Author's Note: I would like to thank my beta reader, Nika Dixon, for her guidance and her quick review of this and the following chapter. Any mistakes here are purely my own. Sorry to everyone for the delay in posting but real life got in the way. To everyone who has reviewed, thank you, it is nice to see such kind comments after a hard day. Keep them coming.
Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Stargate Atlantis or the characters. The only thing that is mine are any original thoughts or characters that you may find here.
Chapter 7
Teyla led the way back to the jumper knowing that Ronon, at the rear, would keep an eye on Sheppard's condition. She had seen the slightly unfocused eyes and was concerned that he may have a concussion. She knew he'd never admit how bad he felt preferring to play down his injuries. She also realised he'd hadn't asked after Rodney's condition, something he always did.
She glanced back to see that Sheppard was still following doggedly, watching each step carefully. She looked towards Ronon and he met her eyes and gave a short shake of his head answering her unspoken question as to whether Sheppard was okay. Short of leaving the case of data crystals behind there wasn't much that could be done until they were back at Atlantis. She turned her attention forwards again and hoped that Sheppard would be okay.
Sheppard kept his eyes on the path putting one foot in front of the next, missing the silent communication between Ronon and Teyla. He kept hoping that the pounding in his head would decrease. Instead it seemed to increase every time his foot hit the ground until he literally thought his head would explode. It didn't but his vision blurred at the edges and that increased his nausea. Shortly later he misjudged the distance between his foot and the ground and stumbled but didn't fall. He shook his head to clear his vision.
Damn. Sheppard's vision remained blurred and nausea worsened, threatening to overwhelm him.
Rodney followed Teyla and kept his eyes on the Life Signs Detector, one alien creature attack per off-world mission was one too many as far as he was concerned. There was no way that another one was going to sneak up on them on the way back to the jumper. Despite his concern about alien creatures hell bent on finding dinner, Rodney continued to do what he always did in situations that made him nervous or frightened. He talked.
"I think we've hit the jackpot with this site and who knows what else may be here that's worth coming back for." Rodney slowed his pace slightly to fall in beside Sheppard.
"We'll come back, Rodney." replied Sheppard taking his eyes off the ground in front of him briefly to glance across at his friend. He nearly missed his footing on his next step and quickly returned his eyes to his path.
"Maybe I should help carry the crystals." offered Rodney worried that Sheppard was worse than he was letting on.
"I'm fine." insisted Sheppard "Just... take care...of the ZPM."
"What? Of course I will, after finally finding a ZPM that we can take without anyone trying to steal it away from us."
"Don't you ever stop talking, McKay?" asked Ronon.
"What?" responded McKay glancing back "This is a significant moment. We may finally be able to defeat the Wraith with what we have."
"Aren't you getting a little ahead of yourself?"
"I said may. We may be able to defeat the Wraith."
"That would be good." added Teyla "But first we must get back to Atlantis."
Rodney glanced worriedly across at Sheppard, noticing that his face looked paler than it had moments before. Sheppard stumbled again and nearly dropped the container. Crap. Rodney quickly moved towards him. "That's it. Give me that before you break something." Rodney saw the look Ronon was giving him and added "Give me some credit I was talking about him not the crystals. Not that I want those to break either. "
Rodney took the handle of the container and had to pry Sheppard's fingers loose. Up close to Sheppard he could see the tight lines around his eyes, a sure fire indication of a headache and the skin around the gash on his forehead was already bruising. "Perhaps you should lean on Teyla's shoulder before you fall on your face."
"I'm fine." replied Sheppard.
"You don't seriously expect anyone to believe that do you? After a roof fell on you, come on, you can barely stand upright."
Teyla joined them and added "I agree with McKay. It is dangerous to remain in the open with those creatures around. We will move quicker if you let me provide assistance."
"Fine." replied Sheppard.
Teyla smiled and put his arm around her shoulder. She kept her eyes on the surrounding foliage as they started to walk in the direction of the jumper again.
Several minutes later they made it back to the clearing where the jumper was cloaked. Teyla de-cloaked it using the remote and helped Sheppard up the ramp. He moved towards the pilot's seat but was stopped by Rodney's voice.
"Whoa! Do you think I'm letting you fly us back to Atlantis when you can barely walk in a straight line? Sit down before you fall down."
Teyla held Sheppard's arm and guided him to lay down on one of the benches in the back of the jumper before starting to tend his injuries. She noticed that blood was soaking through the bandage on his forearm. She took a fresh bandage from her vest and started to wrap it around the original applying pressure.
Ronon and Rodney stowed the container in the back of the jumper. Rodney straightened with his hand on his back, "I think my back is ruined forever."
"Maybe you should keep in better shape." remarked Ronon as he made sure that the cargo was safely secured.
"Huh. I didn't see you carrying a back pack as well as that thing." retorted Rodney as he removed his pack and stowed it carefully before moving to the pilot's seat.
A few moments later the jumper took to the air. The return journey to the stargate passed quickly and soon McKay was dialling up Atlantis.
TBC
