Chapter 26: Accusations

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-martialed for his actions in galaxy KK203." His words hung in the air, leaving the room with more questions than answers.

John was left reeling. He had anticipated consequences for the events in KK203, but the sudden blow of a court-martial by a General he had never seen left him feeling utterly powerless. His heart raced, his palms were sweaty, and the man's higher rank was a stark reminder of John's lack of control in the situation.

"Excuse me?" John asked with quiet anger, his voice tinged with a sense of injustice.

"You have the right to remain silent, General Sheppard. Anything you say could be used against you in a court of law." Stoodly said as if John were being placed under arrest, and in a sense, he was.

"I believe I have the right to Council and the right for an airforce officer of my choosing to be present at all future proceedings," John said, his anger simmering beneath the surface.

"Yes, you do, and Richard Woolsey has been selected as your council," Stoodly said with a malicious grin - at least, that's what it looked like to John.

Stoodly looked unhinged and wondered when the man last took the psych evaluations. But if the SGC and IOA had invited him here, he must have been fit for duty, so there was nothing he could do about the situation - at least at the moment.

"Did you know about this Woolsey!?" John demanded, his anger finally boiling over, his eyes burning with a sense of betrayal that cut deep. He felt like a pawn in a game he didn't understand, and Woolsey's apparent complicity only added to his sense of isolation.

"I'm sorry, John. I only found out an hour ago." Woolsey said apologetically.

John would have stood to his feet if he could, but it was a good thing he couldn't because he felt like hitting Stoodly, and if he did that, he'd definitely be court-martialed for hitting a superior officer.

"Well, if I can have an Airforce officer of my choosing, "I want General O'Neill," John stated, his anger settling a little.

"I'll take that under advisement," Stoodly said, fire in his eyes.

John's anger had risen again: "You'll take that under Advisement. Oh, that's big of you, Sir!" John spat out.

"Get two marines in here and take him to the brig!" Stoodley shouted, and John could see the contempt in the man's eyes, "and that's where he will stay between meetings until this matter is resolved.

"Don't worry, I know the way!" John shouted in return, his anger reaching its peak.

After meeting the General's gaze, John rose to his feet, his head held high, and limped out of the room, Woolsey at his heels. He knew a few marines were also trailing him, but what could he do? Flee from them? Engage in combat? With a broken leg, his options were limited. Yet, he pressed on.

By the time he arrived at the brig, John was utterly spent. Woolsey's incessant questioning during the journey had only added to his fatigue. He wearily entered the cell and sank onto the unforgiving bench, his broken leg propped up beside him.

Woolsey entered behind him, and the door was locked, leaving them alone to talk—except for the guards outside the door.

"What happened, General Sheppard?" Woolsey asked.

He looked up at his former commander and friend, saw genuine concern in his eyes, and realised they'd been here before. When Shiana, Dimas and Kelore accused his team of everything that had gone wrong in the Pegasus Galaxy and him of waking the Wraith, Woolsey defended them and got them off the charge. However, Woolsey admitted later that he may have bribed Kelore into voting for them. Deep down, he knew if anyone could get him off, it would be Woolsey - although he didn't think bribery would go down too well this time.

"I got annoyed with General Stoodly and lost my temper. That's what happened." Not wanting to answer the more profound question.

Woolsey chuckled, "That's not what I meant, John. What happened in KK203?"

John was surprised at the question. Surely, Woolsey knew what had happened in KK203. "You didn't read the report I sent to General O'Neill?"

"Yes, I read the report," Woolsey answered in a matter-of-fact tone, "but I want to hear it from you." His persistence only added to John's frustration.

John wasn't impressed. His reports told them everything they needed to know about recent events in KK203, and he didn't want to relive it. "I was protecting my people and defending my home. The Coreans had infiltrated the ancient New Hilaring city and occupied Atlantis. So, the only way to get home was to liberate the ancient city. I was defending my people and my home. I've got nothing more to say on the matter. If we're finished, I have a headache, so can you please send Carson in?" His frustration was overwhelming, almost tangible in the air.

