Author's Note: To anyone who's commented on my last two fics. I've got your comments but the site is disinclined to let me respond. Grrrr. So I'd like to do a group THANK YOU to everyone who commented. And another THANK YOU to anyone who responds to this fic. Just in case I still can't reply. You're all wonderful!

TITLE: The Grass is Greener on the Other Side of the Galaxy
AUTHOR: Merlin7/Clark angel
RATING: T
DISCLAIMER: Not mine
ARCHIVE: Anywhere
SUMMARY: Shep whump post Trio events. Sam returns to the SGC for a few weeks, leaving Shep in charge of Atlantis. Things don't go as planned.

THE GRASS IS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GALAXY…part one

John was sitting in Carter's office, behind her desk, eyeing the laptop with disdain. With the Colonel out of commission with a broken leg, John was charged with taking over her duties until Keller released her back to duty. Estimated release date was three to four days. John sighed. He really hated paper work. He hated sitting at this desk more, because being there was a painful reminder that Elizabeth wasn't.

Shaking off such thoughts, John made himself tap the enter key and start reading reports. Carter was off duty, but she still wanted to be updated, which meant John had to slog through the daily reports. He wondered if it would be cheating to have Lorne do it then give him the cliff notes. But as tempting as that idea was, John knew he wouldn't pass the buck. Carter trusted him to do the job, so he would do it. However, he was going to need bout three more cups of coffee if he was going to stay awake long enough to get through twenty-three more reports.

Pushing away from the desk, John stood up and took a moment to stretch the kinks out of his neck and shoulders. He'd already been at this for four hours and it promised to be a long day. Maybe he'd grab a sandwich to go with his coffee. The hollow feeling in his stomach reminded John that he'd forgotten to stop for breakfast. Although it wasn't so much that he had forgotten as he'd ended up working through breakfast.

After only managing to get three hours of sleep, John had been awakened by Lt. Bays to mediate a situation between one of the botanists and one of Rodney's engineers. Since Rodney needed his sleep, thanks to the stress of what he called - being trapped in a big hole with two annoying women for what felt like days - John had handled the argument himself. Which had to do with the botanist accusing the engineer of stealing a plant. Which turned out to be the engineer actually stealing a few rose-like blooms to offer to the botanist as a sign of his affection. But it had taken 4 hours for the engineer to fess up.

Carter had gotten a kick out of the story when John had radioed her from her office. She had been willing to let him forgo documenting the event so, officially, it never happened. But John had still missed breakfast.

Heading for the door, he hadn't taken one step out when his radio beeped. John sighed and tapped the ear piece. "Sheppard here."

"It's Colonel Carter," Came the reply.

"Everything okay, Colonel?" John countered, because she sounded a bit tense.
There was a moment of silence before she replied, "Everything is fine. But I need you to come to the infirmary ASAP. We need to talk, John."

That sounded serious and John found himself running scenarios through his head. But he couldn't think of anything he might have done that would get him yelled at. "Be right there," he responded, then he tapped off.

Five minutes later he was standing next to Carter's bed. She had a private corner, curtained off, and she was propped up against several pillows, with another pillow holding her heavily-casted leg. She was smiling, which was a good sign, and gesturing to her open laptop that was perched on her blanket-clad thighs.

"Thanks for your prompt response, John," she stated.

"Thanks for the rescue," he countered, a bit cheekily.

Carter chuckled. "Daily reports?"

John nodded, hands clasped behind his back and rocking slightly on his heels. "So…what's up? You sounded a bit odd on the radio. Some type of emergency?" He tried to glimpse what was on her laptop screen, but the angle was all wrong and all he could see was blue screen and a bit of glare.

"There is an emergency of sorts," Carter allowed. "But not here. I'm needed at SGC. I have knowledge of a project they're involved in so I'll be heading back in the morning."

"I see." John didn't bother to ask what the project was. Carter was as much of a genius as McKay, so he could guess he wouldn't understand what she was talking about. "How long will you be gone?"

Carter shrugged, wincing a bit as her bruises protested the movement. "Upwards to six weeks, maybe longer. Which actually is advantageous to everyone. I don't need mobility for the project the way I do here on Atlantis."

