Warnings: 1.) Set in Season 3, awhile after Common Ground. 2.) One OC death; nothing else that I can recall unless you have an aversion to the use of flashbacks, omniscient POV, or present tense storytelling. 3.) This is my first attempt at writing SGA. 4) I'm afraid that I got impatient and didn't wait for my betas, so chapter 5 is almost totally unbeta-ed. Oops.

Spoilers:Tiny One for Common Ground (Season 3)
Author's Notes: Written for the Sheppard H/C Secret Santa 2006. First, a HUGE thank you to alassefae and meliaka for the beta--trust me, they made this a far, far better story. Any remaining errors and mistakes are mine and mine alone. As this is my first SGA effort, any and all feedback would be highly adored and greatly appreciated. )

Prompt:Definitely Shep whump where he snaps and is beyond reason so the team needs to talk him down before he does anything rash. I know there are a few fics out there like this already, but there's just something about a pissed off Shep that gets me all excited! He's just so damn handsome when he's mad! Kinda reminds me of situations like Mad Max or perhaps Lethal Weapon movies or... I don't know. I'm not trying to single out Mel Gibson here, as I no longer care for the actor, but the movie plots themselves brought up a lot of nice angst and whump, so...that should suffice. And hell, if one wants to get into the season of things, add in a blizzard. They are always good for keeping one holed up and unable to escape for a good long time. ;)

Chapter One

When he sees Beckett, McKay nearly jumps from the end of the bed that Ronon has been confined to since their return. I can feel his anxiety at the grim expression on the healer's face.

Teyla stands next to the bed and places a hand on the Satedan's shoulder in warning for him to remain where he is. She hides it well, but her feelings are just as strong as the physicist's.

Ronon stays in the bed, though every nerve and muscle in him is screaming to get up and join his teammates. His vision is blurry from the poison that is still working its way out of his system, but he senses that Beckett is not bringing good news.

Dr. Weir arrives at the same time Carson reaches the team. It's obvious that the doctor has called her. She's looking every bit as apprehensive as McKay.

"He's alive," announces Beckett. "We almost lost him several times, but he's back with us for now."

"For now?" McKay picks up on the qualifier immediately. "What does that mean? Is he going to be all right or not?"

The doctor sighs. "I'll not lie to ye. It does nae look good. The damage was severe and he's lost a great deal of blood. And while on one hand, the hypothermia kept him from bleeding out, there is only so much a body can take. I really don't know how he's made it this far."

"I see," says Elizabeth quietly. "May we see him?"

Beckett nods. "Aye, but not for very long. And we'll need to get him settled first. Shelly will let you know when."

I want to intervene so badly, to give them the miracle that each of them has been praying so very hard for--John Sheppard's life. But I dare not interfere any further, at least not yet.

There is nothing I can do but watch. And wait.

Chapter Two

As soon as he's allowed in to see John, Rodney sets up camp and refuses to leave. No amount of threatening or cajoling from Beckett or his teammates has any effect on him.

"Rodney?" Teyla is cautious in her approach. "Has there been any change?"

"Since you last asked me no more than an hour ago?" McKay doesn't even look up from his tablet. "No, there hasn't. But you already knew that because if there had been a change, I'd have called you. Like I promised both you and Conan in there I would."

She smiles wryly. "Doctor Beckett asked that I persuade you to accompany me to have lunch. He is…concerned about you."

The tablet beeps and blips as McKay continues working. He doesn't respond to her revelation.

"Rodney," she calls in warning.

"Not hungry," he snaps.

She sighs, knowing her cause is lost. "Would you like me to bring you a tray?"

"Exactly what part of 'not hungry' did you misunderstand?"

"Carson feels--"

He stops her mid-sentence, finally looking up from his screen, and levels his best intimidating death-glare at her. "Contrary to what that sheepshearer believes, I am perfectly capable of determining and meeting my own nutritional requirements. Hence, when I need to do so, I will seek out sustenance. So just run along and tell the voodoo man that he can stop worrying; I'm not about to allow myself to go into hypoglycemic shock."

She meets his stare evenly, not once looking away. "Will you allow me to bring you a sandwich for later?"

He rolls his eyes, quickly tiring of the conversation. "Fine, if it makes you feel useful, go ahead."

Satisfied, she nods. "I shall return shortly."

He silently waves her off, again lost in the lines and squiggles scrolling across his computer screen.

Once he's certain she's gone, he gives up the pretence that he's actually accomplishing anything. He studies the man in the bed before him carefully, for at least the hundredth time since he took up his watch. He's looking for any indication, no matter how minute, that there has been a change. He sighs, when once again he finds nothing. The readings on the monitors remain steady, but none show any sign of improvement whatsoever.

