Look After You

by cdrsheppard

Sheppard is desperately in need of rescue. When the IOA forbids it, mutiny ensues. Rodney struggles to keep a promise. Sheppard's team teaches him his true worth. Woolsey is new and learns Sheppard's code. Whump! Beg. seas 5 Team/Shep fic

2. Chapter 2

***********************CHAPTER 3

Zelenka sat in the auxiliary control room and rechecked his
monitor as he nervously pushed his glasses to the bridge of his nose.
As much as he hated to admit it, he missed Rodney. Covert opps
weren't really the bull he wanted to take by the horns, but there was
no going back. He owed Sheppard this chance. He would be dead now if
Sheppard hadn't diverted the Wraith. He thought back to all the times
Sheppard had saved him…All the times he had put McKay on check. It
made him smile.

His headset crackled. He heard eight clicks. It was time to start. A
push of a button prompted the power to surge and a frantic call from
the primary control room.

"Zelenka! What is happening?" Woolsey's voice carried over the line.

"I am not sure, some sort of power flux…I think it is coming from one
of the power stations…Something McKay was working on."

"Zelenka! The Gate! It is dialing! What the hell is going on! Chuck,
can you stop it?" The com was interrupted.

Zelenka responded."I am working on it!"

Chuck proceeded to enter a code in an attempt to override the dialing
sequence. Woolsey was blinded by the white flash that filled the gate
room. The blue event horizon that had opened disappeared in a ripple.
Chuck spoke in Woolsey's direction. "Sorry sir. I don't know what
that was. The power surge…It must have blown a conduit here in the
gate room. I can't really see…Can you?"

Woolsey stared at his glimmering silhouette and pressed the com
button again. "Not really…What have you got Zelenka?"

Zelenka cleared his throat and swallowed before responding. "A
generator fed back into the system. Major power interfaces are in
danger of overloading due to damage."

"Is that it?"

"No, there is more...The ZPMs are in danger of being irreprably
damaged if I can't get to the source of the problem. It is imperative
we get McKay back here. He is the only one who can stop the damage
from spreading."

"Why?!"

"He was working on the system before he left…He has the codes…He
never shared them with me…There was no time…"

"Did anything leave or enter the gate?' Woolsey snapped.

"No, nothing evident. Just the power surge." He was holding his
fingers behind his back, crossed for luck. "One more thing…This could
happen again…Unless we get McKay."

The IOA official came up behind Woolsey. "Explain this!"

Woolsey turned coldly to the representative. "It is a ten thousand
year old city and you decided to take our best scientist back to
earth when he was in the middle of repairing the power system. Is
that clear enough? We need him back. I am sending for him, protocols
be damned!"

The IOA representative stormed off, leaving Woolsey to ponder what
was really going on.

*******

Inside the Jumper, Lorne held an ice pack to his face as he
worked the flight controls."Ronon, what about my men? Will they
remember?" He asked, speaking through a fat lip.

"Yeah. I adjusted the stun setting. It has a way of wiping your
memory for a day or so. Figure it will be enough to find Sheppard. If
they see his smiling face, I doubt they will say anything."

"And if they do say something, then we have our cover story. Got it.
Hope you are right. They are new and don't really know Sheppard's
code."

"There are other ways to keep a silence Lorne." He said stone cold.

"Yeah, I guess you're right."He replied reluctantly. "Where to?"He
asked in hopes of leaving that last comment behind.

"Here, Zelenka wrote it out."

Lorne looked at the address. "Ronon…This is a Wraith world…We should
have more men…"

"We will be fine. We should be able to pick up Teyla's transponder
when we reach orbit."

"What! Telya is there? Alone?"

"Yeah, she was able to gate in before the Atlantis lock down. I was
supposed to go with her, but I ditched to get us a ship."

"How? Wait, why then are we going the long way around?"

"Because she arrived just ahead of a Hive ship. It is too dangerous
now. We will have to sneak in. The Wraith have improved their sensing
abilities near the surface gates but they only watch when they are
there."

"How did she know when to go?"

"She just did. She could feel them."

"How did you arrange this?" He asked, impressed by his team mates.

"Zelenka." Ronon said calmly.

"How did you ditch? Didn't Woolsey see you?"

"Naw, he was arguing with the IOA guy. Missed it completely."

"So Zelenka...He's the mastermind? He sure can trump McKay
sometimes."Lorne shook his head.

"Yeah." Ronon laughed.

"I hope Teyla is alright."Lorne said with concern.

"We will know soon." Ronon held up a small metal rectangle.

"Lots of weapons on board?" Lorne asked as he read the HUD data.

"Wouldn't have it any other way."

Ronon slapped Lorne on the back in support. Lorne was appreciative
but being jostled made his face ache with pain. Still, he had no
regrets. He set the ship's course.

********

Rodney and Carson popped through the event horizon and stepped
into the gate room of Atlantis. Woolsey and Zelenka greeted them.
Woolsey bristled up, trying to hide his relief.

"Welcome back. Dr. Beckett? I don't recall asking for you?"

"Ah, Rodney wasn't feeling well. I needed to monitor him. Just in
case." He said, holding his breath. Woolsey squinted at him
suspiciously but moved on.

"Fine. Whatever. We have a problem with the power grid. Seems that
you didn't share the appropriate coding with anyone and now the city
is about to blow a gasket. Zelenka will bring you up to speed. The
lockout still stands so stay put. I have to go babysit. If you need
me I will be in my office with the IOA ray of sunshine."
He turned on his heel and stiffly walked away.

Rodney stared wide eyed at Zelenka." Up to speed? Blow a gasket?
What's happening? What did you do?!"

"You're welcome `Meredith'…Welcome `home'…He whispered with
deliberate emphasis. "Come with me."

"What about Carson?" Rodney asked.

Zelenka thought for a moment then gave an authoritative reply. "We
will need him. He has the strongest gene. Might make things go
faster." Zelenka glimpsed at the guards in the gate room and saw
nothing suspicious. With a small wave he motioned to his team mates
to follow him.

