In His Father's Shadow

by The Huntress

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/ash/huntress/inhisfat.php
Summary: John's past comes back to haunt him twofold: Both his first male lover and his father arrive with Colonel Caldwell
Info:

Authors Note1: In 'Lapse of Memory' John tells Rodney he made porno films in college. Someone asked me to write about the porno and this came out. It is *not* a sequel or a back story, but a stand-alone fic and I hope it is enjoyed. It is an AU because the Wraith have not reached Atlantis when the Daedalus shows up...with John's father aboard.

Author's Note2: I see Perry King of the 80's TV show 'Riptide' as David Sheppard. And for those who think he is too young, he played Jim Ellison's (Richard Burgi's) father in The Sentinel. But you can picture whoever you like.

Chapter 1

John Sheppard and Timothy Lister met as freshmen in college, assigned the same dorm room. The two were complete opposites, like Oscar and Felix.

John kept his clothes clean, made his bed and did all his assignments. His major was mathematics and he was minoring in English Lit. The math intrigued him and he loved classic literature. Of course he covered this up by saying that lit classes were the best place to meet girls. His dream was to enter the Air Force academy, to be like his father...he wanted to fly.

Tim was from the suburbs, the product of mom and apple pie, son of an accountant and a housewife. He was the youngest of five and when he left home for college, he also left the suburban lifestyle behind.

By the end of their freshman year, Timothy Lister had introduced John Sheppard to the world of 'beer, babes and good drugs'.

In their sophomore year they both requested nearby campus apartments and were once again assigned together. It was a nice two bedroom apartment and John was happy to have his old roommate. Two football players, fun guys who threw the best parties, with the prettiest girls.

They had been living together for about three weeks when the two got stoned watching a football game. Tim propositioned John and John refused...at first. But drugs make you horny and the hand rubbing his dick made it impossible for John to keep saying no. And when Tim's other hand slid under John's shirt and pinched his nipple, John came in his pants...and let Tim take him to his room and undress him. John allowed himself to be taken to the bed, didn't fight as Tim lay down with him, kissing John softly. His lips traced a path down John's body and gave John his first blow job...and made John pass out.

To all outward appearances both were ardent lovers of women, proving it time and again to the sorority girls they brought home. But on those nights when neither had a date they found solace in each other, a physical release for the two.

When their junior year rolled around, John had fallen in love.

Tim hadn't. Oh, he loved fucking John. John was pretty. He loved to look at John's face when he fucked him, loved to hear John beg, loved to make John scream his name.

But he didn't love *John*.

Halfway through their junior year there was a problem with Tim's scholarship; it had been cut in half. It looked like he would have to drop out. Until his brother Stan finally met John and told Tim about a guy who would pay big bucks for hard-core gay porno films, especially those with 'pretty boys'. A few whispers in John's ear at the right moment, begging John to help him and John couldn't say no.

John was so naive, not fully understanding what would happen. He thought he'd be making the movies with Tim, which he did, two of them. But what Tim was asking him to do tonight was something different. He wanted John to let another man fuck him. John was unsure but Tim just kissed him deeply, slowly stripping him, getting John hard, lubed fingers stretching his ass. Tim moved away and another man knelt between John's legs.

John looked like he was ready to flee and Tim noticed. That would *not* be a good thing. "John, please, do this for me." He didn't give John a chance to respond, kissing him, relaxing him.

Two movies later and Tim had the money he needed. But he didn't tell John that. No, he was enjoying the money he was making from the movies and there was a way for him to make even more. He just had to persuade John, but that would be no problem. At twenty years old John was so trusting and he would do anything to please Tim. But when he suggested it to John, John refused, appalled at the idea...and afraid. Even sweet talk wasn't working. So Tim tried a different tactic. He told John that if John didn't want to help him, then maybe John should move out.

It worked.

John had no idea he was being manipulated and felt so guilty that he reluctantly agreed.

And so it was that John found himself on a bed with two other men. And that wasn't the only thing that was different that day.

For one thing, Tim kept his distance, watching. He had always participated in some small way, if only to kiss John and whisper in his ear. This time John was virtually alone. This time it wasn't Tim's careful fingers entering him, preparing him. This time the touch was rough and a little painful.

The first man was larger then Tim and John cried out as he was breeched, trying to crawl away. The man put his weight on John's back, holding him there, burying himself deeper. And it hurt quite a bit. The man rolled them and John was laying on his back, the cock still buried in his ass. John tried to raise himself, wanting this to stop. Then the second man joined them, holding John still, allowing John to raise up. John was relieved, but only for a moment. The second man thrust inside him, grabbing John's dick, jerking him with hard and painful movements.

John wanted to cry, but force of will held back his tears. He didn't like this, but Tim needed him and he *had* to help Tim. And when it was over and they went home, John went straight into the shower...alone. He was a bit ashamed over what he had done, even though he did it for the right reasons.

But when he came out, he was complimented and thanked and Tim held him and kissed him and John didn't care anymore.

After the next movie it all came to an end.

The men with John wanted blow-jobs and John wasn't willing and they weren't taking no for an answer. This time John fought back; he wasn't going to be forced. But the men were larger and had him at a disadvantage and John went home and threw up, spending the night in his own room.

The next time he was asked John said no, appalled when Tim offered him money. John still refused and Tim let it be. They were finished, they both knew that. When Tim went home for a few weeks, John packed up his things. He'd had enough. Before he left he took care of his films. He knew he'd made six and was aware of exactly how many copies had been prepared for distribution to the local video stores. All of them were accounted for and he watched them burn in a trash heap along with the masters. Nobody would ever know what he'd done except Tim, but he knew Tim had been thinking about joining the Marines. There was no way Timothy Lister would ever admit to this.

John spoke with his father, the eminent Colonel David Sheppard. Sheppard the elder had enough clout to arrange for John to finish his senior year at the Air Force Academy itself. John really wanted to fly, but Colonel Sheppard insisted that in addition to his academics he take numerous self defense courses. John excelled at hand-to-hand and quickly moved on to weapons and tactics.

The instructors, John's 'teachers', had never seen anyone like him. His gut instinct never failed him. Any weapon you put in John's hands became a second skin. He never missed his target.

John Sheppard was a natural. And that scared the shit out of him. But he wanted to please his father so much that he kept up the training.

Unfortunately John Sheppard should have realized that when David Sheppard does you a favor, you owe him...even if you're his son. John asked to fly again and his father finally said yes, as long as John did a few favors for the Colonel's friends in the Pentagon when he was finished with his training.

John agreed quickly, not even asking what those favors were. He was giddy over the fact that he got to pilot an Apache.

It never occurred to him he was being trained for Black Ops. That he was being molded from afar by his father. That David Sheppard *always* got what he wanted.

Four months later he obtained his degree in mathematics and David called in the favor from his son. John happily agreed once again, wondering what the Pentagon could possibly want him to do. By the time John discovered what he had agreed to, it was too late.

On the eve of his twenty-second birthday Lieutenant John Sheppard kidnapped someone for the first time. On his twenty-third birthday he received a promotion to Captain. By his twenty-fifth, John was the best assassin they had. Two days before his twenty-eighth birthday he received erroneous information and killed an innocent man. John confronted his father, telling him that he was finished.

David Sheppard reluctantly agreed and John received a promotion to Major and a transfer to California. He also put his past behind him. John would never speak of his life in Black Ops again. It was best forgotten.

Over time John went through a string of lovers, never staying long with any of them. All anyone was interested in were his 'pretty boy' looks. Nobody ever wanted to get to know the man inside. Eventually John just gave up, enjoying the sex with whoever made his dick itch that night. If it was a guy, John *always* topped. There was no way he would *ever* bottom again. With women it was easier. He *always* had the control, even if he spent the night with two of them. And he somehow managed to hide his lifestyle and was about to receive a promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. Unfortunately the wrong person (in this case a snippy ass-kissing Captain named Samuels) caught sight of John kissing a man outside a restaurant and reported him.

And John Sheppard, born and raised in Southern California, suddenly found himself freezing his ass off deep within Antarctica. On paper it said he was assigned to McMurdo because he disobeyed orders in Afghanistan. And everyone believed the lie.

Colonel Sheppard had plenty of clout and arranged for the 'incident' (as he called it) to be covered up. And he prevented his son's dishonorable discharge, convincing his superiors to send John to Antarctica. If John behaved himself for a year, his father promised him a transfer back to Black Ops.

On the eve of his thirty-fifth birthday, Major John Sheppard pretty much defied his father for the first time in his life. He had grown comfortable at McMurdo and didn't want to leave. And he'd never been so satisfied as when he saw the look of rage on his father's face.

Two years after that he sat in a chair....

Chapter 2

"Give it over, McKay!" John snarled as he circled the lab table, Rodney circling around himself to avoid John.

"I don't think so, Major. It's mine and you can't have it." Rodney narrowed his eyes and smirked.

"Okay, Rodney, here's the deal. You give it over and I make sure you get a date with Allenbee. She owes me one."

"No thanks," Rodney sneered. "There is nothing you can offer me that will make me share my last Snickers bar."

"How about a kiss?"

"From who?" Rodney asked suspiciously.

"Me," John said with a shy smile, ducking his head a bit.

"Major, are you blushing?"

"NO!"

"You are!" Rodney couldn't help laughing. "I don't believe it!"

"I am so glad you find this amusing." John turned to leave, his first instinct to flee. It had always worked in the past.

"John, please don't run away."

John paused mid-step, voice almost a whisper. "You never called me John before."

"I should have." Rodney turned John around, holding John's hand in his. When John didn't pull away, Rodney took his other hand as well, interlacing their fingers. "You have done this before, haven't you?"

"Yeah, but I don't bottom, Rodney. Please don't ask me to do that."

"Bottom? John, I figured you just wanted a hand job."

"You what?" John swallowed hard and pulled back. "Oh Jesus. I'm sorry McKay. I thought you wanted to...."

"I do," Rodney answered, nodding quickly. "But not here. Uh, maybe my quarters. They're closer."

"Your quarters?"

"Yes," Rodney smiled, "my quarters. The room with the bed."

They barely made it to Rodney's room. John tried to drag him into a few rooms along the way, but Rodney shook his head and verbally teased him, telling John what they were going to do when they got to his room.

Rodney was like a whirlwind the moment the door slid closed, tossing his clothing every which way. He ran into the washroom, coming out a moment later waving a tube of lotion. Rodney tossed John the tube, shifting to his hands and knees, ass in the air.

John just stared, not making any motion to remove his clothes. He could not believe that Rodney was offering himself up like this.

Rodney turned his head, stared back at John for a moment and rolled to the side, covering himself with the sheet.

This confused John, which was par for the course when it came to Rodney. "Uh, Rodney, are you going to sleep?"

"I'm sorry for the way I look. I can, um, lose weight. I've been trying John, honest. Ask Carson. I lost three pounds."

"But I like the way you look."

"Then why aren't you touching me?"

"Maybe because you're wrapped up in a sheet?"

"John, you were staring at me."

John watched Rodney burrow all the way under the sheet...and then he understood. "Rodney, I *like* the way you look. And I was staring because I never saw you naked before." He took off his own clothing and lay down. He stretched out and placed a kiss to Rodney's shoulder, one leg sliding between Rodney's. He stroked an arm, feeling the shiver, kissing his neck, blowing in his ear. John murmured, "You're beautiful."

"I'm not."

"Yes you are and don't argue with the Major. He's always right." John pulled the sheet away, fingertips caressing Rodney's body, from his neck to his calves and back up. He fumbled with the tube, muttering, "It won't open."

Rodney turned over and watched him, laughing a bit. "It's a flip top. That's why it won't screw off."

"Shut up and get your ass back in the air so I can fuck you senseless."

Rodney did as he was told. "And they say romance is dead."

John ignored the remark, sliding a finger in. He was slow and gentle and followed with a second.

"Major, I don't have time for this. Fuck me now or forever hold your peace."

And John did as he was told. "Oh Rodney, you have no idea how long....." He expected resistance as he slid inside, but Rodney surprised him (nothing new there) by drawing him all the way in. Rodney was tight and hot and John was already at the edge. John had to make this last and he moved slower, deeper, listening to Rodney moan and beg and plead. He wrapped his fist around Rodney's dick and after two strokes Rodney came with a sigh. John pounded hard, his mouth spilling the filthiest words and phrases and Rodney began to clench his ass and John couldn't hold on anymore. He came with a scream of "RODNEY!" and collapsed over Rodney's back, catching his breath. His orgasm had been mind-blowing.

They lay there for a few minutes, John finally moving reluctantly, enjoying his post-orgasm high. Rodney's fingers began to dance along his sides. "Rodney stop!" John was giggling. "It tickles."

"I know," Rodney teased, grabbing some tissues to clean them with. "And as long as it makes you laugh, I'll keep doing it."

"That was nice." John sort of smiled...sort of. "Thanks." He sat up, reaching for his boxers, Rodney's hand on his arm.

"I thought we'd sleep naked."

"Sleep? Naked?" John sounded a bit confused.

"Well, unless you like underwear, or pajamas or whatever." Rodney began to rub circles over John's back, hearing John's breath hitch. "Waking up together naked might be nice though."

"Waking up together?"

At John's words, Rodney pulled away as if he'd been burned. "I'm sorry, Major. I thought we...it was nice, wasn't it." Rodney laughed, but it wasn't exactly a happy sound. "I'll see you in the morning."

"Rodney, you want me to stay the night?" John was genuinely confused and it showed on his face.

Rodney was more then surprised at the reaction. He'd totally misunderstood his new lover. *John* thought this was just a one time thing! And Rodney figured he'd better set things straight and quickly. He sat up and blew in John's ear. "All night, every night." Rodney's hands slid around to John's chest, sliding his palms up and down. "And I want us to take tomorrow off, with pay of course and spend it in bed." He lay down, taking John with him, John laying atop Rodney. "Executive decision." As John's lips met his Rodney sucked his tongue deep, playing with it, finally allowing John air. He initiated another deep kiss, turning his head so John could kiss his neck, pushing John's head down his body, John kissing everywhere his mouth could reach.

John allowed it until he found himself with his mouth at Rodney's dick.

"Yeah, c'mon John, suck me." Rodney placed his hardness against John's lips, but John pursed them, holding them closed, shaking his head.

"I can't do this, Rodney." John sat up and lowered his eyes. "I don't like to give head." He reached for his clothing again. "I'm going to leave. I figure there are other people here who can do that for you and it's okay."

"John, if all I wanted was a blow job I could have half the people on this base."

"Then why me?"

"Because I don't love half of this base. I love you."

"Really?"

"Yes." Rodney pushed John onto his back, kneeling between his legs.

"Why do you love me?"

Rodney was taken aback by the question; it was the last thing he'd expected. And he answered honestly, without hesitation. "Because *you're* beautiful."

John visibly stiffened and sat up.

"What's wrong?"

"If I wasn't beautiful, would you still love me? I mean, if I looked different or something."

"Why? Are you going to cut your hair or grow a beard? Because I don't like beards. Too scratchy on my sensitive skin."

"No, not that, but...Rodney, they always say I'm beautiful, pretty...but they never ask me to stay."

"And I thought *I* had relationship issues?" Rodney laughed again, leaned up and kissed John chastely. "As you are so fond of telling me, I am not other people. I love *you*. And although I must admit it was your looks that got my attentions, that's not why I fell in love with you."

John seemed to relax a bit, a small smile on his face. "I thought it was the gene that first got your attention."

"Yeah, okay," Rodney sighed. "I confess, it was the gene. That and the cowlick."

"I don't have a cowlick."

"Yes you do, John and don't argue. IQ of two hundred and forty-seven here, remember?"

"You never let me forget. And are we going to have sex again?"

"If you tell me why you don't bottom," Rodney countered.

"I hate talking."

"Yes, all militaristic grunts are the same. But you will, won't you, Major?"

John knew it was a losing battle, so he just lay down in Rodney's arms, tilting his head to meet Rodney's eyes. He told Rodney about college, about Tim Lister, their friendship in the beginning, how it had progressed, leading to the films and why he would *never* bottom.

"You made porno films." Rodney found it amusing. "Can I see one?"

"I burned them all."

"Why?"

"I was ashamed," John said honestly. "Please don't tell anyone, Rodney."

"I would never say anything." Rodney lay John's head on his chest, playing with his hair. "Lighten up on the gel, John." He heard John's breathing deepen. "Sleep, Major. We've got a big day tomorrow."

"Treaty with the Andaran's," John murmured. "Love you, Rod."

"Love you too, Major. And don't call me Rod."

Chapter 3

Two months later Dillon Everett arrived with a contingent of marines, a slew of candy bars and a promotion for Major Sheppard to Lieutenant Colonel; he was also ready to take military command of the Atlantis base. He quickly discovered that the men and women stationed there looked to John Sheppard whenever Everett gave an order. John had earned their respect, saving their lives more then once, nearly giving up his own on three separate occasions. So Everett finally gave up and relaxed a bit, allowing Sheppard to keep command...off the record. It was easier then threatening a court martial to everyone who disobeyed him. And it gave him extra time to spend with Doctor Elizabeth Weir.

Two months after *that* the Daedalus arrived unannounced, bringing Colonel Steven Caldwell and a high ranking General. And at the same time as *they* 'beamed in', courtesy of Asgard technology, John and Rodney were taking care of a few things on the mainland.

Everett greeted them, explaining John's absence and turned to introduce them to Elizabeth and Teyla, who entered the gateroom side by side.

"Elizabeth," Teyla whispered, "he has the same eyes as John Sheppard."

"Teyla, that is General David Sheppard, John's father."

"John did not say his father would be coming."

"No," Elizabeth replied, a bit confused herself, "he didn't."

"Perhaps his father is here to surprise him," Teyla said cheerfully.

"From what I know about him, I doubt that." Elizabeth stepped forward to greet General Sheppard and Colonel Caldwell and she led the way to the conference room. Sheppard and Caldwell entered with her.

"We need to speak to Doctor Weir in private," Sheppard advised Everett and Teyla.

Five minutes later the door opened and Teyla and Everett entered, along with Bates and Ford.

No more then thirty seconds after that John strolled in. "Hi Dad," he said casually, a stupid grin on his face. "I didn't know you were coming for a visit!" He looked across the table. "And you must be Colonel Caldwell." John snickered. "I'm a Colonel too, ya know."

"Colonel Sheppard, are you intoxicated?" Caldwell asked.

"Who, me?" John smirked. "I was making nice with the Athosian's and one of 'em, Holling, asked me to try his latest recipe." He started to giggle. "I think it was around a hundred and eighty proof."

"You didn't actually *drink* that swill, did you Colonel Sheppard?" Everett asked, then turned to Caldwell and General Sheppard. "I think it's more like *two* hundred and eighty proof. Hell, you could power the Daedalus with it."

"Hey!" John shouted. "Part of my job is to be a liaison with our allies, in this case the Athosians. I was just...liaising." He broke into another giggle fit, snorting as he pointed at Ford. "And you, Aiden, Minna wanted to know if you were involved with anyone."

"Minna?" Ford thought for a moment. "Minna with the really big...." The young lieutenant clearly blushed.

"Aiden's got a girlfriend," Bates sing-songed.

"Fuck you Eugene!" Ford snapped without thinking, growing wide-eyed at his superiors. "Sorry for the outburst, sirs."

"Minna?" Teyla glared at Ford, almost accusing.

"No, not Minna." Ford was shaking his head, chewing on his lip, almost embarrassed. "I swear, the only time I ever talked to her was the night of the Harvest festival."

"Aww, Teyla," John sounded morose, "I didn't know you liked Ford. I was trying to get him together with Minna." He moved his eyes to Bates. "Minna likes you too, Eugene."

Elizabeth buried her face in her hands. Five minutes ago she was ready to defend her position as the Governor of Atlantis. She would *not* have the city placed under military rule and/or martial law. That was why General Sheppard had come to Pegasus. To assess her ability to command what was considered the Earth outpost of Atlantis and to observe those under her command. Sheppard and Colonel Caldwell would make the final decision depending on what *they* observed.

And now she had John Sheppard drunk on moonshine, a smartass Bates and a foul mouthed Ford. All that was missing was....

Rodney chose that moment to run in, out of breath, glaring at John. "You had *no* business taking off like a cheetah." He drank some water, catching his breath. "I told you to sleep it off, Major."

Carson and Kate then entered, both looking a bit flushed.

"Sorry we're late," Carson smiled, a stack of folders in front of him.

"We were...working," Kate nodded.

"I'll just bet you were," John giggled.

"He's been in the hooch again, hasn't he?" Carson smirked.

"Nooo," Rodney deadpanned. "Holling insisted they toast everything with his new brew. And of course the Major couldn't say no."

"He'll pay for it in the morning," Carson snickered, which got him a raspberry from John.

Elizabeth just wished for some of Holling's swill herself. A trip to the mainland was in order, oh yes. As soon as this meeting was over.

"You were with him, Doctor McKay?" Everett asked, although he wasn't surprised. He'd been on Atlantis almost two months, learning that where you found McKay you would almost always find Sheppard. Besides, the two were lovers. He had found that out his first morning on Atlantis when he barged into Sheppard's room and found the two asleep together. They didn't even bother to hide it. And it was *never* a topic of base gossip.

