It was a shoot out, Old West style. I totally expected a tumbleweed to drift between us. The townsfolk had dutifully settled to a hushed silence, watching intently for the inevitable moment.

The sun is still bright, but it's beginning to drop. My mind keeps wandering as I glance at the clear, teal sky. I think it's teal. Kinda greenish blue –

Shoot out. Kolya. Right.

The massive headache I had acquired earlier due to being in close proximity of an explosion. Stupid Lucius. I would have killed him if he weren't so pathetic. I see him standing there, along with my team, and the only person I regret not killing the first time: Acastus Kolya. I've outdrawn a lot of people in my time. But he doesn't know that, and it almost seems unfair.

A path has been cleared, giving us a wide berth for a duel on this fine day. My team looks worried. If Rodney chews on that lip any harder, he's gonna bite right through it. When I see the look in his eyes, a twinge of pain makes itself known. I try to relax; my muscles are getting stiffer by the second from running around all day, clobbering people, and oh yeah, a bomb.

Directing my attention back to my arch nemesis, I wait. Wait for the flinch. Something to indicate Kolya wants to do this. He must know, if he goes through with this, he will not win.

Personally, I would rather beat the crap out of him with my bare hands. I'd rather break a finger ramming my fist into his face than spend another day wondering when he'll show up again. Pummel his body with blow after blow for the Wraith that fed–

My fingers flex at my side.

Let's do this.

In a split second, it's over. Did I shoot him? Did he shoot me? Wait. He's goin' down... I'm still standing. This is good, right? Why is Teyla looking at me like that? Am I hit? No, no. I'm good.

The gun is still smoking in my hand; I didn't even realize I drew my sidearm or pulled the trigger. I attempt to re-holster the weapon, but my hands are shaking badly. After several tries, it's finally done.

Slowly, I walk over to the prone body. Here lies Acastus Kolya... Is he dead?

Now I'm standing in the 'gate room. How did I get here? My head is still ringing, and I need to sit down. Looking over to Teyla, I ask the question. "Are you sure he's dead?"

She gives me one of those sympathetic smiles. Teyla Emmagen barely tolerates us earthlings and our weird behavior. One day, she's gonna walk out of my life and offer me one of those smiles as a parting gift. "Colonel, I assure you he is dead."

Something doesn't feel right. I should have checked for myself.

Elizabeth came slowly down the stairs, glancing at each of us. Suddenly, I'm aware of my grimy, smelly clothes. "Welcome back, Colonel Sheppard." Her brow twitched as she assessed me and my team with a critical eye. "Ran into some trouble did you?"

"Hmm. What gave it away?" Rodney's acerbic tone was ramping up. "Was it the stench from our clothes, or the generally snippy disposition, or that maybe we're overdue? I wonder–"

"McKay. Enough." I needed him to stop talking. Besides the massive headache, more aches and pains are making themselves known. "We'll brief you soon, Doctor Weir."

"Aye," Carson agreed. "Everyone to the infirmary." Under his breath, I hear him say Lucius. Honestly, I was hoping to save that for later. And that Elizabeth would hear it from me.

"Lucius?" She was instantly on alert. "Colonel? Maybe we'll talk now. Your team will go to the infirmary for their post-mission checks."

"Umm, hello?" Not now Rodney. "We're not the ones who dealt with that sadistic excuse for a human being–" Not now Rodney! "–Kolya–"

"Kolya?" Elizabeth now crossed her arms, eyeing each and every one of us. "Conference room. Now." I watched her turn stiffly away.

McKay fell into step next to me as I slowly climbed the stair. I tried to give him a look that could melt paint. It actually worked; he decided Ronon was safer to be around. Sitting down gently in the nearest chair, I undid my tac vest with a little protest from my arms. And my hands are still shaking...

We debriefed in the large conference room, telling Elizabeth about the situation that unfolded on the planet. Then I had to talk about my impromptu duel with Kolya. Thankfully, Rodney filled in the gaps; my memory failed me as to what happened at the end. "The O.K. Corral? McKay, it was not like that."

