Line of Fire

Chapter 3

Dr. Carson Beckett carefully watched Elizabeth's readings. Her blood pressure was still very low, while her heart rate was fast and thready. Still, this was probably as stable as the expedition leader was going to get until they repaired the damage to her abdomen. CT scans showed the bullet lodged next to her left kidney, and Carson was afraid he may have to remove the organ. Luckily, she had a spare.

The doctor sighed, rubbing a hand across his stubbly face. It had taken him and the other physicians nearly three hours of continuous work to get Elizabeth to this point. A part of him was fearful to open her up and start rummaging around for the bullet, but he knew he couldn't put it off any longer.

He gazed at her extraordinary face, her features obstructed by the respirator. A large white bandage hid the gash on the left side of her scalp, and Carson winced at the sight. The bullet to her head had traveled along her hairline, finally deflected by the tough bone of her skull. Carson shuddered at the thought of having to perform brain surgery, and was thankful that it wasn't necessary. With a last look at Elizabeth, he turned and quietly made his way to the members of SGA-1.

John Sheppard's head raised up as Dr. Beckett approached the team. He had taken up residence in a chair next to Rodney's bed, hunched over, his eyes closed. His mind had repeatedly swam in circles, memories of Elizabeth, whole and healthy, competing with the newer, fresher image of her lying on the cold floor, her warm blood pooling around her. They had given Rodney a painkiller, and the scientist lay against his pillows, breathing lightly, his face pale. His eyes were open, though, focused on the wall across the room. Carson had no doubt as to where McKay's thoughts lay as his own gaze met that of the astro-physicist's.

Teyla was also reclined on her bed, her eyes closed. Her injured ankle had a fresh ice pack on it. At the sound of Rodney stirring, she opened her eyes, sitting up straighter in the bed, pulling the bedding up closer. Ronon was perched at the end of her bed, his arms crossed over his chest, his face blank. He didn't move as Carson stopped in front of the four, his eyes troubled.

"I've decided that it's now or never," he began, his accent thickening with emotion. "She's about as stable as she's going to get. I thought," Carson said with difficulty, "maybe you would want to see her before the surgery." He paused for a moment, then quietly added, "Just in case."

John stared hard at the doctor, who held the Colonel's gaze without flinching. John's heart dropped like a stone; it was obvious to him that Carson didn't believe Elizabeth would survive the surgery. He was giving the team time to say their goodbyes. Cold fear rushed in and he fought the urge to throw back his head and yell out his anguish. The need to move suddenly overcame him, and he jumped up and began to pace nervously.

Rodney watched as John started to come apart. Numbly, he tossed the light covers off, twisted his body, and slid off the bed. Barefoot, he staggered to Carson, who grasped Rodney's arm in support.

"Are you going to help me, Doctor," Rodney spat out, avoiding Carson's disapproving look. Sighing deeply, Carson only nodded, and slowly guided Rodney into the other room. The scientist paused at the side of Elizabeth's bed, his eyes taking in the medical apparatus surrounding her and keeping her alive. Ignoring Carson, Rodney leaned in close, his lips merely inches from her ear. He whispered softly to the woman, hoping that on some level, she could hear his plea.

"Elizabeth? It's me…Rodney. Look, I know that you could use a nap right now, but the truth is, we need you here. I need you here. Who else is going to correct me whenever I do something wrong? And Kavanaugh? Who's going to stop me from beating the crap out of him?" Rodney paused, afraid he wouldn't be able to continue. Taking a deep breath, and ignoring the tears that stood in his eyes, he continued in a harsh whisper, "I know I'm being selfish here, but you cannot leave us now. You can't leave me…" Rodney's voice broke, a sob breaking through. The thought of never speaking to this woman again; never listening to her voice, even as she yelled at him; of losing one of his best friends….Rodney couldn't continue. He backed away, his blue eyes focused on her still face. He wiped his face with one shaky hand, then turned back to Carson, who waited silently. Without a word, Dr. Beckett led Rodney back to his bed. Physically and emotionally drained, Rodney lay back against his pillow, closing his eyes.

John had watched Rodney lean in and speak softly to Elizabeth. Now, he waited as Teyla awkwardly rose from her bed, and supported once again by Ronon, the two off-worlders entered Elizabeth's chamber. Teyla bent down and gently touched her forehead to Elizabeth's, embracing the woman in the Athosian way. Teyla remained in place for a long moment, then slowly, lifted her head. "You are a warrior, Dr. Weir," she said softly. "You will not lose this battle. We are all here, fighting with you. All you need to do is to return to us." Teyla stepped away from Elizabeth, grasping the leader's hand and giving it a slight squeeze.

Ronon had remained silent, his face impassive. As Teyla stepped away from Elizabeth's side, he moved forward. He closed his eyes, his respect and genuine affection for this woman, who had offered him a home here on Atlantis, surfacing. Although death had become his constant companion over the last few years, Ronon realized that the loss of this woman would affect him profoundly. He bent his head, his lips moving in a silent prayer, offering her all his strength to help in her recovery. Finally, he opened his eyes, staring long and hard at Elizabeth's face.

Teyla reached out and took Ronon's hand. He turned, and with a small nod, supported the Athosian leader as she made her way back to her bed.

John watched the exchange through the window. His need to go to Elizabeth was almost overwhelming. He felt Carson come to his side. "Just a minute, lad. Then we'll take her in," he advised.

John nodded numbly, and forced his leaden feet forward. The sounds of machinery beeping and whooshing greeted him first, then suddenly he was at her side. He reached down, carefully taking her hand, trying not to dislodge any of the IV tubing.

"Hey, Liz. Guess you know by now that it's been a really rough day," John began, his voice raspy. "Look, Carson's going to be taking you to surgery in a few minutes, and he swears that you'll be up and working in no time." He paused, his feelings for this woman, and what losing her meant, making it difficult to breathe. "I want you to know that if you need me, I'll be right outside. I'll always be here for you, Elizabeth, just like you've always been there for me…."

John stopped, his voice catching. He swiped a hand through his unruly hair, then bent down close, pressing his lips against her forehead. "Stay with me, Liz. Please." John squeezed her hand, then abruptly stood. He strode from her room, passed Carson and out into the hall, ignoring the astonished looks of his teammates.

TBC