Title: Some Are Lost
Author: n7cdrsheppard / ravenxmen
Fandom: SGA
Characters: Sheppard, McKay centric. Some team.
Timeline: Season 5
Summary: Sheppard & McKay are abducted and separated on a desert world. Both must struggle to escape and survive. Sheppard is brought to his edge. McKay must hold on to save them both. Buddy bonding, major whump, drama, humor, friendship. Angst. No ship.
Warnings: Some language, physical descriptions. Some violence.
Rating: PG-13
Word count: 23,208 total. Seven chapters.
Disclaimer: I do not own or profit from any SGA character or concept.
Author note:
This was epic for me. It is the companion idea to another story I have written, 'The Ghosts Between Us. It is about the bond between Sheppard and McKay.
It is dedicated to ltcoljsheppard, and to all the John & Rodney teams out there. :)
Comments welcome.

SOME ARE LOST

_________________________*Chapter 1

The fatigue burned through his thighs and pulled against his backbone as he crested the ridge, now bathed in a rusty nightfall. The atmosphere was thin; poor in oxygen, causing his heart to work harder with each stride. The view dimly washed out to the distance in waves of barren dunes and spines of black stone. Night came as a hard won mercy, at last relieving his body of the suns scalding retribution. Sheppard took a selfish moment to rest between the velveted sky and sand to determine the best path before him but it gave few clues of safe passage.

Devoid of any signs of civilization, the dying wilderness seemed to be sleeping on its side, holding its dangers away from him but he knew they were there if he moved without caution. Ancient stands of forest that once fingered into the dark terrain beyond were now only desiccated ghosts, skeletonized and swallowed by the advancing desert. Sheppard guessed this was a recent phenomenon considering the closest sun was still allowing the planet to entertain life and a breathable atmosphere. It was a good hiding place if you wanted to deter unexpected guests.

How long he had been walking seemed lost to him now, but his body ached with survival under the dried sweat and dirt as he felt blindly for his canteen. The last ration of water seemed to cut his tongue open in a salted incision as it slipped from its container. The brief wet spray teased him with the idea of renewal, but fell short as he swallowed it down with the painful knowledge that some of his men had died …Just days ago. He had to stop, if only for a moment. Exhaustion was not an option he could afford. Not now. Knowing that his journey had only begun, he opted for self preservation as he eased himself onto his back and considered his options under the alien firmament.

So many stars…their bright points seeming indelible to his eyes, spread out above him and engraved their image in his soul, just like the faces of his men that were now lost. All the men who had died for him clawed at his mind's eye… taunting his conscience with what seemed like a criminal secret; a secret that would reveal him in the end. The loneliness of the image twinkled back at him with the bitter reality of just how alone he was. There would be no reinforcements. For the first time in his memory, winging it gave him little hope. He wasn't even sure if he could reach McKay. If he did, he had no idea what he would find. The night air was seeping into him, cooling his blood and clearing his thoughts as he took stock of his current resources. He checked his pistol and TAC vest. He had a knife and two clips left; two clips he had taken from his fallen friends.

His breathing was now slow and even in the quiet around him as he tried to put together the more personal fragments from days past that had catalyzed his journey. Sheppard wondered if Ronon had made it out. He couldn't think how it could have been possible. They had been surprised and Ronon had been just inside the cave as it caught the full brunt of the explosion. The last few seconds left Sheppard blinded as he was caught by the edge of the blast. The hollow unease in his stomach grew stronger as he remembered Teyla, a second before, broken on the ground nearby and unresponsive to the cries around her. She was the last thing he saw as his vision failed. There was no going back now. Not even in his thoughts. He couldn't doubt his decision to press on. McKay was the only hope he had left and quite possibly his only remaining friend; if he was still alive. The wound on his upper arm throbbed under his sweat soaked bandage as he tightened it then righted himself. Driven by necessity and honor, he slid down from the ridge and into a dry river bed that travelled north. He moved with a steady persistence into the darkness ahead.

