Thanks for the reviews. :-)
Title: Routine
Author: Cindy Ryan
Pairings: Sheppard/Keller pre-ship
Notes and summary: See part one
'There's nothing routine about going to the moon.' From the Earth to the Moon, tv series
The lights from the jumper nearly blinded Jen as she watched the back hatch open. Still it was the most beautiful sight she'd ever seen.
She saw Ronon move to the edge a safety harness around him.
The Satedan pushed himself away from the hatch as two members of SGA-2 lowered him to the small sand bar.
As soon as Ronon's feet hit the ground he unhooked the rope from his waist and moved quickly to Jennifer and Sheppard.
"You okay?"Dex asked as he reached Jennifer. In one glance he took in her mud caked clothes and numerous cuts and scrapes on her face and arms.
"Yeah."Jennifer replied as she gently eased John to the ground as she pulled her legs out from under him. She stood wobbly and Ronon quickly reached over to steady her.
"Something attacked him….."Jennifer explained her words coming out in an anxious rush. "No idea what it was…..about an hour ago. He's not good, Ronon….we need to get him home."
Ronon glanced down at Sheppard's pale face.
"Support him as best you can."Jennifer instructed. "He may have internal injuries."
Ronon nodded and gently gathered Sheppard's still form up into his arms. As carefully as he could Ronon adjusted his grip.
John showed no reaction to the movement.
"We need to keep him warm."Jennifer added as she followed Ronon back to the rope.
Ronon activated his radio as he hooked himself back to the rope. "Ready."
SGA-2 slowly pulled Ronon up to the jumper.
"How is he?"Lorne asked over the radio when Ronon was half way up.
"Not good."Ronon replied echoing Jennifer's earlier statement.
He didn't like at all the coldness of Sheppard's skin.
Once at the hatch Edison took Sheppard from Ronon and moved quickly into the main part of the jumper.
Ronon balanced himself briefly on the edge waiting for Matthews signal. Once the other man was ready Ronon propelled himself downward.
"Ronon,"Lorne called over the radio. "Winds are increasing. Think we might have a storm brewing."
Ronon remained silent concentrating on his decent. The winds did seem stronger this time.
The rope swayed despite the tight guidance of Matthews.
Jennifer was waiting when Ronon touched the sand John's P90 in one hand.
Ronon gathered her to him. "Storm's comin'. Might be rough going up."
Jennifer nodded as she looked nervously at the dark sky. Flashes of amber could now be seen .
"Ready."Ronon stated as he tugged once on the rope.
As they inched upwards Jennifer closed her eyes.
She had in the past experienced vertigo and now would not be a good time to repeat that.
Despite Ronon's strong grip on her waist Jennifer felt extremely vulnerable as the winds whipped around them.
She tightened her hold on Ronon.
A strong gust hit the jumper rocking the ship violently. Lorne quickly steadied the jumper but not before there were several curses from the back.
Jennifer let out a startled scream as the rope suddenly went slack. The gun fell from her hand as she gripped Ronon with both arms.
"Got you."Ronon promised as he let go of the now taunt rope and encircled both his arms around her.
"Ronon, you guys okay?"Lorne asked worriedly.
"Yeah."Dex replied as they started moving once more. The rope however was no longer steady.
The incoming storm causing them to spin.
He tightened his hold on Jennifer as the wind howled around them.
Halfway up the rain started pelting both of them. Jennifer put her arms around Ronon's neck to avoid slipping.
Her eyes were tightly shut.
"Almost there."Ronon assured her raising his voice to be heard above the storm.
As soon as they were near the edge of the hatch Ronon grabbed hold. Edison quickly grabbed Jennifer by the shoulders and eased her up into the jumper. Matthews helped Ronon into the jumper and shut the hatch.
Jennifer scrambled to John's still form lying on the middle of the floor. She was relieved to see that a bit of his color was returning and his pulse was stronger.
Evan risked a glance behind him as he maneuvered the jumper up and out of the ravine. "You okay, Doc?"
Jennifer nodded her thanks to Matthews as he placed a blanket around her shoulders. "Yes….just very ready to go home."
"We'll be there before you know it."Evan promised. "How's he doing?"
Jennifer took another blanket from Edison and placed it over John. "Better."
They neared the gate and Radek dialed Atlantis. As the storm raged around them the jumper slid into the event horizon and headed for home.