A/N: I make a few references to Pavilions of Hadrius,my previous story.

Chapter 2

"You look like hell."

"Well thanks, McKay. You would too if every time the sheet hit you just right, you went flying off the bed," said Sheppard stifling a yawn.

McKay wisely decided to switch subjects. "Carson and Teyla should be here soon. Since the rest of expedition members left last night, we can just get the hell out of Dodge," stated Rodney casually.

They were waiting for Teyla and Beckett at the entrance of the town. All of their business was concluded except for the sick little boy. Carson may have to come back after the tests were finished on Atlantis. Another team would escort him. Sheppard was pretty sure he would be busy.

"He radioed that he's finished checking on the kid. So you're right, they should be here soon. The sooner the better, of course." Part of him was fighting the urge to just run back to the Gate. Must be a left over survival instinct hearkening back to the day man came out of the trees and stood upright. A time when humanity was one step away from monkeys grazing on the grassy plain and watching out for mister saber tooth lurking in the shadows. He had come up with some good excuses too: left the stove on, left the water running in the bathroom, or left the iron on. Maybe he was acting childish, but those things made his skin crawl, and rightfully so.

"Colonel! Colonel! We're here. I'm sure you're ready to go," Carson called out as he and Teyla joined them.

Sheppard rolled his eyes and snorted. "Let's just go, Doc. Anything to report Teyla?" They started down the main road to the Stargate.

"No. But I will be happy to get home."

"Amen to that," agreed Carson.

"You and me both," said Sheppard as he scanned the forest flanking the road.

About fifteen minutes into the thirty minute walk, a young man posting a sign halted them.

"Greetings," began Teyla. "Is there a problem? That looks like a warning."

"It is. There was a storm in the highlands last night. The bridge is flooded but the one a short distance down the river is passable."

"Is the way well marked?" Teyla figured the last thing they needed was to be lost in the forest with a skittish Col. Sheppard.

"It is a main travel way from our sister town, so it is marked. You will see a sign for the bridge." The young man turned back to his sign.

"Are you sure we can't use this bridge?" Sheppard asked apprehensively.

"Quite sure." The young man searched for a nail in his pocket as he answered.

Fuck.

"Thank you for your assistance," said Teyla as she started down the path that led into the forest.

Sheppard paused, opened his mouth, and got unceremoniously shoved by McKay to start him down the little road.

"I want to get home today, Sheppard. Not listen to you whine about the bridge."

"Maybe we could swim?" asked Sheppard.

"Keep walking you big baby," said McKay with a smirk.

"I'll do it, but I do it under protest. I think we could've swum."

About ten minutes later, they came to the turn for the bridge.

"Is it me or is that more of an animal trail than a road?" Sheppard questioned Teyla looking quite unsure whether he was going to step foot on the path.

"According to that sign, this is the way. I can hear the river, so it must be close. If it makes you feel any better, I will take point." She bumped him with her shoulder.

"Ladies first," he said bowing deeply and pointing down the trail. He then looked at Beckett and McKay and motioned them with his head.

"Very funny, Colonel," quipped Beckett as he passed.

"It is to laugh," retorted McKay.

Another short trek and they came to the river. What could laughably be called a bridge was suspended over it. It was a rope bridge. One thick length of rope at the bottom and two others suspended above to serve as hand rails. A lattice work of smaller rope connected it together to form a V.

"It looks like an adventure course challenge," observed a very dismayed McKay.

Sheppard walked up and inspected it. "Seems fairly new." He stepped on it tentatively. "I think it will hold."

He stepped off and directed his gaze at the group, "Since you have point Teyla, you go first. Followed by McKay and then Beckett. I'll bring up the rear."

Teyla started across and made it without incident. McKay and Beckett crossed, but not without copious amounts of complaining and cursing.

Finally, Sheppard started out. This little detour was only adding about 20 to 25 minutes onto their trip, not too bad really. They would be back in Atlantis in another 10 to 15 at the most. Mulling over his own thoughts, an unmistakable whine reached his ears. He looked into the faces of his team. His concern was mirrored in their own looks. He twisted his neck and looked up into the sky.

"Oh fuck."

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