SAMARITANS part 3…Cavemen
Sheppard stumbled round the headland feeling the fatigue catch up on him. His watch told him it was early afternoon, Atlantis time, but so much had happened it felt much later. Finally, he arrived at the cliff; there was a path of sorts, that led up to the cave. Even as Sheppard made the demanding trip, he knew it was going to be difficult to get Beckett up here too. The path was only a few feet at it's widest, and strewn with the occasional boulder that had come down from higher up. On one side was the cliff face, and on the other, a sheer drop to the rocks and crashing breakers below. Not far, but enough to cause serious damage to anyone unlucky enough to take a tumble.
John made it without incident though, and pulling his 9 mil, poked his head cautiously around the entrance, concerned about any local wildlife that may have made a home there. To his ineffable relief, the cave appeared empty. Re-holstering the gun, Sheppard moved into the cave to explore.
It was cool and dim inside, a welcome relief from the bright sun and sea-glare. The cave widened out behind the entrance, the floor covered in the same soft sand as the beach, so he should be able to make Beckett reasonably comfortable. As an added advantage, it faced the sea, so it was possible they would be able to see a rescue party coming in time to get down to the beach. The disadvantage was everything they needed; water, firewood, food etc., was going to have to be carried up here too. That would mean leaving Carson alone for extended periods of time while he was off foraging. At least the Scot would be safe up here.
After making a place near to one of the walls of the cave as comfortable as possible with the limited materials to hand, John left to go and bring the doc. Beckett was as he had left him. Still awake, and he'd kept the fire going well too. Sheppard didn't miss the look of relief that crossed the doctor's face when he returned, but pretended he hadn't seen it, and instead asked how the doctor was feeling.
"I feel better," Carson replied. "Got a doozy of a headache though, but if I don't move, the rest isn't too bad."
"I found us somewhere to stay."
"Good. Is it far?" Beckett couldn't quite keep the tremor out of his voice.
"No, not too far, but there's no way you're going to be able to get up to it under your own steam. I can help you though." He ignored the look of anxiety that crossed Beckett's face. "The only problem is a supply one." He laughed inwardly at that. 'The only problem?' he thought, but continued, "Everything we'll need will have to be carried up there, so I'm going to have to leave you alone while I fetch stuff."
Beckett was touched by the concern in John's voice. "I'm a big boy, Major," he said, kindly. "I've been looking after maself for a while now. I'm sure I'll manage for the wee while you're gone."
John nodded, acknowledging Beckett's answer, then asked, "Ready to move to our new digs?" Beckett felt far from ready, but only replied in the affirmative.
"Okay then. I reckon that if we use me as a prop, you might be able to walk part of the way."
"And the other part?" asked Beckett not sure he wanted to know.
"Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Come on, I'll help you up."
Sheppard placed Carson's good arm around his shoulders, then grasping the man's belt, gently hauled him to his feet. They stood there a moment while the Scot caught his breath again, and some of the colour that had faded as he stood returned to his face. After a few moments, Beckett nodded and whispered "Ready."
They made a slow progress down the beach, Carson gamely hobbling along, weight mainly on his good leg, the other just touching down for balance. They had to stop frequently for Beckett to regain some equilibrium, but eventually they stood at the bottom of the cliff path. To Beckett, the cave might as well have been as far away as the moon. He turned a questioning gaze at the Major who shrugged ruefully and said, "I guess this is where I get to carry you."
Carson's gaze became if anything more disbelieving. "Carry me?" he said incredulous.
"Please, Doc., We can't stay on the beach, and there isn't anywhere else I've found. This is our best option. I promise, I'll be gentle," he grinned.
Beckett considered it, then he nodded. He knew there was no other option, it just felt…unmanly, needing to be carried. A thought occurred to him. "Just how do you propose to carry me?.
"Fireman's lift," was the Major's reply. Carson nodded. The thought of being lifted like a baby had not been one he would have entertained for a moment.
"Come on, doc. You know you would do the same for me."
"Alright then. Let's get on with it." Beckett didn't mean to sound snappish, it was just the whole being hurt thing. He was usually on the other side of this, issuing orders and making people feel better. The doctor didn't like being on this side of the fence at all. "Just help me get this arm free first, or it's gonna really hurt." Sheppard helped Carson free his arm, then carefully lifted him up across his shoulders. "Comfortable?" he asked.
"Oh, yes," replied Beckett who had his eyes squeezed tightly shut. "But if I puke all down you, don't hold it against me."
"No, it'll be all against me," replied the Major, "and you get to do the laundry."
Getting up that cliff path was an experience Carson never wanted to repeat. He knew the Major was being as careful as he could be, but the cliff face was too close to prevent his battered leg from coming into contact with it occasionally. The Scot was already feeling nauseated from the concussion before they started, being upside down just hadn't helped matters at all. He'd also discovered that his ribs, while they might not be broken or cracked had certainly taken a battering, and being pressed against someone's shoulders was not something they were happy with. It was with a sigh of huge relief that Beckett finally got settled in the cave, facing the entrance and the sea.
"Mmm." He said. "Sea view. How much are they charging you for that?"
"Oh, I talked them down. Told them it was for services rendered." Sheppard was glad to hear the Doc bantering with him. He was under no illusion as to how uncomfortable that whole trip would have been, and the flushed appearance of the doctor was also worrying him, but there was little he could do right now.
Once he was sure Beckett was as comfortable as he could make him, John asked, "Will you be okay if I go and collect some more firewood? We need to get a fire going in here too. It'll get pretty cold in here later when the sun goes down, and I need to find some fresh water ."
Carson was exhausted. He could sleep while the Major was gone, and said so. John left him with the full canteen and took the emptier one with him to fill should he find water. He left with one last quick glance back at the doctor who had already dropped into a restless doze.
TBC