Dillon Everett, like most of those who had been stationed at the SGC and had traveled offworld, was more then tolerant. Because there was always something more important to worry about. In Pegasus that meant lifeforce sucking aliens. In the Milky Way, it was snakes in your gut. At the SGC it meant finding Jack O'Neill and Daniel Jackson going at it like bunnies in a supply closet...and being asked if he wanted to stay and watch and participate.

Rodney's voice interrupted his thoughts. "I was dealing with a Naquada generator to light up the Athosian village and I thought he was working on Jumper One. I had *no* idea he was getting shitfaced until it was too late. Besides, I am *not* his keeper. And who are you?" He glared at Caldwell and Sheppard.

"I'm Colonel Steven Caldwell and this is...."

John interrupted with another laugh. "Rodney McKay, this is my Dad, General David Sheppard." John grinned and threw his arm around Rodney's shoulder. "Dad, this is Rodney." He pulled Rodney closer then usual, his hand moving down, clearly groping Rodney's ass.

"MAJOR!" Rodney almost shrieked and stepped away. "He's totally crocked."

"Rodney's my best friend, Dad." John grabbed Rodney around the waist.

"I'll see you when you're sober, John," his father said flatly. "I suggest you take McKay's advice and sleep it off."

"Come on, Major." Rodney grabbed him by the arm.

"It's Colonel, McKay!"

"I told you I'd call you *that* when Hell freezes over," Rodney said calmly and dragged him to the door.

"Goodnight all!" John grinned and grabbed Rodney's ass again on the way out.

"I swear, I never thought about Minna *that* way," Aiden blurted, staring at Teyla.

"Really, Aiden?" Teyla asked softly.

"Honestly." Ford smiled shyly.

Bates rolled his eyes. "Doctor Weir, are we going to have to rearrange living quarters again? Because if Ford moves in with her, everyone in the designated barracks area will want his private room."

"*Her* has a name," Ford practically growled. "Use it."

Bates snarled himself; he never bothered to hide the fact that he still didn't trust Teyla Emmagon.

Teyla took it in stride, knowing she would prove her loyalty to Bates one day. For now she decided to take Rodney McKay's advice and fire back a reply with just a touch of snark. "Perhaps, Sergeant Bates," Teyla stood up, Ford doing the same, "you should get yourself a woman."

"I don't want a woman!" Bates shouted back without thinking.

"Then get yourself a man," she snickered, opening the door. "Come along, Aiden Ford. We have much to discuss."

"Permission to be dismissed?" Ford asked.

"Granted," General Sheppard told him.

As the door closed behind them, Bates opened his mouth, but met Weir's eyes. Her glare told him to keep his mouth shut and he turned to his superiors. "Sirs, permission to...."

"Yes, Sergeant," Caldwell told him. "You're dismissed also."

"Doctor Heightmeyer, Doctor Beckett," Caldwell nodded to them. "I want your full assessments of all personnel."

"My work is confidential," Kate said firmly. "You can't have my records."

"Doctor Heightmeyer," Caldwell smiled, "we don't want the personal records. Just the general psych evals. I need to know who's in good mental shape. I could care less about anyone who has a mother fixation or misses his dog."

"Colonel Everett," General Sheppard said, "Since it is late, Atlantis time, we'll reconvene at oh-eight-hundred. That should give my son time to recover."

"I'm returning to the Daedalus to supervise transport of supplies," Caldwell added. "I'm sure it's been a while since any of you saw ice cream."

Elizabeth turned to David. "I'm sorry, we have no official guest quarters. I'll have a room set up for you immediately." She let Bates know and smiled her best smile, hoping David could somehow forget what he had seen already.

"We'll discuss everything tomorrow," David told her, Bates entering to escort the General to a room.

~~~

Everett turned to Caldwell. "Why are you really here, Steven?"

"You two know each other?" Elizabeth asked.

"Oh yeah," Everett grinned. "Since we were Lieutenant's. The little shit beat me out of Colonel by six days."

Elizabeth laughed, then grew serious. "Dillon, they're here to evaluate me, my leadership."

"And....?" Everett prompted.

"The Pentagon wants to put Atlantis under military rule, but some are arguing against it. General Sheppard and Colonel Caldwell are here to determine if a civilian is capable."

"It'll be okay, Liz. This guy's an asshole," Everett nodded to Caldwell, who nodded back, "but he's a fair and honest asshole."

"I won't decide on military rule in this city because *I* am military," Caldwell gave her a soft smile. "I need to watch you, observe how you interact with both the civilian population and the marines. I've only been here a few hours and...."

"I didn't know that Colonel Sheppard would be...intoxicated," she said, flushing pink, more then embarrassed.

"That?" Caldwell laughed out loud. "I couldn't care less that he was crocked. He wasn't expecting us and he does live here, in a sense. It's the same as if I went out to a bar and drank myself stupid. Hell, I think I'd like to try some of that hooch."

"Dillon, you did learn how to pilot a jumper, didn't you?" Elizabeth asked.

"Why?"

"I think we should introduce Colonel Caldwell to the Athosian's." She gave him an evil grin. "And Holling's swill."

"What about the ice cream?" Everett asked her.

"Swill first. I need it."

"Whatever you say, Doctor Weir," Everett replied with a grin. "To the hangar."

"Is the hooch any good?" Caldwell asked.

"Steven, Holling's swill is on a par with that stuff your Grandma used to make."

"Then lead on, Dillon," Caldwell snickered, "and after that we'll make like Captain Kirk and beam up so I can give you the ten cent tour of the Daedalus."

~~~

General Sheppard received a message from Caldwell at seven-thirty the following morning. The Colonel advised him that due to a problem with some of the Daedalus' systems, he would not be returning until all was under control.

In truth, Caldwell had the hangover from purgatory. And he had woken up sated and sore and sandwiched between Weir and Everett...and wanted to stay that way for a while longer.

The General had no problem with a later meeting. It would give him time to spend with his son. Markham directed Sheppard to John's room, but John had used the gene to lock the door.

"You have the gene, don't you Sergeant?" At Markham's nod, David added, "Then open the door for me please."

"Sir, I know you're a General but..." Markham swallowed hard, "...these are Colonel Sheppard's private quarters."

"Sergeant...."

Markham was torn by his loyalty to John and an order from a General. If John and Rodney were together and John wasn't 'out' with his father....

"Sergeant, I'm ordering you to open the door this instant!"

"Yes sir," Markham said reluctantly, but made sure to take a quick glance at the bed before allowed the General entrance; John was alone. "Sir." Markham left as quick as his feet would carry him.

The balcony doors were open, sunlight streaming in and David got a good look at the state of John's room; it was so unlike his son. There was clothing strewn about, on the dresser, chairs and floor. There were books and papers on every surface, empty MRE trays, Power bar wrappers...and a used tube of KY beside the bed. He kicked it aside in disgust, silently sneering. 'How you came from me, I will never know,' he thought. 'But I have use for you now, just like I did all those years ago.' He went through the drawers, finding different size clothing as well as boxers and briefs. John was living with a man. 'No more, John. I'll not have this kind of behavior.' God, how he wished for the days before Antarctica, when he'd been able to control his son. No matter where John had been stationed, he was still under his father's thumb. Except David Sheppard couldn't just hop on a transport and go to the South Pole for a quick visit.

In the year they were separated John grew up and became his own man.

The day John refused to come back, David was ready to drag him away kicking and screaming. Yet he opted not to, knowing that eventually John would come back to him...to Black Ops. He never considered that a chair would change both their lives.

"I want my Mommy," John groaned as he sat up, wincing at the sun. He slammed the balcony doors shut with a thought.

"You always did," David Sheppard said softly. He was seated in a chair beside the bed.

"Hey, Dad. It was kind of a shock seeing you."

"Yes, I'm sure it was." David's voice trailed off as he eyed the doors. "How did you do that?"

"What?" John grunted as he sat up, running his fingers through his hair. He stood and stretched, and quickly covered himself with the sheet when he saw he was naked.

"The doors to the balcony. You closed them."

"The ATA gene. Can't you do that?"

"No. I spoke with Doctor Beckett and he has come to the conclusion that the gene is passed from the maternal side."

"Ah," John smiled, "so Mom did it." He stretched again and smelled himself. "I better take a shower so I smell human. I'll be out in a few."

David watched as John thought the bathroom door open, closing it the same way. He'd read about the gene in the transmissions back to Earth, read Carson Beckett's reports about John's gene as compared to everyone else. Fifteen years before David Sheppard had needed his son to secure his place within the NID; now he had control over the scientific and weapons divisions. Yes, he had come to Atlantis to evaluate Elizabeth Weir, but he had an ulterior motive, a plan that had been worked out *before* he'd left Earth.

John *would* return to Earth with him. Sheppard the elder was a master at manipulation, especially when it came to his son. John had always been a bit emotional, a trait gleaned from his mother. He had a heart, although it was masked a good portion of the time, taken over by the hardcore military man John had become. But David knew it was there and had played his son like a finely honed instrument so many times.

And when he got John back to Earth, David would convince him to travel to Area 51...just the two of them. Nobody would know. It wouldn't be difficult to get John to go into the elevator, to one of the lowest levels. Once there John would be alone, with no friends to aid him. He would have no way out...and David Sheppard's people could run their experiments to synthesize the ultimate ATA gene.

John Sheppard's.

Chapter 4

As John stepped into the shower, Rodney entered the room with a tray of food, surprised to find David Sheppard sitting at the table.

"General."

"Doctor McKay, may I ask what you're doing?"

"Making sure John eats breakfast." Rodney put the tray down.

"Thank you." David waved a hand as if to dismiss him. "You can go."

"Go?"

"Doctor McKay, my son has a bit of a hangover and will probably need to rest today. Leave the food and I'll see that he eats." The General *was* pretty much dismissing him.

"I'll wait."

"Don't bother."

Rodney McKay decided he didn't like David Sheppard very much. And since he didn't like Sheppard the elder, he might as well piss him off. It's what John said Rodney did best. Rodney gave his friendliest smile to David, opened the door to the washroom with a thought and stood there, staring at John, fully visible through the glass enclosure which didn't fog due to steamy hot water (and they were going to make a fortune with this glass once they got it back to Earth...and found a way to duplicate it). Staring at naked John, who was staring back at him. Naked John, whose fist wrapped around his dick, stroking himself hard as he stared deep into Rodney's eyes.

Rodney did a quick diagnostic of a DHD in his head and killed his budding erection, grinning. "Breakfast is served, get out of the shower." He left the room, closing the door behind him and turned back to David. "So, you're an Air Force General."

"Yes," came the dry reply.

"My old man was a mechanic. Cars." Rodney opened a drawer, taking out a shirt and pants. He then tore the bed apart until he found a matching pair of socks. "I knew they got flung somewhere."

John came out of the bathroom at the same moment Rodney reached into the sheet and pulled out some briefs.

Rodney tried his damndest to hide his smirk, he really did, but of course his mouth proceeded to take over before he could stop it. "I just don't know if they're mine or...."

"RODNEY!" Rodney almost jumped at the tone and turned to face John, who looked a bit pissed himself. "What are you doing?"

"Taking out clothes for you. You threw up on what you were wearing last night."

John looked at the underwear in Rodney's hand, then turned to his father, then back to Rodney. "I heard what you said."

Rodney wasn't about to back down and he held the briefs up. "Yours or mine."

"Shut up, Rodney," John warned. He did however snatch the briefs and put them on...they were his. John got dressed and sat on the bed, not saying a word.

Rodney finally broke the silence. "I brought you breakfast and your father said, and I quote, 'John has a bit of a hangover and will probably need to rest today. Leave the food and I'll see that he eats'."

"Let me be blunt, Doctor McKay," David stated, "I have not seen my son in a few years. I have personal and private things to discuss with him that do not concern you."

Rodney was getting angry, not so much by David's words, but by John's continued silence. "Major, come and eat your breakfast."

John glared at him. "It's Colonel *not* Major."

"I told you I'm not...."

"It was funny at first, you refusing to call me Colonel." John was fuming. "But I *earned* this FUCKING RANK! And you *will* use it. Do you understand?!" The look of shock on Rodney's face had John immediately wanting to take the words back. But it was too late.

Rodney was taken aback at the tone of John's voice. It was a tone used in the field...John's command voice. But John had never taken that tone with Rodney off duty. He kept Major Sheppard, the soldier, out of their bedroom. Only John Sheppard existed in their private world.

Until now.

Rodney glared at David, sneered at John and turned away, walking to the door. "Yes sir...Colonel Sheppard," he practically growled and shut the door behind him.

John sat down to eat, but only took a few bites before he pushed the tray away. "I'm sorry, Dad. I have to go apologize to Rodney."

"Apologize? For what?"

"I shouldn't have said those things to him. It was mean and...Rodney hurts easily. We'll have lunch in the mess. I promise." He was out the door before his father could respond.

David Sheppard was surprised that John's choice of partner was McKay. He'd thought John was involved with Bates or one of the other marines. Certainly not a scientist. Of course this could make things easier. A scientist would be more vulnerable if threatened. He just had to figure out a way to use McKay as leverage when he suggested John return to Earth. In the interim he headed for the hangar. He wanted to learn about the Puddlejumpers...and how those with the ATA gene flew them.

~~~

"Hey, Rodney," John smiled as he entered Rodney's lab, closing the door behind him. He picked up the device Rodney was working on, looking it over. "Any idea what it is?"

"Get out." Rodney opened the door with a thought. "Just go away and leave me alone."

John studied Rodney's face, especially his eyes. Rodney had expressive eyes and most people missed that about him; hell, *everyone* did. Everyone except John. *He* had learned to read them very quickly. In the short time they'd been together he'd begun to read new emotions within them: trust, respect...love. John thought the door closed, taking Rodney's chin in hand, thumb caressing along his cheek. "I was wrong to yell at you like that. You can call me Major if you want."

"No, Colonel, you were right. You earned that rank." Rodney's breathing deepened as he leaned into the touch.

John, of course, couldn't resist the smirk. "Am I forgiven for being an asshole?"

"I forgave you ten minutes ago. But I still want you to get the hell out of my lab."

"Have dinner with me?" John leaned in and blew in Rodney's ear, tonguing the lobe.

"Is your father going to be dining with us?" Rodney asked, quite serious.

"No, Rod. Just you, me, a couple of MRE's and the bed."

"Did you tell him about *us*?"

"Rodney, I think you pretty much did." John slid his arm around Rodney's waist. "Can I have a kiss?"

"No."

"One kiss and I go away." John leaned in, Rodney drew back. So John pouted. And chewed on his lip. And lowered his eyelids, smiling shyly.

"Stop that! You look like a lovesick teenager." Rodney was finding it hard to hide his smile.

"One kiss, Rod...." John leaned forward again, his hand resting on Rodney's neck, fingers sliding up into Rodney's hair. "So sweet." His mouth descended upon Rodney's, the kiss soft, sensual...until Rodney moaned. John deepened the kiss, backing Rodney against the lab table. God, he was hard.

Rodney groped John, leering at him, turning them around. "Do you want to come, John?" He rubbed John's clothed erection harder, nibbling his neck, straight up to his ear. "I know you do."

"Get my pants down."

Rodney dropped to his knees, chewing John's hardness through his pants.

"Rodney stop...."

"Come for me, John." Rodney slid his hands up the back of John's shirt, caressing bare flesh.

"Not in my pants...." Nails raked up and down his back. "Oh fuck...." John's eyes closed and he came, ready to kiss Rodney and kill him at the same time.

Rodney got to his feet, eyes narrowed. "Don't call me Rod." He snickered and left before John could react.

John stood there for a moment before raising his head high, all his pride showing as he stepped out of Rodney's lab.

With a laptop held in front of his lower body.

~~~

Caldwell was pointing to an area of Atlantis outlined in orange. "Since we will have additional personnel on this base, I suggest we prepare more living quarters on these levels."

"You can't go to this level, sir," John pointed. "Only those with the gene can get below level eleven and as for level fourteen...."

"Most of my people have had the gene therapy, just like Everett," Caldwell replied.

"It doesn't matter," John sighed. "She *won't* allow you on the lowest level." John highlighted the bottom section in yellow.

"*She*?" Caldwell stared at him.

"Atlantis," Rodney confirmed. "In some ways she's alive and she's very particular about who can freely wander her lowest levels. Nobody has been able to explore level fourteen except for Colonel Sheppard."

"Markham, Stackhouse, even myself have tried to get down there," Carson added. "She shut off life support and there was nothing we could do about it."

"I refuse to believe this city is alive!"

"Colonel," John started, "We are *not* joking."

"Okay, Sheppard, I'll bite. Why does she let you down there and nobody else with the ATA gene?"

"Because John's gene is stronger," Rodney said matter-of-factly. "Markham and Beckett and others may have it, but John...."

"You're saying the city is sentient?" General Sheppard asked.

"Not exactly," Rodney answered him. "But as I *was* saying, John's gene is stronger then anyone else's. You're read the reports. He has an ease with it that nobody else has."

John was starting to feel a bit uncomfortable.

"Aye, I have to concur," Carson added. "His use of the gene far surpasses anybody I've tested." He nodded to John. "Perhaps some of your people could examine Colonel Sheppard and...."

"NO!" John stood up quickly, tossing the chair back. "I am not a lab rat that you can trade off. I have had it up to *here* with all the goddamned tests!"

"Calm down, Maj...Colonel," Rodney said.

"I will not calm down!" John shot back, glaring at Caldwell. "If you want to go down there, you're on your own." He stormed out and Caldwell made the decision to go to level fourteen himself.

~~~

Two hours later Caldwell woke in medical, his head pounding. "What happened?"

"We tried to warn you, Colonel," Carson said. "Atlantis shut off the ventilation systems."

"How did I get out?"

"Colonel Sheppard," Rodney told him. "As soon as he entered the vicinity the air was...turned back on."

"I told you," John added. "She loves me."

"*She* may love you Colonel," Caldwell snarled, "but you have another outburst like earlier and I will personally bust you down to Captain."

"Yes sir," John replied curtly. "Permission to be dismissed, sir?"

"Granted."

John saluted Caldwell crisply, did the same to his father, turned on his heels and marched out. Rodney, of course, followed.

David had observed all of it. There were Ancient devices at Area 51 and nobody had any idea of how they worked. If John could figure them out he would be even *more* valuable. And if John was more valuable, David was also. There was no way that David would permit his son to remain on Atlantis. If John refused to leave, his father *would* drag him home kicking and screaming this time. He would *not* have a repeat of Antarctica ever again.

Chapter 5

John got a lecture from Elizabeth about keeping calm. She explained the decisions that Caldwell and his father would have to make and John agreed to behave himself for the duration of their visit. He spent the rest of the day with his father and when David asked John to have dinner with him, John was hesitant. He'd promised Rodney *they* would have dinner together. But Rodney was busy with Zelenka and told John that he was wrong and that John *should* spend time with his father...as long as Rodney himself didn't have to put up with the General.

Conversation between father and son was tense. David kept making cutting remarks about the scientists and John kept biting his tongue. He had learned to respect them in the time he'd been on Atlantis, although it was not something he was willing to admit. He finally managed to turn the topic to Atlantis, the Genii, the Wraith...anything to avoid listening to his father rant.

When John returned to his room he found the videotape on the bed. He figured Rodney had been playing with the camera again. The last tape had been thirty minutes of Rodney jerking off and talking dirty.

Ten minutes into the film and John felt as if his whole world had turned upside down. "It's not possible. I burned them all!" As he watched his stomach began to churn.

John watched his young self kneeling before one man, his head held steady, forced to deep throat until he gagged. But young John didn't fight, didn't protest. He just moaned and permitted his mouth to be fucked. Then a second man and a third joined in and young John allowed himself to be taken every which way. He was fucked by each man and when the third took his turn young John cried out, clearly a cry of pain. But a cock was shoved down his throat to shut him up. He was degraded verbally, teased and tormented....

And young John took it all.

John watched and couldn't understand why he hadn't fought this. And more importantly, *when* had he made this movie? He had absolutely no memory of it. How could he have forgotten? He was so involved with his anger and embarrassment that he didn't hear the door open.

"I thought you burned them all."

John nearly jumped out of his skin and turned to Rodney, face flushed pink. "I thought I did also."

Rodney watched a bit, but he wasn't observing the activity on the screen; he was concentrating on young John's face. "You were drugged, John." Rodney stopped the tape. "I know how you look when you make love and there was no sign of that. Your eyes were pretty much vacant, except when...."

"....except when I was crying from the pain," John finished. "I must have been drugged because I swear I don't remember making *this* film."

"Obviously you didn't know about it." Rodney ejected the tape, walked out to the balcony and tossed it, coming back inside. "And I know how it got here."

"Are you going to enlighten me, Rodney or do I have to guess?"

"The man in charge of the Daedalus' weapons system is Captain Timothy Lister."

"What?" John could have sworn he heard wrong.

"There was only one way that film could have gotten here and that's if he brought it."

"But I would have seen him."

"Maybe, maybe not. Quite a few of the Daedalus' personnel came into the city then returned to their ship. You could have missed him."

"I'll find him later." John began to get undressed and openly yawned. "I'm tired." He pulled back the sheet and lay down.

"Did you brush and floss, John?"

"Yes, mom," John deadpanned.

"Well I didn't," Rodney told him and headed into the bathroom. He came out a few minutes later and found John with his eyes closed. Rodney got into bed and opened his arm, John crawling in, laying his head upon Rodney's chest. "Love you, Colonel."

"Call me Major," John muttered as he drifted off.

Tired as he was Rodney didn't fall asleep right away. He was worried. About what he wasn't sure. But he'd figure it out. 'After all,' he thought, 'that's what genius's do.'

