Sorry the updates taken so long, pile of college work to do. Will try to update more often, I promise.
Interstella: I know it's taken a while, but here's the review. Hope you like!
Belisse: Hmm. Now, the real question is, do I know where this is going? But thanks.
highonscifi: Sorry, but, no ship. I got plenty of other shippy stories, but not these ones. Hope you still like it.
Drakcir: Good to see our ship monitor isn't trying to kill me. I love Will & Grace too much not to give it a mention.
Sarah: Hmm. Retaliation. I believe that's saved for the last chapter, or maybe next chapter. We'll have to see.
Chapter 8: Bad to worse
"So, please can we go off world?"
John was sat in front of Elizabeth pleading with her. It wasn't just for his team; it was for his sanity. If he didn't get off Atlantis soon, he was going to go crazy.
"John, you've only been grounded for 10 days."
"Please."
Elizabeth was fairly sure that if it weren't for the desk and the clear walls, John would be on his knees begging her.
"I don't know."
"You've seen the report on the planet. There's nothing there to cause harm except the temple. There could be something really important in that temple."
"There might not be."
"It's just a few hours Elizabeth. You know you want a break."
"I have a lot of things to take care of. You do remember that I'm in charge of this expedition?"
"Of course. Now, can we go off-world?"
"I won't get rid of you till I say yes, will I?"
"Got it one."
"Fine."
John jumped up, ran around the desk and hugged her.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
"John."
He pulled back quickly and beamed at her.
"Yes?"
"Calm down. Now, the briefing will be at 0700 and we'll leave at 0900."
"Right you are."
He mock saluted her and left the office. Elizabeth was sure she saw him skipping through the control centre.
"You see, that's good, proper fresh air."
"Glad to be off-world again sir?"
"Sure am Ford. McKay, which way to the temple?"
Rodney studied the device for a second before pointing to the left.
"That way."
"Roger that. Elizabeth, you okay back there?"
"Yes John."
"Right. Let's move out."
Elizabeth was at the back of the group with Teyla. The pair were talking quietly about their respective people, and the team.
"It is good to be with the team again. I have missed the company."
"I'm sorry, really, I am sorry about all this."
"It is not your fault. It is just another custom that must be observed. Many cultures have them. Surely there are certain customs you have."
"None that involve having to marry someone and then not being able to be more than 6 foot away from them."
"I see your point."
"Thank you, I see yours too."
Teyla smiled. Elizabeth was glad to be able to talk to someone other than scientist about things other than the city.
"What customs do your people have?"
"I believe you have encountered one."
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows.
"When we were trapped on the puddle jumper, my people asked if I may be allowed to prepare for my death."
"Oh yes. I remember. I wouldn't let them because I wouldn't give up on you all."
"I am glad you did that. We needed to remain positive. That is a very old custom among my people."
"I see."
"What are you two gossiping about?"
"Nothing John."
"Sure. Well, we're nearly at the…"
John stopped mid sentence as Elizabeth held up a hand.
"What?"
"I heard something."
"There's no one around here."
"I know what I heard."
Elizabeth turned around to peer at the dense forest behind her. She began to walk slowly towards the trees when she heard it again.
"There's something there."
She took a few more steps forward.
All of a sudden a large creature jumped out and pushed Elizabeth to the ground. It tried to claw at her face, but she put her arms up to protect herself. The powerful sharp claws cut through the material of her jacket. She screamed out in pain.
It suddenly shifted and was going to rip open her stomach when John began to fire.
The creature looked up to find John was firing into the air. It began to move forward, so John took the chance and began firing at its head.
Within a few seconds it fell to the floor dead.
John quickly pushed it away from Elizabeth.
"Are you okay?"
"I think so."
John looked at her bleeding arms.
"We should get back to Atlantis."
"What about the temple?"
John turned to glare at Rodney.
A loud howl echoed around them and was soon joined by others.
"In review, let's get out of here."
Ford and Rodney took the lead and began to head for the Gate. John took the rear, while Elizabeth and Teyla walked in the centre. Teyla made sure that Elizabeth didn't pass out from shock by talking to her all the way to the Gate.
When they got there, John sighed loudly.
"Well, that was fun."
The rest of the team glared at him. He looked at Elizabeth and her wounds again.
"Beckett's gonna kill me."