{"id":1085,"date":"2024-08-26T15:23:09","date_gmt":"2024-08-26T15:23:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/meekobuggy.com\/?page_id=1085"},"modified":"2024-08-26T15:25:54","modified_gmt":"2024-08-26T15:25:54","slug":"chapter-01","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/meekobuggy.com\/?page_id=1085","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 01"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

PROLOGUE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

The Genii had come to Atlantis to seek refuge. So too had the many Athosians because the Wraith were on a warpath after Atlantis returned to the Pegasus galaxy, and were culling every planet associated with the people from Atlantis.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or so the Genii had led the Lanteans to believe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In truth, it had been nothing but a ploy to covertly take out everyone in the city and gain the upper hand in the galaxy. Due to the quick actions of the gate techs, word of a foothold situation was sent to Earth through the gate, before the Genii took over the control room and disrupted all communications, life support, and access to the Stargate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The devastation was horrendous. Not only were enormous sections of the piers blown to bits, the civilian and military casualties were devastating. In fact, it was so bad that if someone wasn\u2019t paying attention to what was ahead of them, tripping over bodies while running for cover would be a common sight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There was smoke and fire everywhere. Gun fire, shouting, cries, blood, more gun fire and more smoke. There was no air circulation apart from the air coming in from the broken windows from labs, rooms, and hallways. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Genii soldiers had blown up the auxiliary control room with homemade bombs. Every now and then someone would voice his thoughts about how the pride of Atlantis, the team led by Colonel Sheppard, had shown the Genii C4 and how a certain scientist had basically given the Genii the secret recipe to said C4 explosives. Said team was also called a great range of names, with ‘a bunch of morons’ being the kindest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, that same scientist was currently trying to get the gate back under his  control on his own as his trusty side kick, Radek Zelenka, had been one of the first fatalities. To ensure that Earth could send reinforcements, that same colonel was watching the scientist\u2019s back between trying to save people in the corridors and barricading their base of operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

\u201cJohn, you need to allow me to have a look at that,\u201d Dr. Gutierrez\u2019s voice sounded from somewhere behind him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Elsa Gutierrez had been with him in the mess hall when the Genii initially attacked, and he had made sure that she stuck by him during the attack as the Genii were hellbent on killing everyone on Atlantis on sight, doctor or not. It turned out to be a good decision, as there were a lot of wounded people with them at that very moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Elsa,\u201d Sheppard replied. \u201cIt\u2019s only a flesh wound,\u201d he continued, while he stacked a box on another for cover. \u201cHow\u2019s it going, McKay? We can\u2019t stay here much longer.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ronon and Teyla had taken it upon themselves to head out into the city with a bunch of marines to kill as many Genii as possible. Without communication, though, it was virtually impossible for them to keep the colonel – the highest ranking officer left on Atlantis – up to date about their progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The relationship between the Lanteans and the Genii had always been rocky, but they had forged an uneasy allegiance as they both were strong forces in the Pegasus Galaxy and in a way, had the same objective: eliminate the Wraith and bring peace back into Pegasus. As with every human faction, from Earth or otherwise, there had been some rotten apples in the Genii\u2019s command structure. However over the years even they seemed to have accepted the partnership and became helpful allies in the fight against the Wraith. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the Lanteans had been duped and that alliance was currently screwing their asses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sure, they had had the Genii on Atlantis before, but they hadn\u2019t expected their forces to be that<\/em> great in numbers. Even restricting their movements and access to one of the unpopulated areas of Atlantis had clearly been a bad idea. Most of the Athosian people, women and children too, were amongst the first fatalities when the Genii blew up the Athosian common areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlright, I\u2019m done here. We\u2019ll have to get closer to the gate room now,\u201d Rodney said, packing up his computer equipment. \u201cI\u2019m fairly certain that once I get to the control panels underneath the control room that I can over-ride whatever the Genii have done.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re fairly<\/em> certain?\u201d John asked, and tugged on Elsa\u2019s sleeve to get her up and away from tending to Captain Ramsey and Dr. Molyneux. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes! Yes, I\u2019ll get it done,\u201d McKay said with a worried expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can\u2019t just leave them here!\u201d the doctor cried out as she looked back at the friends they had shared dinner with just the night before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going to have to. Besides, If McKay\u2019s successful, we\u2019ll be able to come back. Come on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sounds of explosions continued to sound before one in a nearby corridor knocked the group to the ground as they continued on to find a way of regaining the city of Atlantis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chapter 01 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

John woke up with a headache and the inability to open his eyes. Great,<\/em> he thought. I\u2019m hungover.<\/em> Although he couldn\u2019t really remember attending a big party at all. Groaning, he rubbed his face, feeling linen cloth instead of his own skin. Practical joke… nice! <\/em>he thought wryly. \u201cWhoever did this, it\u2019s not funny,\u201d he sighed and started to tug on the cloth to get it off his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carson Beckett looked up from one of the nearby exam beds where he was assessing another of his patients. Moving over to the wall for the comm system, he quietly alerted Doctor Carolyn Lam, the CMO of the SGC, that one of their patients had just woken up. Sighing, he ran a nervous hand through his hair as he tried to remember the plan of what they were going to say and how. There was just so much that his friend did not know and likely would not remember.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Lam walked into the extended dorm of the infirmary and looked around for the patient that she had been informed was now awake. Seeing who it was, she could not help but to curse to herself. Moving over to Sheppard\u2019s side, she pulled his hand down gently to keep him from messing up the bandages around his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cColonel,\u201d she greeted softly. \u201cPlease remain calm. You are back at the SGC…\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He couldn\u2019t really place the woman\u2019s voice and sighed. \u201cI\u2019m probably not back at the SGC,\u201d he said, slightly frustrated. He didn\u2019t really mind practical jokes but he hated it when they\u2019d prank him while sleeping off an alcohol binge. \u201cI\u2019m not in the mood for jokes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carolyn looked up at Carson with a sorrowful expression. He came over and put a hand on John’s shoulder gently. \u201cAye lad, but it is true,\u201d he said. \u201cWe are back on Earth. You were injured pretty badly, my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He frowned upon hearing Carson\u2019s voice. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat do you remember?\u201d Carolyn asked as she softly re-adjusted his bandages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was having dinner with Elsa,\u201d he said, trying to think carefully. \u201cOr lunch…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carson nodded, knowing about the little date his friends had. His colleague had planned an extended lunch on that unfortunate day. \u201cYes, it was lunch. What else do you remember?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust tell me,\u201d John said, frustrated, at not being able to remember anything beyond the point of that lunch and looking into Elsa\u2019s eyes when she was laughing because of a silly joke he had made. \u201cAnd why am I at the SGC? Isn\u2019t the Atlantis infirmary good enough? And where is Elsa?\u201d Since Elsa was a doctor, and practically married to the infirmary, he half expected her to be at the SGC as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The doctors looked at each other. The uncertainty of how to answer his questions was evident in the electricity of the room and in the silence that only was only broken by the faint echoes of beeping from various medical devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carolyn bit her lip and sighed. \u201cNow may not be a good time for the answers to those questions. You should let yourself rest and recover a little longer so that you can be strong enough for the information…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John had dealt with casualties among their friends before, and he knew something was wrong. He himself had used the same words over and over again on Atlantis, when one of his people had lost their team in some way or the other. He slowly nodded, sighing. Whatever the news would be, John was now confident it was not<\/em> something he wanted to hear.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat happened, what you went through there, knowing will be hard for you, son, but you\u2019re not alone in here,\u201d Carson said. \u201cI really want to ask you to behave yourself.\u201d The doctor knew John\u2019s track record in the infirmary all too well; the colonel hated it. \u201cYou may feel as if you\u2019re in tip top shape, but that\u2019s the medication talking. You\u2019re not leaving this bed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFine,\u201d John sulked, knowing that he\u2019d probably be of more use doing something, anything. \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes John, I am,\u201d he replied. \u201cIf I felt that you were strong enough to know all the details, you know I would tell you. However, please get some rest now. I will bring up something for you to try to eat shortly. If you can keep it down, we can remove the feeding tube.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeding tube? <\/em>\u201cThat bad, huh?\u201d He sighed. \u201cI need to stop being stupid in case things work out between me and Elsa, because she\u2019d kill me if I\u2019d get hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carson didn\u2019t reply, but did let out a disappointed sigh as he wrote updates on John\u2019s chart. He had been happy to see the colonel and his fellow doctor forge a friendship early on and was quite proud to learn that they had also began to explore their relationship further. For Sheppard, it was a monumental step to let people into his life, past being a colleague or friend. But now, all Carson could do was pray for the man and hope he did not fall back to the dark place he found after they lost Elizabeth and during the time Teyla had been missing. <\/s><\/p>\n\n\n\n