John knew what she was saying and she had a point. For all she was technically a pencil pusher now, running Atlantis meant being able to get around the city as needed. "They sending Caldwell in your place?" he asked, figuring the man was the logical choice.

"You'll be running things while I'm gone, John," Carter replied, watching his reaction and cutting him off with the wave of one hand before he could respond. "Don't look so surprised. "It won't be the first time you've been in charge. You did a hell of a job running the place before I got the position."

"I ran things out of necessity," John reminded her.

Carter nodded, her expression letting him know she understood his position. "Doesn't change the fact that you did good and that you were on the short list. I know I'll be leaving Atlantis in good hands. It makes it easier to go, knowing I can trust you to take care of things."

John appreciated her faith in him, but he really didn't want to deal with the added responsibility. "You know, Rodney would love the chance to run things. He does bossy well."

"I want to come back to the City in the same condition I left it in," Carter countered, leaving no doubt as to her meaning and her concerns.

"Rodney might surprise you," John continued pleading his case, because he could handle the job for the couple of days while Carter was in the infirmary, but the idea of six weeks in charge left a bad taste in his mouth and his gut coiling into knots. Like he'd told her. He'd done the job before out of necessity, but he'd prefer not to be in that position again. And the few other times he'd run things in her place since she'd started, it had only been for a day or two at a shot.

Offering up puppy-dog eyes, John made one last attempt at getting out of the job. "I still have nightmares about the paperwork. I really suck at that. Think of all the reports you'll have to fix when you get back.

Carter studied John, her gaze intense. "I need you to do this for me, John. I wouldn't ask otherwise."

"Crap," John muttered, because he knew he'd lost the battle. "No more than six weeks though, right?" He wanted her promise on that one.

"That's the plan," Carter replied, narrowing her gaze at him. "But we both know how things can change. But I'll make every attempt to be back in six weeks."

Since he knew Carter would keep her word, John nodded. "Okay then. Good luck with your project."

Carter looked relieve. "Thank you. I'll be released to my quarters around dinner time. Why don't you bring some trays and I'll update you on everything you need to know."

"Sounds like a plan," John allowed. "I'll let you rest." He gave a mock salute then he turned and made his way out of the infirmary.

OoO

After leaving Carter, John headed for the messhall. He wasn't exactly hungry anymore, but he knew he needed to get something in his stomach besides coffee. Although he fully intended to grab another cup, or three, to take back to the office.

When he got there he went through the line and grabbed a turkey sandwich and an apple, along with a cup of fresh coffee. Turning with his tray, he spotted Teyla, Ronon and Rodney in the corner. Ronon was waving him over.

"Hey guys," John drawled as he reached them. He sat down and reached for his coffee mug first.

"How is Colonel Carter doing?" Teyla queried.

John stared at her, wide-eyed. "Are you psychic now? How did you know I was with the Colonel?"

Teyla laughed softly, eyes flashing with amusement. "I went to visit her and you were already there and Jennifer informed me that Colonel Carter wished to have a private conversation with you."

"Oh." John realized he was way more tired than he had thought, because he normally would have figured out such a scenario on his own. He knew he was wound up about being in charge again. He wasn't even sure why it was bugging him so much this time.

"Why did Sam want to have a private conversation with you?" Rodney interjected, looking irritated.

John sighed and took a long swig of coffee before replying. "She's heading back to SGC for six weeks and she wanted to inform me that I'm in charge of Atlantis until she gets back."

Teyla looked concerned. "Is something wrong?"

"They need her for some project she was involved with in the past," John replied. "And she figures she's more useful there until she heals."

"Why are you in charge?" Rodney demanded. "Why is it always you?"

John stared at his coffee, pondering that very same thing. After a moment he reached for his sandwich and slowly unwrapped it. "Can't answer that, Rodney," he said before he took a bite.

Rodney glared at him. "I should be in charge. I'd be good at it!" He had his arms crossed over his chest and was practically pouting. But he spoiled the effect by wincing and hissing "Ow!" While shaking his, still bandaged, hands.

"Go for it," John replied around a mouthful of turkey. "If you can talk Carter into it, be my guest. I'd prefer not to do it."

