The Tatterdemalion

by Thoseeyesoh

Sheppard, Teyla, Ronon and Rodney travel to PE5 8XC, as mentioned in The Pilot and The Athosian: Read it first, or can be read on it's own. There, on the planet, lives are changed forever. Dreams are shattered and painful times ahead. H/C, Romance, Drama, Angst and Suspense mega Sheppard Whump ahead!...NOW COMPLETE

15. Chapter 15 - A Love So Strong

The Tatterdemalion

Chapter. 15 – A Love So Strong.

A/N…Here it is then folks…the final chapter, all 19,541 words of it!

Thanks for reading and grateful thanks to all those who took the time to leave reviews….it really does make a difference you know.

SGA SGA SGA

There was a goal in mind but unfortunately John Sheppard knew that it was unattainable as he lay on the forest floor, his aching body ending the unreachable by finally falling down, his lungs heaving and his body contorted, not knowing which way to get his breath back and ease his strained muscles as he ran after the unseen. The sky, pale like a sheet above him, came down to cover him up, his breath taking a frightening amount of time to come back each time he breathed out. Muscles rebelled but finally his panting lessened and he watched the odd flake of snow fall from a ladened branch and land on his face, cooling him down and allowing him to focus on something else instead of the departing puddle jumper and its crew.

But they were here. On the planet. Breathing became easier and Sheppard willed his body to move. He stood on shaky legs, a tree giving vital support as he decided his next move. He did not know why the jumper was here. Not for him, as he knew they thought him dead. Woolsey must have decided to investigate the power source they had detected when several teams had gathered Intel even before they flew out on their fateful mission. As he had already blown up the bridge, Sheppard had a rough idea where next they would park up and started to walk there in a strained slower pace, in the hope that he arrived before they moved on, but then stopped walking with a sudden jolt of remembrance. Bartok? Girvan? He had almost forgot them in his haste to get back home.

With a heavy heart, Sheppard turned away from the path that led to his rescue and started a steady jog back towards to where Bartok was walking towards the City. The deaths of the drones and Salty replayed in his mind as he travelled, his brow furrowed as he realised there could be more opposition ahead; remembering with annoyance that he had left behind the Commanders gun and knife he had taken from him. He patted down his pockets and his fingers met with the cool, slim metal stick that he had also taken off the body, its use still a mystery to him, but worth holding on to he reckoned. But for now he needed a weapon. A suitable branch caught his eye and he held it tight and continued on with his rush to catch up with Bartok. Girvan might leave his hiding place now and make his way to his Aunt's so he felt he didn't have to worry about him so much. Once again, he admired the spirit of the young lad. At such a young age, he had looked after Sheppard during weeks of his ill health. He only had brief flashes of memory of that time but when he had been aware enough to watch Girvan, he had felt safe in his company so would try everything he could to make the life the lad lived a better one.

So intent was he in his purpose, Sheppard could not have believed what happened next. Making his way over a fallen tree downed on his path, he clambered over its wide circumference, putting himself in an immediate disadvantage. A strong grey skinned hand gripped his left wrist and held on with such a painful grasp Sheppard looked up in horror to the face of Salty looking down at him. Raising his right hand up quickly, he struck out with his wooden weapon and struck Salty on his hip but there had been no strength behind the strike and Salty hauled him up and over the trunk and held him up against another whilst he took a step back, and, without entertaining another fight with Sheppard, simply drew his stunner and hit him direct centre on his chest. Sheppard slumped to the ground unconscious and Salty took a second to revel in his catch and then reached down to pick him up and flung him over his shoulder and took off back to the compound with his prey. His Queen would be very happy with him and that spurned him on faster.

Sheppard's capture did not go unnoticed, however, as a now very frightened Girvan, who, having left the cabin soon after the attack, unwilling in the end to stay by himself, had almost caught up with him when he witnessed him take off at a run. He tried to follow but found him hard to keep up with so lagged a bit behind. As he ran, trying to avoid falling on the slippy ground, he wondered why he had taken off in the direction away from the City and then he almost caught up with him again only to see him turn back on the same path that his Uncle was following. Still, he kept going, only to throw himself into the bushes to hide as he witnessed a Wraith grab Sheppard and then stun him. In his short life, and with the uneasy alliance with the Wraith, the impressionable boy had never witnessed the true extent of the Wraiths nature first hand and he sat down in shock when Sheppard's lifeless body was then roughly thrown over its shoulder and was carried away with large strides.

He remained hidden for a few minutes, not wanting the Wraith to detect him, but soon he crawled out of his hiding place and followed his unconscious friend. What he would do when he reached his final destination, he did not know, but he would not let anything happen to him again if he could help it.

SGA SGA SGA

Carson stepped out of the jumper and stood on PE5 8XC for the first time and felt his legs wobble at the thought of the demise of Sheppard two months ago, close to where he stood now. He took in a breath and caught Teyla watching him studiously.

"Teyla luv?"

Teyla smiled at him and touched his shoulder briefly. "Sorry Carson, I was forgetting you have not been on this planet before. Not that that matters…" She looked wistful, but then, "Do you have everything you need to, um…identify John's, em…body?" She made it through the sentence but felt her chin betray her as its slight wobble did not go unnoticed by Carson.

Teyla laid her heart on her sleeve bare for everyone to see and Carson stepped up to her and wrapped her into a soft hug. Something he had wanted to do since they stepped onto the jumper this morning but wasn't sure how it would be received. When he felt her melt into his embrace he held her tighter. Perhaps, if he was honest, more for himself than her.

Breaking apart, they shared a smile and strengthened by Carson's embrace, Teyla went up to Ronon and stood on her tiptoes to reach his shoulder where she placed her head. Ronon let loose a low groan and pulled her in tight, rocking her. Rodney, last out of the jumper, swiped his hand to close it and pocketed the remote for the cloak in his pocket, pulling up the zip of his jacket against the cold. He stopped short when he noticed the hugging session and felt himself withdraw from the vicinity of Teyla in case he was next. He didn't think he was up to any type of close contact just now, focused as he was on the mission ahead. That was enough for him just now.

Teyla noticed him walk ahead and made to go towards him but Carson held her back with a light touch to her elbow. Teyla would have loved to have held McKay as well, but understood. In any given time, Rodney was not into personal contact so she respected his refusal to join in, somewhat saddened, but soon all three started to follow Rodney, only to watch him stop and then turn his head slightly to the left.

"It's not … it's not that …sorry, can we just go?" Rodney could not talk about how he felt.

Ronon stepped up to him and whacked him on the shoulder and pushed him forward, non-too lightly but just to cover his wobble and incite him into some level of typical Rodney exasperation. It worked.

"Watch it Ronon!" He started to complain and then realising what he had done for him, kicked his calf in return and Ronon was glad to see him smile across at him before resuming his tight lipped expression once again. But it had been enough for the three friends so they resumed their journey, all hoping it would be a success and they would retrieve Sheppard's remains. Teyla's question to herself was, did she want to see them?

They hadn't gone far when Teyla stopped walking.

"I sense Wraith nearby."

Everyone stopped to look at her but she shook her head. "It is very faint but we must be on guard."

Ronon growled, instantly on edge. "Just let us know if your radar gets stronger." He then looked over at Carson, "Doc, are you ok?"

"Aye lad." But Carson was rubbing his forehead, "Just a bit of a headache, I'll be fine."

Rodney could not stand still then and shifted about, getting anxious.

"Just like Sheppard when he first arrived here. Bit of a coincidence don't you think? You have the natural gene too. Do you feel sick?"

Carson looked up at the three friends now regarding him with a measure of some concern. Was the planet going to affect him the same as it had Sheppard?

"No, and it's just a slight headache, so let's get going shall we." Not wanting things to escalate, especially with Rodney, Carson stalked past the team with deliberate strides, wanting to get this over and done with. And soon.

SGA SGA SGA

Clone John's heart pounded. He felt it would beat its way out of his chest soon if he couldn't bring it under control. He had pushed his body to its extreme when he noticed some drones walk his way and had dived into a tight alley but it wasn't until they marched past at a fast pace, that he realised they had not spotted him and importantly, they were not following him. His position, though, was short lived because people were milling about him and his destination was blocked by the residents of the city.

Warm air pressed against his cheek and he realised he was leaning against a door which was slightly ajar. He pushed it open and was relieved to see that the room was devoid of people. With the comforting warmth inside, he slid down behind some boxes that looked like they hadn't been moved in a while and, just for a moment, let his eyes slide shut. He was so weary. A noise startled him awake and he groaned in pain. Hardly having the energy to lift his arm, he stuck his head out, but whatever had made the noise now remained quiet so he settled back against the wall. Sadly, clone John now realised he wouldn't see the end of this day. He felt his life drain from him like the melting snow outside. Pain was dominate throughout every bone and muscle in his body. His lungs were failing, every breath was a struggle. All he wanted to achieve by the end of his life, was to get to the Stargate and see if, from Sheppard's memories, he could manage to remember the sequence for one of the Alpha sites. He had felt guilty lying to Sheppard earlier, but he had indeed retained some vital information from his memories. He had only thought it might add fuel to the fire but, this was important, he had a message to bring to Atlantis and he hoped against hope that someone was there so he could explain the situation and save Sheppard's life. The fact that he would be discovered did not matter to him. All that mattered was that they retrieved Sheppard and got him home to Teyla …and when she found out he was alive! It would make his sacrifice worthwhile.

Meanwhile, he slid up the wall for support, and closed his eyes for a minute, just trying to draw the strength he needed. He opened the door to the outside world and let the noises and smells invade the room and his senses and stepped outside, dismayed to see snow was falling once more on the city.

SGA SGA SGA

The best time to wake up from a stunner shot knocking you unconscious, was to find yourself with your head cradled by Teyla. This was not one of these times, and as Sheppard slowly made his way out of the darkness, he felt sharply the abuse his body was currently being subjected to by the jostling he was receiving, carried over Salty shoulder. The Wraith, sensing his return to consciousness threw him down on the ground, non-too gently. Sheppard moaned, whilst trying to scrabble away but with little success, the stun leaving him like a fish out of water.

"Shep-pard! I am very happy to see you again." He grinned malevolently.

"Can't say the feeling is mutual." Sheppard drew out with little breath. He gave him the once over. "You looked broken earlier." He stated.

"You forget we can regenerate Sheppard. Now, get up and walk." He kicked him in his side to get him moving. "And don't think I have forgotten about the deaths of my drones back there. You will pay for that Shep-pard."

Sheppard held up a hand for him to stop and just for the hell of it to annoy him, took an extra-long time to go about standing up, his side twinging horribly. Finally he walked ahead of Salty, his mind whirling, willing the puddle jumper to appear again and get him the hell off this planet. For now, all he could do was walk back to the City as a prisoner of Salty; again! But, he took delight in the knowledge that Bartok probably was safe to carry on with his journey, now that he had been captured again; although the healer was none too safe now that Salty knew who had been helping him. And for himself, he just hoped that Salty didn't get too friendly with the needles again soon. His lack of strength when Crimson was injected into him was alarming and didn't want to go through the pain of these experiments he had not long recovered from again.