John couldn\u2019t help but hear the alarm bells go off in his head. He didn\u2019t remember the event that had gotten him in such a shape that he had to be fed by a tube, and Carson wasn\u2019t answering his questions, nor did he mention Elsa in any way. \u201cWho else is here?\u201d he carefully asked, wishing that his brain would cooperate and do the math.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cColonel, it\u2019s best if you go back to sleep,\u201d the woman\u2019s voice sounded. \u201cWe\u2019ll fill you in on the details later. For now, I\u2019ll give you a sedative to help you sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPlease don\u2019t,\u201d he started to say, but already started to feel sleepy. He hated doctors. He could feel Carson patting him reassuringly on his arm as he slowly dozed off to his medicated dreams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t wish to be him when it\u2019s time to tell him what happened,\u201d Carolyn said softly as they walked away from the colonel\u2019s bed, now knowing why Carson had warned her that John wasn\u2019t the easiest patient ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

John ran through a smoke-filled corridor, being fired at by shadowy people with revolvers and real bullets, only to find himself tending to Carter\u2019s wounds a second later while the ground shook as if something was exploding.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRonon\u2019s hurt,\u201d a disembodied voice, probably Teyla\u2019s, said. \u201cTorren is safe. John?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCarter\u2019s gone.\u201d His own voice echoed while the image took him to another corridor, shooting at the fuzzy people who were shooting at him. He might have been hit, but he didn\u2019t care; he needed to do something, if only he could remember what that was. He felt the need to panic but managed to stay rather calm, even when another explosion rocked the floor beneath his feet. Damn, that had to be close.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He woke with a start, sitting up with a jolt. A burning feeling in his arms indicated that he had accidentally ripped out the tubes. It took him a moment to realize he was still in the infirmary and fell back onto his pillow. \u201cCarter\u2019s gone,\u201d he muttered, \u201cTorren\u2019s safe…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood afternoon, Colonel,\u201d a cheerful voice sounded. One of the nurses made her way over to his bed after hearing the small commotion. \u201cTsk tsk, you need to be careful with your IV lines. There is very important medicine in there to help fight your infections and wounds. Now lie back and rest. Are you hungry at all? Doctor Beckett has some notes to try you on a clear liquid diet.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not a kid,\u201d he muttered. \u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The girl chuckled. \u201cThat\u2019s what you all say. We just want to see you get better and if it takes having to mother our patients, we will do that. Now, food? Yay or nay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you blond? You remind me of someone,\u201d he said, carefully shaking his hurting head. \u201cI\u2019m fine, as in I don\u2019t need food.\u201d The only persons he would remotely allow to \u2018mother him\u2019 would be Teyla and Elsa, not this nurse who sounded as if she were just fresh out of med school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHmm, okay then,\u201d she said and made some noise as she wrote something on the clipboard that was hanging on the foot of his bed. \u201cIf you need anything at all, just press this buzzer and someone will be right with you,\u201d she explained as she put the device in his good hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI need to talk to Carson, or Elsa,\u201d he said stubbornly. \u201cThat\u2019s all I want right now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, okay. I\u2019ll find Dr. Beckett for you but I don\u2019t know any Elsa on the base. Sorry,\u201d she said before walking out to find the man in question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She\u2019s still on Atlantis<\/em>, John thought. Or off base… or…<\/em> He sighed; he hated to lie still and be unable to do things. For some reason, they had weighed down one of his arms, and why was he blindfolded? Maybe he had been right before; he wasn\u2019t at the SGC and maybe the Asurans had found their way back into existence. At this point, it almost seemed the most plausible explanation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carolyn returned after her nurse had been unable to find Carson. \u201cColonel Sheppard. What can I get you?\u201d she asked as she rechecked his vitals and IVs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not Carson,\u201d he said, suspiciously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m not. I am Doctor Carolyn Lam. We met a few years ago when the expedition was recalled back to Earth. Don\u2019t you remember?\u201d she asked. \u201cDr. Beckett actually left an hour ago to check on your friend Teyla at an off-base house.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTeyla\u2019s on Earth?\u201d he asked in confusion, thinking that she\u2019d at least be in Pegasus, maybe visiting her people in his absence. \u201cWhat about Torren?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHer son? A cute kid. He is with her. I can see if Carson can bring them to visit you if you would like. I did hear that they have been asking about your condition often.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat exactly is<\/em> my condition, Doc? Why have you blind folded me and weighed my arm down?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sighing, Dr. Lam looked at him. It was hard to keep information from patients, but she had been ordered to keep silent because of how the colonel had been known to react to such tragic news. \u201cIf I tell you, I need you to remain calm?\u201d she asked as she made sure to double check his restraints just to be on the safe side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo I have a choice?\u201d he muttered as he could feel her tugging on something. Figures. <\/em>He sighed inwardly at the possible restraints. \u201cI\u2019m not turning into a bug again, am I?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she chuckled. \u201cThat is the good news.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d he nodded. \u201cAs long as I\u2019m not turning into a bug, I can stay calm.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She looked at him, scrutinizing his sincerity. \u201cOkay then. Atlantis was attacked almost two months ago,\u201d she said carefully, watching for his reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTwo months…\u201d He frowned. \u201cYou put me into a coma?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, but I wish that were the case. You were in coma when you were brought here. Severe head trauma, GSW to your abdomen, knife wound to your right chest wall that punctured a lung, and a number of broken bones including your right femur and pelvis,\u201d she said reading off his chart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was as if she was reading from a shopping list in Walmart, but it was nothing he hadn\u2019t had before; he had been knocked around in the past, been shot at, had broken a dozen of his bones at least twice, give or take, over the course of his career, heck, he had even crashed a helicopter or two. \u201cYou want fries with that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf only it were that simple,\u201d she said with a smile in her voice. \u201cThe head injury you sustained led to multiple blood clots. One caused an aneurysm in your ocular region which is the reason for the bandages. We are unsure of the level of vision you will have, or exactly what kind of damage there is with the scarring. I don\u2019t believe you would like waking up and being blinded by lights that are only dim, Colonel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He sighed, knowing full well that due to his current condition, he would be seated at a stupid desk for the rest of his life, doing stupid paper work. \u201cSo, what does that mean? I get better, go back to Atlantis?\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her silence then spoke volumes. Very carefully she tested the water of his mental status. \u201cThere is no more Atlantis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWait, what?!\u201d he blurted, and regretted it the moment he did because it felt as if a nail had been driven through his head. Groaning, he wanted to rub his head, but couldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am sorry,\u201d Lam said taking a deep breath. \u201cI wish Carson were back, to be able to tell you from a witness\u2019 point of view, but I will try with what I know from the SGC\u2019s involvement and reports. I need you to remain collected, otherwise I will be forced to sedate you again.\u201d Pulling out a syringe and vial from her pocket, she drew up a dose for the IV just to be ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re telling me that my home is gone,\u201d John said. \u201cI will try<\/em> to stay calm only because apparently, freaking out hurts my head.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The doctor nodded even though Sheppard couldn\u2019t see her. \u201cThe reports I read indicated there was an uprising of some sort, a power play, if you will, by the Wraith. They started with attacks on Atlantis\u2019 allied worlds, beginning with the Athosians, which forced them to evacuate to the city. Eventually, a large Genii faction requested sanctuary, saying that their world was being attacked too, and they were brought in as well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCorrect me if I\u2019m wrong, but there was no Wraith uprising,\u201d he said quickly, remembering the Genii now, telling him about the Wraith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere was, but it was only one hive ship. Not the intensity that the Genii claimed. That is why the Athosians were able to make it to the gate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet me guess…\u201d He sighed.  \u201cThe Genii decided to besiege us from the inside this time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am afraid so, John,\u201d came the familiar voice of Carson, who had arrived to hear the last part of Carolyn\u2019s explanation. She then excused herself to let the men talk amongst themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKnowing them, they\u2019d have taken out anything of importance first, like the spare control room, didn\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAye,\u201d Carson\u2019s voice sounded. \u201cIt got really messy, really fast.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow many casualties?\u201d He didn\u2019t want to hear it, but he had to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere\u2019s only a small amount of people that were lucky enough to make it, lad.\u201d Carson gently patted him on the shoulder. \u201cThere wasn\u2019t anything that could have been done, they had learned from their previous siege, and they had bigger numbers this time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John felt the tears behind his eyes, knowing that the reinforcements from Earth would probably have set the self destruct on Atlantis so that the Genii wouldn\u2019t get it – although if he was to believe Carson, they got pretty damn close anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re free to roam around in this part of the city,\u201d Richard Woolsey\u2019s voice sounded, but all John could see were blurry people looking like they were Genii by what he could make of their clothing. \u201cGo anywhere else, and you\u2019ll be escorted.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was responsible for the security of Atlantis and I failed,\u201d John said softly. \u201cIt\u2019s my fault–<\/s>\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow now, don\u2019t blame yourself. No one else does. Security was appropriate. They simply had a plan with multiple ways to execute it,\u201d Carson reassured him. \u201cYou were even awarded a medal last week for your efforts in bringing who you could home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIs that supposed to make me feel better?\u201d he said bitterly. \u201cAnd the security wasn\u2019t good enough, we should have had anticipated that they\u2019d pull something like this,\u201d he continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cZelenka\u2019s dead!\u201d Rodney\u2019s voice sounded from underneath a table in the smoke. \u201cOh my God, Sheppard, what the hell is going on? Get out of here, now!\u201d Rodney pushed him out of their little alcove. \u201cI can\u2019t work with you breathing down my neck, I\u2019d rather you shoot things!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow many casualties, Carson?\u201d he asked again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cToo many,\u201d Beckett answered sorrowfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat nurse… she said she didn\u2019t know an Elsa on base…She\u2019s gone?