"General Stoodly doesn't want to reconvene until this afternoon, so try and get some rest," Woolsey replied, his worry for John's situation evident.

John chuckled, "I'm not going anywhere, Richard, so I may as well be sleeping."

Once Woolsey left, John lay down on the hard bunk with his broken leg raised. He had no idea who this Stoodly guy was, but if he had a chance to speak with O'Neill, he'd ask the man to look into it. John knew he hadn't done anything wrong in KK203, so it was clear that for some reason, he couldn't begin to fathom this guy Stoodly had a problem with him.

Knowing it would drive him crazy trying to figure it out, he closed his eyes and emptied his mind of all troubling thoughts. It wasn't long before he finally found some relief and drifted off to sleep.

oOo

Carson was relieved when he reached the quarters the SGC assigned him. He thought about contacting Atlantis and having Jasmine join him so they could begin their vacation. But Carson knew he couldn't leave Sheppard until he knew the outcome of the meetings. Carson had no idea how long Sheppard would be with the IOA but hoped Woolsey would let him know the outcome as soon as the meeting was over. The committee had gone easy on him, but he feared General Sheppard wouldn't have such an easy time.

Ultimately, he decided to lie on the bed and read some medical reports that needed his attention before he went on vacation. He barely finished the first one when there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," he yelled, not wanting to get up.

When the door opened, he was surprised to see Woolsey enter.

"What's happening, Mr Woolsey? Is John alright?" He asked with fear for his friend.

"General Sheppard is in the brig and requesting to see you as he has a headache."

Carson knew that John still struggled with headaches at times due to the head injury he received over a year ago, but it didn't affect his work, so Carson said nothing about it and neither did John.

"Why is John in the brig? What happened?" Carson asked with confusion.

"Some General named Stoodly wants him court-martialed for his actions in KK203," Woolsey replied, and Carson didn't miss the worry on his former leader's face.

"Really! From what I understand, he could have done nothing differently." Carson ranted, still not believing what Woolsey had said to him.

"Yes, I know, and as I have been appointed to his council, I will do everything in my power to get that point across!" Woolsey replied forcefully. "But until then, we should do everything we can to make the General as comfortable as possible while he's in the brig. And before you ask, Stoodly insists he is kept in the brig. So, do you have something for John's headache or not?"

"I'll drop by the infirmary and get something for him." He paused before continuing, his thoughts turning to Jasmine, "Can you please let Jasmine know we won't be going on vacation until this is resolved? One way or another."

Woolsey's voice was quiet but determined as he answered, "I assure you he's done nothing wrong and will be acquitted."

Carson nodded as Woolsey exited the room. Things were complicated, and as usual, the General was in the firing line for trying to do the right thing and protect his home and family. He knew that Woolsey was right and John had done nothing wrong, but who was this Stoodly guy, and did he have the grounds to get Sheppard court-martialed?

oOo

It was with a heavy heart that Lorne watched the wormhole shut down, knowing that it was severing their only connection to General Sheppard for the moment. The SGC had just contacted him to tell him what was happening. Although he was relieved that any complaints against Carson's actions had been dropped, it sickened him to hear that General Sheppard might face court-martial in the future, depending on the outcome of the meetings over the next few days. He was relieved that Woolsey would defend him but surprised that an Air Force officer of John's choosing hadn't been appointed to proceedings.

His next task was daunting. He had to inform the General's wife somehow what was happening on Earth. The thought of delivering such distressing news to someone he respected and cared for deeply, especially given what the family had been through in the last few years, filled him with dread.

With a sense of urgency, he tapped his earpiece, "Lorne to Teyla, please respond immediately."

"Go ahead, General," Teyla replied, her voice tinged with worry that Lorne could sense even through the earpiece.

"Can you meet me in my office in a few minutes?"