~~~

"Good morning," John stretched and snuggled his back against Rodney's chest. "Sorry about last night."

"What did you do?"

"I fell asleep."

"And this means what?" Rodney prompted, a bit confused.

"It's the first time we went to sleep without...."

"You think there's something wrong because we didn't have sex last night?"

"I don't know. We've never just...gone to sleep before."

"We were tired, John." Rodney sat up, still holding John, kissing the top of his head. "I thought our relationship...us...was more then something physical."

"It is." John turned his head, his mouth finding Rodney's and stealing a quick kiss. "I'm kind of stupid, huh?"

"Yes," Rodney said simply.

John stood, pulling Rodney up with him. "Shower." He wrapped his arms around Rodney's waist. "I love you."

"Yeah, I know. I'm irresistible."

Rodney leaned in for a kiss, as did John...and the General brazenly walked in, freezing in his tracks. John's first instinct was to grab the sheet and cover them, but Rodney had no qualms about standing there naked.

"You need to knock," Rodney told him.

"I need to speak with my son."

"Rodney, get in the shower," John said.

"No, I won't," Rodney replied while shaking his head.

"Rodney, go take a fucking shower."

Rodney turned to the bathroom but, as he had previously, he couldn't keep his mouth shut. "I'll be waiting for you to join me."

John opened *his* mouth but quickly shut it. He didn't need another fight with his lover. The moment the door closed behind Rodney, John glared at his father. "He's right. You need to...knock."

"Why should I knock to come into my son's room?"

"BECAUSE IT'S MY ROOM TOO!" Rodney's voice screamed.

"What?" David didn't look very happy about that bit of information.

"It's his room also, Dad. We live together."

"You WHAT?!"

"You heard me."

David was speechless, standing there with his mouth open before leaving, mumbling under his breath.

John shrugged and entered the bathroom, closing the door, smiling a bit. "He's pretty pissed again."

"*He's* pissed?"

John stepped into the shower, arms on Rodney's shoulders. "I really don't want to fight with you, Rodney. Make love, not war?"

"I don't like him, John."

John touched his forehead to Rodney's. "I don't care if you like him. But he *is* my Dad. Make nice to him? Please?" He pouted. "For me?"

"No."

"Aww, Rodney, why not?"

"Because he rubs me the wrong way. Because...John, I won't!"

"Okay. I'll leave it be. Do you still love me?"

"It's against my better judgement," Rodney smirked. "But I guess so."

They moved under the spray, kissing and touching, both growing hard as they rubbed against one another. John turned Rodney, placing Rodney's palms against the wall and bit his shoulder. "Love you so much...."

"Now John. Don't make me wait."

"Shhh, relax babe." John picked up the liquid soap, squeezing some onto his hand. He teased Rodney with his fingers, listening to the moans, the begging, the soft whimpers. "You're so beautiful like this." He slid in slowly, resisting Rodney's efforts to push himself back, keeping control. Finally buried balls deep he stilled, rolling his hips, brushing Rodney's prostate over and over. One hand slid up Rodney's chest, taking a nipple between his fingers, nibbling his ear. "Come for me, Rodney." He pulled out and shoved back in hard. "Oh baby, yeah, scream for me. Tell me how much you like this." His other hand began to stroke Rodney's hardened dick.

Rodney's head fell back against John's shoulder as he came, John thrusting faster, coming himself, holding Rodney tight, resting against Rodney's back.

"Oh God, Rodney, you are *so* good to me."

Rodney turned around, kissing John softly. "And you to me."

"Mushball," John smiled and stole another kiss. "Let's get cleaned up. I have a Captain to find."

"John...."

"Relax, Rodney," John said as he picked up a cloth, slowly washing his lover. "I promise not to kill him."

They finished up and Rodney reached for his towel but John shook his head, wrapping one towel around the two of them. "Less laundry if we share." As they got dressed John caught the look on Rodney's face. "I *promise* not to kill him."

"That's good, John." They shared a kiss before Rodney headed out. "I feel much better now."

Rodney left, not hearing John snicker. "No Rodney, I'm not going to kill him. I'm going to lock him in a room with Teyla and her sticks."

~~~

John couldn't find Lister but did confirm he was a member of the Daedalus' crew. He spent the rest of the day taking care of a few reports and doing a supply run to the mainland with Markham, who kept apologizing for allowing the General into John's quarters. John reassured him that he did nothing wrong and even thanked him. He hadn't quite known how he was going to explain to his father about his relationship with Rodney.

By the time they returned it was late and John went straight to his room, hoping for a nice quiet dinner. He heard the screaming and walked in, finding Rodney with his fists raised (and bit back a chuckle - Rodney looked like a deranged boxer) and Tim Lister, who looked like he was going to pummel Rodney. He quickly stepped in between them, eyes moving from one man to the other. "What's going on?"

"I found him in here." Rodney's eyes were blazing with anger. "And I told him to leave."

"Hello, Johnny," Tim said with a sarcastic bite. "It's been a long time."

"Get out," John sneered, ready to bodily remove him.

"Is that any way to greet me?" Tim asked.

"I saw the movie, you son-of-a-bitch. You drugged me."

"Whoa!" Tim put his palm up. "I never drugged you."

"The hell you didn't," Rodney almost growled.

"Rodney," John motioned to the chair, "sit and stay quiet. Please." He turned back to Tim, waiting for a response.

"Look, Johnny, I'm sorry I didn't love you the way you loved me. We were kids and it was fun. And I really didn't mean to hurt you and looking back I shouldn't have talked you into...but it's done and it's the past and I never fucking drugged you or forced you." Lister took a breath. "And you burned all the fucking movies, remember? I never saw this one."

"You're lying," John told him.

"And what if I am? What are you going to do about it?"

John stalked forward, Lister stepped back. "Get out of here, *Captain* Lister. Or you will wake up tomorrow as a Private. Do I make myself clear?"

Lister nearly answered but thought better of it. He just nodded and walked out.

"Sit and stay quiet, John?"

"I said please, didn't I?"

Rodney just smiled and motioned John to the table. "It's chicken...*real* chicken. Courtesy of the Daedalus."

"I'm not hungry," John sighed.

"Eat, Johnny," Rodney pretty much ordered, but with a slight lilt in his voice.

"Don't call me 'Johnny' if you want to live," John muttered, pushing the tray away. "And I said I'm not hungry."

"If you don't eat, I don't eat. And when I faint from hypoglycemic shock it will be on *your* head."

"Not now, Rodney. Please leave me alone."

"Fine. Don't eat. Lose more weight. Carson will ground you for sure."

"If Beckett were going to ground me...."

"I asked him not to," Rodney blurted, pulling a chair over to sit himself and sliding the tray back to John.

"You what?" John was a bit pissed. "How dare you go through my medical records!"

"I didn't, you moron!" Rodney shouted back. "Carson told me as a friend. And I promised him I'd get you to put on weight." Rodney smiled a bit. "Don't make a liar out of me." He stabbed the chicken with the fork and aimed it at John's mouth. "Here comes the Gateship."

"Puddlejumper," John couldn't help the smile and opened his mouth, nearly choking as he started a giggle fit.

"Eat or the next forkful will be a choo-choo."

John snatched the fork. "I thought you hated kids."

"I do. But my little sister, that's the only way Mom could ever get her to eat."

~~~

Timothy Lister had wanted revenge. He thought he'd gotten it with that one movie. The one lone film John didn't know about, the one film John had made the night of his twenty-first birthday. They'd wanted John, the men in the bar. They were willing to pay good money and they didn't care if John was stoned, drunk or sober. So Tim drugged his roommate and sold him for the night...and filmed all of it. He'd nearly sold the film, until he returned to college and found John gone. And a note telling Tim that he'd burned all the movies.

It had taken him fifteen years and two galaxies to even attempt revenge. And a push from John's father. David Sheppard had known everything. They figured McKay would be so appalled that he'd throw John out. 'Well', Lister thought, 'that plan failed.' He contacted the General, who told him what to do with the other copy of the film.

~~~

Lister underestimated Eugene Bates and had *no* idea the respect he accorded John Sheppard. Instead of Bates running off to form a lynch mob, the Sergeant just shrugged and snatched the tape. "Shep in all his glory, huh? Cool. We'll make it the Saturday night movie. And I bet the star will even sign autographs after." He passed it to Stackhouse, who didn't smile.

Stackhouse made a fist, he so wanted to knock Lister off his feet. But Bates had a better idea. Before Lister knew what was happening the two Sergeant's had him tied up and hung upside down over a balcony, staring into the ocean below. As they sipped the beer brought by the Daedalus they swung him back and forth, telling him what they would do, quite graphically, if that tape became public knowledge. When Ford and Teyla found them, Bates was forced to explain.

Who knew Teyla could move so quick? Before the other three could stop her, she swung Lister towards her and punched him in the face. Twice. Which gave Lister a bloody nose and the men were forced to cut him down, knowing they would have to take him to Beckett. As Lister was brought to his feet, Teyla gave him a kick between the legs and headed in the opposite direction.

As they dragged Lister to Beckett, Ford turned to Bates.

"I trust her with my life, Eugene," Ford said with a small smile. "And she loves me."

"Yeah, okay, Aiden. I concede I was...."

"Can't we all just get along?" Stackhouse added, a bit theatric.

"I could try," Bates muttered.

"Thanks," Ford said softly. "I don't expect you to trust her overnight, but just try a bit...a little bit."

"Maybe," Bates told him.

"That's all I ask," Ford replied as they dumped Lister on a cot. He glanced over at Beckett. "Hey Doc, you have any spare needles laying around?"

~~~

Two hours later Tim Lister advised General Sheppard that he could bust him back to Private but there was no way Lister was going to mess with the denizens of Atlantis ever again.

Sheppard wanted to know where Lister's copy was and all Lister knew was that Sergeant Stackhouse had it last.

As for Stackhouse, he got so caught up in staring at Duncan's ass that he left the video sitting in the middle of the infirmary.

Chapter 6

David Sheppard was furious. Not only did McKay not give a crap about the film, but the Atlantis personnel didn't care either.

Tim Lister made it quite clear that he was staying on the Daedalus no matter what the General threatened him with. As it was, Lister wasn't going to be sitting for the next day or so. His ass had been poked with what Beckett called 'pre-emptive vaccinations'...three of them.

So David went to see John, making sure his son was alone when he spoke with him. This time he did ring the door chime, waiting to be allowed in, smiling at John as he entered. "John we need to talk."

"Yeah, I know," John replied quietly. "About Rodney, I can't control what he says or does. He means well and he *does* care about me, does love me, in his own..." John smiled, "...demented way."

"Really? And what happens when he and everyone else here finds out about your past? How long do you think you can keep your time in Black Ops a secret?" David Sheppard knew his son, knew every weakness, every emotional button to push. "You assassinated nine men, John. They're not going to accept that and you know it!"

"They will," John murmured.

"Say they do. What about that piece of filth film you made. What happens when they see that?" David paused for a moment. "Yes, John, I know about it. Gay pornography. You think your men will accept you as their CO if they see that film?"

"They know about me and Rodney!" John was defensive, but he *was* thinking.

"Yes, but knowing you and McKay...that's one thing. People who are isolated have to have an outlet for sex. So of course it's accepted. But if they were to find out that you did this sort of thing before...." David paused and watched his son. He gave his words a few minutes to sink in. "You grew up in the military, John. You know what can happen."

"Dad, please don't do this."

"I have no control over it."

"Y-y-you could stop it, Dad," John stammered, looking at this father as if he were ten years old again.

David knew that look. "They won't respect you anymore!" He could read his son like a book and pressed on. "What's going to happen the first time you're in the field and you need some help? And what about McKay?"

"What about Rodney?" John shook his head. "No. Nobody would hurt him. Not over this."

"You don't know that John. Do you want to be responsible if he's injured?"

"No, of course not. I just...."

"John, I only want what's best for you." David smiled at his son. "That's all I ever wanted."

"I know."

"Then please, come back with me. If things don't work out, you can return with the Daedalus on her next run."

"What about the video?" John asked.

"I'll get it. I'm sorry for mentioning it, but...I just wanted you to return with me. It's been so long."

"I understand, Dad. Apology accepted."

"And I'll take you to Area 51. Would you like that, John?"

John finally smiled. "Can we bring Rodney? He used to work there, you know."

"Yes, John, I know. But I thought maybe just the two of us. A quick trip. We won't even tell anybody." His smile seemed to grow softer. "It will be our little secret."

"I have to tell Rodney."

John seemed insistent and David thought for a moment. "There are Ancient artifacts at Area 51. You could study them, learn about them before McKay and the rest of the scientists here. Wouldn't it be nice to have one up on them?"

"It would be kind of cool."

"Then we won't tell anyone," David nodded. "Agreed?"

"And I get to come back with the Daedalus when she returns to Pegasus?"

"Of course, John."

"Okay, Dad."

"That's my boy. And I will ensure that you return to Atlantis as a full-bird Colonel." David tossed John's duffel to him. "Pack up. We can at least get some of your things situated on the Daedalus." He patted John's cheek as he left, that same smile on his face.

If John had actually been looking, he would have noticed that the smile didn't reach his father's eyes. It never had.

General Sheppard smirked as he entered a nearby transport tube. Everything was going according to his plan.

But he was about to discover that nothing ever went as planned on Atlantis.

~~~

John had been sitting in his room for almost an hour, his duffel still unpacked. He wasn't leaving and he knew it. He loved his father no matter what, pretty much worshipped the ground the man walked on. Hell, John had literally killed for the old man.

But he couldn't leave Atlantis, his home. He couldn't leave Rodney.

"John? Why is your duffel out?"

Rodney's voice startled John out of his thoughts and he brought his eyes up.

"Your father asked you to go back to Earth and you said yes," Rodney stated. "The Daedalus leaves tomorrow. When were you going to tell me?"

John sighed, rolled his eyes, picked up his duffel and pushed past Rodney. He went out to the balcony, looked over the railing and tossed the duffel over, watching as it hit the ocean. "There was nothing to tell."

"You were thinking about it," Rodney said sadly, swallowing hard.

John wrapped his arms around Rodney's waist, pulling him into a hug. "I thought about a lot of things." He kissed Rodney's cheek. "As long as it is within my power, I will never leave you, Rodney. Believe that."

Rodney chuckled a bit. "What movie did you steal that line from?"

"I don't remember," John shrugged. "But I mean it, really I do."

"I know, John. And *you* know he's not going to let you stay."

"My father can't force me to go."

"He can and I'm telling you he will." Rodney moved back a bit. "When are you going to tell him you're staying?"

"I was just about to call him."

"Let me know what happens."

"Where are you going, Rodney?"

"I have something to read, some papers that came from Daniel Jackson at my request. I'll see you in a little while."

~~~

In the interim, Bates found the video and brought it to the rec room, inviting all the marines he could find. They were going to tease their CO to no end about it - their very own porn star. Oh yeah, Bates was certain this was going to be good.