When the headache hit Sheppard, he had to stop walking and put one hand on his knees to steady himself whilst the other rubbed his forehead. Soon the arm came away from his head and wrapped round his stomach as nausea reared its ugly head. He closed his eyes for a second to gather himself and knew what to expect when he looked up at the sky. Through the fresh white snow that was dreamily falling down, the sky was tinged with the familiar red colour of newly mined crimson. Sheppard managed to control his stomach and trudged on after Salty pushed his back roughly from behind.

"Looks like another strike. And so very close to the City. I would say, you have my sympathies Atlantean." And he laughed. "But you do not!" and continued with his deep Wraith laughter.

Sheppard didn't find it funny and passed the next few minutes of their hike with thoughts on how he would kill him for good this time.

Salty did not allow any respite from their brisk walk and it was only when Sheppard's legs finally shook off the pins and needles that followed a stun, that the City came into view, and his stomach dropped. Come on guys, where are you?

Two drones hurried towards them and with expected orders that were silently given, they took up their positions on each side of the prisoner and with Salty still bringing up the rear, Sheppard was outnumbered. With facial features fixed into a deathly stare, he unwillingly walked towards the place he had escape from several weeks ago. His heart hammered in his chest but this time he had the encouragement that somewhere close by, help to escape, might just be a prospect.

Sheppard had learned long ago to be guarded, so when he was put back into his old cell with not another word spoken to him by Salty, he became the vigilant soldier once again, just watching everything that was going on and taking it on board. Salty closed the door behind him and stood staring at him for a long time without speaking.

"What?!"

A slight smile grew from the corner of Salty's mouth but he took a step back and walked away. Sheppard could hear him laughing down the corridor. Damn, just the reaction he wanted.

"My Queen will no doubt see you soon."

Sheppard kicked the empty bucket that was in his cell and flung himself down on the bed.

Crap!

SGA SGA SGA

When sitting didn't work for his pent up energy, Sheppard starting pacing, but the headache and nausea dogged him and he longed for a drink of water to quench his thirst.

"You came back, how lovely…kneel!"

The command entered his head unspoken and Sheppard felt the all too familiar feeling of a Queen nearby. He tried to think of anything to distract his mind from bending to her will but it was a losing battle. The commands of the Queen were always too strong and Sheppard yielded to her extraordinary control.

In all her Wraith glory, the Queen swept into view. Her eyes and hair, so dominant a feature on the Queens, shined so bright and red, they had the appearance of a living flame.

Sheppard drew in a breath as his knees slammed down on to the stone floor and his arms hung useless by his side. Worryingly, his head felt like it was being dragged back by an invisible hand on his hair, leaving his neck and chest vulnerable to attack.

"N…nice…to…see…you too…"

"Silence Atlantean."

Like a game of 'statues', but for one, Sheppard remained restrained in his frozen body awaiting his fate. He didn't have to wait long as all of sudden, and without the door even opening, the Queen had one of her long fingered hands wrapped around his neck and pulled him up like a rag doll until he was level with her face. She opened her mouth and the smell of her breath and the sight of her jagged teeth was grisly to say the least. Sheppard could feel her breath hot on his face and he tried to open his mouth again to say something to annoy her for the hell of it, but he couldn't even control the muscles of his mouth.

"So, our friend the Healer was the one to help you Shep-pard. Did he help you from the very start I wonder…TELL ME?"

Sheppard grunted and groaned, trying so hard not to speak. "I…mm…"

"Never mind, it is not so important that you answer. I think I have figured that out for myself." She looked him in the eyes for the truth she could find there and smiled with the result. "Ah, so I was right Sheppard. Thankyou."

After sniffing his face a couple of times that made him cringe, she released her hold on him and he flopped down once more onto the ground and gathered his heavy limbs until he was sitting down.

The Queen was standing out of his cell again and he slowly stood up to face her through the bars.

"Pity I cannot blame you for the disappearance of your clone as you weren't here. But where does that leave you with us I wonder?"

"Well you could just let me go as you have no use for me now, given that he is dying anyway and too weak to take my organs…" The Queens eyes grew wide and Sheppard could have shot himself right there and then. He had he given himself away, revealing that he knew that his clone was dying, and so was therefore told of the details by Bartok. Sheppard shuddered, he had inadvertently offered up his demise to them easily on a plate.

"So, the little human thinks he is superfluous to our needs does he? Oh I think you are in for a surprise Sheppard. We have more uses for you than you can even imagine…or perhaps you can? Is that why you are looking a little… pensive…shall I say?"

Sheppard's resolve not to retort in anger broke as he grabbed the bars of his cell. "Go to hell!" he spat out.

"Tut tut, don't get worked up now." She pivoted on the spot and swung her long leather coat behind her. "Sit down Sheppard and conserve your energy, for later on I have something in mind for your puny body." And she was gone.

Sheppard did sit down and rested his elbows on his knees and sighed. "Puny!" he said out loud and very disgruntled.

SGA SGA SGA

Salty hung about at the end of the corridor in case his Queen had needed him and if he was honest with himself, he was hoping that there was slip up somewhere along the way and he would have had to have stepped in and kill Sheppard in the premise of protecting his Queen, where really, his loathing of the man was unseating him and he longed for the chance to destroy him.

"Your protection is duly noted…but unnecessary. Do you not think I can look after myself?"

Salty bowed submissively. "Not at all my Queen, but I have learned not to underestimate this particular human and I have taken a special interest in maintaining his capture personally."

The Queen was not fooled but admired the spirit of the Wraith and would now reward him. "I will require Sheppard to be in the viewing room later. Until then, I leave him in your care, as you so wish. You may secure him by whatever force you require necessary…but I warn you, kill him and your death will be swift in retribution and very painful. Are my demands unreasonable?"

"No, my Queen. I understand." Salty bowed his head and only stood upright again when he felt the breeze of her leather coat's departure leave him and then he stood tall and grinning he made his way to Sheppard's cell where he would leave an attempted escape wide open. Then he would show Sheppard just what happened when you tried to cross him. He tapped his pocket and felt the loaded injector pump secure for when he would need to use it.

SGA SGA SGA

The snow drifts up the trees spoke volumes to Ronon and as he pointed them out to the rest of the team he kicked away some of the accumulation off his heavy boots.

"The snow has been very deep here but it's thawing now." He pointed out the facts but he also took note of the snow that was starting to fall again so sped up a bit with the others keeping pace, sensing the same thing. They had better get a move on.

From a different angle, the spot that Sheppard had fallen to his death, didn't look as ominous as Teyla thought it would be when she finally got there. Tall trees framed the scene and a blanket of untouched snow laid down before them. Not even an animal print could be seen, so perfect was the ground. Ronon's big footprints were the first to break the pristine carpet, closely followed by Rodney. Carson and Teyla held back slightly until Ronon called the Doctor forward and ushered for him to get himself ready as Ronon recognised the area they were looking for. Carson stepped forward, full professional dignity in the task ahead. It was important he extended an honourable job of identifying the Colonels remains effectively and with great care.

Rodney frowned at the readings he was getting on his LSD. "We better speed this up because I'm detecting life signs again and looking at Teyla, she is to."

Everyone turned to look at Teyla after he said that but she turned away and fell to her knees on the soft snow, feeling utterly drained all of a sudden.

Carson was quick to fall on his knees beside her. "Lass. Oh lass, are you all right?"

She nodded. "Please Carson, let's just take John home now."

Without another word Carson pulled out his PDA and looked at the readings. "Are you sure this is the right spot Ronon?"

"I am sure." he replied gruffly.

"Ronon lad, I only ask because I am not detecting any bones in this area or the immediate surroundings." He hung his head and then righted it. "He isn't here…I am sorry."

Teyla wrapped both arms around her stomach and still on her knees, she rocked gently, silent tears streaming down her face.

"I…I just thought they wouldn't have bothered to take his body away. Do you think that's normal Ronon?"

"It's unusual from what I have witnessed. Once killed, they walk away normally."

Rodney jumped about nervously. "Look I hate to break this up but John's body obviously isn't here. It's not what we wanted but we have to go now before the Wraith appear. We will go back to Atlantis and have the only funeral we can have…without him."

"Rodney!" Carson shouted out, making his headache worse in the process.

"No, it has to be said. Look we have been pussyfooting around this subject for long enough. He is not here. Fact! So let's go home and leave this miserable planet behind us."

"NO!" Teyla shouted, her hands rounded into fits by her side. "No. We will go into the City and see if there is someone there who could tell us what happens to anyone killed by the Wraith."

"I don't know. They all looked like they live peacefully with the Wraith. They are maybe Wraith Worshippers."

Ronon looked like he was going to lunge at Rodney so Carson stepped in.

"When we decided to come here, we agreed…Rodney…that if John wasn't here, we would investigate. Now, I know for a certainty that his remains are unfortunately not here, so I agree with Teyla, let's go into the City and ask around. Come on Rodney, we are here now. Let's at least try another way to find them?"

Rodney looked at his LSD and then each of the team in turn and threw his arms down in exasperation.

"Ok, ok. Let's go…but now!"

Ronon extended a hand to Teyla to help her up off the ground and she accepted, leaning on his weight when she was upright; her legs were just a bit too weak to move forward. Ronon sensed this and put his arm around her waist and guided her back towards the forest.

Rodney fiddled with the readings on the LSD and reluctantly pointed out to them the direction of the City.

"Ok." Said Carson. "Let's see if anyone can help us there."

Ronon squeezed Teyla's waist and bent down to whisper in her ear. "We will find him Teyla. Have that belief."

"Thank you Ronon. I do believe I will find him."

Ronon smiled but his brow furrowed. It was all he could do not to scream out loud at not finding his friends body. He, like the rest of them were desperate to have him back home and started to regret the time they had taken to come here and retrieve him. But Ronon had learned long ago that regrets can eat you alive, so he just continued on with the now, that was always how he treated life and he wasn't going to stop now.

All four team members pulled their long cloaks around them, seeking extra warmth. This time they hoped to blend in with the local dress so all four pulled their hoods over their heads and all unconsciously patted their pockets, feeling for their hidden weapons; hoping they didn't have cause to use them.

A couple of miles walking in companionable silence and the outskirts of the city came into view.

SGA SGA SGA

The door to the cell was flung open and before Sheppard could take in the sight of Salty descending upon him, he had him pushed back on his bed and then as fast as he had tackled him he withdrew and watched for Sheppard's reaction, stepping to the side to make Sheppard aware of the fact that he had left the door of his cell open.

