disclaimer: Not mine though I wish they were.

rating and warnings: M as is typical of my stories

A/N: This is the final sequel that follows 'Revelations and Expectations', 'Ramifications and Repercussions', 'Recriminations and Obligations' and 'Recreation and Vindication'.

If you have not read those stories then this could be confusing in spots. I have brought many old friends back but will not take much time to remind you of their previous roles.

Thanks: As always to my faithful cheerleader Sagey, who has waved her pom poms furiously for me for years. To Firedew and Kickstand who followed me to my new career and have stayed loyal. Many thanks, dear friends.

Feedback: is always loved, appreciated and responded to.

A/N: It's been a while since I posted anything new on this site. As many of you know I am embarking on a new career in writing. I have managed to write two full manuscripts and have started submitting them to publishers. Unfortunately it is a very long process. I did have a short story accepted for publication for a romance anthology that comes out around Valentine's Day 2014.

But my love for Atlantis and especially John and Teyla still beats strong in my heart. I unfortunately don't have time to continue writing my original stories, writing J/T, plus do my full time day job. But I did want to give all my loyal followers a gift of my extreme thanks. A final story (perhaps) and closure to my 'R and _' universe.

Unlike all my other stories, this is still a Work In Progress. I usually don't like posting anything unfinished but figured if I get enough feedback, it will give me more incentive to continue writing this. I hope this is acceptable. I will make every attempt to post as soon as I finish a new chapter. You know me, I always finish what I start. Now it will simply be when. I apologize for any who assumed the story was complete.

If anyone would like to keep in touch, please feel free to friend me on FaceBook (my pen name is Kari Lemor). You may follow me on Twitter (and I will follow back/ friend you if you tell me you are a J/T fan). You can find me on Pinterest (where I store pictures of my many story ideas). All of these with my pen name. And I have recently started a blog. It is on word press under kari lemor . It has snippets of my new works. I would love to see you and keep in touch. Thank you immensely for all the encouragement and support I have received in the years I have been here. You are the reason I got the courage to go further. My gratitude and appreciation.

REFLECTIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

by kariesue

"Teyla, what in the world are you doing?"

John Sheppard looked at the gorgeous ass of his wife sticking out from under their son, Torren's bed. Normally he would appreciate this sight but she was almost nine months pregnant and the position couldn't be very comfortable for her expanded middle.

She wiggled that gorgeous behind and her head appeared next, hair in disarray and a stuffed giraffe in her hand. She was still on her hands and knees. There were all sorts of things John could think of to do with her in that position but it was the middle of the day, they were in a child's room and said child might return any minute. Not to mention the nine month pregnant thing. That didn't keep his mind from wandering though.

"I was looking for Torren's stuffed animal," Teyla answered from her low plane. "He was asking for it this morning. He said he lost it sometime in the middle of the night."

Teyla reached for the side of the bed and John watched as she struggled to get up. Her center of gravity was off and her large stomach made it hard for her to maneuver like she used to. John moved closer, touching her elbow.

"Can I help you up?" He was cautious with her these days. Teyla had always been independent and proud of being able to do anything. Plus the hormones rampaging through her body sometimes made her a bit testy at times. He didn't need his head ripped off just for trying to help her.

"Thank you, John, yes." Teyla took his hand and he gripped her tighter as she rose. Okay, so she was in a good mood today.

Her breath came out heavy once she was standing and John smiled down at her. He still had a hard time believing this beautiful woman was his wife. And better still, she was carrying his little girl inside her. He lifted his hand to push the hair from her face then leaned down for a kiss.

Teyla's mouth immediately opened for his and he prolonged the contact. When he leaned back he said, "You should have asked me to do it. Or better yet, get TJ to find his own animal. He's old enough. Where is he?"

"Corporal Minelli took him for a walk with Guinness. I usually do this after his nap, however the corporal knew I had the meeting with the Coalition tonight. He thought I might want to rest for a while as it will be late."

"Yeah, Minelli's always doing nice things for you." John tried to keep the jealousy from his voice but at Teyla's smug grin, knew he hadn't succeeded.

