TITLE: The Choices We Make
AUTHOR: Rexy48
Disclaimer: I don't own them, no money was made, yada yada yada.
A/N: Set mid-season 2, after The Hive. Anything up to that is fair game. Also, if you haven't read 'The Cursed One' or 'Miryana', I suggest you read those first.
Reviews: Yes, please!
Description: One moment Ronon and McKay were there and the next they were gone, swept up by the bright light of the culling beam.
Ronon shot his blaster up at the Dart, growling in frustration and anger as the craft dodged the red blast. It had appeared out of nowhere, with no warning from either Teyla or the guards at the gate. It had already circled once, firing its weapon though missing those on the ground. Sheppard and Teyla had managed to make it to the other side of the clearing, shooting their own weapons up at the craft while nearby he could hear McKay breathing heavily. His sidearm was in his hand, but the scientist wasn't firing at the craft, his wide eyes staring up at the sky in terror. He had barely dodged the culling beam the first time.
As the Dart flew out to make another pass, Ronon ran toward McKay, grabbing the man at the shoulder and hoisting him to his feet. "Move it McKay!" he ordered, pushing him forward. "We have to get to the other side, now move!" Their side of the clearing held too few trees to provide adequate cover – it'd be hard to dodge another culling attempt. They needed to make it across the field to join Sheppard and Teyla in the thicker and larger forest. It might not be a perfect defense, but it was definitely better than what they had now.
As they ran across the field, Ronon could hear Sheppard and Teyla's weapons firing at the Dart as it began to make its way back. Ronon paused to fire his own weapon, grinning in satisfaction as his shot struck the wing of the Dart. Yet instead of turning away it continued onward, its smoking wing making a trail across the sky as it headed straight for…
"McKay, run!" The scientist turned his head, probably to shout some sarcastic response, when he saw the Dart flying toward him. He turned back and ran with all he had. Ronon fired once more before running after him. The man was too slow – there was no way he was going to make it! Ronon's long strides brought him quickly to the scientist, where he grabbed onto his vest and began to pull him along. He could hear the culling beam on the ground behind them coming closer. With a final effort Ronon pulled McKay forward to throw him out of the way. A sudden flash of white light filled his vision and he knew no more.