With Friends Like These
Part 8
Author: MacGateFan
Disclaimers in Part 1
When Elizabeth and Mary arrived in the infirmary, John was sound asleep. They quietly walked over to his bedside where Carson was writing in a chart. "Ladies," he said with a nod.
"How's he doing, Dr. Beckett?" Mary asked.
He smiled at the young girl. "He's doing just fine, love. He's a might tired, but his temperature is about normal and he'll be teaching you how to fly a jumper in no time," Carson added with a wink.
"I'm sorry; I swear I didn't mean to do it!" Ronon just grunted and glared at McKay.
"Some people are trying to sleep here," John said drowsily.
Carson shook his head. "What are you on about now?"
"Conan here does not seem to want to forgive me for accidentally spilling coffee on him."
"Ronon?" Carson said, eyeing him curiously. "Are you all right?"
He waved his hand. "I'll live, but that doesn't mean I'm not mad. This crap you call coffee sticks everywhere when it's dry."
"Do you guys really have to talk so loud? I'm trying to sleep here and I have a slight headache..." John trailed off when he saw everyone tense. Carson moved over to the side of the bed. "It's not bad, Carson."
"I'll be the judge of that, Colonel," he replied. "I'm going to give you some Tylenol then I expect everyone to leave so my patient can rest, is that clear?"
"Yeah, yeah." Rodney glanced over at Ronon, who was still glaring at him, and took his leave.
Elizabeth and Mary just chuckled at the entire scene. "John, I'm glad you're all right. Major Lorne will be particularly happy."
"I'm sure he will be."
"I'll leave you two then."
Elizabeth headed out the door as Carson returned with the Tylenol and a glass of water. "I'll be in my office if you need anything, Colonel."
"Thanks, Carson."
Mary watched silently as he took the medication. She reached over to grab the glass that he attempted to put on the table next to him. He smiled at her, then settled into a more comfortable position.
She blinked when he patted the spot next to him. "Come up here."
"Are you sure?" she asked warily. "I don't want to hurt you."
"You'll be fine, Mary. It's not like I was injured."
Mary heard him sigh contentedly as she snuggled close to him. "Dad, I was really scared when you came back from that planet," she admitted. "When you pointed behind me and told me Mom was there, I didn't know what to think!"
"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to scare you like that."
"You don't have to apologize for it, Daddy. I know it hurts you deep inside that she's gone. I bet you didn't really get a chance to grieve for her, did you?"
John looked into the eyes of his sweet little girl. He could see so much of Emma in her and he was very grateful to have her in his life again. He felt the tears fall before he could stop them and Mary wrapped her arms around his waist.
"It's okay, Daddy," she whispered.
And John knew that it would be as he drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
EPILOGUE
"That's great, Mary, just watch your altitude."
Mary grinned she couldn't believe she was actually flying an alien space craft millions of light years from Earth. If only she could tell Jenna about this. Her friend would be so jealous right now!
"Why are you not yelling at her?" Rodney asked.
"I believe it's because Mary can pilot this ship in straight line, Dr. McKay," Teyla responded from the seat behind John.
Rodney crossed his arms and glared at the Athosian. He had no idea why he agreed to join them on the mainland. It wasn't like there was anything to do but talk and listen to stories.
Mary and laughed making Rodney realize why he was going. She was one amazing child, so upbeat and so carefree. He really needed someone like that in his life to avoid being serious all the time. Everyone in Atlantis did, especially John Sheppard it would seem.
"Rodney," John was saying, "If you're good, Mary will let you fly home. She can teach you the finer points of the Jumper."
"Oh yes, that's very funny."
John shrugged, winking at Mary. "I thought it was."
And that's the end. I wanted to thank you all so much for the kind reviews. I really appreciate it. I just have one question: What would you think if I continued the adventures of Mary Sheppard?