For anyone who has read this story already I have just edited some of the content but the story has not change. The follow up 'Forced Leave the weddings will be published very soon.

The characters are not mine. I am just borrowing them.

Chapter 1

John woke up and looked slowly around the infirmary, carefully stretching. He was being released this morning, after 2 weeks of being stuck in there. He couldn't wait to get out of there, but unfortunately he was being made go back to earth on a forced vacation. He didn't want to go, but the order had come from General O'Neill, so John agreed to it. The only good thing was that Ronon, Rodney, Teyla and Torren John were going to go with him. Rodney had suggested it when John had first refused and finally John agreed. He couldn't wait to show Ronon and Teyla Earth. Ronan's previous visit wasn't exactly fun. They were going to visit Rodney's sister, Jeanne and her daughter and husband and stay with them for a few days. Then they were going to bring Jeanne, Kaleb, and Madison with them to visit John's brother. He sighed as he thought about their last meeting. They had sorted some things out, but things were still strained between them and he was not looking forward to it but Dave had found out about John being injured and had insisted that he came to visit. Rodney and Teyla were both very excited at the prospect of meeting his brother, so John reluctantly agreed.

"Good morning Colonel." Keller greeted as she entered the infirmary. "How are you feeling today?"

"I'm ok." John replied as she started taking his vitals.

"Are you looking forward to your trip?" she enquired.

"Yeah" John sighed "although I would prefer to just stay here."

"And we are going to miss you around here." Keller replied "But you have been through a lot the past few months and it will do you good to get away."

"So everyone keeps saying." John replied with a sigh. "I'm not going to have a breakdown or anything like that. I'm fine."

"We know that Colonel but you were … well you were tortured." Keller added "And you need time to recuperate, and if you stay here something will come up, it always does."

"That doesn't mean I'd have to do anything about it." John defended but didn't make eye contact.

"Ha" Keller scoffed. "You were missing for 12 days, in which time you were in stasis for however many years. You hadn't had food or water, you should have been in the infirmary when we finally got you back but no, you had to rescue Teyla. Then the building collapsed on you and the rebar pierced your side, but you still went on the rescue mission. You had barely healed from that surgery when you wound up rescuing me and getting the other side pierced. And then you were caught in an explosion. And now this"

"You make it sound like I had a choice." John sighed. "I had to help."

"I know Colonel. It's who you are. Look you just need a little R&R away from here and when you come back we'll still be here. There will be plenty more trouble to get into. Besides I'm sure it will be great fun with Ronon Rodney and Teyla and of course Torren John."

"Yeah hopefully." John sighed.

"And besides it's not as if you'd be able to get around here on your own. You can't push the wheelchair and you won't be able to dress yourself so you'd be stuck in your room the whole time." Keller added.

"I won't be able to get around on my own on earth either." John complained.

"No but your friends will be there to help you. And they might actually be able to keep you in the wheel chair and keep you from moving around too much."

"Oh yeah this will be a fun trip." He muttered sarcastically.

"It will." She replied kindly. "You will just need to relax and let everyone take care of you for a change. Ok now I'm going to have Lieutenant Anderson bring you your breakfast and then we can get you ready to go."

"Thanks." He replied as she raised the bed and helped him to sit up.

"Now can you manage on your own or do you need some help to eat." Keller asked.

"I'll be ok." He sighed. "My left hand is working."

"Barley." She replied. "Try not to use it too much let someone help you sometimes."

"I'm just using it to eat with, that's all." John sighed looking at his arm. "It's kinda hard to do much else with it with all the tubes stuck in it."

"Well they will hopefully be coming out today," Keller replied cheerfully "I'll see you in a while. Make sure you eat all of your breakfast."

"Sure Doc." He replied with a smile.

A short while later Lieutenant Anderson came in with a tray. She moved the table in front of him and deposited the tray. "Here is your breakfast Sir."

"Thank you lieutenant." He replied and awkwardly picked up the spoon.

"Do you need some help?" She asked

"No I'll be ok" he replied with a smile "It just might take me a while."

"Well shout if you need me Sir." She said and walked away.

He spent the next half hour slowly eating his oatmeal and drinking his juice. He had just finished when Teyla arrived with Torren in her arms.

"Good morning John how are you feeling today."

"I'm good." He replied "are you ready to go."

"Yes I have everything packed." Teyla replied taking a seat.

"That's good." He replied. "How are you and Torren today?"

"He is fine; he did not want to sleep last night, so I am a bit tired." Teyla smiled as Torren pulled at her hair.

