Chapter Nine
“Gibbs,” O’Neill said from the office doorway, knocking sharply on the jamb. “Walk with me.”
“Didn’t expect to see you back in the mountain so soon,” Gibbs remarked as they entered the hallway. “Figured you for debriefs all week.” The final sting on members of the Trust had been a couple of days ago, and O’Neill should have been tied up with that even more than Gibbs was.
“Yes, well, there’s another issue that’s come up.”
Gibbs stopped walking and rubbed his hand over his face.
“My exact feeling. Let’s keep moving. I need to pop in and talk to Sam for a second. I just wanted to let you know that DiNozzo’s return to Earth has gotten a little more complicated.” They entered the elevator, and O’Neill punched the floor for Carter’s lab.
“Complicated, how?” Gibbs asked, trying not to grind his teeth to dust.
“In that there’s going to be an official inquiry into his actions while ascended when he returns.”
Gibbs stared. “Are they out of their goddamned minds? That sounds like they think he did something wrong.”
“Well, a few people think he didn’t negotiate in good faith on Earth’s behalf.”
Gibbs wanted to stab someone.
“I sympathize with the feeling.” They exited the elevator. “It doesn’t help that he’s now got Atlantis in the palm of his hand, so to speak, and there’s concern about how he might abuse that power.”
“He wouldn’t.”
“You know that, and I believe it, but the powers that be… Well, they’re under pressure from many sides.” O’Neill stepped into Carter’s lab and jerked his chin toward the door.
She immediately got to her feet. “Good morning, General. I just need to run and grab something from Daniel, and then I can show you the new schematics.” She made tracks out the door.
Gibbs had been briefed long ago on how they made sure to keep Carter’s lab free of all audio surveillance, and they knew right where the cameras were—including the blind spots. Usually, a walk to Carter’s lab meant something that they couldn’t risk being overheard. It’d only happened to Gibbs twice in the last ten months. There wasn’t supposed to be audio surveillance in the mountain other than pre-approved locations, but keeping on top of the bugs planted in the entire mountain was an effort doomed to failure. They’d settled for keeping certain key areas bug free and did periodic sweeps of other areas at random.
O’Neill picked up some do-dad from Carter’s table and started fiddling with it, putting his back to the camera. Gibbs “accidentally” moved into the blind spot. “I’ve been ordered not to discuss the matter with DiNozzo ahead of time, and communication into and out of the mountain is being closely monitored. He’ll be taken into custody as soon as he arrives, and they’ll attempt to order him to give up control of the city.”
“Is that right?” Gibbs’ jaw clenched. “Will we even be allowed to see him?”
“Perhaps with supervision, though the orders are technically to beam him aboard the Apollo immediately. I’m sure the Marines given those orders will be reasonable.”
Gibbs completely understood the undercurrents here. He’d have to be the one to get the message to Tony, though having his reunion with Tony highjacked by political bullshit was putting him in a foul temper.
Carter entered the lab, and the faint head tilt from O’Neill let her know she should come in and continue the ruse. “Thank you for waiting, General. Let me show you the proposed changes to the specs for the BC-305.”
When Gibbs made a move to leave, O’Neill held up a hand to stall him. “Gibbs, we’ve been holding Carson Beckett at the Alpha site until we were finished with our investigations, which as you know, was delayed due to the intel about the Trust. Would you go retrieve him? I figure it’s time he answered for some of his lapses in judgment.”
“Yep.” Anything to keep busy. Beckett’s judgment was piss poor, and Gibbs could hardly call that a lapse. He’d been supplying information to the Trust, though it had been unwitting. His vanity and hubris had allowed certain people’s interest in his work to keep him from questioning why he was going around the proper chain of command. Elizabeth Weir’s judgment was even worse, but Gibbs thought it likely that she’d get shipped to the alpha site to do translations for the rest of her days. No one was really sure what to do with her, but they were all in agreement that she couldn’t be trusted.
An hour later, he stepped out of the gate at the Alpha site and let the Marines on duty review his credentials. They waved him on to enter the small compound that had been built and was still being expanded.
The commander of the site, Colonel Smithson, met him at the door to the facility. “Agent Gibbs, it’s good to see you again.”
“Smithson.”
“I’m afraid your errand may be in vain. Subsequent to your orders being cut, ours were updated. And there’s a mismatch.”
“Is that right?”
“Yes. The orders transmitted from the SGC when you came through the gate confirm my existing orders that Dr. Beckett is to continue to work on supervised projects and is limited to personal emails with a vetted list that are closely monitored.” Smithson held out his tablet. One of Smithson’s duties was to ride herd on the small group of civilians who knew a little too much and weren’t trustworthy enough to be let loose on Earth. He kept them busy and carefully monitored. “While I see your orders to retrieve Dr. Beckett in the system, they’ve already been obsoleted. We’re doing a routine maintenance cycle, and it will be a couple of hours before we can dial the mountain. I’ll show you where you can get a coffee. I’ll retrieve you when it’s time to return to the SGC.”
Gibbs nodded, letting nothing show, hoping this situation was what it felt like.
Smithson showed him to a door. “There’s a full beverage service as well as some sandwiches in the refrigerator if you’re hungry.” With that, Smithson turned on his heel and left Gibbs alone.
Gibbs entered the room both shocked but also not to find Tony sitting perched on the edge of a conference table. “Tony,” he said on a sharp exhale. He kicked the door shut behind him as he crossed the room in three strides. Tony had hopped off the table and readily surrendered when Gibbs pulled him close.
“I don’t think you’ve ever hugged me before,” Tony murmured, the sound of his voice the best thing Gibbs had heard in a long damn time.
“Shut up, Tony,” Gibbs said with a laugh as he squeezed tighter and pressed his face against the side of Tony’s neck, just breathing him in.
“Yeah, okay.” Tony melted into him, his breath coming out in shuddery waves. “God, I’ve missed you.”
Gibbs didn’t know how to articulate everything he was feeling, so he didn’t even try. He fisted his hands in Tony’s shirt, grateful to have Tony back.
They stayed like that for a long time until finally Gibbs pulled back enough to look his fill. They should talk because they had a lot to discuss, and Gibbs had questions, but all he could manage was to reach up and frame Tony’s face. “You’re here.”
Tony curled his hands around Gibbs’ forearms, squeezing tightly. “I’m fine.”
He traced the line of Tony’s cheekbones with his thumbs. “I told myself if I didn’t let you close, it wouldn’t hurt if I lost you.” He laughed bitterly. “It’s a damn lie.” He moved in, pressing their mouths together.
Tony sighed into the kiss, hands sliding up to Gibbs’ shoulders. The press of lips felt heated like nothing Gibbs could remember experiencing even though the kiss was fairly chaste.
When they broke apart, they wound up staring at each other, eyes wide, breathing heavily.
“Wow,” Tony breathed.
“Yeah.”
“I mean… Wow. We should probably be careful how far we let that go when we don’t have time to seal the deal.”
Gibbs snorted then guided Tony to a chair, sitting close so their legs were entangled. “Tell me how you’re even here.”
“The SGC can’t control or monitor communication between the Asgard. And while the Asgard aren’t around, O’Neill has a device to reach them. Which he used to leave a message for Hermiod to pass on to me, though it was particularly cryptic. Caldwell and Smithson are both being given very little information to protect them, but they’re aware there are some political shenanigans going on. Caldwell dropped me here for a brief time and then he’s taking me to the Beta site to gate in to the SGC. You’ll be going back the way you came because I was never here.”
“Tony… They’re taking you the minute you step into the mountain.”
“What is it I’m supposed to have done?”
“Damn powers that be think you should have done better for Earth. They want you to give up control of Atlantis.”
Tony’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I see.” He looked away and took a deep breath. “I never wanted control of Atlantis, but I’m not going to turn her over to a bunch of greedy politicians. Hell no.”
“Expect them to use immoral tactics.”
“Mm-hm.” Tony began to smile. “I’m feeling another rule 16 moment coming on.”
Gibbs grinned. “Oorah.”
Tony’s smile was bright. “We’re gonna kick so much ass, Gibbs.”
“Jethro,” he corrected. “I’m not your boss anymore, Tony.” He hesitated briefly. “I’d like to be more than that.”
“You always have been.” Tony took both of his hands and squeezed. “We don’t have long.”
“Thought there was two hours…”
“That’s to protect you. You’re going to be stuck at the alpha site when I arrive at the SGC from the beta site.”
“How will I know where you are?”
“You may not for a little while, but the most they can keep me is a couple of weeks. Atlantis won’t tolerate me being gone longer. At some point, they’re going to have to decide if they want to risk breaking the deal with the Ancients, which would really piss them off since we already have possession of the ZPMs.” Tony checked his watch. “They’re going to beam me up soon.”
“How do I let you go?”
Leaning in, Tony pressed their mouths together again. “We’re in the home stretch, Jethro, I promise. I don’t want to give them any ammunition.” He pulled back and handed Gibbs a small case. “Swallow what’s inside before you go back to the SGC. It’s a tracer that will last for a couple of weeks. We can do something more permanent when we get to Atlantis. She made that for you.”
“She? You mean the city?”
“Yes.”
“And how is she going to find me when I’m on Earth.”
Tony smiled enigmatically. “We’re working on a back-up plan.”
“We?”
“Just trust me, okay?”
“Always, Tony.”
Tony’s smile turned soft and he leaned in, kissing gently. Gibbs didn’t want to let go when Tony pulled back. “I know you’re not going to want to do this, but would you consider going to Atlantis as soon as you can?”
“While you’re in custody?”
“Yeah. I wouldn’t put it past them to revoke your transfer to try to get me to do what they want.”
Gibbs stared at Tony for long moments. “You already knew what was going on…?”
“I had some intel, yeah. I promise to explain everything when we’re not so…vulnerable.” Tony’s watch beeped, and he scowled at it. “I have to go. I know you’re not going to want to go to Atlantis ahead of me, and I certainly can’t make you, but it’d take a load off my mind if you weren’t in the line of fire.”
Gibbs wasn’t prepared to make that commitment. “I’ll try.”
Tony’s lips pursed, but he nodded his head as he stepped away and reached up to his earpiece.
“Tony, wait.” He yanked Tony close and fused their mouths together, licking past Tony’s lips and into his mouth, getting a moan as Tony tried to get closer. They stayed locked together until Tony’s watch beeped again.
“I gotta go.”
“I know.” Gibbs released him with more reluctance than he’d ever felt in his life. “Love you.” He needed to say it because he’d learned not to let his chances slip by.
Tony’s smile was blinding and so incredibly happy. “I love you too.”
Then there was a flash of light and Tony was gone.
* * *
Tony stepped through the gate into Cheyenne Mountain for the first time. He was escorted by a couple of Marines who had been waiting at the beta site to ensure he didn’t get delayed doing anything nefarious like talking to people.
General Weppler was waiting in the hall. “Welcome home, Agent DiNozzo.”
“Sir.” Tony glanced at his escort. “Hell of a welcoming committee.”
Weppler’s jaw clenched. “Certainly not any of our idea. O’Neill and I will be with you at the debriefing.”
“Sir,” one of the Marines said, “our orders only included Agent DiNozzo.”
“You got a problem with me accompanying you, Marine?” Weppler snapped out.
“No, sir,” the Marine backpedaled.
“Do I have time to say hello to my team?” Tony asked, not sure he’d ever get the opportunity again, depending on how this “debriefing” went down.
“Our orders are to have you beamed straight to the bridge of the Apollo and then to the coordinates set for your interview.”
Weppler’s glare went up a few notches. “I’m sure we can spare five minutes for a man who has been missing for nearly a year to say hello to his friends and colleagues.”
The Marines shared a look. “We’ll have to remain with him, sir. Our orders from the Secretary of Defense were very clear.”
“That’s fine,” Tony said, not wanting to start a war between a Marine general and two serving Marines. “I’m just gonna say hi, and we can even beam out straight from the offices.” He turned to Weppler. “I’m hoping they’re in the mountain today.”