"Oh you have got to be kidding me." Sheppard exclaimed. "The age old attempted escape excuse to kill me. Well I'm telling you buddy, I see through your plan." Sheppard stubbornly did not move from his prone position on the bed.

In a rage Salty pounced once more and picked Sheppard up and bodily threw him out of the door, timing it to perfection when he knew the drones the Queen had requested as extra guards would turn up to witness the fight between the two enemies.

Sheppard was in quandary; fight or flee. The arrival of the drones, however, decided the matter and when Salty launched himself at Sheppard again, he allowed the Wraith to slam his body into the wall, not allowing three Wraith to gladly take him out. Unfortunately Salty jabbed the needle into Sheppard's neck with a growl and a snarl.

"This will not kill you Sheppard but just a reminder of what I can do to you at any time, whenever I want." And he released the contents into his neck.

Sheppard could not stifle the scream that rose from his throat at the pain of the fluid as it entered his system. Ice cold one minute and burning the next, he felt it course its way around his body and even his eyes felt like burning holes. He clawed at them, the screams so loud one minute, now failed to escape his mouth; the pain had taken away his ability to speak. He blindly struck out at the drones as they grabbed his hunched shoulders.

Salty stepped back and allowed the drones to throw Sheppard into his cell and he landed with a thud, twisting to the left and right trying to escape the searing pain. His back arched once and then he fell silent, darkness having claimed him to put him out of his misery. Salty pressed his fingers to his neck and found him alive. He, for a minute, once again admired the strength of the Atlantean, but now was not the time to kill him; unfortunately. He would take him to his Queen later in the day and see what delights she had for him. And then, he was all his.

SGA SGA SGA

Noise crackled in his ears and a low droning noise pounded his head, but it was Sheppard's stomach rebelling that woke him from his agony. He managed to roll himself over to the side of his bed and let go of its contents. Dragged down and momentarily sapped of energy, his sweat slicked body tried to normalise so he helped it along by breathing slow and deep and soon he felt in control of it enough to push up on his elbows and swing his legs over the edge to sit with his head in his hands until the rocking motion stopped and the room stopped spinning. He realised his feet was near the pile of vomit , so he pushed himself up off the bed, more to get away from the smell but he glad to find that he could stand unaided so reckoned the dose he had received was much lower than previous ones.

As it was, Sheppard was dismayed, but not to the point of despair he had been in previously in the cell. He controlled his breathing and focused on the images of his Team and of those back in Atlantis. It could be that it was Lorne's team in the jumper and that was a good thing also. He had something to focus on now and it gave him the strength he needed to get through the next few hours – or days, he was no fool to freedom being illusive.

Life did not stop. His heartbeat was strong in his chest and he was willing to defend himself, but lack of water would be his downfall soon he realised. He rattled the bars of his cell to get attention and was soon rewarded when he heard the heavy booted feet of a drone come his way.

"Water!"

The drone didn't utter a word but looked at him and then walked away.

"I need water!" he shouted after it.

Sheppard was getting annoyed at himself. Calm down! What was it with him and water when he was in the City!

He started pacing and was surprised a few minutes later when Salty himself arrived holding out the much needed refreshment. He cocked his head to the side as he studied Sheppard. "Is this what you want Sheppard?" whilst deliberately keeping it out of reach.

Sheppard narrowed his eyes and stared back with a look the Wraith noticed was more directed to anger than he had ever seen in the Atlantean before. Defiance was something Wraith enjoyed more than anything with captured humans and he licked his lips excessively. The staring match continued, with Sheppard not saying a word, until slowly Salty handed the narrow jug through the bars of the cell to Sheppard's outreached hand. Sheppard took it and Salty walked away, but not before he allowed himself an extra smile. Something had changed within Sheppard he thought, and he wasn't going to be far away to figure out what had caused his new found strength for he could see his whole stance was different; stronger, defiant and ready to defend himself, a killer's face. Salty was not going to wait long to bring more fight out of the Atlantean. Drugging him was not satisfactory enough now for the Wraith. He wanted hand to hand combat with the man and finally show him he was no competition to his strength.

As he walked away Salty decided outside in the City was on the agenda and to try to see if he could track down Bartok or even the Clone of Sheppard himself as there had been no sightings by the drones and other Wraith and his Queen was losing patience. He needed to find favour with her again; capturing Sheppard was a step in the right direction but he knew she wanted to see more strength and cunning come from him if he was to be her main advisor.

He quickened his steps and left the compound on a mission.

Sheppard starting drinking from the jug the minute it had been handed to him. It could be drugged, he knew that, but just now the need was so strong he didn't care. The cool liquid was like a rush of morphine, such was its potency in his body. For a moment he pondered on that and stared into the jug at the remaining contents and remembered a time when he first arrived and had found himself, at one point, by the river, just eager to step into the cold water; almost like it was drawing him in. He lifted his head, his mouth open. He was no scientist, but by the way he felt when he drunk the water, he found it to be liberating and …peaceful almost; but he had never received enough of it to know the full effects it would have on him. Every time he drank it in the City he felt much better, even his Crimson headache was just a presence in the background, nothing too bad. Could it be that the water, or what was in the water near here was something Bartok could use?

This was what he needed. A focus. Now he had ideas forming in his head and he felt more like himself. He would enjoy his next encounter with Salty or the Queen he had decided. He felt up to it. Just knowing members of Atlantis were out there somewhere had given him a tremendous boost and he also knew he had two other friends out there that might just be trying to find him once they knew he was missing. Sheppard stood tall and then started some basic exercises to get himself in shape for the fight ahead he knew was coming.

SGA SGA SGA

"I think four of us walking together in a tight huddle will draw attention."

"Sheppard always says to stick together Ronon." Rodney fidgeted beside him when they had stopped to survey the City in front of them.

"I am aware of that Rodney but…"

"Ronon's right Rodney. It will bring attention. What are you thinking?" Teyla interjected.

"Oh come on, here we go, let someone act all maverick again. It gets us into trouble you know, even death to some!"

And there it was laid bare. Rodney had inadvertently told his friends what had been bothering him so much. He felt a hand on his sleeve and he looked up into the gentle eyes of Teyla looking at him.

"Is this what has been bothering you Rodney, the fact that John ran away from us in the opposite direction to make the Wraith follow him instead of us?"

Rodney looked at his feet, now unable to look Teyla in the eyes, seeing how they glistened at the mention of Sheppard's bravado run to save them. "He was always doing things like that as you know…but we were never allowed to, oh no!...and then he goes and does the very thing that always riled him when Ronon would break away from the group or you Teyla, when you thought you could listen to a Queens thoughts, or…"

Teyla took his face in her hands and lifted it up to look at her and he didn't resist. "John was leader of our Team and particularly, Military Commander of Atlantis. The responsibilities he had were huge. He would have sacrificed himself for anyone Rodney, and you know that – I also suspect that you would too." Teyla's voice grew quieter. "Wouldn't you?" It was rhetorical but Rodney slowly nodded his head. He laughed inside to himself, Teyla was right – he actually would… now; but back a few years, he was a selfish, egotistical super brain with no thought for how others felt or acted – but this time his Sheppard's plan had back fired and had got the better of him. He would never again bounce back into their lives with that boyish, bravado smile that had made him feel safe and know that everything was alright again, he had saved the day. It was going to take a long time to get over the loss of such a close friend. He had little in the way of friends, but he did know that he had three standing in front of him looking worriedly at him so he went against his nature and embraced Teyla in a quick hug.

"Right ok, now you know what's been bugging me, so can we move on now… Ronon, what's your plan?" But Teyla still held his gaze. "I know you loved him too, sometimes I forget about everybody else's feelings as I'm too busy trying to sort out my own, but I promise when we get back we must all sit down together and figure out where we go from here." Teyla looked back to Ronon and he silently nodded. She squeezed Rodney's shoulder and he smiled at her and nodded back.

"Are you ok Rodney?" Carson asked, concern on his face for his troubled friend.

"I will be Carson."

Ronon coughed, "I know how you must feel Rodney but I need to look around. You three will not look out of place walking about together."

"Ok, but wear your ear piece and check in every half hour."

"And now who do you sound like?" Ronon laughed for a moment.

"Yes…well. Get going you big oaf!"

"I don't know what that is Rodney but I could guess. I will contact you if I find anything."

"Likewise, Ronon." Teyla said and pulled his head down for a typical Anthosian forehead to forehead.

"Be safe."

"Always!" And he was gone.

Rodney couldn't help but smirk at the big man's departing back.

Carson put his arm around his shoulders and pulled him into a slower walk, with Teyla following.

"All right now Rodney?" His hold was firm but gentle and Rodney, all of a sudden, felt glad of it as he felt a bit shaky after his revelation.

"I'm all right now, Carson."

"Good lad. Now, let's walk around and see what we can find out hmm?"

SGA SGA SGA

Ronon walked on fast into the City, breathing as fast as he was walking. His emotions were in turmoil at the task ahead. Rodney's heartfelt speech had stirred up his own thoughts at the departure of his friend. He never realised he would be so attached to people again after all his years as a runner and even though he knew their lives faced danger every day, he never thought he would lose another friend that was as close to him as a brother, so soon after joining the team on Atlantis. The fact that they had not found Sheppard's remains was not ideal for them to move on and this could be a difficult job finding out what had happened to them.

Ronon decided to walk in a circle round the entire City, starting at the obviously poorer section, to see just what they were dealing with as they had only been in a small part of it before and John had been sick then and they were concentrated on that. With a start, Ronon realised that they had never thought anything else of that sickness but with Carson sharing the symptoms of a headache like Sheppard had been, it was something to think about and for Carson to investigate. They were now in Wraith territory and Ronon knew it must be affecting Teyla, even though she would never admit to it. So time was of the essence.

He found, once he relaxed his pace, that people walked along beside him without a second look, so he carried on in his quest. Soon he came to the area that Sheppard had been sick in and he darted up the alley to get the lay of the land and find out if there was anything that would stand out as different. Not noticing anything, other than the sky having that strange red colour again, Ronon looked at where he would go next. A high windowed building caught his eye as unusual, the windows were barred, like a jail, and as the residents seemed to behave themselves, he thought it unusual. Also, many of the windows were boarded up but had vents. Curiosity peaked, Ronon walked as naturally as he could towards it. He felt an unease come across him and he knew to trust his instincts so he brought a smaller knife out of his waistcoat and into his outer pocket, it did not harm to be ready for a fight at any time.

Looking in the windows was impossible as they were too high up, so Ronon looked for an accessible door; one that could be entered without too many witnesses. He didn't have to wait long. As he walked north, several people exited the building and walked off up one of the alleys that made up a network of them leaving the door to softly close behind them. As quick as he could, without attracting attention, Ronon walked fast up to it and held it tight as it started to close, there really was no strict policing going on here – he slipped round it to start to enter the building, hoping no Wraith were right inside the entrance, and then promptly fell back outside the door again panting and was shocked into walking away as fast as he could to gather himself, unable to enter the building as he would have liked.