"Were you being bold for your mommy?" John asked Torren causing the baby to giggle and reach out to John.

John reached across with his left hand and Torren grabbed his finger and giggled.

Torren made to grab the IV tubing so John pulled his hand back and Teyla pulled Torren away.

"Sorry buddy" John sighed "I can't wait to get rid of these things"

"They will be removed soon enough." Teyla smiled. "I am going to help Rodney to pack your clothes. Is there anything in particular you need to be packed?"

"Um no I don't think so," John replied. "Just some t-shirts, tops and combats. Oh and maybe some jogging pants."

"I do not think you will be doing any running or sparing." Teyla said

"No but they are comfortable for when I don't have to go anywhere." John explained

"Of course." Teyla replied with a smile. "Do you need your dress uniform packed?"

"I'm not sure I don't think I'll need it." John replied.

"Ok" Teyla replied and stood up. "I will go and do that now, and I will return in a while."

"Thanks Teyla." He smiled "Bye Torren, you be good for your Mom ok."

Torren started giggling again as Teyla walked away. She headed for Johns room where she found Rodney and Ronon arguing over what to pack.

"He won't need his running pants." Rodney huffed

"Actually John asked that we pack some for him as they are comfortable." Teyla said putting an end to the squabble.

"Fine" Rodney pouted and pulled out a few pairs and tossed them on the bad with the rest of the clothes. "Should we pack his uniform?"

"He said he would not need it." Teyla replied as she settled Torren on the bed and moved the pillows so he would not fall out.

"I'll pack it anyway just in case." Rodney said, "Hey how is he this morning."

"He said he was 'good'" Teyla replied with a smile. "He is looking forward to being free of the tubes and wires."

"So in others words he is in pain." Rodney sighed. "Stupid macho soldier. All he has to do is say 'ya it hurts' and they will give him more pain killers. I mean none of us expect him to be all stoic and deal with the pain. He's been through a lot for Gods sake."

"He doesn't want us to worry." Ronon added

"We know he is hurting Rodney." Teyla said "But he is getting better and this trip to earth will help him more. Now let us get his clothes packed so we will be ready."

"Yeah ok." Rodney agreed and the three continued packing while Torren fell asleep on the bed.

Meanwhile in the infirmary Dr. Keller had returned to John and was starting her final examination. She took all of his vitals and added notes to his chart. "Ok Colonel I'm just going to run the scanner over you and have a look and see how your bones and insides are healing." Keller said as they positioned the scanner over him.

A few minutes late the removed the scanner and Keller helped him to sit back up.

She then checked the wounds on his back, chest, legs, arms and face.

"Ok Colonel lets get some of these tubes removed." Keller said "Which of these IV ports is the least painful."

"Why" John asked suspiciously.

"I need to leave one in for the moment." Keller explained. "You are still a bit dehydrated and if I take out all the ports they will only have to put in another one and it's getting harder and harder to find a vein, so it would be best to leave one for now."

"The one in the middle of my forearm is fine." John sighed.

"Great ok I'll removed the others." Keller replied and started.

"Now they are all done." She smiled "Now just the urinary catheter left."

John sighed again as she removed the sheets and proceeded to remove the tube.

"All done Colonel." She said and pulled the sheets back up over him. "Now you rest for a while and I'll be back to finish up."

"K thanks." John mumbled and closed his eyes.

Keller returned an hour later and gently removed the monitoring leads trying not to wake the Colonel. She had removed the pulse ox monitor and blood pressure monitors with out incident, and all that was left was the heart monitor. She switched it off and gently lowered the Colonel's gown. She carefully disconnected the lead but the left the sticky pad in place. She had reached the last one when it snagged on the pad pulling Johns chest hair. John woke with a start as he felt the tug.

"Easy Colonel I'm just disconnecting the leads." Keller assured.

"K." he mumbled sleepily and closed his eyes as Keller continued

"I'm just going to remove the pads. It might hurt a little."

"K." he mumbled again and she quickly pulled the pads off.

"All done." She advised happily "Now are you ready to get dressed."

"Yeah." He replied waking up some more.

"Ok Ronon dropped by with your clothes. Because you will in the infirmary in the SGC for a while I got him to bring some jogging pants and a t-shirt and some socks."

"How long do you think they will keep me in the infirmary?" John asked.

"Hopefully only 1 night and then you can get on with your vacation. Ok I'm going to put your socks on first. Hopefully it won't hurt too much."

"Ok sure." He replied as she carefully eased the sports sock on over his left foot.

"One down, one to go." She smiled and gently eased the second sock on.

