Chapter Four: Mommy?
"Well," Sheppard said positively, "we made it." He winced at the small bites and scratches covering his hands and face. They were not very deep and, thankfully, his clothes had protected most of his skin from attack. He glanced around, checking on the other two. McKay was virtually untouched, but Carson didn't look too good. His uniform was in tatters and several places were stained dark red where the lizards had broken through the clothe.
"Are you okay?" Sheppard asked him, frowning.
"I've just been attacked by a horde of bloody reptiles," he replied indignantly. "Of course I'm not alright!"
"Calm down!" Sheppard commanded, "You're alive, aren't you?"
Beckett took several deep breathes to composed himself before answering. "I'm sorry. I am grateful, you know." He then tried to get up, but failed, wincing. "I've sprained my ankle."
"Are you sure?" McKay asked.
Beckett glared at him. "Who's the doctor here: you or me?"
"Can you walk?" Sheppard asked.
"Maybe, but not well." He ran his hands down his leg, checking for further injury. "It's not too serious," he said with relief.
"Alright, then," Sheppard decided. "You two stay here. I'm going to have a look around."
"You won't do anything stupid, will you Major?" McKay asked.
"I wasn't planning on it," he answered, checking that his gun was loaded, "but if I do, you'll be the first to know." Without waiting for a reply, he turned to inspect the room.
Aside from a small dim light over the door, the room was pitch black. The flashlight affixed to Sheppard's P-90 barely penetrated the thick darkness. Slowly and carefully, the Major made his way across the center of the vast space. Part of the way across, he spotted an Ancient computer. Hoping to find a light switch, he activated the controls with a touch. The computer glowed into life and Sheppard scanned the various buttons. Spotting some familiar symbols, he pressed one of the controls.
Soft blue and yellow light flooded the room, revealing the last thing he had expected to see: the room itself was much like the gate room in the city, but instead of the gate, was a huge window. And, instead of the vast sky and ocean of Atlantis, he saw only dark, navy blue water, partially lit by a few spotlights outside.
"This is not good," Sheppard muttered.
"What is it, Major?" McKay called from behind.
"You'd better come see this."
McKay sighed and turned to help Beckett get up. Suddenly, he cried out and recoiled away in terror.
Sheppard rushed over. "What's going on?"
"Look!" McKay pointed at a small, gray and green lump on Beckett's lower back. Beckett, himself, was trying vainly to see it.
"What is it?" he asked nervously.
Curious, Sheppard leaned closer. It was one of the lizards, clinging to Beckett's coat. Less than a quarter the size of the others, the tiny creature was covered in yellowish goo and shell fragments.
"Well?!" Beckett asked in rising panic.
"Relax," Sheppard assured him. "It's just a baby. It must have come from one of the eggs you crushed."
Carson was not convinced. "Are you sure it's safe?"
"Positive."
"What if it has some sort of Atlantian rabies?" McKay asked nervously.
"McKay," Sheppard warned him with a disapproving look.
"Um...Could you please get it off me now?" Beckett asked, trying to stay as still as possible.
"Sure thing." Sheppard reached for the little creature. Its skin was bumpy and surprisingly warm to the touch. He gently tried to pry it off, but it clung with a fierce death grip. Impatient, John pulled harder. Without warning, the lizard gave a frightened squeal and let go, sending Sheppard falling backward into McKay.
"Are you alright?" Beckett asked, turning around.
"Yeah," Sheppard replied dismissively.
"No!" McKay accused. "You just squashed me!"
Sheppard ignored him and examined the little creature in his hand. It looked around in bewilderment with pale, yellow eyes and gave a pitiful cry of despair. Despite the actions of its fellows, Sheppard couldn't help but find it cute.
"So, what do we do with it now?" McKay asked, helping Carson up.
"You're the scientist," Sheppard pointed out. He held up the squirming lizard.
McKay rolled his eyes. "Really, Major," he said. Absently and roughly taking the creature, he continued, "and what makes you think I know...Yeow!" He dropped the lizard and stuck his bleeding finger into his mouth. He glared at the hissing creature. "You little..."
Sheppard actually laughed. "I guess he doesn't like you."
"Oh now it's a he," McKay snapped irritably.
"I hope you didn't hurt him," Beckett said frowning in worry. Like the Major, he couldn't help but like the little animal. He leaned in closer to look at it. It gave a curious chirp and wrapped itself tightly around Beckett's left arm. "Hey!" He tried removing it, but the creature was not letting go this time. "Stubborn little beastie!"
Sheppard smiled. "Awww! He thinks you're his mommy!"
"I just hope he doesn't get hungry."
"You could always feed him McKay," Sheppard joked.
"Ha ha. Very funny." McKay said sarcastically. He folded his arms in disapproval. "Now, if you two are done with your new pet, maybe we could get out of here."