Chapter Two

Radek and Rodney looked around the cavern. Not only was it impenetrably dark, the mud squelched beneath their feet and it smelled awful. It seemed unbearable for a short occupation and it was impossible for anyone to live there.

The plan had been to gate back to Atlantis as soon as they reached this planet, but it had started to storm and the ground around the gate was treacherous. Luckily, Ronon and the Colonel had found this cave.

Sheppard stated as he took off his backpack, "Okay, it looks like we're going to have to camp here for the night."

"But Doctor Weir's expecting us to report back; she might send rescue mission back." started Radek but stopped as Rodney threw a chocolate bar at him.

The astrophysicist tore open one for himself and jabbered, "Shut up and eat. We can't get to the gate so we can't report in. Anyway Elizabeth won't send anyone through right now."

"And why is that?" Demanded Radek.

"Because, because, because she won't be able to get our signal which means that we're not there and a rescue mission is pointless!"


Elizabeth stared at the 'gate with a glimmer of hope in her heart. Someone was dialing in. It had to be the team that she had sent only an hour ago – they must have found Sheppard's team. The wormhole engaged and the IDC came through. As the shield was deactivated, Major Lorne's team ran into the room and shouted for the gate to be shut.

Two Wraith blasts shot through before the shield went up, slamming into the supports beneath the Control room. Elizabeth lips trembled, her hopes disappearing as the wormhole disengaged. She began running down the stairs, being careful not to trip. She reached Major Lorne and asked briskly, "Major! Are you all right?"

She looked down into Lorne's handsome features, but could only muster the thought that Radek had nicer dimples. Struggling to lift himself onto his elbows, from where he lay sprawled awkwardly on the floor, the Major spat some mud out of his mouth. He reported,

"Ack. Sorry, Dr Weir. We had to run like crazy to get away from the Wraith. I think they were investigating the power source like us."

"Really?" asked Elizabeth worriedly.

"I think so. They were using scanning devices. They only spotted us by accident. The rain was real heavy, ma'am. I think Colonel Sheppard and the others must have tried to find shelter. We barely made it back to the gate. I'd say we broke the mud-speed record."

Elizabeth put out her hand and helped Lorne to his feet. "Thank you Major. Perhaps you and your men would like to get cleaned up. Then we can decide how to handle this."

"Yes Ma'am," acknowledged Lorne and he turned to begin squelching away, but after a few steps he glanced back and fixed her gaze, "Don't worry, ma'am. I'm sure he'll – they'll be fine."

Shivers had run down Elizabeth's spine when Major Lorne corrected himself. Had he guessed where her true feelings lay? She wouldn't put it past him; if you wanted to know about anything that was going on in Atlantis he was the one who could tell you. She turned and walked doggedly back to her office.

She had to be strong, as much as she wanted to send all the soldiers she had to save them from the Wraith, she knew they had to be canny and wait. All she could do was hope John could get them all home, without getting themselves hurt in the process.