"Jasmine and I are on our way," Teyla replied, her voice unable to conceal the dread that Lorne was sure she felt, a sense of impending doom in the air.

When she deactivated the connection, he was about to tell Teyla he wanted to speak with her alone. But perhaps Teyla would appreciate some moral support.

He'd barely arrived in Sheppard's office when Teyla and Jasmine arrived; both were worried, so he might as well put Jasmine at ease before delivering the bad news to Teyla.

"Please sit down?" Lorne said before sitting in a comfortable chair in the office's corner.

The minute Jasmine sat down, she asked," What is happening, Colonel? Is Carson alright?"

Lorne could hear Jasmine's anxiety and was happy he could put her mind at ease: "Carson is alright; he was found not guilty of interfering with political events in another galaxy."

Jasmine sighed, and Lorne could see the tension leave her body. Now, the hard part began: He had to deliver the news of John's potential court-martial to Teyla.

Before he could say anything to Teyla, she said softly, "You do not need to tell me anything, Colonel Lorne. John is in trouble yet again. Not because he's done anything wrong, but because of the man he is." Teyla paused before continuing, "I have noticed your actions during recent events are not in question, Colonel." Even in this dire situation, her unwavering support for her husband was evident.

He knew she was right; General Sheppard was protecting his home and his family, but whoever General Stoodly was, he disagreed.

"Yes, as I was defending Atlantis, the IOA and SGC feel I have done nothing wrong."

"What will happen to John?" Teyla asked, her anguish and worry evident.

"Meetings over the next few days will determine if General Sheppard will face a court-martial for his recent actions in KK203." The weight of these words hung heavily in the air, the fate of Sheppard's career and freedom uncertain.

Lorne could see the colour drain from Teyla's face as she asked, "And if he is?" Her voice was barely a whisper, filled with fear and anguish.

"In the best case scenario, he will be discharged dishonourably from the Airforce. In the worst-case scenario, he will serve jail time." Lorne answered, feeling more depressed by the minute.

"Thank you for your honesty, Colonel, but now I must collect the children from Ronon and Amelia. I will also need to think of something to tell them about their father's absence."

The tension in the room was evident as Teyla stood to exit, her steps slow and heavy. Jasmine had been quiet during the exchange, but Lorne could see the worry in the woman's eyes. Once Jasmine was on her feet, she took Teyla's hand, and they left the general's office together, their grip tight with shared concern.

Lorne went and sat behind the General's desk and put his head in his hands. However, if General Stoodly had his way, it would no longer be the General's office. At that moment, he resolved to find out everything he could about this General Stoodly or anything Woolsey could use to defend General Sheppard. His loyalty to Sheppard was unwavering, and he was determined to do everything he could to protect him.

oOo

John was dozing when he heard the door to his cell being opened. Despite the relentless pain and sleepiness, he was determined to stay alert. John wasn't sure how long he'd been asleep, but he didn't feel rested and still had the headache to end all headaches, even though it wasn't as bad as the headaches he'd had after his brain injury. His leg was also beginning to ache; in fact, his entire body was aching, but it could have something to do with the hard bunk he was lying in. Not that he wanted to get off the bunk because there was no way he would be able to stay standing right now.

Sighing, he opened his eyes and tried to sit up while still keeping his leg on the hard bunk. He was relieved to see Carson enter the room with a medical bag.

"Please leave us alone?" Carson asked the guards who had stepped into the room behind him.

"General Stoodly has instructed us to stay when civilians are present with General Sheppard." One of the guards answered, his gun pointed at John as if the man were a threat.

The man was a soldier he'd never encountered at the SGC. The soldier looked young and a little scared. John couldn't help but wonder what this young soldier's role was in this situation.

John couldn't believe that Stoodly thought Carson needed protection from him, especially since he had a broken leg and was in pain.

"What's your name, son?" Carson asked, and John winced at how old Carson sounded.

"My name is Airman, Voortman, Sir."