\u201d he said in a small voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His friend looked at him, unsure of what to say. There was a lot that they didn\u2019t know about the missing or dead. Who, when, how…Dr. Gutierrez was one of those people that they knew didn\u2019t make it through the gate in time. \u201cI don\u2019t know. Last anyone knew, she was with you. No one reported seeing her when you were found unconscious by a small group of scientists on their way to the gate. We were actually hoping you could tell us when you woke up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he said slowly. \u201cWhat about Rodney?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Silence was the only answer as Carson found it difficult to say anything. Rodney  had also been his closest friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry I failed you, Carson,\u201d John said, quietly.  It seemed as if a rug had been pulled from under him, and made his entire world collapse. He didn\u2019t have anyone, anything, anymore and on top of that, he was sure that his Air Force career was over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beckett shook his head. \u201cNo, you didn\u2019t fail us. You helped get the first of us home and held the Genii back for even longer. L\u2019il Torren was one of the first to go through the gate to Earth as Teyla had him with her while visiting with Colonel Carter. They are okay, Teyla and the boy, and ask about you every day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot good enough,\u201d John said. \u201cEveryone should have made it back, Carson.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cColonel, they were looking to kill all<\/em> of us. The fact that any of us made it was a miracle. You\u2019re their miracle!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhatever…\u201d John sighed. He was tired all of a sudden, and all he wanted was to get out of the infirmary and just wither away in a dark place, or get drunk first and do something stupid. Life was not supposed to go this way. He knew very well what he was getting himself in to, like any of the people who had signed up for the Atlantis expedition. They all had known that the shit could hit the fan as badly as it had, but knowing didn\u2019t make it easier, as all that he had known for the last seven years had been blasted away. His friends – family – almost all were gone.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carson looked at John\u2019s chart briefly before he spoke again. \u201cI would really like you to try to eat something now. I know it will be difficult but humor me. Ronon is scheduled to return today so you may receive a visit later tonight if you are not asleep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not hungry,\u201d John insisted. \u201cAnd where is he coming from?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust a cup of broth. Please?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frustrated Carson shook his head. \u201cI was hoping that you wouldn\u2019t get like this. We suspected as much, but… I will have to talk to Teyla about her wishes to visit.  She has been deeply worried for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As much as he wanted to hear another familiar voice, he managed to shrug. \u201cI\u2019m not hungry, so I will not try to eat something,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m more than happy to leave your infirmary and manage to get around on my own.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou are not going anywhere, Colonel Sheppard! I know very well that you would harm yourself in some way, whether it would be some ridiculous sport or by eating your gun! Who do you think has been keeping the IOA psychologist away from you since you awoke? He\u2019d bloody put you in a padded room the rest of your life!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGee, thanks.\u201d he said wryly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carson quietly asked a passing technician to dim the lights before turning back to his friend. \u201cI want to try to take off the bandages over your eyes. Maybe if you can see things for yourself, you attitude might change a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sighing, John nodded, realizing full well that he was being an ass. \u201cSorry,\u201d he muttered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is understandable you are upset. We are just trying to do what we can for you without having those that want to write you off completely see you do something stupid,\u201d the man said as he slowly began to unravel the bandages. \u201cYou need to tell me if the room is too bright, dark, hazy…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know the drill,\u201d he said, seeing light coming through the bandages. It didn\u2019t seem to be that bad, quite dark actually, and Carson was a little out of focus but he could feel his eyes trying to compensate. \u201cYou\u2019re out of focus and I can make out your white coat. I think it\u2019s okay if you switch the lights back on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He nodded and pressed on the comm to slowly increase the lights until John said otherwise. Carson was pleased that they were almost to being fully lit before they stopped. \u201cThat is good,\u201d he said softly. \u201cCan you see me any better?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d he said, \u201cyou look like you\u2019ve been through hell and back.\u201d Carson looked tired, dark circles were underneath his eyes and he had a beard that was at least a week old. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,<\/s>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, no,\u201d he said waving his hand. \u201cIt\u2019s been a long week actually. One of the gate teams came back badly injured and I was in surgery for a long time. That and Teyla having nightmares, she\u2019s been keeping me awake there. Ehh, I hope you don\u2019t mind but we have been staying in your flat since we returned to Earth. We felt that something familiar to her here, other than the base, would be more appropriate for her to get accustomed to the change. She has been sharing your bedroom with Torren.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine,\u201d he said, \u201cI forgot I had an apartment. But is she okay, doc?\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carson shrugged and thought about it. \u201cPhysically she is fine. The adjustment has been difficult for her but she and Ronon speak frequently so that helps some. I doubt you would recognize your place when you go there. She has been cleaning and rearranging things frequently to occupy herself when no one is around. It\u2019s the nightmares that are bad. All I know is that it has to do with the attack, but she won\u2019t share the details of the dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He nodded slowly. His brain felt as if it were gooey and going banging, knocking, sloshing… back and forth against his skull now that the bandages weren\u2019t holding his head together, and he closed his eyes. \u201cI can only imagine what she\u2019s seen…\u201d He looked down his arms, confirming that he was indeed restrained and hooked up to IV\u2019s. He was still tired, right now he felt as if he could sleep for days, but he had so many things to process, so many things to try to remember. Such as what happened to Elsa, and why couldn\u2019t he save Rodney. \u201cAlright…\u201d he said quietly. \u201cI\u2019ll try some soup, but then I\u2019ll go to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smiling, Carson was pleased that John was beginning to be more cooperative. He feared, however, that his friend was simply going to humor him as long as it would be necessary until he could do what he wanted without anyone to stop him. Still… \u201cAlright lad, I\u2019ll be right back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carson grabbed a chair, removed one restraint and sat down to watch John eat the soup he had brought over. John made a face after the first bite. Disgusting soup, it was even worse than Teyla\u2019s. \u201cWhat the…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s chicken broth, lad.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s horrible.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou know Stargate Command never were much for formal eating. We just want to make sure that you are able to keep it down through the night. Then we can wean you back on food and take you off that feeding tube.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had chicken broth before, but this is really disgusting. It tastes like… I dunno, piss.\u201d He shrugged and started to feel sick. \u201cI think I\u2019ve had enough…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carson smiled and took the cup back. \u201cWell done. I will see about jello for breakfast, hm?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d he said and lay down, while Carson restrained his arm again. \u201cDo you really have to?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s you, of course I have to,\u201d Carson replied, before lowering the lights for his friend to return to sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNight,\u201d he muttered and as soon as he closed his eyes, he fell asleep. Sometimes it was good to be able to fall asleep anywhere at any time, despite the horrible bed, the noise of beeping machines and people talking softly and walking around. On top of that, he was just really that tired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The news that John Sheppard learned was more than enough to knock him out for a whole day. He stirred occasionally but was still pretty much asleep until nearly dinner time the following evening. When Ronon heard of his friend being awake again, General Landry was sympathetic enough to excuse him from his gate duties with SG-1 to stay behind and keep Sheppard company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He refused to be removed from the bedside, no matter who asked, even when one of the orderlies came to wash his brother down, as they did twice a week. Flipping through one of the Earth magazines that he had been introduced to – Playboy<\/em> – he did not immediately notice when his friend started to wake up quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat did I tell you, Chewie,\u201d John said sleepily, \u201ctoo much reading of that makes you go cross eyed.\u201d He wished he could rub his eyes awake right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ronon didn\u2019t look up from the page he was on and snorted. \u201cWhat did I tell you about stopping  getting hit in the head, Sheppard,<\/s>?\u201d he replied before looking up at the nurse who stood at the next bed over. \u201cYou can let him loose.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDoctor has orders for the restraints,\u201d she replied, shaking her head. \u201cYour friend is a risk to himself.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll stay put.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI…can\u2019t,\u201d she insisted, in a tone that indicated she wished she could.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll stay put,\u201d Ronon repeated with more insistence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The young woman looked over at John, who was still trying to get his bearings, and nodded slowly. \u201cI could get in trouble, you know,\u201d she whispered as she came over to release the lock on the patient\u2019s hands but left the ankle restraints in place. \u201cMake sure he doesn\u2019t tear out his IV again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI won\u2019t, I promise I\u2019ll be good,\u201d John said and slowly sat up to rub the sleep out of his eyes. \u201cRonon will make sure I don\u2019t do anything stupid, you can tell Carson that when he gives you grief.\u201d He blinked, trying to get his eyes to focus on Ronon and the nurse, but it hurt like hell.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The woman nodded and walked off, leaving the men to themselves in the relatively quiet area; the other patients were still either resting or in an induced coma. The Satedan looked back at John and shrugged before sitting back as comfortably as he could in his chair. \u201cS\u2019up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou tell me, how are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He shrugged a shoulder. \u201cSurviving. They got me with SG-1 now. I couldn\u2019t deal with sitting around doing nothing anymore. Sent Teal\u2019c back to his people to work with his council.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, I think that\u2019s a good thing,\u201d John said, finally able to see Ronon\u2019s stupid grin. \u201cAt least you\u2019re not bored while you\u2019re trying to deal with everything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was stuck in here for two weeks. They had to release me — didn\u2019t give them much of a choice. I tried crashing with Teyla but she\u2019s…all she does is watch the television. She tried explaining something called soap to me. Why would you cry over soap? There is plenty of it to wash yourself with on this planet.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