He scrunches up his face; this is about to turn juvenile. "Oh whatever, Wyatt Earp. I've never seen anyone draw a gun that quick. You've probably been practicing in front of a mirror..." Before I can retort, McKay regains his composure. "Look. The point is, Kolya is gone. Dead."

"And hopefully, the wishes of Kolya will not be continued." Teyla looks directly at me.

"Which are?" I had to ask.

"That someone else is searching for you to kill you." Her raised brow could give Elizabeth's a run for her money.

"Well, besides the Wraith."

Thank you, Rodney. Like I'll ever forget that. My mind casts backward to my last encounter with a Wraith. My hands start shaking worse, and I pull it away from Carson's eagle eye. I cross my arms, trying to escape the feeling of loss and regret. Suddenly, everything comes crashing down on me. I've got to get out of here. Get outside, breathe, find a moment's peace. Better yet, run to my room and bury my head under my pillow for a week.

"Colonel?"

Crap. Zoned out again.

"Is this post traumatic whatever?" McKay is snapping his fingers at me. "What's wrong with you? You didn't get hit, did you? Are you hiding something?" The words tumbled out of his mouth in a rush. While he sounded peevish, I saw the concern in his eyes.

I hug myself tighter, trying to still the tremors racking my body. "There's nothing wrong with me, McKay," my voice sounds strangely calm.

He leans over to me. "Are you sure? Because you look like yer gonna pass out right now. And your eyes did that thing when you zone out–"

"Knock it off, McKay!" I have to get out of here. My heart stutters, and I feel panic settling in. Everyone is looking at me, and the room is getting smaller. I close my eyes and take a breath. Faintly, I hear Carson suggest that we get some food and rest after our check-ups. I have a feeling he wants to get closer to me, but he's on the other side of the room.

"All right. I'm looking forward to your reports later. Colonel Sheppard, I'd like to talk to you for a moment."

What? Can't she see I'm falling apart in front of her eyes? Yes, I'm good at hiding things, but I'm not that good. Even Carson has abandoned me. Rodney, however, lingers for a second, watching me. When he finally leaves, the room is empty except me and Elizabeth. I look around me. The shining table, the gleaming walls, the setting sun. Anywhere but her face.

I hear her shuffle towards me. "Are you all right?" Her voice is soft and compassionate. "Rodney's kind of right, you know."

"I'll be fine. Maybe," I rub my cold fingers across the back of my neck, trying to soothe my sore muscles.

"I know you have some thoughts on the finality of Kolya." Her eyes stray to my shaking hand resting on the table. I move it to my lap. "And I'll leave you to them."

With a great sigh, I close my eyes. After a bit, I open them, looking just over her left shoulder. "I feel like it didn't happen. That he's not dead, and this is all a dream."

She nods sympathetically. "It was probably over so fast, you didn't have time to register the event."

"Yes," I say, but there was something more. My tired mind refuses to let it come to light. The claustrophobic feeling is creeping back on me, and I stand too quickly.

Her brows march to the top of her head, surprised by my sudden movement. She reaches out to catch me as I sway. "Going somewhere?"

"I gotta go. You know, get checked out, take a very long shower." I wiggle out of her grip.

Now she smiles. "I cannot tell you how much I've wanted to wipe that smudge off your cheek." She seems to be assessing me again, but right now, I don't care. "See you at dinner?" Elizabeth looks hopeful, and I know I look doubtful.

"Umm, yeah, sure." I turn to leave, and the room keeps turning. Small, cool hands wrap around my arm. "Sorry." Her hand moves under my elbow, and I try to pull away. I know. I have issues.

She holds firm, and guides me out of the room. "Let's get you to Carson."

We walk down the busy main corridor, and I tell her of Lucius and how I found the bomb. Retelling the story reminded my brain that I'd hit my head on the table. Great. A brand new headache on top of the other one.

By the time we got to the infirmary, I'm faltering. I needed sleep like, right now. From far away, I heard someone calling my name. Carson looked so worried; Elizabeth too. Maybe I should be worried, but all I can think is, when did they get such soft pillows...

---------------

The End. I think.