Into the Woods
By Ellex
Chapter 6: One Midnight Gone
They were incredibly lucky, and Sheppard knew it.
In the darkness, the Wraith around the Stargate didn't notice them. Moving as silently as possible, they regained the cover of the forest. But the howling from behind them was getting nearer, and it was Teyla who came up with the bright idea of climbing into one of the huge trees.
It was made twice as difficult by Serena and Sheppard's injuries and the fact that it was so dark they could hardly see their hands in front of their faces, much less the tree branches. They also needed to climb a tree close enough to the Stargate so that they could see when the coast was clear, but climb as silently as possible so as not to alert the Wraith to their presence.
There was a sudden commotion from below as several of the lizard-wolves reached the clearing and tried to attack the Wraith. Their stunners barely slowed the creatures down, and two pounced on one of the Wraith and mauled him before they were pulled off him by his comrades. More howls from the forest distracted the creatures, which lost interest in the Wraith and vanished into the surrounding forest.
The injured Wraith, to the surprise of the Atlantis team, did not recover from his injuries. In fact, he seemed to deteriorate fairly quickly, and after a while lay there apparently dead, ignored by the other Wraith.
"Damn, we could use guard dogs like that," Serena whispered.
Sheppard grimaced. "I don't think so. How would you keep them from attacking us?"
A few hours later, the Wraith still showed no sign of leaving the area around the Stargate – in fact, they seemed to be waiting for something, and Sheppard had a bad feeling that what they were waiting for was more Wraith. In the meantime, the night was passing quickly and he didn't think their position in the tree would be quite so concealed in daylight.
It didn't help that Serena's arm had developed into a mass of oozing blisters, and the mild painkillers in the first aid kit were barely effective against the pain. His own scratches burned fiercely, and he could feel fatigue nipping at the edges of his mind.
"McKay," he murmured. The scientist looked up from his position on the next branch, where he was supporting Serena, who had dozed off from sheer exhaustion.
"What is it, Major?" Rodney asked wearily.
"I want you and Teyla to return to that Ancient building. Maybe you can find something to help us, or even repair the chair."
"Are you insane? The place was a ruin. Not to mention we'd probably be attacked by those things again on the way there."
John clamped down on his frustration. "Well, it's better than sitting here waiting for the sun to rise and the Wraith to notice us! Serena can't go anywhere, and frankly I'm not sure I'd get too far myself. But you and Teyla aren't hurt. You might not find anything to help, but at least you'd get away from the Wraith."
Teyla spoke up. "Major Sheppard is right. When dawn comes, the Wraith will spot us here. Perhaps at the Ancient's structure we can make some kind of diversion and lure them away from the Stargate."
"And then you and I slip around them and return here, and away we go back to Atlantis. But what about those Komodo wolves?" Rodney asked.
Sheppard snorted. "'Komodo wolves'? Have you been taking lessons from Ford in naming things?" He sighed. "I seem to recall that they weren't too interested in going after you, McKay. And you'll have Teyla to protect you."
That last remark was unfair and he knew it, but it just … slipped out. The silence that followed was incredibly uncomfortable, and he could almost feel Teyla's disapproving gaze.
"I didn't mean – "
Rodney cut him off. "Teyla should remain here. As you said, you and Serena aren't in any shape to go far. And I'm sure your assessment of those creatures is accurate. They must find soldier much more attractive to the palate than scientist."
"McKay - wait! Dammit, Rodney – "
"Stay with them, Teyla. If the Wraith leave the Stargate, take them to Atlantis immediately. I'll be along as soon as I can," Rodney stared hard at Teyla as he said this, and after a moment she nodded her acceptance of the instructions. She moved to take his place supporting Serena.
"What – Rodney, you idiot – Teyla, go with him!" Sheppard was furious. Rodney ignored him and began climbing down the tree.
The Athosian shook her head gravely. "Doctor McKay is right. Serena is becoming very ill, and you are nearing the end of your strength. I should stay with you." She paused, then said firmly, "I have no doubt of Doctor McKay's ability to return safely through the forest to the Ancient's building. He will do everything he can to help us."
TBC