“Todd and McGee, yes, but Agent Gibbs is at the Alpha site for at least another thirty minutes.”
Tony sighed heavily. “Figures. Well, let’s hope Kate and Tim are actually at their desks because I doubt my guards are going to be patient while I scour the mountain for them.”
“They’ll be there,” Weppler assured. “My aide is seeing to it.”
“Thank you, sir.”
They headed for the elevators and then up to the twenty-second floor. He’d barely made it into the door of the office before Kate was bounding out of her chair. “Oh my god, Tony!” She launched herself at him.
He caught her with a laugh. “Hey, Katie.”
Then McGee’s arms were around them both.
“Well, hey there, Tiny Tim.” McGee had lost some weight while Tony’d been walkabout.
McGee pulled back, but Kate was slower to let go. “We heard you’re going to be permanently assigned to Atlantis,” McGee said earnestly. “We’re gonna miss you, but I’m just glad you’re back.”
Kate finally let go. “How long will you be here?”
“I’m not sure. I’m apparently going to be debriefed for who knows how long and they gave me all of five minutes to say hi to you guys.”
“What?” Kate puffed up in outrage as she glared at Weppler. “Five minutes before being whisked away? It’s like you’re treating him like a criminal.”
“I didn’t have any say in the matter, Agent Todd.”
Kate glared at the Marine escort, expression full of indignation.
McGee’s expression fell. “Oh, you missed Gibbs. He’s at the Alpha site.” He looked between Tony and the Marines. “You sure you have to leave so quickly.”
One of the Marines stepped forward. “Yes, the Apollo will be beaming us up shortly. Please step back, sir.”
Tony waved off Kate and Tim. “Don’t worry, guys. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
As soon as they had stepped away, one of the Marines radioed the Apollo for beam up.
* * *
Tony had been in a windowless room for two hours, being questioned by two nameless dudes in black suits. Literal MIBs. It was so stupidly cliché. He’d stopped talking after the first thirty minutes, but they kept firing questions at him.
The door finally opened and another general entered, one Tony knew was associated with the NID, Major General Jay Fields. Tony thought the NID was still a pretty shady organization, but at least it wasn’t completely corrupt anymore.
“Agent DiNozzo, I’m General Fields.”
“Uh-huh.”
The general’s smile was more of a frown. “It would be in your best interests to cooperate with our questions.”
“Am I under arrest?”
“No.”
“Which would explain why I was denied a lawyer. So, if I’m not under arrest, what have I done that has warranted this level of scrutiny?”
Fields was silent for several long moments. “We need to ascertain if national security has been compromised by your time with—”
“Are you freaking kidding?” Tony got to his feet. “That’s your best play here? Wondering if I let…what? Classified intel slip to beings that are bordering on omniscient?”
The general’s mouth pressed into a thin line.
“I’m done with this crap. I’ll be happy to answer any reasonable queries put to me, but I’m not going to be interrogated, nor am I going to entertain stupid questions.”
“That’s highly insubordinate, Agent.”
Tony shoved his hands into his pockets. “You’re not my superior.”
The general’s jaw clenched, but he stepped out of the room, closing the door again.
“Have a seat, Agent DiNozzo,” one of the goons ordered.
“No.” Tony leaned back against the wall. “I’m done sitting in that chair, and I’m done talking to you two. Your questions have been on repeat for the last hour, and I’m criminally bored.”
“We can force you to comply.”
“Really? You go right on ahead and see how that works out for you.” Yes, they could get rough with him for a bit, but he was pretty sure Oma and Janus would see that as a breach of their agreements. Plus, he was certain that Atlantis would have piloted the Ancient battle cruiser that had been waiting in that shipyard into orbit in the last couple of hours. If they got too fresh with him, she’d just pull him out.
Tony had been careful about what he revealed about the nature of Atlantis’ sentience. The leaders of Earth would be horrified to know that the mental component associated with Ancient tech came from the crystals they used. The crystals that, once implemented into the Ancients’ intelligent design, became accessible through Atlantis consciousness. Atlantis had complete access to the Ancient outpost through various space relays which the SGC knew nothing about. But because they’d hooked up SGC equipment at the outpost and interfaced it with Ancient tech, they’d inadvertently given her access to all their systems.
Firewalls were nothing to her, and she’d gotten around them like they weren’t even there. Which was why Tony’d had a heads up about the classified detain-on-sight order that had been put out for him.
The agents decided not to call Tony’s bluff and just glared at him from their seats at the table.
Finally, Tony got fed up. “This is for whoever is listening: I’m just about at the end of my patience. I’m not giving up my liberty or sitting around listening to empty threats when I’ve done everything I could for Earth. If I tell Janus that the deal is off, it’ll be off. And you may think that’s an empty threat, but you just fucking try me.”
The door opened and General Fields stood in the doorway with the light from the hallway making his figure appear more shadowed. “They’ll see you now, Agent DiNozzo.”
“Oh, will they? Joy.”
He was escorted to a fairly plain room with a long, curving table with a bunch of men and two women seated at it. There was a lone chair facing the table. Weppler and O’Neill were seated off to the side, neither looking happy about what was going on.
The people seated at the table were primarily members of the reformed IOA, but there were also a couple of senators and two members of the NID, including General Fields. Seated with O’Neill and Weppler were the Secretary of Defense and the White House Chief of Staff.
Tony took the seat and stared expectantly at the panel.
The man in the center, the new head of the IOA, a man from England named Merton Brown, gave Tony a sternly disapproving look. “We’ve been concerned about your level of cooperation, Mr. DiNozzo.” The stern, disapproving elder look would have worked better if the guy were a day over forty-five.
“Agent DiNozzo,” Tony corrected.
“Perhaps not for long,” Brown said with a smirk. “We’ll have to see if your attitude improves.”
A couple of the panel members shot Brown censorious looks.
“I see. So I’m supposed to have a good attitude about being arrested and denied representation?”
“You are not under arrest.”
“It sure feels like arrest because this is like no debriefing I’ve ever been through. Why don’t we stop this game and you say whatever it is you want to say.”
Brown’s lips pressed into a thin line. “There are those among us who question this deal the President of the United States has agreed to. For the mere price of a few ZPMs and some drones, we’re supposed to give up control of Atlantis?”
“You never had control of Atlantis.”
“The Atlantis expedition is run under the auspices of the IOA.”
“Atlantis is a sentient city-ship in another galaxy. You don’t and never had control of her,” Tony corrected.
“Yes, a problem we’ve recently become aware of and that’s certainly on our agenda. The first issue is that we are concerned that, as a representative of Earth, you did not negotiate in good faith on behalf of your home planet.”
Tony blinked. “Are you fucking serious?”
“Watch your tone!” one of the senators snapped.
Tony glared at him until the man looked away. He then turned his attention to Brown. “I don’t recall signing an agreement with Earth that should I ever be exposed to a biological pathogen and manage to ascend to a higher plane of existence right before drowning in my own fluids that I would negotiate a bangin’ deal for Earth should I manage to persuade them to allow me to de-ascend with my memories and clothing intact.”
O’Neill snorted and didn’t even try to cover his amusement.
“You have a moral obligation in such circumstances, and I would think any decent person would think so.”
“Is that right? You are sitting there discussing my morals and implying that I’m not decent? I’ll admit, I’ve spent much of my life being as indecent as possible, but I think a guy with a fetish for underage boys has a hell of a lot of nerve questioning my morals.”
“How dare you!” Brown screeched as he got to his feet.
“How dare I? You’ve got a lot of nerve. Did you forget that I spent ten months on a higher plane where I could see whatever I wanted to, including what was happening back on Earth? I tend to find most people boring, but I did pay attention to the new members of the IOA, considering how many of the last bunch were corrupt as fuck.
“I know all the secrets that were missed in vetting. One person’s substance abuse issues, another person’s online gambling problem. And, for the most part, I don’t feel obligated to reveal people’s vices except to note that these are potential soft targets for each of you, so you should come clean to your respective governments and get help before you find yourself the subject of blackmail just to avoid a little embarrassment.
“But you,” he said with a glare at Brown, “if you think I wasn’t going to reveal your predilection for child pornography, you’re absolutely crackers. Because my experience, after a decade in law enforcement, is that looking inevitably leads to more. However, I would have discussed it with my superiors privately and let the matter be addressed however your superiors in the UK chose to handle it. But the day I let a damn pedophile call me immoral and indecent is the day I give up, ascend, and spend the rest of my existence on a cloud somewhere counting tits on ants.” Tony had heard Gibbs use that rather colorful phrase a few times and had found it one of the few sources of amusement over the last year.
Brown was nearly purple with rage, or maybe embarrassment. One of the women got to her feet, one of the representatives from China, and gestured to Fields. “General, I think perhaps Mr. Brown could do with some time for private reflection. If you would have operatives check Mr. Brown’s residence—in fact, all his computers—for evidence of Agent DiNozzo’s assertions?”
“Certainly, Dr. Zhang.” Fields gestured for two different NID goons to take Brown out of the room. Brown was swearing and protesting the whole way. The two guys who’d been Tony’s escort remained in the room.
Dr. Zhang took Brown’s seat, looking like she found her new seat distasteful. “My apologies for that unpleasantness, Agent DiNozzo. Not all of us were in agreement about Mr. Brown’s approach, and I can assure you that we’ll take a closer look at the lives of all of our members. While I personally would not condemn anyone for laboring under an addiction, I cannot approve of not seeking help, and you are quite correct in your assertion that it leaves one vulnerable to extortion and blackmail.”
“Thank you, ma’am. If I could address the core issue Mr. Brown raised for those who are of the same mindset?”
She nodded for him to continue.
“The Ancients, I think, were looking for a reason to provide aid to Pegasus, and I gave them a way to do that. The concessions I negotiated for Earth were purely on the back of my willingness to spend the rest of my life in the service of protecting Pegasus and fighting back the wraith. I think it’d be beyond arrogant to say that my time and effort is worth even one ZPM. But you got four, and a potentially unlimited supply of drones and naquadah—provided the drones are only used against off-world threats. Additionally, should the Ori encroach on this galaxy, you’ll have the knowledge and location of a weapon that could save billions of lives and prevent the entire planet from being subjugated.
“So, I’d greatly like to hear the justification for why anyone here thinks the Tau’ri deserve additional benefits for nothing more than the sacrifice of my time and attention focused on the Pegasus galaxy. I mean, were you guys thinking that I’d be the next president or something, and everyone’s butthurt that I’ll be in Pegasus? Your fascination with me seems both extreme and inappropriate.”
Dr. Zhang’s lips twitched, and O’Neill was hiding his smile behind his hand. Weppler was stoic, but Tony could tell he was fighting a laugh.
“It’s not about you, DiNozzo,” the mouthy senator from earlier bit out. “Why should the Pegasus galaxy get so much and we so little?”
“Wow, dude, check your entitlement.”
Fields, looking displeased, stepped up behind Dr. Zhang and passed her a piece of paper.
Dr. Zhang’s lips pressed into a disapproving line. “I see.” She stared down the table. “Senator Rake, do be quiet. You are not yet part of the IOA and I don’t see you passing a vote at this point.” She looked to Tony. “You’re correct in your assertion that we are not entitled to any consideration and that the concessions we have been given, well, I don’t mean to diminish your time and attention, Agent DiNozzo, but we’d have gladly sent a hundred such as you off to Pegasus for one fully charged ZPM, much less four. Anyone who says otherwise is simply posturing.”
She sat back in her chair, looking fairly regal in Tony’s mind. She looked forty, but Tony knew she was just past sixty. “The argument could be made, however, that we’ve lost Atlantis in this bargain.”
“Which assumes you ever had Atlantis. Without power, you were never getting her to the Milky Way, and with power, she was never going to let herself be appropriated in such a fashion.”
“And, again, it could be said that you could override those protocols.”
