**************************CHAPTER 5

Sheppard momentarily held his own as Teyla watched over him.
Lorne and Ronon stood looking out for any sign of the rescue party.

"Can I ask you something?" Ronon pressed.

"Yeah." Lorne replied, meeting his gaze.

"Why did you say `Elizabeth needs you' to him?"

Lorne paused and looked down thoughtfully before
responding. "Sometimes, when you need to reach someone, you have to
make it personal. You have to reach into their being and hold them by
whatever means the most to them. He hasn't forgotten her. He never
will."

Ronon nodded quietly. "None of us will." He whispered back.

Something was moving toward them. The rounded forms of McKay and
Carson came into view. Lorne broke into a run to meet them. "Hey! You
guys ok?"He asked as he caught up.

Rodney flashed Carson a look of warning. Carson responded."Yeah,
fine. Sheppard?"

"We have him. He's in bad shape. Fill you in on the way. Come on!"

Ronon could see them heading back as he knelt down with Teyla. "You
ok?"

"Yes. I just want us to all get back."

"I am proud of you. Sheppard will be proud of you. We are almost
there."

Teyla nodded as she saw them return.

The foot falls ended with the thud of a hard plastic case coming to a
stop by their side. Carson opened it and got to work. He hovered over
Sheppard, cussing under his breath the entire time. "What in blazes
happened to him?…He `s a damn mess!"

Rodney knelt down, hoping for something positive. "Carson?"

Carson flashed him a look that made his heart hurt. `He's playing it
close Rodney, Really close." Carson administered something into a
vein on Sheppard's arm. He rechecked his heart with his stethoscope
for a moment and shook his head. "We have to go now."

Lorne closed the hatch to the jumper and leapt into the pilot
seat while Carson set to work on securing Sheppard to a back board.
Rodney took up position in the co pilot seat and intently fiddled
with his data pad.

Lorne activated the HUD."McKay, the Jumper is damaged…Looks like we
only have half power. We won't be able to cloak and the weapons are
off line. What happened?"

Rodney looked like a little boy in trouble. "Long story, but we were
fired upon by a hive and hit by a plasma burst from the planet."

"A plasma burst?"

Carson chimed in as he slipped a needle in Sheppard's good arm for
fresh IV. "He nearly set the bloody planet of fire! It took out a
hive."

Every eye was on Rodney. Lorne was stunned. "You took down one of the
hives?!"

Rodney wasn't in the mood to take credit."Something like that…And it
was a one shot deal. There are still two out there, so yet one more
reason to get the hell out of here... Let me see what I can do." He
turned around in his seat to access a relay. "Major, will it take
off?"

"Yeah, but if anything comes after us we won't last. Can't run and
can't fight. Don't think we can make it to the gate with two hives in
the area. Can you fix it?"

"I will try. Look at the long range sensors. Do we have company?"
"Not yet. We are gonna need some cover if we sit here. What do you
want to do?"

Rodney was swearing to himself as he rummaged through the bank of
power crystals within the console.. "Hang on…" He spun back around
and pulled up a map of the moon. Everyone was waiting on his word.

Teyla caught a glimpse of Lorne's bruised and slightly swollen face,
at last visible in the stark light of the jumper.

"Major? What happened to you?" She asked with confusion.

"Ask Ronon." He said dryly as he activated a few crystals on the dash.

Ronon shrugged. "That was part of the plan…The part I did not tell
you." He said calmly.

She nodded, unsettled by the observation.

"Gentlemen, I don't mean to pressure ya, but we have to get the
Colonel back as soon as possible!"

"I know that Carson! I am working on it!" Rodney snapped but felt
immediate regret.

"Major, can you get us to the far side, right about here? The rock
formations will boost our shielding while we repair. We can test the
systems on the way."

"Yeah, no problem."

With a lurch, the jumper rose up and moved forward. Lorne took it low
over the small sea, heading back into the night. Rodney looked over
at Carson with worry etched on his face. "How is he doing?" He asked
in a softer tone.

Carson sighed as he passed a portable scanner over him. "He's not
great Rodney. He has not given up…But he has a lot to contend with…
Looks like he took a hell of a fall. Bloody amazing he survived."

Carson set his scanner aside and looked at Rodney. " There are many
problems, all serious but I am particularly concerned about his back
and head. Bad blow to the head…Broken bones...Major blood loss…His
spinal cord is injured. I won't know how bad until we get him home. I
will try to keep him stable, but even with the extra supplies we
brought, I am still very limited as to what I can do for him right
now."

"His spinal cord? You mean like he is…Par…" He asked, fearful.

"Rodney! " Carson snapped, attempting to cut him off so he wouldn't
panic the rest of the crew.

Rodney pushed away his distress as he worked on the relay but
couldn't help but look over at Sheppard. He summoned his
determination with each glance.

As Ronon looked on, Teyla moved to Carson's side. "Can I help?"
Carson finished administering an injection into his IV line. He could
see she needed to keep busy to distract herself from her worry.

"Yes love, now that he is secure, I would like to take a closer look
at his head. While I do that, gently clean his shoulder with this."

He handed her some gauze pads and a bottle of liquid. "I will need
you to work your way over the wound. Don't worry, he won't feel it.
The solution on the cloth will protect the tissues until we can get
him properly cleaned and sewn up. Just be gentle. Once you finish, I
will re-bandage it."

She nodded as she took the supplies from Carson's hands. Teyla
whispered so only Carson could hear. "He could not feel his legs.
They would not work. After his fall, he was in the river for some
time I think. I found him a great distance from the battle site."

Carson nodded. "That may have been what saved him; being so cold for
so long. Hypothermia. Kept the swelling down. Was he conscious for
long?"

"Not at first. I slowly warmed him and he woke. He was confused and
could only manage short conversations then he would sleep. He became
ill. His eyes, they were miss matched."

Carson took a pen light and checked them again."They still are
slightly. He has a serious concussion... Seems you did just the
right thing Teyla."

"Will he survive?" She whispered again.

"If we can keep him stable...I will be damned if I will let him go
without a fight." Carson whispered back.

Teyla began her task and gently wiped him down.
Carson rested on his side, pen light in hand as he examined
Sheppard`s head. A long gash ran across the back of it. "He's going
to need more than stitches here too." He sighed as he proceeded to
apply a clean dressing to the area. Carson looked over Teyla's
work. "Perfect."

The jumper began to buck; the lights began to flicker. " McKay! We
are losing power. I can just make it to the repair location. Hold on
everyone!" Lorne shouted.