"Well, then, Airman, I assure you the General is not a threat to anyone, especially in his current condition. So if you kindly leave, I can speak with General Sheppard privately." Carson stated firmly.

The man looked like he would disagree when Jack O'Neill entered. "Gentleman, please leave. I can watch General Sheppard to ensure that Dr Beckett comes to no harm."

"Yes, sir," Airman Voortman replied with a crisp salute before exiting the cell.

Once both men had left, Carson turned to John, his worry and concern evident, "Okay, General, why don't you tell me what hurts." His empathetic approach reassured John that Carson would look after him the way he always did.

John chuckled, "It would be easier if I told you what didn't hurt, doc. I ache all over. I know my head and leg ache more than anything else." He couldn't help but feel frustrated at his current predicament.

"Given the amount of pain you're in, I'll give you a strong pain reliever," Carson replied, pulling a syringe out of his bag. His determination to alleviate John's pain was evident in his every move." And don't argue with me, General, because I can see it in your eyes."

"Okay, Doc. Do what you have to do."

He felt instant relief when Carson injected the pain medication into his shoulder. " Thanks, Doc. Now, can you leave me alone with General O'Neill because I suspect he has something he wishes to discuss with me?"

Carson nodded, "let me know if you need anything else, General," he said before exiting the room.

Once Carson had left, John turned to General O'Neill and asked, "Can you please be present at the official proceedings? I could use your support."

"I'm sorry, Sheppard, but Stoodly won't allow it. However, when I contacted Landry, he jumped at the chance to speak on your behalf."

"Great," John muttered, more to himself than Jack.

"What was that Sheppard?" Jack asked

"I was just thinking with Landry in the meeting with me, he'll finally get his wish and see me set up for a court-martial," John replied, chuckling.

Jack was solemn as he answered, "Landry may not have been one of your biggest fans in the beginning, but he came to respect you and was one of your main supporters in you getting the job of leading Atlantis."

John still wasn't sure he believed what O'Neill was saying, so he changed the subject, "Do you know much about his Stoodly guy?"

"I've only met him once before today, and from what I can understand, he's some high-up paper pusher in D. don't worry; I intend to do a little digging to see if I can find something Woolsey and Landry can use against him." O'Neill's unwavering determination to help gave him hope, reassuring him that he was not alone.

"Thanks, General, but in the worst-case scenario, I'll do time. Please ensure Teyla and the kids have everything they need wherever they live - on Earth or Atlantis?"

"It won't come to that, Sheppard, because you've done nothing wrong. The IOA isn't out on the front lines. They don't know the decisions we have to face every day, and as for Stoodly, I doubt he's done a day out in the field for a very long time. Don't worry, we'll get to the bottom of it."

John nodded. He was convinced that O'Neill would do everything he could to help, but would it be enough?

"Please promise my family will be looked after if the worst happens?" John asked clearly, expressing his concern and worry for his loved ones. O'Neill's promise reassured John that his family would be cared for.

"I will, but don't worry, Sheppard," O'Neill replied, soothing John's frayed nerves. "Landry and Woolsey are working on your defence now and will come for you in an hour. So try and get some more rest because you look like hell." O'Neill's comforting words eased his worries.

He nodded and immediately regretted it because, despite the pain medication, his head still hurt, "I want to thank you for everything, Jack." John said, his face pale, his eyes sunken, and his body trembled with exhaustion and pain.

"Just get some rest, Sheppard," O'Neill said before leaving the cell.

He was left alone with his thoughts again, and none were positive. His pain was muted, and he felt sleepy, so hopefully, he'd be able to drift off to sleep again for the next hour.

oOo

When Jasmine took the children to another room, Teyla felt relieved. She was granted a brief moment to speak with Ronon. The weight of her responsibilities as a mother had been pressing down on her, and this respite was welcome.

