Chapter 11

"You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you don't trust enough."

Ronon hated this, he'd rather be doing anything else than sitting and waiting for some sign that Sheppard was on the planet. For all he knew, the Genii could have 'gated him off world, and they'd be none the wiser. He was growing impatient as minutes began turning into hours. Although he didn't mean to direct his anger at McKay, that's how it came out, "Anything?"

McKay's stress levels started to spike. His feisty reply spat out like lava flowing from an erupting volcano, "Yes actually, I found him an hour ago. I just thought I needed the flying practice. So for the last 2 hours, I've been wasting precious time for no good reason other than to piss-you-off." Refusing to look directly at the former runner, he continued checking the HUD for any signs of the subcutaneous transmitter. It felt as if they'd been searching for an eternity, and still nothing. The only life signs they had been able to detect so far had been from the Genii. They were running out of time, and it was frustrating the hell out of him. He'd never felt so helpless. Usually he was the one that saved the day with some brilliant and obscure idea. But so far, he'd come up empty and he wasn't exactly dealing with his failure very well.

Beckett scowled at him from the co-pilot's seat. He had to physically stop himself from leaning across and slapping the man across the back of his head. The colonel had always told him that it worked for him, and that when Rodney 'went off on one', so to speak, he should give it a try. But he didn't think now was the time or place though. The scientist appeared stressed enough as it was, and it would only be counter-productive in reprimanding him. Nevertheless, the man needed to be reminded that he wasn't the only one who was concerned. His Scottish accent came thick and fast, "Don't get on ye' high horse, Rodney. We're just as worried as you are, and snapping at us isn't going to find the colonel any quicker."

The vein in his temple protruded slightly and his face become flushed. Droplets of perspiration converged on his forehead as his blood pressure began to rise. "Well stop asking me stupid questions then. It's not as if I have a secret agenda or anything. When I know something you'll know something." It wasn't as if he had any experience in this sort of thing, he normally left that up to Sheppard. Doing this was not something he'd signed up to when he joined the Atlantis expedition, and he didn't do very well when it came to life and death situations. Give him some complex equation to solve, and he'd do it in a heartbeat, but this was something completely new to him and it scared him more than he cared to admit. Although he'd come a long way in the last few years with regards to his tactical training, he was ultimately just a scientist.

Leaning forward, Ronon peered uncertainly at the readouts, "Are you sure you're using that thing right?"

I swear there's nothing worse than a backseat driver! McKay could feel the tension building up inside him. "I'm-doing-the-best-I-can. So why don't you do us all a favour and save your energy for…" he stopped short, as if the penny had dropped.

"For what, McKay?" Ronon responded darkly, his eyes narrowing at the scientist.

He clicked his fingers repeatedly, "Shut up a minute I'm thinking."

"Rodney?" Teyla's voice was pressing; it had been several minutes since McKay had spoken. She watched, as he seemed to be inputting complex equations into the jumpers control system.

Concern and despair turned into hope as he realised why they hadn't been able to locate Sheppard, "Energy waves! I don't know why I didn't think about it earlier. It's brilliant! No wonder we weren't able to get a fix."

Ronon's patience had just expired, "Enough with patting yourself on the back and just get to the point will you, McKay."

Teyla looked perplexed, she had no idea what one had to do with the other. "What do you mean, energy waves? What has that got to do with us finding Colonel Sheppard?"

"I'm talking about Electronic Warfare." McKay grinned like the Cheshire cat in Alice in Wonderland, "What do you do when you're trying to conceal an energy signature?"

"You block the frequency it's being transmitted on." Although Ronon wasn't a scientist he had fought against the Wraith for enough time before joining the Atlantis expedition. As a runner he'd tried numerous times to avoid being detected by his hunters due to his own subcutaneous transmitter signals, but he hadn't had to think as a runner for a long time now; it was both a blessing and a curse. Orphaned, he'd found himself of this family; and in doing so he slowly learned to put the past behind him; but every now and again he'd remember. Sometimes it would be a smell of burning embers that took him back to the culling of his home, other times it would be a word or an action that brought back all his natural instincts as a runner. Idly sitting by, unable to do anything was something he wasn't very good at. His team had been patient with him though, as he slowly adjusted to his new life. But now, being here and knowing what was around the corner stirred his innate survival instincts. This time though, it wasn't to save his life, but that of a friend.