John chuckled. \u201cSoaps are silly tv shows that are usually aimed at stay at home mothers, old ladies and everyone else who likes to watch fake tragedy. It\u2019s supposed to make people feel good.\u201d He shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey\u2019re idiots.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, they are.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow about you?\u201d Ronon asked, looking at him warily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John shrugged, wondering why one of his arms wasn\u2019t functioning properly. \u201cI can\u2019t remember much and I\u2019m still trying to process the information Carson gave me last time I spoke to him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He nodded. \u201cWe\u2019re lucky we got out at all. If McKay hadn\u2019t gotten the shields around the tower up for the two minutes that he did, we\u2019d be dead too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John just looked at him with a blank face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, you don\u2019t remember that. Umm…McKay took over for Zelenka after he went down. I think you tried to get to Woolsey. Last I saw you before we were through the gate, you and Elsa were in the infirmary.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think I remember something about Elsa, me and Rodney in a room with a few of the wounded so that he could work on something to get the gate back under control, and that we had to move towards the control room,\u201d John said. \u201cAlthough I\u2019m not quite sure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ronon shrugged and raised his legs to rest them on the empty bed next to John. \u201cLike I said, I don\u2019t know what happened after that point. Teyla was heading for you and I went off after a group of Genii that were on their way to the gate room.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John managed a small smile. \u201cAt least Rodney died as a hero, like he always wanted to go out should the time arrive,\u201d he said sadly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYep,\u201d Ronon nodded with respect. \u201cThey all did.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo, what happened? Did we get help any reinforcements from Earth or did we dial the gate to get out?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDialed Earth,\u201d he answered simply. \u201cThere wasn\u2019t enough time to do anything else with the self destruct going.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDid the Genii set the self destruct?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ronon shook his head. \u201cYou did. Right after…right after you managed to radio me that she was gone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John tried to construct a time line of the events in his head, and this didn\u2019t make any sense. If he\u2019d been in the control room, he could have easily made it out himself, instead of being unconscious like Carson had said he was. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAll I know is that you ran back for something. I think it was to kill one of them specifically. Teyla tried to stop you but ended up going along to back you up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John slowly nodded. \u201cI\u2019m sorry…\u201d he started. \u201cI just want to know what happened, I really can\u2019t understand how it could have gotten so out of hand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t beat yourself up over it. All of us are still trying to understand it. All you can do is grieve and move on,\u201d he explained. That was the Satedan way. \u201cYou still have Teyla, Carson, me. We\u2019re still here, so you aren\u2019t alone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah…\u201d he said in a far away voice. Why didn\u2019t anyone know what happened to Elsa? He was never really for longing for someone to be around him, but he missed her, and it hurt, and he just hated that he couldn\u2019t remember. She was the one person he saw himself settling down with, eventually. Elsa liked to keep him at bay as much as he kept others away mostly because of his horrible track record with women. \u201cWhat happened to her? To Elsa?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ronon thought about it, as he was pretty sure of what was going through his friend\u2019s mind. \u201cI don\u2019t know. I think it was just you, her, Teyla and them, wherever it happened. Teyla refuses to talk about it so she probably knows what happened because you can see that she is carrying something heavy.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

