Chapter Three

This was steadily growing boring very fast as Sheppard tripped over his own feet, or was it the giant heap of rocks they were attempting to climb over. This was a stupid route to take and more bother than it was worth but Teyla was adamant their "friend" had run this way. "Are you sure this is the way?"

Teyla who seemed to be the most agile at tackling the task gave a curt nod and a smile. "I am sure."

Beckett felt like he was going to die on this outing, he had no idea it was going to be this hard and climbing over unsteady rocks was not part of the task. A simple, how had the Major put it? Ahh yes, find it, grab it and home again back in time for tea. Chances of that happening had grown extremely slim.

"How are you holding up back there doc?" Sheppard asked, almost slipping and losing his footing.

"Just fine and dandy," Beckett managed to say between breaths. "Thank you, Major." Oh how he was going to kill the man for this, or at the very least Elizabeth Weir for suggesting this.

"Major Sheppard."

Both Teyla and Beckett paused, staring directly at him as his radio sprung to life and Sheppard tapped it gingerly. "Rodney," he said calmly despite the exhaustion he was feeling, who'd have known trekking like this would be so, well, exhausting.

"Have you found whatever it was you were looking for?" McKay asked anxiously.

"Not yet," Sheppard answered. "Found the Z.P.M?"

"No," came the response. "Found something much better." Oh no, he sounded extremely enthused about whatever it was he had found. This was never good and Sheppard dared ask this next question but it had to be done. "Go on…"

"A temple."

"A temple?" Sheppard asked, as if he'd just found out the world wasn't flat.

"What are you?" McKay asked. "An echo. Yes a temple."

"A temple?" Sheppard repeated flatly with a frown.

"How many times." McKay sounded like he was getting irritated, score one for Sheppard. "Yes. A temple. As in old and possibly Ancient related."

"It's huge," Ford said finally deciding to add his own comments.

"Who said you could speak? Huh?" McKay said, obviously speaking to Ford. "But yes, it is enormous Major and I believe that is where we shall find the Z.P.M."

"So go and get it already," Sheppard said, thankful for some relatively good news.

"It's not that simple sir." That was Ford speaking.

"Yes, we decided that it would be best to inform Elizabeth first and then recover it together." McKay tried his best to sound like that was his actual motivation for wanting to regroup but it wasn't enough to convince Sheppard.

"Oh my God," Sheppard said catching on. "You're scared."

"I am not."

"Oh yes you are," Sheppard replied not even bothering to hide his amusement. "You're scared of going into the huge…"

"Enormous," McKay corrected.

"Temple on your own," Sheppard continued.

"I like to think of it as being cautious," McKay replied snippily. "Besides, it was Ford's suggestion."

"No it…"

"I think your words were," McKay started. "Oh gee I don't think we should go in there without backup."

"Seriously, do you want me to shoot you because I can arrange it," Ford answered.

"No one is gonna shoot anybody!" Sheppard shouted over the radio. "Got that? Rodney? Ford?" There was mumbled yes from the both of them. "Good." He exchanged a look with Teyla then glanced over to Beckett who looked thankful for the pit stop and was sitting on a large rock. "Now that's dealt with how about we…"

"Doctor McKay," Ford shouted, static filled the radio before finally going dead.

Teyla, who had cocked her head to one side in order to listen to the conversation, tensed up and regarded Sheppard with an alarmed expression and even Beckett had stood up. Sheppard hit the radio harder, a distinctive thud as he clicked the arrow button. "McKay? Ford, you hear me? What's going on?" Sheppard ordered and waited a few moments for some kind of response. "McKay," he said raising his voice. "Ford!"

He looked at Teyla and shook his head slowly, whatever was going down. Sheppard had to assume it wasn't good and he made his decision there and then. "I'm going back."

"I shall accompany you," Teyla said immediately wanting to assist.

"No," Sheppard said giving her a hard look. "You and Beckett keep searching."

"Major," Beckett finally spoke up. "Teyla's right, they might need medical assistance." Sheppard had already made his decision and no one was going to change it.

"Keep going, if I need any assistance I'll call you. Teyla," Sheppard said looking at her before she reluctantly nodded, her place was at her side and helping him in making sure their team were safe but orders were orders and she had learned to trust Sheppard.

Sheppard made sure his P90 was ready to see some action before quickly sliding down the rocks and pebbles, which he had been complaining about not ten minutes ago. Time was of the essence and as soon as he hit solid enough ground he would break into a full run and find this temple McKay and Ford spoke of. After all, how hard was a huge/enormous temple to spot?