"Exactly! Electronic Warfare is exactly that, the use of directed energy to control the electromagnetic spectrum, which can be used to attack or evade your enemy. The design of electronic warfare comprises of three major subdivisions, I think Kolya is using an electronic field to conceal the transmitter." He couldn't contain his enthusiasm any longer. If this was the case, and the Genii commander was using electronic equipment against them, then all he needed to do was identify the frequency they were using and neutralise it… somehow. He just didn't know how, not yet anyway.

"So, what you're saying is…" Teyla didn't have the opportunity to finish her sentence when McKay went off on a complete tangent once more.

His brain was working overtime, "The use of electromagnetic or directed energy can be used as an effective weapon to neutralize equipment or signals and potentially destroy an enemy that's got energy type weapons; such as the jumper."

Carson shook his head not following, "What the bloody hell are you talking about?"

"Well, if you'll let me finish, I will tell you." McKay's eyebrows lifted as if daring them to speak again until he'd finished what he had to say, "If Kolya's got a device that can sustain this type of energy wave, which I think he has, then he can intercept the jumpers targeting scanners by jamming a specific frequency to protect whatever it is that he's hiding down there, like Sheppard's subcutaneous transmitter. You see it's not dissimilar to a faraday cage."

Teyla had no idea what a 'faraday cage' was, nor was she interested at this given time. Rubbing her eyes tiredly, she tried to fathom what Doctor McKay was essentially saying, "So in essence, we can find Colonel Sheppard by locating this energy weapon? Is that what you are saying?"

"Yes," he smiled like a kid in a candy store.

"That's all you had to say, Rodney instead of blinding us with science," Carson remarked impatiently. "So, all we have to do know is find the source?"

"Again, yes, but we already know where that is," he smiled turning the jumper back round to the Stargate and to the structures they'd located more than a couple of hours ago.

"We do?" They all asked in unison, it was becoming a habit.

McKay bobbed his head from side to side as if not sure how to tell him that he didn't know everything, and that was the only flaw in his idea. "Well, not exactly, but they would need some kind of shelter to conceal all the electronics, and the only sign we've seen of any outbuildings was…"

"…by the crashed jumper." Teyla finally understood.

"Exactly!"

"You mean it's been right under our noses the whole time?" Carson asked frustrated. McKay nodded, and or the first time he didn't know what to say, he felt slightly guilty that he didn't think of it before now.

Teyla calculated how long they'd been searching already, shaking her head she realised that time was slowly running out; it was going to be a long ride back to the gate. She didn't want to be the one to tell them all, but it wasn't as if she had any other options. "Given that it's taken us over two hours to get this far, it's going to be at least that getting back."

Her words left a bitter taste in their mouths. During that time anything could happen; and given Kolya's track record, if he indeed had Sheppard, then it could essentially mean the difference between life and death.

Sheppard sat down gingerly, his thigh groaning in protest. Although it was only a flesh wound, it didn't mean that it didn't hurt like a son of a bitch. Berating himself, he shook his head in an effort to rid the negative thoughts that had plagued him off and on ever since he arrived on this God forsaken planet. He had to stay focused; no matter what he was feeling, otherwise they'd both end up dead. He'd seen the dangerous smile on Kolya's face and had a bad feeling that this time there was a real possibility that they might not make it out in one piece. That was especially true with regards to his companion, who seemed to be losing the battle. He didn't know much about Wraith or alien physiology, but right now he sure as hell wished he'd listened to Beckett's ramblings about how their genetic makeup worked. One thing he did know for sure was that he could tell when someone was dying in front of his very eyes – regardless of their species.

His mind worked overtime as he tried to think of an alternate plan; one that wouldn't involve taking years off his life, but nothing sprang to mind. He couldn't believe he was even contemplating doing this. After everything that had happened, and everything he'd said…but this was the only way he knew to keep his friend alive, and like he'd told Teyla, he would willingly…well maybe not willingly, but he'd do just about anything to save his friends even if that cost was his very life. Now was no different. Even though he knew that this was the only way, the memories of his past feeding were still evident, and he had the scars to prove it. He ran a hand through his rakish hair as if unconsciously brushing away any last doubts. If there was a time to trust each other, now was it.

The Wraith looked at his young companion with a sorrowful expression, "It is my choice, Sheppard."

"Right! Tell me again how bleeding to death in a stinking jail cell is a good choice?" The Wraith growled angrily at him, but Sheppard had seen and heard it all before, and he was now at the stage where it didn't faze him anymore. "Look, I have a plan; not a great one mind you, but it's all I got. You're dying, and the only way to keep you alive, is for you to…feed." He tilted his head as if forcing the words out, not quite believing that he was actually having this discussion.

