~ 24 ~
Ronon leads the way into the darkened forest, up the mountain slope and to the back entrance to the mine. He's moving fast, but Sheppard and Teyla keep up, probably because he's carrying most of the equipment. He stops abruptly at their destination and curses. His companions appear moments later, both drawing up short with similar grumbles. The shaft has been blocked by a rock slide.
"Guess we start digging," Sheppard says.
Teyla checks her time piece. "Would C-4 not be a faster solution?"
Sheppard starts reaching for the first stones. "Great, except someone would probably hear the boom, which would kinda blow our surprise." Teyla dismisses his sarcasm with a firm nod, clearly not taking offense to his hostility. "Besides, we have other plans for that."
Ronon grabs the Colonel's shoulder and pulls him back. "Let me." He switches his gun setting and fires off a single round. Stones explode before them and they turn away from the shards; the sound will not carry far enough to bring attention.
Sheppard steps over and peers into a small round opening at the top of the rock pile. He glances back at Ronon. "Nice. One more should give us a decent crawl space." Then he backs up and waits for Ronon to fire again.
Teyla's smallest so she goes through first and reports back that the remaining tunnel is free of debris. The men scramble through the opening and meet her inside. All three turn on their flashlights, Teyla and Sheppard's being attached to their P-90's. "We must move quickly," Teyla says taking the lead.
"Report," Kolya growls into his communication device.
"The ship is not at the ruins, Commander, as far as we can see," the anonymous male voice returns.
Girsh is sitting in front of the woman helping her eat. She's managing to sit up at an angle in the bed. Her eyes are open and she's alert for the first time in many days. She has a ravenous appetite, though he insists she take it easy. She smiles at him as he lifts the broth cup for her to drink. "Thank you," she whispers after swallowing.
He offers her a small section of roll. "My pleasure."
She hums to herself, her dark eyes studying him as she has since he came in with her food. He can sense her strength of spirit, her independence…and yet there is a child in there, an innocence needing comfort and caring. "Have we met before?" she asks.
He almost mentions the spirit house but quickly suppresses it. The tale he and Kolya have planted in her mind is much different; the tale that might save her life should she get well. "No," he lies.
Her gaze is sturdy and open. She smiles again and despite the horrible bruising, the smile sends pleasant heat into his face and neck. And though her voice is quite different from that first time they met, the husky whisper is growing on him. If he didn't know the origins of damage to her throat, he might have found it appealing even. "You have been taking care of me since I returned?"
Girsh nods. "You have been very ill."
Her face falls and her eyes glisten with unshed tears. When she takes a deep breath, her body shudders, either with pain or the memory of pain, he is unsure. "He hurt me," she gasps.
Concern that the conditioning has not taken speeds up his heart beat. Girsh feels more than sees Kolya join them near the bed. The Commander has a presence that lifts the hairs on Girsh's body…an entirely unpleasant feeling. "Who?" Kolya demands.
Her haunted, teary eyes lift to Kolya's. Girsh reads fear in those eyes. "I don't want to remember him, Daddy," she sobs, the tears finally spilling.
Girsh relaxes as he senses Kolya's tension ebbing. Out of the corner of his eye, he catches a tiny smile from the Commander; one of understanding and compassion, completely alien to the man's usual features.
"You do not have to, darling," Kolya says gently, moving closer so he can caress the young woman's cheek. "You escaped. You are safe now." Another soft smile appears. She presses her cheek into his palm, her eyes no longer full of fear but something Girsh does not recognize. Possibly happiness or contentment. "Rest now," Kolya says gently. She nods, laying into the pillows. A sharp intake of breath and her tightly closed eyes alerts Kolya. "Are you in pain?" Her teeth catch her bottom lip and she nods. "Help her now," the Commander orders.
Girsh picks up the injection from the nearby table. He swabs her inner arm before administering the pain-stopping compound. "You will sleep soon," he tells her.
"I have slept so long…"
Kolya motions to Girsh and takes the man's place by her side. The Commander fingers a long curl. "You must rest, my darling. You need to heal."
She locks her eyes on to him. "You will not let them come for me?"
"No."
With a wince, she settles deeper into the pillows. "He returns in my sleep. Hurts me again."
"You are strong. Fight him. Hurt him," Kolya encourages her with another caress to her cheek.