A breath so tightly held, Ronon didn't think he would exhale again. He ran into the alley he had walked down earlier and leaned against a building as strength was leaving him fast at what he had just witnessed. Sheppard!

He allowed his body to slide down the wall, hands on either side of his head, until he was sitting on the ground, his legs spread out in front of him and finally he breathed out. Sheppard. He had noticed through a glass partition, Sheppard being led by two drones along a corridor that was empty of others towards a door that was being held open by another drone. The brief look he had of him was that he looked on edge … fine, Sheppard could harness that but most importantly to Ronon, he was alive!

SGA SGA SGA

Salty pulled his coat closed around his wide body against the light snow that was still falling. He did not feel the cold, however, as he was too busy scanning the crowds and buildings as he purposely walked towards the outskirts of the poor section. Talk had always reached their ears that there was some who wanted the Wraith gone from Cuil and it was an area he had only ventured on a couple of occasions, so he reckoned there were places to hide he had no idea about. He could have got further information by others in the hive, but his ego dictated he went this mission alone.

He sniffed the air and showed his teeth to any that got too close. If he received a backwards glare, he didn't notice. He was intent on finding the two humans that were pausing his rise in the Queens hive and he wanted them gone.

The smells in this area were quite pungent to him and he wiggled his nose at the unpleasant smells that assaulted him. Growling out loud as he made his way around the tight alleys of this overcrowded part of the City. He came to a sudden halt.

In front of him, palm flat against a wall was a hunched figure trying to hold himself upright, in obvious pain and discomfort. The clothes were what gave him away. What was visible to Salty was that they were black, in sharp contrast with the browns of the locals and only Wraith wore black on this planet. The Military boots and trousers, so obviously Sheppard's, were the chosen garb of the clone of Sheppard's when he had gone missing. The clone also wore a torn and wet cloak but it was a useless disguise. A low growl escaped his lips and he licked them with anticipation.

SGA SGA SGA

In his short time alive, clone John knew only fear, confusion and the knowledge that he was only alive to be used to everyone's advantage. His healer had ended up being his only friend and confidante and the friendship that emerged between the two was special. The Wraith part of him hungered for life, to be set free but he had always managed to contain it. The human side of him, that was the strongest, was now saddened that he could not end his mission to get to the gate and warn Atlantis. He hated failure and it was all he could do to put another foot in front of himself. His body was failing him at an alarming rate and his time, short as it was, was coming to an end and he would never know what it was like to be fulfilled in something. It was a hurt, incomparable to the physical pain he felt with every step or breath.

A low growl behind him alerted him to the fact that he was not alone in the alley. He stopped and raised his head in horror at the realisation of who was behind him. The touch on his shoulder when it came almost killed him right there and then and he shook when the hold got tighter. Still holding on to his shoulder, Salty walked slowly round to face him. For a few seconds the two faced each other until Salty cocked his head to the side as if seeing the state of him for the first time.

"Ahhh clone. Not feeling well? It is a shame you are of no further use to my Queen. Is there any point in bringing you back to be with Sheppard, your time looks short?"

At that piece of information clone John's eyes narrowed and suddenly gave himself away to Salty. "That's right. I have captured him again. He does make it easy for me Shep…pard! Puny humans."

But clone John, weak as he was, would not rise to the challenge and just poked him in the chest. "There is nothing you can do to me…Wraith!" he spat "that I have not seen before or, in memory, at least, survived from."

"What you say maybe correct clone but I don't think you personally have witnessed or been part of, what my kind can really do." With such speed, Salty, pushed his feeding hand into his chest and watching his face react as he started to feed.

Clone John felt as though time stood still and as he gasped with pain and anger, he hunched his back more against the assault. No!

Salty, having realised the clone did not have long to live and that even if he had taken him straight back to the compound, with Bartok missing to operate and Sheppard not being prepared, it would have been a useless task so he took what life he could take from the hybrid - it might just be his most delicious meal yet.

He felt the clone's life drain away and fill him with strength like he had never felt before until footsteps could be heard and he withdrew prematurely looking at his hand letting clone John fall to the ground.

Several people came running to see what all the commotion was about and Salty left the prone man and ran away before there were witnesses to his guilt. After all, if his Queen found out what he had started to do, it would be the death of him. He sidestepped many people and eventually found an alley that lead in a different direction, away from the poor section and back to the glistening city centre.

SGA SGA SGA

Teyla, Rodney and Carson had walked about for quite a time now. The fact that Ronon was due to check in with them very soon was making them anxious, but they would allow him to do that so he knew they weren't chasing him up – when of course they were more than eager to hear he was ok. Knowing Rodney would need food soon, they stopped at a merchant selling spicy smelling meat, slowly turning on a spit, forcing all their stomachs to rumble. Three, wrapped in a sort of flat bread, were purchased and they complimented the seller, telling him they would be back for a fourth shortly. It was five minutes of normality and they all relaxed slightly as they left the seller behind after finding out the recipe, much to Rodney's obvious joy.

Teyla stopped in her tracks and held out her arm for Rodney and Carson to stop walking.

"What is it luv?" Carson caught the outstretched arm.

"I do not know. It is unusual, like Wraith I think, but…weak…so very weak." She had never felt anything like the feeling she was getting before and it was unsettling.

"I thought I heard your name." Rodney said quickly.

"Aye lad, I heard it too. Ronon wouldn't shout out intentionally would he?"

"No, it was a young voice I heard but don't look back Teyla. It could be a trick." Rodney requested.

SGA SGA SGA

Girvan ran about the city in a panic. The search for his Uncle had been fruitless as he had not turned up where he said he would be, namely, one of the abandoned caves from where Crimson used to be mined. He didn't know what to do, he could not let down Sheppard who was once more, back in the compound and in danger. He ran and occasionally met people he knew, but nobody had seen him. He was standing there, uncertain of his next move, when a commotion drew his attention. Up ahead, some people were standing looking down at a figure trying to rise from the frozen ground and his hand went to his mouth. It looked like Clone John. A couple walking near him talked about how he was near death and someone had called for the healers to take him away, mentioning that they hated the mines for taking people's lives away.

No, no, no. He ran towards the clone before he would be out of sight because he could see that he had raised himself up and had started to walk away, albeit slowly. Within a minute, though, he fell down and did not get up.

Girvan put his hand out. "Wait!"

SGA SGA SGA

(And now we have caught up with the prologue…..)

The man's clothes were hanging off him like rags, he was just another aged man meeting his end lying on the snow covered cobbled streets. People were used to that sight on this world. Worked to their death and they weren't even that old. It was sad, but a common occurrence.

The man with the greying hair and wrinkled skin, clasped his chest over his heart, with his left hand, his right raised up as if reaching for something just out of his grasp. He tried to turn on his side to get up but the pain was too much. People held him down, telling him to lie still, die well, but he raised his head in spite and searched in the distance to what he had been looking at seconds before.

Could it be the woman he thought he had lost forever? He remembered her golden brown hair and warm honeyed coloured skin so well.

People kept shifting in front of him and he couldn't see her anymore because their legs and long coats' flapping with the wind were in his way. The pain made his breath stall and he let his head fall defeated. He stared up at the sky, his reaching arm now down lying on his chest. There was no energy left in him. His arms lay useless across his chest until the right one slipped to the ground; a strange black band on it, now soaked through, was wrapped around his thin wrist. The snow landed on his lashes and he blinked. Clone John watched it come down in white furls and mouthed the women's name he had tried to attract but his voice was hoarse, almost gone; his lips moved again but nothing came out.

A small crowd was gathered around the fallen man. 'What did he say?' A woman holding her child asked to no one in particular.

'Teyla...it sounded like Teyla? Someone said.

Girvan had managed to make his way to the front of the crowd and watched as Sheppard's clone pointed towards someone and then tried to shout out a name he had heard before, he quickly looked around and saw the woman disappearing fast from view. He reached for the now still man and people looked on bewildered as he yanked the black band off of the man's wrist and took off at a run, no-one watched him to see where he went, he was not worth bothering about; but should they have, they would have seen him try with all he had to catch up with the woman the man was trying to alert. He was losing sight of her and he just couldn't make that happen. He owed the man his life, he had never given him away to the Wraith, and he was going to repay the debt if it wasn't too late. He knew once he caught up with her all their lives would change for the good, so he sped on, his arms pumping hard, moving him faster than he had ever ran before. She may not believe his tale if he caught up with her, but she soon would, he knew; the proof of it lay clutched tight in the palm of his hand.

SGA SGA SGA

The Queen was furious. She had asked for the Atlantean to be brought to the observation room and she was not happy. Where was the Wraith who was so eager to guard Sheppard and worm his way into her affections to be her main adviser? Was this not what he wanted? She was puzzled by his behaviour. She had called for him to bring Sheppard and was not amused when Sheppard had smirked when they reply from other Wraith was that he had gone missing. She back-handed Sheppard and wiped the blood that came from his split lip on her tongue, licking it and smiling at the human.

"I would not laugh Shep…pard."

Perhaps not, but Sheppard was more amused that she knew. He had had a boost. In the reflection of glass, Sheppard had seen a figure that, as quickly as it had entered the door, had exited it again. For Sheppard, he would know that silhouette anywhere. Ronon. He wanted to shout out there and then but he could see the Queen in the room waiting on him, and all the entourage that came with her, standing there fully loaded and too much for Ronon to take single-handedly. Sheppard tried hard not to smile, to laugh, or cry out with joy, so when the Queen hit him he found the release he was looking for and concentrated on the sharp pain in his lip. Good. Work on that Sheppard. Know a rescue is imminent. Soon…guys…please! He now thought to himself as he watched the Queen motion to the silent figure who always seemed to be present in the viewing deck to come forward and join her.

Crap, he thought. Who is this now?

SGA SGA SGA

Ronon raised his hand to touch his ear piece and then stopped. This was not something he could broadcast to the team and especially Teyla over the radio. This had to be face to face. The only thing was, he needed their help to take the compound and free Sheppard. And oh god, bring him home. He tapped his ear piece therefore just to find out where they were. Contact made and location spotted, Ronon started running back up the alley and grudgingly away from Sheppard towards where Teyla, Rodney and Carson were now waiting on him. He had never had the pleasure of delivering such important news before and his mind exploded with emotions. So much so, he had to wipe many tears away as he ran or not see where he was going.

SGA SGA SGA

It was the loud cry of her name for the third time that made Teyla finally stop walking and turn around to find out who was so obviously shouting her name. She noticed Rodney stiffen as she turned around.

A young boy, out of breath, his forehead slick with sweat caught up with her and looked her in the eye and then over to the two men with her, taking a step back slightly, suddenly looking nervous.