By the time Rodney found out and attempted to retrieve the film, the first fifteen minutes had already been viewed....

~~~

John Sheppard had lived alone with his mother from the age of two, not seeing much of his father after the divorce. His mother was always taking college courses and writing papers and studying. She'd also been an avid reader and he'd grown up with a vast library. She also encouraged John's love of math, obtaining books so he could advance his knowledge. By the time John was nine his mother had begun to teach him calculus and was even starting to throw in some physics at the same time.

Until she went away. As to the reasons why she left him, John never found out. He never saw her again. And the shy and brilliant boy had nobody but a purely military father, who was the complete antithesis of his free-spirited mother.

John adapted to his new life. He learned to make his bed and put away his clothes and forced himself to eat vegetables with a smile. Because if he behaved, his father would take him flying. John loved to fly, to soar in a plane. It was the one fun thing he'd done with his dad the rare times they'd had a chance to visit when he lived with his mother.

If John didn't make his bed and left his clothes all over and balked at the food, his father didn't talk to him. David would give him the silent treatment for hours on end until John broke down in tears and begged forgiveness.

John was ten the first time he said no to his father. No, he didn't want to play baseball. He wanted to join the school chess club.

He played second base for two years and hated every minute of it. But his father *did* praise him when he won and that was incentive enough for the boy to push himself to grow into MVP for the league.

The summer of his thirteenth year John wanted to go to computer camp. He didn't mind the nerds. They were fun once you got past the pocket protectors and they didn't care when he started to spout math and physics equations.

The summer of his thirteenth year John was shipped off to survival camp with other military brats. He cried his first night there and by week two called his father and begged to come home. David refused to come get him. By week three David Sheppard was 'requested' to pick up his son by the Commadant. The entire ride home was spent with John berated, told how much he embarrassed his father, who was a newly promoted Colonel.

At seventeen John wanted to take Jessica Farmer to the senior prom. She was on the plain side, slightly chubby and president of the yearbook club. She made John laugh and teased him about his cowlick. He introduced her to his father who was nice and civil and pleasant.

John's prom date was Alexis Wilson, daughter of a general.

With the exception of studying mathematics in college, (David had wanted aerodynamics) John Sheppard stopped saying no to his father. He gave up, resolving himself to the fact that he would never win...until Antarctica.

And now at thirty-eight John met his father's eyes, with that same determined look he'd had three years before. "I'm not going."

"If you refuse to come back to Earth *I* will have no choice but to have you arrested for insubordination."

"Then he officially resigns," Rodney said as he entered, waving a piece of paper. "You can't do anything to him." He smiled at John. "Sign." He put the paper down and handed John a pen. "Holling says the Athosian's are adopting you as one of their own. The Tau'ri," Rodney smirked, "have no claim on you whatsoever. I have my resignation right here."

"Yours?" John asked.

"Mine. I hearby resign as well. We're going to live on the mainland, eat sweetbreads and Athosian cookies and have a good life."

"But Rodney...."

"SIGN!"

John signed it.

"Thank you," Rodney sing-songed and showed them to General Sheppard. "Neither John Sheppard nor I are under anyone's command here any longer." He glared at David. "I have some Pentagon memos...."

"SHUT UP MCKAY!" David Sheppard was fuming as he turned to John. "You are coming home and I WILL place you under arrest."

John shook his head. "I am home. *Atlantis* is my home. She always has been; I just didn't know it until I arrived." He turned to Rodney. "What memos?"

"In my video to the SGC, I put in a request for your personnel file...the one stamped classified," Rodney replied, quickly adding, "and I requested mine also. You were the one who said no more secrets, remember?"

"It's okay, Rodney," John smiled a bit. "Don't sweat it. And I can't wait to find out *your* dirty little secrets."

"You'll be disappointed," Rodney smiled back. "A friend was kind enough to send them along with the supplies the Daedalus brought." Rodney paused, taking a few breaths before facing David Sheppard. "What kind of man uses his own son? I thought my father was bad because he smacked me around. But you, Sheppard, you take the cake." Rodney opened the file. "I have here the first memo...."

"THAT'S TOP SECRET!" Sheppard screamed, growing pale as he met John's eyes.

"What does it say Rodney?" John asked.

"Memo from (then) Colonel David Sheppard to Senator Robert Kinsey, regarding John Sheppard. It's dated March tenth, nineteen eighty-nine." Rodney met John's eyes for a moment before continuing. "'They've never seen anyone like him. Carruthers says John has the best gut instincts and he never misses his target. He's good material. But we need to keep this quiet. I know my son. He would never agree to this. He's too softhearted. In the interim, I'll give him his own Apache to keep him happy.'" Rodney stopped reading, balling the memo and throwing it at Sheppard. "You used him. Your own son. You and the NID."

John could only stare at his father, shaking his head in *total* disbelief. "Why?"

"Does it matter? Tell him what you did for me. Tell McKay about your life and see what happens." David Sheppard was angry that his son was once again defying him and this time.... "For six years my son worked in the division known as Black Ops. Surveillance, kidnapping...hell, he was the best assassin they had. Of the latter he carried out nine assignments."

Rodney was a bit shaken, but there was no way he would allow Sheppard to see it. So he got snarky instead. "And this means what?"

"I'll go public with it. You may be accepting of it, McKay, but I don't know about the rest of this outpost."

"These people respect him," Rodney countered. "He's saved their lives more then once."

"What about the movie, John?" David asked.

"If you're talking about Lister's little bit of porno," Rodney told them, "it's already been seen by half the base."

"WHAT?!"

John looked mortified and David looked murderous.

"I knew you were responsible for bringing it here." Rodney's eyes were fiery and the General backed up a step.

"Oh God," John murmured. "Who saw it?"

"It was an accident, John," Rodney turned to him. "Lister tried to give it to Bates and there was an incident with Teyla and then Carson got involved. Stackhouse admitted his dick made him do it and...."

"RODNEY! STOP BABBLING!" John shouted. "Get on with it."

"Bates thought it would be kind of cool to see you in your...glory, just so they could tease you about it. He played it for a group of marines. At first there were catcalls and whistles and..." Rodney flushed pink, "...remarks about your...you know...."

"Rodney, I swear, if you don't finish...."

"When they saw what was happening to you they all shut up. And...and...John, Bates tossed the VCR *and* the BIG SCREEN into the OCEAN!"

John turned six shades of red, finally settling on deep crimson.

David was red too, but for a different reason. He was angry...very angry.

"You're adorable when you blush," Rodney teased John with a smile, then turned to the General, the smile gone. "I won't let you manipulate him anymore."

"You have no idea who you're dealing with McKay," Sheppard snarled.

Rodney winced as he saw the fist out of the corner of his eye but it never connected with his face. He heard a resounding smack...Sheppard's fist landed on John's palm which had moved in front of Rodney.

"Don't ever touch him, Dad." John held his father's fist tightly. "Do I make myself clear?"

"You are throwing everything away, John," David pulled his hand back. "Everything you have worked for."

"No, it's everything *you* worked for!" John fired back. "All I ever wanted to do was fly. You stole my life!"

"All I ever wanted...." David started.

Rodney interrupted abruptly. "All *you* EVER wanted was to control him. You've been messing with his head his entire life and it ends HERE!" He thought the door open. "Get the hell out of OUR room."

"You *will* come back with me, John," David told him, "one way or another."

Rodney gritted his teeth, muttered "That does it," placed one hand on David's shoulder, the other on his arm and tossed him into the corridor. "Stay away from us." It was a warning.

"You'll pay for this, McKay." Sheppard straightened himself out and headed to his own quarters.

Rodney closed the door, faced away from John, hands balled into fists. He inhaled sharply, taking back his lost control. He'd never gotten physical before...other then with the occasional alien race and always because he had to. He felt the arms wrapping around his body, the lips brushing his neck, up to his ear. He shivered and tried to get loose but the arms held tighter.

John was impressed...and turned on. He'd never seen Rodney so agressive...so protective. "Rodney?"

"I'm okay, John." Rodney sighed. "And I should have decked him."

"Maybe you should have," John snickered as he led Rodney to the bed, propping Rodney against the pillows. He shifted around, pushing Rodney's knees up, kneeling between his legs. "Rodney, I thought you vowed to live a drug-free life after that incident with the Tarnak." John's hands began to slide up and down Rodney's legs.

"And I've kept to my word. Well, except for the occasional taste of Athosian weed...which is usually instigated by *someone* who shall remain nameless." Rodney shrugged. "And what makes you think I'm taking drugs anyway?"

"Because you threatened *him*." John was rubbing Rodney's thighs, feeling himself growing hard.

"I take it that wasn't one of the smarter things I've done?" Rodney asked.

"It's not that, Rodney," John answered, "or maybe it is. I don't know. I do know that he's a dangerous man." He put his hand up as Rodney opened his mouth. "He only wants what's best for me, just like he said. That's all he ever wanted."

"That's open to debate," Rodney stated flatly. "You were an assassin."

John removed his hands and leaned back. "I had no choice."

Rodney placed John's hands back on his legs, encouraging the touches. "There's always a choice, John."

"Not for me." John lay his head on Rodney's right knee, staring into Rodney's eyes. "After the first one I told him I wanted out. He told me if I backed out, they would kill him."

"They wouldn't have done that." Rodney began to stroke John's hair.

"I didn't know it *then*, Rodney." John sat up abruptly, shaking his head. "I was a twenty-two year old kid when I did my first snatch and twenty-three when I put a bullet in someone for the first time. By twenty-five I was the best they had. All I knew was they would kill my Dad if I didn't obey orders."

"Your other jobs...."

"Sixteen kidnappings, no deaths. Surveillance and Rescue also."

Rodney moved to *his* knees, hands rubbing John's shoulders. "Why did you stop?"

"In early ninety-six I took out a high ranking ex-KGB agent living in Los Angeles. It was two days later I was told the man I shot was his brother, an innocent man." John's voice broke. "Anyway, I refused anything after that and Dad said things were squared away with the Pentagon. I got a promotion and a transfer."

"And then you got busted and shipped to the South Pole, where you sat in a chair and got a one way ticket to the Twilight Zone."

"More like the Rodney zone." John backed off the bed. "Let's take a ride to the mainland, just me and you."

"Colonel...."

"Nope." John held up his resignation. "John."

"Whatever, *John*. We should stay here. The Daedalus is leaving."

"And? I have nobody to say good-bye to. We'll come back when they're gone." As they entered the corridor John took Rodney's hand in his. "I'm a civilian now. I can hold your hand if I want to." They entered the transport tube and John kissed him. "Let's get married."

"Married?!"

"Yeah, married. Holling can do it. It may not be legal everywhere on Earth, but here in Pegasus...."

"Married," Rodney repeated, blinking at John. "As in...*married*?!"

"Yes, Rodney. I think it's time I made an honest man of you."

"Okay, John. But I'm not changing my name."

John just laughed and stole another kiss before they exited the tube. They entered Jumper One and sat down, John getting on the com.

"Doctor Grodin or whoever is in the control room, I am taking Jumper One to the mainland and will be...unavailable for a while."

"Whatever," Peter lazily replied.

"I'm taking Rodney with me."

"Are you leaving him there, Colonel?" The smile was evident in Peter's voice.

"I'm coming back, Grodin," Rodney grinned.

"So does lice," Peter laughed out loud. "I'll pass the word along. Atlantis out."

"When I get back," Rodney said, "*he* is going to do my laundry for a month."

"I resigned from the Air Force," John stated as the hangar doors opened. He took the jumper out, flying her for a moment before turning to Rodney. "I'm no longer a Major...Colonel...whatever."

Rodney's eyes met his for a moment before staring straight ahead, a clear look of guilt on his face. "I'm sorry. It was my...."

"I swear, if you finish that sentence...." John waved his arms over the controls. "I still get to fly." He smiled. "And this is cooler then anything the Air Force has to offer." He stood up and walked over to Rodney, sitting in his lap, facing him. John grasped the upper edge of the seat and ground his clothed cock against Rodney's. "You're hard Rodney...so very, very hard." He turned his head for a moment, casting a glance out the window, doing some quick calculations. He concentrated on the controls and focused back on Rodney. "I want to blow you." He slid to the floor, undoing Rodney's pants.

"I thought you didn't...." Rodney moaned as John urged him to lift his hips so John could take Rodney's pants down.

"It's been a long time since I wanted to." John sighed, taking Rodney's dick between his palms, massaging it slowly. He bent his head, kissing the tip, swirling his tongue around the tiny slit, pressing in. "I think I can remember what to do." He sucked hard on the tip, jerking Rodney slowly, his other hand up Rodney's shirt, pebbling a nipple.

"John...."

"Yes...sweetheart," John leered up at him.

"First off, 'sweetheart' goes in the same category as 'Rod'. Second, and more important, who's flying the Jumper?"

"Autopilot." John's mouth slid over Rodney's cock, deep throating him for a moment before raising his head slowly, teeth grazing the length before he settled on suckling the head again. Both hands were teasing Rodney's nipples, caressing them, pinching them, rolling them between his fingers. "And you insisted your nipples weren't sensitive." Kissing his way up, he took one nipple between his teeth while fondling Rodney's balls. He licked his way back down, spreading Rodney's legs a bit so he could suck each ball into his mouth, one hand slipping between Rodney's tight cheeks. Two fingers slid in, John flicking his nails against the sensitive skin, curling his fingers inside his lover. John sucked the tip and Rodney came without warning, which was just fine with John, who pulled his head back a bit, come shooting over his face. John listened to every moan and made a big production of licking his lips as he cast a glance at Rodney's face. "I love you, Rodney." He picked up a cloth and wiped his face.

"I love you too, John," Rodney murmured as he stood to pull up his pants. "And we're going to crash."

"What makes you think we're going to crash?"

"We don't have autopilot," Rodney said matter-of-factly.

John pulled Rodney in front of him so they could both look out the front window. "Don't worry, baby."

"We're going to die and you're quoting song lyrics. And the Beach Boys at that."

"*Rodney*," John whispered in his ear, "I know this flight path. I take it ten times a week. I simply took a look at the panel and calculated the distance to the mainland *and* told the jumper where to land."

"Wait a minute." Rodney turned and placed his palms against John's chest, keeping distance between them. "You *told* the jumper? How?"

"I'm not sure," John said honestly. "I was flying to the mainland one day and I was tired and I guess I used the gene to...talk to it."

"That's amazing. Can Markham or Stackhouse do this? If they could, we could control the jumpers by remote and...."

"THEY CAN'T!" John shouted. "*They* can't. Nobody can but me. It was a gift."

"A gift? From who?" It took but a second for Rodney to guess the answer. "Chaya."

"When I went back to see her that last time, she...shared herself with me. I don't know any other way to explain it." John looked a bit frightened. "She gave me a connection to the gene that should have been there all along. I've been trying to control it, but it's so difficult sometimes."

"Why didn't you say something?" John didn't answer and the moment they landed John turned to leave. Rodney grabbed him by the arm, stopping him. "John, I could have helped you. Hell, I *can* help you."

"Like I said, Rod, I don't want to be a lab specimen."

"Would you quit calling me 'Rod'?"

"No, I won't," John pouted. "And you can make me come in my pants as often as you like and I still won't stop." He nodded in a 'so there' motion.

"If that's the way you want it, *Johnny*, then it's fine with me."

"Call me whatever you like, *Lambchop*."

Rodney leered at him. "How about I blow you before we leave the Jumper...Honeypie."

"Touche, *Rodney*. Now get on your knees and show me what your mouth does best."

"Oh, I will, Major. You can count on it."

Chapter 7

Four years earlier, when the reports first crossed the NID's desk about Jack O'Neill's gene, a search was immediately instituted for anyone with the same genetic enhancement. They labeled it the 'Level Twenty-Six Project' and secured the lowest level at Area 51 for their experiments.

When it came time to decide who would head up the project, one name came to mind...General David Sheppard. And so it was that the General came to command the most classified project in the United States government next to the Stargate itself.

Unfortunately, at the same time David Sheppard was searching for possible candidates, so was Stargate command. And they had the assistance of the Asgard. As such the SGC discovered ninety percent of those humans who carried what was now dubbed the 'ATA gene'. The NID had few worthy candidates for study...until the report came in about John and what he had done in Antarctica. But by the time the report reached the NID, and the General, John had already left for Atlantis.

So David bided his time, making sure he received every report from Doctor Carson Beckett regarding the gene. He did find one subject that was strong, a woman who refused to cooperate, who defied him. But he broke her spirit and eventually she began to study the Ancient artifacts, making some of them light up. Of course they didn't know what the object's purposes were, but that didn't matter. When David approached his superiors about traveling to Atlantis aboard the Daedalus they told him no. When he presented the reports about his son they quickly changed their minds...especially when David assured them he would be returning with John. The project was going to continue, with or without his son's 'willing' cooperation.

And now John was gone, taking off in a Puddlejumper with Rodney McKay!

"You let him leave?!" David Sheppard grabbed Peter Grodin by the jacket. "On whose authority?"

"Colonel Sheppard's, sir," Peter replied, biting his lip to prevent the smile that threatened. He didn't think pissing off a General was a smart thing to do.

"Colonel Sheppard resigned!" David spat out. "He no longer has any authority!" He turned around, growling at Caldwell. "Colonel, I want your people left here until we can get proper personnel assigned."

"With all due respect, General Sheppard, these people are the right ones." Caldwell sighed. "I am going to recommend to Jack O'Neill that Colonel's Everett and Sheppard share military command of this base and that Doctor Weir remain in charge. If she can keep this lot in line then she is perfect for the job."

"That's your opinion. I outrank you and if your people don't take charge, mine will." General Sheppard got on the radio. "Teams one through five you have a go."

"Excuse me, General, but...." Caldwell didn't finish his sentence before a few of 'his' men aimed their weapons and others beamed in from the Daedalus.

"This is now an NID operation. All non-essential personnel are being detained. At this moment my people are in control of the Daedalus." Atlantis' staff, along with Caldwell, were led to the brig. Everyone was marched inside at gunpoint with the exception of Elizabeth.

Sheppard grabbed her by the shoulders none-to-gently. "I want your command codes."

Elizabeth Weir had been here before. She had dealt with Acastus Kolya during a life threatening storm. *This* moment had nothing on that. "Blow it out your ass."

That remark got her backhanded and knocked off her feet by Sheppard.

Everett lunged for Sheppard, but Sheppard was quicker, drawing his gun and firing; he hit Everett in the leg. Standing over him, Sheppard aimed again. "The next one goes through your heart." He turned to Elizabeth. "Your choice, Doctor Weir. You either give up your codes or you will be responsible for this man's death."

"They won't do you any good without Colonel Sheppard's!" she spat out. "Dual control on all systems, remember?" It was almost the truth; there was no way the General could know that Rodney, Bates and Ford also had the second part of the command codes.

The General briefly considered sending some of his own people to the mainland but he couldn't afford to remove any of them from Atlantis or the Daedalus. "Get my son back here," he ordered Bates.

"No."

"You'll do it or I'll kill your friend." Sheppard pointed the gun at Stackhouse.

"I'll do it," Kavanagh said. "I'm not ending up dead because of a bunch of grunts with testosterone problems."

"Once a sell-out, always a sell-out, huh, Kavanagh?" Ford sneered at him.

"At least I'll be alive, Ford." Kavanagh was led away. He explained to the General that he had an Ancient artifact he had been working on. He'd contact Rodney and tell him that there was an accident with it. Rodney would return, John with him. But first he needed to go to his lab, study the artifact for a few minutes so he would have a plausible story to tell Rodney.

When David Sheppard agreed, Calvin Kavanagh sent a prayer of thanks to every deity he could think of.

Kavanagh wasn't brave, not by far. In fact, he'd admitted to himself many times that he was a coward. And he would stick by the report he had sent to the SGC regarding Atlantis' command staff.

But part of him had to admit that John Sheppard wasn't so bad for a military commander. He let the scientists do what they wanted without interfering. He played by the rules, most of the time anyway. And he would *never* have shot Everett.

He retrieved the artifact and they returned to the conference room, but Sheppard was called away by one of his men for a few minutes and left his own laptop. That was all the time Kavanagh needed. It took the biologist about thirty seconds to break in to the files, reading a few memo's Sheppard had prepared. They were all directed to various Pentagon personnel. There was a recommendation to put Atlantis under military rule, which translated into martial law. A notice to prepare a transfer of all current personnel from Pegasus, suggesting a search be made for 'suitable' replacements.

Kavanagh didn't like what he was reading and it got even worse. There were two more memos, both regarding John Sheppard.

The first had been written prior to the Daedalus' arrival in Pegasus. It outlined John's new living 'arrangements' at Area 51. As to the second and more recent memo, Kavanagh read it three times to be sure he was reading it correctly. He heard the General's voice and quickly shut the laptop. Kavanagh was taken under guard to the control room.

"Make this good, Doctor Kavanagh, and perhaps I'll find a place for you on my staff," David told him, drawing his gun. "Screw it up and I'll blow out your kneecaps."

Kavanagh just nodded and contacted Jumper One.

~~~

"Fuck, Rodney...yeah...." John was moaning, sprawled half-naked in his chair, head back, eyes closed. His fingers wound in Rodney's short hair, pulling his mouth off John's swollen cock. "Do that thing with your tongue...oooh...so good...."

Rodney knelt before him, holding the base of John's dick in his fist, laving the tip, pressing his tongue to the center, teasing the tiny slit.

"You got yourself the sweetest mouth, McKay." John shifted his legs, placing them over the armrests, baring himself to Rodney. "Inside me, Rodney." He reached down, stroking Rodney's hair, almost petting him. "Make love to me."

"You don't bottom," Rodney reminded him.

"I also don't give head," John fired back with a smirk. He moved one hand to cup the back of Rodney's head, drawing Rodney's lips up to his, the kiss anything *but* gentle.

Rodney forcibly removed his mouth, gasping for air, ready to do whatever John wanted...anything and everything....

"Now, McKay."

"No, not this way," Rodney kissed the tip of John's dick. "It's been years for you, John. I want..." He ran his tongue along John's length, suckling the tip again, "...our first time...." Rodney sucked down the top three inches and raised his head, lapping the tiny slit, slowly jerking John's dick. "Some music," Rodney kissed the tip, "some wine," Rodney moved his hands to John's thighs, "and some rope." Rodney cupped John's ass and drew his dick closer.

"Rope?"

"I want to tie you up John." Rodney blew on the tip, lapping at the moisture that was pooled in the center. His tongue made small circles over the head, licking his lips as he pulled back. "I don't want you running away."

"I'd never run away from you, Rodney." John palmed Rodney's face. "Haven't you figured that out yet?"

"I guess even a genius can be slow off the mark...once in his life." Rodney dug his nails into John's ass as he inhaled John's dick to the root, hummed deep in his throat and swallowed.

This was beyond anything Rodney had done for John in the past and something rarely done *to* John. His dick was long and thick and most of his previous lovers couldn't take him so deep. John came hard, vision actually blurring, thrusting into that hot and wet mouth that was taking all he had. He focused on his lover, lifting Rodney's head, Rodney still licking his lips. John shivered for a moment; he saw hunger in Rodney's eyes. Directed at him.

"Jesus, McKay," he gasped out. "Where the fuck did you learn to give head like that?"

"Deep throat, John? I never did it before." Rodney shrugged. "I guess you inspire me." He reached for the cloth but John drew him in for a deep kiss, sucking on Rodney's tongue.

"You taste good, Sweetcheeks."

"You too, Babycakes," Rodney grinned as he wiped them both up. "So, we stay in the village for a few days, relax, then go home?"

"Yeah. We can try out Holling's latest brew."

Rodney opened his mouth to reply when the radio came to life, followed by Kavanagh's voice requesting to speak to him.

"What does he want?" Rodney sneered.

"It must be important, Rodney, if he's calling *you*."

Rodney was chuckling as he got on the com demanding to know what Kavanagh wanted.

"It's about that artifact...."

"I don't care!" Rodney fired back. "First off, I resigned. Second, I am on my honeymoon, so bug off or I shave your head!"

At the word 'honeymoon' David Sheppard snarled.

"Did you say *honeymoon*, Snookums?" John grinned.

The General's eyes grew wide.

"Yes I did, you intergalactic slut," Rodney teased and blew John a kiss.

David was so angry he was turning purple.

Calvin continued. "Look, Rod, the doohickey you found on P3S-997 is acting strangely. I think I may need your help with it."

In the jumper, John and Rodney exchanged a look, both mouthing 'Rod'?

Rodney thought for a moment. "What kind of problem...Cal?"

Kavanagh went into a complicated diatribe regarding the device...which made absolutely, positively, no sense whatsoever.

Of course David Sheppard had no way of knowing that.

"I think I know what the problem is, Cal," Rodney's voice came back. "We'll be back ASAP."

"You're *sure* you can fix it?" Kavanagh asked.

"Yes," Rodney replied calmly, "and I think Colonel Sheppard can help as well. McKay out."