“And yet I wouldn’t because I did make a bargain, and I’ll say right now that I refuse to be ordered to override Atlantis’ protocols. And if you think I didn’t already know about the plans in place to make me, you’re mistaken.”
“What plans?” O’Neill asked, leaning forward.
“Let’s see,” Tony held up a hand and ticked off his first finger, “refusing to let Gibbs transfer to Atlantis,” he ticked off the next finger, “reassigning the people I cared about at NCIS to shitty assignments—even dangerous ones. The plan to send Kate Todd to Afghanistan was particularly crude since NCIS only places intelligence assets there, and she’s not actually qualified for the post. Plus, danger.” He ticked off the next finger. “Then there was punishing me, I guess, by removing many of the SGC-vetted people involved in the mission, including retired Admiral Dr. Frank Boyd, Dr. Rodney McKay, Dr. Radek Zelenka, and Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard. Then they planned to put Peter Kavanagh in charge of the sciences, I guess so they could blow the city up through incompetence or something.”
O’Neill looked incensed. Weppler wasn’t much better.
“The plan was to put a bunch of unqualified people who were IOA yes-men in charge so that they could… I’m not even sure what. Bully me into compliance? Blow up the city? If you can’t have it, no one can, is that the deal?” Tony smiled with way too many teeth. “And then let’s not leave out that the very classified piece of information regarding my biological relationship to John Sheppard that was bandied about. Brown took it upon himself to tell Patrick Sheppard about the Stargate program so that Dr. Sheppard would use his influence to get his son transferred back to Earth. And if that wasn’t enough to sway my opinion, that guy right there,” Tony pointed to one of the guys who had been interrogating him, “has orders to see to the abduction of Matthew and David Sheppard to secure not only John’s compliance but mine as well.”
O’Neill got to his feet, looking furious, with Weppler not far behind. The White House Chief of Staff also got to his feet, phone in hand. Fields just walked up to the guy in question and tased him, dispassionately watching as the guy fell twitching on the floor.
Dr. Zhang held up a hand. “I confess that a few of these measures had been discussed, though they had not been agreed on as many of the committee felt them akin to coercion.”
“Akin?” Tony repeated incredulously.
“However,” she continued, “some of the more extreme measures I was not aware of. How did you come into the knowledge of this?” Her eyes flicked to O’Neill and Weppler.
“Not hardly. You damn well know that they weren’t briefed on the IOA’s plans to try to burn everything down if they don’t get their way.” Tony wasn’t giving up the information about Atlantis’ access to all their systems, but he wasn’t going to let the generals take the heat either, especially since the only thing those two knew was that Tony was to be detained for “debriefing.”
Before he could open his mouth to reply further, there was a flash of light and Janus appeared in the middle of the room. “I rather think the source of Anthony’s knowledge could be easily inferred by anyone with the capacity for logical thought.”
Tony bit his lip. Janus had just totally misled them without actually stating anything untrue.
All of the IOA members got to their feet, and Tony stood as well.
“Hello,” Dr. Zhang said immediately. “I am—”
“I know who you are; I know who all of you are. Anthony attempted to warn you that our vow of non-interference should not be confused with our willingness to enforce a bargain once struck. You cannot manipulate matters to your benefit, you cannot hide information from us. We simply do not care about your petty internal squabbles, but we will not tolerate interference in any matters regarding Atlantis. You would do well to remember that Atlantis is not yours. Be respectful and grateful or I’ll demonstrate my willingness to act.”
Janus looked around at each member of the IOA, including the Chief of Staff who had given up his phone call to stare wide-eyed at Janus. “Further, I should mention that my interest in the Sheppard family is personal as they are directly descended from my line. I cannot promise that my reactions to offenses against them will be at all proportional. Do keep that in mind when you choose to allow vermin in your ranks.”
With that threat hanging heavy in the air, Janus turned to Tony, smiling. “Anthony, would you like me to see you back to Atlantis? Oma is quite put out about how you’ve been treated here today, and it might be better to see you home rather than risk her destroying an entire building.”
Tony laughed. “I’ll be fine. I’m sure they’re going to stop the shenanigans and get around to the legitimate questions, which I can concede that they might actually have a few.”
“Very well. I should mention that I’ve already been to the mountain where they house the stargate. They were attempting to prevent Agent Gibbs from departing. Orders from this Mr. Brown fellow, no doubt. I dialed the gate myself and ushered him through. For his peace of mind, I assured him that I would see you taken care of. I’m sure he would have rather stayed, but I felt it unwise to risk someone in this room becoming foolish and putting me in a position that required actual interference.” Janus shot another glare at the panel, who all seemed shaken. “Which I might be willing to do if you test me. If I were to interfere, I’d make sure it was worth the punishment I’d suffer.”
There was another flash of light and Oma appeared.
Janus sighed.
“You’re not actually in charge, Janus.”
“That’s right, you’re not the boss of her,” Tony said with a grin.
Oma touched Tony’s cheek. “Tony dear, do I need to ruin anyone?”
“I’m morbidly curious what your version of ruining someone would be.”
“Nudity and amnesia are a favorite amongst my colleagues, but I find being left to drift in deep space with nothing but a thin veil of my power holding back instant death to be a suitable object lesson.”
“Well, I don’t think we need to psychologically terrorize anyone today.”
“Pity. I think I’ve developed a taste for it.” She turned to the rest of the room. “In addition to everything Janus mentioned, do leave Daniel Jackson alone. He’s a favorite of mine.” With that, she vanished in a flash.
Janus sighed and gave them all a final warning glare before disappearing too. Tony hadn’t expected the Ancients to intervene, which was why he had backup plan upon backup plan for getting them all out of this, but it was so much easier with Janus and Oma willing to show that they’d step in if the powers that be got out of line.
Tony took his seat again. “I figured a debriefing would be required, so it’d be great if we could actually do something legitimate now that threats, coercion, and blackmail are off the table.” He smiled sweetly at Senator Rake. “Actually,” he held up a finger, “we should perhaps start with how Mr. Brown illegally read Patrick Sheppard in on the stargate program and how incredibly pissed off about that I am?”
Chapter Ten
“Would you have ever told me?” Patrick asked as he passed the coffee mug over to Tony. The Sheppard family home in Virginia was close enough to where Tony was being grilled in DC to stop by—with a crew from the SGC, ladened with stacks of NDAs to be signed. Turned out that Brown had told the whole Sheppard family, and they’d all been waiting for someone to show up about it because Patrick wasn’t an idiot; he’d known Brown was breaking some serious rules.
“Probably not,” Tony admitted, leaning back and relaxing in his chair. They were seated in a glassed-in patio, which kept the February cold from affecting them, but the view of the grounds was lovely.
Tony had met David and Matthew briefly and would spend more time with them later. They were inside signing their NDAs. Patrick said he’d only sign after he’d had time to talk to Tony privately. “I’ll be thirty-three in a few months, and I’m going to be permanently stationed very far from here. It seemed…pointless.” He winced a little. “I don’t mean that harshly but, really, what is the point?”
Patrick contemplated his coffee like it held the answers to the universe. “I’m not sure, but I know I’d like to know my youngest. Matt and David feel the same way.” He hesitated. “These SGC people are certain…?”
“It’s been verified a couple of times, but I’m fine with leaving a DNA sample with you so you can have it independently verified.”
“And John… Is he all right?” Patrick looked uncomfortable.
“He’s fine. Happy.”
“So happy that he went on a suicide mission?” Patrick’s tone was bitter and harsh.
“Is that how Brown characterized it?” Tony shook his head. “That asshole. He was trying to play you. If I didn’t play ball, he was going to attempt to manipulate you into bringing all your influence to bear to have John shipped home.”
Patrick’s expression twisted. “I confess, I’d already considered that. The only thing that kept me from it so far was… Well, John and I have had a difficult relationship for many years. I knew my interference in his posting would be the death knell.”
“Perhaps,” Tony conceded. “But let me clear up a point: John’s mission was always dangerous, but it was never a ‘suicide mission.’ Yes, they went out there knowing they might die, but how is that different from any other combat deployment? The SGC was never sending them on a one-way mission. The best hope was that they’d be able to dial back immediately. But the back-up plan was always to have a ship follow them, which would bring them home if need be. Now, there were some unforeseen circumstances and it took longer than expected for that ship to arrive, but that was always the plan.”
“That helps.” Patrick leaned back in his chair, looking tired. “I’d like to see John, make things right.”
“So do it. Don’t let stupid stuff stand in the way. Trust me, I got the worst object lesson over the last year in not communicating.” He considered all the time he and Gibbs had wasted and it made him want to beat his head on a desk. “John’s gonna go ballistic when he finds out what happened here, so he might be back sooner than expected to talk to everyone. And here’s where I’m going to offer some unsolicited advice. Stop fighting about stupid shit. He’s military. Everyone needs to move on.”
Patrick ran his hand over his face. “I know. I kept expecting him to bend, and it wasn’t fair of me.” He gave Tony a pointed look. “I want to be involved in this, to help do what I can to keep all of you safe.”
“Well, you’ve got a whole aeronautical company. You’re read in now, so put some bids in to help build our freaking spaceships. Tell O’Neill you want to send some people to Atlantis to study Ancient ship design or something. If you want to get involved, do it. You’re Patrick fucking Sheppard.”
Lips quirking up, Patrick nodded. “I’ll be honest that I don’t remember your mother that well, but when you get going, it sparks a memory. You look like her. And you also look like my mother—you, John, and Matthew have her eyes.” He smiled. “It’s good to remember.”
* * *
Tony looked around his apartment, the place he’d lived for three years, and mentally said goodbye. He’d spent the first year with NCIS after Wendy had left him in a furnished place, and then he’d found this apartment and instantly fallen in love with it. He wasn’t really sad that this part of his life was over, but there was still something bittersweet about the final goodbye.
One of the staffers for Homeworld security was buying the place, furnishings and all, and was going to take care of getting rid of anything that was mutually unwanted. Tony didn’t have the time to see the sale all the way through, so he’d given Daniel Jackson power of attorney to see to the settling of his affairs.
He tapped his earpiece. “Daedalus, the packages are loaded and ready.” He’d been given two enormous crates to put his personal stuff in. The aide who’d bought his place was going to go through the DVDs he was leaving behind and ensure that all of them were in the media library that had been prepared for Atlantis. Tony would feel bad for all work he was leaving for the guy, but he’d given him a good deal and thrown in all his furniture.
“Understood, Agent DiNozzo. Beaming in five…four…three…two…one. We have your gear in the cargo hold.” He’d tried to be circumspect about what he packed, but he couldn’t help but bring a few of his favorite suits. You never knew when you might need to look professional.
“Thank you, Colonel. I’m headed to Alexandria now and will have the Gibbs’ stuff ready as soon as possible.” He signed off then left the apartment for the last time.
The drive to Alexandria was fairly quick since it was a Saturday. O’Neill was waiting there, and had the stuff Gibbs had identified already prepared and ready to go. Most of the things Gibbs needed were in Colorado, but he’d left a bunch of his personal belongings in his basement. Plus, most of his wood-working tools were still here, and Tony knew he’d want them someday.
There had been discussion of Gibbs returning from Atlantis to help Tony with the final arrangements for their permanent transfer, but Rodney had realized how good Gibbs was with repair and immediately kept him overloaded helping with critical city issues. Atlantis had also taken a shine to Gibbs and wasn’t keen on him leaving, especially with Tony already gone.
He pulled up to the familiar house, walked to the front door, and knocked, smiling at the unfamiliar action.
O’Neill opened the door, dressed in civvies. “Hey. You all set over there?”
“Yep. Pretty easy packing all things considered.” He stepped inside, spotting the huge crate just like the ones containing his stuff. Daniel Jackson was sprawled on the sofa, drinking a beer. “Hey, Daniel.”
“Tony.”
“Thank god Jack replaced that shitty sofa Gibbs had.”
Daniel made a face. “That was my doing. I sat on that sofa once.”
Tony laughed.
