This was so wonderful! I've always had a soft spot for Bates and wish he was still at Atlantis. I think he was a good balance to the general wackiness (and laxness that even *I* could see). Liked the marine refs and I love how you've made him so sympathetic (You could just *feel* his justified irritation at Damn cocky zoomie either didn't know or didn't respect proper radio protocols. The latter was more offensive than the former, but either was bad enough. and at Sheppard's pointy beard comment.

Also, I liked that you pretty much gave him the proper send-off (not to mention some background) that the show never did. I'm just going to imagine this is what "really" happened.