Kavanagh breathed a silent sigh of relief. Help was on the way. Now all he had to do was keep himself out of the brig. If they put him back in he wouldn't have time to explain what he had done. He'd probably be skinned alive before he got two words out.

~~~

"He called me Rod."

"I don't care," John almost snarled. "Let them deal with whatever problems, with whatever Ancient things and....

"Kavanagh called me *Rod*." Rodney's hard-on was gone and he pulled up his pants. "And that device, we actually agreed that it was nothing but an Ancient ornament."

"And I know there's more...*Rod*...so don't keep me in suspense. I'm not getting any younger, ya know."

"John, P3S-997 is *not* a designation."

John's mouth fell open and he shut it.

"I think the cowardly Calvin was trying to give us a message."

John rolled his eyes. "Ya think?"

Rodney groaned. "Just *how* long did you hang about with Jack O'Neill?"

"From the time I left Antarctica."

"Great. Just don't say 'YeahSureYouBetcha' and I'll feel much better."

"I don't get it, Rodney."

"Never mind."

John eyed the radio, then focused on Rodney. "We're going back...cloaked. But first we're making a quick stop at the village and getting Holling and some of our larger buddies."

"Just bring Teyla," Rodney said matter-of-factly, "and her sticks of fury."

John raised an eyebrow as they exited the jumper. "Teyla and The Sticks of Fury." He started to laugh as they walked toward the village. "She could probably kick Bruce Lee's ass."

One hour later Jumper One was cloaked and on her way home...with John, Rodney, Teyla, Holling and other assorted Athosian men and women. They were all armed and prepared for a fight. What they were going up against they had no idea, but they knew it might be bad.

There was one slight problem and that was landing the jumper. Even cloaked they needed to have the hangar bay doors open. That would certainly be a tip off that John had returned. So he chose the most remote spot he knew of, a spot nobody on Atlantis had ever seen...nobody but him.

And so it was that even Rodney was speechless as the jumper landed in a huge cavern, just above the ocean's depths. It was untouched by anything; nature at it's finest.

John exited first, the other's following. He led them along some rocks, up a steep incline and through a long walkway.

"John," Rodney finally asked, "where are we?"

John stopped at the top of the incline, waving his arm across the beautiful expanse. "This Rodney, is level fourteen."

"*This* is level fourteen?" Rodney was laughing. "I thought level fourteen was some sort of scientific facility. Maybe something the Ancients didn't want me...I mean *us*...to know about."

"No, Rodney," John shook his head; Rodney was so obtuse sometimes. "I don't think Atlantis wanted it touched by anyone."

"She wishes it to remain pure," Holling suggested with a small smirk. "Did you not think we would understand that?"

"Smartass," John muttered.

"We shall not speak of it, Major," Teyla smiled. "This is your...private domain...and it shall remain as such."

"Thank you," John nodded and led them toward the man-made corridors, up to level thirteen. He was thankful the city was behaving herself. He was afraid she'd set off some kind of alarms or cut off the air supply; none of the Athosian's had the gene.

Rodney went to work on the sensors and brought the video surveillance online.

"Who are we fighting?" Teyla asked.

John and Rodney both turned to her.

"That's a good question," John sighed. "Rodney, bring up the brig." He stared at the monitor, moving the camera ever so slightly. Atlantis' command staff were locked up. It didn't take long for John and his little rescue squad to get everyone out. The first of General Sheppard's teams were quickly taken care of.

"Who did this?" John demanded. Nobody answered him. "Tell me!"

"It was your father," Elizabeth said softly.

"What?" John shook his head in disbelief, but he knew in his gut she was telling the truth. "He wouldn't...."

"He works for the NID," Caldwell said. "He's under orders from way above me on the food chain. And he brought some of his own people."

"He wanted you back here, John," Elizabeth added. "And...."

"Kavanagh sold us out...again," Ford sneered.

"Aiden," Teyla reached for him, stroking his cheek, "Doctor Kavanagh may have saved your lives."

"Unfortunately," Rodney almost grimaced, "she's telling the truth. The weasel actually did something right for a change."

They split into three groups and it didn't take very long to take back control of Atlantis. The marines under David's command weren't prepared for an assault.

The General had five teams around Atlantis and one on the Daedalus. Four of his teams were taken out within one hour of John's return. The ones in medical faced an armed (with a shitload of needles) Carson Beckett and two PMSing nurses who suggested colonscopies for each of the men. The Doctor quickly patched up Everett's leg and smirked at the marines.

John swallowed hard as he watched Nurse Leewood snap on a pair of rubber gloves.

"Maybe you'd like it if I performed an exam on you." John's dick jumped to attention as Rodney's voice caressed his ear; the hot breath didn't help either. "Oh yeah, Colonel. When this is all over, I'm going to learn all about you." Rodney licked his upper lip, chewing on his lower, eyes moving up and down John's body.

"I'm not a Colonel anymore," John murmured and kissed him chastely, right in front of Beckett, the nurses and the marines. John turned to Carson and smirked. "Vaccinations all around, Beckett. You don't know what they might have."

"I quite agree, Colonel Sheppard." Carson reached for a syringe and a vial. "I think they all need booster shots."

Being that Stackhouse and Price were armed with P-90's (and looking quite ready to shoot) the marines had absolutely no choice but to take it.

Rodney reached for a rubber glove, but John stopped him.

"It would make it too clinical, baby. Bare flesh is good enough for an exam."

This time it was Rodney who got hard. "Yes sir."

As they entered the corridor to join up with Ford and Teyla, John smiled. "I love it when you call me sir."

"I know you do." Rodney smiled back. "And if you're a good boy I'll call you sir in the bedroom someday."

Ford was getting off the radio as John came over. "Sir, there is one more team, in the control room. Six men, all armed. They're with Kavanagh and your father."

Bates and Markham joined them along the way, giving a report to John. All of General Sheppard's strike teams had been beamed to the Daedalus' brig, with the exception of his father's own.

Sheppard's men onboard the Daedalus had been quickly taken care of.

They were totally unprepared for a passive Asgard who was obsessed with the 'Rambo' movies and an ever-hiccuping female Lieutenant with a mean right hook...and a zat.

~~~

David found out what was going on when he contacted one of this teams but instead ended up with Bates telling him he was royally fucked.

"You did this!" Sheppard grabbed Kavanagh and backhanded him, sending Kavanagh into the wall. As Kavanagh struggled to get up, Sheppard grabbed him by the hair, pulled him to his feet and punched him in the face. He knocked the scientist over a table and continued to hit him until Bates, Markham and Ford found them.

While Markham and Ford restrained the General, (and his men were removed) Bates knelt down before Kavanagh, seeing a still body. His own heart dropped to his stomach, (and where the FUCK did THAT feeling come from) and he actually smiled as he watched Kavanagh's chest rise and fall.

'Shit, Calvin', Bates thought, 'why did you have to get a Braveheart complex *now*?'

Bates ordered his men to escort General Sheppard to the brig and followed the medical personnel that were taking care of Kavanagh. He needed to know the scientist was all right. Once Kavanagh was stabilized and in a bed, Bates pulled up a chair, opened a book and made himself comfortable.

Carson chuckled to himself. He's seen this before, starting at the SGC many years ago with Jack O'Neill and Daniel Jackson. With Teal'c and Jonas. And on Atlantis he'd witnessed John at Rodney's bedside and vice-versa. Bates felt *something* for Kavanagh. What it was, well, Carson knew he would *never* be able to figure it out. And he certainly wasn't going to try. So instead he went off in search of Kate. He needed a few minutes alone with her, just to reassure himself that she was okay. On his way out he passed Rodney and John, rolled his eyes and nodded to Kavanagh's bed.

Bates had stopped reading and brushed Kavanagh's hair back. "I think he needs somebody to take care of him."

"How long have you....?" John asked him.

"I don't know," Bates replied, looking a bit confused. "I think right now. Nobody had the right to kick his ass but us."

"I think," Rodney added with a small smile, "that we should stay off his case...for a little while at least. No Kavanagh bashing for a week."

"Fuck you, McKay," Calvin groaned, his eyes slowly opening.

"Not in this life," Rodney laughed. "Nor the next one."

"You did good, Kavanagh," John said, nodding at Bates. "And I think you made a new friend."

Calvin was a bit confused and turned his head, meeting Bates' eyes. "Oh God, what do you want, Sergeant? I'm not a traitor, even though it seemed that way."

"I know that, you pompous ass," Bates replied. "I'm going to get us something to eat." He stood up. "And maybe you can learn to call me Eugene." Bates left with a spring in his step and a shit-eating grin on his face.

"Did he hit his head?" Calvin asked.

"Nope," John and Rodney answered in tandem.

"He...he...." Calvin's eyes grew wide as saucers. "*Me*?"

"Yep," the two answered together again.

"This is going to take some getting used to. I, uh...I like women."

"That's what you think," Rodney muttered as he and John left.

"Bates?" John asked.

"This surprises you?"

"Well, yeah, Rodney. I happen to know he likes women."

"Were you aware that seventy-three percent of the personnel attached to the SGC are bi-sexual?" Rodney asked.

John's mouth dropped open. "No."

"Well now you are." The two entered a transport tube for the conference room but when they exited John walked in the opposite direction. "Uh, wrong way, John."

"I don't want to face him," John said.

"You have no choice."

"Rodney is correct, John," Teyla said from behind them, adding, "as is the norm," with a small smile.

"Oh God, now he'll be even *more* insufferable," Ford groaned, trying hard to contain his laughter.

John knew they were right. He thought the conference room door open and faced everyone.

And it was only because Teyla shoved him that he went inside.

Chapter 8

Within five minutes the conference room had erupted into a verbal battleground.

Elizabeth wanted to know if she was going to remain in Atlantis.

Everett wanted to shoot his superior and not in the leg either.

Teyla was concerned about the fate of her people.

Rodney demanded to know why the General was out of the brig.

"There is *nothing* I can do!" Caldwell shouted. "I told you, he was under orders from people who are way above me on the food chain."

"Dad?" John's quiet voice broke through all the screaming. "Why did you do this?"

"You are coming back to Earth with me," General Sheppard narrowed his eyes at his son.

"I'm not," John replied, voice just above a whisper. "I resigned. You can't make me leave my home."

"Your resignation has been denied. Your things will be moved to the Daedalus immediately."

"LEAVE ME ALONE!" John suddenly bellowed. He was emotionally exhausted. "I'm NOT going BACK!" He sat down hard, taking a deep breath, shaking his head. "You can't make me go."

"Colonel Sheppard, you need to see something." Bates entered, carrying General Sheppard's laptop. "Kavanagh found this." Before David could stop him, Bates opened it in front of John and Rodney.

"More memo's," Rodney groaned.

As they read, Rodney's face remained neutral.

John began to openly shake, his breaths sharp. "Read it out loud, Rodney."

"John...."

"READ IT MCKAY!"

Rodney nodded. "Remove all traces of Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard. He will be listed as missing in action. I've spoken with him and he has agreed to accompany me to Area 51. I have convinced him there are artifacts there that he can study. Level twenty-six is to be quarantined upon my order." Rodney swallowed hard. "Upon entry to the facility John's command codes are to be revoked. My son is quite clever and I'll not have him escaping."

All the color had drained from Elizabeth's face and she glared at David. "What kind of man are you?"

"Let him finish," John ordered, nodding to Rodney.

Rodney took a deep breath. "Prepare a room with restraints. Few guards will be necessary. My son will be alone and easily subdued." He stopped reading, getting himself under control.

David Sheppard sat with no emotion. John Sheppard was staring into space.

"There's more," Rodney said, taking another deep breath as he read another memo. "We may have some obstacles in our way, the most prominent being Doctor Rodney McKay. It is my belief that he will attempt to protect John at all costs, including his own life. He is to be permanently removed. Doctor Elizabeth Weir and Sergeant Eugene Bates may also pose difficulties. They are to be monitored at all times. John's use of the gene is extraordinary and as such his DNA will be perfect. I want a viable artificial ATA gene ready for implantation experiments by the end of the month at whatever the cost." Rodney stopped reading, lifted the laptop and smashed it into the wall. "THE SUBJECT IS EXPENDABLE!"

John finally spoke, his eyes focused on his father. As far as his mind was concerned, nobody else existed at the moment. "I would have given you what you wanted, Dad. I always did. Hell, I KILLED for you." He laughed, but it was far from a happy sound. "All I ever wanted to do was please you, just so you'd love me a little bit. I would have gone to Area 51 willingly if you had asked me."

"You would have fought, just like your mother," David blurted without thinking.

John got to his feet, staring hard into David's cold eyes. "My mother?" He grabbed David by the jacket, pulling him to his feet, throwing wild punches. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?!" Everett and Caldwell managed to restrain John for a moment before John wrenched free and went after his father again. This time Bates and Ford helped to restrain John. He was struggling like an animal to get at his father. Instead they dragged him into the corridor, Rodney chasing after them.

The moment they were out John broke free again but this time headed to a transport tube, Rodney right behind him.

"You're under arrest, General Sheppard," Bates drew his sidearm, as did Stackhouse. "Get up. We're taking you to the brig."

Sheppard stood and faced them. "On what charge, *Sergeant's*?"

"We'll think of something," Bates snarled. "MOVE!"

As they took him out, Weir turned to Ford. "Lieutenant, ensure that General Sheppard is...unharmed."

"Ma'am?"

She put her hand on his arm. "Aiden, please. I don't want anyone arrested for assault. I'm asking as a...personal favor."

"Yes ma'am," he replied, turning to leave, Teyla following.

"What's going to happen now?" Elizabeth asked Caldwell.

"I honestly don't know. About all I do know is that I need to return to the Daedalus and check on my people. I'll be back later."

"Bring alcohol," Everett told him.

"Lots of it." Caldwell was beamed out.

"Liz, would you care to help this old man limp back to his quarters?"

"The things we do for love," Elizabeth sighed. "And I thought we were sharing."

"Lead on, Doctor Weir. I'm yours."

"That you are, Colonel Everett," she snickered. "And don't forget it."

~~~

John was on the bed, knees drawn up. "He lied to me, Rodney. He said that there were Ancient devices at Area 51." John looked like a lost little boy. "I would have gone with him and he would have left me alone."

Rodney was at a loss. He had never been much of the comforting type with women and men didn't get emotional on him. And then it hit him. He needed to comfort *John*. Not a woman or a man, but *John*. His best friend and lover. And he needed to start slow. Leaning in he kissed John on the cheek. "You're never going to be alone again."

John didn't seem to hear him, or see him for that matter. He was staring right through Rodney. "He's my Dad. He's supposed to take care of me."

"John, I'm going to call Carson, okay?" Rodney had learned to recognize the first signs of shock. He had just never seen them outside a battle situation and never with John.

"They would have kept me there." John lay his head in his arms.

Rodney made it clear to Carson that the doctor come alone. Nobody else needed to see this. "I would have found you, John."

"It was going to be a secret, just between me and him." John finally focused on Rodney, placing his palm on Rodney's face. "He would have killed you."

"Many have tried to get rid of me." Rodney couldn't help the grin. "All have failed."

John tried to smile as a few tears trickled down his face. "Why would he do this to me? I'm his son."

Before Rodney could even attempt an answer Carson entered with a smile, nodding to Rodney as he took out a syringe. "Colonel, I have a treat for you courtesy of the Daedalus' infirmary."

"I don't want anything. I'm fine."

"You're turning down drugs?" Carson snickered. "And you say you're fine?"

"I'm peachy-keen, Doc!" John snapped. "How would you feel if your father...no." He shook his head. "I don't want to talk about this."

"Take off his jacket Rodney," Carson said.

"No," John reiterated, but he didn't fight Rodney's hands as they pulled it off.

Rodney shifted John forward, sliding behind him. He spread his legs so John could settle between them, John's head resting on his shoulder. One arm spread across John's chest, holding him, the other baring John's arm to Beckett.

Carson was quick, feeling John flinch for a moment.

"He would have taken you away from me," John murmured, voice slurring as the sedative took hold and he fell asleep.

Rodney kissed the top of John's head and suddenly burst into a giggle fit.

Carson stared at him. "You're not having a breakdown, are ye, Roddy?"

"You haven't called me Roddy in years and no, I'm not having a breakdown." Rodney grinned. "I was just thinking about the Wraith."

"And....?" Carson prompted.

"How much you want to bet they'd never sell each other out?"

"Probably not."

"Kinda makes you wonder who's more evil."

"Aye," Carson nodded, "it kinda does. If ya need me...."

"I know and thanks. But we'll be okay. You tell Bates to keep Sheppard away. I don't want him anywhere near John."

"No problem there, Roddy. He's in the brig and he stays there until the Daedalus leaves."

"It's not leaving yet?"

"No," Carson replied. "Colonel Caldwell has to speak with Major...Colonel Sheppard, before he leaves."

"Tell Caldwell I'll let him know when John is...available."

"I would have done that anyway," Carson grinned as he left.

Rodney played with John's hair for a few minutes, muttered, "I'm going to throw the gel in the ocean," and finally closed his eyes.

~~~

John sat up abruptly and looked around. His eyes met Rodney's and he calmed, fingertips touching Rodney's face.

"You had a nightmare," Rodney stated.

"Oh yeah, Rodney. That fucking memo will haunt me for the rest of my life."

"I promise you John," Rodney pulled John back into his arms, "when we go back to Earth we will never set foot in Nevada."

"Parents are supposed to protect their children, aren't they?"

"My Mom used to pretty much starve me," Rodney told him. "She said nobody would want a fat friend. Dad just smacked me around when I said I didn't want to play sports."

"Would they ever sell your soul, Rodney?"

Rodney started to laugh. "Remember the atomic bomb incident? My Mom asked the CIA how much they were willing to pay for me. Thankfully, the agents were horrified and things went back to normal. So in answer to your question, I'd have to say yes." He stroked John's hair. "Sleep a bit more. I won't leave."

"I know," John murmured. "You always take care of me."

"It's my job," Rodney whispered.

"Remind me to give you a raise."

"Hush, John and go back to sleep."

~~~

They didn't know what to do with General Sheppard so he was kept in the brig. The Daedalus hadn't left because Caldwell had to speak with John about a classified matter (or so he said) but John didn't feel like facing anyone yet.

It took some persuading on Rodney's part but after two days John agreed to speak with Kate. That seemed to help a tiny bit. John actually smiled and ate more then a few bites of food.

Two days after *that* John ventured out into the city. He didn't quite know what to expect, wondering if he would be judged on his father's actions. It was what he was used to. He was surprised to discover that the people under his command thought the same of him as they always had. He even laughed when Markham wondered aloud if John was adopted, found on a doorstep.

Things were slowly getting back to normal...or what passed for normal in Atlantis.

~~~

John woke up with his head on Rodney's chest and started to giggle as Rodney's stomach growled. He rolled onto his back, grinning at his lover.

"Go get some food, babe."

"I have Power bars."

"*Food*, Doctor McKay."

"John...."

"Rodney, I'll be fine. I know it's going to take time, but I'll survive it."

"*We'll* survive it," Rodney corrected.

"Sap," John teased. "Now, the Daedalus brought soup mix. I'd like a bowl of chicken noodle."

"Yes sir, Colonel."

"Uh-uh. It's John. I didn't take back my resignation."

"You will," Rodney nodded. "Caldwell still needs to speak with you before he leaves."

"Probably bust me back to Major," John groaned. "I sort of liked being a Colonel. It's a lot more money and I even get extra with a dependent." He smirked at Rodney. "That would be you."

Rodney put his shoes on. "Major, Colonel, a grunt is a grunt."

John got up, needing to go to the bathroom. As he finished he heard the main door open, wondering what Rodney had forgotten. He was unprepared for the men that grabbed him. He struggled as his arms were bound, a gag stuffed in his mouth. He was hit twice in the head and grew a bit dizzy, but when he caught sight of the syringe he kicked out, knocking it to the floor. One of the men grabbed John by the arm and gave an order into his radio. John twisted free and watched as the first man was 'beamed out'. He nearly giggled at the 'Trekkie' connection (and wouldn't Rodney love that one), until the lightbulb went off above his head.

These men were taking him to the Daedalus. They were *all* his father's people.

As another man lunged, John managed to sidestep him, yet backed into a third man who grabbed him around the torso. John slammed his head into *that* man's chin and shoved him backwards. He opened the door with a thought and took off down the corridor, hands behind his back. John got into a transport tube as he was tackled and rammed his whole body against the control panel. He saw the doors close as his head was slammed into the wall and when they opened he threw himself out...right into the mess hall at the peak of dinnertime.

The three marines who followed him out were greeted by a dozen weapons pointed at them.

Rodney just stood there for a moment before dropping his tray. "JOHN!" He knelt down, untying John and removing the gag.

"I'm okay, Rodney." John sat up, focusing a bit. "Sergeant Markham, arrest my father for attempted kidnapping and assault."

"Uh, he's already in the brig, sir," Markham pointed out. "Bates is guarding him personally."

"Then have him officially charged."

"Yes sir!"

A few minutes later Carson entered and did a cursory exam, finding nothing broken.

"My *father* did this," John snarled, getting to his feet. "I'm going to the brig."

"Colonel, maybe you should come with me," Carson suggested.

"No, I need to speak with him now." John glanced down...he didn't have his sidearm. He grabbed Stackhouse's and disappeared into a transport tube.

In the interim, Caldwell discovered who had bypassed the Daedalus' transport systems, rerouting them to a lower level of the ship.

~~~

"I should kill you," John told his father.

"You belong to me, John. You always have."

"I belong to no one." John swallowed hard. "And you don't scare me anymore."

David smirked at John and faced Bates. "Sergeant, are you aware your CO was an assassin? Nine kills."

"Wow," Bates sighed, rolling his eyes. "And he's killed more Wraith then that so I think he's more then made up for it."

"You didn't answer my question, Dad. What did you do to my mother?" John pointed the gun at his father. "WHAT the FUCK did you to HER?!" John opened the cell before Bates could stop him, resting the barrel against his father's head. "Tell me or I'll kill you."

"You can't kill me, John. No matter what I am still your father."

"Don't be too sure of that, *Dad*," John sneered.

"Colonel," Bates said as he stood beside John, "put the gun down."

"No."

"John," Bates lowered his voice, "don't do this. We need you."

Rodney and Carson entered the holding area as Bates was removing the gun from John's hand.

As the cell door clicked shut behind him John paused, his head lowered. "Please tell me what happened to her," he whispered.

"I wanted my son. She refused and ran off with you. And then the courts telling me you were better off with her. That was bullshit at it's finest."

"Is she dead?" John asked, terrified of the answer.

David didn't reply.

"You bastard," John left, muttering to himself.

Carson was called back to the infirmary and Rodney turned to Bates, a small smile on his face. "Isn't it time for you to check on Kavanagh's condition?"

Bates stood still.

"I have things to say that need to be said in private."

"McKay...." Bates started.

Rodney unholstered the weapon he had begun to carry some months before, after the Genii had invaded. He handed it to Bates. "Go call medical and find out how he's doing. I need to know when I can abuse him again."

"Fine. I'll go make a brief...inquiry." Bates handed Rodney's gun back to him. "You shoot him, you do the paperwork."

Rodney waited until Bates had left before he turned back to Sheppard. His bright blue eyes grew dark as he stared into eyes identical to John's, but with one large difference. There were no feelings in the eyes before him. It was like looking out on the Antarctic expanse...empty and desolate.

Rodney's voice was cold and flat as he spoke. "I could kill you now," he hadn't reholstered his Beretta, "and nobody would give a damn. Nobody but John." Rodney laughed softly. "You were right about him. He does have a heart. And I will *not* permit you to rip it to pieces any more then you already have."

"Empty words, McKay, from a cowardly scientist who couldn't hurt anyone but himself."

"John couldn't bring himself to shoot you. You're his father, no matter what you've done." Rodney raised the gun. "I'm not your son. I have no compunction about putting a hole in your head and then going to eat some chips and dip." Rodney smiled maliciously, his eyes as cold as Sheppard's.

David actually felt a ripple of fear shoot through him.

"You were the one who said I'd protect him even at the cost of my own life. You were right about that also. And *nobody* will be able to help you if any harm comes to John because of you."

"Uh, McKay," Bates reentered the room, having heard the last part of Rodney's 'speech'. "Are you done?"

Rodney reholstered his weapon. "For now." He turned to Bates. "Too much paperwork."

As Rodney left he heard Bates mutter, "I would have done the paperwork for you."

Rodney walked a bit before ducking into an empty room. He needed a few minutes to get himself together. God, he wanted a cigarette right about now. And he felt he deserved an Oscar for his performance.

His Dirty Harry-like speech had gotten under Sheppard's skin which was exactly what Rodney wanted. Could he have actually shot the General? Probably not. He'd never be able to face John again. No matter what, David was *still* John's father. Besides, with Rodney's luck the bullet would probably ricochet off the wall and land in Rodney's own ass.

Then in true McKay fashion, his mind wandered off in a *completely* different direction. What movie did he steal the 'chips and dip' lines from? He could have sworn it was a Vin Diesel flick, then considered Van Damme or one of those awful Chinese action movies John forced him to watch. He'd ask John. John would know. And then John would tease Rodney about *not* knowing *everything* and Rodney would take it and grin and would give John a snarky reply. "And then we can go eat," he mumbled as his stomach growled again.