No. He shook his head emphatically, their alliance was too important to be placed in jeopardy. No matter what his friend was prepared to forfeit, it wasn't worth it - he wasn't worth it. Their unique friendship had taught him that. "You are my friend, Sheppard. I will not sacrifice your life for my own."

"Hey, believe me I've no intention of dying today, not if I can help it. So, if you've got a better idea for getting us out of here, then I'm all ears."

"As I told you before, my wounds are severe. To heal them, it would be necessary to take many years off your life. I cannot guarantee that this time I would be able to restore your life to you as I did before."

"Okay, so that could be a problem," Sheppard replied tentatively, realising that if the Wraith agreed to this, his escape plan could ultimately kill him. Given his choices of dying at the hands of Kolya or the Wraith, he'd rather not choose either. Fate though had decreed that it had to come down to two choices - quick death or slow death and they were all he had. If his team had decided to follow him, then they'd be in with a chance, but as the hours passed slowly and nothing was forthcoming, he'd all but given up on relying on them to bail him out this time.

The Wraith looked directly into his eyes; he couldn't do it, "One that I could not live with."

Sheppard pushed the point, "I know it's a bit risky, but you've stopped yourself before, and you can do it again." He didn't think the Wraith was listening, but this was the only way. It was time to lay his cards on the table, "Listen to me. All I'm saying is that I know the risks and I'm prepared to take that chance. Granted, it's not one of my better plans, but… I trust you."

The Wraith looked on earnestly, this man was his brother in every other sense of the word, more than that, and he was putting his trust in him – something no human had ever done. Not even his own kind would put that sort of faith in another. Closing his eyes in quiet contemplation, he felt torn at the choice that he would ultimately have to make.

Before they had the opportunity to discuss it further, they heard the familiar sounds of heavy footsteps and screeching metal doors echoing in the desolate building. Sheppard wished he'd had a few more minutes alone, but Kolya had now made that impossible as the heavily armed guards made their presence known.

"Well isn't this cosy?"

Kolya's gruff voice grated on Sheppard's ears as the Genii commander entered the cell with six of his men; each armed to the nine's with archaic, but effective weaponry. The lead pellets inside the chambers could easily cut a man in two at close distance. Now was definitely not the time for any heroics, he'd know instinctively when the time would be right to strike, and now wasn't it. It was a natural instinct, borne from years of experience dealing with predators, and Kolya and his men were no exception.

Sheppard cocked his head in defiance, his determined gaze settling on his nemesis, "Come to read us another bedtime story?"

A wry grin escaped from his lips, "As delightful as that sounds, colonel, no. If you must know I want a sample of your DNA."

"I believe there's some over there by the wall, feel free to help yourself." John remarked indicating to their lack of toilet facilities.

"As wonderful as that sounds, colonel, it's your blood I'm after and I'd prefer it fresh if you don't mind."

"Actually I do…mind that is."

"Well, fortunately you don't have a say in the matter." Kolya's mouth twisted into a wry smile, "Move." Without taking his eyes of his prisoner, he ushered the guards to move the Wraith from his path. Their weapons raised in anticipation at the creature striking out as he forced the creature into a standing position. The Wraith looked on as Sheppard bit his bottom lip, his posture revealing that he was prepared for anything.

Sheppard's eyes darted from his companion to the guards, a sense of anticipation settled in his chest; their pain sticks wavering inches from his body. He remembered the sensation the last time, and wasn't in any kind of hurry to repeat the experience. He knew that if the Wraith made a move now; they'd be dead in minutes. The situation was too unpredictable at the moment to do anything but comply; their plan would have to be put on hold for a little while longer.

Once they had sufficiently secured the creature, several armed guards clutched hold of Sheppard, releasing him from the chains on the wall. Forcefully grabbing hold of his forearms, they hauled him off the ground before slamming his body into a chair they'd brought in; Sheppard stiffened in response as his wounds cried out in protest, his face remaining defiant. He'd dealt with Kolya before, and he wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of knowing he was winning. His stoic resignation since his capture was, up until now his only weapon. He held onto the thought as they jarred his head back, causing his head wound to reopen. Leather bindings wrapped tightly around his wrists held him securely in place. Now fully restrained, he watched wide-eyed with trepidation as a lanky man in a grey lab coat appeared at the jail's opening. Vials of colored ampoules sat neatly in their metal containers, he shot a look of disdain at the technician as he proceeded towards him armed with a syringe.

