Author's Note: It has been over a month since I last updated this story. For those of you new to the "What If Ronon?" story, you might want to read from the beginning. Most of these, except for those labeled in parts, are one-shots. This one, minus this author's note where I beg for forgiveness for letting this go so long, comes in at 499 words on my word processor. There should only be one more chapter in this particular AU. After that, I'll be on to other "What If Ronon?" questions. :) Hope you enjoy! ~lg
oOo
As Beckett worked, Ronon kept watch over the procedure. Sheppard refused anesthetic, and Beckett winced as he cut into the Runner's back. Ronon understood. Any medication weakened a man. Made him slow. If Sheppard could find Ford and rescue him, then he needed to be at the top of his game. As the minutes passed, Ronon's respect for Sheppard grew.
Finally, Beckett gave a relieved sigh. "Got it."
Sheppard also let out a breath. Then, he passed out from the pain. Greater men had endured far less in their lives, and Ronon didn't disdain Sheppard for his weakness. He knew Sheppard would recover before any of them thought it possible.
Touching his radio, Ronon whispered, "Lorne. Report."
"Nothing, yet, Sir." Lorne used the Earth term of respect even though he wasn't in the Satedan army. "Wait. We've got gate activity!"
Ronon waited until Lorne told him that three Wraith ships, called Darts, came through the gate. He liked the description. "Hold your position. I'm on my way."
Just as he turned to leave Sheppard in Teyla's capable hands, he heard a rustle in the trees. Ronon caught sight of Sheppard's back as he ran through the underbrush. He took off through the underbrush, chasing Sheppard's trail. In his short time in Pegasus, the major had picked up some decent tracker's skills. But Ronon was better. He tracked Sheppard around a bend and blinked at what he saw.
Sheppard had a young man with a scarred face and one eye turned completely black by the neck and held up against a tree. "Listen to me, Ford. You do not want to be out here. Not anymore."
Ford stared at him. "Major? What happened to you?"
Sheppard lifted his chin. "I could ask the same about you."
Ford grinned manaically. "They think I'm a security threat, but I'm not. If I can just let Dr. Weir see what the enzyme does, she'll understand."
"No, she won't." Sheppard's grip never wavered. "Ford, Atlantis is dead."
That announcement stunned the young man. "What?"
Before any of them could respond, Wraith Darts whined overhead. All three men looked up. Ronon moved forward. "Sheppard, bring him with us. Let's head to the gate."
Sheppard eyed him for only a few seconds, clearly gauging his trustworthiness in that one glance. Finally, he nodded. "Very well." With practiced hands, he bound Ford and pushed him forward. "Move."
Ford took two steps before reacting. He threw his head back, connecting with Sheppard's nose. As the Runner fell back, Ronon drew his own Wraith stunner and fired. The weapon did nothing to slow Ford, and the addicted man glared. "I'll show you! You'll see!" He turned and ran toward the Wraith culling beam that grazed the planet's surface. As he disappeared into the beam, Sheppard groaned.
Sitting up, the Runner looked around. "Where's Ford?"
Ronon let out a deep breath. "Gone."
~TBC