~~~

It was another two days before the Daedalus prepared to depart Atlantis. First off they had to repair some damage that had been done by General Sheppard's men. Next, it was up to Caldwell and Everett to weed out all of the NID personnel and lock them in the Daedalus' brig, including Tim Lister. And Carson Beckett had a field day inoculating everyone against everything he could think of...especially David Sheppard, who was locked up with his own men.

Some of those men weren't too happy with their CO. This was mainly due to the fact that they would *all* face jail time...or worse. All knew the 'punishments' Jack O'Neill and the SGC could mete out.

Within an hour the General had been beaten up and he was moved to the infirmary. Following that he was moved to a cell on his own.

John was as recovered as he was ever going to be, considering what his own father was going to do to him. Against Kate's advice he did go to see David one more time, asking about his mother.

Was she alive or dead? Why had she left him? What had happened to her at Area 51?

David refused to answer, instead calling John names, trying his best to degrade his son.

But John wasn't twelve, he was thirty-eight. He wasn't a frightened little boy any longer, hellbent on pleasing his father.

He was Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard, military commander of the Earth outpost of Atlantis.

He was his own man now, with his own purpose. He no longer lived in the shadow of his father.

And this time he turned away in silence, knowing in his gut that he would never see his father again.

~~~

"Doctor Grodin," John's voice came over the com, "I'm taking Jumper One out for a while."

"How long is a while?" Elizabeth's voice came back.

"Funny, you don't sound like Grodin," John laughed.

"How long, Colonel?!" Rodney's (almost) panicked voice shouted.

"Fuck, Rodney, you're going to deafen me. And I'll be back in an hour or so."

"You get one hour, no more!" Rodney fired back.

"Yes, Mom," John snickered and flew out of the hangar. He needed to soar for a little while.

Chapter 9

John returned exactly one hour later, smiling at Rodney as he exited the jumper. "Time to eat?" He grimaced as he glanced across the hangar. Bates had Kavanagh shoved against the wall. "Oh God, let's get out of here before I lose my appetite."

The moment they entered the transport tube, Rodney stopped the doors from opening. "John, are you all right?"

"Sure, Rodney. Never better. My father killed my mother, my body parts are coveted by a top secret organization, I'm no longer a member of the military," John caught his breath, "and the base shrink has grounded me."

"Is that all?" Rodney couldn't help the smirk.

John gave him a small laugh. "No, that's not all. I'm paranoid. I'm afraid that I'm going to be beamed out at any given moment, doped up and shipped back to Earth for study." He paused. "*That* is all."

"First off John, Hermiod has done something to the transporters so that you *cannot* be beamed anywhere." Rodney placed his palm on John's face, drawing John in for a chaste kiss. "But he *will* arrange to beam you somewhere terrible if you keep making cracks about him walking around naked. And as far as the rest," Rodney continued, "we don't *know* that your mother is dead or if your father ever had her. He's a good bullshit artist. Your body parts are only coveted by me, you'll get your rank back and I'm going to blackmail Heightmeyer into letting you fly."

"And the paranoia?"

"*I'm* out to get you."

"*I* still can't believe you used that line about the chips and dip. And I should have told you that you did me proud, defending me like that. I think the last person to do that was my mother." He rested his forehead against Rodney's, answering the unasked question in Rodney's eyes. "She left me with him when I was nine and all she said was she had to go away. I asked her when she was coming back but she didn't answer; that's when I knew she wasn't."

Much as Rodney wanted to, he wouldn't push the issue. "We can have dinner in private if you still don't want to face people."

John thought the doors open into the mess. "I'll be okay, Rodney. Scout's honor. I need some semblance of normalcy."

"Then you're in the wrong place," Rodney laughed as they walked toward what was passing for food tonight.

Dinner was quick as Markham reminded John about the weekly poker game. And tonight they had *real* chocolate to bet and a DVD of the Super Bowl they had missed. Yes, due to Bates' anger they would have to watch on a smaller TV but they could deal with it. After all, it *was* football.

Rodney shooed John away, telling him to do the 'Neanderthal thing' and bond with his men.

"Thank you, dear," John kissed Rodney on the cheek. "See you later, Snugglebunny."

"You're going to pay for that, Colonel."

"Looking forward to it..." John licked his upper lip, "...*Rod*."

~~~

John returned to his room (reluctantly escorted by Ford and Teyla) and heard the shower. He kicked off his sneakers, stripped to his boxers and lay down waiting for Rodney to come to bed. He did find it a bit odd that Rodney should be in there so late and grew a bit concerned when Rodney didn't come out after almost twenty minutes. John was hesitant about intruding; perhaps Rodney needed some time alone after what had happened. John hadn't even considered that Rodney had been as affected by his father's actions as John himself.

But John *had* been wondering when Rodney was going to snap; even Rodney had his breaking point. Mind made up, John thought the door open and stepped inside the washroom. He found Rodney sitting in the corner of the shower, head buried in his arms, quietly sobbing. Everything had finally hit him. "Ah, Rodney," John said sotto voce, "sometimes I forget you need taking care of also." John shut off the water with a brief thought and stepped inside the stall. Kneeling down, he gathered Rodney in his arms and just held him, soothing him with soft caresses up and down his back. John finally managed to calm him down, reaching for a towel and lifting Rodney to his feet. He quickly dried Rodney, guiding him to the bed, going to the small dresser for dry clothes.

"I wish he was dead," Rodney said, followed by a hiccup. "I know he's your father but...."

John tossed a shirt and boxers over and changed his own. "He was the man who fathered me, not my father. There is a difference." John got under the sheet, stretching his arm out, Rodney crawling in. John closed his arm, holding Rodney's head against his chest, stroking the fine hair. "I can kill when I need to, and I do it quite well, but I'll never be a killer. There's a difference in that also. I think if I had spent my entire life with him I *would* have become him. But I did learn a few things from my Mom."

"Tell me about your mother, John."

"My Grandmother said that my mother was psychic. Is that enough of the maternal side of my family?"

"Psychic?" Rodney's voice perked up. "Maybe it has to do with the gene. Precognition. We've never explored that."

"Rod-ney," John whined a little, "My mother was a perennial student and when school was out she earned money by reading cards - Tarot and stuff like that. She was arrested in Sacramento and Nashville and Buffalo...and a few other places."

"Arrested?"

"I was six before I realized most kids had never seen the inside of a police station." John rolled his eyes. "And as for my Grandmother...Victoria Linden was a con artist. She spent most of her life on the carnival circuit and in various jails for petty larceny. She had a dozen aliases and would steal the shirt off your back if she could get away with it."

"Did she also teach you to run a con?" Rodney mused. "Like you've done on various missions?"

John leaned his forehead against Rodney's. "Yeah, she did. I miss her. She'd have liked you." He smiled as Rodney openly stifled a yawn. "How about some sleep?"

"Sleep would be good."

"Stay in bed tomorrow?" John asked hopefully.

"Lots of work," Rodney replied, adding with a small smile, "but it can wait a day."

"G'night Rodney."

"Good night, Colonel."

"I love you too," John whispered, placing a kiss to the top of Rodney's head.

~~~

John wasn't sure if he was dreaming or not. He felt the fingertips rubbing up and down his leg, the soft lips brushing his neck...."Rodney, what are you doing?"

"Rubbing your leg."

"Mmm-hmm, I can feel that. May I ask why?"

"Because I like doing it." Rodney's hand slid up a bit, just under John's boxers. "Because you like when I do it." His tongue caressed John's ear, hot breath blowing. "Because I can." Rodney took John's face in his palms and kissed him hard.

John finally opened his eyes, seeing Rodney's silhouette above him. "Should have slept naked."

"Yes, you should have," Rodney murmured as he removed John's boxers, followed by his own.

"I want you..." John grabbed the hem of Rodney's shirt, pulling it off. "...inside me." He had his shirt half way off when Rodney grabbed him and kissed him hard, pushing him backwards. John's arms were trapped in the sleeves, his eyes covered and he found it quite erotic.

"Don't move," Rodney whispered, biting John's left shoulder hard enough to leave a bruise. He kissed John rough, sucking John's tongue into his mouth. And harsh as he was with John's mouth, Rodney was doing the opposite to John's dick. His palm was rubbing slow circles over John's groin, while his other hand was pinching John's nipples.

John couldn't move his arms and he was growing frustrated by the featherlight caresses to his groin. He thrust his hips up, needing friction on his hard dick but not getting any. He did manage to get the shirt over his head so he could watch Rodney. "Get my shirt off. I need my arms free."

"Not yet, lover," Rodney crooned in his ear, hot breath blowing, hearing John's breath hitch. "Calm down...." he teased, placing kisses all over John's face.

John was gasping for air as he spoke, almost breathless from the hand jerking him slow and firm.

"Let me take the pain away, John. You've done it for me so many times." He leaned in for a kiss. "After each mission that's gone bad you hold me. You make love to me, make me forget, just for a little while." He smiled in awe. "You help me keep my sanity, John."

"Jesus, Rodney, that was beautiful. And you helped me lose what was left of *my* sanity so I think we're even." John pulled his shirt off. "And I *really* need you to fuck me."

"Such a romantic, John," Rodney stole another kiss. "Roll over."

"Woof!" John laughed and raised himself to his hands and knees. "C'mon, McKay, I don't have all year."

Not taking his eyes from John, Rodney groped around, finally snagging the lube. While one hand stroked the cleft, the other opened the tube, squeezing the gel onto his fingers. One slowly slid in, working its way in and out, before being joined by a second. "You are so tight...so hot." Rodney leaned over him. "I am so *hard* for you." Rodney smiled as John pushed against his fingers, moving his free hand to John's cock, running his fingertips along the length. He shifted back a bit to get a better view, eyes widening at the beautiful body under his. Holding John tightly around the waist, his fingers pushed inward, stroking deeper. "Does it feel as good as you remember?"

"Better," John moaned. "Oh God, *so* much better!"

Rodney couldn't wait anymore. His finger's slid out and his dick slid in ever so slowly; he was intent on drawing this out as long as he could.

John raised himself up, easing back, Rodney filling him. He turned his head, meeting Rodney's eyes, then slowly closed his own, concentrating on the feeling itself.

Rodney slid his hands under John, stroking up John's abdomen, to his chest. He slowly pulled John upward, one hand teasing John's nipple, the other moving slightly downward, an arm holding John immobile. Rodney began to sway his hips; pure lust was the look that crossed his face. Kissing John's neck, he left another mark. Lifting John off his cock, he whispered "Mine" and impaled John back onto his thickened shaft.

John howled with pain and moaned with pleasure, the two feelings mixed in that one moment in time. He tensed for a moment, then relaxed himself. He let his head fall back upon Rodney's shoulder, his arms moving up and around Rodney's neck, giving Rodney full access to his body.

Rodney lifted him up and down, faster then slower, hard then gentle. One hand slid down John's body, to John's needing cock, slowly stroking, in perfect rhythm to his movements within. Rodney allowed him some movement and John began to writhe in his arms, lifting himself up and down Rodney's cock.

John screamed as the cock brushed his prostate and Rodney pushed him forward, grabbing his hips with both hands, fucking John hard. "Touch me...." John was pleading as Rodney fucked him deeper, lingering inside, rolling his hips slowly. John's eyes closed and he gasped and all Rodney could do was smirk and hit John's prostate again. "TOUCH ME!"

Rodney did as he was told, taking John's dick in his fist. It only took a few strokes before John came hard, Rodney following.

"Hot damn, McKay, that was good."

"I do everything top notch," Rodney pretty much gloated.

"And I thought you were going to call me sir," John smiled.

"I said *someday*, John. It's not someday yet."

"I'll be waiting."

"Don't hold your breath."

~~~

"Jack O'Neill left it up to me, if I felt your promotion was warranted," Caldwell told John in front of the command staff. "I have come to the decision that you do *not* deserve the rank of Lieutenant Colonel."

John stood by silently, nodding stoically. He saw Rodney open his mouth, but shook his head. Rodney needed to stay silent this one time.

Caldwell continued. "It is therefore my decision that you...."

"I'm protesting!" Rodney shouted. "You can't do this!"

"Rodney, don't," John groaned. "I'm going to be a Captain at this rate."

"I can't?" Caldwell asked, more then amused.

"No, I won't let you. No matter what, he deserves the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and you militaristic grunts have no right to take it away."

John turned to his left, smirking at Bates. "Hi, I'm *Lieutenant* John Sheppard." John buried his face in his hands, silently praying to any God that Rodney shut the fuck up. As usual, the Gods didn't listen.

Rodney stood up and got in Caldwell's face. "In fact, if you people had any brains WHATSOEVER you'd make him a FULL BIRD COLONEL!"

John turned to Ford, who sat on his right. "Make that *Airman* Sheppard." He nodded. "And I am so going to kill McKay."

Caldwell stood and glared at Rodney, narrowing his eyes. "Do you ever shut up?"

Rodney opened his mouth again, but this time a hand clamped over it...John's.

John also dragged him back to his chair, sitting him down hard, removing his hand. "If you move or open your mouth I will shoot you. Is that clear?"

Of course Rodney had to speak...or in his case, snark. "O-kay. I won't say a word. I won't remind Colonel Caldwell that you resigned so the rank means nothing."

"It does to me!" John fired back, a bit hurt. He turned to Caldwell, who was opening a box. "I was fine as a Major and I can deal with it forever if I have to."

"If McKay would have let me finish," Caldwell smiled, "I would have explained that in my opinion the military commander of Atlantis needs to follow protocol, obey orders. HOWEVER," Caldwell bellowed as Rodney opened his mouth, "being that Atlantis is light years, hell, a whole galaxy away from Earth, her military commander needs to make his own decisions, to think for himself." Caldwell grinned at John. "Jack O'Neill said that if you were as insubordinate as the reports made out *and* that you managed to *not* kill Rodney McKay, that you were in full deservedness of a second field commission...to the rank of Full Bird Colonel." He tossed the box to John. "You've got yourself a silver eagle there, Sheppard. And I have to go." He was about to radio the Daedalus to beam him back, when he paused. "I'll find out what happened to your mother, John. I promise you that."

John just nodded to him and saluted crisply.

Caldwell returned the salute, at the same moment his radio crackled to life. He knew it was bad when the first sound he heard was a loud hiccup.

Chapter 10

Sergeant's Fry and Bender entered General Sheppard's cell with his dinner. Neither man was prepared for an attack and both fell quickly. Sheppard left them both alive; if he killed them, he himself would most likely be killed during the trip back to Earth. He took their weapons and headed out of the Daedalus, glad she wasn't in orbit yet. He wasn't leaving without his son.

His people would get him free once they returned to Earth and they would take John into custody. Even the SGC couldn't override certain factions of the government. As he entered a transport tube he once again wondered how John could be his son. John should have been married now, with children, working with his father...not against him. And it was all Rodney McKay's fault. In David's mind it was Rodney who had turned John against him. And he was going to get rid of McKay once and for all.

And if John still refused to leave, David had a contingency plan for that as well.

Neither he nor John would be leaving the Pegasus galaxy alive. He'd take both their lives before he returned to Earth alone.

~~~

"Sheppard escaped," Caldwell announced.

"Is anyone hurt?" John asked.

"No," Caldwell replied.

John just nodded in reply. Caldwell didn't need to verbally add the words 'not yet'.

"Can this day get any worse?" Rodney stood up, glaring at Bates and Ford. "Well, what are you grunts waiting for?"

While Rodney was ranting and all attention focused on him, John came to a decision. He stood up and left the room, closing the door behind him.

Carson was closest to the door, approached it and thought 'open' but nothing happened. "He locked the door."

As Rodney began to work on manually opening the door, John was on a search for his father. He and Rodney had been doing some work on John's 'Chaya-enhanced' (as Rodney called it) genetic abilities and he went straight for a transport tube. "Take me to my father," he pretty much growled at the city herself. The doors closed and opened near his quarters. As he approached, his door opened and he slowly peered inside, seeing his father standing in the middle of the room, gun in hand. "Dad."

"Hello, John. Ready to go?"

John entered the room, unholstering his own Beretta. He knew he couldn't kill his father, but he could certainly wound him. "Why?"

"You're my son. You belong to me."

"I'm not property," John replied quietly. "And I'm not going with you."

"All right, John." David lowered the gun. "You can stay here."

John didn't think and lowered his guard.

David's gun was raised again so quickly John didn't even get a chance to fire his own. He felt the pain in his head and dropped his gun, the room spinning all around him. The next thing he heard were a few more shots, Teyla's voice shouting...and the world turned to black.

~~~

"It was just a graze, Rodney," Carson told him for the tenth time.

"Then how come he hasn't woken up yet?"

"Because he hit his head when he fell on the floor!" Carson fired back. Sometimes he had the urge, like most, to throttle the physicist. "He has a bit of a bump, nothing more."

"How come when I'm in here," Rodney said, with a touch of snark, "your nurses wake me up every hour to check something, but they let John sleep?"

"Because they don't like *you*," Carson laughed a bit.

"Can you blame them?"

"You're awake, Colonel," Carson mused.

"This is why *you're* the doctor," John laughed, but sobered quickly, sitting up. "He's dead, isn't he?" The question was asked, even though he already knew the answer.

"Yes," Carson told him.

"Who did it?"

Rodney and Carson looked at each other, and it was Rodney who answered. "Ford."

"Is he okay?" There was genuine concern in John's voice. He knew Ford could kill when neccesary, but this had been John's father.

"He will be," Carson said, leaning down to check John's wound. "The bullet grazed your head. No permanent damage."

John swung his legs over the side of the bed, reaching for his sneakers. "Does this mean I can leave?"

"You should be under observation for the next twenty-four hours. As your doctor I can force you to stay."

"How about as my friend?" John put on his best pout, hoping this one time it would work with the doctor. "Look Carson, I've had worse. And right now, I really want to go to my room."

"Any headaches, dizziness...."

"Yeah, yeah, I know," John answered as he sat up again. "Been there, done that. Yadda. I'll call you. Scout's honor."

The only thing Carson said as John left was that John should speak with Kate.

John reluctantly nodded. This was one time even *he* felt he needed a shrink. As he headed to his room he glanced over at Rodney and decided he didn't need Kate. He just needed Rodney. John took his clothes off and asked the same of Rodney. When they were both naked, he pushed on the bed and lay down on his side. Taking Rodney's left arm, he tucked it under his own and snuggled his back to Rodney's chest. "I just need to feel you. Bare flesh, nothing more."

"Happy to oblige," Rodney smiled, holding him closer. "And I'm willing to bet your mother is alive."

"What makes you so sure?"

"If I were your father and I had her, I'd keep her alive just so I could use her as leverage against you."

John turned his head. "That's what I would do also."

"Caldwell will find out if your mother...." Rodney didn't want to finish the sentence.

John finished it for him. "....is alive or dead." He turned over, stealing a quick kiss. "You can say it, baby. I have to accept the fact that she might be dead." John lay his head on Rodney's chest. "I love you."

"Whatever," Rodney grinned and stroked John's back, slow soothing circles, John's body growing heavier in his arms. Rodney just held him until exhaustion took John over, but he himself wasn't tired. It was still early. He slipped out of bed, getting dressed and hoped to finish some work in the lab. By the time Rodney returned it was late and he found John sitting outside. "Bad dreams?"