She smiles again, softly, as if his words have given her renewed strength. "I will...I promise." Then she closes her eyes and waits for the compound to take effect. It is not long before she drifts away, her head dropping to the side as consciousness leaves her.
Kolya looks over his shoulder at Girsh, the Commander's eyes filled with fire. "Why is she not better?"
"Her injuries are severe, Commander. The ribs will take much time to heal."
That gets him a harsh glare. Kolya knows he's responsible for the pain she is in now, even if he wants to believe the story he's told her, realization that the tale is false still plagues the madman's mind. Girsh wonders if Kolya will ultimately succumb to the delusion as the young woman has. It may take many years, but if she is able to get well, there is the possibility that the two will reinforce the story for one another, ultimately changing the past to suit their memories.
The idea that Jax will be forced to live the lie makes Girsh's stomach turn. He would send her to her people if he could. It is not in his power, however. This is the best way…the only way to keep her safe from Kolya's rage and his men.
Kolya sits with her for a long while, fingering her dark curls.
John can't stop thinking about what Elizabeth told him the day Jax was taken. She heard him talking in his sleep…believes he loves Elizabeth…
Which he does. But he also loves Jax. Very much. Those damn crashing trains are going to kill him on impact, but he can't help it. Two beautiful women. Both strong, independent, feisty, smart…great kissers!
Head out of the gutter man! This is important.
How could things have gotten so screwed up? A few minutes before that gate opened expelling Rodney and the gunman and John would have been on the planet, possibly in time to save Jax from being shot.
Or I would have walked right into an ambush.
But he'd been spending that time kissing Elizabeth. Something he'd never trade…
Except to save Jax.
He really needs to get his priorities straight! That's the biggest problem with this mission. It's not a military action. Not like flying a chopper into enemy territory to save a few wounded men. No, this is personal.
Kolya has Jax.
His enemy has the woman he loves. And God only knows what he's doing to her.
John closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. He can't think about that, not right now. If he lets that take him over, he'll be no good to anyone, especially not Jax. Later, he'll take it out on Kolya later. When Jax is safe.
Safe. Is there such a thing for her? She's been through so much over the years. There's no telling what effect this whole situation will have on her. No matter how Kolya hurts her…she's going to be scarred by it. It's going to change her in ways John can't predict.
He feels a hand on his shoulder and snaps his head up. Though the flashlight beams are lowered, he can see so much compassion in Teyla's eyes it makes his heart hurt. She knows his pain. She's lost countless people to the Wraith with no hope of retrieval. "We must keep moving," she says quietly, giving his shoulder a squeeze.
John nods. Yes…keep going. I have to save Jax. I have to show her…tell her…
They make good time getting to the vertical shaft that will take them up to the main level. They each strap on a harness and pull on climbing gloves…even Ronon, though not without protest, but John makes it an order and the man acquiesces. Ronon starts climbing, trailing the military issue black rope in his wake. He's sure footed and moves with both skill and speed, using mountain rocks more than the wood frame. John's duly impressed considering the guy weighs a ton.
Using his flashlight, John studies the wood structure he and Teyla are about to traverse. It looks like a large elevator shaft, though without the cables and boxcar. He can see rot in some places. That's unsettling.
"We should have two hours before the evening meal," Teyla says. She pulls out the map Rodney printed of the 'maze'. The scientist even drew 'start here' and 'end here' marks with a line tracing through the tunnels. "Should we deviate from this path, I will maintain our position so we can find the route out."
John nods. Teyla's resolve to find Jax surprises him. At first he thought she was simply humoring both him and Ronon, not believing Jax is still alive. All that changed the moment she and Ronon returned from the planet with their news. John's never seen Teyla so angry…full of rage and hate for someone other than the Wraith—or Bates. It was devastating for him to hear the report secondhand; he can't know how she feels about what she overheard. How Kolya's men spoke of Jax—of any woman—to be used in such a way, brutalized…Teyla's eager to cause some damage and he's right beside her on that one.
His skin's crawling with fire ants again. If any of them have touched Jax… Kolya's already a dead man. John warned him not to try something like this again. He must not have taken the threat seriously. Never figured him for being outright stupid, so it must be his arrogance that's gonna get him killed. It's that same arrogance that got him to try and take Elizabeth through the gate as his prize hostage over a year ago. Kolya underestimated John that day and again when he tried stealing the ZPM out from under them. Let's hope he hasn't learned that lesson, just yet.
