AN: I don't do it often, but there will be Christianity in this chapter. Also, an original OC. No Flames, Please!

Chap 6

The odd couple was scurrying down the dark, war torn tunnels, trying to find the exit tunnel that Sheppard had seen in his previous, brief, tour of the SGC. Sheppard wasn't dumb enough to think they could do this by themselves. They needed help. Explaining Stan's presence would be a problem, though.

They tripped in the dusk over chunks of cement, blown out by weapons fire. The crackling of broken florescent lights and the distant sound of gunfire echoed in the corridor. Sheppard's tired overexerted breathing seemed to fill the non-silence. Only Stan's occasional grunt acknowledgment broke their silent race down the corridors, as Sheppard glanced back to ask if he sensed any nearby Wraith.

An odd sound grew as the sound of gunfire faded. It sounded like a human voice, and yet it was not screaming in terror, nor was it calling for help. I seemed to be singing? Sheppard and Stan slowed to a stop, listening down the fork in the corridor, trying to determine which way the sound was coming from.

After a moment, Stan took off to the left, and Sheppard immediately followed, trusting his senses. As they grew closer, the voice sounded slightly pained, but still strong; a male voice. The words grew closer, and Sheppard shook his head in disbelief.

When we all get to Heaven,

What a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus,

We'll sing and shout the victory!

The man coughed on 'victory', momentarily going silent. Stan raised an eyebrow, and Sheppard shrugged. The singing resumed; a new song.

Lord, I lift Your name on high.
Lord, I love to sing Your praises.
I'm so glad You're in my life,
I'm so glad You came to save us!

You came from Heaven to earth
To show us the way.
From the earth to the cross,
My debt to pay.
From the cross to the grave,
From the grave to the sky,
Lord, I lift Your name on high!

The voice fell silent, only a low murmur now. Stan tracked it with intensity, unsure why, but feeling the need to find this pained singer. Sheppard's no man left behind instinct was on full gear. They turned the corner and stopped in surprise.

The man was propped up against the wall, his legs covered in cement debris, his fair skin dusted with grey. His camo BDUs had the name Lazarus sewn on it. He looked up as they entered, his light brown eyes shadowed in pain, and yet he was still smiling.

"Hey." He croaked, waving a little. He raised an eyebrow at Stan, but nodded welcomingly.

Sheppard approached him warily, looking for signs of shock.

"You okay, Lieutenant?" Sheppard asked, squatting to get a good look at the rubble covering Lt. Lazarus' legs.

"I'm okay, Sir." The Lt. responded automatically. Stan eyed him, and then pulled Sheppard aside.

"He is dieing, Sheppard," Stan said gravely.

Sheppard looked at Stan in shock and then glanced at the boy. He looked back at Stan.

"How do you know?" Sheppard whispered, concerned.

"His life-force is very weak. And then there is the blood," Stan said, gesturing toward the thin stream oozing from beneath the rubble. "His legs are crushed. That is why he has not been fed upon. He is too weak."

Sheppard shut his eyes and nodded. He had hoped he had been wrong, but the rubble was too heavy. There wasn't a chance.

"Colonel?" The Lt said.

Sheppard turned and tried to paste on his usual cocky smile. "Look, Lieutenant…"

He interrupted with a grunt of pain and a wince, "Jerry, Sir. Lt. Jerry Lazarus."

"Okay, Jerry," Sheppard started to tell him to hold on, for what he wasn't sure.

"It's alright, Sir. I'm ready," Jerry said softly.

"Ready?" Stan asked.

Jerry looked up at him and smiled. "Ready to go home."

Stan frowned. "You are dieing," he said bluntly, and Sheppard felt like socking him. He settled for a glare.

Jerry laughed. "That is what I meant. When I die, I'll be home. Heaven. With Jesus. You know Jesus, Colonel?"

Sheppard looked away from Jerry's penetrating gaze.

"Who is Jesus?" Stan asked, looking from Jerry to Sheppard, "And where is Heaven?"

Jerry laughed again. "Well, leave it to me to spread the news to all the nations- including Wraith."

Jerry explained- summarized really- Jesus dieing for everyone's sins, being raised from the dead, being God's son, and waiting in Heaven for those who believe.

Jerry's voice faded off, and he leaned back against the wall.

The three were in silence for a moment, Stan looking thoughtful, Sheppard looking uncomfortable, and Jerry exhausted and pale. Stan finally spoke.

"We need to keep moving," his deep voice rasped to Sheppard. Sheppard nodded.

"I know. But we can't just leave him here, alone."

Jerry opened his eyes and chuckled, "You still don't get it, do you, Sir? I'm not alone. You should keep going."

"We're not leaving you here." Sheppard said strongly.

"Yes, you are. Someone's coming, and I don't think it's the cavalry."

Sheppard shot around to look at Stan, who nodded, looking concerned.

"Colonel," Jerry said, "there's something I have to tell you. 'It is Mine to avenge, I will repay.' and also, 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.' Now, go, Sir."

Jerry leaned his head back against the wall and shut his eyes once more. The running footsteps grew louder, closing in.

For a moment, Sheppard was torn. Then Stan grabbed his arm, and they ran off down the corridor, Jerry's soft singing wisping behind them hauntingly.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken,
Take me Jesus, take me now.

I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

TBC

AN: It will make more sense later in the story.