"No," John sighed. "Memories. He took so much from me and I'll never know why he did it."

"He was a control freak," Rodney stated. He had no love lost for the General and wasn't going to sugarcoat his feelings.

"You're glad he's dead, aren't you?"

Rodney sat down. "What do you want me to say, John? He was evil personified. He would have killed you, killed me, killed anyone who got in his way. Am I sorry he's dead? No, I'm not and I won't lie about it. Am I sorry you lost your father? Yes."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome." Rodney got to his feet, putting his hand out. "Coming back to bed?"

John was pulled up. "Yeah. If I don't rest, I end up back in Beckett's chamber of doom."

~~~

John sought out Ford the next day, finding him in the commissary. "Hey," he smiled, taking a seat. "You did real good." John picked up his sandwich and smirked. "Salami. The smell makes Rodney nuts." He took a bite, talking while he chewed.

"I killed your father," Ford stated, playing with his food.

"You did your duty. And you saved my life. He would have killed me."

"I'm sorry."

"We're still friends, Aiden. Don't worry." John picked up his sandwich. "You wanna name something?" John took another bite and nearly choked at the surprised look on Ford's face. "Yep. you heard me correctly. *You*, Aiden Ford, have permission to actually name something."

"What can I name?" Ford asked with a small smile.

"How about the mainland village."

Ford thought for about ten seconds. "New Athos."

"What was that, Aiden?"

"New Athos. Is that acceptable?"

"That's the best you can do?" John's eyes widened. "I finally *allow* you to name something and...."

"Teylatown," Ford muttered

"Sheppard's Landing," John snickered.

"Rodney's Wharf."

"God no, Aiden. His head would swell so big it would burst."

Ford looked over John's shoulder. "Guess what? The Colonel let me name something."

Rodney and Teyla both stared at John like John was crazy.

"And what exactly is it you're naming?" Rodney asked, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

"The mainland village," Ford said proudly.

Rodney turned to John. "Have you lost your mind? Does the name Atlantica ring any bells? How about Pegasusville? Or Athosia? *That* one sounds like some obscure disease."

"I'm calling it..." Ford paused, catching Teyla's eye. If he played his cards right for a change, he'd be a lucky man after dinner. "...Teylatown."

Rodney continued to stare, this time at Ford, but Teyla's eyes lit up.

"Aiden, that is so nice of you." She chewed on her lower lip. "It is the most...romantic thing anyone has ever done for me." Teyla batted her eyelashes. "I do not believe I am hungry...for food." She turned and sashayed out of the mess.

"Uh, sir...Doctor McKay...." Ford stood up. "I'll see you later." He was out of sight before John could say another word.

Rodney put his tray down and took a seat. "I didn't know she could move like that. She's got a nice ass." He turned to John and John's plate. "Salami? What's wrong with turkey?"

"You always eat my turkey." John took another bite. "What do you mean 'nice ass'?"

Rodney opened his Stouffers chicken pot pie. "One thing you Americans do better is the art of the TV dinner." He scooped some onto his spoon. "And she has a nice ass. Guys notice those things. And I'm still a guy if *you* hadn't noticed."

John dipped his own spoon into Rodney's dinner. "Share." He reached down and squeezed Rodney's dick. "And I noticed." As John tasted the pot pie, he sighed. "Oh yeah. Nothing like a good old fashioned American TV dinner."

Rodney shoved John's spoon away. "Get your own. There's plenty."

John pushed his sandwich away, taking Rodney's food. "As your CO I'm confiscating this pot pie."

"I hate you." Rodney stood up in a huff to get another tray. He came back with not only a pot pie, but the last of the Twinkies. "If you touch my Twinkie you will fast become best friend's with your right hand again." He smiled as John pulled his hand away from the cream-filled cake. "But if you behave, I might share." Rodney dug into his fresh pot pie. "And you have a nicer ass."

"Thanks, I think. And the Daedalus leaves tomorrow morning. Everett's going, but he'll be returning on the next trip."

"Why is Everett going?"

"The SGC needs a report from the military CO of Atlantis," John said, staring at the tabletop.

"That should be you." Rodney pulled John's tray over and began to eat.

"You're a pig, but I love you anyway," John looked up and smiled. "And it *should* be me, but I'm in no rush to go back to Earth. I may never go back."

"Fine with me," Rodney shrugged. "There's enough in this galaxy to keep me busy for eternity. I'd like to stay close to home."

"Are you finished eating, Rodney?"

"No, why?"

"Because I want some of that Twinkie."

~~~

The Daedalus was leaving with less crew then when she'd arrived. David Sheppard had managed to replace nearly half the crew with his own people, who were now in various holding areas on board the ship.

John told Caldwell to turn his father's body over to the military and let them dispose of it. He also cornered Lindsey Novak, gave her a shy smile and puppy-dog eyes and convinced her to do a small favor for him. The Daedalus would be halfway back to Earth before anyone noticed the ship's big screen TV was missing...and the lone set of satin sheets that belonged to one Colonel Steven Caldwell.

Everett was a wreck. A lovesick wreck. He was beginning to think he'd made the wrong decision to leave Elizabeth and confronted her in her quarters. She eased his mind by presenting him with a long shopping list that included various foods, apparel...and toys. Lots of toys. And she told him the location of the store in Greenwich Village where he could purchase all of the items. Then she dropped to her knees and gave him a going away present to remember her by...and a DVD she'd made for the nights he got lonely. When the Daedalus left she returned to her office...and found the DVD Everett had made for the nights *she* got lonely. Elizabeth decided that she was already lonely and practically ran a dozen people over in her haste to get to her quarters.

Kavanagh came into the lab area, said good morning to everyone and offered his assistance with every project. He caused Miko to cry when he made her a cup of tea; she insisted, in-between her sobs, that he was a pod person. Rodney and Radek dragged him to Kate's office and had Bates meet them there. By the time Kavanagh returned to the lab he was snippy and sarcastic and told Miko she knew nothing. The young woman smiled, told him he was a jackass (in five different languages) and went back to her work.

Bates and Teyla were found on a balcony, both drunk on moonshine, singing dirges that made John blush. They explained that they had put their animosities behind them and the best way was to get drunk. So John did the only thing he could...he sat down, took a deep drink and proceeded to teach them a few more tunes.

~~~

John had taken to being a bottom like a fish takes to water. He refused to top anymore and begged and cajoled Rodney into fucking him at all hours of the day and night. John also discovered he liked the idea of light bondage (on the receiving end) and seduced Rodney into tying him up.

Not that Rodney complained. He'd spent quite a while exploring John's body. He made John come twice before coming himself, all over John's body. He licked John clean, getting him hard again. And when he untied John he expected the most thorough fucking of his life.

Instead John took Rodney's dick in hand, sucking him deep, getting Rodney hard again. He used his saliva and come as lube and slowly impaled himself. John rode hard, reaching the precipice of pain, pain slowly morphing into pleasure...and he was coming again, all over Rodney's chest and Rodney was coming inside him and it was all too much.

John blacked out and when he came to he faced an angry Rodney sitting beside him.

"I cleaned you up. You were bleeding."

"It happens," John murmured.

"Never again, not like that," Rodney said firmly.

"I liked it Rodney, the rush of pain just before the pleasure. My insides went from hot to scalding in about three seconds." John framed Rodney's face in his palms. "God it was good!" He took Rodney's mouth in a searing kiss, but Rodney pulled away.

"I don't want to give you pain, John."

John sighed and sat up, making Rodney face him. "I. Blacked. Out."

"And....?"

"I have *never* blacked out from sex before." John had this look of wonder on his face. "I can't wait to do it again."

"What? Are you insane? Yeah, that's it." Rodney was nodding, agreeing with himself. "You're having a breakdown."

"I don't want to do it right *now*, you nitwit," John rolled his eyes.

"Well that's good, because I want to shower." Rodney stood up but when John attempted to do the same, Rodney pushed him back. "I'd like a few minutes to myself." John sat up again. "John, please...."

"Rodney," John grabbed his pants, "I'm going to get us a snack. These...workouts...help me build up an appetite."

"Chocolate pudding?" Rodney asked hopefully.

"What else?" John snickered as he finished getting dressed and headed to the mess.

Chapter 11

Rodney was growing a little concerned. John's father had been killed three days before and John was *too* calm. It had taken Rodney almost four days before he finally broke down himself. He'd wanted to be strong for John, which was a totally new concept to him. Rodney had never been strong for anyone. And eventually the stress took it's toll. But unlike what other's saw, John needed someone to be strong for him. He was always the strong one, but even he had his breaking point. And when Rodney entered their quarters he figured John had reached it.

The makeshift dresser was trashed. There was a broken chair that had been smashed against the wall and John's laptop was in pieces. Rodney smelled something burning and walked out to the balcony. "Redecorating?" he asked John with a small smile.

John was sitting down, setting fire to various items, watching them burn. "I wanted to get changed and the drawer wouldn't open," he said calmly. "I had to force it."

"By destroying it. Of course. And the chair and laptop?"

"I felt like it."

"And what are you doing?"

"I brought stuff with me. Memories of Earth." John took out a photo. "I was thirteen and we went to a military dinner." He set fire to yet another photo of himself and his father. Next up was a certificate. John was ready to destroy it when Rodney snatched it out of his hands. "Rodney, give it back."

"No." Rodney backed up. "You earned this."

"He made me play baseball. I wanted to join the chess club."

"It doesn't matter, John." Rodney knelt down. "*You* earned this. *You* were MVP, not him." He glanced at the other items, picking up a picture and smiling. "You know, I'm pretty good with Photoshop. I bet I can airbrush him out of this picture...and the rest." Rodney took the lighter away. "These pictures of you...please don't burn anymore."

John grabbed the lighter back like a petulant child. "Mine." He reached for the award certificate but Rodney backed into the room with it. "Who are you, my mother?" John stood up. "Give it back to me, Rodney."

"If you burn this John, you'll regret it. I know you."

"Give. It. Back." John was growing angrier by the moment but Rodney was too stubborn to give in.

"I *really* don't want to have this conversation." Rodney thought the door open and walked towards it but it shut in his face. He thought it open again but nothing happened.

"You're not leaving until you give that back to me."

Rodney's back was to John and he shook his head. "Let me out, John."

"No, I won't." John grabbed the award, but Rodney held tight, watching as John grew even angrier. The two pulled at the same time and the award ripped in two. Both men stared at the half in their hands.

"Now look what you did!" John snapped.

"Me? And why do you care anyway? You were going to burn it!"

"Maybe I changed my mind!"

"Yeah? And why was that?" Rodney asked, tone softened a bit.

John stared at the floor. "Because this guy I know, who knows everything about almost everything, he told me I would. And he's almost always right." He stared at the paper in his hand. "I did good that year. And...Dad said he was proud of me."

Rodney put his arm around John's shoulder. "I'm sure he was, John. Maybe for the wrong reasons, but...."

"You really think so, Rodney?"

"I do. And we need to fix this." Rodney took the other half from John. "We *are* going to fix this and it goes on the wall with my stuff."

"No." John's demeanor changed abruptly. "I don't want it!"

"All right, John. We'll do it your way. Just do me one favor."

"I don't want to talk to Kate."

"Please?"

"Rodney, I...okay. I will. Happy now?"

Rodney smiled. "Yes."

~~~

Stackhouse and Bates were sitting outside eating lunch when they saw something falling toward the ocean.

"Uh, Gene," Stackhouse looked over the railing, "was that Heightmeyer's chair that just passed us on it's way down?" He took another bite of his sandwich.

"I think so. Unless someone else has a red leather chair." Bates glanced up. "Yep, came from her office all right." He too nonchalantly continued to eat. "Jell-O?"

"No thanks," Stackhouse replied, "I have a fruit cup."

As they sat and ate another chair, some cushions and a few drawers passed by.

"I'm not dragging that stuff out of the ocean," Bates said, reaching for his Coke.

"Hell no," Stackhouse agreed. "You gonna finish your Chip's Ahoy?"

"Nah, you can have 'em."

Passing them next was a lamp, which was followed by Kate's shrill scream.

"NOT MY DESK!"

Bates and Stackhouse watched as the desk itself passed them by.

"SHEPPARD!"

"The Colonel's going to be in deep shit," Bates said.

"Oh yeah. Weir's going to kill him," Stackhouse agreed. "You want to go play Grand Theft Auto?"

"Nah, but how about DOOM?"

"Let's go."

"Sergeant Bates!" Kate's voice screamed into his earpiece.

Bates took the piece out and tossed it aside. "Adam, did you hear something?"

"No, Gene," Stackhouse removed his earpiece as well. "Nothing at all."

~~~

"Doctor Heightmeyer told me that her office was the perfect place to release any anger issues I might have." John was sitting in front of Elizabeth trying his damndest to look innocent and failing miserably. "I took her up on her offer. Amazing how much better I felt afterwards."

"Colonel," Elizabeth was doing her best to keep calm, "you threw all of her furniture into the ocean."

"And I felt *better* after. Wasn't the whole idea of me talking to her to calm me down?"

"Yes, but...."

"And she *did* tell me to do whatever I felt."

"Colonel, I don't think she meant for you to...."

"I just did what she told me to." John shrugged.

Elizabeth *was* finding it hard to keep a straight face. "Her desk?"

"It rolled across the floor and I just sort of tossed it. Call it an adrenaline rush. Why? Is she grounding me?"

"Strangely enough, no." Elizabeth was a bit confused and it showed. "And she muttered something about Las Vegas."

"Rodney."

"What about Rodney?"

"Nothing, Liz. I promise to be a good boy from now on. No destroying furniture. I give you my word."

~~~

John found Rodney in the mess and took a seat. "You blackmailed Heightmeyer, didn't you?" He reached for half of Rodney's sandwich.

"I told you I would," Rodney replied, smacking his hand. "What is it with you and *my* sandwiches?"

"Las Vegas, Rodney?"

"Don't you ever repeat this. Kate earned some money for college by working as a stripper."

"I wonder if she was any good."

"John, don't ask her. Not unless you want the manic Scot chasing you down with some needles. And you trashed her office."

"I got my anger out."

"All of it?" Rodney stopped eating and stared at John.

"No," John admitted. "But enough for now. And I did find some more furniture on one of the lower levels. My men are moving it to her office."

"I'm glad about that John, because she was blaming me for all of it."

"It was your fault."

"Of course it was."

"You made me go."

"Of course I did."

"I hate you."

"I know, John. I hate you too." *WHACK* "And get your own damn sandwich!"

~~~

The Daedalus returned nine weeks later, laden with fresh supplies. None of the personnel were allowed on Atlantis until Colonel Caldwell vouched for all of his people. The man in question beamed into the conference room a few minutes later with Everett.

"Welcome back, gentlemen," Elizabeth smiled, fighting every internal urge to make like a bad B-movie and jump into Everett's arms. God, she was horny.

John, Bates and Ford all snapped to attention, Carson and Kate traded off obscene doodles and Rodney was playing 'Space Invaders' with Teyla on his laptop.

"Did you bring more coffee?" Rodney asked without looking up.

"At ease," Caldwell said, taking a seat.

"My father?" John asked.

"The military took care of things," Caldwell replied quietly.

"Full military honors, I bet," Rodney sneered.

"Rodney, stop," John almost warned. "I don't want to hear it. The man is dead so leave it be. Just play your stupid game and shut up."

"There is something else, Colonel," Caldwell told him.

"Yeah? And what's...." John was cut off as he was beamed out.

"WHERE IS HE?!" Rodney screamed.

"Don't panic, Doctor McKay," Caldwell said softly. "He's fine." Caldwell was shocked when Bates and Ford drew weapons, aiming at him. "I wish my people were this protective," he mused, tapping his radio. "Daedalus, can you please put Colonel Sheppard on?"

"Sheppard," John's voice said.

"Colonel, what's going on?" Rodney asked.

"I'm okay. I'll be home shortly."

"John...."

"Rodney, please. Just have some patience. I know that is an alien concept to you, but give it a shot this one time."

"Colonel," Caldwell said, "can you please tell your people to put their guns down?"

"Yeah," John snickered, "they have a tendency to...."

"COLONEL!"

"Stand down." John paused. "This means you too Bates!"

The Sergeant stared sheepishly at his weapon.

"Bates," John's voice was openly laughing now, "it's okay to lower your weapon."

"Yes sir," Bates replied, aim not wavering.

"Sergeant," John's form came into view. "Wow, *this* is cool. I'm in 3-D," he grinned. "Just like Mike Teevee."

"Willie Wonka references will not endear you to anyone, Colonel," Everett snickered.

"Bates," John was still laughing, "you can stand down." His image turned to Rodney. "I need a little while, Rodney. I'll explain everything when I come back." He attempted to put his hand on Rodney's shoulder, but he wasn't solid and his hand passed right through. "Patience...babycakes." He blew Rodney a kiss, loving it as Rodney flushed pink. "I'll be back in time for dinner." John's image vanished.

"And of course you can't tell us what this is all about," Rodney said to Caldwell.

"No, I can't."

"Babycakes?" Bates was laughing.

"I wouldn't talk," Rodney sneered. "I heard *somebody* call you 'Pookie' during last night's movie."

"Obviously he's all right, Rodney," Elizabeth said, patting his arm. "And didn't you say that the Daedalus had brought someone...."

Rodney seemed to remember something important. "Oh shit! Caroline Eldridge. Physics genius and outstanding geneticist. She wrote the book on possible travel through wormholes to other galaxies."

"She's his idol," Carson snickered.

"She's a *genius*," Rodney grinned as he turned to Caldwell. "Will she be joining us soon?"

"Yes, Doctor McKay," Caldwell nodded. "Quite soon."

Chapter 12

John came back about an hour later and reassured everyone he was fine. Rodney pressed him for answers but John just said he would explain everything later, in private. Right now John had to supervise the unloading of their supplies. The last time, two cases of beer, four boxes of chocolate and a few cans of whipped cream had gone missing.

Bates tagged along, wondering to himself if he could get his hands on some whipped cream.

A moment after that Caroline Eldridge appeared. "What a rush! I feel like Captain Kirk!"

Rodney was on cloud nine and it showed. Yes he was happy that John was returned safe and sound, but to finally meet Caroline Eldridge...for Rodney it was on a par with meeting God. He practically dragged her to his lab, showing her everything he could. She was a beautiful woman, nearing sixty, but she looked at least ten years younger. And Rodney McKay discovered he was a true Neanderthal. On the way to his lab she happened to walk in front of him and he noticed her ass. For one moment he was a teenager again and he so wanted to cop a feel. Rodney's excuse would be that he wanted to touch his idol and got carried away. He reached his hand out but she turned to him and he snatched his hand back, almost praying he wasn't blushing.

"Is something the matter, Doctor McKay?"

"Uh, no, not at all. I, uh...." Rodney looked around to make sure nobody else was around. "You're sort of my...idol. I based one of my doctoral theses on your work."

"Thank you. And my son speaks very highly of you. According to him, you are a genius."

"Really?" Rodney grinned from ear to ear. "Is he a physicist?"

Caroline looked a bit confused. "No."

"Biologist?"

"No."

Rodney thought for a moment. "I don't know anybody with the name of Eldridge." He was about to say something else when Ford's voice came over the 'com.

"Hey Doc, did you tell the Colonel that he could take apart the navigation system on Jumper Three?"

"No, I did *not*! You tell him if he takes it apart without me I'll kill him. McKay out!" Rodney sighed. "Colonel Sheppard. Grunt. Marines, Air Force, it doesn't matter."

"You don't like Colonel Sheppard?" Caroline asked. "I found him to be a very nice man."

"How nice?" Rodney didn't look very happy.

"Very. We're having dinner this evening and he's flying me to the mainland for a look around."

"He is?"

Her mouth formed a small smile. "And he's very handsome also. Is he married?"

"No, he's not."

"Does he have a girlfriend?"

"Not exactly. Look, Doctor Eldridge...."

"Caroline, please."

"John's taken." Rodney figured being blunt was the only out. "He doesn't have a girlfriend but he...."

"He has a boyfriend?"

Rodney switched gears, feeling possessive. "Yes, he does."

"And that would be you?"

"That would be me. So any carnal thoughts you have about him...well, you can just forget about it!"

The door slid open and John stepped in, hearing Rodney's voice rising. "What's the matter, Rodney?"

"She...." Rodney looked from one to the other. "She wants to...you need to tell her...."

"Complete sentences, Rodney," John said.

"She wants you!"

"Wants me for what?"

Caroline smiled. "Rodney thinks I want to have sex with you."

"WHAT?!" John glared at Rodney and changed colors, going from bright red to sickly green in three seconds flat. "Are you sick or something?!"

"John," Caroline narrowed her eyes, "didn't you tell him?"

"Well...no. I was going to, but the supplies...and then you beamed in and...and...I didn't get the chance."

"Then you didn't tell him." Caroline waved her finger in his face. "John Miles Sheppard...."

"Tell me what?" Rodney stared hard at John. "That you want to sleep with her?"

"Doctor McKay," Caroline blushed herself, "I would never...."

"Rodney, she's my mother." John nodded as Rodney's eyes widened.

"Your what?"

"My Mom...she's...my Mom."

"Oh shit," Rodney muttered and backed up as the words sunk in. "And I thought about touching...."

"Touching what?" John asked him.

This time Rodney knew *his* face was red and fled as fast as he could.

"Rodney's a bit high strung." John was very matter-of-fact about it.

"So I see," she drawled.

"Do you like him?" John lowered his eyes, afraid of the answer.

"Yes, I do."

He slowly raised his eyes. "I'm bi, Mom, but for Rodney I stay on one side of the fence."

"At least he's intelligent. I'd hate to think you'd pick someone dense."

"Then you're not upset?"

"Should I be?"

John perked up a bit. "How about I show you our quarters? I have a poster of the 'man in black' above the bed."

"You still like Johnny Cash?"

"One of my earliest memories is hearing Folsum Prison Blues in the car," John laughed as he took his mother by the hand, leading her out.