"Ok you've done brilliantly Colonel." Keller praised and retrieved his pants.

She carefully lifted each leg and slid the pants on and then carefully pulled them up.

She then gently helped get him into the t- shirt.

When she had finished he was exhausted and pale.

"Ok Colonel rest for another bit you have another while before you are due to leave."

"K Doc. Thanks." He huffed. "Ah Doc, could you ask Major Lorne to come to see me before I go."

"Now Colonel you are on sick leave. I'm sure he can handle things until you get back."

"Please there are a few things I need to tell him." Sheppard pleaded.

"Ok but only five minutes." Keller agreed.

"Thanks Doc." He replied and closed his eyes.

20 minutes later Major Lorne arrived in the infirmary.

"Ahem." He coughed to get Sheppard's attention.

John slowly opened his eyes. "Major." He greeted.

"You wanted to see me Sir."

"Yeah have a seat." Sheppard replied. "I just have a few last minute things I thought of."

"Ok no problem." Lorne replied and Sheppard started going through some of the things Lorne would have to do while he was away.

After 15 minutes Keller arrived in to hunt the Major away and get John ready to go.

"Good luck Sir." Lorne saluted.

"Keep my city in good shape Major." John replied with a smile. "So Doc, are we ready to go?"

"Yes Ronon is just getting your wheel chair and then you will be all set."

"Great." John replied sarcastically.

Ronan arrived a minute later pushing the dreaded chair.

"Ok Colonel you can't put any pressure on your feet so Ronon is going to lift you into the chair." Keller explained. "It will be a little bit sore but it will be the easiest way."

"Ok." John sighed embarrassed he had to be lifted.

Ronon moved beside John as Keller applied the breaks to the chair.

Ronon gently slid one arm under Johns knees and the other behind his back and as gently as he could lift his team leader and the gently sat him in the chair.

"Are you alright Colonel?" Keller asked crouching down to him.

"Yeah I'm good." He replied. "Just hurt my ribs a bit."

"Sorry." Ronon apologised.

"Not your fault big guy." John assured "Ok let's get this show on the road."

"Ronon can you get Dr. McKay and Teyla in here so we can go over some ground rules."

Ronon nodded and went to get the others. They returned a minute later with Torren in Teyla's arms fussing.

"How is little Torren John today." Keller asked.

"Cranky." Teyla replied. "He has not been sleeping well."

"He slept fine in Sheppard's room." Rodney noted.

"Yes that is the longest he has slept all week." Teyla tiredly replied. "But he is happy other than that."

"That's good I suppose." Keller replied. "Now the Colonel is not to stand at any time during this vacation."

"Couldn't even if I wanted to." John sighed.

"The bones in his feet are still fractured but because of the numerous cuts we still can't put them in a cast. His knee is still strapped up so Ronon be careful when lifting him."

"I will." Ronon nodded.

"He is to use his left hand as little as possible. It was very badly sprained and is still tender. He is not to use his right hand but the cast will prevent that anyway. And be careful of his ribs when he is getting dressed."

"Is that all?" Teyla asked as Torren started fussing again and reached for John.

"Yes I think so. Make sure he takes his pills, all of them."

"Can I hold Torren for a minute?" John asked.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea Colonel." Keller replied.

"I won't drop him." John huffed.

"I know you won't but he might hurt you." Keller replied

"Please." John begged "I haven't held him in 4 weeks."

Jennifer looked to Teyla and Teyla happily nodded.

"Ok Colonel but if he gets too heavy or you are hurting please let us know."

"Cool." John replied.

Keller grabbed a pillow and placed it over Johns cast in cased arm and then Teyla gently sat a fussy Torren in Johns lap with his head lying against the pillow and John's chest.

"Hey buddy." John cooed "Have you been keeping your mommy awake."

Torren giggled and stopped fussing. "You were just missing your uncle John weren't you." John cooed

Torren giggled again and gave a big yawn. "You can go to sleep." John said to him. "I'm sure you are tired little guy."

"Let's get going" Rodney suggested and Ronon walked behind the chair and started pushing. Teyla walked beside John making sure Torren wasn't fussing too much.

"Ah Colonel, good to see you up and about." Woolsey greeted.

"It's good to be up and about." John replied.

"I see Torren is finally sleeping." Woolsey commented looking at the child in the Colonels arms.

"Yes." Teyla smiled. "It seems he just missed John."

"We are just about ready to dial earth." Chuck called.

"Dial it up." Woolsey called.

"Enjoy your vacation." Woolsey said as the wormhole engaged.

"We will." Teyla replied as Ronon started pushing the wheelchair towards the wormhole.