72 hours previous:

Rodney had raised cussing to a high art during his time in Atlantis and now the stream of expletives spewed out into the room. It was true that life and death had become the working parameters to which he had become accustomed to functioning within, but he found himself wondering if it was worth it anymore. There was enough to do in the ancient city without having to worry about going off world to help some 'backwater' settlement out of trouble. The matter had been discussed that morning, but only now deemed immediate. He only needed another hour or so to finish his god forsaken task on one of the control consoles, but Carter demanded his presence in the jumper bay now. Frustrated, he gathered his essential tools and stormed toward the armory to get suited up.

John met him with a nod, fully armed and dressed. Rodney said something unflattering under his breath as he fumbled with his gear.

"Come on McKay, won't be that bad. Team player, remember?" John said with a grin. He knew Rodney's fears were numerous and they were inclusive of small children. "Oh, and by the way, no kids."

"Don't tease Sheppard. When are these missions ever without a catch, huh? Just make sure we are back by dinner and I won't completely despise you." Rodney retorted with his trademark pissy sneer.

"Sorry buddy, it's a sleep over. Be back in the morning. Let's go." John finished as he slapped him on the back, propelling Rodney forward.

"Aawww, come on! That's just great!" Rodney's whine made John pause thoughtfully with eyes narrowed. Sheppard changed his tactic.

"Now McKay! Time to go. You can deal with me or you can deal with Carter. Your choice." John stated abruptly as he smirked with irritation, knowing the magic string to pull.

"Fine, fine. Lead on…" He said, defeated. John walked behind Rodney as he travelled down the hall. Rodney was flailing to reach under the back of his vest to free his shirt tail, bunched up like the rest of him. John smirked momentarily with satisfaction, letting Rodney struggle a little before reaching out and pulling it down to relieve the situation. It was just enough humiliation to keep Rodney quiet for their departure.

Sheppard's form was obscured by gnarled scrub and boulders as he crouched in a hidden arroyo. The soil was beginning to give up its moisture as he dug down into the pale riverbed, his hand moving rhythmically with a sharp flat stone in search of water. With a few more passes, a murky pool leeched up just deep enough for his palm to capture a drink. After his scanner reported no trace of toxins, his mouth greedily accepted the wet gift. The water tasted bitter; heavy with tannic acid from stratified plant matter but served its purpose. After a few ravenous handfuls, he methodically worked the hole larger with his abraded hands and filled his canteen.

The red sun and its distant blue twin were due to rise within the hour as foretold by the eerie lavender bands that raked the sky. The ambient temperature was increasingly hot but not unbearable yet. He looked at his scanner with anticipation, but once again, bad news prevailed; the reading was weak. The good news spoke to the fact that Rodney's subcutaneous transmitter was still active. The camp was just out of his reach; a long day's walk or so under the distant red giant that enslaved the planet's surface. His skin had already begun to show signs of burning; any exposed area was now red and slightly taught. He felt feverish but chalked it up to fatigue as he closed his eyes for a moment of respite; they were rimmed raw at the edges, chapped by the wind that broke the barrier of his aviators. As he pressed into the bridge of his nose with his finger tips, colors flashed and swayed, leaving him dizzy. He hadn't eaten since he had left Atlantis and as much as he wanted to find Rodney safe and sound, he also wanted to kick his ass for filching his personal allotment of power bars that were so needed now.

The hours he had been on the move blurred like the mirage on the horizon. He now felt every step that had marked his path. His muscles trembled under the simple strain of standing, crying for the need to rest, so he decided to submit but not before a few modifications were made.

Groaning painfully, he removed his vest and over shirt, stripping down to his well worn tee. He pulled it off and with a few well placed cuts from his knife, he converted it into two bandanas to cover his face and head. The air, caught in a rare moment, actually felt soothing on his bare torso. Like his face, bruises and cuts mottled his belly and back, attesting to the intention of his enemy. He lingered in the feeling briefly, then gingerly replaced his remaining clothes as a measure of solar protection. He checked his weapons one more time and moved forward to a nearby rock face. A small riparian cave offered an invitation of respite and after careful examination for uninvited life forms; he crawled in and faced the opening, concealed by the dappled shadows. Sheppard drew his pistol and propped it over his thigh in a defensive measure, warding off any potential threat. Within minutes, encircled by the comfort of the cool stone against his burnt skin, he fell into a light but needed sleep. His dreams captured a snapshot of his life before; a few days past.