"John, you are not still upset about the sparring I used to do with Corporal Minelli, are you? That was ages ago."

"Of course I'm not jealous… I mean upset," he corrected, lying through his teeth. "Why would I be? You married me after all."

Teyla took a step closer, as close as her distended abdomen would allow, and ran her hands up John's chest. Her eyes twinkled and her lips twitched.

"I only flirted with him to make you jealous." She lowered her eyes then raised them again in a conciliatory fashion. "And perhaps to get back at you for flirting with Larrin."

"Huh! See, I knew it. You never admitted that before, you know." He couldn't be upset by the past though. The here and now was so great, it didn't really matter what had come before.

"Yes, well … it is difficult to be with a man who so many women drool over and desire to be with."

John pressed another gentle kiss on her lips. "The only one I desire to be with is you. So anyone else doesn't matter. And I think you're exaggerating with the amount of women who have a thing for me. With all the buff marines around here, I consider myself lucky I managed to get you."

"Yes, there are some handsome men in the city," Teyla said and John gritted his teeth. "But you are a vital leader here, extremely intelligent, brave and heroic, fun to be with as well as having a smile that charms women deep inside. Do not underestimate the potency of that combination. And off-world, your position of power is a thrill for those who seek it."

Great, she was saying off-world women only wanted him because he was the military leader on Atlantis. Not that he wanted any of them. He knew he needed to get that in his mind or else Teyla would route out his previous thought. She was too in tune to his feelings ever since they'd gotten married. Luckily he could sense what she was feeling most of the time too.

"So, did you get any rest, sweetie?" He changed the subject, wanting to make sure she would be okay for the Coalition meeting tonight. Unfortunately it was on a planet whose time of day was different than that of the city.

"Not much. I kept thinking of all the things I need to do before the baby comes and we go to Earth for Christmas."

"Stop thinking about them then, lie down and rest. Or else I'll tell Woolsey that you can't go tonight. You can't keep burning the candle at both ends, Teyla."

Her eyes narrowed and John felt her frustration. "You mean like getting up at the crack of dawn to go running and working all day, then doing a midnight check of the city every single night?"

John's mouth lifted on one side. "Yeah, maybe, but I'm not pregnant. I guess we're both a bit of workaholics. But you have to admit, I've been better since we got married. Don't I take time for you and TJ every night? Unless an emergency comes along."

Teyla stroked her hand down the side of his face. "Yes, John, you have. Unfortunately many people on base have a very different idea of what constitutes an emergency."

"That's true. Rodney seems to think it's an emergency any time he can't figure out a solution as soon as he sees the problem."

"That and when his coffee runs out," Teyla added with her own smirk. "Are you still planning to accompany me to the Coalition meeting tonight?"

"Yeah, you know I don't like you going without the best protection. And I figure Ronon and I are as over protective as you can get, especially when it comes to you." John could feel Teyla's resentment that she needed protection. After living her whole life is this galaxy she thought she could handle everything. And she could handle most things but ever since they'd gotten together, John had felt a bit more possessive of her as well as that over protectiveness he mentioned. And with her carrying his baby … his concern had grown exponentially.

Teyla sighed. "Then perhaps I need to have an emergency right now that requires the assistance of the Military Commander."

John grinned. Teyla was up to something. He could feel the mischief floating through her. He narrowed his eyes and looked at her curiously. "What emergency would that be?"

"Two things actually. First, I am in need of some sleep so I can be well rested for the meeting tonight. You know how intense these sessions can be. I must be awake and aware or things could easily run away from me. So I need someone to watch over me while I sleep so no one disturbs me."

John's mouth twisted at her request. What else did she have in mind, the little minx?

"Second, I am concerned that my body guard will not be in top form if he has not been allowed to refresh. I may have to insist to Mr. Woolsey that I will only take a security team that has recently had sleep. If someone has been up since dawn and needs to stay awake all night they will not be effective should something unexpected happen."

John pressed his nose to hers whispering, "That's blackmail, you know."