He rubs his forehead as a headache threatens to take up residence. It's his fault that Sheppard is here and no one will ever convince him otherwise. For the zillionth time since their return, his thoughts drift back to the planet where this all started.

He'd found the address in the database. The entry had promised a hidden research lab where the Ancients had been testing a new weapon for use against the Wraith. Initial results had been quite promising.

It hadn't taken much to convince both Sheppard and Elizabeth of the need to investigate. So they'd gated to yet another nice little backwater planet, made nice with the natives, and talked their way into the lab. Or what was left of it after ten thousand years.

He'd tried to initiate the equipment himself, but was unsuccessful. Much to his chagrin, he'd had to call on Sheppard and his super-gene. One touch from the pilot and the place lit up brighter than the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center. And that's where their trouble really began, though they didn't know it at the time.

Rodney had mostly stayed in the lab, working feverishly to find anything pertaining to the weapon. Teyla had assisted while Sheppard and Ronon had made nice with the villagers, some of whom had decided that Sheppard was an Ancient and heralded the return of the ancestors to the galaxy. If only they'd found the truth sooner.

"Rodney, ye need to get something to eat and then some rest. It'll not do the colonel any good if ye let yourself get run down and I have to admit ye, too."

McKay scowls, immediately becoming defensive. "Teyla's bringing me a tray."

Exasperated, Beckett puts his hands on his hips. "Ye need to get some sleep, man. A body cannot function on just caffeine and sugar, contrary to what ye seem to believe."

He quickly turns on the physician. "Speaking of sleep, why hasn't he woken up yet? The anesthesia should have worn off by now." His attempt to deflect the doctor's attention works, but not in the way he wants.

Carson looks guiltily at his patient. "Aye, that it has."

McKay frowns. "Then why isn't he awake yet?"

Teyla returns with the lunch tray. She walks in just in time to hear Rodney's question and see Beckett flinch. The tray is quickly set aside, all attention riveted on the doctor. "Has there been a change?" she asks.

Beckett sighs. "Ronon will want to hear this, too. I'd rather only have to explain it once, so why don't we do this over there," he suggests.

They aren't happy, but agree. "Fine, but it better not take long. One of us should be here when he wakes up," complains Rodeny.

"I am certain that Dr. Beckett will not keep you longer than is necessary." Teyla plays mediator as they turn and move silently through the infirmary to the Satedan's bedside. McKay chooses not to challenge her.

The warrior is dozing, but awakens instantly when the trio arrives. "What's wrong? Is Sheppard worse?" demands the Satedan.

Fear grips them all as Beckett deflates before their very eyes. A long moment passes before he can look any of them in the eye and answer. "Colonel Sheppard has slipped into a coma. I don't know when--or if--he'll come out of it."

McKay scoffs. "Of course he's going to come out of it. He's Sheppard."

Beckett's response unsettles him more than he cares to admit. "I pray you're right, Rodney. Because right now, that's the only thing left we can do for him."

Chapter Three

Twenty-four hours pass, before Beckett is successful in dislodging Rodney from John's bedside. But the team will not leave their injured leader alone, and with Ronon still recovering nearby, the watching duty falls to Teyla. She silently offers prayers for his full recovery, but soon lapses into her own memories of the failed mission.

They'd investigated the lab for several days before Rodney was finally ready to concede defeat. He'd grabbed his data pad and stormed from the cave after announcing his intention to find Sheppard, leaving her scrambling to catch up.

They'd barely stepped outside when John and Ronon came striding up to them. The young boy from the village, Bohdan, followed along behind. Ronon had been teasing the colonel about his new admirer ever since he had initiated the equipment in the lab, much to Sheppard's chagrin. John had tried ignoring the boy, but the youngster had continued to follow adoringly along behind him everywhere the colonel went.

Once close enough to be heard, John wasted no time. "Pack it up, McKay; we're heading home. According to the jumper's weather readout, there's a pretty nasty looking winter storm headed this way and I intend to be long gone before it gets anywhere near the gate."

Rodney had begun to tap on his screen before the colonel even finished speaking. "I was just coming to get you. The lab's a bust. Virtually everything is either missing, damaged, or unusable. I'll be ready as soon as---Hello! Where did you come from?" He frowned as he continued to study the information on the pad.

"What is it?" demanded John.

McKay raised a finger to hold him off, studying the screen intently. "This is not good. This is really not good," he mumbled.

"What?" snapped the colonel.