The jumper set down in a tight clearing near a small settlement surrounded by russet cliffs and forest. The platinum sun was falling behind the distant mountain range. The planet was essentially a smaller version of an earth like body, temperate in nature and just as lush, but undeveloped.

Sheppard ordered two marines to stay with the ship and appointed two men to accompany his core team. Half way to the camp Sheppard ordered the remaining marines to take point on the trail and wait for instructions. It was a short walk to the center of the camp but Rodney still complained. "You know, you would think that we would at least have curb side parking. Why do we always have to walk so far? After all, we do all these favors and for what? "Rodney grumbled under his breath.

Sheppard smirked un-approvingly sideways at him, as if the sun was in his eyes. "McKay, shut the hell up and behave. These are good people. Besides, if I knew it meant so much to you, I would have called ahead for a cab."He stated sarcastically. Rodney sneered back but remained quiet.

"What? You miss a meal or something McKay?" Ronon snapped, referring to Rodney's exceptionally foul mood.

"Not really. Had a few snacks then a meal. Thanks for asking." He said smugly.

Sheppard stopped suddenly and rapidly felt his side vest pockets. They were empty. "Damn it Rodney! Just when exactly did you swipe my power bars? What have I told you!" He barked, baring his teeth.

"Rodney!" Teyla exclaimed, feeling her pockets and finding them empty as well.

Caught and witnessed, Rodney replied in a child like voice, "I think maybe…3 a.m.? The armory was closer than the mess…" He meekly stepped back. Sheppard shook his head then started to walk again, fuming. Ronon smiled quietly. He enjoyed the bickering as long as it didn't last too long. Perhaps much to everyone's relief, the last hundred meters were travelled in silence.

Teyla pointed ahead. "Colonel, that one there…"

The team strode into a fresh clearing ringed with tents tucked into the cliff side. About a dozen people milled about, tending to various tasks. They moved toward the largest one, draped with a green banner. Sheppard removed his sun glasses and stowed them into his vest. "Ronon, stay out front and keep an eye on things. " Ronon nodded and took up his position at the door frame.

"What happened to 'these are good people'? Don't you trust them? You're being extremely careful for such a routine mission. " Rodney blurted, irritating Sheppard further. Ronon glowered at his comment.

"I do trust them. Wraith potential, remember the meeting…Oh, wait. You were late!" Sheppard mockingly smacked him on the back of the head.

"Hey! I was up all night working…Hello…A little respect here!" Rodney stood like a chastised teenager trying to save face.

"McKay, it's just a tactical thing, and if you piss them off, Ronon and my men can speed our exit." Sheppard said as he leaned his face close to Rodney's, hoping to emphasis his point. "Just deal McKay, and we will be home in no time. Besides, don't you want to check out the cool mystery gadget?" He said with a friendly taunt.

Rodney pursed his lips then confessed, "Um…yeah…but man, this better be good."

"Just follow my lead, ok?" Sheppard said quietly as he clipped his P-90 to his vest.

"Alright, but…" He started.

"McKay!" The Colonel shot back with a bitch-slap of a glare. Rodney threw his hands up with a pout, following Sheppard. Teyla gently prodded his back as they moved inside.

They were greeted by a Vedeenan representative. She was dark skinned with black long hair. Tall and muscular she stood with authority, her stance reflecting her seriousness as she approached Sheppard. "My name is Ti'an. Welcome. Thank you for your assistance Colonel as we greatly appreciate your expertise. Time is short. Please follow me." She waved her hand toward the door and led them out. Ronon trailed behind them, monitoring the area.

As she moved ahead through the settlement, Rodney chimed in, "No introductions? You're expertise? Geesh!!!…Not much for small talk, but… check her out…" He said quietly, pointing at her backside.