"No, John, it is simply common sense. Now I am going to attempt to sleep. Could you possibly track down Torren and make sure he is brought to Aleeah for the next few hours. Perhaps she would be willing to take the dog as well."

John knew the Athosian who worked with all the city's children would be happy to take the miniature spaniel they had gotten during their trip to Bar Harbor over the summer. The children all loved him and she'd said it was so easy watching them when they were all playing with the dog.

He watched Teyla's hips swing as she walked into their bedroom. He did love watching her walk. She turned back and he realized she knew exactly what he was thinking. Good thing it was always good stuff.

He touched his ear piece and moved to the kitchen to get a quick drink. "Corporal Minelli. This is Sheppard. Come in."

"Colonel Sheppard, this is Minelli. Does Teyla need TJ back at your quarters, Sir?"

"No, Corporal. She's just getting around to lying down right now. Would you be able to take TJ to the child care room when you're done? Ask Aleeah if it's okay for Guinness to stay there for a few hours until we get him at pick up time."

"Absolutely, Sir. Does he need to go right now? We were giving him some exercise and fresh air on the East Pier."

"Whenever you're done, Corporal, is fine. Thank you. Sheppard out."

John waited a few seconds then tapped his radio again. "Control, this is Sheppard. I'm going to be out of radio contact for an hour or two. I'm going to try and get some shut eye so I won't walk into walls during the Coalition meeting tonight. If there's an emergency, I can be reached in my quarters. But it needs to be a real emergency. Tell McKay that unless Atlantis is about to explode, he doesn't constitute an emergency."

"I heard that, Sheppard," McKay's voice rang through John's ear.

A feminine chuckle came back over his head set. "Acknowledged, Sir. Major Lorne is here and says he has everything under control."

"Thanks, Major, and uh, Banks … you might suggest to Ronon that he could close his eyes for a few before we leave tonight."

More chuckling then, "I can suggest it, Sir, but I'm not sure that'll fly too well."

"I could make it an order but we all know how that would go. I think you still have the most influence over him."

"I'll see what I can do, Sir."

John walked back into the bedroom, dropping his radio on the bedside table. Teyla was already stretched out on her side, her eyes closed.

He removed his gun belt then settled next to her, leaving his boots on. They took forever to lace back up and if there was a real emergency he didn't want to take the time for them. Teyla roused then moved closer. John slid his hand under her shoulder as she placed her head on his chest and snuggled in deeper.

John pressed his lips to her hair and whispered, "You've got me for the next few hours, sweetie. Get some rest."

"Mmm," Teyla's dreamy voice murmured. "I am always able to sleep better with my favorite pillow."

"Teyla, Colonel Sheppard, it is wonderful to see you again." Councilor Pitonis of Menaria patted Teyla's hand then shook John's.

"It has been many days, Councilor. You are looking well," Teyla responded. "Minister Smeeden has represented your world the last few times the Coalition met."

"Yes, well Smeeden does like to make his presence known to other worlds. As for how you are looking, I would say you have a definite glow about you. I hadn't realized you and the Colonel were providing Torren with a sibling. How is he? Keston speaks of him often."

"He's great and excited about becoming a big brother," John answered. "How are your boys? Is Keston still giving Palik a run for his money?"

It took Pitonis a second to figure out the Earth saying but it seems he did. "Keston has been a bit more responsible when out with his brother. It seems the accident had a positive effect on him. I still cannot thank you enough, Colonel, for saving his life as you did. And with such a risk against your own."

John's face showed his discomfort with the praise. Teyla knew he hated being the center of attention and brushed off compliments quickly.

John shrugged and immediately diverted attention. "How is Seila? Did she come with you today?"

"No," Pitonis said. "Seila does not prefer to be in the thick of politics. She is happy to assist me with the duties of our planet but she is also happy to stay there with the boys. She does not have the wanderlust that some explorers do."

Teyla looked at John, knowing he had the desire to explore and discover. It was one of the things she was attracted to in him. His curiosity. Of course lately he was fairly happy to stay close to the city. She knew much of it had to do with her condition but he had also mentioned he was getting older and the physical stamina to participate in battles was not as strong.

