Thanks for reading. John and Jen are a favorite pairing of mine. I included Dave, as well as Carolyn/Cam in this story as well. Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did while writing it.

A special thanks to Bailey1ak for all of her help with editing and the rest of the writing process. You helped in so many ways, especially when the ideas were not flowing well! I really appreciate it!

I'll be posting each chapter daily. The story is almost finished, but I need some extra motivation in completing the last few chapters. In all, there should be about 11 or 12 chapters.

"Ready?" Lt. Colonel John Sheppard looked over at Atlantis' Chief Medical Officer.

Jennifer Keller, armed with a few binders and overnight bag, nodded.

John turned and waved at Rodney to dial Earth. He walked back over to stand next to Jennifer, who was looking a little nervous.

"What's up? Why the worried look?" he asked.

She shrugged, "I hate leaving Atlantis. We only have one other surgeon on hand. Not only that, but Rodney and I've been working on a new technology that-"

John held up a hand. "Relax, Keller. You'll be back in less than 24 hours."

Shrugging sheepishly, Jennifer laughed. As the gate activated, she just sent him a look. "Right. Like anything ever goes according to plan. You of all people should know that, Colonel."

Unable to deny it, Sheppard just shook his head. "Everything will be fine, Keller. Wait and see." With that, they walked through the gate.

"Sheppard," Colonel Cameron Mitchell greeted them. "Welcome back. Dr. Keller, it's nice to have you back again as well."

Jennifer smiled at the Colonel. "Well, it'll be a short visit from what I've been told. Just the standard reports the IOA prefers the head of military and medical to give in person."

Sheppard smirked. "And you know how I enjoy these meetings, Mitchell." John looked around, seeing not much had changed since he'd last visited. Watching Keller fumble a bit with her load of stuff she had brought, he moved over and took the bulk from her.

"Yeah. About that..." Mitchell beckoned with his head. He led them to a private conference room. "We have a problem. That's why I'm here to meet you guys."

John just sighed. Sitting down next to the SG-1 leader, he looked upward. He didn't even glance at Jennifer, who, he was sure, was a moment away from saying the dreaded "I told you so."

"And why does that not surprise me?" John turned to Jennifer. "No rubbing it in just yet, Keller. I'm sure it's nothing big."

Mitchell gave a half laugh. "You both don't seem surprised that something is wrong? Anyway, earlier today, we got a coded communication by phone. It's untraceable. But the threat in the message was clear. Someone got a hold of some Wraith DNA on Earth, which puts a hitch on your visit to Earth. Caldwell's standing by. He's going to beam us up to the Daedalus any second."

Jennifer looked at Mitchell, shocked. When he didn't go on, she looked at John. "How could that've happened?" Instead of looking worried about the classified information getting leaked, John immediately sent a worried glance toward her. She could tell he was more anxious about something else. "What?"

"Let me take a guess, Mitchell. They don't know what to do with it," John grated his teeth. "Someone called in with a threat concerning Keller, I presume, since I don't know the first thing about the stuff."

Just as he finished his sentence, they were transported to the ship.

Nodding as if nothing had happened, Mitchell led them to a vacant room in the ship. "Right on the first guess. In short, if we don't hand them over Dr. Keller immediately, the group plans on going public with their findings. Of course, we already have at team of people ready to put out that fire when and if it sees the light of day. Dr. Keller, while you're on Earth, you'll be strictly monitored and required to stay on base." He turned to Sheppard, giving him an odd look. "There's more, of course. I'm a little concerned about who to trust around here. That's why I asked Landry if we could brief you up here before following the IOA orders and tuck her away on base. The thing is... I'm not exactly sure how safe either of you will be at the SGC. And I don't think this group will be satisfied with a simple 'no' to their request."

"Which is why she's not going back to the SGC," John announced. When Mitchell looked at him with an almost expectant look, he realized the other Colonel had already guessed John wouldn't go for the idea. "There are too many people who could be mixed in with this. Thanks for heading us off... someone could easily be working out of Cheyenne Mountain."

"So where do I send you? That's the million dollar question, Sheppard."

"I have a few places we can stay," John supplied. "Are we close enough to Earth yet to get a signal? Get me a satellite phone so I can give someone a call."