In a more graceful decent than expected, Lorne eased the craft down
and nestled it among towering cliffs of glittery basaltic stone. Once
stationary, Lorne checked the sensors. "Ok, we are very alone, but
those hives are still in orbit. What can I do McKay?"

"Keep the cloak up and watch for unexpected guests. I will need an
hour. " He said with a grunt as he wrestled with glowing conduits up
to his elbows. Lorne looked back at Carson. "Can he hold that long
doc?"

"Let's hope so." He sighed with uncertainty.
Lorne looked back to the HUD and watched the proximity sensors. It
was going to be a long hour.

*******

As Rodney stretched under the cockpit console, Lorne rested next
to him, handing off tools as Ronon watched the sensor display.
Morning was soon to arrive, leaving little time.
Teyla watched Sheppard as Carson finished re-splinting his broken leg.

She saw his arm twitch, followed the rise and fall of his throat as
he swallowed "Carson, he is moving!"

Carson came to his side. "John, can you hear me?"

Sheppard moaned as he opened his eyes half way. "John? Can you hear
me?" Carson touched his face.

Sheppard swallowed hard again; the effort seemed to hurt. He was slow
to make eye contact.

"Da.. Dohhc?"

"Yes, it's Carson. Can you see me?"

"Bl…urry." He whispered weakly.

"Pain?"

"Yeah." He could only manage a low, graveled whisper at best. It was
hard to hear him.

"I am going to hold up my finger and I want you to follow it, Ok?"
Carson asked.

"Yeah."

As Carson moved, Sheppard fought to follow. His eyes faltered a few
times . "Good John. You are on your way back to Atlantis. We are in
the Jumper."

"Te..yyla?"

"She is right here." Carson said softly.

Carson pulled aside the thick blanket covering his legs. They were
bruised like his back.

Teyla smiled as she looked into his eyes."Hello John. You are safe.
We are going home. Your team is here."

Carson spoke up. "John, I am going to feel your legs and feet. When
you feel something, raise your finger, any finger."

"Okahy."

Carson took a pair of forceps and methodically pressed them into his
bare legs, working down. Sheppard raised his finger sporadically. He
had some deficit but passed the test.

"Thank god!" Carson whispered. "Can you feel this?" He moved the
metal shaft along the soles of his feet. Sheppard's finger moved
reluctantly with each pass. Carson checked his reflexes. They were
intact but slow. Carson played with his feet a little more,
continuing his exam.

"Mmy Ok?"

"You're doing great. You have some feeling in your legs. That's a
start. Can you wiggle your toes?"

Sheppard closed his eyes. He seemed to slip away, scaring Carson.
"John?"

"Look Carson!" Teyla pointed at his feet. Very slowly, he began to
move them, although rather uncoordinated.

"That's fantastic! Can you feel them?"

Sheppard winced as Carson intentionally ran his hands over
them."Burns…little bit. Hurts."

"That's good. It should improve. What else hurts?"

"Ahl owver. Cold."

`Aye, sorry about that. We have a few cold packs under you. Teyla,
hand me that other blanket. Here John, this will help. Lie still and
try to relax. That's enough energy on your part for now."

He draped another layer of warmth over him and turned to pick
through a case containing various vials of liquid. Teyla touched his
arm. "What happened?"

Carson turned away from Sheppard to answer her.

"Well, don't quote me just yet but I think I know some of what is
going on. He most likely has a spinal cord concussion. A shock to it,
much like his head. Happened when he fell. The function of his spinal
cord has been interrupted but hopefully, if not too severe, he should
recover. You say he has not been able to feel or use his legs for the
last two days maybe?"

"That would be my best guess."Teyla replied.

"And he was cold most of that time?"

"Very cold."

"Then that could explain it. We are starting to see it come around.
We will need to wait and see."

"Will he walk…?" Her voice was barely audible.

" Might take him a spell, few days to weeks if he is lucky, but this
is a good sign." He smiled softly. "Can you watch him for a moment? I
want to check the Major."

Teyla nodded.

She saw that Sheppard had been watching her. She sat down next to
him. He was lucid for the most part but very weak.

"Thanks."He managed.

"I am glad I found you." She said.

"Don't tell." His expression changed slightly.

She thought for a moment, trying to get his meaning. The look on his
face cued her. "About keeping you warm?" She whispered.

"Yeah."

She leaned closer. "There was no other way. You mean, in the
beginning, when I…"

"Yeah."

"I thought you were unaware."

"Figured it out."

"I hope I didn't upset you."

"No. We're Ok."

She smiled."Be glad it was not Ronon."She said, hoping to ease his
concern. She knew he did not want her disrespected.

A small smile appeared on his face in response to her comment.
"Ronon." He mumbled, reacting to the joke.

Carson moved back to him and checked his vital signs again.

McKay popped out from the console."He's awake?"

"Yes Rodney. Better than expected at the moment."

Rodney scrambled over. Lorne followed. Sheppard could see their faces
through his fog.

"Hello sir. Good to see you. We are doing some quick repairs and then
we will be on our way."Lorne offered calmly.

Sheppard appreciatively acknowledged him with his eyes.

"Hold on buddy. We have a short drive home." Rodney said warmly.

Sheppard's eyes found their way to McKay. "You broke…it?" Sheppard
whispered.

"Aw, now that's not fair! If he only knew what…"Rodney cried,
crestfallen.

Lorne burst out with a laugh.

"Rodney, look." Teyla pointed, bringing Rodney's gaze back to
Sheppard's face; he was smiling.

Realizing Sheppard was playing with him, Rodney felt his chest
tighten with appreciation at the gesture. " Yeah! I did and now I
nearly have it fixed. Give me crap later buddy. I need you to stay
with us. Can you do that?"

"Yeeahh."Sheppard closed his eyes as he reached Rodney's hand. Rodney
gripped him back.

"You can do this McK…Kay." Sheppard said as his breath began to fade.

Rodney felt the push of emotion behind his eyes as he looked down at
his friend. He knew Sheppard was well aware of their situation.
"Yes I can John." Rodney whispered, forgetting he was surrounded by
his team mates. Sheppard's eyes closed a little.

Carson leaned over him. "John?"

"Pain."He mumbled.

"I know, I want you to hang on. Just a little longer." Carson urged
in a soothing tone. Lorne and McKay stepped back.

"Ok."