Once in the privacy of the lab Rodney let loose. "What in god's name
is happening?"

"Rodney, calm down. First things first. The whole power issue….Just a
ruse although I did do as you suggested. I overloaded a Naquadah
generator…But, everything is alright…It just looks otherwise. If you
spend some time fiddling…it will look like everything is fixed. But
it actually is…"

"Fine, quit rambling! What else?"Rodney asked impatiently.

"The larger problem…Involves Teyla and Ronon."

"Did you tell them I was coming back?"

Well, that's just it…They left before I could get your message. They
are gone."

"Gone? Gone where?"

"To find the Colonel. It was kind of…Well, plan A. Teyla left first.
Ronon was next."

Rodney was trying to see where it was all heading. "How did Teyla and
Ronon get out?"

"Well, Teyla convinced Woolsey to let her go before the lock down.
Ronon left after with the help of your directive. When I received
your message to bring you back, it gave me what I needed to send him
on his way with a jumper. I slipped him out with a so called power
surge and activated the gate according to your coded instruction. He
was going to help Teyla."

"Ok, just wish I had known about the Plan A…Wait! How is he going to
fly it?"

"Major Lorne."

"What?"

"Ronon kidnapped Lorne to get the jumper…Well; he made it look like a
kidnapping just in case, to cover Lorne. The last thing the Marines
saw at the jumper bay was probably Ronon and his gun. They are still
unconscious in the infirmary. I said they got hit with a stray bolt
of electricity."

"Good god! Are they alright?"Carson cried.

"Yes. But, they will be out as you know for a bit."

Rodney started to pink up as his anxiety increased."You…What…Aw, man,
now what? We have to do this alone? Can we get a message to Lorne?"

Zelenka shook his head. "Not right now…Radio silence on the Wraith
world, remember?"

"Crap! And Woolsey?"Rodney put his hands over his eyes trying to see
a way out.

"All he knows is that Teyla and Ronon left to find the Colonel, and
he doesn't know about Lorne yet. Or the jumper. In all the confusion,
he hasn't called for him yet."

Rodney gawked at him. "He doesn't know? He sent them on foot? No back
up? But the security tapes?"

"I got to them first…Besides, The IOA official has had him completely
distracted. So, what do you want to do?"

"Shit! Let me think! Just let me think…"

"Rodney, we need to hurry…" Carson added.

"I know Carson! I know!"

"What do you think the odds are that Teyla and Ronon will find
him?"Carson asked Zelenka.

"Hard to say. They have a very dangerous area to search. Two Hives
are due to be there any time now. Frankly, I am questioning their
decision to go." Zelenka paused and went to his monitor.
"I see no communication yet. A smaller team will have a better time
of it than a large recon effort. We will have to wait for some kind
of word from them…Which could come at any time."

"So, meanwhile, back at the ranch, we have to distract Woolsey and
his IOA pal?" Rodney scoffed.

"Yes. Unless you think of something else."Zelenka said with a sigh.

Rodney walked across the room and leaned on a table."The blatant fact
remains that they are woefully in need of back up. I can't believe
they…"

Zelenka approached him."They saw no other way at the time Rodney."

Rodney nodded slowly in understanding. `I know."He said with a quiet
sigh. He grew pensive for a moment then looked back at Zelenka. "Is
Woolsey in the grip of the IOA nark completely?" Rodney asked with a
distasteful look.

"Well, he did let Ronon and Teyla go, but unsupported. So actually,
the answer is yes, he is unwilling to risk any true attempt at
rescue. He really believes the Colonel is dead. Hard to say why he
really let Ronon and Teyla go, but his official orders are to keep
the gate locked down."

"What about the Colonel? Time is of the essence."Carson pressured.

"I know Carson, but Zelenka is…Dare I say it, `right'. We can't just
steal another jumper…Or, can we?" Rodney raised his eyebrow.

"I was thinking we might need one if things go wrong…It is all ready,
but I think we need to work our plan out. I can't even list how many
regulations and careers are out the window at this point. Also, we
don't know if the Colonel is alive yet. Give Ronon and Teyla some
time." Zelenka pushed his glasses up again and solemnly looked at
Rodney. "The Colonel would not want us to endanger so many for him
without just cause."

Rodney snapped forward."Radek, I am to blame for this entire mess and
I intend to fix it! I will not let him be abandoned, dead or alive
because of my error in judgment. You were right. I should have been
the one to examine the power station. If I had, I would have seen the
Wraith. I have to keep my promises. We will find him."

"Rodney…"

"No, we will." He said firmly.

"There is more Rodney. Not only can the Wraith detect us better, but
I have determined that they are relying on a fine network of sensors
over areas that house the underground pits. They can stretch for
quite a distance. If the vibration or disturbance is too strong, the
soldiers will activate. You mentioned it was like a spider web. It
is, actually. The bigger the prey, the bigger the response."

"So, should Teyla stumble onto one of these areas…She might escape
detection?"

"Yes, because her `vibration' if you will, is small. A jumper…Not so
much. I am worried. Lorne and Ronon do not know."

"Rodney nodded, mirroring Zelenka's discomfort. "Hey, what about the
whole super Wraith thing? Any Ideas?"

Zelenka stepped forward. "Yes, I ran that test you asked for Carson.
I am not sure of the final result but you should take a look." He
pointed to a lap top.

Carson swung around and studied it. "We are in real trouble
gentlemen. If my eyes don't deceive…You say you took the sample from
the Wraith blood we found on the outside of the ship after the
initial attack?"

"Yes, if you can call it that. Nasty substance."

"Well then, they have been doing a bit of engineering…We are going to
have to re-think our weapons."

"How so?"Rodney asked.

"You think they were hard to kill to begin with, well…That has
changed. They are twice as strong as they were before. It will take
time to find a biological way to combat it, so for now, we are going
to have to use more fire power. And maybe aim for the head. They
can't do much if they …Well you get the idea. "

Rodney winced. "Alright, I need to think. We have a lot to overcome…
We have to find a way to `numb' their sensors and we need bigger guns
so we can save our friends in the scariest Wraith neighborhood this
side of Pegasus. Lucky me." He sighed. "Give me fifteen minutes of
quiet. Meanwhile, work on setting up another timed power flux that
will obscure the gate…I want to be ready if we need to go."

