Author's Note: I've had this sitting around for a while but now it's time to share this one with you. I hope you enjoy. Kelleth

Lieutenant Aiden Ford didn't look back. Instead he disappeared down the hallway before Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard could order him not to. There was just enough of a good solider left in him, if heard the order, he would have to obey, but then they would all die.

Part of him wanted to stay with Sheppard, he missed being part of Sheppard's team, feeling like he was making a difference, like he belonged.

He'd graduated from the Naval Academy only a year before the Atlantis mission. So this was his first big mission. His bond with John, Teyla and to a lesser extent, Rodney, had been a new thing. They became not only his friends, but his family.

And when things got hard, he'd left them, not the other way around, no matter what he'd tried to tell them. They had offered him help and support him but he was the one who'd run. He'd pulled himself inward and not allowed them close.

Now given the chance to return to that life, Aiden wanted it. His head was clearing as he came down from the Wraith enzyme high. All the mistrust and anger was melting away.

Earlier, Aiden had mocked John for believing he'd wanted to go home but there had been a morsel of truth in his earlier words. He did want to see his grandparents and family again. His desire to see Earth once more had grown strong, but he had to make sure he and the others escaped first and then he'd worry about himself.

Using some of the C4 he'd taken from John and the others, Aiden blew up any vital systems he came across, giving the others time to escape. All Wraith who crossed his path fell under his gun, and each of the dead were a temptation.

Moving on, Aiden continued to resist his body's demand for the enzyme. His limbs were growing heavier and his movements no longer fluid but he pressed on, fighting the cravings.

He came around a corner too quickly, losing his balance he falling to his knees. Hanging his head, Aiden drew a deep breath, searching for the strength to keep going. Getting to his feet, his gaze fell upon a dead Wraith. The corridor was empty, no one else was around, no one else would know.

Sitting back on his heels, Aiden pulled his knife. His fingers found the enzyme sac. It would be so easy to slit it open and feast. Raising his knife, he promised himself this would be the last time and then he'd stop.

He froze just as the knife pricked the wraith's skin. Ashamed, he dropped the knife. Looking down at his hands, he saw they were shaking. He caught sight of his reflection in the blade. He was sweating and pale. Withdrawal, he'd seen his cousin Robby go through them too many times to not to recognize the symptoms.

He had a choice to make, it was obvious now. He could go the same way Robby did, dying in a puddle of vomit or living his life clean and happy.

Closing his eyes, Aiden remembered the promise he'd made his grandmother at Robby's funeral to never touch the drugs, but he'd still ended up an addict. Getting to his feet, he sheathed the knife, winning his first victory in a long time.

Forcing himself to his feet, he ran toward the Dart bay.

John flew the Dart away from the Hive. He's done his part; the two hive ships were firing at each other. Soon they'd both be destroyed.

Banking the fighter, he turned it toward the Space-gate. He looked back to see if any Darts were breaking formation.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but he held on to a thread of hope. Ford had survived before. He might this time too.

Flying into the wormhole, he told himself to believe he and Ford would meet again.

Aiden's Dart shot out into space, keeping up with the other DDarts but avoiding the Wraiths' weapons fire. Off to his left, he saw the Space-gate activate and he knew John and the others had escaped. He breathed easier knowing they were safe.

Now that they were gone, it was time to go. He'd closed half the distance to the gate, when his Dart was hit by fire from one of the ships. The blast sent the Dart spinning out of control, making him feel nauseated.

Fighting to get control of the alien ship, he hoped he could make it before the Hives blew. Aiden punched the address of one of his caches, hoping the Dart would hold together enough to land.

I hope you enjoyed this story. If you can't wait for more I have three more chapters up on my site. Google my penname or head over to my profile and you'll find a link.