And My Kingdom Bounded by Stones (SGA, Sheppard Gen, PG)

Title: And My Kingdom Bounded by Stones
Author: skieswideopen
Fandom: SGA
Prompt: Sheppard, "When I ruled the world"
Pairing: None
Summary: John in exile: sometimes there are disadvantages to possessing the ATA gene in the Pegasus Galaxy, and even being king doesn't help.
Notes: Originally written for the lostcityfound 2008 Fic Battle for the prompt "When I ruled the world."

"When I ruled the world..." began John. He stopped as a bout of coughing wracked his body.

"Hush, Dad," said Beth gently, adjusting his pillows. "You need to rest."

"Things were different," insisted John. "When I was in charge...."

"I know, Dad, I know. I'll get you some tea, okay?" She went to the door and rang for a servant. John looked at the two small children who sat beside his bed, looking back at him with identical solemn gazes.

"When I ruled the world,” he said again, “we fought the Wraith; we didn't hide from them. We went between planets and traded with others, and when the Wraith came, we sent up waves of drones until the sky was lit with the explosions of their ships."

"Papa says that’s a foolish risk," said the older girl. "Too many people die when we fight. Now that we’ve destroyed all the Wraith who know where we are, we should stay quiet so that no one else finds out we’re here.”

"Hiding," said John bitterly, "and letting other people fight for us." He began coughing again.

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Enthusiasm Can Get You Killed (SGA, Sheppard & Lorne Gen, PG)

Title: Enthusiasm Can Get You Killed
Author: skieswideopen
Fandom: SGA
Prompt: Sheppard, "When I ruled the world"
Pairings: None
Summary: There are some advantages to having the ATA gene in the Pegasus Galaxy, particularly when dealing with people whose knowledge of history is a bit confused.
Notes: A more cheerful variant on the same prompt used in "And My Kingdom Bounded by Stones"--the other side of the ATA gene coin, if you will. Or one of the other sides. Originally written for the lostcityfound 2008 Fic Battle for the prompt "When I ruled the world."

"When I ruled the world," said John, gesturing expansively, "we had buildings that touched the sky. Markets that offered the best goods from six galaxies. Transporters that could take you anywhere just by thinking about it." John stole a mid-spiel glance at the high chancellor, who looked somewhat less impressed than John had hoped, though that may have been because he was focusing most of his attention on trying to breath as he struggled to keep up with John's wide stride. Sweat had soaked through the rich, red robes, which were now nearly matched in colour by the high chancellor's previously pale face. John walked a little faster.

"It was actually several worlds, you know," continued John. "We ruled two galaxies, so we had to run a few planets each. It was a busy time."

"It sounds..." panted the High Chancellor Wali, "magnificent. But Holy One...we must ask...why did you leave?"

"Oh, you know," said John vaguely. "Ascension and all that. If you think it's time consuming ruling several planets, you should try living on the higher planes."

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