Zelenka nodded and scurried off into the next room.

Carson stood still, slightly confused. "Rodney, what was that about
promises?"

"It was something…A request to look after…Something I promised a long
time ago. Never mind. I have to work."

Carson paused in case there was more.

"Carson! Go get your med kit together…Don't let anyone see you. Go!"
He waved him off in a flail of irritation.

"About bloody time!"Carson whispered as he left.

Rodney held his head as he studied Zelenka's monitor. "I won't let
you down…I'll find him."He whispered.

*******

The night and day cycles were short on the small terrestrial
Wraith outpost. Night was soon to fall as Teyla knelt by Sheppard's
side and attempted to wake him. "John, can you hear me?"

He was still; his breathing shallow and rapid as he slept. "John,
please John, I need you to wake. You must drink. John?"

With a moan, he opened his eyes half way but did not acknowledge her.
One pupil was larger than the other. She noticed. "John? Can you hear
me?"

His eyelids fluttered but he remained quiet. "John, you must hold on.
Stay with me." She took a bandana from her bag and wet it with water
from her canteen. With gentle pressure, she pressed it into her palm
and let the moisture slip between his lips. Her efforts were met with
a weak swallow and another low moan. His eyes fell shut.

Teyla felt her fear rise up again. She knew he was suffering and
rescue still seemed distant. She pulled out her transponder and
studied it as it reflected back at her from her hand. To call for
help would risk everything. If she waited too long, Sheppard would
die for certain. The thrum of the Wraith ships could be heard over
the ridge. She looked back at Sheppard with helplessness.

*******

The small green marble came into view as the jumper moved
invisibly through the space gate and out from behind the plum banded
mother planet.

Lorne focused on the distant moon and adjusted the ships controls for
a silent entry into the atmosphere. Night was breaking diagonally
over the surface like a deep gash on the face of a melon.

"I have her. The signal is weak, but there. We will be in proximity
soon."

"Weak? What do you mean weak?"

"It is being obscured by the energy fields of the Wraith ships. They
are close to her. It might be a big problem. We may have to set down
outside of the field range."

"You mean walk in?"

"Yeah. Not the best plan. Looks like the energy field may disrupt our
systems. I am beginning to read interference already. Crap!"

"What?"

"The hives…They are actively scanning…And Teyla…Her signal is
practically at their doorstep. There is no way we can set down there
and not be noticed."

Ronon studied the HUD. Lorne pulled up a topo map of the area. It
revealed deep canyons that bordered a small ocean. Ronon pointed at
the shoreline opposite the ridge that blocked the hives. "Set it
there. We can make that."

Lorne licked his swollen lip. "I don't know Ronon, It might be too
close. We are gonna need some cover. I am reading Wraith all over in
scattered groups. There is a small canyon there…" He pointed a few
kilometers further away from the ships. "That should do it."

"Fine, let's just get there."Ronon grumbled.

"Five minutes."

*******

Perspiration coated Rodney's skin like an unwanted hug as he
stood before Zelenka and Carson again.

"Ok, I don't think we can wait any longer. We have to move now.
Everything ready?"

Zelenka nodded. "Yes, the power system glitch is ready. Here, this is
what you will be looking for. It is a special transponder like I made
for Teyla and Ronon. I will be tracking you by its signal. In turn,
you should be able to find them. It has a unique signature that only
we can identify. " He handed McKay the small device.

Rodney pocketed it and turned to Carson. "Got everything?"

"Aye. That and more. Ready."

Rodney nodded. "Fine. I have worked out a jamming code…It should
make it harder for our presence to be detected. As for this mission…
We have two options…The first involves telling Woolsey and ask for
more men. The second option is to just go and try to triangulate
their signal on the way. Get a communication off if we are in the
right window. Either way, it is a near suicide mission of undermanned
proportion so if anyone wants to back out, now is the time."

Zelenka wrinkled his face. "What if we said there was a problem with
the ZPMs…And you knew of a possible location where we could obtain
one?"

Rodney looked at him as if he had two heads."Like that would work!
Woolsey knows the database by now…He would have sent us a while ago
if it would give us a back up." Rodney's blood pressure began to
visibly manifest as he flushed.

"But Rodney, what about the last batch of Wraith data we were working
on…Before all this happened. There was a lead in the system nearby
where Sheppard was lost. We could just detour?"

"I don't think we can convince him to authorize a mission to any
Wraith neighborhood at this point."

"So, what do we choose?"Zelenka asked nervously.

Rodney looked at Carson for an answer.

"I say we go."Carson said quietly.

Rodney cleared his throat. "Alright, it is going to be Carson and me.
I need you to stay here and do what you can to help us pull this off.
Do whatever it takes, just give us time. We will radio once we are in
proximity to the moon but still out of Wraith range to update you. If
it goes to hell, tell Woolsey it was my fault. Ok?"

"Rodney, yes, but are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yeah, well…No, but we have to. We will reconsider our position at
the space gate. Here…" He handed Zelenka a flash drive.

"What is this?"

"It is me, answering Woolsey as he cries out for an answer to why
there was another explosion in the control room. It will throw him
off for a little while. There are also a few words…In case we don't
make it."

"Rodney, I…" Zelenka reached out his hand toward him.

Rodney stood firm in his resolve. "I can't do this without you Radek.
Time to go. Just stay by the com and keep Woolsey out of trouble."

"Alright. Good luck, both of you."

********************CHAPTER 4

Night had consumed the curve of the moon as the Jumper set down
in a tight box canyon north of Teyla's location. Cloaked among the
rocks, the ship blended into the dark as Ronon and Lorne stepped out
onto the frosted alien terrain.

Both men were heavily armed and moved swiftly. Without a sound, Lorne
and Ronon followed the transponder's signal, careful to watch for
company.