Just then the jumper shook. Lorne made it to the cockpit. "We
have Wraith! On foot! Looks like a patrol. Fifteen, wait….No, many
more!"

Rodney grabbed Lorne by the shoulder."What the hell! I don't read
anywhere…Where did they come from? Shit! We can't go yet! I need ten
minutes!"

"McKay!"

"No! We have to stop them from firing on the Jumper! I don't have
weapons yet and we still can't fly! I need to finish the sequencing!
Give me time!"

Lorne gathered himself and moved to the back of the jumper. "What
about shields? Can you shield the Jumper?"

"Not yet. I need a few more…"

The jumper shook again. Lorne opened the weapons locker and grabbed
two P-90's and a few pistols.
"Ronon! We are going to have to pick them off. They are still some
distance away. Let's go."

"Major?"Teyla asked.

"Watch the door. Use everything you have. They are tougher this time.
Look for any that might get past us."

"Alright." She armed herself.

The rear hatch opened, allowing the cold air to push in.
Teyla handed Carson a pistol as she followed Lorne and Ronon out and
took position just outside. Lorne and Ronon took off in opposite
directions.

Rodney had thrown himself back under the dash to complete the
repairs. "Hang on Carson, I am almost there." He grunted as he
labored on a weapons conduit.

Carson held his pistol slightly away from his side, not wanting much
to do with it. His own fears were rising as he hovered over Sheppard.

"Doc…"

"Yes John?" Fear had now crystallized behind Carson's eyes.

"Wraith?"

"Aye…I think they have it. It will be alright."

"My gun?"

"No John. You are in no shape to get involved."

Sheppard persisted."How many?"

"The major said fifteen or more."

"Too many…At once." He reached out his hand.

"John, I can't…You need to be still."

"Please doc…" His voice strained. Carson could hear the weapons fire
getting louder and more frequent. "For god's sake, you're strapped
down! How are you...?"

"I can do this."Sheppard grunted, showing his frustration.

"Can you see to shoot?" He reluctantly held his hand in front of
Sheppard's eyes.

Sheppard could only make out a tan shape."Yeah…Quick…In my hand."

"How many fingers?"

He guessed. "Three…" He guessed correctly.

Carson's bad feeling was growing, prompting him to lean over to a
lock box. He removed a pistol and clip and put them into Sheppard's
hand.

"This isn't right, Colonel. You shouldn't be do' in this." He was
truly fearful for Sheppard. He also knew Sheppard was right. They
could use all the help they could get.

Sheppard ignored him."Another." He stared through Carson.
Carson shook his head. "Can you hold it?"

"Think so."

Carson handed him another gun and clip. With some effort, Sheppard
loaded them without looking and weakly held them toward the door. It
was evident that his movements made his pain worse.

"Carson, get on other side."

"Of the door?"

"Yeah."

Rodney jumped up and started to calibrate the crystals in the
overhead power console. He stopped when he saw Sheppard. "Carson! You
can't let him!" He yelled.

"Keep working McKay." Sheppard managed to raise his voice out of
sheer determination and adrenaline.

Rodney knew when Sheppard was dead serious, and this was no
exception. He knew when to trust him. Despite his objection and
outright fear he kept to his task with one eye on the door. "Carson,
don't take your eyes off Sheppard!"

Weapons fire vibrated the jumper as the Wraith advanced. Carson could
hear Teyla shouting to Ronon outside.

Ronon had taken position behind a tall spire of stone just ahead
of the ship. He could see Lorne starting to lose ground as they
surged forward. He concentrated his fire on soldiers that carried
ordinances, blowing them up as well as taking down three or four
soldiers in proximity.

Lorne's P-90 locked up. He threw it aside and pulled his spare off
his back as he ran to get to a new position, dodging their stunner
blasts the entire way. Ronon covered him until he could make the
distance to a pile of fallen stone.

Lorne turned and dropped the remaining wave just before they reached
him. Ronon ran to him through the smoke.""You ok?"

"Yeah." He said panting, trying to catch his breath, but there was no
time."Shit! There's more…By the Jumper!" They sprinted after them as
the surge headed toward Teyla.

Sheppard felt the ground vibrations getting stronger and motioned
with the guns in his hand. "Get down Carson."

Carson ducked just as a blue beam hit the inside of the ship. Rodney
hit the floor. He reached for his pistol.

Teyla yelled over the noise."Ronon!" Another blast hit just outside
the door. Sheppard waited, patiently watching as Carson stayed
low. "Ronon! Behind you!" She yelled as another volley rocked the
ship. Sparks flew and shocked Rodney.

"Damn it!" He stood up against all logic and struggled to finish.
Looking out the cockpit window he could see four Wraith charging the
jumper. "Sheppard! They are breaking through!"

They charged up the gangplank. Carson fired his entire clip and
dropped one just outside. Rodney's pistol jammed. Two more made it
in only to be stopped by Sheppard as he expertly worked both weapons
from memory. They fell just short of his feet. Another round of fire
sounded from outside as Teyla finished the last one in a blinding
flash.

Teyla appeared at the door and saw Carson and Rodney face down. "Are
you alright?!" She cried.

Rodney rolled over and checked himself and nodded. Carson crawled
to Sheppard. "Colonel?"

Sheppard stared at him but was having difficulty speaking. Ronon
appeared at the door and saw everyone intact. He pulled the felled
Wraith out of the way and disposed of them outside. Lorne assisted as
Teyla joined Carson.

"John?" She asked.

He looked at her with a weak smile barely held across his mouth.

"Still here." He murmured.

She touched his unshaven face. "Hold on."

"All safe?" He asked. The color was gone from his eyes.

"Yes."She said. She could see that he had given all he had as his
gaze released her.

Lorne and Ronon made their way in. The rear hatch sealed off the
danger outside. McKay closed the access panels and activated the
ships power. He checked his well worn data pad.

"Good, we're ready! Time to get the hell out of here people!" Rodney
called out. He glanced back at Sheppard.

Sheppard let his hands fall, releasing his weapons gently into
Teyla's hands. His eyes began to close.

"John?" Carson felt his pulse. "Come on, stay with us!" He pulled up
more medication in a syringe and injected his IV line once again. "I
can't keep do' in this! Come on John!" A small monitor attached to
him sounded an alarm. "Christ!" Carson whispered and he drew a
different medication and pushed it into his line. "Come on lad! Don't
you dare!"

Sheppard made a small sound as he passed out. Carson gave a harried
look toward the cockpit. "Rodney! We're out of time! Now!"