"Teyla?" he asked again.

Teyla, although taken aback that he would know who she was, stepped towards him and nodded her head. "Yes, that is my name. Do I know you?"

Girvan gulped and wetted his dry lips. "No…no you do not. But I have heard about you… I mean, I have heard many stories. Sorry I am not making sense, but you must come with me, now! It is urgent." He looked from her to the two men. "You must be Rodney and Carson, although I do not know you apart."

With that revelation, Rodney grabbed his arm and held it tightly.

"How do you know our names?" He shook him with frustration. "What is going on here?"

"Leave the lad be Rodney." Carson said. Girvan looked from one to the other, now he knew who was who.

"What is it lad? Tell us what you know?" Carson's voice was warm and gentle, belying what he was feeling and how fast his heart was beating.

Girvan took a breath and found it easier to hold out his hand and watch as Sheppard's three friends took sight of what he had in his hand, John Sheppard's black wrist band. Something they all recognised as his.

A collective gasp was the start of different reactions.

Teyla's legs started to give way and Carson threw his own shock away as he made a grab for her before she fell. Teyla clasped her chest and listened to Carson as he held her tight until she sat down on the ground and he made her put her head between her legs.

"Breathe slow and deep. Slow and deep Teyla. That's is, slow and deep."

Rodney reached his hand out and took the wrist band from Girvan and turned it in his fingers.

"Wha…what does this mean?" he could hardly talk.

Girvan had not thought this out and was now struggling to know how to tell them that the man they thought dead a couple of months ago had not died but was alive and only a few yards away and in need of help.

"It is Colonel Sheppard's wrist band. Although it was taken from his cl...I - you do not know… there is no time to tell you..." his eyes grew wide with the realisation of the importance in the part that he played this day. There was silence until he spoke the words they were now looking at him with hope to confirm.

"The Colonel…he is alive, he was never killed."

"No, no, no." Teyla wailed in almost a replay as she had done months ago when back on Atlantis and his death had finally hit her. "He died! He sacrificed himself so we could make it home!"

They all looked stunned.

"We…we left him." Rodney was getting extremely agitated, his hands in his hair on top of his head.

"Please, I can assure you he didn't die at the time although he had been very ill for some time afterwards at the hands of the Wraith. My Uncle, who is a healer, and I helped him back to health but, and you must recover from this and listen. He has been captured again and we need to get back to the compound and save him, please for they will not hesitate to kill him this time."

Teyla stood up, with the help of Carson.

"What you say is true? Please, you do not deceive me?" Teyla's voice quivered.

Girvan smiled and nodded. He took the wrist band from Rodney's hand and handed it to Teyla.

"When he was ill with fever he called out for his Imjai – he told me that was his name for you, does that make you believe me?"

Teyla took the band with shaking hands and wrapped Girvan in her arms and cried into his shoulder. "It is our name for each other, only John would know that." She sobbed some more and then parted from his now sodden shoulder.

"Oh no Carson, Rodney, we left him alive… we didn't even check for sure and then took TWO months to look for his remains. I cannot be forgiven for this!"

"I know luv but, by what the boy is saying, we do not have the time to dwell on this just now if we want to get him back alive."

Rodney suddenly burst out, "Ronon! We have to get Ronon and tell him…" He stopped talking, when, as if he knew, Ronon's voice came over the radio. He sounded out of breath and spoke very fast.

"Where are you? We have to meet up …now!"

Rodney looked for a distinct landmark and Ronon acknowledged he could see it and would be there shortly. "Do not move!"

The three friends, with Teyla holding onto Girvan's shoulder looked down the street awaiting the big man's arrival. How would he take the news? Teyla thought.

SGA SGA SGA

Ronon ran on and soon he could see his friends in the near distance and it looked like someone had joined them. The hackles came up but they looked relaxed so he let his guard down slightly. It wasn't until he drew up beside them that he saw the smiles on their faces and the tell-tale signs of fresh tears on Teyls's face, that he realised they had somehow had found out his news as well. Nobody would beam like the way Teyla, Rodney and Carson were now if it wasn't so.

"Teyla!" he cried.

She ran to him and fell into his outstretched arms.

"He's alive Ronon, he's alive. This boy knows him! "

Ronon whispered, out of breath, but not from running. "I know, I saw him!"

Teyla pushed back from his chest. "What do you mean Ronon?" She looked behind him.

"He is in some sort of building with bars on the window. He's alive Teyla, but how? Gawd I failed him. "

Teyla hugged him again and Rodney slowly shook his head at him with sad eyes.

"He's at the compound, that's what I started to tell you." Girvan interrupted.

Ronon stopped and stared at Girvan until he took a step back, unsure of the bigger man.

"Who are you?" Ronon growled out.

"We haven't heard the full explanation yet Ronon but he seemed to know who Teyla was and called on her. The boy says that he and his Uncle cared for John after the Wraith hurt him." Carson tried to get some order.

"It's true. Please, we must get back to save him, another has died today so that he might be saved. The Wraith will not hesitate to kill him as he is of no use to their plans now if they found out he died."

"If who died? What plans?" Rodney got hold of his arm again and spun him round to face him.

"Rodney let him go." Ronon said deep in his throat.

Rodney stepped back with his lips pursed, not like this one bit.

Teyla, letting her calm demeanour come forth, took charge. "Carson, please stay outside the building while we go in. He cannot be harmed."

"No. I'm coming in with you, I know the lay-out."

"You are not, we cannot worry about you also."

"You do not know what you are dealing with, what they did to Sheppard, he almost died from it."

Teyla felt tears threaten to fall as she listened to him speak.

"After all this time, I am sure there are many things for us to find out Girvan. I am hoping John, himself, will tell us everything. But we have to free him. That means we have to work as the team we are. John's team. We know how each other works Girvan, we cannot afford to worry about you as well. Carson, he is John's doctor – a healer like your Uncle – John may need him, so please stay nearby with Carson and you can fill him in on what his condition has been the last two months so he knows what to expect when we bring him out." Teyla looked over at Carson and he nodded but took her arm.

"Teyla, I …"

"Say nothing Carson…please?"

"Come on, let's go!" Ronon implored.

Teyla grabbed his arm.

"How did he look when you saw him?" Teyla asked.

"I only got a quick glimpse but he was at least walking straight."

"How did you get in?"

"Some people just came out and I started to go in the door before it closed. It was easy…until the Wraith came of course and I had to get out as there were too many of them."

Girvan spoke up. "There is no security as the Wraith feel they do not need it. I was always slipping in un-noticed."

"Strange." Rodney's contribution.

"But, if you say you witnessed the Colonel being led into a room near the door then that is the observation room and…"

"And?" Rodney was impatient as usual.

"And!...and that means the Queen is there. Possibly several Queens as there is a fight for power and their plans are failing." Girvan thought sadly to the loss of the Colonel's clone. He felt sorry that he had just snatched his wrist band like that and had not taken a second to respect the clone's body but he suspected the clone would have been happy with what he had accomplished.

"I hate this." Carson voiced, was now getting impatient.

The compound came into view and Ronon looked around for a place for Carson to stay with Girvan.

"You have your ear piece?" Ronon asked him.

Carson nodded.

"Good. Right, next time you see us, we hope to be bringing John with us. If we are not back in 30 minutes, run for the jumper and dial Atlantis and get back up."

Carson looked to Teyla and she nodded in agreement with Ronon.

"Take care of yourself Teyla and…"

She nodded her head and with Rodney casting a final look at Carson and a reassuring nod from him in return, they all ran towards the compound with Carson holding onto Girvan's shoulder.

SGA SGA SGA

Sheppard was strapped by the chest, waist and ankles to a heavy chair. A drone stood back against the wall and another strode into the room carrying a small box just as Salty decided to make an appearance. He had ran at an alarming speed back towards the compound; full of energy from his recent feeding, and was disappointed to find Sheppard had already been brought to the observation room as per his Queens request. He realised that his personal feud with Sheppard had overtaken his service to his Queen. Bowing with a great flourish he faced her. "My Queen, I apologise for my lateness. I was searching for the healer."

"Pah! You disappoint me Wraith. Do not let me have to ask others to do your bidding again!"

Salty looked at her and nodded once, totally shamed.

The Queens was angry but would deal with him later. She snarled and walked away towards the door that was opening at the far side of the room.

Sheppard was watching the exchange with interest. Where had Salty been?

What was disturbing, was that Sheppard knew that look on his face. He had fed…and recently!"

Salty walked towards him and the grin could not have been bigger.

"Tut tut, upsetting your Queen." Sheppard said.

The punch that came his way connected with his jaw and his head was knocked back with such a force, Sheppard knew immediately it was damaging. He could feel the bruises and swelling come out and he spat out the blood that was accumulating in his mouth and grinned at Salty with blood stained teeth. His split lip from the Queens treatment of him throbbed in time with his sore jaw but he still felt good; hope was running through his veins and it was better than any powerful drug.

"Leave him!"

Salty stepped back before he could execute another blow, disappointed but patient.

Sheppard cleared the blood from his teeth and spat it out again on the floor. Salty side-stepped the mess and growled.

"Lt. Colonel John Sheppard. You have caused quite the problem. What to do with you now? Your clone has not been found since he disappeared on us, do you know anything about that?"

Sheppard remained quiet.

"Shep…pard. I can read you very well so you do not need to answer me. He may be dead already and that causes me a problem."
Salty shifted uncomfortably.

The Queen continued. "Which means I cannot fulfil my promises to the other Queens for our new breed of Wraith."

"So you don't need my organs anymore. Cool! Want to just let me go then. I promise I won't tell what you've done to me!" Sheppard joked.

The Queen invaded his mind with the speed of lightning and if he hadn't been tied to the chair he would have found himself curled up on the floor, trying to avoid the invading pressure of her mind pushing his.

"Gag him!" she finally commanded Salty and with great pleasure he stuffed a rag in his mouth and tied a strap of leather round his head and pulled it tightly over his mouth, using a buckle to secure it. Too tight, it was too tight and Sheppard screwed up his eyes in pain as the leather bit into his freshly burst jaw and bruises.

Impatient to be able to cause Sheppard more discomfort, Salty paced back and forth in front of him waiting on permission to basically maul him. It never came and he watched Sheppard's expression change from one of hatred towards him, to one of surprise, when the figure coming through the open door became visible.

Salty knew the Queen had not told him everything that was planned with the clone and Sheppard. He was not high enough up the hierarchy for that, but since Sheppard had killed his predecessor, he was delighted when the Queen had not told him to leave the room. He was still in the running to be the closest to her, the top advisor. He had been excited to know of the plans to make a new breed of soldier but the facts on how that could happen was not something he even tried to be a part of. His role was more of the soldier, not scientist. So when he pivoted to see the object of Sheppard's abstract horror, he took a step back, shock on his face as well.