“Did you get a chance to visit your friends and any coworkers?” Daniel asked, obviously trying to be sociable.
“Yeah, I met up with a few people for lunch on Thursday. Stuck with the cover story, of course. And told them I was being deployed overseas on a confidential assignment.” Seeing Ducky had been the best part, though it was not easy to say goodbye. It had been hard on the ME that his favorite team had been moved so far away, but he’d carried on and taken Balboa’s team firmly under his wing, regaling them with many stories. Lately, he’d been taking some time off to be with his mother as her health declined.
He’d also talked on the phone to Abby. That hadn’t gone so great, but it could have been worse. She’d wanted to come back from Amsterdam to see him but Tony had told her he’d be shipping out soon and would keep in touch via email. She’d pressed for answers about why he’d been out of touch for so long, but he’d given her the party line about a classified assignment and that he couldn’t discuss it. She’d gotten better from when she was at her absolute worst, but he figured Kate was going to have to make sure she stayed focused on herself and getting a life built that she enjoyed rather than backsliding into unhealthy behaviors around the team.
After pleasantries with Daniel, Tony then looked to Jack. “You find everything?”
“Yep. Even got all the woodworking tools I could find down there. We placed a large order for the type of lumber he’s been using for his boats. Figure if he’s living in a city that’s on water, he might as well build another boat. Hermiod is going to do something with their beamy thing that will ensure we’re not taking any destructive form of mite or whatever to Pegasus.”
Tony smiled. “I’m sure he’ll appreciate that. I’m not sure why Gibbs didn’t ask for more things.”
“Cause right now, all he cares about is having you back. Nothing else registers.” He looked to Daniel, his smile turning soft.
Feeling his face heat a little, Tony looked away, giving them privacy for their sappy moment. He figured Gibbs had tunnel vision when he’d made his packing requests, so Tony had taken it upon himself to supply the man in wood-working tools and bourbon.
Jack got his attention. “I authorized an extra crate for his tools because they needed special handling, and I figure they might come in useful on that city—there were tools for a lot more than wood. But his other two crates were way under allotment.”
“We need to fill them with coffee. I mean, seriously, to the brim.”
Jack frowned. “We send a lot of coffee—”
“He’s not kidding, Jack,” Daniel said quickly. “Even I don’t drink coffee like that. You didn’t work around him all that much, so you didn’t see the insanity. I’m surprised his blood isn’t half caffeine. He definitely needs a private reserve because, otherwise, the scientists will kill him.”
“All right, fill to the brim with coffee. Because I cannot deal with one more report about the asshole fest between Gibbs and McKay. I think they must hate each other.”
“Nah. If Gibbs hated McKay, he wouldn’t bother with him—and vice versa, I’m sure. They’re just both used to being in charge and being the best at what they do. Neither is going to give ground easily.” Tony grinned. “Still, I’m looking forward to this.”
“I suppose we’re just lucky that Gibbs wasn’t on McKay’s radar when he was first on Atlantis or we might have never gotten him back,” Jack said with a look of consternation.
“Or maybe you could take it seriously when McKay says he needs people who know how to fix stuff. I’m not saying plumbers or anything, but mechanical and electrical engineers who do applied work in their fields wouldn’t be amiss. I mean, I think he’s going to strangle you if you send him one more theoretician.”
“I don’t make the final calls on the science staff on Atlantis.” Jack held up his hands like warding off a blow.
“Maybe you should get a handle on whoever does because they’re being a dick.”
Daniel sighed before offering, “Sam vetoed some of McKay’s choices for the second wave. I can see why McKay would be hot under the collar if she sent a bunch of theoretical scientists out there.”
“Why the hell would she do that?”
“Ask her, Jack. But she outranks McKay in the SGC, and I think he felt he didn’t have any choice but to accept the roster changes.”
Jack stared at the ceiling, as if to say, “why me?”
“It comes off like she’s trying to sabotage him,” Tony remarked idly, getting sharp looks from Daniel and Jack. “I’m just saying how it looks. I get that she might have good reasons for thinking McKay doesn’t know what the hell he’s doing… Oh, wait! No, I don’t see that she might have good reasons. She just thinks she knows better.”
Jack’s glare persisted for several seconds then he huffed. “Fair. I’ll talk to her.”
“Jack,” Daniel said, sounding vexed, “quit butting into Weppler’s command. Let him deal with it.”
“The two of them rub each other the wrong way.”
“But he’s her CO. Everyone has adjusted except Sam. She’s getting there, but you interfering isn’t going to help.”
“Okay,” Tony clapped his hands together, rubbing briskly. “This has nothing to do with me, though it’d be great if McKay could get the people he asked for. Cool? Cool. Adios.”
“Actually,” Daniel said quickly, “I’d like to have a word, if you don’t mind, Tony. Jack can handle the beam up to the Daedalus. Hand him your earpiece so he doesn’t have to bitch and moan about his being in the bedroom.”
Grinning, Tony passed off his comms then followed Daniel into the kitchen. “What can I do for you?”
Daniel leaned against the counter and then seemed frustrated. “You know, I thought I knew what to say, but I really don’t. And being at a loss for words isn’t something I usually struggle with.”
“I assume this is about our…shared experience?”
“Yes.” Daniel began to pace, gesturing as he went. “We share a very unique experience, and I feel like there’s something we should talk about. For starters, how much better you did at the whole thing than I did.”
“Well, I only did better at it because I had your experience as a precedent.”
“Maybe. But look at all the things you figured out and all you accomplished.” He ran his hands through his hair. “You remember.”
“Less than you might think. They had to give me some context for what I did and the bargain I made, but most of what I learned is just gone.”
“But you remember being ascended.”
“Yeah.” Tony hesitated. “Do you want me to tell you about it?”
Daniel stopped pacing. “Would you? Is that too much to ask?”
“No, Daniel, it’s fine.” He gestured to the table. “Let’s sit and talk. Do you think Jack wants to join us?”
“I’m certain he doesn’t. He knew I planned to talk to you about this, but he doesn’t like being reminded of that time.”
“I can’t imagine why.” Tony thought over how obviously painful his absence had been for Gibbs. He assumed it’d been the same for Jack. “Let’s have some coffee and chat.”
They talked for a couple of hours, going over things Tony hadn’t shared with anyone because he’d figured they wouldn’t get it. When it was all said and done, Tony felt lighter for having shared his experience with someone who could actually understand.
When the dinner hour rolled around, he went to one last dinner with Daniel and Jack at Tony’s favorite restaurant in DC. Then the Daedalus beamed all three of them to Jack’s place in Colorado. Tony was going to stay in the guest room for his last couple of nights on Earth. He’d spend all day tomorrow with Kate and Tim, and then be back to Atlantis on Monday.
* * *
Gibbs pulled the calibration do-dad out of McKay’s hands. “I don’t need you to show me, McKay, I’ve done it 100 times now.”
“But this power relay is vital to—”
“McKay!” Gibbs said sharply. “The boss of the whole city is standing behind you.” Atlantis smiled at Gibbs’ words. “If I’m about to screw up, she’ll say something.”
McKay slouched against the wall. “I know.”
“When did you last sleep?” Gibbs asked, eyes narrowed.
“I don’t know.”
“Jesus.” He sighed. “Would you go get some sleep? There’s nothing urgent.”
“It’s all urgent. There’s so much to be done, you don’t understand…”
Gibbs looked to Atlantis. “Would you let Colonel Sheppard know that Dr. McKay needs to go to bed?”
“Certainly, Agent Gibbs. I agree, he is in need of rest.”
“Hey!”
Gibbs chuckled and stuck his head back under the console where he was checking for damaged crystals. He wasn’t sure if he’d hate being city mechanic as a full-time job or love it. Though he wouldn’t get a chance to figure it out if McKay didn’t stop trying to micromanage him.
He’d been tempted so many times to just go back through the gate and be with Tony, especially once the word had come through that he was okay and everything was sorted. But Tony had encouraged him to stay on Atlantis and that he would only take a week of his allotted two to wrap up his affairs.
Tony had admitted in an email that even though he’d supposedly worked out everything in regards to the IOA and the US government, he didn’t trust that they wouldn’t fuck with Gibbs’ orders “innocently” to get back at Tony in some fashion. The whole thing made Gibbs eager to hear first-hand what the hell had happened, but he’d given in to save Tony any more stress.
Atlantis had been the one to suggest that Gibbs help McKay with city repairs, and it had wound up being a godsend in the sense that it gave him something to do and it was easing McKay’s stress. It kept him very busy, but it was also a pain in his ass because…McKay.
He heard when Sheppard arrived to drag McKay away, giving a vague acknowledgment at John’s greeting. When Gibbs had been grousing under his breath over dinner the prior day about McKay’s bossiness, Sheppard had started laughing, saying that Tony had mentioned how he and John had that in common…a fondness for difficult personalities.
Gibbs had been unimpressed. He’d vowed to make Tony pay at the earliest possible opportunity.
Everything went quiet with McKay and Sheppard gone, leaving him alone with his work, though he was aware of Atlantis’ presence. He was just glad McKay’s minions had learned to leave him alone to work. Gibbs didn’t mind Zelenka or Kusanagi all that much, but some of the others… Complete idiots.
He sighed as he finished closing up the panel. “Everything is good now.”
“Thank you, Agent Gibbs. You are most adept with your hands.”
He patted the wall. “You’re welcome.”
She folded herself down into a cross-legged position and watched him as he packed up his tools. “You miss him.”
Gibbs stilled and met her gaze. “I do.”
“I missed them all when they left.”
“It must have been lonely for you.”
“Yes. I do not wish to be lonely again.”
“I’ll do whatever I can to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
“Thank you, Jethro.” She cocked her head to the side. “There is a dial-in from the SGC.” She hesitated. “You’re needed in the control room.”
Hopping to his feet, he thanked her then ran for the transporter. He hoped nothing had gone wrong on Earth.
He made it into the control room just as Tony stepped through the gate, grinning broadly. Gibbs didn’t even hesitate, he just crossed the room and yanked Tony into a bone-bruising hug.
“I guess you missed me…”
“I’m not letting you out of my sight again,” Gibbs muttered against Tony’s shoulder. He pulled back enough to meet Tony’s gaze. “Thought you were coming back on the Daedalus.”
“O’Neill let me take the express route. That and Caldwell said I’m a trouble magnet, and he’s not sure he wants me on his ship.”
“You are a trouble magnet. I’ve briefed Atlantis on your tendency toward being abducted.”
“Oh, you did not.”
Atlantis appeared right next to Gibbs. “He did. I have prepared countermeasures in the event that anyone should attempt to abscond with you.”
Tony sighed and rolled his eyes towards the heavens, but then he smiled at Atlantis and said, “Hello, Atlantis.”
“Welcome home, Anthony.”
“You gonna keep him all to yourself, Gibbs?” Sheppard drawled from where he was leaning against a pillar, tapping his tablet against his thigh.
“Actually, I am.” Gibbs grabbed Tony by the wrist and led him away.
Tony laughed. “Don’t you think I should check in with Frank?”
Frank waved from the balcony. “Consider yourself checked in, Tony. You’re technically not on the duty roster until next week. Shall I consider Gibbs off-duty as well?”
“Hell, yes,” Gibbs said emphatically.
Tony pointed at John as he was dragged along. “I need to talk to you later…”
“Much later,” Gibbs clarified, leading Tony out into the corridor.
They ran into Teyla and Ronon. Ronon looked enlightened as Gibbs pulled Tony toward a transporter, but Teyla just smiled after them and wished them a good evening.
They made it to the residential area when he paused, not sure if he should go to his quarters or Tony’s.
Tony took over the lead, heading for his quarters at the end of the corridor. “Mine are bigger and I need to drop my bag anyway.” As soon as they were inside, Gibbs suddenly felt like he didn’t know what to do, but Tony let go of the bag and wrapped his arms around Gibbs.
Holding on tight, Gibbs breathed in Tony’s scent. “Hey.”
