Hello everyone, I'm back! Got a new little idea here. It's a little different than most you'll have read simply because its not John in the regular situations and he isn't with the people you normally see him with (cough- his team). I just wanted to explore this other side of Sheppard, and hopefully you guys will like my interpretation.
Rating: T, maybe?
Pairings/Characters: No pairings. Main characters are John and Jeannie.
Spoilers: Mostly just Miller's Crossing from season 4, but might be a few more minor slips from other season four episodes. (The only one I can think of doesn't go into detail and won't spoil anyone who hasn't seen it because it's very vague.)
Warnings: A few curse words here and there, a little violence, and religious referneces. None of it is offense to any one religion, and there's hardly any, but just so you all know.
Summary: Jeannie meets up with John when he comes down to Earth for a few days, and they get into some trouble. Basically, I wanted to explore Sheppard in a different light, so I pulled him away from his team and away from regular military conditions. About it, really.
Huge Thanks: To my wonderful beta, natamdrachen for putting up with a whole lot to beta this. Thanks!!
Alright, that's it. Hope you all enjoy it...
In the Arms of Angels - Part 1
She sat nervously, straight-backed and alert in the cushioned chair. She found its warmth and comfort misleading in relation to the top-secret underground military base in which it sat. She remembered not too long ago sitting in a chair just like this one, wondering what she was about to see and why it was all such a big deal. It hadn't taken very long to discover the latter, but it had been an unnerving event nonetheless.
And as Jeannie sat, she wondered what she was getting herself into. Granted, she was not heading out into space or going to another galaxy, but what she was about to do did warrant a good deal of uncertainty and anxiety. She wasn't too sure why, but guessed it was because it was going to be just her and Colonel Sheppard.
The Colonel John Sheppard. Honestly, he seemed like a character in a book or movie: the good-looking fighter pilot who would do anything for another, and yet had so many insecurities… okay, well that may have been her experience with romance novels talking, because honestly, she didn't know much about Colonel Sheppard at all. However, she knew all she needed to know through their brief encounters and by the mere fact that her brother trusted the man with his life.
Only months ago she and Mer had been rescued by him. She still had dreams about that day; everything from the initial kidnapping, to waking up after the medically induced coma. Every now and then, she would dream of the moment in which John Sheppard came bursting through the door.
That was another reason she was nervous; she had only seen John when he initially rescued them, but after that, he was nowhere to be found. She knew he had a lot to do with her being found, but lately, something else had been on her mind.
As of late, Mer had been sending a lot more emails, talking about his everyday life and inquiring about hers. Jeannie knew it was because the ordeal had scared him and he was still feeling guilty, but amongst all of the forced talk, he would let slip little things. Things that would go unnoticed in a quick read-through, but Jeannie had learned very quickly to read her brother's emails carefully. In doing so, she determined there was quite a bit that happened that day, that she didn't know about.
The possibilities of what actually happened that day and the meaning behind the unwritten words the vague report housed haunted her almost every day. She knew there was more because of her brother's cryptic emails, but knew she couldn't ask him - their relationship just wasn't like that. While she hadn't acted on her brother's suggestion strictly to bombard the Colonel with questions, she was considering it a definite possibility now.
That brought her to the reason she was here in the first place. A few days earlier, she had received her latest email from Mer after an unusually long wait. According to him, things had gotten a little hairy with the Replicators but they had managed to defeat them, or so he hoped. Now, Colonel Sheppard was at the SGC for a few days to brief them and take a required two-day R&R. He mentioned that John wouldn't have any family to meet up with him, and she could go pick him up.
At first, she had thought there was no way possible, but then, something had changed. She remembered some of her brothers words: "He did a more than anyone thinks," and "You really have him to thank for a lot." She knew that in order for Mer to say something like that about anyone, he had to really mean it. In the end, she decided to come.
So, here she sat, waiting for him to arrive while several different possible greetings ran through her head at lightning speed. It had been over half-an-hour, and yet, it felt like time was passing so fast. Finally, she heard voices and footsteps outside the room she was in, then saw the door handle turn and open.
"Jeannie," John Sheppard said in a surprised tone, stopping in the doorway upon seeing her. She immediately stood up and walked closer to him. For a second, she wasn't quite sure what to do, but before she could really stop and consider it, her arms wrapped around the tall, muscular man. It was a little awkward, knowing that she had caught him off guard and remembered her brother's words on how bad the colonel was with physical touch. But it was how she greeted people she cared for.
The hug didn't last long and she felt her arms pulling away as he spoke. "I didn't expect you to be here…"
The breath caught in Jeannie's throat. "Oh… uh, well Mer said that you were coming and that you could… use the company or something…," she stuttered, not having considered the possibility that Mer hadn't mentioned to the colonel that she may be there. "I can leave…"
"Oh, no," he replied, smiling lopsidedly. "You're fine. I'm glad to see you. How are things? How's Caleb and Madison?" he asked, sounding genuinely surprised and happy to see her.