The Athosian called Teyla was right in front of him. He recognised her right away, as he had led a scout mission once on the same planet they had happened to be on and he had watched the Team led by Sheppard save some humans with exceptional speed and cunning. He had hated Sheppard with a passion after that day.

Except this was not the original Teyla Salty realised. He took notice of how much taller she was compared to the smaller Athosian woman, and as she reached his side Salty smiled, like the clone of John, Wraith DNA was evident in how grey the skin was, and how sharp and pointed her teeth were. Her vibrant red hair flowed down her shoulders like licks of a flame, just finishing off the surprise.

Salty could hear Sheppard make noises behind him and watched as the Wraith hybrid made her way to his side and leant forward to sniff him and then drew back and rolled her sharp finger nails down his face and neck, resting on his chest which she exposed to the air with a rip of his shirt.

The Queen joined her at Sheppard's side and motioned for the drone to hand her the box he had been holding. Once opened, she extracted the ever present injection pump which she swiftly filled with some creation.

Sheppard could not keep his eyes off of the Wraith Teyla and tried to squirm out of the bindings but they were too tight, blood started to break from skin around his wrists with the effort. Fear was now flowing alongside hope and his veins were ice cold. Teyla. What had they done? With loathing, he now understood that she would have been designed to be the new Queen! For a second only, he wondered what had happened to his clone, him being designed to be the King after all.

Horror vocalised in his screams that would not go past leather and his eyes felt so tight they threatened to pop out of the sockets. No, no, not his beautiful Teyla, morphed into this life sucking abomination. He pushed his body against the bindings of the chair as much as he could, trying to wiggle his body free, but Teyla just put her arms at each side of him and leaned in and kissed his cheeks. Sheppard's fingers curled into his palms and he could feel his nails go in deep. A sharp sting in his neck and the needle went into him without him seeing it happen. He started to breath too fast, this was all going too fast. Rescue was at hand. Where were they? He couldn't do anything to help himself as the painful burn of the contents wound their way into his system.

He soon realised he hadn't been injected with crimson as he feared, as he felt different, but all too quickly his eyes started to fall shut, his breathing relaxed and he knew he was shutting down - to die? He hoped not – please, no, not now. His hearing was the last to leave him and the final words were from Teyla speaking in the horrible inflection all Wraith had.

"Our new tests are promising Queen. All is not lost yet, and even though the clone is probably dead by now, with Sheppard here, we have the genes and memories that can be extracted to our advantage. Crimson is at an old time low you tell me?"

"Yes my Prime, our time here on this planet and the unique relationship we have with its residents will soon come to an end; we have no need of their services now as our scientists have made breakthroughs that enable us to live free of them.

"Perfect!"

"Yes. Soon this planet will be nudged into a civil war so I will take him now as we discussed to a safe place and continue our quest to…"

Sheppard's fell unconscious.

SGA SGA SGA

Teyla looked over to Ronon to get his nod to go forward. He had his warrior face on, tinged with concern for his friend. He was a fearsome force like this. When he nodded, she in turn done the same to Rodney and they were in the building. The corridor was clear of traffic and the door to, what they now knew was the observation room, was open but a door at the other end of the room was just closing so they all ducked down in case anybody looked through the glass plane at the top.

It was symbolic. It wouldn't have hid them.

Ronon was the first to stand upright and made his way to the chair Sheppard had been tied to. He wiped his fingers on the bands.

"Blood." And said no more when he caught Teyla's expression. Enough said.

"Sheppard!" Rodney said and held onto his 9mm tightly.

Ronon set his blaster to kill and Teyla also drew out a 9mm. They crept forward towards the closing door. Ronon held it open but instantly ducked back, his hand in a gap, breathing hard, his teeth in a snarl.

"Sheppard. His is unconscious and draped over one of the drone's shoulders "

Teyla put her hand to her mouth but then slipped into fighting mode.

"We have to get John from the drones."

"We do not know how many there are, I can see two but there may be more. I can see they are making their way to another door that is heavy, looks like it leads to the outside." Ronon thought for a moment. "Teyla, go back outside with Rodney and run round the building until you get to the back of it and see if you can get to Sheppard first. I'm going to follow on from here."

"No Ronon, we must stay together!"

"We would make too much noise and there would be less places to hide." Ronon ushered her on. "Go. You too Rodney!"

Rodney got the hint and pulled Teyla away from Ronon and exited the building at a run. Carson, anxiously waiting outside, saw them leave and ran on to tried and catch up with them, closely followed by Girvan.

Ronon ducked into an alcove near the door up ahead that had been left open. A drone stood in the entrance, barring any further view forward. He decided to bite the bullet and crept up behind it quiet and slow, ready to plunge his knife into its back or slit its throat, whichever was the quickest and quietest. A fraction of time was all it took for the drone to turn and see its slayer but it was too late for it as Ronon swiftly and with years of loathing, pulled the drone back with an arm round its throat and killed it, holding its body until he could haul it back from the entrance and then out of sight.

A quick throw forward with his head and he was glad to see the way was clear and he inched forward, his back skimming the wall, his blaster held up high and against his chest. He was almost out the door when a Wraith moved into his path, just outside the door, licking his lips in a disturbing manner. Ronon didn't move as he looked him up and down and he knew just be looking in his eyes, that he had been the nemesis of Sheppard this last few months.

With no time to raise his blaster as the Wraith was almost on him, Ronon charged and hit his stomach full on, knocking them both to the ground and a race to see who would come out the victor. As he fell into him, Ronon got a glimpse of Sheppard being manhandled by a drone onto what looked like a floating cart and he recognised it with horror. He had seen them many times on hive ships for carrying cargo. He had to get to him fast but the Wraith now had him bent over and locked in place with one huge arm round his stomach and the other slamming into his side. Ronon shook it off and repaid in kind. Ronon knew eventually the Wraith had the strength to beat him so once he had managed to get a knife out of his hair and stabbed the Wraith in its shoulder, he rolled away from the retaliation and sped towards Sheppard in the hope that reinforcements were not far behind.

SGA SGA SGA

Teyla's heart was in her mouth and in fact she almost stopped running when she witnessed John being thrown down onto a cart but then Ronon came running out the building towards him with a Wraith in tow. She fired off a few shots, hitting the Wraith, but they didn't prove to be deadly, only marginally slowing his pursuit but it was enough for Ronon to slam into him again and then they traded several punches and charges but Ronon was slowly losing ground and he felt himself being lifted and slammed down on the ground. The Wraith stomped on his stomach and he was too winded to move. Rodney came at a run to help him up but he waved him on towards the two drones that were guarding the cart, shouting at him to fire their weapons. Between them, Teyla and Rodney shot them both dead but the one nearest Sheppard fell backwards onto the cart and the two, one human and one Wraith, toppled down an embankment behind them. Teyla ran to follow.

Salty allowed a second to look around and quickly noticed, with relief that his Queen and their new Prime had already departed before the fight took place. He was annoyed at himself though; he had been lax once again in guarding Sheppard and now it looked like the Atlanteans had come to rescue Sheppard. He knew they would be a deadly force. He recognised the bigger human as the ex runner and he was good, very good and with the shine of revenge in his eyes, his was a worthy opponent.

Salty curled back his top lip and before he leapt onto the fallen man he was stopped from going forward by the scream of the woman. He looked her way and saw, in horror, the cart disappear from view over the embankment, carrying the unconscious Sheppard with it. Salty turned and ran the other way to get to his dart and hopefully beam Sheppard up that way and secure him once and for all for his Queen. If he did not make it in time, Sheppard was dead because at the other side of the embankment was a long drop into the river below.

SGA SGA SGA

Rodney caught Teyla's arm in time before she followed Sheppard to her death.

"Stop. Teyla, just stop. Let's go down carefully." Taking no time to reply, the two friends slid down the embankment as fast as they could and were quickly joined by Ronon.

"Where's the Wraith?" Rodney shouted.

"Gone. I dunno…I'm going in... Rodney get Carson." With that Ronon stood tall and ran the rest of the distance and dived into the River before he even reached the bank.

The shock of the cold water, exasperated his new bruises and battered stomach but Sheppard was more important than dwelling on his wounds so, taking a deep breath, he dived under and looked for his friend. The drone bobbed up beside him first and he pawed it away before going under once more. Time was passing, and Ronon was getting frantic when he hadn't found him after a minute. He was vaguely aware of Teyla shouting and of Carson and Girvan arriving but it wasn't until Rodney started shouting and pointing that he saw Sheppard floating face up. Four long strides and he had him, instantly horrified to see how he had been gagged. His face was pale, whiter than white and livid, dark bruises stood out like a dirty mark on his face.

He swam, holding him until he reached the banking of the river. Rodney got his hands under his armpits and pulled Sheppard out. He caught Teyla's horrified expression and looked to see his battered friend with the gag in place.

Rodney looked up the banking and spied his friend, rushing down as best he could. "Carson. Carson!"

"Move, let me in to see him. Bloody hell, what have they done?"

Carson set about checking Sheppard out whilst Ronon carefully unbuckled the leather gag and threw it away in disgust. Teyla pulled the cloth out of his mouth and held his cheeks, willing him to wake.

"John? John." She wept.

"Let me see to him love. Please?"

Reluctantly Teyla let go of him and accepted Ronon's hand up. "We've got him back Teyla." He whispered to her.

Teyla closed her eyes and allowed a brief smile but then she looked down at him and saw how white he was lying on the ground, his wet clothes sticking to his thin frame.

"Rodney, please run and get the jumper and bring it back, quickly."

"I..I want to stay…Sheppard…he's so pale!"

"Rodney!"

Rodney knew she was right. Ronon could also get ill if he didn't get dry clothes soon. So he stood up to go. He knew it wasn't far to run, he just hoped his fitness levels would be enough to be quick about it.

"Dart!" he cried.

"No!" Ronon shouted and fired his blaster for all it was worth at the dart that could take them all up in one swoop, quickly joined by Teyla and Rodney's 9mms. Carson could not and would not leave his patient so he got ready to cover Sheppard's body with his own.

Girvan had gone unnoticed during the furore so nobody noticed him slide down the embankment and pick up the slim piece of metal that had fallen out of Sheppard's soaked trouser pocket. He gripped it tightly and walked back up the slippy slope towards Teyla.

"Teyla, you have Wraith DNA Sheppard once told me." He talked fast, time was running out.

"Yes, Girvan not now. Please run and find a place to hide."

"No, you don't understand. This is the lock/unlock device for the darts, it will only work for the Wraith. Please. Take this and press it into action. It will stop the dart in its tracks."

"It will? Where did you get it?"

"Sheppard had it. Please, now, see if you can get it to work!"

Teyla took the device and squeezed it as no visible button was present.