The jumper took off under full power and headed out.
Carson kept hold of Sheppard's wrist, feeling his pulse flutter back
into a steady rhythm. The alarm abated."We ask far too much of this
man." He whispered to himself.

*************************Chapter 6

Zelenka stood nervously behind his work station as the incoming
transmission was received: IDC 9978649302-rmckay19671310. Atlantis
base. Jumper 2 inbound. STAT med team at gate. Mission successful.
Alive but critical. All accounted for. ETA 14 min.

It took only a moment for Woolsey to appear in the doorway. "You
haven't seen McKay have you?"

Zelenka stared at him.

"Would you like to let me in on a few things Radek?" He said with ire.

Zelenka felt panic rise in his throat. He resigned himself to
confront it. "Mmm, Yes, I suppose I should."

Woolsey approached the monitor. Zelenka started to stutter. "They…The…
They found him. Col. Sheppard, that is. They are requesting a medical
team to be standing by in the gate room when they arrive in fourteen…
No, thirteen minutes now."

" What? They…How? They found Sheppard? Is he alive?"Woolsey asked,
shocked.

"Yes." Zelenka stared at the new commander, bracing for anything.

"Who exactly found him?"

"His team. His… Entire team. Ronon, Tey…"

"Yes, I know who his team consists of. That would explain the absence
of everyone…"

"Yes. It would."

"Who ordered this?" He asked tersely. Secretly, we was relieved
someone broke the rules. He wished it had been him.

"I don't …Really know. " Zelenka gave his best impression of
innocence.

"I see. Did they do this kind of thing when Dr. Weir was in charge?"

"On the record? " Zelenka looked over the top of his glasses as if he
was looking over a bunker wall.

"Yes." Woolsey pinned him to the spot with his eyes. Zelenka pictured
Elizabeth and summoned his courage.

"Alright. The truth is…She would have never allowed the Colonel to be
left behind. Or anyone. She would have found a way to rescue him."

Woolsey moved away as if he had been slapped. He put his hand on his
hips in restrained frustration.
"There is this trust issue that keeps coming up for me Radek. Is it
because they don't trust me?"

"No. It is not that really."

"Is it because I am the new guy and they don't know me?" Woolsey
moved back to him and leaned on Zelenka's work station. Zelenka held
his ground.

"It is not that either."

"Then what exactly is it, because I need to count on my team and I
need to trust them. If they go running off against orders in all
directions what am I to think?"

"The truth?"

"Yes, again, let's have the truth since this is a new thing lately."
He said sarcastically.

Zelenka surprised him by leaning in as if to share a confidence."It
is not that they do not trust you. Rather it is that they trust each
other. They would do the same for you as they have done for the
Colonel and him for them. Sheppard's rule: leave no one behind."

"I broke that rule?" The epiphany washed over Woolsey.

"Yes. If I might say so…"

"And they would do the same for me?"

"Without a doubt. That is what has held this expedition together.
Trust. The trust in your team mates and the trust of doing the right
thing."

"And they thought leaving Sheppard, even though searching might be
too dangerous, was the wrong thing."

"Yes. Considering we had no actual proof he was unreachable."

Woolsey knew he was right. He felt the severity of his mistake. He
was angry that he caved into the demands of the IOA.
"And letting Teyla and Ronon go to find him wasn't enough?"

"It was not."

"So it is an all or nothing team thing?"

"Yes. The whole team was needed."

"And what of Dr. Weir being left behind? Didn't Sheppard break his
own rule?"

"No. He was honoring her order. It was her sacrifice. She was not
sacrificing anyone else. She took the responsibility of protecting
the team. Honoring that order has been perhaps the hardest thing the
Colonel has ever had to do."

"And Lt. Ford?"

"Ultimately, he did not wish to be found. The Colonel did everything
he knew how to do, but you can't save someone who does not want to be
saved."

Woolsey fell silent for a moment. "Contact the Infirmary. Tell them
to have a medical team ready to receive Dr. Beckett and The Colonel."

"Right away."

"Radek." Woolsey looked at him with a more centered expression.

"Yes?"

"Thank you." Woolsey walked out quickly; the weight of a lesson
learned on his shoulders.

*******

The rear hatch of Jumper 2 broke its seal, reuniting Sheppard and his
team with Atlantis. Within seconds, Ronon and Lorne carried Sheppard
to the waiting medical team. They carefully placed him, back board
and all onto a gurney. Carson yelled out commands to the nurses and
techs as they hurriedly made their way towards the infirmary.

Woolsey stood watching as if partitioned by a sheet of glass; he was
separated from the effort before him like an afterthought. His eyes
fell to Sheppard, bandaged and bruised in an unconscious state at the
mercy of the moment.

Woolsey noticed how Sheppard was surrounded by each of his team
members, protecting him down to the last second before they had to
release him into the hands of Carson.

Without a word, Ronon, Teyla and Rodney solemnly disappeared out of
sight, leaving Woolsey feeling tremendous remorse. Lorne stepped up
to him.

"Sir."

"Ah, yes, Major. Great work…All of you. "He said with a humbled tone.
Woolsey was sincere but he knew his words fell short. Lorne paused,
taking a good look at him.

"Mr. Woolsey, I will have a full report for you in the morning, if
that will suffice."

"Yes, that's fine. I appreciate it." He wanted to connect and say
something meaningful, but the undertow of his own guilt stole his
language. His eyes seemed to convey his regret. Lorne responded.

"Sir, we found him alive, and the doc will do everything in his power
to save him. We have done our part. Now the stage belongs to Beckett.
Let's hope Sheppard still has some fight left in him." He said
softly, showing some empathy.

Woolsey hung his head for a moment then looked at Lorne. "I am so
sorry that I …That I did not act. I truly hope he does fight. I had
no idea…"

Lorne took a step closer, speaking calmly with respect. "If I may
offer something Sir?"

"Of course."

"Granting that he pulls through, take some time to get to know him.
He did that for every one of us, and we haven't forgotten it. I hope
you would do the same; get to know us. It takes time Sir. "

Woolsey was shocked and relieved as he nodded. He tried to regain his
orderly persona. "Major, I…I would like you to momentarily take over
the Colonel's duties…Until we know..."

Lorne nodded. "Yes, Sir." Lorne motioned to the Jumper. "I have to go
park her, then I will be checking in on the Colonel. If you need
anything, just let me know."

"Thank you Major." He said.

