An insanely good story idea
that anyone can take as long as they make it an epicish thing. I invite multiple takings.
Comes time for John can *choose* to retire. Between Antarctica and Atlantis his years accumulated faster (remote postings mean 1 year = 2 years in counting of your 20). He does all the paperwork quietly. Only Lorne and Elizabeth know. He somehow gets his discharge papers while still in Atlantis. He goes to Rodney to tell him there is something he hasn't been able to say all these years and as his best friend he should know - he's gay. Also, he's in love with Rodney. Rodney has some reaction but in the end isn't interested in a relationship. Flattered, really, but not gay. John goes to Earth. Years pass. They need John's Magic Gene (TM). John comes to the rescue. Rodney changes his mind. Happily schmapily.
What happens during the years on Earth? Does John have a lover? Who, if anyone, does he keep in contact with on the expedition? Does anyone try to keep in touch with him? What about Jeannie and Kaleb dying and Madison needing a gaurdian and John steps in? Would John get his Ph.D? What's he doing with his time? How does the emotional devestation of loosing Rodney manifest in him? Would John go through Atlantis withdrawal? What would be so important they need his gene that wouldn't have happened in the intervening years? What effects would John and Rodney's ages have on everything? How would Rodney have changed physically? Emotionally?
Comes time for John can *choose* to retire. Between Antarctica and Atlantis his years accumulated faster (remote postings mean 1 year = 2 years in counting of your 20). He does all the paperwork quietly. Only Lorne and Elizabeth know. He somehow gets his discharge papers while still in Atlantis. He goes to Rodney to tell him there is something he hasn't been able to say all these years and as his best friend he should know - he's gay. Also, he's in love with Rodney. Rodney has some reaction but in the end isn't interested in a relationship. Flattered, really, but not gay. John goes to Earth. Years pass. They need John's Magic Gene (TM). John comes to the rescue. Rodney changes his mind. Happily schmapily.
What happens during the years on Earth? Does John have a lover? Who, if anyone, does he keep in contact with on the expedition? Does anyone try to keep in touch with him? What about Jeannie and Kaleb dying and Madison needing a gaurdian and John steps in? Would John get his Ph.D? What's he doing with his time? How does the emotional devestation of loosing Rodney manifest in him? Would John go through Atlantis withdrawal? What would be so important they need his gene that wouldn't have happened in the intervening years? What effects would John and Rodney's ages have on everything? How would Rodney have changed physically? Emotionally?