She would certainly argue about his physical stamina. His body was in excellent shape. He routinely sparred with the troops during trainings and iIn the bedroom, he could go for a very long time without tiring. For which she was extremely grateful. Even in her present state, she still loved feeling her husband's skin against hers, his lips against her intimately. She shivered remembering their interactions just a few nights ago. Torren had gone to visit Halling and Jinto for the night so they had not needed to be quiet or quick.

Heat suffused Teyla's cheeks as John turned perplexed eyes to her. He could feel her thoughts and knew what she was thinking about. They departed from Pitonis and John took her elbow to steer her away to an deserted corner.

His eyes held passion and a touch of humor. "You keep thinking those thoughts, Teyla, and I might need to find an empty room for us to use. My pants are beginning to get a little tight."

Teyla's eyes shimmered with mischief. She reached her hand to stroke his cheek. "There is always that room we used last year. I am sure it would suffice again."

John snorted. "Sure, let's just make sure Larrin doesn't interrupt us this time. Although, on second thought, it might be a bit harder now in your condition. I'm not sure you can do some of the acrobatics presently and you're wearing pants. Maybe once we get back to Atlantis."

"True, but I will hold you to that promise, John Sheppard."

"Absolutely, Mrs. Sheppard."

Kelor banged a gavel upon the wooden table near the front and Teyla knew she would need to sit for the meeting. She squeezed John's hand, knowing kissing him was out of the question. He might tease about wanting her if no one else was nearby but public displays of affection were not his style, regardless of the fact, she rubbed her rounded belly, that they were obviously having sex.

She took her seat next to Pitonis, a friendly face and ally, especially since John had saved his son's life. There were some here that found her alliance with Atlantis traitorous. Fortunately the people of Atlantis had come to the rescue or aid of many worlds and had made many allies. She smiled knowing John was one of the main reasons. If he had information to warn a world of impending danger, then he saw no reason not to share the information.

The meeting began and Teyla listened carefully to all that was discussed. Occasionally her eyes and her mind would wander toward her husband. He was standing near Ronon on the outskirts of the large room, both of them alert to any danger. He never got involved in the politics of the Coalition if he could help it. He left Teyla to speak for the Athosians as well as Atlantis. It was gratifying that Mr. Woolsey had such faith in her also. There was a time that she had not felt so trusted.

The meeting ran long and Kelor finally announced a break. Teyla knew there were people she should speak with regarding several trade agreements but she wished to be near John as well. He had spent some of the meeting touching minds with their daughter and she was envious. She had needed to concentrate more on what the members were saying and could not pay closer attention to her daughter and husband's thoughts.

But perhaps she should allow John his private moments with their child. Being able to tap into her emotions was still new to John. Teyla had helped him this summer to meditate so he could feel her thoughts and emotions and John had been successful enough to reach their daughter as well. Recently he had been able to get inside Torren's mind at times also. The boy was not always thrilled with that.

Torren was a good child but as typical of little boys, sometimes had mischievous ideas running through his head. John made it a point to waylay those thoughts before they turned into reality.

She meandered through the crowd, greeting and speaking briefly with many of the members but suddenly felt John grow tense. Her eyes roamed the room, looking for the cause of strife. She found John near the corner being blocked in by none other than Larrin. Teyla gritted her teeth and stared.

.

"Sheppard, how is it that you always manage to avoid me at these parties?"

John turned from talking to Ronon and cringed. Larrin. Not that the woman hadn't come to their aid a few times with her fleet and assistance but she had a tendency to get him in trouble with his wife.

"Larrin." He tried for a casual smirk, wondering what she wanted now. "Shouldn't you be looking for some poor sucker to beat up and abuse instead of wasting time with me? I'm on to your little games."

"Sheppard, you wound me." She pouted then ran her hand along his arm. John took a step back but bumped into the wall. How did he always get himself in these situations with women?