All watching the skies, were rewarded with silence as the dart stopped in mid-air and plummeted to the ground in amongst some trees on the other side of the river. A plume of smoke was visible followed by an explosion that spoke of the demise of its pilot.

Rodney flung up his arms and then took off at a run to get the jumper as planned. He didn't want to distract anyone else from the task at hand; namely saving his best friend.

"How is he Carson?" Teyla asked as she knelt beside Sheppard, who remained unconscious.

"I'll no lie to you lassie, until I get him under some scanners and get his bloods checked I won't know the full extent of his injuries." Carson looked worried.

Teyla took one of John's cold and wet hands in her warm ones, shocked that she was actually holding him again and asked softly." And what you can see?"

Carson sighed. "He's obviously frozen cold, drugged but his pupils are ok. His jaw is badly broken, bruises on his face and on his side. So much water has got into him he'll probably have an infection, if not pneumonia shortly. We need to get him home."

Ronon, who had been listening leaned in closer. "Rodney has gone to get the jumper."

Carson looked up at the battered face of Ronon and sighed again, "Are you all right son? - Ach why bother asking." And he turned away with a smirk just glad to have Sheppard back, he would see to the big man later as he wasn't showing he was in too much pain. He pulling off Sheppard's shirt and placed his own jacket on him to give him some warmth. Girvan took his off too and Teyla smiled at him as he placed it on his soaked legs.

"Thank you Girvan, you have saved all our lives. How did you know about the device?" Teyla rolled it in her hands.

Girvan shrugged. "Seen it before. I am so glad to see the Colonel again but do you think you can help me find my Uncle?"

Teyla put her hand on his arm. "Of course we will."

They all watched Carson tend to Sheppard, his hand never off his wrist or pressing his fingers into his neck. Carson rocked back on his heels and put his hand to his eyes and Teyla wiped away a single tear that escaped.

"Oh Carson. We have him back."

"I know lass..I missed the lad, although he causes me much grief all the time!"

They embraced and Teyla went to lie down beside Sheppard and took him into her arms.

To warm him up, she said.

To never let him go, Carson thought and when he looked at Ronon, he could see the worry there that he shared with him. Sheppard was not out of the woods yet and not knowing the full extent of what had been done to him the last two months was making his mind work overtime with the possibilities he had witnessed over the years.

SGA SGA SGA

"I'm at the jumper!" Their radios squawked at the same time and broke their silent reverie. He had made good time.

"Well done Rodney. Land at…well, you know where I mean." Ronon said, casting a look at Teyla. "Makes sense." Was all he said and they all knew he meant the sight where they had left him for dead.

Teyla let go of John, and, with Carson's help, they hoisted him carefully onto Ronon's shoulder in a fireman's lift.

Still unwilling to let him go, Teyla held Sheppard's head still and supported Ronon's back with Carson on the other side, as they climbed the banking. Girvan scouted up ahead to see if the path was clear. No Cuillans had seemingly noticed the drama and there were no Wraith so the path skirting round the City was clear and they made short work of getting to the jumper.

Girvan had ran on with them, unwilling to leave Sheppard's side but he was getting increasingly anxious as no-body was explaining to him what was going on.

Teyla started shaking with relief when she saw Rodney stand at what she knew was the cloaked jumper, ready for them to run into.

"Girvan, we are at our cloaked ship, we call it a jumper. Cloaked means it is invisible but we have a device that allows it to materialise again. Please do not be afraid when Rodney presses the button but we must be quick and run into it so nobody sees us. Do you understand?"

"I do, but I cannot go with you. I must find my Uncle." Girvan stopped running.

Everyone stopped and looked at the boy and felt guilty for not thinking of his feelings sooner.

"Here take this" Teyla handed Girvan her ear piece. "This slips in your ear. Please hold onto this and you will hear us. Ronon say something so Girvan can hear you please?"

Ronon did and Girvan jumped in surprise but smiled.

"We have to go back home with John now, you understand? But it will not be long until somebody comes back and will contact you with that ear piece and help you look for your Uncle. Does that sound like a plan?"

Girvan nodded.

"Please fix him."

"We will. Thank you again Girvan."

The friends ran on with their precious cargo and Rodney briefly made the jumper visible for them to run into. Ronon gently laid Sheppard down on the left bench as he entered the jumper and Carson set about warming him up and inserting and I.V. with Teyla helping, glad of her help.

Rodney flung himself in the pilot seat, sweat still pouring off his brow from his earlier run and took off, willing the jumper to hurry home to Atlantis. Ronon could not stop watching Sheppard so sat on the bench opposite but not before handing some blankets to Teyla and wrapping one round her shoulders as he could see she was shaking slightly and then put one on himself. Muttering her thanks to him she laid three of them on Sheppard's still frame, desperate to warm him up. Carson remained on his knees but when he was satisfied the I.V was in place and he had given him some fluids, he rocked back and studied him with a hand through his hair.

"He is totally unconscious. He isn't responding to any stimuli. Whatever they gave him, will have him out cold for a while. I can't even give him any antibiotics or pain killers until I find out what's in him."

"I understand Carson, we will be home soon."

Teyla, who was sitting at John's feet, reached up and touched his cold cheek gently before looking up at Carson and Ronon over his shoulder and smiled.

"We have him lass, he's back. We are taking him home as fast as can."

Ronon, could not allow himself to settle yet so moved over to sit up front beside Rodney who remained very quiet, just looking back at the others occasionally with a worried look on his face.

"Have you told Atlantis yet?"

"I … I haven't yet. It's going to come as a shock." But Rodney's eyes lit up, Sheppard's return suddenly dawning on him.

"Do it Rodney." Carson said. "And tell them to get my team there with a gurney and prep the scanner."

"On it." He took a breath. "Atlantis, this is McKay. Medical emergency. Please have Dr. Beckett's team at the gate with a gurney?"

It took a few seconds and then, "Rodger that Dr. McKay. What is the nature of the emergency?"

Rodney looked at Ronon. "What do I say?"

Taking too long to answer back, the radio crackled again and then they heard Woolsey ask. "Dr. McKay, who is the emergency for?"

"Sheppard. We found the Colonel…alive."

The silence that followed seemed to go on for ages but they let the news sink in and then, "Sheppard is alive?... h…how?"

"We do not know what happened to him, Richard. He's unconscious…just get the medics there please." And stopped talking.

"Goodness, Rodney…"

"I know. We've had time to get used to it. ETA fifteen minutes. Jumper One out."

With a flourish at the end of his sentence, Rodney punched the air and actually smiled, Sheppard was living and breathing… just behind him. He jumped up from his seat and over to Sheppard where he touched his knee.

"Come on John, wake up?"

"Get to your seat Rodney, dinnae crash the jumper and add more trauma to our day!"

"It's on auto-pilot Carson. I just had to touch him, it wasn't until I said the words out loud that I realised he is actually here. I mean …"

"Settle down now lad, you'll have an aneurysm if you don't calm down."

"I will?"

"No…Rodney - don't lose it now!" Ronon gently admonished.

"Yeah you are right. Whew..breathe, breathe."

Carson looked at Teyla and she just shook her head and went back to watching John willing him to wake.

The jumper flew at high speed towards Atlantis and soon the blue shimmering gate came into view. It was on auto-pilot but Rodney sat in the pilot's seat, bringing home its Military Commander.

I.d was confirmed and the jumper arrived at the other side in a seamless landing and once the ramp was opened, medical personnel swarmed in with all the necessary equipment. No-body spoke but questioning faces were a plenty as even Woolsey appeared in the jumper to see for himself that the news was true.

Sheppard was loaded onto the gurney and wheeled away to the Infirmary with his team following behind but not before Woolsey shook each of their hands but not holding them back from following their friend. Except with Teyla…she folded into his embrace for a surprising hug and then ran to catch up. Major Lorne was off world and would be told when he returned. Some of Sheppard's men arrived to see their leader alive and the rumblings started that he was indeed back with them and soon the good news broke out everywhere.

SGA SGA SGA

The next few hours were a nightmare for Sheppard's team. They knew he needed the scans and the bloods taken, cleaned and tidied up, wounds taken care of etc. but all they wanted was to see him again. Carson knew this, of course, and worked as fast as he and science could. And finally the curtain twitched and he appeared.

"Carson?" Teyla pounced.

"Well he's warmed up nicely. His jaw is broken but should aligned fine. He has a badly bruised kidney and strangely, kidney damage from something else I don't know what at this stage although I am still waiting on a full blood result. The substance prominent in him just now is some sort of sedative so I suspect he was about to go on a long journey to keep him under that long. I'm just guessing mind you, they could have cocooned him so it's strange. At this stage I don't know how long it will last. The strange thing is he has no infection which I suspected he would from that river, not even pneumonia! Still, I would like a sample of that river to analyse."

"He is ok though?" Rodney now pounced.

"I believe he will be Rodney. He just needs time to wake."

"Is there anything else?" Ronon this time.

"There is something else in his blood that is not entirely in the databanks."

"What does that mean?"

"Patience Rodney, I know you don't have much of it, but try to, just this once!" Carson knew he sounded snappy but he was tired out, Sheppard did always manage to stress him out. "It means that we are looking into it Rodney, it may take some time. For now, he is stable, but I warn you, he may be under for some time yet but his readings are good. Now, you can sit with him… but Teyla first I reckon." Carson winked at her and Teyla wasted no time, running towards his bed.

"Ronon, no argument, let me look you over?"

"Ronon reluctantly nodded.

"And you Rodney, sit here and we will call you through soon. I promise."

Rodney sat down with a sigh and Ronon hopped up onto an empty bed, eager to get his health check over with so he too could see his friend.

Teyla stopped running when she caught up with the bed with Sheppard lying in it. She pulled out a chair for herself and sat down without even noticing what she was doing, she was on auto-pilot – destination John.

She picked up his hand and held it to her face, it was warm and she closed her eyes against it and just breathed, taking in his scent. Carson watched her, feeling a lump in his throat, and went to check on Ronon, drawing the curtain behind him.

Teyla then sat on the bed and put her hand over his heart and felt it beat under it, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest was hypnotic. All signs that he was very much present. Careful of all the wires and covering his body she leant forward and kissed his lips. They were also warm so she brushed them again and then lightly kissed his swollen, bruised jaw.

"Rest John. I will be here when you wake."

When Ronon and Rodney were eventually released to see him, they found Teyla curled up in her chair with one hand resting on his arm, fast asleep. Carson came to check on John, minutes later and grinned when he found Ronon and Rodney sitting in their usual chairs and positions just ever so slightly snoring.

Proper sleep would evade Carson for two more days whilst he cared for the downed pilot and friend until late in the morning on the third day, Sheppard's readings on the machines in his office told him his friend was about to wake up.