Given their track record on such journeys, John wouldn't be surprised if Teyla gets a chance to whump some Genii ass.
After a few minutes, Ronon flicks his light in John's face to indicate the first safety piton has been set. John begins his climb up the wood frame. They intend to use the wood as much as possible and only rely on the pitons and rope as a last resort. The wood creaks under his weight and he can feel it trembling, struggling to hold together. John realizes rather quickly that the rope is going to have to be more than just a life line. Good thing I've been working out.
His arms are stronger now, meatier since training with Teyla and Ronon. He's got a fiercer grip and his muscles don't tire as easily. He can feel his biceps and triceps bulge as he climbs hand-over-hand up the rope, using the mountain wall as balance against his feet. His shoulders tense and all the muscles in his back tighten with the effort. Definitely going to need a massage after this.
That thought sends him spiraling into visions of Jax smiling at him, calling him Johnny. He hasn't realized how much he's misses that. Misses hearing her voice…seeing her face.
The urge to get to her propels him up the rope. It's the same feeling he had when he sought her out in the therapy room that one day. The day he intruded on Lt. Cadman's session. The day John kissed Jax like there was no tomorrow because, according to her, there wasn't. That's the kiss that did him in. He hadn't figured it out at the time, but somewhere deep down; he knew he was in-love with her from the beginning. From the moment he stepped into her room that first night. Sure, he was a giant raging hormone…but there was something else pulling him into her orbit. Something stronger. Irresistible.
And it had nothing to do with pheromones.
When he started seeking her out in the city, following her, John's mind had been clear. He had no intention of approaching her or doing her harm. He simply wanted to adore her from afar. Her grace as she danced, her subtle beauty as she walked around in the shadows, her skill with weapons, all of it drew him in, called to him. But it was the smile she had for Ronon. The trust she gave only to him that sent John into a whirl. He wanted that smile, wanted that trust.
And I got it…only to possibly lose it forever.
By the time he reaches the first piton, Teyla has already begun her ascent and Ronon is another twenty or thirty feet above him inserting another safety clasp into the rock face.
Hold on Jax…please.
They're standing on an outcropping about ten feet below the lip of the main shaft. His arms are sore and rubbery from the climb, but he's ready to get moving. John pulls out the life signs detector. "Nothing."
"Less than thirty minutes," Teyla whispers.
John taps his radio. "Stackhouse, report."
"We're all on schedule, sir. Second group leaving now, nine in all. Of the first group, four returning to stand station… five went inside, Kolya was one."
"Acknowledged, Sheppard out."
During the last two days as John, Ronon and Lorne worked on the assault plan while waiting for McKay to come up with some brilliant idea, Teyla returned to the planet with Sgt. Stackhouse—out of uniform—and scouted the mine. They watched for several hours at a time to determine any schedules. They found that half the group goes to their evening meal in town, returns and the other half goes. It is also customary for the men to have drinks with dinner and the local alcohol is known to be strong.
Upon their return, four men take up posts outside while the others go inside, possibly to sleep. Taking that information into account, John and Lorne decided the best time to attack would be after the first group has returned and the second has left. Sated soldiers have been known to move slower and with less energy than hungry ones.
Ronon climbs out first followed by Teyla then John. The tunnel is dark and doesn't seem to have been disturbed by footprints, but John's wary. Kolya is a military commander. Surely he secured the entire level prior to taking occupancy. John wouldn't be surprised to find that Kolya blocked off the lower entrance himself.
Taking point this time, John searches the walls and ground for traps or trips. He finds nothing. That's odd. They hit the first of many junctures and Teyla tells them which way to go according to the map.
Sometime later, after several twists and turns, flickering golden light appears at the end of a tunnel and John lifts his fist indicating they should stop for a couple minutes. Teyla is right behind him and checks her watch. She nods indicating they've made good time.
After completing their task in that section, John resets his watch then checks the detector before slowly creeping forward. Four solid signs are around the corner and huddled together. He snaps a quick look, checking the lighted tunnel, seeing gas lamps lining the walls but no warm bodies. There's a door halfway down the passageway.
John motions to Ronon. The man sets his weapon for stun and Teyla pulls out the Wraith hand-held stunner she brought. They have no problem taking Kolya's men out, but the more silent the better, so stun it is.