"They're great. We're all good. Caleb's parents live close by and he and Maddie are visiting them for a while," she answered. "But how are you? Mer mentioned the Replicators… congratulations!"
He smiled, though more warily this time. "Thanks. Just got done with the debriefing."
"Yeah? Well, maybe we can get some lunch or… or whatever you want to do."
He seemed a little confused at first and frowned slightly, making her stomach tighten. "And this was Rodney's idea?" he asked with a nervous grin.
"Yeah, why?"
He seemed to detect that she was feeling uncomfortable with the situation, and quickly changed his demeanor. "Oh no. It's just that I didn't think he'd really trust me alone with you," he said, then quickly added, "not that he shouldn't… I would never… "
She felt her stomach loosen and laughed. "Oh. Well, I guess you've earned his trust," she replied, trying to ease the awkwardness. "I think he just wanted you to have someone here when you got done. But, if you want some alone time, let me know and I'll give you some space," she continued, feeling that it was necessary to let him know this; she came here for him and really didn't want him to feel obligated to keep her company.
He just chuckled. "No, that's fine. I appreciate it, actually. Beats the hell out of wandering these streets alone."
She smiled back at him. "Yeah, I thought so too. But, don't tell Mer I told you that. I don't think he wants you to know he actually cares."
"Oh, don't worry," he reassured. "So anyway, what do you feel like eating? It's been a little while, but I think I still remember the places around here. You're a vegetarian, right?"
"Oh, my husband is, but I still eat the occasional meat. Besides, I can get a salad just about anywhere."
"Okay, well if you're sure you don't mind, because I've been dying for a steak," he said as he headed for the door. That's when Jeannie realized something.
"Oh, um, Colonel?" she stated awkwardly, still not sure what to call him to his face. But, he turned around. She grinned and pointed at his uniform that had his badges and other things, but most importantly, the Atlantis crest. "You plan on changing?"
He looked down at his shirt and his face changed into an expression of realization. "Yeah, I think that'd be a good idea. The thought of steak has got me all turned around. I'll be right back," he replied before exiting the room, leaving her, once again, alone.
Jeannie decided that the first meeting had not gone too bad at all. It was a little odd at first, but it wasn't too bad now. In fact, he seemed more human than she would have thought. Of course, she had seen him "off the clock" on Atlantis, but that was still the post he was in charge of and she could detect the protective gleam in his eyes at all times. Now, things were a little different. He seemed more relaxed. More real.
After another ten minutes of waiting, Colonel Sheppard returned. He was wearing loose-fitting, slightly faded jeans with a button-up white shirt. And at that moment, she couldn't decided if she liked his uniform better, or this new outfit.
Finishing a rather tedious check-out process from Cheyenne Mountain, Jeannie found herself sitting in the passenger side seat of a rental car heading towards some unknown restaurant. She knew the Colonel was capable of driving but still found herself slightly impressed at how well he was able to, even though he spent so much time using other modes of transportation. Maybe they were similar to driving a car.
"So, your family's been good?" he asked, breaking the silence that had fallen over the car's interior.
Jeannie couldn't help but smile at his seemingly sincere interest in her family. "Yes. Caleb got a raise and Maddie's doing excellent in school. The teachers are wanting to move her up a level," she replied proudly.
"That's great," he replied in a genuine tone. "I wouldn't expect anything less from her though. It's in her blood, I would think."
She could feel a slight blush coming on, and had to look out the window. "Thanks."
"Yeah, so are they going to be joining us at any time?"
"I was actually going to leave that up to you," Jeannie answered. "I thought you might be tired and not be up to dealing with a kid or a lot of people."
"I don't mind. I spend a lot of time around the same people, so its nice to talk to others," he said. "Besides, I don't think I've ever really been able to have a real conversation with your husband. The last time we met was a little… well, you know."
Jeannie bit her lips as she remembered the uneasy conversation she had had with Caleb about a week after her return, centering around Colonel Sheppard and Ronon. She felt bad for him, already having to deal with his wife's disappearance, then adding two very large, manly-men storming into his house. Not that she would trade her husband for anyone in the world, but manly was not a word she associated with Caleb, which she kind of liked. Made him more real and less like a fictional character.
She laughed uncomfortably. "Yeah, I can imagine."
The rest of the ride was rather silent, only talking about little things like the weather and all the interesting new things that had happened on Earth. It was sometimes hard to remember just how out-of-touch the Colonel was with life on Earth. But before she knew it, the car was coming to a halt in front of a small, hometown looking diner.
"Its kind of a local place," the colonel explained as he took the key from the ignition. "A lot of your off-duties will come here. Got some of the best steak."
As they walked through the door, Jeannie understood why off-duty soldiers would enjoy coming to the diner. It was so homey-looking; it was almost as if you were in the kitchen of your mother's house. Jeannie knew it must be sad for the soldiers, spending so much time away from their families. Which made her wonder about the Colonel's family. Did he have any? Did they not see eye to eye?