John nodded, still in thought. He wanted to ask why Teyla was on Earth, and then remembered that Atlantis had been blown up, by his own hands. Obliterating everything on Atlantis, dead or alive, that hadn\u2019t gone through the gate. \u201cI take it that none of her people made it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey went for the Athosians first. Teyla was the lucky one.\u201d He grunted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are worse things than losing the people and the home that you love…<\/em> he thought. \u201cI can\u2019t imagine how she must feel to be the last of her people.\u201d He sighed. \u201cAre you helping her to deal with it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ronon rolled his shoulders. \u201cShe has the kid. I know she is making sure he understands where he came from. Teyla is strong, you know that. The SGC makes her see a shrink once a week and I\u2019ve been going there most weekends when we haven\u2019t had a mission.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He noticed how Ronon\u2019s speech had changed from being with Mitchell\u2019s team for only two months. Ronon had picked up the Earth lingo more quickly, despite the fact that he had spent the last 6 years on Atlantis. Of course, now that Ronon was permanently stationed on Earth, he had to be more \u2018Earth like\u2019 and blend in. \u201cCarson\u2019s keeping the shrink away from me, afraid they\u2019ll lock me up in a white padded room.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHeh, you got a reputation around the base, that\u2019s for sure.\u201d He laughed, \u201cJust don\u2019t do anything stupid because seriously…Carson and Teyla would lose it if you did. They\u2019ve barely been hanging on as it was, until you woke up finally.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to do anything stupid,\u201d John said. \u201cI\u2019m fine, and as soon as I\u2019m cleared I\u2019ll be working.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTell that to someone who doesn\u2019t know you,\u201d Carson\u2019s voice sounded, and he greeted Ronon with a smile. \u201cOut with you, he needs his rest now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI just woke up?\u201d Sheppard half asked. \u201cI\u2019m not going back to sleep, Carson, so you\u2019d better give me something to do if you\u2019re going to send Ronon away, or I\u2019ll go nuts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ronon looked back at Beckett with a raised eyebrow. \u201cHe\u2019s been behaving,\u201d he confirmed. \u201cI\u2019ll make sure that he gets rest but wouldn\u2019t you want to stay awake for a little after being out for months?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John wanted to ask if he could stretch his legs and walk around a little, but knew he would be pushing his luck. \u201cI\u2019ll even eat whatever you bring me,\u201d he promised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAye,\u201d Carson sighed, \u201cbut no more talk about Atlantis apart from memories from before the Genii attack, you need to give your brain the time to process, son.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRonon was reading Playboy<\/em>, I\u2019m sure that if I ask him nicely he\u2019ll describe all the gorgeous women in that magazine to keep me entertained.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you still have your sense of humor as a coping mechanism, Colonel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ronon only grinned back at Sheppard, happy that the John he knew was still in there. \u201cWe\u2019ll be good, Doc.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see what I can do about some jello or broth.\u201d Carson nodded. \u201cAnd don\u2019t you dare roll your eyes at me, Colonel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI welcome the broth and jello,\u201d John said and then turned to Ronon as Carson went in search of food. \u201cSeriously, I can barely see past you into the room, you\u2019ll have to describe those women in that magazine to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, they\u2019re hot,\u201d Ronon said, sitting up  so that he could hand over the magazine. \u201cSee for yourself. I like this one particularly, but she reminds me too much of Teyla. It\u2019s a little disturbing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He nodded, lifting the magazine so he could get a better view. One eye was doing fairly okay, the other not so much. \u201cOh, this is going to be hard to get used to,\u201d he said and as he managed to find a way to look at the picture in the magazine. \u201cYeah… I think you\u2019re right,\u201d he said, squinting because the light was reflecting into his eyes from the glossy pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou should tell the Doc to check that out. They might be able to do something about it,\u201d Ronon pointed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI will, once my eyes get a few more days to get used to seeing again.\u201d John nodded. \u201cComa, remember?\u201d He smirked and turned the page of the magazine before putting it down. \u201cAlright, that\u2019s too headache-inducing,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSucks to be you,\u201d the other man said and took the magazine back, rotating it as he studied another model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYep.\u201d John nodded. \u201cNow come on, describe her to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGross.\u201d Ronon chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a while, Carson came back with food, and insisted that it was time for Ronon to leave, but that he was more than welcome to come back the next day. \u201cPiss again, really?\u201d John frowned at Carson, who sat down in the same chair Ronon had just vacated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou haven\u2019t had any solid food for months, John, and you didn\u2019t eat that much the other day so yes, piss again, and if you keep it down, maybe next time we\u2019ll switch to jello.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He managed to eat it all this time, despite it missing something… like salt, and a better taste. And it really bugged him that he couldn\u2019t use his left arm that well, but he was sure that Carson would explain it to him once he was ready.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow, we need to talk,\u201d Carson said, and pulled the chair closer to John\u2019s bed. \u201cYou have been far too perky and normal for an ex-coma patient who just received terrible news.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI just want –\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet me finish,\u201d Carson interrupted with a glare. \u201cYou have not been yourself and frankly I\u2019m concerned. I know you want to get up and move about, but don\u2019t think that I won\u2019t put you back into a coma until you\u2019re fully healed up so I can at least hurt you for behaving like an ass without feeling guilty about disrupting your healing process.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am -\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, you\u2019re not,\u201d Carson said quickly. \u201cThere\u2019s a reason why you\u2019re still here with the rest of the severe cases and not out of the infirmary.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John sighed and just looked at Carson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo, if I tell you to rest, what are you going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRest and get bored.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cExactly, glad we had this conversation,\u201d Carson said, and made sure that John was secure in his bed. \u201cRest and get bored, Colonel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John made a face and let his head fall back to the pillow. \u201cCan we just like put me on probation or something with those? Just for the arms at least? Trust me a little, as I have to trust that you guys aren\u2019t going to kill me in my sleep…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJohn, no one\u2019s going to kill you in your sleep.\u201d Carson smiled down on him. \u201cYou\u2019re still under my care but I\u2019ll think about it for a wee bit longer before I feel confident enough to remove the rest of the restraints.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He groaned as he felt the leather being secured around his wrist again. Joy<\/em>, he thought, and tried to go to sleep, as he had few options for anything else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re being an idiot,\u201d Elsa\u2019s voice sounded. \u201cIt\u2019s just a little pinch.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re wielding a needle.\u201d John chuckled.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m a doctor, needles are what I do.  Now, drop those pants mister.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their gentle teasing was interrupted by an explosion and all of a sudden, he was in the middle of a corridor surrounded by dead Genii.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJohn, this way!\u201d Teyla\u2019s voice sounded and he started to run in that direction. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI thought we had lost you, Colonel,\u201d Jennifer said almost in a far away tone.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot me, Keller.\u201d he replied. \u201cI swear, they are hellbent on killing all of us, no matter if they\u2019re women, pregnant, old or…\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know John,\u201d Teyla agreed with a deep sadness in her voice. \u201cWe have to get back to Elsa, we can\u2019t leave her unprotected like that.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou go and find Ronon, I\u2019ll get back to Elsa and McKay to see what they…\u201d He fell to the floor when another explosion went off. \u201cSon of a…\u201d He coughed. \u201cTeyla?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am fine, go!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