*****

Teyla held tight, keeping Sheppard warm while she listened for any
sound that might indicate danger. He was quiet and unconscious, but
breathing steady. She thought about the transponder again but decided
to wait a little longer.

She could feel her own fatigue tugging at her, wanting to sleep. The
cold was seductive in that way. The comfort of Sheppard's fragile
warmth was seductive as well. It was soothing to be against him. Even
though he was incapacitated, she still felt his protective presence.
She pondered how much that really meant to her. Having the
opportunity to be so close to him made her realize just how deep
their bond was. It made her all the more determined to get him home.

As the night progressed, the icy air seemed to amplify the sound of
any movement; her own or any passing wildlife. Various creatures
moved about in the distance, disturbing the silence from time to time
making her flinch.

Her heart rate began to increase as she felt it; Wraith were close
by. It wasn't until she heard the rock fall on the cliff across from
her that she grabbed her stunner in earnest.

Squinting up into the inky sky she could make out the outline of
Wraith soldiers above, traveling single file. Blocking Sheppard's
body, she watched them with deadly focus from her hiding place in the
shallow cave. They moved off, unaware of her presence.

The wrenching discomfort she had come to know as their essence
dissipated in her chest with every foot fall they made away from her
but did not leave entirely. She feared there could be sentries on the
cliffs above. She was about to lie back when something else rattled
nearby. Teyla honed in on the sound. She could see a group of carrion
cleaners moving toward her.

She froze. They were larger than the one Sheppard had killed.
Adrenaline pushed into her as she counted three. She could hear their
hissing as they ambled forward. They paused, smelling the air as
their eyes reflected orange.

Teyla wanted to use her stunner but the Wraith were still too close.
Their cover would be blown immediately. With no choice, she pulled
two knives from the sand nearby; both large and razor sharp. She
stood ready as they turned. They had picked up Sheppard's blood
scent.

Like massively muscled dragons, they charged her. She engaged two,
catching her blades under their throats, inflicting serious damage.
Black acidic fluid sprayed out, just missing her face.

They ran past a few feet and swung around, lunging rabidly for her
arms. Their teeth caught the starlight, glistening as the scaled
flesh that housed them pulled back. The smell of death coated their
heavy breath as they opened their vice like jaws.

She jumped up out of the way at the last second and drove the knives
into their backs. One fell dead. The other snapped its head back and
sliced her forearm before it pulled its self off of her weapon with
an angry flail. She could see the third nearly arriving at
Sheppard's feet.

Desperate to get to him, she had no choice to finish her current
battle. She had to turn and take the full brunt of the animal as it
was now aimed for her again. It knocked its arrow like head into her
causing her to gasp.

She held onto it and drove a blade into the base of its skull. It
fell immediately, throwing her forward onto the sand. She righted
herself and took off running.

The third carrion cleaner had reached him. She bolted for it and
jumped onto its back. It hissed violently as she severed its neck
half way, ending the attack. It fell in a wet heap.

Terrified, she moved to Sheppard. He was unconscious. The cleaner
had bitten into his arm. Arterial blood pulsed out, pooling around
him. He was losing blood quickly.

Without a thought she felt for the wound and pressed in. She pulled
her small cloth bandana from her waistband. She wadded it up and
placed it against the wound.

With one hand she removed his belt and fastened it gently around his
arm over the wound so the bandana would be held. Within seconds, the
bleeding stopped. She watched his hand, making sure it stayed pink.
After a few minutes she was satisfied the wound was stable.

Teyla realized she was shaking. Looking down at her own arm, she
noticed a long, superficial wound. All though painful from the acid
like saliva, it was not serious. Turning her attention back to
Sheppard, she could see that he was pale again.

She tucked the coat around him and tried to think what to do next.
She felt her own fear rising up. She knew there could be more
cleaners nearby. The scent of blood would carry on the wind.

She stood up and began dragging each large carcass into the river.
She worked quickly, but strained with each one. They were much
heavier than her.

One by one, she watched them catch the current and move toward the
sea. The tide was soon to wash the shore line of any evidence.
Checking on Sheppard repeatedly, she cleaned the blood from the area
to the best of her ability, then came back to his side.

She was cold and hungry. Teyla reached into her pack and pulled out
the last of her food ration. She had hoped to save it for Sheppard,
but he had been unable to eat anything.

Teyla took a few moments to center herself as she ate, then slipped
back under the coat and pulled herself into him. His body seemed to
steal her warmth without retaining much. He was breathing steady much
to her relief but it seemed nothing could take her regret from her
for allowing him to be hurt further.

Fighting off the urge to sleep, she witnessed the star field above
her shift a little closer to dawn. A random shower of meteors
streaked across the sky, leaving blue vapor trails to cross hatch the
void. The landscape remained quiet and it wasn't long before she felt
the last few Wraith nearby move off.

An hour later, he jerked abruptly, making her sit up. He was barely
awake, moving slightly as if dreaming. Teyla grew afraid. He was far
worse now. The swelling on the back of his head had worsened as well.

As she adjusted his bandage, a shadow came upon her. She froze. Heart
racing, she drew her knife and spun around, coming face to face with
Ronon.

"Hey, you alright?" He whispered.

"Oh, thank goodness! Yes! I am alright. I have the Colonel." She
whispered back, desperately relieved.

Lorne appeared and knelt down, focusing on Sheppard. "Is he alive?"

"Yes, but not by much. He is badly injured. We need to get him back
immediately."

The two men looked at each other, uncertain how to respond until
Ronon broke the silence. "We can't. Not yet anyway. Wraith are
everywhere. They are moving toward the jumper. We are gonna have to
wait it out."

"How many?" She asked.

"Too many. Maybe thirty or more. They are scouting for humans,
sweeping through the valleys."

Lorne removed his pack and opened his med kit. "Teyla, what are his
injuries?" He asked as he pulled out a few items.

"His head. He lost consciousness many hours ago. I can't wake him.
His legs…He can't move them. He has a broken leg. His shoulder…He has
a deep wound on his arm. He has bled…" She seemed to shake, trying to
say everything at once.