John slowly turns the knob so the door opens a crack and he can get a quick look. He indicates to Ronon and Teyla that there are four men, two on one side and two on the other. Both take a stance on either side of the door, planning on shooting diagonally. John crouches low and shoves the door open, startling the men inside.
They're down within seconds, no alarm raised.
The team slips into the room, closing the door to a crack so Ronon can keep watch on the passage. John checks the detector, finding a lone signal further down and around a corner. Ronon takes point, Teyla the middle and John brings up their six. They make it to the next room without any hassle. That's definitely off.
Once again, John opens the door to scan the room, but he doesn't see anyone. He motions to Ronon where the person should be inside, according to the detector. John shoves the door open as before and all three slip inside. Given the size of the room and the fact that there's only one rather large bed, John suspects this is Kolya's quarters. He doesn't see her at first because she's buried under a mountain of blankets. And she's not moving.
Teyla closes the door and keeps watch as both Ronon and John go to the bed. John's breath catches and rage boils his blood. He's sure, by the look on the man, that Ronon is ready to kill. Jax's beautiful face is a blotchy patchwork of black, purple, red and blue, not to be out done by the cuts on her lips, scratches on her face and the large red marks around her throat. John's surprised she's not swollen given the vicious beating could only be a few days old.
Holding his breath, afraid of what damage he might find, John lifts the covers and peers underneath. Finding her dressed in a rather large shirt and her black jeans, he tosses the covers aside. Before picking her up, however, he notices her left arm. The sleeve's rolled up passed the elbow. Gently, he turns her arm and sees tell-tale markings of many injections into her vein. Son-of-a-bitch!
John touches her cheek. She's burning up. "Jax?" She doesn't respond. He brushes some hair from her face. It's usually so soft; he's disturbed by the dirty, sticky texture. Pulling his fingers away, he sees black grime on the tips. John lifts her hair and finds an awful gash on the right side of her head darkened with dried blood and something else, but it looks to be healing. "Jax?" he calls again. Still nothing.
But she's alive. That's what matters.
Ronon moves in to pick her up, but John stops him. "You need your hands free." Ronon glares at him so he adds: "To rip off arms." That gets a grunt of approval and a firm nod. John scoops Jax up in his arms. She's a feather as usual, but a feather in obvious pain because she groans in her sleep. "Sorry angel," he kisses her forehead.
As her head rests against his shoulder, he can hear her humming softly. Something he should know…something very familiar. The tune gets stuck in his head, but the words are missing. Why do I know this song? Shaking off the thought, John carries her to the door.
Teyla holds the life signs detector and the map. She indicates the route they need to take to the main entrance. She points to the detector, her eyes filled with concern. "Yeah." Johns nods.
Ronon darts his eyes to him. "It's not as expected?"
John grunts. "Exactly as expected."
Ronon grins, pulling out his gun again. "Let's not disappoint them then." And he takes point out the door; John follows carrying Jax as Teyla brings up their six.
Acastus motions for his men to wait until the quarry is in the middle of the tunnel, away from any rooms they can hide within. They make the final turn into the passageway that leads outside the mine. With two fingers and a click on his communications device, Acastus alerts his men to move in from both directions.
Five men on one side and five with Acastus surround the intruders. He doesn't recognize one of them, a rather large, muscular man with strange, long hair. But seeing Sheppard gives him a pleasant tingle in his spine.
His men quickly retrieve the intruders' weapons, except for Sheppard's that are blocked by the limp body he hugs close to his chest. The large man and Emmagan are subdued with their wrists bound behind their backs. Now it's Sheppard's turn. Acastus strolls up between his men, rather pleased by the situation. He can feel Girsh moving in behind him. The round medicine man held back until they had the upper hand…quite the coward. "Sheppard."
"Kolya," the other man spits.
"I must say I did not expect you of all people. This is truly a delight." Acastus motions to Girsh. "Hand the female over to him."
Sheppard holds her even closer. "No…I don't think so."
Acastus motions to his troops. "You are surrounded."
"How'd you manage that, by the way?" Sheppard asks, stalling. "We know your men left."
"Did you really believe I'd have only one entrance to this facility? Or that I wouldn't be able to track movement within it? I am disappointed in you." His gaze narrows. "Hand her over."
"Why do you want her?"