His fists clenched as the needle plunged deep into his veins, he didn't know what to expect this time from Kolya, but so far his threats had been relatively innocuous. He hoped that this was all he wanted from him, but given their chequered past, it seemed highly unlikely.

"That's enough." The authoritative command resonated in the chamber as the technician gathered sufficient samples of the pilots DNA. With a nod towards the tray of medical supplies, Kolya's eyes moved to the red colored vial. Silently the lab technician protested, his eyes betraying a hint of fear and what the commander was insinuating. "Do I need to have someone take your place?" His tone was heavy set, filled with enough malice to ensure obedience.

"No sir." His eyes shifted between the prisoner and Kolya, fear of repercussion settled in his demeanour.

"Then what are you waiting for?"

As the technician approached Sheppard once more, Sheppard tried to back away. The guards preparing for such a measure grasped a hold of his shoulders pinning him to the chair; their finger nails digging in to the man's shoulders. Sheppard's eyes grew wide with uncertainty; this wasn't just a simple blood sample, Kolya was taking things to the next level. His hopes of escape were now falling by the wayside. "What the hell are you playing at, Kolya?"

"You'll see, in time." Was the only response given, his sly smile giving away nothing of his plans. The technician waited for the guards to control the prisoner before he manoeuvred into position, expertly injecting the substance into his jugular. Sheppard hissed in pain as the needle pierced his skin.

Expecting some kind of reaction from the chemical now making its way through his body, Sheppard waited for a few moments; his jaw heavy set with determination as if preparing for anything. But as minutes passed and no reaction was forthcoming his eyes held a questioning gaze. Racking his brain as to the purpose of injecting him with in innocuous substance, he came up empty.

"Leave us." The command was directed solely at the technician.

Hurriedly gathering up his medical equipment, the lab technician bolted out of the jail cell, turning round one last time as he reached the entrance to the cell. Sheppard caught his eye as he stood staring at the prisoners one last time; there was definite fear in them. From what he was able to ascertain during their last encounter, Kolya had made reference to being aware of the bodies' reaction to the feeding, and maybe he'd used his own men to get the answers he needed.

"Now, colonel. Are you going to tell me how your life was restored, or will I need to find ways of persuading you? And let me assure you, colonel, I can come up with some creative ideas."

John's eyebrows rose in a devil may care attitude, "Give it up, Kolya. I'm not going to tell you anything."

"Then you leave me no option." Kolya snapped his fingers at the guards holding the Wraith, motioning them to bring him forward; his eyes darting from his two prisoners, taking in their reaction.

Sheppard remained resolute. Realising what was to come, he involuntarily licked his lips; doubt flickering across his face for a moment. The Wraith wasn't giving anything away. As he drew nearer, Sheppard caught his gaze, holding it for a few minutes as if silently conveying his thoughts - just do it! Holding his breath with uncertainty, he didn't know if the message had gotten through.

"I will give you one last opportunity to tell me, colonel." Defiantly, Sheppard refused to give him anything. With a slight nod of his head, the guards understood their commander's instructions and brought the Wraith forward, pain sticks poised in readiness as they inched him forward towards the Atlantean soldier. Sheppard inhaled deeply, calming his apprehension. Stealing a last look at his friend, the silent message from him came through loud and clear - forgive me. With that, the Wraith's baritone roar shattered the silence as he plunged his hand into Sheppard's chest, forcing his body to react to the foreign substance now coursing through his system.

Convulsing slightly as the searing pain hit him like a lightening bolt; the enzyme tore through him causing his heart rate to increase exponentially. Beads of sweat from the exerted effort pitted his forehead, but he refused to utter a sound; Kolya wouldn't get that pleasure. Anger, fear and regret rushed through his mind as he felt the poison work through his vital organs, aging them in the process. His breaths came in short pants as the Wraith suddenly released its hold. Sheppard could do nothing but gather his remaining strength. Exhausted at the effects of the feeding, he slumped forward in the chair, his eyes closed as consciousness began slipping away from him. The last thing he heard before mercifully passing out was Kolya's self-satisfied voice filling the room, "Don't underestimate me again."

End of Part XI

AN: Thanks everyone for all your reviews they are very much appreciated, hope you're still enjoying it. :o)