Ronon moved close to her. "It's Ok." He said, putting his hand on her
shoulder.

She took a deep breath and continued. "When I found him, he was
nearly dead from exposure. I have been trying to keep him warm. It
has not been easy."

Lorne nodded as he assimilated the check list. He felt Sheppard's
faint, racing pulse and checked his respiration. He gingerly felt the
back of his head. "Not good." He whispered to himself. He pulled a
pen light from his pocket and hid it behind his hand as he opened his
eyes to glimpse at his pupils." He is pretty bad. How long since he
has been like this?"

" An hour or so before you arrived. We were attacked."

"Wraith?"Lorne asked.

"No, cleaners. There were three."

Ronon put his arm around her. "You Ok? Are you hurt?"

"Just a scratch. I am fine. John was bitten. More than once."

"What? What are you talking about?"Lorne looked up.

" Wraith carrion cleaner." Teyla replied, pointing to Sheppard's arm
and shoulder.

"A what?" Lorne grimaced as he examined his commanding officer's
shoulder. "What the hell?" He mumbled. As he peeled back the fabric
covering the wound, he saw that it looked haphazard and angry as if
it had been burned. Traces of blood clung to the edges of the wound.
It smelled bad.

"You don't want to know."Ronon added.

Lorne sighed as he looked at Sheppard."I have to do something."

"Major?" Teyla asked, disturbed by his tone.

"He's in shock. We have to stabilize him somewhat." Lorne looked
around the area. " Ronon, grab those timbers. We need to make a
stretcher. Here, use this." He tossed a roll of duct tape at him from
his pack.

"Are we gonna move him?"

"Not yet, but I need to get his legs up without bending him. I need
to tip him. He's lost a lot of blood. It will help with the shock."

Ronon immediately set to work. He glanced at Teyla. He could see her
sadness and concern.

"Hey, you did a good job." He said softly as he strapped two wooden
branches together."Hell of a thing, finding him in such a place and
fighting those damn things off. We will get him home."

She feigned a smile, but felt her sadness wash over her again.

Lorne looked at her. "He's right Teyla. You did great."

She was not convinced."Do you need help Major?"She asked; her voice
searching within for strength.

"Yeah. Wish we had more light…Here, put this under his head." He
handed her an ice pack." He rummaged in his pack and pulled out a
black garbage bag. "Ronon, keep watch. I will have to use some light.
Teyla, I am gonna make a small tent over him so I can hide the light
while I work. I will need you to hold it up. Since we are gonna be
here for a bit, I will try an IV. I just have one round, so let's
hope it is enough."

With a quick cut from his knife, he converted the black plastic and
moved under it with a pen light in his mouth. After a few moments, he
emerged with a small bag of lactated ringer's solution and staked it
on a shaft of drift wood. Teyla was surprised by Major Lorne's
medical skill.

"Has Carson been teaching you?"

"A little, but I have some basic field training. What you see is
about what I know. He has lost a lot of blood…You said he was
conscious?"Lorne asked.

"Yes. We spoke for a bit. He seemed confused. He said his vision was
blurry. His memory was also impaired."

"And his legs?"

"He seemed to be unable to feel or move them. His spine is bruised.
Major, what does it mean?"

Lorne gently slipped his hand under Sheppard's back and felt the
swelling. He sighed. "It's not good. We need Beckett and we need him
three days ago. Unfortunately, we are gonna have to make due." He was
fearful that his back was broken.

Lorne swallowed hard as he examined his leg. "You do this? Brace his
leg?"

"No. It was like that."

"Good job if he did, man…Must of hurt."

"He gonna make it?"Ronon asked quietly.

"I don't know. It's out of my skill set. Teyla's right. We do have to
get him back." Lorne tried to hide his fear. He removed the belt from
Sheppard's arm and applied a pressure wrap. With his team mates
assisting, he positioned Sheppard on the stretcher and raised his
legs slightly. Lorne rubbed his own icy hands together as he assessed
the results of his efforts.

Ronon removed his coat and covered Teyla's shoulders. "Gotta keep you
warm too."

"Thank you Ronon." Teyla felt immediate relief from the cold. She
sighed deeply, taking a moment to focus her thoughts.

Ronon turned to Lorne. "What do you want to do?"

Lorne continued to look at Sheppard as he spoke in hushed
tones. "Well, he has been triaged as much as I am capable of. I want
to let the IV help…Wait until he is a bit more stable. Wait until we
have a clear path free of Wraith. The second we do, we will have to
make it in one shot. I am not sure how he will take to being moved,
but we have to try."

*******

Woolsey sat across from the hostile IOA representative with full
defenses up. "I admit, I don't think Sheppard is alive but he saved
his team and nearly the entire settlement. They are not responsible
for what happened and I will stand by them and my report no matter
how you try to twist this!
I will not condone or recommend any disciplinary action. There was
no way to know that there was an impending attack and Atlantis was
not compromised. We have been following your directives all along,
and although we sometimes have to adapt IOA policy to this
environment, we do our best." He let himself catch his breath without
appearing to back down.

The IOA representative glared back. "Let me remind you, that unlike
Dr. Weir, you do not have a close relationship to the President. You
have no strings to pull and you are subject to the entire force of
the IOA if disciplinary action is warranted. Dr. McKay did not follow
up on a suspicious lead. Sheppard has dealt with the Wraith how many
times? He should have better prepared. I can't justify away missions
with so little profit and so much damage to our resources."

Woolsey leaned forward and folded his hands. "So, in essence, you are
saying both senior staff members should have been psychic and if we
don't make a profit don't bother. We need alliances out here if we
are to survive. Plain and simple! What exactly would you classify as
profit? Where would you draw the line? And keep in mind; you are
threatening to destroy two members of this expedition that are
irreplaceable."

The IOA representative smirked. "Three, actually. Dr. Beckett could
have rendered aid during the attack. Instead he took off!"

