The Odyssey

I wake to a long lonely howling not too far away. The dream lingers but I'm unable to make sense of it as it slips away. Sitting up, I wonder if Miller was also part of my bizarre dreams, but he materializes from the edge of the clearing as though I conjured him with my mind. Seeing I'm awake, the huge smile is back.

"Dr- Daniel, do you feeling up to a long walk today? We need to get moving." He begins to re-pack the backpack.

Sitting up, I nod waiting for the dizziness to hit me like it did the day before, but my head stays clear and the horizon stays where it should be. Miller offers me a Powerbar and a canteen.

"Ten minutes and then it's time to go. We'll take it slow but we should reach the 'gate before sundown."

Eight minutes later, I'm on my feet following Miller in the direction of the 'gate. Due to my injury, my gait is strange and taxing my good leg after a few hours of walking.

About the same time the rain starts as a drizzle and, minutes later, is once more is a torrential downpour. The path that had been half dried mud quickly changes to knee deep sludge, making the journey more treacherous.

Soon my limp is even more pronounced slowing us further as I shuffle along. The over-working of my leg reopens the gash, but I say nothing as the blood starts to pool in my boot.

I try to pick up the pace, but I stumble, almost falling. Stopping, I try to catch my breath. "I need to take a minute. I know we're in a hurry but I need to stop."

"No, Doc, we can't stop here. If we wait too long another flash flood might come through here and wash us away again. That rain is just going to get worse, it ain't stopping anytime soon."

Looking up at the sky I can't disagree; it looks dark and threatening. "Just let me have a drink and then I'll keep moving."

My hand shakes with fatigue as I lift the canteen to my mouth. More water spills down my front than I get into my mouth.

Then I hear them in the trees, the wolves. They are on a course parallel to our own. I wonder how long they have been there and I haven't noticed. Miller just ignores them and starts walking again but I can feel fear pounding through my body. I push it down and continue on, putting one foot in front of the other.

I'm getting weaker and each step is a struggle as we head up a steep hill. I feel my strength draining away with every heartbeat. Standing at the crest of the hill, I look up, but the 'gate is in the distance at the bottom of the hill, and I don't know if I'll make it.

We start the descent, but I stumble and start to fall. I don't have the strength to stop my plunge. I land face first on the ground unable to force my body to move. But I have nothing left.

Lying there, I contemplate getting up but I just can't do it. I know the longer I lay here the closer death comes.

Miller's face enters my line of vision. "Get on your feet and move, solider!" Suddenly, firm hands lift me to my feet and a strong arm snakes around my waist, giving me the fortitude I need. I sway slightly but he helps me stay upright.

Slowly, I manage to put one foot in front of the other and the 'gate edges closer.

Eventually, we reach the DHD. My hand shakes as I dial Earth. I stumble up the stairs, my eyes on the blue puddle. Reaching it, I all but fall through, hitting the ramp on the other side. I expect to hear Miller arrive behind me but the wormhole closes and I find myself alone on the ramp.

Medics swarm me and I'm pushed on to a gurney. My pants are ripped open further and I hear Dr. Brightman fretting over the state of my leg and blood loss.

Still confused why Miller didn't come through the gate with me, I struggle to sit up. "Someone has to go back. Miller's still on the planet. He should have been right behind me."

An orderly, who's much stronger than me at the moment, pushes me down. I hear Dr. Brightman's voice, "Dr. Jackson, you need to rest. There is nothing you can do for Sergeant Miller right now. He's-"

Reaching out, I grab the front of her shirt hauling her face close to mine. "What do you mean? Where's Sergeant Miller?"

The doctor looks over at Jack but she's the one who speaks. "Sergeant Miller is over there. He's been there since he came through the 'gate an hour ago." She looks at me strangely and points to a line of covered bodies lying off to one side. "He couldn't have been with you on the planet."

The truth hits me but I can't seem to grasp it. "No! That's not possible! He was there. That man got me to the 'gate. I would have died if not for him." I stare at the sheet covered body. "Are you sure this is him?"

"As sure as we can be, Daniel." Jack answers from beside me.

I slide off the gurney and head toward it. Dr. Brightman tries to stop me, but Jack shakes his head and she lets me go.

Staggering across the room, I fall to my knees and slowly lift the sheet and it's him. Miller is lying there. On the side of his head is a large wound. I stare at the body and wonder how Sergeant Miller managed to helped me to the 'gate... when he was already dead.

Dr. Brightman tries to steer me back toward the gurney. "I think he struck something while in the flood waters. I don't think he ever knew what happened. We'll know more for sure after the autopsy." She squeezes my shoulder. "Come, Dr. Jackson, we need to get you to the infirmary. I can see the blood pooling on the floor. I don't want to lose you, too. There are way too many dead from this mission."

I take a few steps but the blackness swallows me up and I feel myself falling.

The last chapter is posted on my site if you would like to check it out and the other stories I have there Google my penname and you will find me. I love to hear from you whether you liked it or loved it. :0P

Also I have published two original pieces of work on Kindle you can find a link to them on my website as well.