"Rodney!" Sheppard whispered with wide eyes, ready to throttle him. Rodney jumped a little into Teyla who reminded him with a stern look that he had best settle down. The path they followed wound through a small pass and into the forest. They walked for ten minutes at a decent clip. Rodney was clearly unhappy, but dared not speak as he would time to time catch Teyla watching him like a tiger watches a small prey animal...

"It is here Colonel, just inside." Ti'an pointed to a cave entrance into the hillside.

Rodney scanned the area, and then announced his findings. "Just FYI, radio communication may be difficult…the cliff face is has a decent dampening effect. Two dozen meters or so."

"People, just to be on the safe side, still keep you com devices on." Sheppard added. He followed Ti'an inside with Rodney and Teyla while Ronon stayed out front.

The cave was moist, stinking of mold and other stagnant odors. There was a non-descript pile of cloth on the ground. "We keep it here in case it is a beacon of some kind. You are correct Dr. McKay, the walls have a dampening property. We have been unable to determine the objects origin but it feels as if it might be familiar to you." Ti'an said as she revealed the object.

"Feels? What do you mean, 'it feels as if ....'?" Rodney asked in a crass and skeptical tone. He knew the Vedeenan people to be 'new age' by his standards which provoked his disdain for such things.

Sheppard saw the public relations disaster coming and cut him off, tactfully interjecting," I think they have a good sense of us through our trading and judging from the looks of it, she might be right…"He said as he kneeled down cautiously.

"Don't touch it Sheppard!" Rodney stammered as he joined him and began to scan it.

"I know, I know… Just checking it out. Looks Ancient. Thoughts?" Sheppard asked softly. He mused to himself that it looked like an angular football; about the same size with slotted metal panels comprised its surface, interlocking but giving no indication of an opening.

"Wow, Yeah, definitely Ancient design. Kind of freaky…strange energy sig… It reads like a…maybe …not sure. I think I am going to need some time with it. Maybe an hour or so…" He looked up at Ti'an for permission with his fingers twitching madly in anticipation.

"That is acceptable, but not much longer. We are new to this outpost and there are many things still unknown to us with the coming of night. We should head back before it gets dark." She said clearly without fear.

Rodney looked at Sheppard as if he had suddenly tasted something awful. "You didn't mention that part!…The whole danger lurking in the woods thing!"

Teyla rolled her eyes and tried to look elsewhere.

"Just focus so we can get back, Ok? And by the way, we will have to stay the night to avoid the coming ion storm. That's enough to worry about." Sheppard was at his end with Rodney's protest.

"Hmm…missed that in the meeting...that would be why there is a… sleep over?" Rodney trailed off with fearful resignation as he snapped his fingers at Sheppard.

Sheppard nodded, holding his tongue. He turned to Ti'an in an effort to diffuse his frustration and grinned politely. "Agreed, we will head back soon." She smiled with acknowledgement and stepped outside to wait. He joined her, leaving Rodney to his reactionary quagmire.

"Ti'an, is there anything… we need to know, I mean, any threats we should be aware of? This is the first we are hearing of this. This outpost is remote and I know the Wraith make it out this way on occasion." He said softly, almost whispering as he looked at her with his head half turned away.

"As far as we know, the Wraith still come into the region, but not to this world. The frequent ion storms are the probable reason. We keep a low presence. We found that object deep in the cave and would hope it is something you can use in trade rather than something that would give us away. The dangers in the forest are another matter. A few of our people have been injured by various small creatures, mostly venomous. They seem to be nocturnal." She was still alarmingly calm for Sheppard's comfort.

"Anyone die?" He asked casually with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, but not since we have been keeping to our tents at night fall. They do not come into the light. The ones of most concern are about the size of your finger and are segmented with dark red stripes. They are silent and quick, attracted to your body chemicals. They seem to prefer males. "

Sheppard nodded in slow motion, slightly freaked out. "Say, can we… keep this just between us?" He asked, his eyes squinting.

"Of course Colonel. I can see that your scientist is rather sensitive."

"Just a bit. Thanks. You have any other… problems we should know about?" He asked while holding his breath.

"No. Nothing of concern to your people. We only frequent this world on occasion for raw materials to supplement our trade endeavors. We plan to only be here for a few more days until the next moon cycle. We have managed quite well. "Ti'an smiled again. " I will visit you in one hour."