"Seriously?" Rodney looked surprised by his response.

"Seriously," John drawled, nodding. He started to take another bite of his sandwich but dropped it back to his plate. He really wasn't all that hungry now, especially since his head was starting to throb. The almost headache he'd started out the day with was threatening to become full blown. "Seriously, Rodney," John confirmed. "You can be in charge. Clear it with Carter and the job is yours."

Rodney scowled at him. "She won't put me in charge. But you can do it after she leaves."

It was tempting, but John shook his head. Stupid move. He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to ease the pain, as he replied, "Doesn't work that way and you know it."

"It's not fair," Rodney grumbled. "Why won't she put me in charge. I'd be great at it."

"Says you," Ronon commented, around a mouthful of sandwich. Which looked to be his third, if the wrappers on his plate were any indication.

Rodney glowered at him, then turned back to John. "Why are you so unhappy? You get to run the place. Again!"

John just shrugged and picked up his apple, buffing it against his shirt sleeve. "It's not that much fun, Rodney. Mostly just a lot of paper work and listening to complaints."

"You're just mad because it means you can't go off world much," Ronon interjected, waving a cookie in John's direction.

"That too," John confirmed, because that was a big part of why he didn't like running Atlantis. It meant being stuck behind the proverbial desk, instead of out and about with his team. Running the military and leading his team were one thing. Being in charge of Atlantis was just one giant headache.

Teyla reached out and touched his arm, drawing John's attention. She was calm and smiling warmly at him. "You do well at running the city, John. And it is only for a short while."

He nodded. "Yeah, I know. And I'm sure the six weeks will fly by." He took one bite from his apple, finished off his coffee then stood up and grabbed his tray. "I've got an inventory check to do so I'll see you guys later." John locked eyes with Ronon. "You gonna be around for some sparring?"

"Be in the gym all day," Ronon replied.

"Good. See you later." John waved to his companions then strode off. He dumped his tray then headed for the nearest transporter. He was going to need a handful of Tylenol to get him through the rest of this day.

OoO

Keller made John sit through a quick exam, frowning a bit when she took his blood pressure. John didn't think it was because of the reading so much as the fact that she was having a difficult time working the equipment, since her palms were still bandaged.

John decided to pretend like he didn't notice. When she was done he slid off the bed and asked, "So, can I have the aspirin?"

"You can," Keller allowed. "And it probably wouldn't hurt if you took them then laid down for a quick nap. You look tired, Colonel."

John nodded carefully, mindful of his aching head. "That's what happens when up you get called in after three hours of sleep. I'll catch up tonight." At least he hoped he would. Going to bed early and getting a good eight hours was certainly on his to do list for today.

Keller narrowed her gaze at him, as if uncertain she could trust his word. But after a moment she turned away and rummaged in a nearby cabinet. She turned back and held out two, tin foil, packets of white pills. "Take one every six hours and if the headache isn't gone by the time you're done, come back and see me."

"You're giving me the good stuff," John commented, as he studied the packets before tucking them in his pocket. He would down one the moment he left and could grab some bottled water. He wasn't desperate enough to try dry swallowing horse pills.

"I know you're going to have a busy few weeks ahead of you, Colonel," Keller countered, gesturing over her should at the bed in the corner, where Colonel Carter was presently asleep. "I know that she's leaving in the morning and that you'll be in charge again."

John sighed. "Yeah…don't remind me. Technically, I'm already in charge again."

Keller let an amused smile curve her lips. "You don't look happy about it."

"You're very perceptive," John drawled, waggling a finger at her. "I'd rather be out in the field. Running this city is a tad bit out of my comfort zone."

"I know the feeling." Keller looked suddenly lost in thought, but shook herself out of it quickly enough. "I wasn't ready to be put in this position. It was a really crappy way to get a job I didn't even want."

John was all too famliar with that particular scenario. He had come to terms with having executed Sumner four years ago. He'd only done what needed to be done. Heading the military contingent on Atlantis had been a by product of his actions. At that point in his life, he had expected his future to involve nothing more than playing air taxi to higher ups in Antarctica. The thought of being in charge of anything hadn't even crossed his mind. But in the past four years he had learned to accept hi position and the responsibilities that came with it.