Pulling back a bit, Tony met Gibbs’ gaze. “Hey.”
“You’re here now?”
“Yep. Tried to wrap up as much—”
Gibbs placed his hand over Tony’s mouth, stopping the flow of words. “Can we just—” He wasn’t sure how to express what he needed, he just knew he felt raw.
After a few beats, Tony pulled the hand away. “Whatever you need.”
They wound up on the bed with Gibbs holding Tony tightly. He needed the time to get himself back under control.
Tony was still and calm, returning the embrace. “I’m not going away again, Jethro,” he murmured against Gibbs’ shoulder.
Gibbs’ hands clenched on Tony’s back. “Doesn’t feel real. Not yet.”
“It will. We’ve got time.”
* * *
Gibbs woke abruptly, blinking in the dim and unfamiliar room. There was a solid weight against his side and half on his chest. His memories aligned and he smiled against Tony’s hair, tightening his hold. Tony shifted against him, movements slow and sleepy. Gibbs figured Tony starting to wake was what had woken him.
“Time izzit?” Tony grumbled, pressing his face into Gibbs’ shoulder.
“Just before dinner, I think.”
“God, I’m starving. But, more urgently…” Tony broke away and hopped off the bed, heading straight for the en suite.
Gibbs laughed as he sat up and thought the lights on. He figured they’d slept for about four hours. Gibbs had always been able to function on little sleep, but he’d been pushing those boundaries since Tony had been stuck on Earth.
When they’d both freshened up, Gibbs took a closer look around Tony’s rooms. And they were rooms. There was a separate bed and bath from the living room and small kitchen, which had some basic non-perishables. Tony grabbed a snack to take the edge of his hunger. It wasn’t stocked otherwise, so they’d have to venture to the mess for a real meal.
The room was at a curving part of the spire so the balcony wrapped all the way around the living room and bedroom. Tony wandered out there, gnawing on a trail mix bar and stared out over the last bit of sun setting over the horizon. “I love it here,” he murmured.
“Good thing since you vowed to spend your life here.” Gibbs leaned on the railing.
Tony turned to face Gibbs. “But you didn’t. You okay with this?”
Gibbs looped an arm around Tony’s waist, pulling him close again, feeling touch hungry in a way he never had before. “I don’t care where we are, Tony.” He looked out over the water. “But this isn’t bad.”
There was a chime from the door, and Gibbs frowned but followed Tony to answer it.
“Good evening, Jethro, Tony,” Teyla greeted with a Marine corporal standing behind her. They were carrying two trays of food and one tray with drinks, snacks, and desserts. “I thought you might enjoy some privacy this evening, so I took the liberty of selecting your dinner.”
“You are a goddess, Teyla,” Tony leaned in and dropped a kiss on her cheek. “Thank you. Seriously. And thank you, Corporal.”
Gibbs nodded his thanks to the two and accepted the two food trays. They decided to eat on the balcony since it was warm enough to do so. “What’s with the quarters? You going to run investigations from the living room?”
Tony blushed but shook his head. “Frank is arranging a permanent NCIS office. Well, he started it before I went back to Earth, so I figure it’s done now. Supplies should be on the Daedalus. Also, Jack arranged for all of your tools and a huge shipment of wood. Said he figured boat building made slightly more sense out here.”
Gibbs snorted in amusement, pleased with the surprise. He’d have to check with Boyd about where he could set up a woodworking shop. “Didn’t answer my question,” he said pointedly, spearing a bite of meat.
“Frank wanted to know if we wanted to share a room. I couldn’t answer that for you, but I’d…” He cleared his throat. “I’d like to think we’re headed that direction. He decided to give me this room… It’s aspirational.”
“You asking me to move in with you, Tony?” Gibbs teased, not able to help but smile.
Tony buried his face in his hands. “Yes, okay? But not necessarily right this second. I figure we should try for second base before we move in together.”
“Hey.” He reached out and pulled Tony’s hands away from his face. “I want this. Want you. Whatever speed we go at, we’ll get there. The bigger room is a good idea.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” He squeezed Tony’s hand then let go. “Tell me what happened on Earth.”
Tony stabbed some vegetables with a lot of aggression then proceeded to tell Gibbs about everything that had happened.
“And I can’t believe that douchebag told Patrick Sheppard about the program. As much as I’d like to just spend the whole night with you, I need to talk to John tonight. There’s going to be stuff in the databurst tomorrow from his family, and I don’t want him blindsided.”
“Invite him here after dinner. I can come back later or wait in the bedroom.”
“Or just stay with me.”
“Or that,” Gibbs replied with a smile.
They finished dinner while discussing all the things that had happened while Tony was on Earth. One of the last updates before Tony had left was that O’Neill had recruited Dr. Brad Pitt, the doctor from when Tony had the plague, to replace Carolyn Lam at the SGC. Dr. Lam, who’d had some difficulty adjusting at the SGC would be coming to Atlantis as Chief Medical Officer, replacing Carson Beckett.
Tony radioed Sheppard and arranged to meet in a couple of hours in Tony’s quarters, so they moved into the living area and settled on the sofa.
Gibbs got all up in Tony’s space, framing his face with both hands. “You’re here.”
Tony clasped Gibbs’ wrists, rubbing his thumbs in small circles. “Yeah, and I’m staying. Kiss me.”
Gibbs obliged willingly, leaning in and sliding his tongue into Tony’s mouth. They both groaned into it, and Tony seemed to melt into Gibbs. The slide of tongues and press of lips was all-consuming and it helped Gibbs finally feel grounded in Tony being back, being safe.
He knew he couldn’t let this get too out of control, but the intensity was there, hot and sharp with the potential to consume them both. He slowed things down, pulling away and leaning against the arm of the couch with Tony half sprawled on top of him.
Tony sighed and pressed a kiss to Gibbs’ collarbone. “I think we’re finally at the end of this crazy journey.”
“Or just the beginning.”
Smiling, Tony rested his forehead against Gibbs’. “Yeah.”
“Welcome home, Tony.”
Epilogue
Five Years Later
The sensation of lips traveling along his spine woke Tony slowly. He moaned and wiggled closer. “Keep doing that.”
Jethro chuckled and continued his exploration of Tony’s back. Tony’s morning erection went from half there to full-on in about a minute. Jethro ended his exploration with a series of kisses behind Tony’s ear, which was always guaranteed to get Tony’s motor revving.
“Get in me,” Tony ordered, pulling his top leg up, exposing himself to his lover. He still felt loose and well-used from last night, so all Jethro should need to do is slick up and get to it.
He felt the slippery press against his hole just before the slow slide of Jethro’s cock in his ass. Tony groaned and arched into it as Jethro’s arms closed around him.
Fucking in the morning was always slow and languorous despite the fact that Tony was always inclined toward impatience. Jethro liked to tease and take his time in the early hours, and even though it drove him crazy, Tony also loved it.
Jethro fucked into him slowly with endless patience, driving Tony crazy until he was clawing at the sheets and begging. The measured, relentless pace continued. Then Jethro pulled out and pushed Tony flat onto his stomach, kneed his legs apart, and pushed back in with a hard thrust.
Tony fisted his hands in the blankets and shoved back to meet Jethro’s steady drive into him. He knew that Jethro would keep the crazy, slow pace until Tony totally surrendered to it, but he could never quite give in until some indefinable point had been hit in his mind.
Jethro blanketed Tony with his body, moving in and out of Tony’s ass at his own pace, then pressed a gentle kiss to the back of Tony’s neck. Tony felt his brain turn to mush and his whole body go lax.
Immediately, Jethro pulled out and grabbed Tony’s hips, pulling until Tony had his knees under him, head and chest on the bed. He thrust back in hard and set a brutal pace. Tony’s cock was leaking steadily and when Jethro’s hand closed over him, it took one stroke before he came with a muffled shout.
Jethro was only a few seconds behind him, coming in Tony’s ass as his fingers tightened on Tony’s hips in a way that always left lovely little marks for Tony to appreciate later.
They wound up sprawled out on the bed, languid and utterly replete.
“Have I mentioned how much I love the sonic washer that’s in this apartment?”
Jethro snorted, lazily trailing his fingers over Tony’s skin. “Just about every time you come all over the sheets.”
“And whose fault is that?”
“You complaining, Governor?”
Tony groaned and buried his face in his pillow, mumbling. “No.”
“Yes. The first day is the hardest, right?”
Tony rolled over and glared at his husband. “How would you know? No one’s making you run a city.”
Obviously fighting his smile, Jethro leaned in and dropped a kiss on Tony’s shoulder. “Boyd’s due his retirement, Tony. He’s staying on to help part-time, right? You’re not alone in this. You’ll never be alone.” Boyd had asked to live out the rest of his days on Atlantis, feeling he’d found a second family with the permanent residents of the city. He wasn’t the only one to express such a retirement sentiment. A couple of others had done something similar. Several Marines had finished out their twenty but asked to stay on the city, taking up part-time work as skilled workers or ferrying people around on Jumpers if they had the gene.
“I know.” Tony did know Frank was due his leisure time, but that didn’t mean Tony was ready at thirty-eight to govern a city of two thousand people, not to mention the trade negotiations and mission plans. “Why can’t my father do it?”
“Because Atlantis was barely able to save him, and he’s supposed to be on low-stress activities according to Dr. Lam for the next year.” It was only a few months ago that John had been back at the SGC and their father had been on one of his many visits also to the SGC since picking up the contract to build the BC-305. Patrick had had a massive heart attack while in Cheyenne Mountain, and John had opted to practically throw his father through the gate, knowing Atlantis had more advanced medical facilities.
Patrick had lived and had decided to make Atlantis his permanent home. Matt had already been living on the city for over a year, and David was running things back on Earth, though he visited Atlantis frequently. Enough to catch the eye of Miko Kusanagi and fall hopelessly for each other. Miko had joined David, working on various projects for the SGC. Rodney was still complaining about losing her to another of those “fluffy-headed idiots.”
“Would you stop being reasonable? Be a supportive husband and pander to my whining would you please?”
“You’re right. It’s awful that you have be in charge. How can I make it up to you?”
“Lunchtime blowjob?”
“I’m pretty sure you have a meeting with what’s left of the Genii today.” The Genii had not been trading partners for the expedition since they’d tried to fuck them over again and again. Unfortunately, their nuclear program got away from them much like it had the Langarans. Frank had authorized medical aid for the few hundred survivors and they’d been relocated to another planet, but they’d been lobbying to move to the city.
Tony groaned and covered his face. “Trial by fucking fire.”
Jethro pulled the hands away and cupped Tony’s cheek, thumb stroking softly. “You’re gonna do great, Governor Gibbs.” His grin was unbearably smug, and Tony let him have the moment. Tony had toyed with changing his last name to Paddington right up until Jethro had proposed, so he’d just decided to take his husband’s name instead. They’d planned to travel back to Earth to whatever state was currently supporting gay marriage, but Frank had already been pushing through a change to Lantean law that allowed gay marriage and suspended the ridiculous UCMJ rules about gays and the military. The changes had been ratified by the IOA and various world governments in time for Jethro and Tony to marry nearly three years ago.
He felt a little push at the back of his mind. Atlantis’ unobtrusive way of letting him know their daughter was starting to wake. He rolled to a seated position. “Izzy’s waking up.”
“I’ll get her and start breakfast. Go shower.”
Isabelle had been a shock shortly after Tony had spent his first year on the city. He’d been off-world doing trade negotiations with one of the more advanced civilizations in Pegasus. They’d been in possession of some remnants of Ancient technology, which had become apparent when they’d sat down at the meeting table and several of the group had devices at their seats that lit up.
The people of M8X-424, called the Pesorians, had been delighted to have people of the ancestors’ lineage to negotiate with, but they’d been cagey about how much Ancient equipment they had on the planet, or even what type.
Once the off-world greenhouses had been seeded and put back into production, Atlantis had been in a power position to negotiate in Pegasus. They had the capacity to grow food for a million people, but the need for a fraction of their potential.