~~~

Carson was bitching about John's weight again and cornered Rodney in the mess. He wanted to know where John was and why he wasn't eating dinner.

Rodney covered for John and said he was getting John's dinner, quickly filling a second plate and leaving for his quarters. He entered the room only to find John's mother already there and heard the shower.

"Doctor McKay," Caroline smiled, nodding to the tray of food in his hands.

Rodney groaned, wondering if the fates were conspiring against him again. His luck for facing John's parents in his quarters (when John was 'conveniently' in the shower) wasn't very good; in fact it was zero for one. He was well prepared to defend their relationship again. "John has to eat," he stated, placing the tray on the table. "Sometimes he forgets." Based on the attitude of John's father, he'd expected the same of his mother. He opened a drawer, taking out clothes, hearing the washroom door open, the footsteps padding behind him. "You'll have to wear briefs," Rodney said, loud enough for Caroline to hear. He knew how much John hated wearing briefs. He had no room to 'maneuver' himself when Rodney teased him. "You have no clean boxers."

"Rodney!" John snapped. "She is *not* my father. Behave yourself." He went into the bathroom to get changed.

"Damn straight I'm not him," Caroline laughed out loud. "*He* would have had a cardiac arrest at the state of this room. This place is a pigsty."

Rodney was embarrassed and it showed. "Uh, we didn't have a chance to clean up."

"I feel right at home. He was a neatnick. That's *one* of the reasons we didn't work out." Caroline gave Rodney her softest smile. "When John was nine he threatened me, told me he'd sue for custody and make both our lives a nightmare if I didn't give John up. He told me if I ever tried to see my son again I'd regret it." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "I had nothing to fight him with. And I was afraid of him. I'm sure you could understand that."

"How did you end up at the SGC?" John prompted.

"One of my old Prof's, Catherine Langford, recommended me because of my work with wormholes. I didn't know about you John, not until you sat in the chair. But before I could do anything, he found me, took me to Area 51."

"You have the gene," Rodney piped up. "I bet it's just as strong as John's and...." he stopped, shaking his head. "No, I guess you had enough of that at Area 51."

"Actually, Rodney," she stood and casually placed an arm around his shoulders, "I think it might be kind of fun here. I have two weeks before the Daedalus returns and I'd like a lesson in flying one of those Gateships."

"SEE!" Rodney shouted. "Even she calls them Gateships!" He smiled smugly at John and grinned at Caroline. "I have some artifacts that your son won't play with. Maybe you can get them to work."

Caroline smiled at John. He had been right about Rodney. The physicist was happier then a loon over the simple fact she had referred to the Puddlejumpers as Gateships. "Perhaps later, Rodney. And I see you're having a typical military dinner of brown glop and mucus."

"That would be the beef stew," Rodney grimaced. He motioned to John, who made a face at the food but sat down anyway.

John ate a spoonful. "Rodney, this is gross. I don't want it." John shoved the plate away.

Rodney slid it back. "Eat or I tell Doctor Napoleon and you get a colonscopy for breakfast."

"You're a bully, you know that?" John grimaced but ate another spoonful. "This is nauseating as usual."

"John," Caroline said, "you can either eat that or I will cook something for you. You do remember the meals I used to prepare, don't you?"

John began to eat faster. "I'm eating, I'm eating. Just don't cook for me."

"I take it you're no Julia Child?" Rodney smiled.

"Rodney, much as I love my Mom, her cooking is worse the Elizabeth's."

"Not possible," Rodney insisted. "I'm sure Mom never gave twenty marines botulism."

"SHE GAVE MY FIRST GRADE CLASS THE RUNS!" John shouted, then started to laugh. "But it was okay, because we were only in that town for a couple of months."

"Were you arrested in that town also, Mom?" Rodney asked.

"Hey, why are you calling my Mom 'mom'?"

"I think it's appropriate," Caroline leaned down and kissed Rodney on the cheek. "Isn't that what he *should* call his mother-in-law?"

"Yeah," Rodney sneered, albeit teasing. "And I bet she likes me more then she likes you."

"Of course I do." She winked at Rodney. "You're much cuter. Now, if you will excuse me, I am off to explore the mainland with that nice Sergeant Stackhouse."

"Stackhouse?" John dropped his spoon, staring at her.

"Stackhouse." Caroline went to the door, opening it with a thought. "I could definitely get used to *this*." She left the room with a slight giggle, humming 'Love is Strange' as she thought the door closed.

"Your Mom is...different from your Dad," Rodney said as he ate some of the stew, making the most godawful face. "I think Hart put horsemeat in this. It's worse then the meatloaf."

"Oh yeah," John mumbled. "And my Mom was always fun."

"She'll probably have fun with Stackhouse," Rodney mused aloud.

"What's that supposed to mean?" John challenged.

"John, I am not going to fight with you. We did enough of that when your father was here. Your mother is a good looking lady and there is nothing you can do to change that. And Stackhouse is a nice guy."

"She's my Mom. Mom's don't do stuff like that."

"Sure they do, John. You think you were hatched?"

John got the most intense look in his eyes.

"John, what are you thinking about?"

"Sergeant Stackhouse," John replied. "Did you know a spatula can be used as a torture device?"

"Eat your dinner."

"I could break his fingers."

"Don't talk with your mouth full."

"Ex-Lax in his pudding," John nodded. "Nair in his shampoo."

Rodney cleaned his plate. "I'm going back to my lab, John. Zippy needs me."

"And what am I supposed to do?"

Rodney laughed as he picked up his laptop and opened the door. "Why don't you chaperone your mother on her date?"

"She's not going on a DATE!" John screamed as the door closed behind Rodney. He sat there, staring at his food. "She's not," he murmured to himself. Ten minutes later he was in the hangar, 'volunteering' to fly his mother and Stackhouse to the mainland. He told them he had to make a supply run.

Stackhouse just squeaked, "Yes sir" while Caroline glowered at her son. If looks could kill, John would be a pile of ashes.

One hour later they were back in the city, in the infirmary. Carson was fixing the bloody nose Stackhouse had, given to him by John when John caught him kissing Caroline.

And under his mother's glare (the kind that mother's use to instill fear in their children) John apologized and turned to leave. But of course he turned back and gave Stackhouse the most evil look he could muster. "You have latrine duty for the next month." He added a maniacal laugh that had everyone there wondering if he had gone insane.

Caroline insisted Stackhouse take her back to the mainland and reassured him he would not have latrine duty. She'd see to that.

As they left, his arm around her waist, her hand on his ass, Carson thanked any God he could think of that John was not in the vicinity.

It would have been a bloody mess...in the literal sense.

~~~

"You gave him a bloody nose?"

"He deserved it, Rodney. He kissed my Mom."

"So he kissed your Mom. No biggie."

"That's easy for you to say!" John fired back. "He didn't kiss *your* mom."

"If he would have kissed my Mom I'd have had him committed."

John made a screwy face.

"What are you thinking?" Rodney asked.

"She's no longer in the city," John growled.

"Who?"

"My mother."

"How do you know that, John?"

"I...I just do."

"That's amazing," Rodney said with wide eyes. "I bet it has to do with the gene."

"Of course it does." John rolled his eyes and banged on the nearest com panel. "Sergeant Stackhouse, I need to speak with you."

"Stacks isn't here, Colonel," Bates answered. "He went to the mainland."

"Alone?" John asked, grinding his teeth.

"No, sir. He was with Doctor Eldridge."

"Thank you, Sergeant."

"You're welcome, sir."

John punched the panel. "I'm gonna kill him, I swear to God."

"John?"

"And you're going to help me, Rodney. Yeah, between us we can do something terrible."

"John, there are more important things to do right now."

"Like what?" John snarled.

"Oh, I don't know." Rodney wrapped his arms around John's waist, swaying his hips, nuzzling John's neck.

"I'll bust him down to Airman."

Rodney opened John's pants. As they dropped down John's legs, Rodney turned him around and dropped to his knees. "He's a marine." He leaned in, mouthing John's dick through his briefs. All the while his hands caressed John's legs, sliding around to his ass.

"Then he'll be a Pri...yeah, Rodney, just like that...a Private." John's underwear fell, his cock erect and in Rodney's face. His breathing increased, fingers pressing into Rodney's shoulders.

Rodney brought his hands up over John's, stroking them. "You want it bad." Hands returning to John's ass, tongue teasing John's dick. "You're such a slut."

John grabbed a handful of Rodney's hair, pushing his dick inside Rodney's mouth. "Your slut Rodney...only yours."

Rodney sucked him deep, moaning softly, tongue teasing as he sucked. John screamed and he drew back, kissing the tip. "I love to make you scream." He swallowed John again.

"Nobody ever took me so deep before..." John slid his dick in and out. "So wet...so damn hot. Rodney, I can't hold it...gonna come...."

"Mmmm..." Rodney moved his head back, teeth grazing the thick length. One hand slid under John's balls, caressing them, kneading them. Then two hands grabbed John's ass, feeling the dick touch the back of his throat, drawing back before swallowing again.

John watched as Rodney sucked him in again, still amazed that Rodney loved to give head. He had given John the finest blow-jobs he'd ever experienced. Fingers teasing his crack and John moaned, thrusting deep, finally letting go. The orgasm hit him like a tidal wave hitting land, a rush beyond everything. John lost focus as he spilled in Rodney's mouth, bracing his hands on Rodney's shoulders, to avoid falling to his knees. "OH YESSS!!" The scream came before he could stop it, losing himself in his release.

Rodney heard the words, swallowing John's seed, feeding as a starving man granted his last meal. He was wrapped up in his own private ecstasy. He licked his lips and stood, holding John up. "Love you, John." He licked John's lips, those lips parting for him, tongue sliding in, sharing tastes.

"Fuck me, Rodney...do me rough, do me raw...just fuck me."

Rodney shoved him onto the bed, stripping his own clothing before working on John's. He grabbed John's legs and pulled them over his shoulders. "You want rough?" Rodney spit on his hand, slicking his dick as best he could and slid inside, rolling his hips as he buried himself deep. His hands slid to John's ass and he pulled the cheeks wide. "I can do rough." He thrust in hard, taking possession of what was his and his alone.

John was bearing down, wanting more, needing more and he was coming again and his vision was blurring and then...nothing.

~~~

"John?"

John had to force his eyes open. "Hi Rodney."

"You okay?"

"Better then okay." John snuggled into Rodney's arms. "How long have I....?"

"About twenty minutes." Rodney smiled and kissed John softly. "You've really got to stop passing out on me, John. It kind of ruins the post-coital bliss."

"Can't help it," John murmured, eyes closing again. "You're too good." He sighed and burrowed deeper into Rodney's arms. "Sleep." He was snoring peacefully a few minutes later.

"We eat, we fuck, we sleep," Rodney laughed to himself. "Typical males." But he let sleep take him over as well.

~~~

John woke up alone, finding a breakfast of Frosted Flakes and Pop-Tarts. He felt better then he had in weeks. A quick shower and shave and he went off on a search for Stackhouse, but Bates told him that Stackhouse had taken up temporary residence on the mainland and wasn't coming back yet. His next stop was Rodney's lab and he entered, seeing both his mother and lover hunched over the table, examining some equipment.

"Rodney," Caroline sounded exasperated, "the power couplings should fold over and go in here."

"No they don't. I'm telling you they're supposed to...will you not touch that...."

All of Atlantis was suddenly plunged into darkness.

"Oops?" Caroline laughed a bit.

"Oh yeah," Rodney sighed, "you're John's mother all right."

"Hey, was that an insult?" John concentrated and the lights came back on.

"It lives," Rodney grinned.

"Morning, Mom." John kissed her on the cheek, walked over to Rodney and took Rodney into his arms. "Good morning, lover." He kissed Rodney, his body on autopilot as he shoved Rodney against the table.

Rodney pushed him away. "Don't do that in front of Mom."

"I don't care, Rodney," Caroline told him. "John and I once lived in a nudist camp that was also a commune."

Rodney's eyebrows shot up. "A nudist camp?"

"Yes," she nodded, "for five months. Everything went on there."

"I was only four," John added. "I couldn't appreciate the...sights."

"I have done enough damage here," Caroline grinned. "And Sergeant Markham has volunteered to give me a flying lesson."

"MARKHAM?!" John screamed. "First Stackhouse and now Markham? Mom, I have to work with these people."

"Take a valium, John," she laughed again. "He's only giving me flying lessons." She thought the door open. "And we're going to the mainland so I can reassure Adam that you're not going to tear out his spleen."

"Adam? You're on a first name basis with Stackhouse?"

"I could call him Sergeant, but that's too kinky, even for me."

John stared after her and turned to Rodney. "Rodney, do something, would you?"

"Okay," Rodney agreed, taking John by the arm. "Let's go see Elizabeth and explain why the lights went out. And if we're lucky she won't kill us both."

~~~

The two barged into Weir's room and both froze.

For there before them were two full-bird Colonels and one Governor of Atlantis and they were all naked...and wrapped around each other like a pretzel.

"It's not important," Rodney muttered and turned to leave.

John was standing there with the stupidest grin, tilting his head as if to study the position. "I bet you'll be sore later," he cracked, just before Rodney cuffed him on the back of the head and dragged him out, locking the door with a thought behind them.

"Pervert!" Rodney admonished.

"I learned from the best," John snickered, ducking as Rodney's hand flew out to swat him again. "Come on, McKay, you can do better then that." He dodged another swat and laughed.

Rodney stalked forward, John stepped back...right into a transport tube.

"Can you lock the doors?" Rodney asked, dropping to his knees.

"Already done."

Epilogue

John and Rodney shared a last meal with Caroline before the Daedalus left.

"Why can't you stay?" John whined like the disappointed child he was.

"I have a new job waiting for me at Area 51," she told him.

John choked and spit food all over Rodney. "WHAT?!"

"Thanks, John," Rodney sneered, wiping himself up.

"Shut up, Rodney!" John turned to his mother. "How could you go back there?"

"David didn't lie when he said there were artifacts to be studied. I can do that, maybe figure out how they work."

"But you're safe here." John swallowed hard. "The NID can't get to you in Pegasus."

"What exactly are you going to do?" Rodney put his fork down.

"I intend to follow up with David's project."

John's eyes widened and Rodney's mouth dropped open.

Caroline just laughed aloud. "My God, you two look idiotic like that." She slowly composed herself. "The work in itself *is* important. We need to be able to defend Earth. Not only against the Goa'uld, but possibly against the Wraith as well. If the Wraith aren't defeated here in Pegasus, how long before they travel to Earth's end of the galaxy?"

"Mom," John was chewing his lower lip, "if they were to hurt you again...."

"Jack O'Neill has guaranteed my safety," she told him.

"Then you'll be okay," Rodney added, smiling at John. "I haven't always liked him, but he's a good man, true to his word. She'll be all right." He turned to Caroline. "You're going to experiment on the gene, aren't you?"

"I have to," she told him. "So far, there have been many carriers of the gene, like Carson Beckett, but only three who can take it..." she giggled, "...where no man has gone before."

"Two of whom are you and John," Rodney answered, thinking for a moment. "And the third is Jack O'Neill."

"Exactly," Caroline nodded. "You are a smart one. I think I'll adopt you." She stood up, the two men standing as well. Turning to Rodney she gave him a big hug and he just blushed and hugged her back. "You're good at hugs," she smiled brightly. "John always liked them. He was a cuddler when he was younger."

"He still is," Rodney snickered.

Caroline turned to her son. "I'm going to say good-bye now, John."

"You're not leaving until morning." John looked like he was going to cry. "I just found you, Mom. It's not fair."

"You know where I am if you need me." Caroline hugged him. "I need to get settled on the Daedalus." She kissed him on the cheek. "I love you, John."

John smiled and kissed her back, resting his forehead upon hers. "The Athosian's do this to show affection."

"I know," Caroline backed away with the silliest grin. "Adam taught me all about it." She thought the door open. "God, I'm going to miss doing that." The door closed behind her.

John was still smiling while Rodney walked outside. John followed him out. "Why are you crying?" he asked, wiping the tears away.

"I never had a Mom to miss before," Rodney sniffled as he wrapped his own arms around John.

John remembered the stories Rodney had told him about his own mother; they weren't very pleasant. Mrs. McKay had been both verbally and physically abusive to her son. When Caroline heard about it, she was half-tempted to track down Rodney's mother and kick her ass. "Stop crying, Rodney. She'll be back."

Rodney's tears slowly ebbed. "I know. She promised to bring me Oreos and chocolate milk."

"No more tears?"

"No." Rodney took John inside. "Mom wanted to know when we were getting married. She doesn't want to miss the wedding."

John took his shirt off and removed his pants. "Can we go to bed now?" He pulled back the sheet and lay down.

Rodney got undressed as well, laying down beside John, pulling the sheet over them. "I'm tired, John."

"So you say." John rolled atop Rodney and kissed his neck.

Rodney stretched out, stroking John's hair. "And Mom said to tell you to leave Stackhouse alone."

"Hey," John laved a nipple, "I was nice," he suckled on it, "and even left him a DVD as a peace offering." He moved across to the other nipple, chewing on it, feeling Rodney squirm. "Beautiful, Rod, totally beautiful." He kissed his way down Rodney's body, licking the length of Rodney's dick.

"John, leaving a copy of the film 'Lifeforce' was not a nice thing." He moaned as John sucked down the top few inches.

John raised his head, "You like, baby?" and swallowed some more.

"Oh yeah." Rodney started to move his hips up. "Leaving a film about soul-sucking aliens...damn John, that's good...and a note that read 'don't let this happen to you' was not nice either."

"I'll behave," John licked the length again before taking Rodney's dick all the way. He was humming and moaning and pretty much feeding. And just when Rodney thought he was going to explode, John lifted his head again.

"Why did you stop?"

"Because I want you inside me."

"John, I want to bottom. You haven't let me in weeks."

"Okay, Rodney. Whatever you want...." John rolled Rodney onto his stomach, pulling him to his knees. "Just not yet." He leaned down, tongue swiping across Rodney's hole. "You like that?" John slid a finger inside, gently moving it.

"Please." Rodney almost sobbed. "I need...."

"Hush, Rodney, I'm going to give you what you need." John's tongue returned, darting inside, then two fingers, still slow and easy. "You like this?"

Rodney opened his mouth but no sound was forthcoming.

"I'll take that as a yes," John grinned as he played some more. But even John had his limits and the moans and sighs and Rodney's begging were getting to him. He shifted up, one last kiss to Rodney's hole. Reaching for the lube, he slicked himself and slid inside, Rodney opening for him, welcoming him. "Oooh, Rodney...so damn tight...." John twisted his hips, thrusting deeper, trying to climb into Rodney's skin. He braced one hand on the small of Rodney's back, the other on Rodney's hip, watching his dick slide in and out. "You're so good, Rod, so fucking good. Tight and hot and OH FUCK!" Rodney was clenching his muscles, drawing John as deep as he could. John reached down to take Rodney's dick in his fist, stroking hard. "Come, baby...come for me...."

Rodney's mouth opened but he came with only a sigh.

John was still pounding inside, drawing out the pleasure. "My turn now...." He thrust in hard and let his orgasm overtake him, holding himself deep, staying until he grew soft. He slid out slowly, rolling onto his back. "That was good."

Rodney turned to him, his hand caressing down John's body, fingering his spent dick. "Just good?" He leaned in for a kiss.

John caught his breath. "Wonderful...amazing...stupendous...."

"Keep going, John."

"I love you."

"Yeah, yeah, I know. I'm wonderful."

John stole a kiss. "You're nuts."

"That too." Rodney grabbed a handful of tissues and cleaned them up. "I'd have to be crazy to love you."

John opened his mouth, but the com came to life, Elizabeth's voice coming through. He reached over, still grinning. "Yes, Doctor Weir?"

"Sergeant Stackhouse wants to know if it's safe to come back," Elizabeth said. "He says he likes his body parts where they are."

"No," John said.

"Yes," Rodney added.

"Well which is it?" Elizabeth asked.

"No!" "Yes!"

"Boys, I would appreciate the two of you coming to an agreement. It's late, I'm tired and the Sergeant would like to sleep in his own bed."

"He can come back, Elizabeth," Rodney replied. "I'll keep John under control. Tell Stackhouse his body parts are safe." Rodney hit the off switch. "Leave him alone, John."

"All right," John agreed reluctantly. "For you. But that doesn't mean he's not going to be scrubbing grout off the bathroom tiles."

"Say good-night, John."

"Good-night, baby. Sweet dreams." John snuggled into Rodney's arms.

"Always, John...always...."

FIN