Nodding, Mitchell gave the orders to a Marine for a phone. "You sure the place won't be traced to Dr. Keller?"

John shook his head. "Negative. She'll be safe there. Just make sure this call is untraceable and act like we're proceeding according to plan." He looked over at Jennifer. "Keller, why don't you head to the Daedalus' infirmary and get your physical out of the way? It'll be a distraction, as if we're prepping to be beamed down to the SGC as planned. Mitchell," he lowered his voice. "Is Jackson up here?"

Mitchell nodded, seeing where Sheppard was going with his line of thinking. "Doc, wait up." He radioed Daniel. "Danny boy, get up to the control room. I need you to escort a VIP to the infirmary."

Daniel arrived in minutes, reintroducing himself to Jennifer since they'd met before. Cameron had already spoken with Daniel about their situation and he arrived armed. Sighing, she turned and made her way down the hallway. "No matter what the galaxy, nothing changes. Why can't the bad guys just leave me alone?"

Chuckling, Daniel draped his arm around her shoulders and began telling her stories of his mishaps with SG1. John watched them silently as they left the room.

"Relax, John," Mitchell murmured. "Your doctor is safe with him."

John just looked back at him. Funny, John thought. The comment was just personal enough to make him wonder what Mitchell may or may not be implying. He pushed the thought aside and didn't comment.

When he finally received the phone, he had to think for a moment before dialing. Numbers had a way of sticking in his mind. Last time he was on Earth at his father's funeral, his brother gave him a direct cell phone line to call him on for the next time John was back on leave. The two brothers had smoothed over some misunderstandings, but had yet to be back to the closely bonded brothers they'd been as children.

It only took two rings for his brother Dave to pick up.

"Dave Sheppard," he answered confidently but not lacking warmth in his tone. John found himself wanting to smile. It was good to hear his older brother's voice.

"Hey. It's John." He felt uncomfortable knowing that not only Mitchell was listening in on the conversation but could also hear how awkward he still was with his brother. There was a long stretch of silence. And for a fleeting moment, he thought his brother had a change of heart and had hung up on him.

"John?" Dave asked. "Wow." John could hear shuffling papers and muted conversation going around his brother. "Let me step away from this meeting." A few moments later, John heard a door softly shut. "Okay, now I can hear you better. I'm a bit surprised. I thought I wouldn't hear from you in person for at least another year."

"Yeah. Well, something came up." Knowing Mitchell needed an answer soon, he held a finger up, silently communicating to Cameron he needed a minute. "How's it going?"

Dave must've been surprised. "Good, John. I'm doing well. The company handled itself well during this turn in the economy. Dad would be proud."

It was always about the company, thought John. Well, he couldn't blame his brother. It used to grate on his nerves, but somehow he found himself understanding now. John fully admitted his life revolved around the safety of the people in Atlantis. He knew his brother would be surprised at the comparison had he the security clearance to know John's work.

Cameron signaled to him. Nodding, he turned his back. "Look, Dave. I don't have a lot of time on this line. I hate to ask you for a favor, but I need a place to stay for a few days. Maybe a week."

"Stay with me," his brother immediately suggested. "I'll fix it so I can take off a few days."

John's jaw about hit the floor. Did Dave just offer to push aside work just for the chance to see him?

"I can't tell you how much I'd like that. But Dave... God, I know you hate when I do this, but hear me out. There's a friend of mine that I need to keep out of sight for a few days." Silence greeted him on the other end. "Dave." He knew his brother had shut down. "I'm sorry. Maybe there'll be time before I have to go back and we can do that afterward."

"No problem," Dave recovered, but the warmth had left his tone considerably. "Will the vacation house in Maine work?"

He hadn't thought of that. "Actually, it would. I almost forgot about that."

"If you give me a few hours, I can have it stocked and ready for you," Dave said. "Just let me make a few calls."

John closed his eyes and sighed. "Dave, I owe you one. And I'm sorry. For calling just because I need something."

"Not a problem, little brother. We said we'd work on understanding each other. I'm just holding up my end of the promise," Dave said. John could hear the underlying implication that even though Dave was trying, he was not.