He stepped out to watch and when everyone looked towards him he grinned and nodded. They waited only a few minutes and Sheppard shifted slightly on the bed. Carson had placed a cannula under his nose just giving him some extra oxygen and he just hoped Sheppard didn't get startled at the intrusion. He knew him well, so when his hand moved for the first time it was to grab the cannula away from his nose. Carson left it for now. Teyla took hold of the same hand.

"John?"

Sheppard groaned slightly and turned his head towards her voice, his eyes still shut.

"John." She repeated and was awarded with a garbled moan and an attempt to open his heavy lids.

"John, it is Teyla. You are home. You are back in Atlantis."

Another groan.

"We are all here John. Please, open your eyes for me."

The last thing Sheppard remembered was the painful gag in his mouth and the feeling of drifting away. The last thing he saw was the horrible Wraith version of Teyla so when he heard someone call on him so softly, saying it was her, he tried to open his eyes and see what was going on.

Teyla

He could hardly believe it, it was her. Somehow he was home and he was not going to waste a minute longer not seeing her again. He willed his eyes opened and his heart stopped.

"Tey…Teyla?"

"Yes John, it is me. Rodney and Ronon are here too as well as Carson." She stopped talking when Sheppard lifted his hand free of her grip and touched the side of her face, releasing a stuttering breath.

Carson moved over and replaced the cannula.

"You need this just now lad. Take nice easy breaths and just let yourself come to."

Sheppard nodded and looked over to see Rodney and Ronon grinning at him and either patting a leg or a knee in camaraderie. He smiled back, his eyes getting brighter by the minute but made Teyla his main focus of attention and turned his head again to drink in her presence.

"We…" looking pointedly at the two men, "are going to leave you two for a couple of minutes but I'll be back to check on you John. You are going to be ok. Looks like you were knocked out there by some drug or other …but we'll hear your story soon." Carson grabbed Rodney by the scruff of his shirt and the three men left Sheppard and Teyla alone.

Teyla stood up and moved a stray hair from his forehead, again loving having skin contact with him. She leaned over and kissed him on the lips.

"I…I don't know what to say John. We, um…we left you, we thought you were dead…"

"Sshh…none of that." He croaked, his throat dry. Teyla gave him a drink of water and then kissed him again."

Sheppard grabbed her hand. "I never thought I would see you again."

"Nor I, you."

Sheppard opened his mouth to speak but closed it again, suddenly not knowing where to begin.

Seeing his expression get serious, Teyla laid her hand on his shoulder.

"Later, get your bearings first, you look a little bewildered."

Sheppard knew why and sat up in bed. "Girvan?...Bartok?"

"It is alright John. Girvan is back on the Planet. He is well, he is looking forward to seeing you again. Major Lorne and his team went back to the planet and helped him find his Uncle. They are both together. Zalenka is with them and the science team. We have heard all about the enzyme and what they did to you. You went through so much John I'm sorry!"

"Don't be. Has Carson met Bartok?"

"Yes, Bartok came here yesterday and was blown away with Atlantis. Between the two of them and Rodney and Radek, they think they are one step closer to weaning the citizens off the enzymes." Teyla replied.

"Really." Sheppard pressed his head back in the pillow. "That is good news, knew it would be figured it out, Bartok was so close to a result, he has help now, so pleased. He looked after me well you know."

Carson reluctantly stepped forward again. "I am interested in how Crimson makes you ill. I only had a slight headache but your gene caused it to make really ill according to Bartok." Carson said.

Sheppard wanted to be brought up to date more but was feeling sleepy.

"We have heard his part of your story John. He has great affection for you."

Sheppard looked her in the eyes. "So you would have heard about my clone and what the Wraith had planned?"

"It makes me shudder John, to think of it. I cannot imagine what you must have felt."

Sheppard dropped his head.

Teyla then laughed. "Rodney would not leave your side when you were brought back, so is annoying Zalenka with radio calls all the time demanding to know what is happening with the research back on the planet."

Rodney heard the conversation as he had to come back for his laptop. "Well, I can't trust anyone to read the results enough without me checking them!" He was indignant.

"Teyla is only pulling your leg Rodney."

"Geez, Sheppard, you are just back and you are annoying me already." But Rodney knew when he was getting his leg pulled. I'll be back to see you later…Sheppard?"

"Yeah Rodney?" Sheppard slurred.

"Welcome home." He slapped his shin and left the Infirmary with a slightly lighter step than before. "Glad you are not dead."

Sheppard seemed to drift and Teyla held his shoulder.

"How do you feel?"

"Rough, you know, the usual…" He smiled at last.

"That was my question luv?"

"Sorry Carson, here I am again…Good to see you though."

Ronon, who also could not help but come back to the Infirmary with Rodney, knew that Carson needed a one to one with Sheppard so followed Rodney out but turned and slapped his shin as well, causing Sheppard to pull his leg up and out the way but appreciated the show of affection.

"See you later Buddy… and hey..what Rodney said."

"Ronon." It was all Sheppard needed to say in return. He would look forward to catching up with him later.

Now it was just Carson and Teyla left in the room.

"Teyla luv, will you give us a minute?"

"I'll be just outside John." Teyla reluctantly gave way to Carson.

Carson watched her go and then turned to his patient. "So, how are you really feeling Colonel?"

"I don't know, you tell me?" Sheppard passed the buck.

"Well, we almost lost you…again!... to drowning, which you are recovering well from. Drugs, which we still don't know much about, a broken jaw." Which Sheppard touched and winced. "And don't let me forget your kidney damage!..." Carson pulled up a chair and wearily sat down but looked at Sheppard with a grin. "Just the usual then hey?"

"Yeah … kinda." It was getting hard to stay awake.

"Sorry lad, I know you are tired. I just want to make sure you are ok. You went through a lot, as you well know. "

"Carson. A clone was made of me, well half of me…I'm well aware you must be thinking about that."

"Now don't go turning things round to being about me, I see through you."

Carson watched Sheppard think things out and when he didn't reply right away Carson gently shook his shoulder.

"You with me lad?"

"Carson…I haven't said yet but there was another Wraith that Bartok never got to see."

"He told us about that. He thought it was the elusive Prime paying visits."

Sheppard sighed and just said it out loud. "It was Teyla."

"Teyla?"

"The clone was of Teyla Carson…her Wraith DNA…but she was bad, a proper Wraith, teeth and all." Sheppard remembered with horror.

Carson could hear Sheppard's heart rate rise on the machines, though, so called a halt to any more conversations.

"We'll hear about it soon enough son. Now, sleep…that's an order!"

"I need to see Teyla first though."

"I understand lad, I'll get her back...and John?"

"Yeah Carson?"

"It really is good to have you back. We were all, well upset you know when we thought you were dead."

"I'll make up for it and you will soon be sick of me."

"I'm sure of that. Sleep, John." And he was off getting Teyla back to sit with him.

Teyla quietly sat down beside him as she could see his eyes had closed but as soon as she picked up his hand he opened them again briefly.

"I love you Teyla."

"I love you too John, very much. Please do not do that to me again."

"Try n' to…" Sheppard fell asleep.

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One week of being the guest of Carson and Sheppard was reviewing in his mind what had happened whilst he had been laid low. He had slept for most of his time in the Infirmary with Carson telling him it was the best thing for him.

Rodney and Zalenka were excited about Crimson and its components that were, essentially, ZPM materials. The planet was running out though, so they were working with Bartok and the other scientists in secret and away from the Wraith that still resided there, to understand just what they were dealing with.

On Cuil, there had always been stories about 'The Awakening Waters' and when Carson got the water samples back from the river that both Ronon and Sheppard had been in, he found traces of a mineral that was a natural painkiller. He was excited as it might have contributed to saving the life of Sheppard on many occasions. John told him about his particular desire to drink the water so the people of the planet were excited to explore the old myths.

Sheppard demanded updates on the Hive ship that had been above the planet that the two Queens had disappeared in, but Major Lorne found no trace of them. Woolsey worked with other allies to find out more. Word spread back that there had been a fight between two hive ships, resulting in one blown to pieces and the other limping in space but again, nothing was found. They all knew it could still mean further trouble one day if the surviving ship had them on board still alive. They chose not to dwell on it.

Ronon made it a personal mission to check the fallen dart back on the planet and was pleased to report back to his friend that there was no way his hated nemesis 'Salty' survived the explosion. Sheppard licked his lips whilst smiling, resulting in a curious look from Ronon until he explained and Ronon roared with one of his rare laughs. Ronon had also been great with Girvan, the young lad attaching himself to him and learning how to hunt. Ronon promised that when Sheppard was better the three of them would go camping and the lad said he would look forward to it.

Sheppard didn't know how to take the news his clone had been found dead but he knew Bartok had been emotionally attached, so kept a diplomatic appearance whenever he was mentioned. Carson said that his organs were all ok under the scanner, even his kidney had returned to good health, so he wasn't worried about that but he had to confess, the whole experience unnerved him.

He lay on his bed recounting his story and then in turn listening to the others talk. At all times, there was a hand on his leg or shoulder and he had never felt so wanted. Teyla was, of course, always by his side and sometimes, even though other people were talking, they just had eyes for each other and let all the talk wash over them, just happy to share themselves but be together at the same time.

"Colonel…you are good to go, you are dismissed." Carson joked.

"Dr. Beckett, I thank you for your care and attention…seriously." With that, Sheppard shook his hand. Carson smiled. "Take care of yourself John."

"I will Doc."

"Hey, why is nobody here to walk you out?"

At that, Teyla came walking quietly into the Infirmary. "Because we didn't tell them Carson!"

"Ah I see…well done keeping that from Rodney!"

Teyla linked arms with Sheppard. "Bye Carson, see you soon!"

"Better not!" and out of ear shot "Cheeky bugger!" to which he smiled.

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Sheppard and Teyla walked back towards her quarters where she told him he was staying so she could look after him.

"You are very quiet John."

"Just thinking."

"About what?"

Sheppard stopped walking and pulled her into an embrace. He leaned into her ear and whispered something.

"John Sheppard!"

"Well you wanted to know what I was thinking." He laughed.

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Another week later saw Sheppard fit and well and had just had his morning run with Ronon for the first time in weeks.

"You went slower for me buddy." He stated.

"Yeah I did. Gonna complain!"

"Nah!" and he puffed. "See ya later."

Ronon started the circuit once again and Sheppard shook his head at the younger man's strength.

"Sheppard!" Rodney's voice squeaked out over the radio.

"Yes Rodney?"

"I asked you to test something and you haven't done it yet… are you coming to my lab today or not?...Sheppard?"

Sheppard took out his ear piece and pocketed it, he would deal with Rodney later. Right now, a certain Teyla Emmagan was waiting outside on a balcony for him to join her for a private breakfast for two and that was all he cared about right now. Everything else could wait. He, Lt. Colonel John Sheppard was on a mission and he always put his heart and soul into them. This was project Imjai!

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The End!