The Pesorians hadn’t seemed to need to negotiate for food, nor did they seem to want to offer anything, and the Ancient devices they had only seemed to be about confirming Ancient DNA. They’d left the meeting having accomplished nothing.
Tony’s investigator instincts had been on high-alert after the oddness of the whole meeting, and Gibbs, who went everywhere Tony did, had been in complete agreement. Atlantis could normally connect to Ancient labs or equipment through the gate, but she’d been concerned that not only didn’t she have a record of any facility on that planet, but she also couldn’t connect to anything. If there was a facility, the communication relays had been destroyed.
The whole mess had made Tony ask Frank to send the Ancient warship they’d named Phoenix, now under the command of Colonel Caldwell, under cloak to see what the Pesorians were up to.
At the end of a long, messy problem, they’d learned that this planet was where the experiment combining Ancient DNA with Iratus had been conducted. When the wraith were the result, the Ancients had struck the knowledge of the facility from the database, using a priority protocol to keep even Atlantis from remembering it. They cut the communication arrays and abandoned the place. The Pesorians had been squatters 10,000 years ago, but they’d built a whole society that couldn’t use the technology they’d found. They’d been on the lookout to steal Ancient DNA whenever they could. Over the millennia of stealing DNA, they wound up with a small handful of people who had enough of the ATA gene to use the artificial wombs that filled the Ancient laboratory.
Fortunately for everyone’s sanity, they weren’t messing around with Iratus DNA, they were just trying to make babies who were more like the “ancestors.” Tony thought they hoped to claim Atlantis someday, but all that had mattered was that by the time they’d figured out what the Pesorians were doing, there were already two dozen viable embryos from the eight people on the mission who had Ancient DNA, including Tony, John, Rodney, and Gibbs.
They’d had an ugly fight with the Pesorians before seizing all the embryos for transport back to Atlantis. Most of the embryos had been viable for storage in medical stasis units, but a few, the first to be placed in the gestation pods, were too far along. They’d need to be destroyed or allowed to be taken to term.
There had been a lot of discussion over the right way to handle the whole thing, especially since the Pesorians—who Tony and John had started calling the Pestorians—had been pretty indiscriminate with whose DNA they combined with whose. Fortunately, John and Tony didn’t have to worry about the joining of their DNA because the Ancient equipment had rejected them out of hand as a viable combination, but the four embryos that were in question for immediate decisions had been: Tony and Marine Sergeant Jason Markham; Gibbs and John; Gibbs and Marine Sergeant Marcus Stackhouse; and Rodney and Tony.
After much, much debate, it was decided to allow all four embryos to grow to term and deal with the custody issues and the fallout. In the end, Isabelle Teyla Gibbs was Gibbs and Stackhouse’s biological child. William Patrick Sheppard was Jethro and John’s kid, and Meredith Claire Sheppard was Tony and Rodney’s. Will and Meredith were both being raised by John and Rodney. Tony and Markham wound up with another baby boy who’d been named Zachariah Peter Markham, and Markham and Stackhouse had set up their family home down the hall from Tony and Gibbs.
It had been difficult to deal with the fallout of how everyone felt about the whole situation, and the decisions about custody had been hard on all of them. In the end, they all had a commitment to the city, lived almost like an extended family unit, and they rotated who took care of all the kids on any given day.
It had been weird at first that John and Rodney were raising Tony’s biological child, but the oddness had faded and he enjoyed his position in her life as Uncle Tony, and it never fazed him that his sweet Isabelle wasn’t biologically his.
He’d just finished dressing when he felt another little push from the city, so he detoured by the nursery on his way to the kitchen. He stared down into the crib as little Dante Ronon stirred, lips pursing as he blinked his eyes. Tony leaned down and picked Dante up, moving over to the changing table.
Several of the embryos had been a combination of Jethro and Tony, so when Jethro had floated the idea a year ago of them having another kid, Tony had thought about it for a bit before he’d agreed. When Izzy’d been born, it had been a worry considering the ongoing threat of the wraith, but they’d had multiple plans for evacuating the city if there was ever another siege.
But there hadn’t been. They’d been successful at beating back the wraith and taking the fight to them with the four new cloaked battle cruisers that had come out of the shipyard. They still had work to do to free Pegasus from the threat of the wraith, but Tony had confidence they’d succeed, and life had to move on.
So one of the embryos had been chosen and moved to a gestation pod. Eight months later, Dante had been born. Ronon had saved Jethro’s life off-world a few weeks before the birth, and Tony had asked Ronon to be godfather. Dante had Gibbs’ eyes, but he was barely two months old, and his personality pretty much consisted of “feed me.”
He went into the living area and passed Dante over to Jethro, dropping a kiss on Izzy’s blonde, curly hair—traits she got from Stackhouse’s family. “Morning, sweet pea.”
“Hi, Daddy,” she said brightly as she sucked fruit remnants from her fingers. She looked at him with Jethro’s blue eyes. “Is your boss job today?”
“Yep, starting today, baby girl. Why?”
“Are you going to be gone forever and ever?”
“Not even. I won’t be gone long enough for you to even finish that Lego build with Ronon.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Wanna bet?”
“Someone has been teaching you terrible, terrible things.”
“You, Daddy.”
Jethro snorted.
* * *
“Isabelle Teyla Gibbs, get your little butt back here.” Tony was going to be late. He couldn’t keep chasing his daughter around the room.
“No socks!”
“Oh, honey, please. Yes, socks. Every day we wear socks.”
“No socks!”
“Socks first and then shoes.”
“No shoes!” She started bouncing in place. “No shoes, no shoes, no shoes.”
Jethro stepped into the room and hefted Izzy under his arm, getting a giggle from her as she started kicking the air. “Just put her socks and shoes in the bag. I left Dante with Carolyn and Patrick.”
“I want to see Grandpa!” Izzy yelled happily.
Tony began stuffing all the things in her bag. “Grandpa is watching the babies today. Uncle Matt and Uncle Ronon are keeping an eye on the imps today.”
“Yay! Uncle Ronon is going to teach me to use a sword!”
Tony shot Jethro an alarmed look, but his husband smiled and shook his head, mouthing, “Rubber.”
There was no doubt that Ronon was the biggest badass on the city, but he was also a softie who preferred to spend his time with his new family. He and Matt had gotten together almost as soon as Matt set foot in the city, but no one had known how serious it was until the two had announced their engagement a year ago. They’d been married two weeks later. Tony knew Ronon wanted kids, but Matt had wanted to wait a couple of years. Atlantis assured them she’d be able to combine their DNA to successfully create an embryo when they were ready.
The other embryos in stasis crossed Tony’s mind from time to time. He had a feeling they’d eventually get them all in gestation pods. Tony and Gibbs had a couple more in there, but most of the embryos, five more to be precise, were Gibbs and John’s. Rodney and John had two. Markham and Stackhouse had only had one, and it had already been taken to term. Rodney had analyzed the algorithms at the breeding facility and determined that there’d only been one embryo made for the two because the computer had determined low Ancient genetics in the end result and that it wasn’t a viable combination. The most success had come from the combination of John and Gibbs, or Tony and Rodney.
Even after all these years, the violation of the whole thing could piss him off, but he’d learned to accept the things that were completely out of his control. Plus, he wouldn’t trade his kids for anything.
They dropped off Izzy with Matt and Ronon, pointing out the bare feet—not that it was anything new for Izzy. If it wasn’t for Atlantis telling them where Izzy’d hidden her shoes and socks on the city, they’d no doubt be finding them tucked away years from now.
All the other three-ish-year-olds were inside laughing and playing, happily greeting Izzy when she joined them.
John and Rodney were waiting for them in the briefing room, neither of them happy to be entertaining the idea of having the Genii on the city.
John had been promoted to general, though the lines were often blurred since Atlantis considered him the head of the Lantean space fleet while Earth considered him the military commander. But most of them walked a weird line between the duty to Earth and their duty to Atlantis and the whole of the Pegasus Galaxy.
They had issues with Earth from time to time, but Frank could be a hardass about reminding the IOA of the resources Pegasus brought to the table. Aside from Naquadah, they’d been growing some medicinal plants that were showing promising research on Earth. And when they’d had another goa’uld issue that required Jack O’Neill in the chair, they’d happily re-supplied the drones used in the attack. The IOA settled down and stopped grumbling about not getting enough from Atlantis.
Tony figured the IOA and various Earth governments would keep testing the boundaries from time to time, but the city was his, and he wasn’t letting the petty minds from Earth corrupt what they’d built.
Somewhat reluctantly, Tony took the seat at the head of the table usually reserved for Frank. All the senior staff was already in attendance along with the city council, which was comprised of the leaders of all the various groups living on the city.
Frank sat on Tony’s right, patting his hand and offering him a reassuring smile. Lorne had resigned from the Air Force three years ago and taken up the role of deputy governor, second to Frank Boyd with the plan to remain in the role when Tony took over. He’d then proceeded to marry Steven Caldwell, something only Rodney had seen coming, apparently. Lorne sat on Tony’s left, and Gibbs took the position on Tony’s six, as always.
Tim McGee was also at the table, finally having made it to Atlantis two years ago to help bolster the NCIS Resident Agency that was growing on the city due to the increasing population. He was joining the senior staff today as the head of law enforcement now that Tony was becoming governor. McGee had married Alicia Biro nearly a year ago and they were expecting their first child in about six months.
Kate was still with the SGC, married to Cameron Mitchell, and happily running a team of four that covered Cheyenne Mountain and Area 51. She and Mitchell visited Atlantis regularly, and there was talk of Mitchell taking over the SGC in the next couple of years. Kate was the only person from the original team to still keep in touch with Abby, who had finally grown up and found a life she was happy with doing research for a private foundation in Finland. No one wanted to risk her emotional backslides, so they didn’t get in touch directly, and Kate said Abby had stopped asking about the others about a year ago.
Ducky had lost his mother a couple of years back, and with the older man having no other ties to keep him grounded, Gibbs had asked to read him in about Atlantis. Ostensibly he was retired but spent a fair amount of time doing research into medicinal plants in the Pegasus galaxy. He was also one of the imps’ favorite babysitters. Ducky and Frank Boyd had struck up a near-instant friendship and eventually began to share a large set of quarters. Some people speculated there was something romantic between them, but Tony thought they were profoundly good friends who had found a compatible soul to live out their lives with. Companionship was underrated as far as Tony was concerned.
Gossip was always a thing, but no one tolerated rumors about Frank and Ducky. Atlantis herself had given more than one person the evil eye for speculating about the city’s venerable elders.
After three years running Stargate Command, Mike Weppler and Jack O’Neill did switch spots, putting O’Neill back in the mountain and Weppler in DC. Both continued in that role. After the chaos of the SGC, Weppler could appreciate how much calmer DC was and happily stood in the breach, keeping politicians at bay. O’Neill was making noises about retirement and taking Daniel to live on Atlantis at long last. Tony would be happy to have them. Gibbs and Jack apparently had an epic bromance neither wanted to own up to, and they missed each other—Daniel and Tony agreed on that point.
Sam Carter had eventually taken over the sciences at Area 51 and worked in a pure research capacity now, but that hadn’t been allowed until she’d gotten her head on straight under Weppler’s leadership. She’d sort of mended fences with McKay, but they’d never be besties. Of all the main players at Stargate Command, Carter and Weppler were the ones who had the least to do with Atlantis, both having visited one time.
Teal’c, the final member of the original SG-1, had recently left Mitchell’s team for good and was now governor of Ecarro, the agricultural planet Teal’c helped liberate from the goa’uld based on the information Tony had provided. Teal’c had been instrumental in setting up the planet’s new economy, security, and ensuring they didn’t come out the worse for any trade deals. Ecarro was vital in the free Jaffa’s new society, and everyone wanted someone trustworthy at the helm of such a vital resource.
The Ori were still out there somewhere, but Tony thought the Ancients were getting closer to being ready to deal with them.