Woolsey stood and watched the jumper slip into the bay above, leaving
him to stand alone in the quiet of the gate room. Taking a look
around, he saw that every post was empty. The gate room crew were
down the hall heading toward the infirmary. It was in that quiet
moment, that he realized just how much he had to live up to.

*******

Woolsey walked into chaos.

"Everyone out! Right now!" Carson yelled as Sheppard began to
convulse. Nurses swarmed the table to assist Carson as he fought to
bring the moment under control.

Sheppard's team stood watching in stunned silence as a nurse came up
and gently backed them away.

"You must go. Please. We will take care of him." She said quietly as
the noise from the gurney grew louder along with Carson's orders.

Rodney numbly backed away, right into Woolsey.

"What is happening?" Woolsey asked with evident concern.

Rodney found it difficult to respond. He kept trying to look past the
fabric screen that had been pulled in front of him. The nurse put her
hand on Rodney's shoulder. "Please, you must go."

Rodney could hear Carson. "Damn it! We go again! One more! Hand me
one more! I am not letting you go John!"

Through a break in the screen, he saw Sheppard arch desperately
against the restraints as his body struggled; each muscle pulled
tight in spasm as if it was trying to shake off an attack.

It was everything Rodney could do to not bolt past the nurse. He
caught a glimpse of Carson, looking at him gravely then quickly
returning his attention to Sheppard. Carson worked feverously over
him, countering the impending failure of his damaged body.

The automated alarm on the life signs monitor punctuated the
frenetic scene as foreign hands tried to push Rodney out of the room.
He was terrified.

His fear choked him as the alarm soon fell silent heralding a
significant change. It wasn't until he heard Carson's voice that he
realized Sheppard had been snatched back from the edge. "We have him.
Good. Keep it up lad."

Rodney looked down in confusion to see Teyla's hand in his. She
gazed at him trying to reflect a measure of comfort, sharing the fear
that had just washed through the room. He tried to breathe as
Woolsey vied for his attention.

"…Rodney, we should let them have room. They will let us
know. Come on." He said.

Rodney looked at him, still holding Teyla's hand. "I need to stay. I
have to." He whispered. He was stuck to the spot, frozen by his
emotion.

The sounds behind the screen began to quiet down. Through his panic
induced fog Rodney heard Carson again.

"All right, looks good. We need to prep him."

Rodney looked back to Carson, who swung around the screen. Carson
registered the dread on his friends face.

"Rodney, it is alright for the moment although I think he likes to
scare the hell out of me. We have his convulsions under control. We
are going to have to go in and drain off a subdural hematoma…It's
small, but causing trouble. I should be able to get to it fairly
quickly. I will keep you updated..."

"Carson, can I stay?"

"It will take a while. You haven't eaten and you need to. Go get
something and I will have one of the nurses bring you in when he is
out of surgery."

Rodney just stared at him. Carson knew he needed to redirect his
intention. "Teyla, can you?"

She nodded. "Rodney, come on. I am with you. John will be here.
Carson will take good care of him. We will come back soon…Come on."
Her voice seemed to free his feet, as he stepped forward.

"Carson, will he make it? Please…"Rodney pressed.

"Aye, I think so. We are restoring his blood volume, which is part of
the reason he is having such a hard time. The surgery will take care
of the other part. Don't worry. We have him."

Rodney nodded slowly and turned toward the door with Teyla's help. He
walked out, forgetting to respond to Woolsey. Woolsey stuttered at
Carson.

"I...I...Will he..."

"We will do our best. We always do. I will let you know. I have to go
back to him now." Carson slipped back around the screen, leaving
Woolsey to face Ronon. He braced for the worst.

Without expression, Ronon moved to him. "Come on, let's go. They have
enough to deal with.' He said, walking away.

Woolsey blinked in surprise; he had expected anger. A mix of fear and
gratitude worked through him as he stumbled back into the hall with
the rest of the control room staff. He realized that this lesson was
one that would continue to unfold.

Rodney was there, by his bedside as Carson conducted an exam on
Sheppard. He rested quietly amidst numerous tubes and wires the
snaked around the bedframe. Sheppard appeared thin and shadowed. His
normally handsome face was obscured by various healing abrasions and
a nasal cannula.

His head remained bandaged but allowed his dark hair to have its own
say. Rodney sat, staring at his friend, hoping for something.
Anything.

"Rodney, it will be a while. He has just been through hell and back.
He will probably be out for some time."

"It has been a week Carson. Is he ever going to wake up?"

"Yes, he will. It could happen any time. Be patient."

"I'm sorry. I do trust you. Just hate seeing him…Like this."

Carson pulled back the blanket slowly, revealing his bruised body.
The color had now changed from purple to yellow and black. He looked
as if he had crawled out of a chimney. Rodney gasped."God, Carson!"

"As you can see, he will need some time. He's not going to be his
pretty self for quite a bit." Carson said as he gently checked his
reflexes, moving slowly up and down each leg. Carson was careful to
maintain Sheppard's privacy as he worked, strategically adjusting the
blanket much to Rodney's relief.

Rodney watched pensively, taking note of how careful Carson was being
as he touched his fragile body.

"Thank you Carson. Thank you for agreeing to go with me and find him."

"How could I not Rodney? He's my friend too. I don't think I have a
better one, other than you."

Rodney could see the stitching holding his shoulder together as
Carson began to change the dressing. The wound was graphic,
testifying to the brutality he had endured. Rodney had to look away
as Carson finished.

"Do we know…How he will be? I mean, will he walk and everything?" He
asked.

"Aye, most likely. He will need a little re-education but his surgery
went well. We just can't mention his hair."They both looked at his
bandaged head.

"God, you're right! How much did you…?"Rodney whispered.

"Just in the back. It will probably grow in before he realizes it."
Carson said with a hopeful wince.

Rodney rested his head into his palms. "Any other time and that would
be funny…Damn Carson. He really almost died this time."

`Yeah, he did. But, I suspect he would miss being around to give you
grief. I know I would. That's one reason to stay."

"Hardy har har…Seriously, If we had waited, just one more day…One
more hour…If my cell phone had crapped out…"

"I know. I think he is meant to stay. This place, Atlantis…It has a
hold." Carson gently felt Sheppard's low back, palpating it with his
fingers.

Rodney stared at Sheppard as if he was listening to him.
"I wish Elizabeth was here…for him."

"Aye. I know. He hasn't really been the same."

"Carson, you know when you asked me about keeping promises…?"