The Colonel exhaled slowly as she turned to walk back to camp

___________________________________*Chapter 2

The meager amount of rest Sheppard was able to glean had managed to recharge him enough to continue. Traveling by day over the irradiated alien terrain was dangerous, and although he tried to conserve his energy, he could feel the effects. The ferocious red star had not yet reached its peak, still coming to a slow boil as it gained altitude in the warped ocher sky above. Adding to the imposing sight, a far off binary companion shimmered sapphire blue against the backdrop, creating a strange purple tinge to his shadow.

He still had the benefit of the dry river channel to shelter him, although it was losing its advantage as time passed. He could feel the bruising in his abdomen brought on by his captors, aching with the flex and extension of his moving body. The fact that he escaped had just been pure luck. The fact that he couldn't free Rodney ate at his insides. The unknown assailants had been clever, infiltrating the ranks of the Vendeenans without detection, but how they knew of the Ancient device was still a mystery. As he pressed on into the heat, his mind replayed their ordeal.

It had been almost beautiful, the walk up the trail. Sheppard walked with relaxed strides, closely observing the surrounding woods. They were warm and fragrant in the late afternoon light, giving off an aroma much like frankincense. He tapped his radio and called to his men on the trail for the 30 min. check in. "Team 2, this is Sheppard, report your status." His head set crackled with static, but no response. Dread smacked into his chest: there was radio interference where there shouldn't be any and the ion storm was still an hour away. "Team two, report." No reply.

He tried to check in with the jumper team. "Team one, report your status." Still nothing. He broke into an immediate run in their direction, racing through the fractals of white light that beamed diagonally through the trees like trip wires. His frantic footfalls were silent as his military experience translated to the forest floor. Several hundred yards brought him to the precipice of a dire image. Two marines lay still just off the side of the trail.

He crouched down and listened to his surroundings as he pulled out his life signs scanner…the area was clear. He moved over to his young charges and examined them. No wounds were visible, but they were clearly dead. He regretfully took their ammunition and dog tags, then began to run toward the jumper. The sky suddenly broke open with the sound of P-90 fire ricocheting through the valley. He spun around; adrenaline flooding him from the ground up as he sprinted toward the cave. "Teyla! Come in! Anyone on this frequency! Come in!" Static was the only reply. He leapt off the trail into the woods, silently bounding over logs and small gullies like a panther, cutting the distance in half. The gunfire continued to echo as he reached the edge of the encampment, momentarily lurching to a stop. Seeing no movement or evidence of habitation he took off again, speeding toward the cave.

Colonel Sheppard shot through the trees breakneck, straining to breathe; his body beginning to go into debt as he reached the cave. He dove down, shielding himself from the gunfire behind a boulder. The area around the cave was overcome with weapons fire and confusion. The repeating discharge from Ronon's gun lit up the nearby canopy in a skittering crimson display above the screaming and smoke. Sheppard could see the cave entrance. Ronon was just inside. Sheppard looked for a work around; Teyla was in trouble, holding off multiple aggressors outside and out of Ronon's reach. He couldn't get a fix on their location through the chaos so he took an instinctive gamble, unleashing his P-90 in the direction of the enemy until the assault stopped. Running for the entrance, with only a few yards to go, his eyes caught Teyla dropping effortlessly to the ground. He heard himself yell out to her just before his vision exploded in a flash of violet; then darkness.

*****

The next moment of awareness pulsed with his heartbeat. Sheppard opened his painful eyes and rested them on the oxidized wall in front of him. He was in some kind of storage hold, bound at his ankles and wrists. The tell tale vibration suggested the possibility that they were on a ship of some kind. Rodney lay right next to him, unconscious but breathing steady. He could make out muted voices but nothing discernable. The familiar feel of blood snaking down his tender cheek explained why his head ached. Their TAC vests and weapons were gone. Examining his bonds in the faint artificial light, he noted that they were poorly executed allowing some movement; it would take some work to wriggle free but he remembered another option.