Tony began the meeting, struggling with the worst case of impostor syndrome, but he pushed it down and focused on the job at hand. They went through some basics about city governance and mission issues before getting to the reason today was tense.
“So, our main issue today is what’s left of the Genii have applied for residency on Atlantis.” He looked around at all the sour expressions. “I’ve read and listened to the recording of their petition, but I’d like to hear everyone’s thoughts on the matter.”
They went around the table, and he let everyone speak their piece. Anyone who’d been here for the Genii’s prior bad behavior was adamantly against city residency. Some of the newer additions were merely cautious. The senior expedition staff consisted of the senior military leaders assigned to the expedition, primarily Generals Caldwell and Sheppard and their XOs. Then there was the senior science and diplomatic staff, and the elected representatives of the various groups living on the city.
Tony considered everyone’s input then said, “We’ve had some growing pains in terms of how to determine who should live on the city. But other than the children and young people of M7G-677, we have generally followed a certain protocol.” The kids on the suicide planet, as Tony thought of it, had been moved wholesale to Atlantis as soon as they knew they had the food to support them. It hadn’t been easy, and they’d needed a lot of cajoling, but they’d made it work.
Unlike other groups who now occupied the city, many of the children had integrated with other peoples and even lived amongst the expedition members. A core group of the oldest of the kids lived in a tower together to retain some sense of their old lives while also trying to integrate and be part of the city.
Teyla, who was now Atlantis’ chief ambassador, offered, “Yes, Governor Gibbs, I feel we have been very successful with first bringing people to the mainland settlements. It gives us the opportunity to see how they acclimate. If all goes well, in the next phase we work with them on cleaning and preparing a section of the city for their occupation. We have been quite successful with allowing these survivors of the wraith to remain in their cultural groups yet become part of the city whole.”
The growing pains had been hard on many of the expedition staff, but particularly on Jethro and Tony because Jethro was chief of security and Tony, prior to today, was head of law enforcement. There were approximately 750 people from Earth and nearly 1,300 from various planets in Pegasus. Maintaining operational security had kept them both up all night more than once.
“Teyla, I read your report on how the Genii acclimated on the mainland, which seemed fine. But you expressed reservations.” Tony gave her a considering look. “That seems contradictory.”
“It was an impression. A,” she tilted her head, “gut impulse, as Security Director Gibbs would say.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“Their cooperation and compliance felt forced. There was an artifice to it. Though, I confess, I am perhaps biased as my encounters with the Genii since coming to Atlantis have not been positive.”
“My concern,” Tony said, “is how quickly they pushed for residency.” He looked around the table, focusing on the leaders of the off-world populations now successfully living and rebuilding their lives on Atlantis. “Those of you who faced the wraith and saw your lives torn apart took any opportunity presented to you to rebuild and grow in safety. There are those of you who weren’t even sure you wanted to leave the mainland.”
Several nodded, one of the older women smiling softly at Tony.
“You’ve now built a life here. I believe Atlantis is meant to protect this galaxy and nurture those who struggle to survive in the wake of the devastation of the wraith. Some may choose to live on the mainland or here or even settle on another planet someday, but Atlantis will stand between you and the wraith if we are able.
“Despite all you have suffered and how I’m sure you and your people longed for safety, none of you ever made a demand. None of you insisted on living on the city. In more than one instance, the demand came from our people.” He drummed his finger on his tablet. “Evan, would you put the application for residency on the main screen.”
Lorne fiddled with his tablet, and then the display was filled with the words of the current Genii leader about why they should be allowed on Atlantis. It was transcribed into the system by Atlantis, but there was an audio recording of the entire verbal application.
When the audio had been played for those who wished to hear the context, most of the room that had been on the fence about the Genii seemed unsettled.
“I can’t say with any certainty that they have a plan to do anything bad,” Tony said carefully, “but my years of experience say they’re not ready to be part of this community. While we have ample space, we don’t have the people resources to manage a society, no matter how small, who are not ready to integrate and work. Does anyone else have any concerns they’d like to raise?”
One of the resident leaders stood, a middle-aged man who was soft-spoken and kind, but Tony had witnessed him beat a wraith’s head in with a large hammer to protect his son. “I would like to meet the Genii in person and hear their tale, if that would be agreeable to you, Governor.”
Tony nodded. “Any of you who wish to accompany me to the mainland for my meeting with the Genii may.” He looked to Caldwell and gave a nod. Caldwell left with his XO. They were going to bring the Phoenix under cloak right over the part of the settlement the Genii occupied in case there were any issues. The Daedalus was back in the Milky Way, making occasional runs to Pegasus to get Naquadah. Caldwell had wanted to stay on Atlantis and eventually helped Sheppard vet the commanders for the other battlecruisers when they were completed.
Everyone waited for Tony and Gibbs to leave first—being governor was weird. Gibbs took point but, other than that, Tony was first out the door. More than half the senior staff and resident council were staying behind.
John fell into step beside him. “I’ll be piloting you to the mainland.”
“That’s a little below your paygrade, General.”
“Yeah, well. You’re my brother and it’s the Genii. Caldwell has tactical command on this one, but I’m not sitting it out.”
“Never asked you to, John. In fact, I want their reaction to you and Rodney.”
* * *
It really wasn’t a surprise to Tony that the Genii were just trying to get on the city. It was a surprise that if they were denied access, their backup plan was to assassinate the city governor.
Tony felt the knife enter his gut and stared into the eyes of the young woman he’d never suspected of being an assassin.
She was dead before Tony could even react, taken out by at least three headshots. Somehow the knife broke when she fell, leaving only the blade buried in Tony, and it was agonizing. The man Tony knew to be her father was held back by Marines as he ranted and screamed.
Jethro’s arms were around Tony, lowering him to the ground as Tony clutched what he could feel of the knife buried in his gut. “Don’t pull it out,” Jethro whispered urgently, “and don’t you dare leave me. Phoenix, beam us straight to the infirmary.” Jethro looked to John. “Handle this.”
There was a flash and then Tony was on the floor of the infirmary and being lifted onto a bed.
Dr. Biro was starting scans as Atlantis appeared, her brow creased with worry. “Dr. Lam is on the way.”
“She’s with the babies today,” Tony gasped out, agonizing pain coming from his stomach. Jethro was at Tony’s head, holding one hand, squeezing hard.
Dr. Biro shot him an incredulous look but kept working, packing around the knife. “The wound perforated the small intestine. This would be a hot mess without the healing tubes.”
Dr. Lam came in at a run, quickly getting a report from Biro. After several minutes, she said, “Atlantis has the healing pod ready, and we all agree that getting the blade out and you into the pod is the best course. Atlantis is going to give you the equivalent of an epidural so I can remove the blade.”
His clothes were cut away, leaving him in his boxers in the chilly infirmary. He felt the table shift subtly under him and then a prick at the back of his neck that was almost nothing. All sensation from the shoulders down was gone. “It’s working,” he glanced at Jethro, not liking the look on his husband’s face.
Lam worked quickly and, a few minutes later, she pulled out what looked like glass. “It’s some sort of clear material. Resin or something.” She handed it to Biro. “Get it analyzed.” She looked at Tony. “We’re going to transfer you into the pod now. You’ll fall asleep as soon as the healing cycle begins. It’ll take about six hours.”
Tony nodded, clutching at Jethro’s hand. “Hey.”
“I’m sorry, Tony, we should have—”
“No,” Tony said sharply. “It’s no one’s fault. She flew under my radar too.” He held on tighter. “Do not take this on. I need you, not guilt-ridden you.”
“Tony,” Jethro looked destroyed, “shut up and let them get you in the damn pod.”
“Yeah, all right. By the way, I’m denying the Genii’s application for residency.”
“Ya think?”
“Teyla is sane even when she’s mad, so let her come up with a plan for what to do with whoever’s left.”
Jethro’s lips pressed into a tight line, but he nodded.
Tony finally let go of his husband’s hand and let himself surrender to healing.
* * *
Tony blinked, knowing immediately he was in one of the private rooms in the infirmary. There was a full medical wing, but the infirmary was reserved for the mission staff and serious medical emergencies.
He didn’t feel groggy or anything, and all the pain was gone. His hand was held tightly, and he looked over at his husband, who was watching him closely. “Hey. I think I’m alive.”
Jethro just shook his head. “Please stop trying to not be alive.” His expression became tight and pained. “Please.”
“Yeah.”
Someone cleared their throat and Tony looked over to Patrick. He was holding Isabelle who was deeply asleep. “Hey, Patrick. Thought you were on baby duty.”
“Well, one of my sons got himself stabbed today and so my plans changed. Dante is with Ronon, but this one wouldn’t settle until she got to see you.”
Dr. Lam came in, touching Patrick as she moved past. She stepped up to Tony’s bedside. “Healing took a little longer than we expected, but not by much. I’d like to keep you through two blood pressure checks, one lying down and one seated. And then you’re coming to our apartment for dinner so I can keep an eye on you for a couple more hours.”
“I feel fine.”
“I’m sure you do.” She patted his arm. “I’m sure you don’t think any of that was a suggestion.”
Tony sighed. “Yes, ma’am.”
“John will be in shortly to brief you. Patrick and I will be back in half an hour to spring you.”
Patrick passed Isabelle to Jethro then squeezed Tony’s free hand before leaving with Carolyn.
Tony sighed and looked at his husband. “Are you okay?”
Jethro opened his mouth then closed it again. Finally, he shook his head. “In the pod, when the worst of the damage was healing, you started to glow a little.”
“Hey…” He tugged at Jethro’s hand, wanting him closer. “Put her on the bed.” Izzy slept like the dead, all sprawling limbs.
Jethro put her on the other side of Tony then leaned down and pressed their mouths together. “I can’t lose you.”
“Jethro, listen to me. I’ll always come back to you.”
Jethro looked destroyed. “They let you come back so you could do all this stuff, but it’s done. We’re beating the wraith; they wouldn’t let you come back again.”
“Oh, Jethro, no…” Tony felt this huge well of love. “I never knew that you didn’t understand. We could have had all this whether I came back or not. The de-ascension was what I wanted. I got the deal for Pegasus and the people back home, but I came back for you.”
Jethro pressed his face against Tony’s arm, breaths coming in shuddery gasps. “Don’t leave me.”
Tony stroked his hand over his husband’s hair and waited for the storm to pass.
Atlantis shimmered in, giving Tony a reassuring smile but saying nothing as she disappeared again. He knew she was always keeping an eye on him, and he suspected he wasn’t going to be allowed off the city for a hot minute after this.
When John entered, Jethro sat up again and cleared his throat, accepting the coffee John passed him with a nod.
John gave Tony a once-over, his expression tight. “You okay?”
“I’m fine. Gonna be out of here in twenty. Want to fill me in?”
“Right after you were beamed out, Oma showed up, looking furious. The Genii and all their belongings disappeared. All we got out of Oma was that they have a new home and will never come near us again. She wouldn’t expound further about their fate. Their plan was to get on Atlantis and build a bomb, even if it took them years. They’d have never gotten that past Atlantis herself, but there’s a reason we’re so careful about who knows the level of monitoring she does. We need those tactical advantages.”
Tony sighed and rubbed his forehead. “Well, as much as I hate a mystery, I’m not sad to see the last of them.”
John nodded. “Me either. Lorne set up a formal debrief for tomorrow morning.” He patted Tony’s hand. “We’re all meeting at Dad’s, so I’ll see you soon. I need to go pry Rodney away from whatever he’s caught up in.”
Tony sat in quiet, just holding on to his husband and his daughter until he felt Isabelle stir.
Bright blue eyes blinked up at him, brow furrowed. She sat up and looked him over from head to toe then she pursed her lips. “You got hurt, Daddy.”
“Yes.”
“Better now?”
“I am. Are you okay?”
She nodded, curls bouncing having escaped their pigtails. “But I did my legos before you came home.”
“Oh, that’s very impressive.”
“I won the bet, Daddy,” she said patiently.
