PARADISE
By NotTasha

PART 9: SKIMMING

"We're going to drink this?" Ford asked, regarding the water.

"It's all we've found so far," Sheppard responded. "We could scout around for more, but there probably isn't any natural source here. Just have to find someplace like this that catches rainwater. I doubt it'd be any different if we found another pool."

"Maybe we should boil it," Ford stated, shifting the pot they'd taken from the cavern. "Might be able to clean it up if we let it settle."

"Yeah, probably not a bad idea," John said, and nodded to Ford to go ahead.

The young man crouched down, and dipped in the pot, trying to take the surface water and let the thicker stuff at the bottom remain.

"Think he'll fix it?" The lieutenant asked.

With a confident smile, Sheppard responded, "McKay? I have no doubt. We may have to wait a bit as he fiddles around with the toys, but he'll get it."

Ford nodded, watching as the skimmed water filled the pot, making it sink into the pond. "I hope it's sooner instead of later," he muttered. "Nothing good will come from staying here."

"I thought you liked it here," Sheppard remarked. "You said it reminded you of Maui."

"That was before the earthquake… the volcano… the devil dogs…" He drew back, hefting the filled pot out of the water and set it beside himself. "Not my idea of a vacation in paradise."

"Gotta agree with you, Lieutenant."

"What if we can't leave… what if McKay can't fix it for some reason."

"He'll fix it," Sheppard stated again.

"Yeah… but what if something happens and…" Ford froze.

A buzzing cackle, filled the air. Ford pivoted his head sharply. It took a second to find them, the growth hid the creatures so easily, but once they moved free of the foliage – their odd coats were unmistakable. A small pack of the things moved. No longer afraid, they came at him – heads low, mouths open in toothy grimaces, gibbering like hyenas. Unbelievably thin, muscular, toothy, hunched, PINK, they looked like the hounds of hell.

"Major!" Ford called, dropping the pot and reaching for his weapon. The speed of the things increased as they bounded -- attacking. Ford, not wasting another second, fired at the lead creature, just as John did the same.

The first dog-like thing didn't know what hit it. It didn't make a sound as two bullets struck it with enough force to throw the creature backward at its companions. They yelped as the leader was flung into them, leaping and diving to get out of the way. Sheppard fired again, striking another, sending it tumbling head over rat-like tail. Ford fired upon another and another. They were too quick, leaping and dodging. Ford aimed at one, but struck a tree as the thing tried to get away. They ducked, jumping, slinking, and thrashing their way into the lush growth around him. And throughout the chaos, the creatures screamed and yelped and uttered their horrible hysterical laughter.

Sheppard and Ford kept firing, striking the dense foliage and the creatures they sought. Damn it! Damn it, Ford cursed, knowing he and Sheppard would have taken them all out if it wasn't for the cover.

And the creatures kept coming.

TBC -
A/N: Look out guys! I mean it! Oh dang...