Over the River and Through the Woods
Part II

Lorne wrapped Carson's arm around his shoulder and lifted the doctor to his feet. Carson wobbled on his right leg; his broken left leg lifted just enough to not scrape the ground. Lorne hoisted the doctor's bag onto his shoulder and snatched his gun from the ground before placing his other hand firmly around the doctor's waist and pulling him down stream.

"The gate is that way," Carson said pointing with his free hand to their left while bouncing on his good foot.

"I know that, doc," Evan answered dragging the Scotsman further down stream. "But the wraith are just south of us. We need to get moving as far down stream as possible, then we can cut back across and head for the gate. The stream will also help cover our tracks a little. We've got to move here, Carson. We're running out of time."

Carson gritted his teeth and smothered a yelp of pain as his left heel banged on a rock under the water. The trip down stream became a blur to Carson as he focused on trying to keep his arm wrapped around the major's shoulders and to not scream every time his leg banged against something.

Finally Evan stopped to check the life signs detector, leaning Carson up against the bank of the ravine. Carson breathed heavily, sweat dripping down his forehead, as he tried to catch his breath. He could feel the water wicking up his legs and soaking his pants to the knees. Turning a doctor's eye on his left leg, he could see that that the leg was swelling fast and even through the wet pants he could see the bruises developing.

Evan swore softly under his breath. "They're gaining on us, we haven't fooled them at all. We're going to have to consider making a stand," Evan said looking nervously over his shoulder.

"Of course they're gaining on us, we're not exactly moving at top speed," Carson said between gasps for air. "Let's find a hiding place and than ye can leave me…" Carson raised his hand to stop the major as he opened his mouth to contradict. "I know what ye're going to say, but if I'm hiding, you can lead them off and head back to the gate for help!"

"I am not leaving you behind!" Evan growled at the doctor. "That is out of the question. We'll find that hiding place and make a stand." The major swung the bag and his gun up to the top of the ravine and began to pull himself up. "We are in this together, doc. Don't be a martyr."

Carson swung around to glare at the American pilot. "How dare ye…I am not being a martyr!" Carson's voice shook with barely contained anger, coming out as a harsh whisper. "I am not going to make it to the gate – ye know this – I know this – this is the only chance there is that one of us will make it home!"

Evan looked shocked at the angry words. He had stopped mid-climb to face the angry Scotsman. The two stood eyes locked before the major broke contact and turned away. "I'm sorry, doctor," Evan said softly. "I'm not belittling you. It's just that even if – by some miracle – I made it through the gate I wouldn't be able to live with myself. This is not negotiable: it is both or neither."

Carson sighed deeply, glancing up at the quickly darkening sky. "I know, lad. I'm sorry too," Carson's voice was now a gentle whisper. Turning back to the major, he gave him a shy smile. "Like Butch and Sundance, we'll make a last stand."

"Okay – Sundance," Evan answered smiling back. "We've got to keep moving."

Evan finished climbing to the top of the ravine and reached down to pull the Scotsman up. Grunting with pain, Carson fought a wave of dizziness as he lowered his head to floor of the forest. Evan hovered over him with concern, whispering softly and rubbing soothing circles on the other man's back. "It's okay, Carson. I'm so sorry, but we need to keep moving. Is there anything else from your bag that I can give you?"

"No, lad," Carson struggled to sit up again. "I'm ready to go now, just help me up." Carson placed one hand on the ground next to him and began to shift himself up onto his one good knee. Evan gripped him under his arms and lifted him the rest of the way up. Carson swayed dangerously before the major draped the doctor's arm over his shoulder steadied him with a firm hand.

"Thanks, Butch!" Carson gasped in a breathless pained voice despite the smile on his face.

∞SGA∞

They had moved as quickly as possible through the trees. Evan scanned the woods constantly for some place that might offer a tactical advantage to the two Atlanteans. Carson had become a dead weight leaning heavily on him Evan was sure that the doctor was actually unconscious as he was dragged through the woods.

Evan was beginning to panic. The wraith were gaining fast on them, and practically carrying the injured doctor was slowing him down. He frantically scanned the surrounding landscape. Turning to the north he could see a small cave not more than 50 feet away but the rough terrain was bound to make it a difficult trek.

Evan wrapped his hand tighter around Carson's waist and pulled him up straighter as he began moving towards the cave. "Okay, doc, I think I found our best bet! Just a little bit further – Carson are you still with me?"

"I'm still here, lad…" Carson's voice was labored and breathless as he lifted his head just slightly to look in the direction Evan was heading. For the first time in the last ten minutes he began to lift his one good foot, little hops that helped take the pressure off the major.