Woolsey pushed himself away from the table and stood up,
exasperated. "Have you been listening to anything that has been said?
The Wraith have presented a new strategy. Something we could not
predict. Do you know why? Because they are desperate. We are making a
difference. They are getting weaker! "

The representative crossed his legs and looked over the gate
room. "Regardless, this does not have to be our fight. We have enough
problems to deal with back home! This is ultimately Colonel
Sheppard's fault! He is responsible for the Wraith!" He turned his
gaze to Woolsey.

"I have heard the staff going on about how Colonel Sheppard needs to
be rescued. The dissention if unacceptable. I will not authorize
risking anything else. You say there was no way he could have
survived! So be it! The lockdown will remain in effect and I am
recommending that this endeavor be shut down. Colonel Caldwell can
take over and see that the withdraw goes smoothly."

Woolsey felt his line had just been crossed. "For you to blame
Colonel Sheppard is reprehensible! You would trade all we have
learned for a financial profit margin? Don't claim your victory yet!
I do have some recourse and I will use it! I will abide by the
lockdown until I hear from the rest of the IOA, but until then, do
not assume you have command here!"

The two men stared at each other in stalemate, king to king on the
chess board. They were blinded outright by the explosion.

Woolsey felt for his com. "Dr. McKay! What is happening?" He held his
hands to his face, trying to coax his eyesight back under the shelter
of his palms. A loud crackle broke through the PA system in the gate
room. McKay's voice filled the blinded space.

"Another generator…It blew. We are stabilizing the system but it will
take some time. I have found the problem and I am inputting the codes…
Stand by, it will take some time…McKay out!"

Before Woolsey could respond, the PA cut out. The temporarily blind
IOA rep snapped. "Who exactly is running things around here?"

Woolsey was angry."McKay will rectify the problem. It was your order
to remove him from his post that initiated this entire situation in
the first place! "Woolsey could sense his vision starting to flicker
back into viable sight. "I think, as soon as we can see, you should
leave."

Woolsey thought about Ronon and Teyla. He hoped he had spared them of
any fallout. Now that Sheppard was gone, He knew that the IOA would
not recommend aliens to occupy a position on Atlantis. He thought
that perhaps it was better this way. He just hoped they were safe.

*******

Zelenka slumped back into his chair and breathed a sigh of
relief. The recording had worked…For now. A single line of text
appeared on his control monitor: "Follow your lead? Chuck."

Zelenka leaned forward and typed his reply: "Yes."Need more time."

*******

Jumper two hung in orbit, invisible over the atmosphere of the
Wraith moon. McKay and Beckett fidgeted in their seats as they took
in the sight.

"What now Rodney? Why have we stopped."Carson asked.

"Because we have yet one more impossible problem. Not only are there
two hives down near where we need to go, but there is one that just
appeared in orbit of that planet." He pointed at the large pastel gas
giant that dominated the sky.

"Do they know we are here?"

"Not yet. I am reading Teyla and Ronon. They are together. That must
mean either they found something or they are captured."

"Can we communicate with them yet?"

"No, we both have to be out of range of our Wraith friends. They have
really improved their sensing ability." Rodney took a deep
breath. "They are thick in the middle of Wraith land. We have to
sneak in and assess the situation. They still might detect us. Still
want to do this?"

"Yes."Carson replied with determination.

"Alright. Here we go. I am sending Zelenka our situation now."

"This is crazy."Carson whispered as he stared out at the massive
Wraith hive ship.

"Yeah, but what else is new? Beats being interrogated by the stiffs
at SGC. Here we go."

*******

Teyla sat by Sheppard's side, his hand in hers as she watched over
him.

"How is he?" Ronon asked.

"He is not so pale. His pulse is not so fast. Major Lorne's efforts
have helped I think. " She was clearly distracted, half hearing him
as he replied.

"We are gonna go soon. Just a few minutes. Do you need anything?"

"Help me secure my coat around him, to protect him from the cold."She
said.
"Let's use mine. It will fit him better."

"Ok. We must move him carefully."

Ronon nodded as she took her coat back and put it on. It was warm
from Sheppard's body heat. It reassured her. Major Lorne knelt down
and assisted as they dressed him in the heavy leather shell. Slightly
oversized, it covered him more than adequately. As Teyla fastened the
last wooden closure, a bright yellow flash lit up the sky, followed
by a rumble.

"What was that?" Teyla asked in a stunned voice. Ronon and Lorne
crept out and looked in the direction of the blast. The sky captured
the remnant of a cinder laced cloud.

"That…Was the jumper." Lorne said with resignation. He wiped his face
in frustration and turned to his team mates. Ronon and Teyla realized
the hand that fate had just played them. "We are stranded." He added.

Ronon's anger simmered under his skin, but remained controlled."We
have to call for help. I can take the transmitter out of range, at
least far away from here. It will give you a chance to get Sheppard
home."

"Ronon, no! We must find another way. We cannot trade one life for
another!" Teyla exclaimed.

Lorne looked at her honestly."He's right Teyla. That might be the
only way now. Even if Col. Sheppard can hang on, our odds of escape
are slim now. Atlantis may be reluctant to assist. If they get our
signal. The interference is strong. Let's just take a moment and
think."

"Think the Wraith will find us?"Ronon asked as he looked out at the
closest ridge.

Lorne nodded."It is only a matter of time. If they found the jumper
cloaked, they will find us. We will have to move."He checked his
scanner. " The Wraith are everywhere and it will be light soon."

Lorne looked Sheppard over again. He looked gaunt and fragile.
Lorne knew that they were nearly out of time. "We are going to have
to accept that he might not make it. I am not giving up. Not yet, but
we need to be clear that if need be, we will go on without him."
Lorne looked at them with regret.

"We understand. But we are not there yet." Teyla added stoically.

Lorne was grateful for her resolve. "Alright, we need to think of
where we go from here. The patrols will be heading back anytime."

*******

The jumper glided through the upper atmosphere, cautiously
approaching the location of his friends. Rodney looked out to cockpit
window in disbelief as he witnessed the flash in the distance.. "Oh
no!"

"What was that?" Carson gasped.