"Yeah...I was wondering ab…" Rodney cut him off.

"Carson! Look!" Rodney pointed at Sheppard's face.

"Hey now, get a look at that…I think buddy boy is waking." Carson
said, hovering close.

Sheppard's eyes fluttered open slowly as he drew in a deep breath.
His first look at home came to him in a thick smear like wet cotton
gauze. He took his time, waiting for his senses to emerge from beyond.

"Sheppard?" Rodney asked.

Sheppard stared at him through his disorientation, trying to
recognize the face.

Rodney moved closer, fearful at his lack of response. "John?" He
said quietly.

Sheppard swallowed then licked his lips.

"John, are you with us? Can you hear us?"Carson asked.

Sheppard waited a few minutes more until he remembered himself and
became present. His mind cleared as he looked at his friends.

In a low, gravel weighted whisper that made them lean in; he looked
at Carson and spoke slowly. "Happy to see me… Or am I naked for a
reason?"

Rodney jumped back, realizing that not only had Carson neglected to
cover him up yet but the blanket had lost its hold and had slipped
away. He was speechless.

Carson smiled. "He's going to be fine! Just fine Rodney!" He said
happily as he replaced the blanket over him.

Sheppard smirked weakly as he looked at Rodney. "You're in trouble
now buddy." He whispered again.

Rodney flushed with embarrassment then regained his composure. "Nice
to see you too." He said matter of fact. A smile broke over his face
in relief.

******

Sheppard sat in his room in the late evening light and stared
out onto the New Lantian horizon. His body was feeling more like his
own now. He had been lucky. Carson reminded him of that fact with
every check up. Sheppard knew he was, in more ways than one. It
would be a few weeks before he could return to full duty. Sheppard
wasn't sure he wanted to return at all.

Nearly two months had passed and Sheppard clung to being reclusive in
his recovery. He had thanked his team for their bravery, but he
couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing.

He could see the change in his team since they had returned from the
rescue. He knew they all were wondering why they were fighting so
hard for something that could betray them at any moment. He was
concerned by the way they had been treated but was relieved they had
escaped disciplinary action. He knew it was Woolsey's way of atoning.

Sheppard was proud of each team member and felt honestly moved that
they had `risked' so much for him; he did not feel entirely worthy
however, but that was part of his nature. He at least knew he could
trust his team despite everything they had been through. It was the
only thing he felt secure with. His command was another thing
entirely. He felt completely alone.

He wondered if the IOA was right. Maybe they should pack up and go
home. The Wraith seemed to be constantly changing tactics now that
they were under pressure. He wondered if they could ever be outplayed.

Rumors were flying that he was considering returning to earth
permanently after being hung out to dry by the IOA. The fiction
wasn't far from the fact he was feeling. Sheppard was trying to make
a decision.

Although the rescue had been successful, the fate of the expedition
was still in question. It would take some time for things to return
to normal and a lot of negotiating on Woolsey's part with the IOA to
set things right. Sheppard considered that enough aggravation for
miss-judging his team.

He had somewhat understood Woolsey's decision to leave him, thinking
him dead, but he found it harder to reconcile the way the IOA had
pressured the military into writing him off so soon. He knew he would
forever feel the black mark in his service record. He was trying to
remember what he was fighting for and desperately wanted some sort of
clarity to come to him.

A soft knock came from the door. Barefoot and nearly ready to
turn in, Sheppard moved carefully off the bed and opened it. Zelenka
stood before him, computer in hand. He was surprised to see him at
such a late hour.

"Ah, forgive me Colonel for disturbing you…Do you have a minute?"

"Yeah, no problem Radek, come in." He watched the disheveled,
somewhat short scientist amble in. He appeared nervous.

"Everything Ok?" Sheppard asked.

Zelenka looked around the low lit room. "Yes. You seem as if you were
sleeping. Did I wake you?" He asked, concerned he was out of bounds.

"No, not yet. It's Ok. What can I do for you?"

Zelenka quietly answered. "First things first. This is from Major
Lorne." He handed him a metal canister the size of a soda
can. "Popcorn. He won it playing poker. Thought you might like it."

Sheppard smiled wide."Hey, thanks! It has been a long time." Sheppard
saw that Zelenka had something on his mind. "You Ok?"

"Yes, forgive me, I came to… We haven't had a chance to talk really,
with all the dust settling… I realized that I did not...Well, I just
wanted to thank you, for what you did for me. I would not be here
most likely if you had not taken such a chance. I am grateful Colonel
Sheppard. Just wanted to let you know."

Sheppard stood slightly off balance as he thought of what to say. He
felt humbled.
"I'm grateful too…Glad it all worked out. You kinda did the same for
me ya know. It didn't escape me that you were the reason for
everything working out. Holding off Woolsey and coordinating
everything. Might have made McKay a bit jealous."He said with his
trademark crooked grin.

Zelenka pushed his glasses up on his nose. "I had help but I am glad
someone noticed." He smirked.

"I did. Rodney may be the pro gambler, but you were the ace in the
hole."

"Or the fool in the castle." He mumbled as he rolled his eyes.

"Yeah. No one would suspect."Sheppard replied with a raised eyebrow.

The two men shared a smile then Zelenka remembered his other purpose
for visiting.

"Also, I brought you this." He held out a sleek black computer to him.

"A new laptop? How did you know? Does it get ESPN?" Sheppard joked.

"Yes, well…Not really. It is actually my personal laptop. It has
something on it you might like to see. I didn't want to make a copy…
Not yet, unless you want one. It is rather case sensitive. Anyway, I
thought I might leave it with you for a bit. You can return it to me
in the morning."

"Case sensitive?"

"Yes. I wasn't sure at first if I should show you, but with
everything that has happened…I know it has affected you. I think it
would serve you now to see it."

Sheppard was perplexed. He ran his hand through his hair. "Alright…
Are you sure? I can look at it with you."

Zelenka softened his voice."I think it best that you view it
privately."

"Ok, what exactly is it?"

"It was to be… The last card to be played by the `fool' if things
went wrong with your rescue."

Sheppard was intrigued but felt Zelenka's seriousness as he met his
eyes. "Does Woolsey know about this?"He asked.

"No. That I will leave up to you."

"Ok…I'll check it out. Thanks Radek, I will get it back to you in the
morning."

"That would be fine Colonel. Goodnight." Zelenka turned and walked
out.