Something about Sheppard's manner, his protectiveness gives away his true feelings. She was mistaken about him. That brings joy to Acastus now that he owns her. He considers how best to destroy a man…even one like Sheppard. As he watches Sheppard's face, though considerably cool under the circumstances, he doesn't miss the telling signs that this man cares for the woman he holds. Cares deeply for her. Oh, how poetic life can be. All this time…I've had the means to destroy him within my grasp. And now she belongs to me.
Kolya determines the most effective means to cutting Sheppard down now would not be physically, but emotionally. "I've been finding her company…" Acastus adds a lascivious grin, making it seem as evil and disgusting as possible. "Entertaining."
Sheppard's eyes narrow dangerously, but it's the larger, long haired man that makes a noise similar to that of a wild animal. "Any man who has hurt her will die," he grumbles.
Acastus tilts his head, his eyes shifting quickly to the other man. He's not one to be taken lightly. He can feel the side of his mouth rising in a smirk as he watches the young man strain to keep control over his rage. "Then I suggest you start with him," Acastus says, pointing to Sheppard. He locks eyes with his nemesis. "It would have taken longer for me to break her, had you not done so already."
And there it is…horror in Sheppard's eyes as they slide toward her face. Guilt. "She cried for you at first," Acastus adds. "Then she cursed you." He sees it's difficult for Sheppard to swallow and that makes his day. "You will not stop me from taking her…how much punishment should I inflict on her for your insubordination?"
Sheppard's eyes lock onto Acastus' but this time there's no emotion showing through. Just as when he shot me. Yet he still doesn't release his hold on her, in fact, his grip tightens and she groans in pain. Acastus nods to Tulol and a gun is placed against Teyla Emmagan's temple. "How about now?"
Sheppard glances at his female companion then Girsh holds out his arms. He says something to Sheppard that Acastus does not hear and reluctantly Sheppard hands her over. As she's pulled free and rolls against the other man's body, she cries out with a pained sob making Acastus angry. Sheppard's going to pay dearly for that. Acastus motions to Tulol and the gun is lowered. "Interesting to see where your priorities lay, Sheppard."
"That's Colonel Sheppard," he sneers as he's stripped of his weapons.
"Ah, yes. She did mention that during our first…session."
The long-haired man grumbles again, his eyes hard on Acastus. Who is this? Why is he so protective of her? Girsh turns to step passed Acastus and return her to the bed. He grabs the large man's upper arm. He has something special in mind for Sheppard. "Wake her," he tells Girsh. A flash of worry crosses the weak man's features but he nods nonetheless. Acastus returns his attention to Sheppard. The other man gives nothing away, but Acastus knows his weakness now…this is going to be very entertaining. "Where is Lt. Ford? Waiting in your flying ship?"
"Dead," John says coolly.
Acastus believes him, though he has no reason to do so. Sometimes the truth is as simple as that, especially with the Wraith now culling. He nods understanding, that must be why they have the new recruit, this wild man with the rather predatory eyes. Acastus offers Sheppard a friendly grin. "Contact your ship, Colonel. I want that thing off my planet…now."
"Your planet?" Emmagan says. "That is not what the Huskins believe."
Acastus doesn't acknowledge her. "Colonel."
With a heavy sigh, Sheppard taps his communication device twice. "Major."
Just as with his own device, Acastus can hear every word. "This is Lorne, go ahead, sir."
Sheppard lets his gaze wonder over the troop surrounding them then settle on Acastus. "Order Sgt. Stackhouse to fly the jumper to the pre-arranged address. Do you copy?"
"Yes, sir."
"Have him remove the cloak prior to going through the gate, but do not, I repeat do not lower the shields." Sheppard sneers at Acastus. "I don't suggest you have anyone follow unless they can breathe in the vacuum of space." He presses the device again. "If you do not hear from me inside," he looks at his wrist. "Forty-two minutes, continue to rendezvous coordinates on schedule."
"Copy that."
"Sheppard out." On Acastus' order, Sheppard's vest is removed and his hands are gripped firmly by one soldier as another binds his wrists behind his back, same as his companions. Sheppard doesn't flinch though Acastus can see the bindings are unnecessarily tight. That was his idea.
They wait in the passage for a few minutes and then Acastus hears the crackle of his own communication device. "Commander, the ship has gone through the gate." Acastus grins at Sheppard. This is easier than I expected. He turns and moves through his men with his hands clasped behind his back, heading deeper into the mine. "Bring them."