Ronon had passed a few tricks along the way to the Colonel; one of them had been the concealment of sharp objects. The experience of one hive ship too many had won out in convincing him he couldn't be too careful when going off world. He pulled his upper arm tight to his body, pressing in. It was still there; a narrow band of resistance pressing back. He leaned forward and with his knee, scraped the inside of his bicep, releasing a strip of adhesive from his skin. As he gave his arm a steady shake, a thin 2 inch blade fell from his shirt and into his palm. 'Thank you Ronon!' He thought, focusing on his task. Grasping the blade in his fingertips he frayed the bonds just enough to allow freedom on demand but still maintaining the illusion of captivity. He slipped his metal accomplice into the cuff of his pants and checked Rodney again.

He looked unscathed but Sheppard couldn't wake him. He then realized why. There was a small blue bruise surrounding a puncture mark on the inside of Rodney's arm. Sheppard felt for his pulse and found it beating back to him in a steady pace. He still had no idea who they were dealing with, but since there was no immediate escape route he knew he had to play along. He also knew the further they travelled from the outpost, the odds of rescue diminished. They were now MIA and at the immediate mercy of their captors. He kept watch over Rodney while he meticulously studied his surroundings to occupy his mind.

What seemed like hours, ended with the jolt of the small ship landing. Rodney was still unconscious and Sheppard could hear several voices outside the hold. He closed his eyes and went slack, resuming a more convincing position.

They were hauled out and placed at the feet of someone. The tone of voice suggested their enemy was boasting about the catch of the day. He could sense numerous individuals assembled. Sheppard felt a kick to his back and let his body fall forward to hide the pain on his face. After a few shouts in a language that seemed familiar but unclear, he was carried for a few minutes then dropped onto a stone floor; again he held in his pain as his body tried to react. Fading footsteps ended with the metallic sound of a gate latching shut, followed by silence. He opened his eyes to find a dank cell about twice the size of their previous enclosure. It was slightly moist, feeding the humid, stale air that seemed to steal oxygen from his lungs. He noticed Rodney, clad only in a tee shirt and work pants, lying by the gate on some kind of mat. The cell was nearly dark; the only illumination came from a purple banded sky that alluded to dusk, visible from a small barred window far above them.

Sheppard crawled over to his friend and whispered hoarsely," Rodney, can you hear me? It's John. Rodney! Wake up!" He tried to shake him, his hands still cosmetically bound. Nothing. He shook him again but still nothing. Sheppard needed him awake. He thought for a moment, then fell back to another Ronon trick; he poked his finger sharply in his friend's ear. Rodney's eyes popped open with a gasp. It took a few seconds, but soon he noticed Sheppard looking at him, gesturing to him to be quiet. Squinting, he slowly adjusted to the dim light and caught the meaning in Sheppard's eyes as the dire reality of their situation became clear. Rodney froze, his fear now visible but much to his credit, he remained still, waiting for instruction.

"Rodney, are you ok?"Sheppard asked softly. Rodney nodded, appearing stunned. "Glad to hear it buddy. Don't struggle, your hands and feet are bound. You and I were abducted from the camp. Don't know why but we have been on a ship for many hours before we arrived here, where ever here is…. Can't tell who is responsible, but they seem to be human. I need you to try and stay calm and help me figure this out, ok?" Sheppard looked at him firmly but kind. Rodney swallowed tightly, taking in his friend's words.

"Help me…up." Rodney croaked. Sheppard used his shoulder to assist him into a sitting position and as he came up, Rodney caught a clearer glimpse of Sheppard's battered face. "John, what the hell happened to you,… you're… bleeding…You must hurt…" He whispered fearfully. Sheppard deflected his observation, determined to get more information.

"It's ok, nothing serious. Look, I think they took us for a reason. I think it was because of that Ancient device. Do you remember what you found? The readings…you took some readings before the explosion. Remember?" John licked his parched lips in hope. Rodney closed his eyes to think.

"Yeah, I think so…it was so strange at first, but…" Rodney's head hurt and his memory seemed elusive. Sheppard let him ruminate for a moment. "John! It was a code. That device was some kind of storage device. It held a massive code. It was in Ancient…it was ..It was.." He began to breathe harder; his fear escalating.