"Goodnight." Sheppard mumbled as the door closed.
Sheppard scratched his head as he looked at the thin laptop in his
hand. Somehow it felt heavier than it appeared.

He sat back on the bed and opened it. A small window appeared
prompting a password. Sheppard paused, wondering what it might be
until his hand felt a small slip of paper taped to the bottom. He
peeled it off and peeked at it:

RZ=RM.

He grinned as he entered it into the box.
A video popped up. It was Rodney. The time stamp in the corner of the
video indicated it was made just a couple of days after he had been
missing.

"This is Dr. Rodney McKay. The purpose of this message is to
explain the actions of Lt. Colonel John Sheppard's team in relation
to disobeying orders by embarking on a rescue mission.

The decision to directly disobey orders was solely my responsibility
and in no way, should any other team members be held accountable. I
gave the directive and I accept full responsibility and consequence
for this decision.

The purpose of the directive was intended to verify the whereabouts
of Lt. Col. John Sheppard and bring him home, dead or alive. Our
first choice was alive. There was no evidence to suggest otherwise,
and despite the order from the IOA to abandon him out of speculation,
I believed that the only true course of action was to confirm the
facts.

Each team member acted in good faith under my direction out of
respect for their commander, John Sheppard, and out of loyalty to the
expedition as a whole. The order was given for Atlantis. At no time
was Atlantis in danger and each member understood the risks.
John Sheppard has served the Atlantis expedition in an exemplary
manner for its entire span consistently proving his loyalty, courage,
tenacity, ingenuity and outright exceptional leadership every step of
the way.

He has sheltered each of us from the worst that this hostile realm
has offered while inspiring respect and fellowship on every level. He
has stared down impossible odds time and time again, making
profoundly difficult decisions when no one else could.

Without him, this expedition would have failed long ago. Every team
member understands this and owes him a debt of gratitude for every
time he has saved their lives and this city so we may cling to the
chance of advancing our humanity though understanding the technology
that the Ancients left behind.

He has served without profit or prestige. He has served with great
humility and self sacrifice, willingly for the greater good. The fate
of the expedition and the lives of its members have rested squarely
upon his shoulders and he has carried it in such a manner that has
brought honor to us all.

To lose a man of this character would be a devastating blow. To
outright abandon him for the sake of politics would be criminal. That
was something that I could not let stand.

If you are viewing this, it probably means we failed in our mission
and we failed him. I felt it critical that you understand that he did
not fail us. Don't fail him now. Honor his surviving team and his
memory. Realize what he contributed, what we have lost and what we
all have to live up to. He was a hero to us all."

Sheppard held his hands to his mouth in shock. " McKay?" He
whispered through his fingers. He felt overwhelmed and sobered. He
was having trouble accepting that Rodney thought so highly… of him.
Rodney looked down for a moment then resumed.

"I leave you with a message from Dr. Elizabeth Weir. It was
taped shortly before her disappearance…At the end of her third year
as expedition leader of Atlantis.

There is no one better qualified to speak on his behalf, as she knew
him best. It was her wish that in the event of the Colonel's death,
it be played for all who have come to care for him. I count myself
among the many that do."

The video skipped as the next clip came on. It was her, looking back
at him.

John's heart stopped in his chest. He was stunned to see her,
sitting in her old office, looking vibrant and real in a crisp red
shirt. The kindness in her eyes bound him to the picture. He found
himself reaching to touch the screen.

"This is Elizabeth Weir. I would like to take the time to say a
few words about Lt. Colonel John Sheppard.
If you are viewing this, it means that John has left us. This will
be a loss that for many of us will never heal.

I have had the privilege of getting to know a rare and extraordinary
man. I have come to understand the generous and noble character of
this man by working side by side with him for the last few years.
At first glance, you see a rough edged military man who accepts his
duty for duty's sake. At first glance, he is like any other military
man, bound to his assignment and rank, holding down his allotted
corner of command. At first glance.

Then you take a step closer and you notice the rough edges. They are
not just about field experience, but hint at a depth of character. A
character born from determination, perseverance and loss.

Once you stand next to him, you come to discover the flaws within the
man. The self doubt, the impulse to jump before looking, the
reluctance to take credit where credit is due or to reveal himself to
anyone for fear of being discovered.

And if you look deep into his eyes you will truly see him. You will
see the profound sacrifice, the compassion, the honor and the
integrity. You will see the unconditional commitment to doing the
right and true thing. You will see his un- ending oath to friendship.
You will see his valor and his fear of failing those who were
counting on him.

I have had the opportunity, to see this man in all of his scope; his
best moments and his worst and I have to say that I am better for it.
John Sheppard never thought of himself before others. He never cut in
line or short changed someone to advance or further himself. His
sense of duty to protect ruled him and continually challenged him
beyond his own perceived limits.

He moved through the world with an honesty and ease that inspired
hope and trust. He was only interested in the greater good and in
maintaining fairness and safety for all he was sworn to serve. He saw
the possibilities and he made them happen.

He was the guardian of Atlantis. He was the heart of Atlantis. He was
my most trusted friend and ally. He was my inspiration.

He was an extraordinary man who raised us up so we could see the best
in our selves. He gave us everything he had and more. He never gave
up.
He was Lt. Col. John Sheppard.
He will be missed more deeply than words can express."

The video screen went black.

Sheppard sat perfectly still as the tears stung the corners of
his eyes. He had been holding his breath. With a seemingly
disembodied hand, he awkwardly wiped his face and eased himself down
onto the bed.

His first want was to run to her office and find her there. She would
stay up late, tending to every one's needs but her own. They were so
much alike; forgetting themselves for others. He remembered how he
counted on her being there. He remembered how protective he was of
her.

When he couldn't sleep, which had been often, he would dress and join
her; under the guise of working. He would drink up the comfort of
someone else who understood. She understood him. She would feign
irritation sometimes at being disturbed, but he knew she welcomed the
connection too.

That was the last time he didn't feel alone. It was hard to admit.
There were many thing about her that were hard to admit.
His thoughts shifted to his team. He felt gratitude. Each one was
true family. Something he had gone without most of his life. He
smiled at the thought of McKay. He was as unlikely a friend as any;
his best friend, but Sheppard knew now just how much of one he had
truly been.

He thought of Teyla. She had begun to resemble that sense of comfort
he missed. He wondered if it was something between leaders or
something else. He wondered if he just wanted to see Elizabeth again
through her.