Tony fought a smile. “Indeed, you did. I won’t try to put socks on you for a week.”
“Until I’m a grownup.”
“I did not agree to those terms, young lady.” He tickled her stomach and she giggled.
“No socks until I’m as big as you.”
“No socks for a week. Those were the terms, and we have to live with our bargains, miss.” He tweaked one of her curls. She threw herself at him, hugging tightly. Tony held on and stared at Jethro, who was smiling as he watched over his family.
Tony decided he was very happy with his bargains.
The End
Brilliant! A terrific way to spend Sunday morning (& Valentine’s to boot!).
Thanks very much.
Great story and wonderful way you have at pulling at the heart. Thanks
Thank you Jilly for sharing another great Tony/Stargate/Atlantis story. So many parts and things to love. I will need to re-read to take it all in. Tony’s investigative and bargaining skills and ability to be underestimated while ascended, were excellent. The sheer number of characters both canon to each group and not, is impressive and fun to see in action. Really enjoyed a sensible Gibbs, Jack & Daniel, the Sheppards, the story of Tony’s lineage, everyone living on Atlantis in the long term and Tony being governor, with his ascended ancestors frequently coming to his aid.
Always enjoy seeing your original characters such as Mike Weppler being re-used too.
Thanks. This story was an unusual challenge in a lot of ways, but I was very happy with how it all came together.
I’m mostly over Tony/Gibbs too, but they do work remarkably well in this story and I enjoyed it tremendously. Thanks for sharing!
Great Story. Thank you for sharing
Absolutely amazing! I am loving Mike more happy to see more of him. Seeing McGee and Kate get their wake up calls but growing instead of digging in their heels was fun to read, even though I sometimes like reading fics where they just stay unreasonable. Thank you for sharing this awesome story!!
Thanks, Evie. I enjoy Mike. I need to find more ways to use him 🙂
::Happy sigh::: This was sooo wonderful! Thank you Jilly! I need to go back and read it a few more times.
Thanks, Trouble
Thank you for sharing this! Amazing as always, your stories are awesome. I love that your Tony is a Sheppard!
Tony being a Sheppard is my favorite family trope. Thanks!
Its mine also!!! I think he fits right in and adds something extra to both universes. Thanks for another great day spent reading!
I can’t think of a better Valentines gift. Thank you.
What a wonderful story!! I so very much enjoy your writing, but when you focus on Tony and all his awesomeness its just magical. I enjoyed everything about this, from the inclusion of all the Stargate characters, to NCIS and all the fix-its and storyline changes. It worked and I’m impressed! Excellence level achieved!
Thanks, Jo
I will never, NEVER, get over how much I absolutely love all of your works. Thank you for this. It made today so much better❤️❤️❤️
thanks, Michaela 🙂
Ok. This is brilliant.
Thanks for the awesome Valentine. I love that Ducky retired on the city. Hanging out with Frank. All kinds of new people to tell stories to. Thank you for such a great epilogue. You built them a wonderful future.
Love love love the scene with the IOA. I was cackling.
Thank you
Thanks, Nyx!
Still bloody brilliant…
Beautiful as always. I’m not a big fan of the children suplot, but it fits the story quite well and it’s your ‘verse so you get to do with it as you please. I enjoyed reading this very, very much (just like with every other of your stories). Thank you for writing this!
I am not usually a fan of Tony/Gibbs pairings, but that was lovely. Thank you for sharing such a great story.
This was delightful! I have to agree that Tony/Gibbs works best in the early seasons when they were still in sync which is great here because it also gave Kate and McGee a chance to grow. I adored Ascended Tony running circles around the Ancients and making them look foolish then doing the same to the IOA. Tony as a Sheppard is always fun and this was an interesting reveal. And that epilogue was definitely the cherry on top!
This is amazing. Thank you for all your wonderful stories. ??
Wonderful. And so very Tony. I loved it. Thank you for sharing this.
I really enjoyed this, thank you! I particularly liked Tony’s solution to Oma Desala’s problem 🙂
I also liked the way you handled Kate and Tim. Thank you very much for sharing this with us.
Thanks, Claire!
OH my goodness what a Valentine’s Day present we received from you! Thank you, thank you, thank you! You’re amazing, I adore this, and I adore you.
xxxxxxx
Love this story, thank you so much for sharing! Happy Valentines Day! You’re awesome!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
That was awesome! Thank you for sharing.
Beautiful. I’ll admit that I was truly gleeful about the repudiation of the whole 15% chance of survival from the pneumonic plague which has been bugging me for years! And the rest of the story just drew me in. I spent the afternoon enjoying it and it’s been lovely. Thank you so much for sharing it!
Thank you 🙂 The 15% thing has always driven me bonkers.
Absolutely phenomenal!
Thank you for this, Jilly- I love Tony as a Sheppard stories, and this hit so many buttons- Mike Weppler, sentient Atlantis, lovely valentine ?
Awesome story. I too have joined the mass of people who are over the Tony/Gibbs pairings. But it really works here. Thank you for sharing.
This story was so lovely! I enjoyed the early draft that you shared so I was super excited when I saw you had finished it! It was wonderful and I already want to go back and read it all again! Thanks for sharing it with us!
This was absolutely amazing, Jilly, and I loved every minute of it! Thank you for the great story!
This is just lovely, thank you, WW.
Yes! I remember this story from Rough Trade so it’s wonderful to see here with an epilogue.
This is delightful! I love your original characters. I really enjoyed this when it was on rough trade and was excited to reread it. Thank you for sharing.
i absolutely loved this story it was awesome thanks so much for sharing this wild ride
I totally agree that early Tony/Gibbs are the best for that pairing. Thank you so much for sharing! ?
Great story and a great way to fix many things before they really go wrong.
Thanks for sharing!
This is great! I’ve never been a huge fan of SGA, but the way you weave NCIS into SGA (and SG1) transforms it all for me. I’m a BIG fan of Tony, and always thought the character was capable of so much more during his time on NCIS. You do such interesting and smart things with Tony, and I appreciate it a lot! Thanks for writing and sharing!
I got pulled into this and wound up staying up far later than I should have to see how it ended. To me, my inability to put it down is the mark of a great story.
Thanks, Debra. I’m glad you were engrossed. Hope you didn’t miss out on any sleep!
Very good story, i enjoyed reading it, so thanks for sharing it with us
Thanks, Mel 🙂
Thank you for the lovely story!
Like you, I only accept Tony/Gibbs when it is set in the very, very early years. The level of emotional and verbal abuse became too intolerable to fanon away.
I absolutely LOVE the mixture of NCIS and Stargate universes. Definitely my catnip, no matter who Tony is paired with. As to Abby, I wish the series had taken the opportunity to deal with the idea of mental illness. That was ripe to send some wonderful messages, but instead TPTB just continued allowing the devolution of the character and, perhaps, enabled the same with the actress.
Thank you for a fun day of reading!
Absolutely marvelous story!
A brilliant story.
Trust Tony to figure out how to free Oma and the way to go back without losing his memories. It was like an undercover mission, with the Ancients as a powerful gang, but hampered by their lack of vision and lateral thinking and Tony negotiating for Earth’s benefit!
Poor Gibbs, the functional mute gig only works if you are surrounded by mind readers and there is so much room for misinterpretation. I love the relationship with Tony.
After showing that he can out smart ascended beings, Tony’s competence is in no doubt, but I loved his reluctance to be in charge.
I laughed over your “functional mute gig only works if you are surrounded by mind readers.” One of my favorite aspects of Tony being gone, if there can be a favorite aspect of such a thing, was that Gibbs had to learn to communicate. Poor man had to talk. The horror!
As always, I greatly enjoyed your writing!
Thank you for sharing 😉
Really enjoyed Tony calling out and outmaneuvering the Ancients and Gibbs being forced to deal with the people around him like a functional adult!
Great characterizations throughout this engaging story. I adored Tony bargaining with Janus and coming up with a plan to save Oma without any of them figuring out his activities.
Loved having Beckett’s horrifying plans brought to light and torpedoed. Recalling Weir was a no-brainer (and should have been on the show)
The lack of appropriate staff and supplies was unforgivable.
Kate living and growing as a person was much appreciated. Keeping Mossad out of NCIS and preventing that entire insulting story line makes you my favorite. Having Weppler force Carter to put on her big girl pants was great, as was forcing O’Neill to realize the bias they permitted against McKay. In fact, all of the fix-its made this such a pleasure to read!
Thank you!
Thanks 🙂 I enjoyed the opportunity to let Kate come into her own as an investigator. It was one of my favorite parts of this project.
O.M.G. I absolutely love this one. It was exactly what I needed to get through a bad cold. Just what the doctor ordered.
Always funny and lovely. Thank you for sharing your story.
“Teyla is sane even when she is mad” is a brilliant way of describing one of her finer qualities and a stellar reason reason for having her followup with the Genii and then there is Oma’s solution – quick and to the point. I also enjoyed Lizzie’s attempts to renegotiate the terms of the bet. The families prove that love is elastic and families take many forms. A wonderful story and one I have revisited many times.
thank you
Oh, Jilly! That was wonderful! Tony should always be a Sheppard. This should be canon! Thank you for sharing another great read with us! (Don’t tell anyone, but you’re my favorite. Shh. Mum’s the word.)
That was lovely, the characters were very well written, and the relationships were perfect. I feel refreshed now!
I enjoyed this a lot. Gibbs and O’Neill had a great relationship in this. Thank you for sharing!
Great Story! I’m usually not a huge fan of Tony things but I loved this.😀👌👍
This is one of those stories that leaves me with a goofy smile on my face when I reach the end because of all the happy, as well as a little sadness at having to let all the characters go. I fell a little bit in love with the family you created for Tony on a sentient, protective Atlantis. The Shepherds (Patrick, David and Matthew) are some of my favorite OCs and they fit into this world so perfectly. And that Ducky and Frank finding companionship with each other was beautiful. I love the way you write Tony – you balance his heart with his intelligence in such a way that the reader can’t help but love him and it was inevitable that Oma and Janus fell under his spell and took “enforcing” his agreement so seriously. I have kind of a girl crush on Oma, I think. lol
I just love this story. Thanks for sharing it.
Thank you so much. This period in canon is when I think the possibility of Gibbs/DiNozzo as a ship was really taking off in the minds of fanfic writers, and I’m glad I found a good story to set in this time.
Wow I honestly don’t know how I missed this brilliant story when I read through you list last year, but I’m so glad to have found it. I love early Tony/Gibbs so this brought a smile to my face and something to enjoy whilst being confined to my bed. Thank you for a great read.
Thank you! I hope whatever’s keeping you in bed resolves swiftly and you’re doing well.
Just re-reading because it came up in the podcast. (I was so thrilled to be home and awake for a live podcast that I got all twitterpated, even if I had to leave early to go to work.)
This is so gorgeous and I adore your shattered Gibbs. The early part of this story just *aches* with his grief and his love and it’s bloody brilliant. Your Tony, as ever, is spectacular.
Thanks, Chris. Gibbs’ journey was the hardest part to write, and I’m glad it works well in the end product.
Reread after listening to the podcast when you were working through the plot. Enjoyed the thought process, and of course the finished product. Such a great story. Thank you!
Don’t know how many times I’ve read this. Love everything about it. Thank you again!
This may be the best story you’ve ever written and my favorite story of yours that you’ve ever written. I probably say that every time I read one of your stories but I might really mean it this time, because if you write something better than this in the future, I don’t know how I’ll be able to handle it. This was just so good. This was just *chef’s kiss*. Bravo! All the applause, slow clap to standing ovation. Oh. My. Goodness! This was one of the best fics I’ve ever read period. This has entered my mind’s Hall of Fame. I have no words to appropriately describe the sheer epicness I just bore witness to. All I can really say is thank you so much for writing this and a million more thank yous for sharing it!
This was a real “page” turner og a story. Fantastic plot and so well written. I find myself wondering if Senior ever tried to contact Tony.