"One more minute," he snapped, continuing to tap and study the device. His frown deepened with each passing moment, until he finally looked up to share his information. "We need to hurry. I'm detecting a signal coming from the far end of the village over there." He gestured emphatically.

"What kind of signal? I thought these guys weren't very advanced."

Rodney had gone back to studying his tablet, finally turning it around for John to see. "They aren't. But apparently someone is trying to call the Wraith."

To their surprise, Bohdan immediately chimed in. "Oh, do not worry. They never come anymore, not for a long time now. Not even when we turn the signal on. Hedeon says we must have done something to displease them."

"You are Wraith worshippers," she hissed. She quickly turned to John. "We must leave immediately. These people cannot be trusted."

John looked thoughtfully at the boy. "How long is a long time, Bohdan?"

"At least eight changes of the season now."

Sheppard turned to her and Rodney. "You thinkin' what I'm thinkin'?"

"If the Wraith who came here was one that we destroyed in the first siege against Atlantis, it would explain why they haven't been back and aren't responding to the signals," suggested Rodney.

"Yeah," agreed John. "But sooner or later someone is going to pick up that signal and come to investigate. And we've still got that storm bearing down on us."

He paced a moment and then turned to Ronon. "You up for a little search and destroy, big guy?"

Ronon smiled, a feral gleam lighting his eyes. "For Wraith? Always."

"Yeah, well let's hope it doesn't quite come to that," suggested John. "McKay, you and Teyla get packed and head for the jumper. We'll meet you there as soon as we take care of that signal."

"What about him?" asked Ronon, pointing to the boy.

John looked up from checking his weapons and looked directly into the boy's eyes as he answered. "Bohdan's going to help McKay pack, aren't you, Bohdan?"

The boy appeared to be ready to argue, but at the look on John's face, he wisely decided against it. "Yes, sir."

"Good answer. Teyla, keep a close eye out," he ordered. "Ronon?" He nodded toward the village.

"After you," replied the Satedan.

"Has there been any change?" asks Elizabeth, bringing the Athosian back to the present.

Teyla sadly shakes her head. "No. He is no better, but thankfully, he is also no worse."

"I see Carson finally got Rodney out of here."

"Yes, it was not easy, but he finally managed to persuade Rodney to leave for a meal and a good night's sleep."

An uncomfortable silence hangs in the air. The two women are friends, but neither knows what to say to the other at this moment. Finally, Elizabeth can no longer stand it. "Can I get you anything?"

Teyla smiles. "No, thank you. I am fine."

More awkward silence before Elizabeth tries again. "I hear Ronon is being released tomorrow if all goes well."

"Yes, that is what Carson told me earlier. It is good news."

"Right. Well, I think I'll just stop by and say goodnight before I turn in. Are you sure I can't get you anything?"

"Your kindness is most appreciated, but no, there is nothing I require at this moment."

Weir nods. "Well, okay then. I'll see you in the morning."

"Good night, Elizabeth, and sleep well."

Teyla can hear their soft voices in the quiet infirmary as Dr. Weir bids the Satedan a good night. Her thoughts again drift back to the mission as her mind replays the events that led to Ronon being wounded.

She and Rodney were nearly halfway to the jumper with the final load of the scientist's equipment when they heard the familiar rattle of John's P90 in the distance. With no more than a look exchanged between them, the equipment was quickly set aside and weapons drawn. Teyla led the way, with McKay following closely behind.

"Colonel Sheppard, this is Teyla. Do you require assistance?"

The sound of gunfire filled the airwaves as he attempted to answer. "Apparently some of the locals objected to us blowing up their transmitter." More gunfire. "They ambushed us near that fork in the trail outside the village." Again, a burst from the P90. "Ronon and I got separated." Another short burst. "He's not answering his radio."

"I'm here. Near that overhang at the edge of the forest." They were all relieved to finally hear Ronon's voice.

"Damn!" There was yet another burst from John's weapon, then silence.

"Sheppard?" asked Rodney.

To their dismay, John did not respond.

"Colonel?" Teyla tried next, ending with the same result.

"How far away are you and McKay?" demanded the Satedan.

"We are not far. I will call you again when we arrive."

Sheppard's voice was finally heard over the open channel, but Teyla was close enough now to hear him without the transmitter. "Back off, Hedeon. There's no need for anyone to die over this."

"You and your minions have corrupted my people. No longer do they give the Wraith their rightful accolades. No, all they can talk about is how the ancestors have returned and how the Wraith will soon be purged from existence by the great Sheppard and his men. You will pay for your transgressions--I will see to it personally!"

John's sigh was broadcast for all of his team to hear. "Look, I told your people I'm not one of the Ancients. I can't help it if they refuse to listen. Now go back to your homes before anyone else gets hurt."