He looked up to find Ronon silently laughing at him as he walked away. Yeah, his friend would be no help to him at the moment. He'd have to get rid of her himself.

"Your skin's so thick, Larrin, I don't think much could get through."

"It may be thick, Sheppard," she rasped as her hand brushed his shoulder, "But it's also soft. You should try it out sometime."

John narrowed his eyes at her audacity. "Did you not get the memo that I'm married and my wife can kick major ass?"

"I guess I just hate losing when it's what I want. Something as simple as marriage isn't going to dissuade me. I consider you a challenge. And truthfully, in the condition your wife is in, I can't see her kicking anyone's ass."

John snorted. She obviously didn't know Teyla too well.

"Plus," Larrin took a step closer and leaned in so her face was right near his. "She'd never have to know. While she's busy in the meeting, we can slip away to that room I saw you in last time. You can't be getting your needs fulfilled with her so big and all. Let me relieve some of that tension you probably have. You'll feel so much better."

John appreciated that she wanted him that much. After all, the woman was beautiful. But it was all a game to her. A challenge. What he had with Teyla wasn't worth risking for a few moments of pleasure, not when he could get even more pleasure from his wife. He took a deep breath and pushed past her.

"Not interested, Larrin. You don't have to worry about my needs. Teyla fills them and then some."

"I'd show you one hell of a time, Sheppard," she called back softly as he walked away.

He paused for only half a second. "That I don't doubt. But you'll need to find some other poor sucker. I'm not available."

John moved rapidly away before she could corner him again. Ronon caught up to him, grinning from ear to ear. John just glared at him.

"Thanks for the rescue, Buddy."

"Didn't look like you needed rescuing to me. She didn't have a weapon and she's hardly big enough to take you on."

The glare continued. "You'd be surprised."

"Looked like she had an offer for you. Anything good?"

"Nothing I wanted. But you might be interested. You could be just what she's after. Maybe you could go catch her. She'd give you a wild ride. You might enjoy it."

Ronon narrowed his eyes. "I'm getting married in a few weeks, Sheppard."

"Heck, I'm married and my wife is about to give birth and that didn't scare her off. She said she likes a challenge."

"You know Teyla was watching you the whole time, right?" Ronon changed the subject away from him.

"Yeah, I felt her attention on me. But she knew I was aggravated with Larrin so I think we'll be okay. I should probably go and find her just to make sure."

"Might be a good idea. The break isn't going to last much longer. I need something to eat. You want me to grab you something too."

John nodded and went looking for Teyla. She was, of course, in the thick of a conversation among some delegates from several planets. He moved up behind her but remained silent. She knew he was there.

Once she finished her sentence, she turned around and took his arm. "John, let me introduce you to the representatives from a few new planets that have decided to join the Coalition."

She rattled off names and planets and John tried to remember but names weren't his strong suit. Besides, he had Teyla to remember all that information for him.

"This is my husband, Colonel John Sheppard." The pride in her tone rang like a bell through him. "He is the Military Commander of the city of Atlantis. He is the one responsible for sending aid to your worlds when we learned of the Wraith hive ship heading your way."

John spent the next few minutes trying to keep the gushing to a minimum and promising them they could come visit the Ancient city soon. He hated all this social/political crap. He was really only here to make sure that nothing happened to Teyla, though he knew it was all necessary.

Once they moved away, John steered Teyla to a quiet spot. "I ran into Larrin."

"Yes, I saw. What did she want?"

Teyla knew but was playing dumb. Maybe she was testing him. Though he sensed nothing but trust in her right now.

"Me. Seems she thinks in your condition you can't satisfy me properly. I let her know you were doing just fine."

"Only fine?" Teyla teased. She allowed her hand to run up his arm, similar to what Larrin had done but the effect of Teyla's hand was so much nicer. He tamped down his desire, knowing soon enough he could release it. He leaned down, placing his lips close to Teyla's ear.

"Remember, I made you a promise earlier. I have every intention of keeping it, very soon."

Teyla's eyes glowed impishly. "Oh, I have not forgotten, John. I am looking forward to it very much."