Evan tried not to be too happy about the change in the doctor; he knew it was only temporary. He could tell Carson was in a lot of pain and regretted having to put him through this. Actually, I regret even asking him to come on this trip. Why did we need a doctor to see if there were survivors anyway? I could have just looked around and then called for a doctor if needed, I might still be in this predicament but I wouldn't be dragging Carson with me. Damn it, how do I get into these messes? Evan focused on the last twenty feet.

Evan stepped forward the same way he had previously but with different results. The ground dropped out from beneath him as his foot touched the leaves and sticks in front of him. Evan let out a strangled cry as he found himself falling. Not really wanting to pull Carson down with him, Evan released his hold on him. However he knew the doctor would not be able to stand without help and the doctor fell with him.

They weren't just falling to the ground but dropping down into a large hole. Evan made a conscious decision to turn and pull the doctor towards him to cushion his fall. Evan landed hard and with a loud crack as his head struck the ground and he blacked out.

∞SGA∞

"Okay, doc, I think I found our best bet! Just a little bit further – Carson are you still with me?"

Evan's words cut through the fog and brought Carson back. "I'm still here, lad…" Carson felt like every word was ripped out of him painfully. He lifted his head in the direction they were moving and could just barely make out what looked like a cave. It is so faraway. I'm not sure I can make it. Feeling the major tighten his grip Carson knew that he needed to help Evan rather than make it harder for him. Okay, major, one last push, it might be all the strength I have left – after that I'm done! Carson began to hop along with the major, even though every tiny jump sent lightning bolts of pain through his other leg.

Carson lost track of the minutes as the cave drew closer. He concentrated on moving, one hop forward at a time. He focused on the cave counting off the distance as they went. As the major's foot set down, Carson immediately knew something was wrong. Evan pitched forward and down at the same time, releasing his grip on Carson's waist and almost pushing him away. What the hell? Does he really think that I'm not just going to fall with him? Carson could not stop himself from following the major down into the hole.

Feeling the major's hands on his waist again, pulling him towards him, Carson tried to catch his breath. As if in slow motion, Carson felt himself turned so that the major was beneath him, shielding Carson from the ground below. Carson watched as the bottom rushed up to meet them. He was horrified by the sickening crack as Evan hit the ground with Carson landing on top of him half a second later. What little breath he had rushed out of Carson's lungs the second they hit the ground and Carson struggled to stay conscious.

Finally catching his breath, Carson scrambled up to the major's head and was horrified by the amount of blood that pooled there. The doctor in him quickly assessed the situation. He knew he should not move him, but he need to check the head wound. He tipped Evan's head just slightly and could see the large gash on the side of the major's head where it had struck a rock.

A sound above him caused Carson to freeze. He could hear the sound of foot steps above them and the sound of hissing angry voices. Fumbling around, Carson found the dropped LSD and activated it. With a sense of dread, Carson could see the wraith drawing closer just meters away. Turning back to the major, Carson gripped him under his arms and pulled him along with him towards the edge of the pit where there was an indent in the wall. Carson ignored the pain in his leg as the adrenaline took over and he dragged them both to the edge. Shoving the major in the small hollow Carson climbed in with him and tried to be as small as possible.

The voices became loud hisses as the wraith reached the edge of the hole. Carson could see rocks and sticks falling into the hole. A bright beam of light hit the bottom of the pit and moved slowly around coming close to lighting up Carson's right foot, which despite everything he was unable to fit into the small space that he and the major were crammed into.

Carson held his breath. When the light disappeared, he resisted the urge to let out a cry of relief. Behind him, he could feel the major beginning to stir and make soft noises as he began to regain consciousness. Carson turned slightly and was able to place his hand gently across the major's mouth to stifle the sound. Evan's eyes fluttered open and Carson could note the clouded dazed look in them. Carson pleaded silently that the major would remain quiet, and as Evan's eyes closed again he breathed a small sigh of relief.

The sounds above them began to fade and Carson risked pulling the LSD out to check the readings. He noted with relief that the wraith were moving swiftly away from them, continuing in the direction that the two Atlanteans had been traveling before. The adrenaline rush Carson had been on before began to wear off and the pain in his leg took over. Carson shifted slightly to get a better look at the major. Seeing the pained look on the major's face, Carson wanted to help but found himself slipping into shock, as his hands began to shake and sweat dripped from his face despite the cold.

As his head dropped slowly to the ground next to Evan's, Carson found his eyes closing as the last of his strength disappeared. "Oh, crap, this is really not good!"

TBC
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