After she met with Lorne, Teyla returned to her apartment and fed and changed Halling while Jasmine and Ronon kept Charin and Torren occupied. Amelia had taken Sharine to her apartment for a nap, as the child was tired and cranky.

Now, she sat in the recliner chair with Ronon sitting opposite her on the couch.

"What's happening with Sheppard, Teyla?" Ronon asked, his concern unmistakable.

"The IOA is questioning John's actions in K2203. Currently, the meetings are to determine if he will face a court-martial, and if he is found guilty, he may end up in Jail."

A look of anger crossed Ronon's face, "I need to get to Earth and let these guys know what idiots they are. Sheppard has done nothing wrong. All he was trying to do was protect his home and family!" The big man's face was red when he'd finished his rant.

Teyla sighed; Ronon's protective nature towards John and, by extension, his family was unmistakable. "I do not believe it would help if you hit someone, Ronon," she said, acknowledging his loyalty and the strength of their bond.

Ronon nodded, his anger subsiding, "If you need anything, Amelia and I are here for you."

"Do you think you can tell Charin and Torren why their father is absent, and their vacation to Earth is delayed?"

Before Ronon could respond, Torren's voice entered the conversation," What's happening to Dad?"

"Nothing you need to worry about, Buddy," Ronon replied, and Teyla was grateful for his support.

"Tell me!" Torren demanded, "I'm not a baby any longer."

She had no idea how to tell her oldest son what was happening, but he deserved to know the truth. The weight of the situation and the difficulty of being honest with a child was a heavy burden. "Some people believe Dad was wrong for helping the Hilarians retake the ancient city on New Hilaring, and they want to punish him for it," she finally managed to say.

Teyla hoped her son didn't ask her how his father would be punished if he was found guilty.

"That's just dumb. Dad was only trying to get home to us. Besides, the Coreans were bad people, and Dad isn't."

Smiling at her son, she hugged him, "You are right, Torren. Dad did the right thing."

"I should get going now," Ronon said. Remember, if you need anything, Amelia and I will help."

"I think I will also leave, as I need a rest," Jasmine said, entering the room and squeezing her hand.

She opened the door and saw Ronon and Jasmine out before turning to her son, "What would you like for dinner, darling."

"Whatever you want will be fine by me, Mom."

"Why don't you go and get Charin? Then we can watch a movie before dinner." Teyla suggested wanting anything to take her mind off John for a while.

"Sure, why don't we watch 'ice age'? Charin loves it."

She watched as Torren left the room to get his sister and decided she'd sit down again. It had been a long day, but she suspected the next few days would be longer.

oOo

John was led into the conference room by Landry and Woolsey. He had no idea what Landry was thinking because his expression was masked. Woolsey had his usual poker face, but John knew his friend was worried about the proceedings.

When John was finally seated, and his broken leg was resting on a chair, he saw Stoodly and Coolidge sitting on the other side of the table. He couldn't read the look on Coolidge's face, but the one on Stoodly's face was one of pure hatred.

Woolsey sat to John's left, and Landry sat to his right.

When he finally spoke with Landry, the General assured John that he had done nothing wrong, that the charges of interfering in the political affairs of a Galaxy other than the Pegasus or Milky Way were baseless, and that they would be dropped. Despite Landry's reassurances, he wondered if he could have tried to find another way home because it occurred to him he never even tried. He hadn't bothered to try to speak to the Coreans before mounting an attack on the Ancient city either.

When he'd mentioned these thoughts to Woolsey, Woolsey had stated that under no circumstances was he to admit guilt.

He was brought back to the present when General Stoodly addressed him," General Sheppard, do you plead guilty to interfering in the political affairs of a Galaxy other than the Pegasus or Milky Way?"

For a moment, John felt tempted to plead guilty to get this over with, but deep down, he knew he wasn't guilty.

He looked straight at Stoodly and said, in a determined voice, "No. I am not guilty."

"Well, let's get this hearing started then, " Stoodley said with a vicious undertone that filled the room with tension.

TBC…