John instinctively  tried to sit up after waking suddenly. He was covered in a cold sweat and his heart was racing fast enough to set off his monitors, bringing the medical staff running. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cColonel, you need to breathe and try to calm down,\u201d Dr. Lam said as she started to lower the volume on the devices. \u201cFocus on your breathing! You\u2019re having a severe anxiety attack…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet me move,\u201d he breathed heavily. \u201cPlease, I just…\u201d He paused and tried to catch his breath. \u201cI want to move…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carolyn dug in her pocket for the key to the leather restraints and released his arms as quickly as she could. She looked up at one of the male orderlies who was helping and quietly ordered him to stay and keep an eye on the patient. She also ordered some Valium to help calm Sheppard down. Injecting it into his IV, she spoke soft, reassuring words, hoping that it would help. She could only imagine what he had been dreaming about to cause such a violent response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once his limbs were released, John felt somewhat safer and wrapped his good arm around himself. He managed to partially curl up on the bed without being able to move his legs too much and began to calm himself down as his breathing evened out. \u201cI\u2019m okay…\u201d he said in a small voice, and tried to ignore the tears in his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIs there someone I can get for you?\u201d she asked quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo…\u201d He shook his head; he wanted Elsa<\/em> but that was going to be a ridiculous request,. \u201cJust a bad dream, that\u2019s all,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She nodded and adjusted the IV bag. \u201cThe eye specialist is coming to see you tomorrow,\u201d she said, trying to change the subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWould you rather I give you something to help you sleep or do you want to just lie there for a while?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSedating  doesn\u2019t help me deal with this,\u201d John replied. \u201cJust don\u2019t restrain me… I\u2019ll behave…\u201d He pulled his weaker arm around him. \u201cI promise, I\u2019ll be fine…\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carolyn nodded. \u201cI\u2019m going to have Andrew sit here with you in case you need anything<\/em>,\u201d she said. \u201cHopefully you\u2019ll be able to start rehab by next week if all goes well over the next few days.\u201d  Carolyn hoped that the information of their plans for getting him back to his feet would help him feel somewhat comforted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He nodded for an answer, and then decided to tune everything out while his head still went crazy, as if it was high on drugs.  Probably the rush of adrenaline. At least she didn\u2019t restrain him at this time, that was a plus. He felt safe for now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

The smell of beef, of all things, woke him up, and he turned to see where the scent was coming from.  It turned out to be Mitchell, eating beside his bed.  What was… <\/em>Oh yes, he was at the SGC. \u201cI could kill for one of those,\u201d John said from his comfortable semi-foetal position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCarson would kill me, sorry.\u201d Mitchell grinned. \u201cBut I was allowed to bring you this.\u201d He placed a cup of red jello in front of John\u2019s nose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYum…why not blue?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTeal\u2019c and I made the kitchen get rid of all blue jello after we heard about Sam. Just doesn\u2019t feel right with her not around like that.\u201d Cam shrugged. \u201cRonon is a good guy. Not very talkative, though.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry for your loss, Cam,\u201d John said, deciding to sit up and take a stab at the jello. \u201cRonon gets the job done. Just give him some time to open up to you, he\u2019ll be cracking the most inappropriate jokes that will make you wet your pants.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mitchell made a face that sort of imitated Teal\u2019c trying to be amused. \u201cI believe that. He\u2019s obsessed with Playboy<\/em>. Sorry about that,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy fault.\u201d He snorted and took a bite of his jello. At least it didn\u2019t taste like piss, and the strawberry flavor was a welcome sensation. \u201cI was doing a routine inspection of some Jumpers one day and I decided that next time I\u2019d let someone else do it because some Marines…\u201d He shook his head, laughing. \u201cPlayboy<\/em> was the tamest thing I found in Stackhouse\u2019s Jumper.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSounds like a grand ol\u2019 time, buddy. You need to get back on your feet. Your friend\u2019s kid keeps asking about you, like all day, every time they visit. Think that you\u2019re gonna end up being his almost-daddy,\u201d Cam said as he ripped a piece of meat off the ribs and ate happily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWorking on it. Lam said something about rehab but I wasn\u2019t paying much attention,\u201d John said. \u201cCarson wants me to take it easy, and stop acting like everything\u2019s fine after waking up after a two-month-long nap.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He shrugged. \u201cIt happens. You\u2019ll be fine. Just gotta wrap your head around it for awhile. At least you are in better shape than me after my accident.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He nodded. He and Mitchell had had frequent email contact after they met when SG-1 came to Atlantis. Cam was an okay guy and he knew that Mitchell, of all people, probably understood some of what he was feeling. \u201cAt least you could still return to do the work you love, I\u2019m not so sure if I can. You\u2019re a little fuzzy around the edges.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t easy. The docs doubted I would be able to but I wouldn\u2019t listen. I guess it depends on the injury as well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John finished his jello with a triumphant grin and put it on the bed. \u201cI\u2019m making progress, I can move my arms now that they took those restraints off,\u201d he said as he eyed Cam\u2019s steak greedily. \u201cDon\u2019t tell me you\u2019ve got potato salad there as well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI hate you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know.\u201d Cam smiled widely. \u201cI\u2019m sitting here, eating my dinner with the delicious smells, to motivate you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFigured as much.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, and I brought you some lemonade.\u201d Cam handed him a firm plastic cup. \u201cCarson hasn\u2019t authorized that, so enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John shook his head amused and took a sip. \u201cOh, that\u2019s good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mitchell nodded and returned to his steak, mmm<\/em>ing <\/em>at every bite he put in his mouth to taunt his friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For some reason, John was a little relieved when Mitchell left his bed side after talking to him about useless things for over an hour. He was grateful that Cam didn\u2019t mention Atlantis at all. It was fun, though, to hear what his friend thought of having Ronon on his team and what they had done in the past two months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In all honesty, John felt like crap, and he suspected everyone around him knew that, even with his refusal to show it. He just wanted to retreat and try to get his ducks in a row. Or maybe not; it depended on whether or not he\u2019d ever be able to get a clear picture in his head about what had happened on Atlantis, what had happened to everyone he cared for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He found that trying to be his usual self was tiresome, and that maybe Carson had been right; he should act the way he felt, but leave his idiotic thoughts to himself in case the SGC shrink showed up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He decided to temporarily give up wracking his brain over things that happened in the past and that gave him some space to assess his current condition. One of the docs, he couldn\u2019t remember if it was Lam or Beckett, had mentioned that he had had severe head trauma and some kind of aneurysm. John wasn\u2019t a doctor but even he knew that that was a good reason as to why his left arm felt like dead weight at times. He wasn\u2019t quite sure about his eyesight, but he knew for a fact that if his eyes didn\u2019t start to clear up – especially his left eye – the doctors wouldn\u2019t allow him to return to active duty or – perhaps worst of all – to fly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He\u2019d tried focusing on distant objects, but while people standing by his bedside were relatively clear, anything beyond that was blurry.  Closing his left eye helped, so he knew it was his right eye that was the problem.  It worried him. He loved to fly, and sure, maybe not puddle jumpers anymore, but any aircraft would do at this point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And should his arm never return back to normal, he doubted they\u2019d clear him for firearms either. But whatever was going to happen, he was going to work his ass off to at least to be able to shoot again, bad eyes or bad arm be damned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His thoughts made him sleepy. He knew it was sometime in the afternoon but he decided to obey his body and tried to fall asleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