The video crackled back onto the screen, startling him. He
caught his breath and sat back up. Elizabeth appeared again, speaking
to someone off screen, caught in a lost moment of candid
conversation. He felt like he was intruding; seeing something he
wasn't meant to see. He froze.

"Rodney, thank you. I am glad I did this, just in case."

"He is one lucky bastard Elizabeth. He will probably outlive us all.
Feel better now you got that out of your system?

"Yeah. But what if he…I can't bring myself to…"

"Don't Elizabeth. Look, I know there have been a lot of close calls
and I know you want to be prepared for anything, but don't go there.
He is fine. He will be at the briefing soon, hair sticking up and
everything, full of trouble…And I am sure he will give me some kind
of crap."

Elizabeth smiled then looked down pensively for a moment.
"Rodney, there is something else."

"What?"

"This might sound silly, but…Promise me, that if anything did happen
to me, you would look after John? It would mean so much."

"Of course Elizabeth. You know I would, but nothing is going to
happen so stop talking like that. You are both still here. Everything
is fine."

"Ok…I know. Look, Rodney, could you leave me be, just for a few
minutes?"

"Yeah, sure. Are you alright?"

"Yes, I just want to have a moment. That was a lot…These videos are
always hard. I will meet you at the briefing."

"You are really Ok?"

"Yes."

"You're sure?"

"Rodney!" She let a little laugh slip out.

"Ok, Ok… See you there."

Foot falls could be heard as Rodney walked away. Elizabeth
pursed her lips and folded her hands to her face as if she was
gathering her strength. A moment passed. She then moved a lock of her
hair behind her ear and sat up strait in her chair. She looked into
the camera and took a deep breath before speaking. Her eyes softened
as soon as she said his name.

"Hello John. I wanted to take the time to share a few things
with you, on the off chance… If for some reason, something were to
happen to me… I need to say some things felt but unspoken… I hope you
will understand.

I want to let you know, that I it has been an honor and a privilege
to have worked with you and to have shared in such an amazing
adventure with you by my side. I would never have suspected that the
rogue air force pilot I met in a frozen outpost and outright
kidnapped would have turned out to be one of the best things to have
happened to me."

She smiled.

"You took an incredible leap of faith and have been rock solid in
your devotion to our cause. You have been endlessly supportive of our
efforts no matter how bad things became. Despite your fears, and yes,
I know you have had a few…You have never let us down and you have
never stopped fighting for what is right.

You kept the faith when I faltered. You kept me sane when things made
no sense. You reminded me how strong I was in my darkest hour and you
kept me honest. I never felt alone."

She paused, and breathed deeply as she momentarily averted her eyes.
"I can't tell you everything…Maybe I am not ready yet… I hope that I
get the chance one day to tell you face to face, but you should know…
You have been my dearest friend. You are so much more.

When you think of me, remember all we have accomplished, all we have
discovered and all we have saved. Remember the chances we took and
the laughter we shared. Remember our bond that we forged together out
of life, death and everything in between.

I trust you to care for Atlantis as you would care for me. She needs
you as much as I have. Watch over her."

Elizabeth swallowed, holding tight to her composure as she moved
deeper within herself.

"The thing that I need to say the most is perhaps the hardest. I know
you to be reserved when things get personal, so I will be succinct.

Of all the people in my life in this moment, you matter to me, most
of all John. On some level, I think you know that. You are loved. I
hope you know that too. You will always be loved John. Don't give up.
Don't ever John. I will always be with you."

Elizabeth wiped a tear from the corner of her eye and smiled. After
pausing for a few seconds, she picked up a remote and stopped the
camera.

The video ended, leaving an eerie stillness to his room. He
could hear the fan in the laptop working to cool its self as the wind
outside buffeted the windows, now black with the night.

Unfamiliar tears streaked his own face. He wiped them quickly, as if
someone would catch him. Silently and deliberate, he closed the lid
of the computer and set it on his night table with an unsteady hand.
He stared out into the darkened room, focusing on nothing in
particular for a while; her voice echoed into him, reaching every
hidden corner.

Eventually, Sheppard stood up slowly from the bed and began to
dress. He tried to push away the emotion welling up but it made
itself known as he attempted to button his shirt. He fumbled with
each one.

He felt a flash of anger toward Rodney, wondering why he never shared
the video with him after she was declared deceased. As he replayed
the video in his head trying to reconstruct the events, he then
realized that Rodney never knew she had recorded the last clip. His
heart ached more than he wanted to allow.

Pulling on a flight jacket, he moved to the door and paused. He
looked back at the laptop with a wash of deep sadness and warm
consolation that exposed him like only she could.

He knew that she had probably never intended to tell him outright how
she felt and making that video had scared the hell out of her. He
knew that she was as private as he was and the only reason she had
followed through was because it was true. He found himself
desperately wishing that time had allowed everything to be said.

He bit his lip with regret and a strange sense of strength as he
rested his forehead against the door frame. "The fool is the wisest
one of all." He said softly.

Revealed to himself, he walked out of his room. Knowing he would not
sleep, he decided to wander out onto the east pier and watch the twin
moons rise over the city.

A warm yellow morning light caught Zelenka in its beam as he
wandered into the science lab with a hot cup of coffee and a
chocolate éclair. As he approached his work station, he heard a
strange sound.

Zelenka stopped abruptly and hid the pastry behind his back out of
reflex. Rodney was in front of him, passed out and snoring over his
computer. He had been there all night.

Zelenka sighed with relief and tip toed around him to sit down. As
he hastily ate his éclair, he noticed his laptop had been returned. A
small note was taped to the top. He licked his sugary fingers and
removed it. It read:

RZ+RM=JS:)

He laughed out loud, causing Rodney to pop up in a daze.

"Wha? Time for the briefing?" He blurted, hair on end and a keyboard
imprint on his face.

"No, the briefing is in an hour. Still time for breakfast McKay."

"Oh, thank God!"He grumbled as he stood up. Through bleary eyes he
saw Zelenka consume the last bite of his sugary treat.

"Are there any more?" Rodney asked in a hopeful child-like voice.

"Just a few…FYI…Sheppard was headed that way. Better hurry."

"Aw crap!" He moaned. Rumpled and stiff, he tried to hurry out of the
room.

Zelenka took a sip of his coffee as his attention returned to the
note. He noticed it had writing on the back. He flipped it over.

`I`m staying. Make me a copy. All of it. Thanks.'

Zelenka smiled with relief once again. "A fool's work is never done."
He whispered.

Fini