A/N: Sorry this is a little short, but hang in there, the whump is about to begin weg

Part 2

Despite the outraged howl of pain, or maybe because of it, Sheppard had some hope he wasn't too badly injured; thank God he'd insisted the scientist keep his flak vest on. At least he'd have that much protection.

Helplessly he watched, almost frozen, not seeing his geek moving at all, just hanging bonelessly as the predator flew off. Finally his muscles unlocked and he could move. Shouting into his radio for Ford to get back to the gate for help, John jerked his head to Teyla to join him. Seconds later, or was it years, they were making their way down a faint trail through the undergrowth. Teyla kept up with him effortlessly as he struggled to keep Rodney in sight.

"He is still alive, Major," she said easily as they pounded along. "I saw him trying to reach his knife." Her words loosened a band around his chest he hadn't even realized was there.

"At least the idiot had his vest on," he growled. They were not going to be able to keep up much longer; even if they could have kept pace with the giant raptor's wing strokes, there was a deep ravine rushing towards them. Listening to Teyla's easy breathing next to him, he amended that. Even if HE couldn't keep pace. His radio chittered and Ford's agitated voice broke through over the open channel.

#Major, behind you!#

Sheppard wasn't sure what he was expecting after the pterodactyl, but he knew dinosaurs should have been on the short list. The ugly bastards were big, and dammit, fast too. The double-ridged heads and heavy jaws full of sharp teeth bobbed up and down, as powerful haunches propelled them closer and closer. Both he and Teyla sped up seeing the ravine was directly ahead of them, just meters away now.

A felled tree formed a rough bridge over and he gestured to Teyla to cross, while he wheeled around and squeezed off a burst of shots at the nearest gigantic dino bearing down on them. Two dropped to the ground dead, heavily clawed feet scrabbling at the earth reflexively. The others split off, but he knew they wouldn't stay gone for long. He turned and followed Teyla over the makeshift bridge. It swayed and dipped, but ultimately held. Once safely on the other side he thumbed his radio open.

#Ford, are you all right?#

#I'm fine, Major, though it seems you and Teyla were the special tonight.#

Sheppard was actually relieved to hear the jibe. Ford was a good soldier for being so young, and a sense of humor in the military usually didn't last.

#Thanks. Now get back to the gate and let them know what's happened.#

#Yes sir. Be safe.#

Sheppard gazed in the direction the pterodactyl thing had gone and sighed. It was just a speck now. Damn it!

"Major," Teyla interrupted his thoughts. "I believe we should move while the others are distracted. Besides, I think I saw the beast drop Dr. McKay. I can guide us there."

Sheppard turned to see the remaining dinosaurs tearing at the carcasses of the ones he'd killed. Teyla, too, watched with a revulsed fascination. Even as they watched though, one of the carnivores raised his head and fixed an eye on them, blood still dripping from its jaws. Sheppard considered destroying the tree-bridge, but they might need it to get back to the gate, plus it was likely with their luck there would be more of the dinosaurs on this side. He turned back to Teyla.

"Which way?"

The Athosian indicated a direction roughly southwest of the ravine and Sheppard nodded for her to take point. They moved off through the forest at a rapid pace. From time to time, Teyla would halt, reorient herself and set off again. Once she reached over and wiped her fingers across a broad leaf and showed them to Sheppard. They were smeared with fresh blood.