Smiling wryly, John reached out and clapped Keller on the shoulder. "It gets easier with time," he assured her. Then he felt suddenly lost in his own thoughts and memories, as Carson's face materialized in his head.

There was a long moment of heavy silence between him and Keller, until John willed Carson's image to shatter. "You're doing a good job here," he told her. "Carson would be proud." John knew that the Scotsman had considered Keller to be a protégé and he'd often mentioned to John how she'd be taking over for him some day. There had been times when Carson thought hard and long about returning home to Scotland and his mother.

John hated the fact that his friend had gone home in a wooden box.

"Colonel?"

Keller's voice startled John out of his reverie. "Sorry. Um…I'm gonna go now. Thanks for the drugs, Doc."

She smiled and nodded. "Thanks for the pep talk. And remember what I said about coming back if the headache persists."

"Will do." John waved at her then made a brisk exit. He made a quick pitstop at his room, grabbing a bottle of water and downing one packet of pills. He let himself drop down onto his bed for a moment, massaging his temples and willing the pills to work fast.

Suprisingly, John felt the pressure lifting, thereby easing the ache in his temples. Or maybe it was nothing more than a simple case of mind over matter. He didn't care which it was, he was just happy it was going away.

Remembering Keller's suggestion of a nap, John decided it couldn't hurt to lie down for a few minutes. But even as he shifted around to lift his legs up on the bed, his radio beeped. Swallowing a sigh, John tapped it and answered, "Sheppard here."

Zelenka's voice crackled in his ear. "Colonel…we have issue in Lab 4."

"What kind of issue?" John countered, rising from the bed and heading for the door.

"Bad kind of issue," Zelenka squeaked, sounding breathless.

John got a bad feeling as he picked up speed, jumping into the nearest transporter. "Define bad," he ordered, his tone sharp as his insides twisted.

There was the sound of voices in the background, someone shouting, then Zelenka was back. "There might be a slight explosion," he blurted out. "Small one."

"An explosion?" John couldn't believe what he was hearing and - hello - his headache was back full force. "What the hell is going on, Zelenka?" Stepping out of the transporter, John started running. But even as he rounded the corner, he heard a boom. "Zelenka?" He ran faster, reaching the lab as the door opened and smoke curled outward. A man in blue stumbled out. One of Rodney's scientists. John blanked on the name as he grabbed the man by the arm and pulled him away to the other side of the corridor.

"You okay?" he queried, easing the man to the floor.

The scientist nodded, coughing too hard to speak.

John tapped his ear piece, calling for a med team, taking time only to explain that there was an explosion in lab 4. He then heard Rodney's voice in his ear.

"Zelenka blew up lab four?" Rodney sounded furious. "I told him not to touch anything!"

"Bitch at him later," John snapped. "I need the med team now. I'm going in for Zelenka." Tapping off, John knelt beside the scientist. "How many others are in there?"

The man sucked in a breath, holding in a cough long enough to reply. "Just…Zelenka."

John nodded, clapping the guy on the shoulder. "Stay here. Help is on the way." With that he stood up, sucked in a lungful of air, then ran into the room.

It was hard to see through the haze of smoke which was curling upward in thick coils from what looked like some lumpy device on the floor. John lifted one arm, tucking his nose in the crook of his elbow, and peered about the room, searching for any sign of Doc Z.

A moment later his eyes started watering and John realized he was pretty much flying blind, so to speak. "Radek!" he shouted, regretting it the moment he had to suck in air and smoke was pulled into his lungs. John coughed, fought for a breath to hold, and plunged deeper into the room. His eyes caught a flash of blue and he moved towards it.

Stumbling forward, John nearly tripped over something solid only to realize it was Zelenka. He knelt down, fumbling for a pulse, and letting the soft moan that reached his ears reassure him that the scientist was alive. Not able to spare the breath for talking, John simply grabbed an arm and hauled Zelenka to his feet. When the Czech turned out to be a dead weight, John hauled him into a fireman's carry.