After radioing earth the group went through the worm hole.

"Welcome home." General Landry greeted

"Thank you General." John replied as he was wheeled down the ramp. "General this is Teyla and you've met Ronon and this little guy is Torren."

"Hello Teyla, Ronon, Dr McKay." He said bending down to see Torren "He is as cute as a button. Now I'm afraid you have an appointment in the infirmary Colonel."

"Yes Sir." John replied and Ronon pushed him out if the gate room and towards the infirmary followed by Teyla and Rodney.

They arrived in the infirmary to find Dr. Lam waiting for them beside an empty bed.

"Hello Colonel how are you feeling." She asked

"I'm good." He replied.

"Yes I'm sure. Ok we need to get you into bed how do you want to do this."

"Ronon will do it." John said as Teyla took Torren.

"Alright" Lam agreed and stepped back as Ronon gently lifted John out of the chair and put him on the bed. John had his eyes closed and his jaw clenched against the pain.

"Thank you Ronon." Lam said "Now the rest of you also need to be checked out so Frances here will get you set up. Teyla is it ok if we give Torren a quick check."

"Yes of course but please try not to wake him." Teyla replied

"We will do our best." Lam replied as they were led to their own beds and she pulled the curtain around John.

"Ok Colonel, I have Dr. Keller's notes and her results so we won't be doing much, just the normal checks. But you will be staying here overnight."

"Ok." John replied as Dr Lam wrapped a blood pressure cuff around his arm.

"We will get you set up with some fluids as soon as we are done." Lam added as she noted his pressure.

He nodded in response as she continued taking his vitals.

"Ok Colonel everything is looking ok." Lam commented. "How's the pain?"

"It's ok." He replied "It's a bit uncomfortable to be moved but it ease's after a few minutes."

"Ok." Lam replied. "Let me know if it gets worse. There is a counsellor on base if you need to talk to someone about what happened."

"That's ok." John assured "I've been through this and worse before. I don't think they can tell me anything new."

"Ok Colonel." Lam smiled. "I'm going to get the fluids and get you set up then if you are up to it you have some visitors waiting to see you."

"Ok thanks." He replied and settled back against the pillows.

Lam returned a few minutes later and attached the fluids to the IV port and when she had finished she pulled back the curtains. A minute later John's bed was surrounded by not only his own team but the members of SG1.

"Hey Shep." Mitchell greeted. "You couldn't just stay out of trouble."

"Na that would be no fun." John replied with a smile.

"Colonel Sheppard it is good to see you are recovering." Teal'c greeted.

"Hey Teal'c. Good to see you too. Hey Sam. Hey Daniel" John said. "Where's Vala I thought she would be here."

"Hello John. Couldn't manage to keep out of trouble without me." Sam replied and Daniel gave a nod. "Vala's off world, she won't be back for a few days yet."

"Hey I got into plenty of trouble while you were there." John replied. "How is everything here?"

"It's good. I miss Atlantis but I did miss being home so it's good to be back."

"That's good to hear." John replied. "Everyone on Atlantis said to say hello."

"That's Sweet." She replied with a smile. "So how are you feeling?"

"I've been better, but I've been worse, so I'm ok." He replied.

"Yeah I'm sure you are." Sam replied. "You'd be up and walking around if you were let, going on crazy rescue missions."

"It was one time." John sighed.

"Actually twice." Rodney corrected. "The time you left the infirmary when the whales were causing problems"

"It's more like three times." Jackson added. "You came after me and McKay after you had been caught in the gate room explosion."

"And you went to save Jennifer after your heart had stopped." Teyla added

"Ok Ok." John frowned. "You will all just have to stay safe so I don't have to."

"We will try." Teyla replied with a smile.

"Ok its time to leave, my patient needs his rest." Dr Lam ordered.

"We can go get some lunch" Rodney suggested.

"It's actually dinner time here." Daniel informed them.

"Ok dinner so." Rodney replied and after saying goodbye to John the group left the infirmary.

"Do you want me to bring you some dinner Colonel?" Dr Lam asked.

"Yeah sure." He replied.

"Anything in particular you would like." She asked.

"Some easy to pick up and eat." John replied.

"Ok Colonel." She smiled "I will be back shortly"

She arrived back 20 minutes later with some Pizza and fries.

"Not exactly the healthiest thing." She sighed "But it won't kill you."

"Wow thanks Doc." John Replied. "This is much better than what I've been getting on Atlantis."

"Enjoy Colonel." She smiled and left him to it.

Hope you enjoyed the first chapter. Please review.......