\u201cColonel, you\u2019re an ass.\u201d Dr. Elsa Gutierrez was fuming. \u201cYou tripped and fell into a deep hole off world! You\u2019re obviously hurt, so get your ass into the infirmary.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t broken anything, I\u2019m fine,\u201d John said reassuringly, knowing full well that Elsa could force him to go to the infirmary if she gave word to either Carter or Woolsey. He had been an idiot and hadn\u2019t seen that hole. He never had stupid accidents like this; it was usually Rodney\u2019s area to get hurt by falling over. Needless to say, he had hurt his pride along with his shoulder and ankle.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t make me pull rank on you.\u201d She tugged on his good arm. \u201cCome on, limpy,\u201d she said lightly with a big smile on her face.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There were donkeys in the infirmary. Asses. What are those donkeys doing in here?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, the circus is in town, do you want to go?\u201d Elsa wasn\u2019t dressed in her doctor clothes. She looked as if she worked at the circus, dressed like some sort of trapeze artist, and looking extremely hot in that outfit.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI hate the circus.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, but there aren\u2019t any clowns, don\u2019t worry.\u201d She smiled and placed her hand on his forehead. \u201cThere, all better.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re amazing!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know,\u201d she said with a wink and jumped onto a trapeze. \u201cHow do I look?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI might go to the circus with you if you\u2019re looking like that…\u201d John swallowed hard. Elsa\u2019s long legs were wrapped around the bar as she hung upside down, giving him a good look at her cleavage.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood. Now turn around, walk out of here, and go left; I\u2019ll be waiting for you there.\u201d Elsa smiled at him and he obeyed her. He walked out of the hay – and donkey – filled infirmary and turned left, only to be caught in an explosion.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ceiling came down on him, and he couldn\u2019t breathe properly, nor could he figure out where he was exactly; the smoke-filled corridor was disorienting. The sound of screams echoed in the distance and he knew he had to get out from under the rubble and move on, despite the fact that he wanted to give up. He was tired of fighting, of getting shot at, of being stabbed, but he had to go on and try to fix this mess. He tried to push away the beam holding him down, only to be surprised to find Elsa, dressed in white clothes and a pair of wings, lifting the heavy beam as if it were nothing. \u201cYou can\u2019t save us all, John, but thank you for trying,\u201d she said as she helped him to his feet, then exclaimed, \u201cYou\u2019re hurt!\u201d  She sounded shocked. \u201cGo find Teyla, she\u2019ll take you to see Carson, go John, now!\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot without you-\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve done all that you can for me, John.  I\u2019m sorry it was too late, but you still have time to help Teyla.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo…\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGO JOHN!\u201d Elsa yelled at him. \u201cYou need to stay safe, go!\u201d She pushed him in the right direction and he had no option but to clutch his P90 and stumble out of the corridor.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJohn? John, wake up,\u201d Teyla\u2019s voice sounded from somewhere in the distance. \u201cYou are okay, wake up, John.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He opened his eyes with a start and looked right into Teyla\u2019s face. \u201cI found you…\u201d he sobbed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teyla\u2019s heart was breaking in a million pieces all over again as she stroked his unruly hair from his sweaty forehead. \u201cYou had a bad dream, John,\u201d she said to him as she sat down on the bed to pull him half onto her lap. \u201cYou\u2019re safe,\u201d she said softly as she continued to caress his hair. \u201cI\u2019ll keep the bad dreams away, get some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She had never seen him cry like this, as he never truly showed his feelings to anyone. For John\u2019s sake, she was relieved that the rest of the patients in this part of the infirmary were out cold, although many probably would never wake up from their comas, which was a sad idea. John would never have forgiven himself if anyone had seen him lose it like that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carson didn\u2019t know that she had snuck in to see him. Ever since John had woken up from his coma, she had felt the desperate need to be with him, but Carson had told her that neither John, nor she, was ready for their reunion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She now realized why; because he had just recently learned what had happened to Atlantis, John was still in the first stages of grief, even with his memory loss. She had to be careful not to be drawn back into her own feelings. Teyla stayed by his side until her friend was back into a deep slumber and wondered when things would begin to work out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

When John woke up, he was alone. He was certain that Teyla had been with him, but maybe that had been a dream. He did feel as if he had had an unburdened sleep, and it felt good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood morning, Colonel,\u201d Carson\u2019s voice greeted him happily. \u201cI see that you\u2019ve made yourself comfortable again.\u201d He smiled widely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John looked up at Carson and then at the pillow stuffed between his arms and chest. \u201cMorning.\u201d He shrugged and slowly sat up, looking at the plate of food Carson had in his hands. \u201cPlease don\u2019t tell me that you\u2019re going to act like Mitchell and eat that while sitting next to me,\u201d he groaned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh no, this is turkey on a cracker,\u201d Carson said, and put the plate in his lap. \u201cI know how much you like turkey sandwiches, but I think that sandwiches might be a bit too much for you now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m eating whatever you give me, and it\u2019s staying down… how about getting that tube out?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou need to learn to have patience, John.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey on a cracker it is, <\/em>John thought. At least it\u2019s not jello or piss.<\/em> \u201cWas Teyla here earlier?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, she came by to see you last night, but you were asleep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d He nodded slowly as he took another bite of his cracker. \u201cShe could have woken me up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe knows better, lad,\u201d Carson said, and sat down on the chair next to his bed. \u201cThere\u2019s someone coming over in an hour to check your eyes, to find out how much damage there is and if it can be repaired. Are you okay with that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan\u2019t you do it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019d rather have a specialist look at it,\u201d Carson admitted. \u201cI have my own theory, but I\u2019d rather let Dr. Cale have a look at it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCole?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, Cale,\u201d Carson shook his head sadly. \u201cDr. Cole, our Dr. Cole, perished on Atlantis, John.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He sighed and finished the first cracker out of two, it had been good to taste something again, something he loved, but right now, he didn\u2019t want to eat the other one. \u201cCan I save this for later?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The doctor nodded. \u201cNot a problem. I\u2019ll come let you know when the specialist arrives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John knew that Carson kept his legs restrained so he couldn\u2019t just walk out of the infirmary, or fall flat on his face trying, but he would give anything for a walk right now, to see who else was in the infirmary still. Most likely a few of the scientists he was told he was found with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He wondered why Teyla hadn\u2019t waited for him to wake up or why she hadn\u2019t woken him up when she was there. He wanted to know how she was holding up, wanted to hear it from her, not from people around her like Beckett.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen is Teyla coming back?\u201d he asked as he tried to pull himself up on the bed as far as the restraints allowed. \u201cI\u2019d really like to see her and actually see she is well for myself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen she\u2019s ready to face you,\u201d Carson said after a moment of thought. \u201cShe\u2019s a strong woman, but seeing you when you were asleep and thrashing about made her realise she\u2019s not ready to confront you and your questions yet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John slammed his back on the pillow with frustration. \u201cWhat if I promise not to ask about Atlantis and Elsa and everyone? Please?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll ask her, John.\u201d Carson sighed tiredly, knowing that Teyla was the one who had stopped John and his thrashing about when he was having a bad dream again, and she might be the only one to really get through to him. At this particular moment, Carson felt that John was playing a game with him yet again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen at least give me something to do…\u201d John gave up; he wasn\u2019t the one in charge, Carson was, and if Teyla wasn\u2019t ready, then he had to believe him. \u201cI\u2019m going crazy without being able to do anything. I feel fine, there must be something I can do while I\u2019m trapped in here,\u201d he said stubbornly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Carson didn\u2019t reply, he noticed he was feeling hungry.  \u201cDid you bring me something real to eat this time instead of jello or piss?\u201d he asked, hopeful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou have the turkey cracker, Colonel. Finish that and I will consider something more.\u201d Beckett grinned again, knowing that he would likely have to find something, as the things that the man had eaten had been staying down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat cracker?\u201d John looked around and saw a plate with a cracker sitting next to him. \u201cOh, thanks, finally something tasty.\u201d   Carson watched for a moment concerned about his short term memory aside from his visual range. It was something he might have to look into further later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Leaving him to his snack, Carson walked out to the commissary in order to find something easy for his friend to eat, as well as to make a call to Teyla to see if she would be open to the man\u2019s request. He was sure that John would try as hard as he could to not ask questions. Carson knew that Teyla was there when it happened, but other than giving a vague description of the situation, she kept a lot of the details to herself which was not healthy either. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