"Crap," he muttered to himself, when he realized he couldn't see the doorway. Going by instinct, John headed towards where he thought the exit was. He hoped like hell he was going the right way because he was staggering more and more with each step and gray dots were starting to dance before his eyes. Whatever caused the smoke, it wasn't from a regular fire. John, absently, noticed there weren't any flames.

"Sheppard!"

Relief washed through John as he recognized Ronon's bellow. He sucked in a breath to shout out a reply, but coughed instead. The gray dots were turning black.

Stumbling toward the sound of Ronon's voice, John blinked hard, willing the darkness to hold off until he was out of the room. Then suddenly there were hands on him, pulling him along, pulling Zelenka off his shoulder and John sank to his knees. He heard voices babbling all around him even as he closed his eyes and let the black dots eat the gray.

He woke up coughing, face covered by an oxygen mask, Zelenka foremost on his mind. Shoving the mask aside, John peeled his eyes open and saw blurry whiteness. A few blinks and the infirmary walls came into focus. He started to sit up but his chest hurt and hands were there, pushing against his shoulders.

John looked up into Ronon's face. "Zelenka…." It was all he was able to say before the coughing hit him, sucking air out of his lungs with the force of it. The oxygen mask was pressed back over his face and suddenly Keller was there, checking his vitals before pushing Ronon aside so she could glare at John.

"Dr. Zelenka is fine," she said firmly. "Now I want you to relax and leave the mask on. You suffered smoke inhalation and I'm keeping you overnight for obervation. Do as I tell you and I'll be able to release you in the morning.." That said, she turned on her heel and strode off.

Ronon moved back to John's side. "Better listen to her," he rumbled. "She's kinda mean."

John nodded and let his head lean back against the pillows. His temples throbbed a bit, but not as bad as he would have expected. Mostly his lungs felt a bit like they were burning when he inhaled, and his chest felt tight. But the oxygen did help and he had suffered smoke inhalation before, so he knew he would feel better soon enough. He was just glad Zelenka was okay. Later he'd have to get in touch with Rodney to find out the details of what had happened. For now he was content to doze.

Which he did for four hours, waking up to find Carter sitting in a chair next to his bed, a pair of crutches propped up beside her. John frowned at her as he got his bearings, first off noticing he was on a nasal canula now. Second, he noticed the IV taped to the back of his left hand. He didn't remember having that before, or maybe he just hadn't noticed.

"Keller put that in to help keep you hydrated and to give you some pain meds," Carter spoke up, as she watched John fiddle with the line.

"Ah." John stopped fiddling and studied his CO. "How are you feeling? I see you're up and about."

Carter smiled and nodded. "I feel better. I'm sore, but I'm also on the good stuff." She revealed the latter in a stage whisper, pretending to shift her gaze in case someone might be lurking to hear her.

It made John grin back at her. He liked the fact that Carter had a sense of humor and wasn't shy about sharing it. "You ready to go tomorrow?"

"I'm starting to have second thoughts," Carter confessed. "Are you going to be feeling up to running things tomorrow?"

"I'm fine." It was a reflex response, but John meant it. When Carter shot him a skeptical look, he hurried to reassure her. "Keller said I'll be released in the morning and I'm already feeling lots better. What happened was just a typical day in the Pegasus galaxy. And, sadly, if it comes right down to it, it wouldn't be the first time I've run the place from an infirmary bed." Not something he was happy to admit too, but a fact was a fact.

Carter looked convinced, and relieved. "Good. I'm glad you're feeling better, John. That was one hell of a rescue. Zelenka is very grateful."

John snorted. "Yeah, well I doubt he'll feel all that grateful once I'm done reading him the riot act."

"Rodney beat you to it," Carter replied, chuckling. "Although I don't think Zelenka was all that impressed. I'm pretty sure he was cursing Rodney in Czech and I'm guessing there were a few threats in there."

"No doubt." John was amused, knowing full well how Dr. Z and Rodney behaved. He started to laugh right along with Carter, only to choke into a coughing fit that left his chest aching and his throat feeling raw.

Keller must have been lurking close by, because she was suddenly there, rubbing his back to help ease him through it, then offering water when he could breathe again.

John took a few sips, sighing with relief, then he leaned back against the pillows and croaked, "That sucked."

