were warming up, the weather was still icy some days, so Teyla instructed the children to choose a table inside.
The icebergs on the ocean were beginning to melt, so Teyla suspected that the weather would warm up from now on, and within a few months, it would be warm enough for a visit to the mainland. However, they'd still be on Earth because it would take a while before John fully recovered from his broken leg.
"Do you want me to take Halling?" Torren asked. Then you can choose some food for Charin. I'll get something for Aunt Jasmine and me afterwards."
Her son's maturity struck Teyla; he was almost six, and they planned to celebrate his birthday on Earth. Despite the hardships her children had faced in the past few years, she held onto the hope that a break from the Pegasus and KK203 Galaxies would allow them to be carefree kids for a while
"That would be wonderful, darling," she said with a smile, entrusting Torren with the baby carrier Halling was in. "He will be waking up soon and looking for his bottle, but I know I can count on you to take care of him while we grab a quick snack."
Once she'd chosen a choc-chip muffin for Charin and some fruit and tea for herself, she joined Jasmine and Torren at the table.
Returning to the table, she handed Charin her food and turned to Jasmine with a profoundly empathetic look. "How are you feeling? I can truly understand the weight of everything that's happening."
"Don't worry; I'll be alright," Jasmine replied. It's just that Carson had to deal with the IOA a year ago, and he told me how unpleasant that was. They questioned his medical integrity and every decision he ever made. They even brought up the incident with John's brain injury and how Cason handled it, which was a challenging time for both of them."
"Do not worry, they do that a lot. They like to give people a difficult time because it makes them think they have a say in what goes on out here. But the SGC and the President have the final say. So hopefully, this will not take long, and we can all go on a long overdue vacation," Teyla reassured.
There was sorrow and confusion in Jasmine's eyes as she answered, I hope you're right, Teyla, because Carson is talking about retiring and living in Scotland again. But I don't think I could leave Atlantis just yet."
"I understand," Teyla said, her mood mirroring Jasmine's. She reached out and placed a comforting hand on Jasmine's, her eyes reflecting the shared uncertainty." John has also discussed returning to Earth a lot over the last few years. We've all had our uncertainties but always found a way through."
Torren returned to the table with a muffin and a glass of juice for Jasmine, and their conversation changed to a different topic.
"I suppose it wouldn't be the worst thing living on Earth again," Jasmine commented, her voice brimming with determination, "but I want to raise my daughter on Atlantis. It's not just where I belong; it's where I'm meant to be."
A smile lit up Teyla's face, "you are having a little girl?"
"Yeah," Jasmine replied, "we're thinking of calling her Gia Lila to honour the two beautiful women Carson met on Hilaring."
"Their beautiful names, and I am sure Gia would be honoured if she knew."
They fell into a comfortable silence as they finished the rest of their meal. Teyla couldn't help but let her mind wander to the prospect of a long-overdue vacation on Earth, her longing for a break evident in the silence. She hoped that by this time tomorrow, the IOA would be finished with John and Carson, and they would be on their way to Earth.
oOo
Carson was surprised when he walked into the conference room to find many of the doctors he'd dealt with when he was here a year ago after the events ten thousand years in the past in KK203. The IOA members he'd dealt with at the time were also there, but there were also a few new faces.
"Please sit down, "Woolsey said, pointing to a chair beside him.
"What is this about?" Carson asked suspiciously.
A blue-eyed, blonde-haired Doctor he'd never met before was the first to speak." My name is Dr. Jolin, and I am interested to know what happened in KK203 last year. What really happened to General Sheppard?"
"Excuse me?" Carson replied with confusion.
"I wish to know what happened when Colonel Sheppard suffered his brain injury; how did it affect him? Is he still capable of doing his job?"
"Let me remind you, this was covered last year, and General Sheppard was deemed fit for duty," Woolsey said, backing Carson up.
Jolin nodded and sat down. Carson hoped they would give up and let him get on with his vacation, but he had no such luck. One of the other doctors he'd dealt with a year ago stood up. The man was older, had grey hair and glasses, and was short and round.
"Dr Beckett, I'm Dr Shilling; how did you get involved with the people on KK203 this time? I understand you were involved in peace talks between two tribes."
Carson stared at the man; he should have known his actions in helping the people on Hilaring would be brought into question by the IOA.
"These people needed help, and I couldn't sit by and ignore what was happening to them. Besides, Simion and Rulan were the ones negotiating; I was simply an observer, as was Teyla," Carson stated forcefully.
"Miss Emmagan's actions are not being called into question here because she is not working for the IOA or the SGC; Dr Beckett, yours are. Did you help these people or not!?" Dr Shilling demanded, his voice forceful and unwavering.
"You mean Mrs Sheppard's actions. Her name is Teyla Sheppard. And as for my involvement, I will state again, I was only an observer in those negotiations." Carson's detachment from the situation was evident in his words.
Carson would have thought that would be the end of the matter, but Shilling pushed further, "and what of General Sheppard's role in what happened."
"General Sheppard wasn't even present during the negotiations," Carson replied, his voice tinged with bewilderment. He had no idea what Sheppard was up to while on Hilaring. "He was on New Hilaring at the time."
"Okay, tell me about General Sheppard's actions on New Halling?" Dr Jolin asked.
The question left Carson stunned: How was he to know what Sheppard was doing while he was on Hilaring? However, he suspected that poor Sheppard would get a grilling from the IOA when he finally set foot in this room.
"Okay, gentlemen, I think that's enough," Woolsey interjected forcefully, his voice cutting through the tension in the room, "I think it's clear that Carson was a natural observer on Hilaring, and he has no idea what General Sheppard was doing on New Hilaring." His intervention brought a sense of relief from the mounting tension.
"Thank you, Dr. Beckett. I don't think we have any further questions for you," Dr. Jolin assured him. You may proceed with your vacation."
Carson was relieved they'd finished with him, but he didn't envy General Sheppard because someone clearly had it out for him.
oOo
John's concern for Carson was palpable as he waited outside the conference room. When Carson finally emerged, his troubled expression only deepened John's worry, leaving him to ponder the extent of the Doctor's predicament.
"How'd it go," John whispered as Carson walked past.
"I think I'm alright; I'm worried about you," Carson whispered.
Two or three doctors followed Carson out of the room, so he could not say much to the doctor.
He was worried because he knew the IOA wanted to grill him about his involvement in another culture in galaxy K2203, and he suspected that more than one person on the committee would be trying to relieve him of his post in Atlantis.
After a few minutes, Woolsey emerged from the room. " Can you come in now, General?" he asked, his tone adding to his mounting worry.
John looked at Woolsey to see if he could get a reading on the situation, but as usual, Woolsey had his poker face on.
He hobbled into the room, his broken leg a constant reminder of his recent mission, and sat on a chair, waiting uncomfortably for the proceedings to begin.
Scanning the room, he noticed a General he hadn't met before, the Unknown General, and the rest of the IOA Committee was there.
The General was tall with dark hair and almost black eyes, and his eyes were a bit close together for John's liking. The man wore a sour look on his face, and John wondered what he'd done to annoy this guy.
The Unknown General, a figure shrouded in mystery, rose from his seat. "I am General Stoodly and today's meeting aims to determine whether General Sheppard should be court-marshalled for his actions in galaxy KK203." His words hung in the air, leaving the room with more questions than answers.
TBC…
Sorry about the cliff hanger.