\u201cJohn,\u201d Carson\u2019s voice sounded.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He must have had dozed off.Blinking slowly, John rubbed his eyes. \u201cI\u2019m awake, I was just…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay, lad.\u201d Carson chuckled. \u201cI\u2019d like you to meet Dr. Logan Cale, he\u2019s going to check out your eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m awake.\u201d John nodded, looking at Carson and the new guy standing next to him. \u201cHello, Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Cale smiled. “Hello back. Let\u2019s get you sitting up here and have a look,\u201d he said simply as he helped raise the head of the bed. He started out with a simple exam with the pen light and distance perception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He winced when the doctor shone that annoying light in his good eye but had to squeeze his eyes shut when he did the same in his left eye, not only did that light blind him completely, but he also felt a little jolt of pain echoing in the back of his head. \u201cDon\u2019t do that,\u201d he muttered, wanting to hit the doctor, but he had promised Carson that he would behave himself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve read your medical file, Colonel Sheppard,\u201d Dr. Cale started, \u201cand this is not the first time I\u2019ve assessed you either. Because you\u2019ve suffered severe head trauma, some vessels in your eye have burst due to blood clots and I fear that it has done some damage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

John remembered hearing some of this before, but a lot of it still sounded like Swahili to him. \u201cOkay…\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ophthalmologist smiled and shook his head. \u201cI have the SGC setting up some equipment so that we can do some extensive tests to be sure. We will find out how much damage is done and just how permanent or repairable it might be. Please have some patience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For some reason John couldn\u2019t help but chuckle at that, also because at the same time the doctor spoke those words, this great Johnny Cash song came into his head basically telling him that he should fear the worst. \u201cIf I\u2019m not patient, Carson will take away some liberties he\u2019s given me, so I\u2019ll be good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

While undergoing the other tests, John came to the conclusion that Cale wasn\u2019t really a doctor but instead a sadist who enjoy inflicting pain on others.  Carson wasn\u2019t even around, it was just him and Dr. Cale, and John couldn\u2019t help but feel threatened, even though he was in the safest place on Earth. It didn\u2019t help that Cale wasn\u2019t talking much apart from his ahh<\/em>s and hmm<\/em>s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI must say, the medical team that worked on you when you were brought in has done an amazing job in trying to save every bit of you, Colonel,\u201d Dr. Cale eventually said when Carson was back. \u201cI\u2019ve seen the pictures of what your face looked like when they started to work on you, and I\u2019m so glad that they cleaned out your eyes as well as they have.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCarson\u2019s the best and he only works with the best.\u201d John nodded slowly, wondering why the doctor was sucking up to Carson, who kept quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe way I see it, the ultrasound shows that the blood vessels in your left eye are healing nicely. There\u2019s a healthy blood flow through them, and I\u2019m sure that in a bit more time your eye will stop hurting when exposed to direct light or light changes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut?\u201d There was always a but, John knew that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNothing major, that\u2019s the good news,\u201d Dr. Cale started. \u201cYour retina, the part that deals with the light and images in your eye, has torn in a few places, which gives you that blurry vision and light sensitivity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkay, so…\u201d His mind went a thousand miles a second. \u201cContacts?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not advisable, and I doubt that it\u2019d restore the vision as the part that receives images in your eye is damaged; had it been any other part then sure, maybe. You can wear sunglasses to make the transitions of light easier on you when you\u2019re outside or working, but I\u2019m afraid that I\u2019ll have to tell you, and General Landry, that your flying days are over. I\u2019m sorry, Colonel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He looked at Carson, who looked on worriedly. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, I’m alright, I\u2019m a big boy,\u201d he managed to say, but in fact, he wasn\u2019t alright. He was angry, sad, and confused all at once. \u201cWill the, ehm… fuzziness clear up?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou need to retrain your eyes to work together again. Even now, I can see that your bad eye has given up at the moment as it\u2019s tired of working, and is trailing off a bit to the side. But give it some time, you\u2019ll be fine.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut no more flying?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid not, Colonel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He nodded slowly as he began to think. He could go back to work, could still travel through the gate; he\u2019d learn how to shoot with only one good eye, he could do that. If Mitchell could work his ass off to walk again and do the things he was still doing, then the least John could do was to focus on the things he could relearn… although he really wished he didn\u2019t have to.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carson could see the wheels in John’s head turning and immediately spoke. \u201cOh no, Colonel. I\u2019m sorry, but that is out of the question. I know what you are thinking and I cannot sign off the clearance for you with your history. Not anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He looked at Carson and tried hard not to say something mean. \u201cNow you\u2019re trying to pull the rug even further from underneath me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m not. I am being realistic and honest with you. You have a long road to recovery ahead of you and I, for one, would like to keep you alive to a ripe old age,\u201d Beckett replied. \u201cTeyla and Ronon have been working on the apartment to ready it for when you are able to leave here, where you will likely be in a wheelchair until you get through significant physiotherapy. Don\u2019t you want to show her around Earth? You always talked about it before.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He didn\u2019t know what to say. Of course, everyone wanted to keep him around, but right now he was just angry. \u201cIt\u2019s really hard not to do something stupid right now.\u201d John tried to stay calm and just balled his fists until his knuckles looked white. \u201cLike hurt someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am sorry John, but this is how it is. You will learn how to adapt. I have every confidence in you,\u201d Carson said and made sure that his patient was comfortable before returning to his other duties and patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

PROLOGUE The Genii had come to Atlantis to seek refuge. So too had the many Athosians because the Wraith were on a warpath after Atlantis returned to the Pegasus galaxy, and were culling every planet associated with the people from Atlantis.\u00a0 Or so the Genii had led the Lanteans to…<\/p>\n

Continue reading<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1082,"parent":1081,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1085","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nChapter 01 - MeekoBuggy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Chapter 01 - MeekoBuggy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"PROLOGUE The Genii had come to Atlantis to seek refuge. 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