"Now!" screamed Hedeon.

At their leader's command, at least twenty men swarmed out of their hiding places among the brush and stormed the group of large rocks John had taken refuge behind. He sprayed the area with bullets, but the men were true fanatics and kept coming. Within moments, the colonel was forced to stop and reload. Ronon took advantage of the silence to update Teyla and Rodney.

"Sheppard's boxed in. I'll take his right flank, you two go left."

"Understood." Teyla had barely gotten her reply out before Ronon's blaster joined the fray. Once close to John's position, the team was forced to largely abandon their guns in favor of hand to hand combat. Between the denseness of the brush and the chance of ricochets, the risk of accidentally hitting one of their teammates was simply too great.

"Ronon, look out!" called Teyla as one of the fanatics jumped from a large rock. The Satedan raised a forearm to deflect the knife-wielding attacker, receiving a large gash for his efforts. Two swipes of Dex's own knife left the attacker dead on the ground at his feet.

John quickly dispatched two more of the swarm, as did Teyla. Rodney managed to take down a few with his sidearm as well.

"Fall back!" ordered Hedeon, seeing that his mob was nearly decimated.

His men quickly obeyed, leaving the team to assess their situation. "Everybody okay?" asked John.

"I wrenched my back and I think I may have cracked a rib or two," answered Rodney. "Some thanks I get for coming to save your sorry ass yet again."

"I am uninjured."

They all waited for Dex's reply, but the big guy didn't answer immediately. John immediately prompted him. "Ronon?"

Finally, the Satedan's voice drifted over the airwaves. "Yeah, I'm good."

"You don't sound so good, buddy. Where are you?" demanded John.

"Over here." They quickly located him at the base of the rock where Teyla had seen the attacker jump. He sat calmly cradling his right arm, blood liberally coating both limbs.

"You are injured," scolded Teyla.

"It's just a scratch." Despite his claim, the team could see otherwise. The big guy was sweating profusely and his skin was rapidly taking on a grayish hue.

"You gonna make it to the jumper?" asked Sheppard.

"I'll manage."

Teyla rapidly applied a bandage to the long cut and soon had him ready to move. He swayed alarmingly once on his feet, but remained upright.

John regarded him carefully. "You sure you're good to go?"

"Said I'd make it," he snapped.

Dubious, Sheppard let the comment pass. "Okay, then let's move out."

The team had only traveled a short distance when they heard a rustling in the brush. Weapons were quickly raised to deal with the threat, but it was Bohdan who stepped into view. "Wait," called the boy.

Sheppard was livid. "Bohdan, what the hell are you doing? We could have killed you!"

"I had to warn you."

"Warn us about what?" demanded Rodney.

"Hedeon has sent many men to watch your ship. And there are an equal number already at the gate--far more than you encountered here. They are waiting for you to attempt to reach either one and kill you."

Dex picked that moment to fall to his knees and Teyla was instantly at his side. "Ronon?"

"Dizzy." He promptly passed out after uttering the one word.

"He must have been injured by a blade coated in the karhush root oil," offered Bohdan. "It can be lethal, but is not always."

"Is there a cure for this stuff?" demanded Sheppard.

"No, unfortunately not. Within days, one either recovers or dies."

"Dammit!" John ran a hand through his hair. "Any ideas, people?"

"You should go back to the Ancestor's sanctuary," suggested the boy.

"Why?" snapped Rodney suspiciously.

"It is forbidden by the Wraith for any of my people to enter. You will be safe there."

"Well that didn't stop you from going in," argued the physicist. "How do we know it will stop them?"

"I am no longer a worshipper and do not fear disobeying. Such is not the case for true worshippers."

Sheppard looked down at the unconscious Satedan to the boy and back again. Finally, he turned to Rodney. "Help me get him up."

"Oh come on! You're surely not going to take his word for it. He's one of them." In spite of his protests, the scientist moved over and grabbed Dex under the arm. "He's probably leading us right into an ambush."

"That's exactly what I'm going to do, McKay. In case you hadn't noticed, Ronon needs patching up and fast. Plus we're not exactly ready to take on a whole army at the moment, so both the jumper and the gate are out."

He turned his attention to the boy. "Bohdan, we appreciate the warning, but I want you to go home now and stay there. I do not want you to get caught up in the middle of all this. It's too dangerous."

The boy kicked at the dirt, but finally nodded. "Fare you well, John Sheppard. It has been my honor." With that, the boy reluctantly slipped back into the brush and was gone.

Satisfied, John turned back to his team. "Teyla, you take point. Let's move out."