"And I promise you... when this is over, I'll pull every string and see if I can stay a few days. Keep a guest room ready for me."

His brother laughed. "Alright, John. I will. Is there anything you'll need at the place besides the basics?"

Shoot. Glad his brother had mentioned it, he told him to hold on. They'd need clothes and a few other necessities since they had returned to Earth with only the clothes on their back and another change for tomorrow. Obtaining these items through the normal channel could warrant unnecessary attention, which he wanted to avoid. He asked Mitchell to radio Daniel and put Jennifer on.

"Keller here."

"I'm working on getting us some things to wear before we head out. We may be here longer than we planned. Give me your sizes." John waited for her response.

"Seriously? You're asking me... a woman... to broadcast my size to you and half this-"

Realizing his brother could hear, he stopped her. "Keller, just tell me. I have my brother on the phone right now and he can hear."

"Oh? Really? I didn't know you had a brother."

He instantly regretted radioing her while Dave could hear. Although he wasn't as close to Jennifer as he was to Ronon, it was still embarrassing that having a brother never came up in their conversations. It made him ashamed of how estranged his family was despite the numerous relationships he had on Atlantis. Only Ronon knew about the tension between him and his brother, although they'd both agreed to work on repairing their relationship since their father's funeral.

Giving him the information, she ended the transmission.

"Dave, did you hear that?" John asked. "Sorry, there's not a hold function on this satellite phone I'm on."

"Yeah, I wrote it down." His brother paused, his voice telling John he'd heard everything. "You didn't tell me your friend was a woman."

"Yeah, she is," he said, then realizing where his brother was going with that. "But it's not like that. We work together."

"Wouldn't have thought that. Since Nancy, you seem to avoid the opposite sex in that regard when you can," Dave paused. "Listen, does she need any other stuff? Undergarment stuff...I'd need those sizes, too."

John sat down and covered his face with his hand. He heard Cameron snicker and didn't realize his brother's voice was carrying over to him. "Just guess. She'll kill me if I ask." He paused. "Wait, I think I can get a hold of it." He covered the phone, sending Cameron a glare. "Mitchell, make yourself useful and bring up Keller's file."

Cameron obeyed but didn't wipe the smile off his face. "I'm guessing you want her measurements the SGC took on her for her uniforms?"

"Exactly. Read them off to me."

Saying them loud enough for Dave to hear, they confirmed he got the information.

"Okay, thanks man. I'll need things too. You know my sizes. And if you can put it on your card, I'd appreciate it. Just wire the funds from my account to yours afterward." The last time John had been on Earth, he'd had his brother authorized to manage his account and inheritance. Dave had all of his credit cards and banking access.

His brother paused. "John... are you in trouble?"

"No," John immediately replied. "But my friend may be. Just take the extra precautions to be on the safe side, bro. And thanks. For everything."

Ending the phone call, John looked to Cameron. "Well, that wasn't as awkward as the last conversation we had. Anyway, my brother will overnight stuff for us to the house."

Cameron only raised an eye. "Never thought you'd be one with family problems. So, a vacation house in New England? Just the two of you. Sounds like you may be getting a romantic little vacation out of this if I'm hearing things correctly."

"Yes, with my CMO who has been threatened even before arriving back on Earth," Sheppard glared at Mitchell when he continued to grin. "Just what are you implying, Colonel?"

Mitchell just shrugged. "Don't blame me. I'm just repeating the rumor that's been coming back to the SGC through a few of your people."

Leaning forward, John narrowed his eyes. "Rumors? What rumors?"

Taking the opportunity to make his exit, Cameron just grinned. "Oh, just about you being a little more overprotective of Atlantis' CMO lately." As he walked out, Cameron continued talking over his shoulder. "And there's the one about not taking your eyes of her. Or the last one that said you've been personally escorting any injured man during training to the CMO directly for medical attention."

John just stared at his retreating back. He swore, exiting down the other corridor and toward the infirmary— and Jennifer. No one was supposed to notice all of that. He thought he'd been careful. Pretending to just be friendly with Dr. Keller didn't seem to be fooling anyone. But he had to focus on the more immediate problem at hand— keeping her safe.