The two soldiers reclined in the shadow of the stargate, trying to avoid the rays of the hot afternoon sun. It was the last day of gate guard duty, and there were only a few hours left before the scientists finished their work in the mines and they'd head for home. With his boonie hat slanted forward and a blade of grass to chew on, Everett daydreamed about the days on his grandfather's farm.
"What's that?" His thoughts broken, Everett looked to where Barnett was pointing. In the distance, coming from the direction of the mines, he could make out a small figure approaching. No one was scheduled to be returning yet, and there had been no call on the radio. Taking out his binoculars he looked again, not believing what he saw.
"It's the doc's cat!" Everett tossed the binoculars over as he scrambled to his feet. "Dial Atlantis." He was then running, his quick stride bringing him to the creature in less than a minute. His steps slowed as he neared, taking in the sight before him. Ula was walking with a heavy limp, her two tails dragging and one ear bent down at an awkward angle. Dark smudges of blood coated her fur, and her golden eyes seemed filled with pain. Everett knelt down as Ula came to a stop before him.
"What happened to you?" he asked. He knew she had been taken along with Ronon and the doc. Had the Wraith tossed her out? "What's that in your mouth?" She opened her jaw, releasing her hold on the item entrusted to her. Everett picked it up, turning it over in his hand. "What's this now, a wrapper?" His eyes then widened as he looked back to Ula. "Wait, is this from the doc? Does that mean he's here on the planet?" The creature's eyes met his with an intense stare before she collapsed, unmoving. "Hey, cat? Cat!" Worried at the lack of response, Everett carefully picked up the still form and rushed back to the gate.
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"How is she?"
Beckett lowered the clipboard to see Sheppard walk into the room. He was in full gear, his P-90 hanging from his shoulders. Beckett knew the Colonel was scheduled to return to the Velian planet to mount a rescue mission now that they had their evidence. The physician turned his gaze back to the clipboard.
"Fortunately I had a wee bit of veterinary practice back home. I've set her ear and wrapped her broken leg, and managed to stitch up a deep cut along her back. When you add on the blood loss and dehydration, it's a miracle she survived. I have her on kaleeta fluids now, but even with that it'll take some time before she's fully healed."
Sheppard nodded, looking at the small creature lying on top of the large bed. He had grown used to the Ulata Sitera's presence among them, even come to count on her in keeping McKay out of trouble. When the Dart had culled her along with McKay and Ronon, she became just one more among the many lost to the enemy. Yet her presence on the planet, along with the wrapper she carried, was the proof Sheppard needed to finally confront the Velians. McKay and Ronon were still on the planet, and it was about time they came home.
"She's a tough fighter," he commented. "Stubborn too."
"Aye, takes after Rodney a bit much I think."
At the mention of the scientist's name, Ula's head lifted as she opened her eyes to look at the two. Seeing her about to move further Beckett hurried forward. "Hey, where do you think you're going?" Golden eyes pierced his – aye, definitely taking too much after Rodney. "Yes, we got your message. A rescue team is being assembled as we speak. You can bet Rodney is worried about you too, and I don't need him yelling at me for letting you injury yourself further. So just rest now, alright?"
Ula looked from Beckett to Sheppard, who nodded. "Thanks to you we know they're still on the planet. Don't worry, we'll bring them home." Satisfied, she lowered her head back to the bed, returning to a healing sleep. Stubborn indeed, Beckett thought as he moved back toward Sheppard. So willing to join the search party even in her poor condition.
"Wish I could go with you," Beckett told Sheppard. Though he hated gate travel, he hated more not being there for his friends. But another team had recently returned from another mission with severe injuries. He had only taken a moment to check on the Ulata Sitera while the solider was being prepped for surgery on his broken leg.
"I know."
"Bring 'em back."
"I will," Sheppard assured him before glancing once more at creature sleeping on the bed. He knew McKay was worried about the creature, even if the scientist wouldn't admit to it, and would be relieved to know she was recovering.
When Sheppard arrived the gateroom the others were ready and waiting. Teyla and Lorne, as well as Everett, Barnett, Michaels, Smith, Young, would help conduct the primary search. Mason and Hutchins, along with a medical team, would be in a cloaked jumper as backup support, while Kreola would be follow in the scout jumper to monitor the systems and report anything out of the ordinary. Seeing him arrive Everett approached.
"How's the cat?" he asked, genuinely concerned. One of the few to actually volunteer to baby-sit the scientist offworld, Everett had grown fond of the silver creature. She reminded him of his own cat, left in the care of his sister until his tour in Atlantis was over.
"Resting," Sheppard answered, not bothering to correct the solider on the creature's race. "Carson says she'll make a full recovery."
"That's good," the solider stated, relieved. He had been worried; the cat hadn't been in good shape when he had brought it to Atlantis. "Doc will be happy to hear that."
"Yeah, he will." Sheppard headed toward Lorne and Teyla. "Everything set?"
"Yes sir," Lorne stated.
"All right then, time to bring our boys home."