"That was Jumper one…Crap! Hold on…The transponders Zelenka gave them…
They are still active. I have coordinates. They are down there, but
the Wraith have them surrounded. We have to do something!"

"I'm all for it, but what in bloody hell can we do? There are three
hives now!"

"We are going to have to draw them off."

"In this little thing? Are you insane Rodney?"

"Yes, if need be and this is as good as a time as any. Carson?"

"What?"

"If I black out, fly this thing strait for home."

"Oh shut up man and tell me what the plan is!"

Rodney turned the Jumper around and headed back out toward the gate.
He was silent for a moment as he read his data pad that rested on the
cockpit dash.

"Rodney, we haven't much time! We may be too late already!"

"Stop!" He held his hand out while he kept reading.

"Rodney!" Carson's face was flushing pink with frustration.

"Just a minute!" He sniped.

"Please! Tell me!" Carson pleaded.

Rodney snapped his attention to his friend.

"Ok! I have something…The large gas giant we flew past? Remember?"

"The big purple planet?"

Rodney's eyes checked his data pad again. "Yeah, it has an atmosphere
of interest. I think…Yes! I know how to create a diversion."

"I know that look! What exactly do you have in mind?" Carson wanted
to run.

"It's a long shot, but I have some readings here that tell me we have
a recipe for combustion. The planet; it has a ridiculous abundance of
methane, hydrogen, hydrocarbons galore like acetylene and best of
all, oxygen! Lots and lots of oxygen which is just bizarre! A freak
of nature that just might come together in one big bang!"

"You are frightening me Rodney! You're not going to blow the damn
thing up are you?"

"No, not even close. We would need nukes for that… But we can start
an atmospheric disturbance that will get their attention, maybe
interfere with their ships systems. I am not sure if my jamming code
will work to hide us, so this will cover the good news is
it could cause a lot of interference and we could get past them
without being sensed; loose them in the noise. Best case scenario…It
might even disable them!"

"And the bad news, Rodney? There is always bad news with this stuff!"

"The bad news is we will have to exhaust most of our drones. And…We
could get caught in the interference and loose power which would
result in our untimely deaths in a myriad of ways…"

"Rodney! That's not helping!"

"Like I said, it is a long shot. Nothing could and probably will
happen." Rodney pointed at Carson as another piece fell into
place. "We will need more than the drones….Too bad we don't have a
nuke…Mmmm…Oh! Yes, I know!" Rodney's blue eyes were brimming with
light as he snapped his fingers.

"How in blazes are you going to do all that?"

Rodney's excitement spilled out as his epiphany gained momentum,
making him strain to stand up out of the pilot's seat until he
remembered he was strapped in.

"Perfect choice of words! We are going to ignite the atmosphere! It
won't last long…Planetary physics stuff you wouldn't understand;
pressures, gas densities, etc, but it might be enough. The equations
are a little off, but… We fire a concentrated burst of drones right
into the stratosphere and run. Timing will be critical. Kinda like
lighting an M80 fire cracker and diving for cover when you were a
kid. Just bigger…A whole lot bigger. " His hands waved about his head
as if he was fanning a flame.

"Is there anything living on that world?"

"Naw!...Just microbes probably in the clouds…Or something making the
oxygen and methane…They won't be affected…Not totally anyway…Well
actually…Look, we have to do this cause I can't think of anything
else right now!"

"How long will it last?'

"I said, I don't know! I don't have all the readings! Even if I did,
you can't really predict something…Wow…"Rodney's attention diverted.

"What? What now?"

"The hive, by the planet…It is really close…Close to the atmosphere…
This could work!…" The jumper was nearly at its destination; a high
orbit above the lavender northern pole.

"Won't they shoot at us when they see us firing?"

"Well, yeah, but we are gonna run. Lighting an M80, remember! Didn't
you play with explosives or chemicals when you were little?"

"No, can't say I did. I liked saving things." Carson said with an
irritated sigh.

"Strap you're self down and watch the HUD. When you see the distance
indicator reach that green line, yell out `Green'!"

"What in God's name are you gonna be do' in? Shouldn't you be
watching?"

"I need to fire the drones…Crap! I am not very good at this, alright!
I need to close my eyes for a moment, OK?! Just tell me when it hits
green then tell me when it starts to back off. It will hit yellow.
When it does, yell out yellow! Can you do that?"He snapped, hands
waving until the jumper faltered off course.

"Yes, I think I have it. Sorry, just nervous. Scared to death really,
I…"

"Carson! We are close, pay attention! Here we go!"

"Aw bloody hell!" Carson gripped the armrest until his knuckles
turned white.

The cloaked jumper skimmed the exosphere of the planet and Rodney
closed his eyes. Carson watched the HUD flash as Rodney piloted into
Wraith sensor range.

"Green! It's Green!" Carson blurted.

The jumper popped into view, releasing a massive stream of drones.
They rocketed into the opaque atmosphere. Carson yelled out
again."Yellow!" Rodney opened his eyes in time for his sweat to sting
them.

Another round of drones exploded forward, striking the hive precisely
on the shield generator conduits as the jumper dove into the
atmosphere.

The hive began to shoot back, narrowly missing them as they flew
through the clouds to evade detection and back into space fully
cloaked just out of range.

Carson was frantic."Rodney! You fired on them! Why did you do that?"

"To damage their shields!" A blue burst grazed the cockpit
window. "Oh no! Gotta go!"

Rodney gave his concentration everything as he headed toward the moon
at breakneck speed. Once at a safe distance, he swung around to look
back, keeping an eye riveted to the HUD readings.

"Damn it! Nothing!" Rodney yelled.

"Well ,what is that then?" Carson numbly asked as he pointed. A white
glow began to light up the planet. The hive was still firing; right
into the planet's atmosphere.

"What are they do' in? They should be coming after us!"

"Oh my god! It is working! I can't believe it!" Rodney giggled out
loud as he pointed at the screen and shook his finger.

"What? Is it going to explode? We're gonna die, aren't we?!" Carson's
voice broke with panic.