"Sounded like it did," Carter commiserated. She had gotten to her feet and was precariously perched on her crutches, looking like she wanted to help, but totally at a loss as to how.

Keller checked John's IV then turned to Carter. "It's dinner time so you need to get back to bed, Colonel."

Carter nodded. "I'll talk to you in the morning, John." She waved then made her way out of his corner, moving slowly and awkwardly.

Keller then turned to John. "Feeling up to some soup and toast?"

"Sure, sounds good," John replied, even though he didn't feel hungry. He did take a few more sips of water, which felt good. He thought he might even try to take a cat nap while he waited on dinner, only to hear a famliar heavy footstep and he turned his head to see Ronon striding towards him with Teyla and Rodney close behind.

The Satedan was carrying two trays, while Teyla and Rodney each had one. Setting one tray on the rolling table, Ronon grinned at John. "We brought dinner."

John could see that, so he nodded. "Thanks."

"Are you feeling up to company, John," Teyla queried, as she moved to his side and smiled at him.

"Sure," John drawled, letting her pat his hand. "But you know I'm fine, right. You don't have to sit with me."

Rodney snorted. "Of course we know that. Personally, I'm just hanging out here and waiting for Zelenka to wake up so I can yell at him again."

John grinned as Ronon rolled the table over his lap and he reached for his spoon. "You'll have to update me on what happened in the lab. I'm guessing some ancient doohickey gone bad?"

"Something like that," Rodney allowed, before taking a bite of potatoes. He swallowed quickly and waved his fork as he announced, "I talked to Sam about me running Atlantis."

"Oh?" John wasn't really surprised to hear that. He'd figured Rodney would at least ask. To be honest, he had rather hoped Carter would agree to it. But given the conversation he'd just had with her, he knew that was a bust. Still, he let Rodney say his piece while he concentrated on his soup. It was pretty much just broth, but it felt smooth and soothing going down his throat.

Rodney nodded and continued. "She turned me down. Flat. She said you have more experience."

"Which he does," Ronon interjected, as he speared a chunk of meat on his fork before tearing off a big bite.

"And how did he get that experience?" Rodney countered, looking aggrieved. Before anyone could respond, he answered his own question. "Because he's been allowed to run the place. Hell, even Teyla's had her moment in the sun. It's not fair."

Teyla, ever the peace - maker, was quick to intervene. "You helped to run things with Colonel Caldwell, when Colonel Sheppard and Dr. Weir were…possessed. And you did a wonderful job, Rodney. Do not sell yourself short."

Rodney was nodding. "That's right, and I did a great job. See? I should totally be in charge this time."

"I'm sure Colonel Carter has her reasons for why she has chosen Colonel Sheppard over you," Teyla countered, trying her best to appease Rodney.

"She does have her reasons," Carter announced, as she clunked her way towards them. She looked a bit guilty as she faced them all. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation." She glanced at Rodney as she continue. "You're kinda loud."

Rodney scowled at her. "I would do a great job running this place and I'm not going to be quiet about it."

Carter grimaced. "It's not about that, Rodney. But you have enough responsibility here. When something goes wrong with Atlantis and her systems, I need all of your attention to be focused there. I'm trusting you to keep things running as smooth as always, and to be on top of anything that could go wrong." Her tone was soft and sincere as she spoke.

John believed she meant what she said, but he had something to add that might cheer Rodney up a bit. "I don't see any reason why we can't kind of, co-run the place."

"That would be fine," Carter allowed, giving John a small nod of approval. "But with the understanding that John has the final say in things."

"Fine by me," Rodney allowed, with a shrug. "If something goes wrong, I can blame him."

John wasn't sure he liked the sound of that, but he did nothing more than smile his agreement.

Ronon grabbed a chair for Carter and they sat around chatting for the next half hour, until Keller sent Carter to her bed, and chased the others away so John could rest. He was happy to curl up and close his eyes. His chest still felt a bit tight, and he felt bone weary, but he was pretty sure he'd be feeling much better in the morning and he needed to be up early to see Carter off.

As he drifted to sleep John sent up a little prayer, to whatever deity might be listening, for smooth sailing ahead.

THE END…of part one