"It's ok, slow down Rodney. Take your time. I want you to be sure. It's ok." Sheppard kept his voice steady and reassuring, trying to hold back Rodney's fear.

"Ok, …Yeah, I know it was a code. It had something to do with the Wraith. Something to do with their tech…I was on the verge of figuring it out when the explosion came. Oh God... John, what happened to Teyla and Ronon?" Eyes wide, he began to shake.

Regret spilled over Sheppard's face."I don't know. I found two of my men, Cooper and Rivers dead half way on the trail. Don't know what happened to the jumper. I'm not sure what happened to anyone really. The radios weren't working. There were gunshots…I was running toward the cave. An explosion blindsided me. Next thing I knew I awoke on the ship that brought us here. They drugged you Rodney. Look…" Rodney let his eyes wander down to where Sheppard was staring. He could see the needle mark.

"You too?" He asked with a rigid breath.

"Don't think so. But I feel like they smacked the crap out of me. I think they need you. Me, probably not so much…" Sheppard tried to joke, but the idea left them both a little colder. It was clear that Sheppard had been badly beaten. Rodney wondered if he was next.

"What can we do? I don't want to die…" Rodney whispered in an alarming show of honesty.

"Dying is not on the top of my list either. Look…" He showed Rodney the cuts in his bonds.

"How did you…?" Rodney whispered.

"I still have a few tricks. I will be looking for an advantage. If I see one worth taking, surprise will help. Plan B is more up your alley. We make ourselves valuable. I think they need you...maybe to figure out that device. Why they brought me remains to be seen. Whatever happens, we will find a way out. Trust me Rodney. We can do this." Sheppard gave a small smile, imploring him to believe.

*****

The surface temperature was now dangerously high, reaching into his confused mind and triggering his sense of survival to act. He needed water immediately. His vision was distorting as he fought to keep his balance. His lips were blistered and bleeding, cracking at the corners despite the fabric covering his head and face. The skin that had been exposed previously on his body started to peel away, revealing fragile new layers under attack. Sheppard stumbled to a sparse corner of shade in the diminishing river channel and fell hard on his knees. Digging down again, he found that the moisture was much deeper this time, exhausting him as he worked. His fragile hands eventually contacted the cool clay below, soothing him immediately as he plastered it over his damaged skin. A blissful moan escaped him as he sat back and concentrated on the exhilarating sensation, nearly in tears by the extent of the relief he felt. He placed some on his torso and under his arms, helping his body temp to fall. The idea of Hell personified seemed to be his current reality. "Just need a pitchfork…" He mumbled, slightly delirious. He had stopped sweating some time ago and knew he was in trouble.

Sheppard feebly resumed his digging like a drunkard until he found what seemed to be miraculous. A wet belch bubbled up and gave rise to a small well of water. He had hit a meager underground spring, but it was enough. Time blurred around him as he wet down his feverish body then drank the contents of his canteen a few times over. He fell forward, unable to hold himself up any longer. He wanted to surrender. He wanted to give up and fade into the ground beneath him. The thought of being free of the physical plane called to him seductively. His fingers reached for the idea of comfort, slipping into the cool soil until he could press in no further. He clung to the surface as if the turning of the planet would eventually shake him off. He wanted to go home. He wanted release. 'Can't go yet…' He thought, reciting it like a mantra as he blacked out at the edge of the hole.

The odd light gently cut away the black veil over his eyes, one slice at a time. Sheppard awoke wearily, his face, like his body, resting heavy in the riverbed silt. Lying still for hours in the shadows had left him stiff, but kept him from dying. The life sign scanner blinked consistently as it lay near his head; His eyes soon translated the image, prompting him to sit up as he comprehended its urgent meaning. He was just a few kilometers away now from his goal. His fever had backed down and his head was clearer. The suns had traversed the curve of the planet enough to preserve him for the moment, slinking into the molten cauldron of a horizon. He had lost time but gained some strength. He filled his canteen and re-checked his scanner. "I'm on my way buddy." He whispered as he looked north into the evening.