"No! The hive! It is firing at the planet, into the reaction we
started! The heat is building! This is fabulous! They think they are
being attacked! Look!"

In a brilliant display, the atmosphere expanded in a spit second,
catching the hive in a plasma ejection. It shattered the ship into
little pieces. Rodney looked on as his mouth hung open.

"Mary mother of pearl!" Carson exclaimed."You meant to do that?!"

"Uh, well…No, not quite like that, but it will work! Holy crap! The
hive! It was totally destroyed!"

Fragments of the hive began to fall toward the simmering planet and
glow red as they began to incinerate on entry.

"Carson, just so you know, we were so beyond lucky! The odds of that
happening…I can't even think about it!"

The HUD lit up with a warning. " Oh no! We gotta get out of here!
Shockwave from the ejection!" Rodney was vibrating on adrenaline; a
manic smile fell from his face as he realized the danger. He turned
the jumper toward the moon and sped for it.

Carson sat still, staring out in terror at they turned. "Rodney!" He
pointed at the moon. Two hives were speeding toward them.

"I know! Hold on to something!"

* *****

They had made it to the beach at the ocean's edge. The wind made
walking difficult but it was the only area somewhat clear from
interference.

Lorne looked up into the twilight sky over the water and watched in
awe as a great white flash overtook the planetary crescent that was
rising up. A yellow flash followed.

"I don't know what that was, but I have a feeling we have to get the
hell out of here." He said with dread.

Ronon was standing behind him with Teyla. They were holding a
makeshift stretcher that held Sheppard.
"That can't be good." Ronon whispered. Teyla gasped as the two hives
lifted up from the nearby valley and blocked the sky out before
heading off. Lorne and Ronon stared at the sight. "Or maybe that is
good. " He continued.

Just then they heard a groan from the stretcher. Ronon and Teyla set
Sheppard down and came to his side.

"John? John, can you hear me? It's Teyla. I have Major Lorne and
Ronon with me."

Sheppard struggled to open his eyes. The pulsing in his head made it
difficult to see."Tey..Teyla…" He whispered. He reached his hand out
slightly. Lorne came into his view. "We are going to get you home
sir. Hang on."

Ronon looked him right in the eye. "Hey buddy."

Sheppard tried to nod as he closed his eyes again and moaned in pain.
Lorne fingered his transmitter then cued his headset.

"Atlantis, this is jumper one. Need urgent assistance. We have him.
Jumper disabled. Request immediate extraction. Over." Lorne waited.
Static fed back on the open com. "I think there is too much
interference still…"

A crackle came back. "McKay here. ETA five minutes. Stay put. " Lorne
could hear weapons fire.

"McKay! Are you under fire?"Lorne shot back.

"Ah, Yeah! Can't talk!" Ronon heard a scream.

Ronon leaned in, catching the conversation."Was that Beckett?"

"Sure hope so! What the hell is happening! The Daedalus is back on
Earth!"Lorne barked as he looked up in confusion.

Teyla saw that Sheppard's pain was escalating. "John, please, stay
with us. We will be home soon." He gripped her arm as a spasm pulled
his chest away from the stretcher. He gasped for air then fell back,
losing consciousness.

"Major! Please! Help him!" Teyla cried.

Lorne saw he was in trouble and threw himself down next to his
commander. He quickly checked his pulse and respiration then started
to administer CPR, compressing his chest repeatedly then breathing
quickly into his mouth. Teyla watched in disbelief as Lorne forced
air into him. "Come on Sheppard! Stay with me! That's an order! Stay
with me!" He yelled into the wind.

Lorne stopped and checked him. Again, he began compressions with
increased desperation. "John! Stay with me! Stay with us! We need you
John! " Sweat coated Lorne as he worked; every motion exact and
deliberate. It was as if he was willing his own strength into
him. "John! John Sheppard! Stay with me! Atlantis needs you!
Elizabeth needs you!"

Ronon and Teyla stared wide eyed as Lorne continued fighting for him.
After two more rounds, Lorne checked him and then sat back, shaking
slightly. "He's back…He`s back." He whispered, disturbed by nearly
losing him.

Teyla put her hand on his shoulder."Major, thank you." She said
kindly.

Lorne nodded and wiped his forehead. "We need Beckett." He fingered
his headset again."McKay! Come in McKay!" The dim sky lit up with an
icy blue aurora. Lorne's head set screeched with static.

*******

Rodney pitched the jumper to the side violently, avoiding the
last of the weapons fire from the Wraith. A shock wave from the
plasma ejection rocked the hive ships, knocking out their power then
caught up to the jumper just after it entered the stratosphere of the
moon. The jumpers systems flickered on and off a few times before
returning to partial function.

With cloak engaged and holding he piloted into the clouds of the
upper atmosphere. "Hold on Carson, we have been hit and I suck at
this! I don't have full control!"

Carson swallowed tight; eyes closed he braced for impact. And he
braced. And then he opened his eyes to see the landscape rushing
past.

"Oh Crap! No! This way!" Rodney yelled. The jumper leveled out and
skidded to a half ass stop on a sand dune.

The force pulled them from their seats a few inches. They were
slammed back in place by the belts that held them.

Carson was out of breath. Panting, he turned to Rodney. "Are we…
done?" He whispered painfully.

Rodney was mortified. Almost robotically, he stiffly turned his head
to Carson and mumbled in a tiny voice." Yeah. We're done. Holy
crap…" He closed his eyes and caught his breath.

Carson felt his heart leave his mouth and crawl back into his chest.
His Scottish accent wavered with the trembling of his body. "Nice
work. We should go…When I can… feel my body. Just need a minute. " He
whispered.

Rodney nodded and waited for his heart to slow. The shocked silence
was interrupted by a click on his headset. "McKay…Come in…Are you
there?" It was broken up but he could make it out.

He tapped his ear piece."Lorne…On our way…" He stumbled from the
pilot seat and helped Carson stand. "You alright?" He asked on a
feeble exhale.

"Yeah. Let's go." Carson replied, still rattled.