"Hey there, my name's Lily. What can I help ya'll with today?" a young girl with a southern drawl asked upon seating Jeannie and Colonel Sheppard.
"Can I have a lemonade with a salad and a sweet potato?" she asked, having decided on one of her favorite meals. Lilly nodded and turned to the colonel.
"Sirloin steak, mashed potatoes and a Coke," he said.
"Well, ya'll are just all prepared, now aren't ya?" Lilly said as she smiled and her eyes lingered on the Colonel a little longer before she turned and left. Jeannie wondered if he was aware of all the flirting women around him, or if he didn't notice. Surely, he had to notice.
"So Colonel, I haven't really asked yet," Jeannie started. "How have you been? And Atlantis? Mer sends me emails a lot more now, so I hear about some things that happen, but not much."
"First of all, you can call me John. 'Colonel' just doesn't feel right coming from you, no offence," he requested lightly. "But, everything's been pretty good, I would say. Been worse, that is. Haven't lost anybody in a while, and we've made some progress."
Jeannie felt better now, knowing she could call him John, but also frowned slightly at his response. She knew it must be hard out there in the Pegasus galaxy if his idea of 'pretty good' meant no one had perished.
"That's good," she replied anyway.
As silence fell again, she was reminded of those nagging questions about her abduction and rescue. She wondered if now was the time, and decided if nothing else, she would bring it up. And if he showed reluctance, she would drop it.
"John, there's something I've been wanting to know," she began, and was sure she saw him grimace as if he knew what was coming. "What happened to me while I was… in a coma. Not all of it makes sense."
She watched as his face became stony and impassive. "Like what?" he choked out.
She took a deep breath. "Well for starters, why would anyone show Henry Wallace the labs? There was no reason for him to be there because he was no help to Mer. And if the Wraith had attacked him, the guards would have reacted and shot it, wouldn't they? And yet he was able to finish the programming… It just doesn't add up."
John frowned and thought hard about her statement. She knew right then that she had been right: there was something more to what happened. The trick would be extracting that information, and being a well-trained soldier, John would not relinquish any information he didn't want released.
"Well, it all happened really fast and…"
"John," Jeannie interrupted. "I know there are inconsistencies, and I know some things happened that day that didn't make it into the report. I just don't know what. But that day plagues me and if you aren't going to tell me, then okay, but please do not lie to me."
She suddenly felt horrible for bringing it up in the first place and letting it get as far as it did. It wasn't fair to him, and she was about to say so when she felt her phone vibrating in her purse.
"Hello," she greeted, glad for an excuse to look away from John.
"Jeannie," Caleb said, his tone rushed. "My mom just fell. Dad's taking her to the hospital, but I was wondering if you could take Madison for a little while. If Colonel Sheppard doesn't want it then…"
"Is she okay?" Jeannie asked, noticing John perking up with a concerned expression on his face.
"I think she'll be okay, but I would just prefer it if Madison didn't have to sit in a hospital for a couple of hours."
"That's fine. Are you sure you don't want me to go?"
"No, it's okay. Just tell me where you guys are."
About fifteen minutes later, Caleb pulled into the drive of the diner and met Jeannie and John at the door, holding Madison's hand. Caleb turned to John and threw out his free hand, John grasping it quickly.
"Sorry about this," Caleb apologized to Sheppard.
"No need to apologize. I'm sorry to hear about your mom but I hope everything goes well."
Caleb nodded. "Thank you."
Caleb then turned back to Jeannie and pecked her on the lips quickly. She felt bad for not being able to accompany her husband to the hospital, but she didn't want Maddie to have to wait in one either.
"Keep me updated," Jeannie requested. Caleb nodded again then started back towards his car.
"Bye guys, have fun."
Once he was gone, Jeannie picked up her daughter. "Hey, baby, how you doing?"
"Good," she replied simply in her young voice.
"Well, you remember Colonel Sheppard, right?"
Madison turned her head slowly to see John, then shyly buried her face in her mother's shoulder, before nodding. Jeannie looked at John and saw him smiling at the two of them.
"Why don't we go back inside and finish eating," Jeannie asked.
John agreed and a few seconds later, they were back at their table, only this time, plus a little girl. Jeannie was thankful for the now uplifting and bright conversation that was being had, John trying to keep Maddie entertained. She never would have guessed he was good with children. Of course, he wasn't exactly fatherly, but he was a whole lot better than Mer.
It was probably half an hour later before everyone was done eating and the laughter was coming to end, that it was decided it was about time to go. After a long debate over who would pick up the tab, John stood up and made his way to the cashier to pay for the meal, and just as he neared it, the door opened and in came three men, all holding guns. Before Jeannie had the time to warn John, she saw one of the men come up behind him and put his gun to John's head.
"Everyone get down!"