Disclaimers: I don't own any of the Stargate Atlantis characters, but I hope I've given them a fair representation in this story.
Characters: This will involve all the main characters from Stargate Atlantis, but if you read my last fanfic, you'll probably guess that Carson will have quite a major role to play in this.
Spoilers: As yet, I'm not sure if there will be any references to actual episodes. If there are, I'll warn you in advance.
Enjoy!
OoOoO
"And why are we here again?" Rodney McKay asked, as he picked himself up from the ground.
"Rodney," John Sheppard looked back at him with exasperation. "The aim of walking is that you use your feet. You seem to spend more time on your knees."
"It's not my fault that this stupid planet seems to be comprised of mud rather than ground," the scientist complained, trying to rub some of the mud off his pants.
"We are here to determine whether the planet is suitable to use as an evacuation point in the case of emergencies," Teyla reminded him in response to his first question.
"And to avoid having to help put up the decorations for the children's Christmas party," Carson Becket added wryly.
"Ah, right," Rodney responded. "I knew it seemed a good idea at the time."
A grumbling laugh from Ronon came from behind Rodney, and a steadying hand on his back prevented the scientist from falling over again.
"So let's do some exploring," John encouraged. "Before Rodney completely disappears under all that mud. And, Carson," John continued. "Remember where we've parked the puddle jumper. You're its captain for the day."
"Is he always like this when you're exploring planets?" Carson asked Teyla, who was walking beside him.
"Yes," she replied.
"Sometimes he's even worse," Ronon added from his other side.
"Just see what fun you'd have missed if you hadn't joined us, Carson," John said, grinning back at him.
"If you hadn't bullied me into it, you mean," the doctor grumbled.
"'Bullied' is such an ugly word," Sheppard said, still grinning. "I prefer 'actively persuaded'"
"Aye," the doctor retorted. "You 'actively persuaded' me to come by threatening me that I'd need to fly the puddle jumper next time we were under attack."
"You do need more practice, Carson," John said, unrepentant. "And it's much better to get the practice on an easy mission like this one, when we're exploring an uninhabited planet, rather than when we're under attack by the wraith."
"I hate it when he says we're on an easy mission," Rodney piped. "It usually means that all hell is about to break loose."
"Don't be so optimistic, McKay," Ronon said with a grin. "We've not had a good fight in at least a week."
"Barbarian," McKay muttered under his breath.
Teyla shared a grin with Ronon. The big Satedan found it very easy to wind McKay up. And Rodney fell for it every time.
"OK, children," John said, as he led them into a clearing in the woods. "This looks like a good place to set up a camp so that we can explore more of those caves over there."
"Why can't we just set up in the caves themselves?" Rodney asked.
"The planet might be uninhabited," John responded. "But there are wildlife around, and I don't fancy sharing our accommodation with this planet's equivalent of a grumpy grizzly bear, woken up from its hibernation."
Rodney looked around, rather nervously. "Did the MALP establish if there was any dangerous wildlife on this planet?"
"All wildlife can be dangerous," Ronon responded, "if it is not treated with respect. But don't worry McKay, Teyla and I will protect you."
McKay gave him a quelling look.
After they had set up the camp, John contacted Atlantis to let them know that the team had arrived safely, despite Dr Beckett's flying. This earned him a baleful look from the doctor. They then split into two groups so that they could explore the cave system more quickly, with Ronon and Teyla taking one of the passageways, and John, Carson and Rodney the other.
It wasn't long before John wished that he had allocated the teams differently. Rodney's claustrophobia didn't mix very well with cave exploration.
"Do you think that tunnel is safe?" he asked, for about the tenth time.
"No, I think it will collapse at any minute," Sheppard replied sarcastically. "That's why I'm suggesting we take this route."
"Rodney," Carson said in a reasonable tone. "These tunnels give every indication that they are safe. We've seen no evidence of any rockfalls."
"But it always has to start somewhere," Rodney said, refusing to be comforted.
John sighed with exasperation, and then glanced at his watch. It was getting late, so they might as well go back. At least that would stop Rodney's constant stream of fearful events.
Thankfully the journey to the mouth of the cave system didn't take too long. Rodney was first out, gulping in breaths of fresh air. John and Carson exchanged amused expressions.
"There was plenty of air in the caves to breath, Rodney," Carson said, with a grin at John.
"It just didn't feel like it," Rodney retorted. "And the air out here is much fresher. I'm sure that as a doctor you should appreciate the qualities of good, clean air."
Before Carson could think of a suitable reply, Ronon and Teyla appeared.
"Find anything interesting?" John asked, as they started to make their way back to their camp site.
"There is an extensive network of caves," Teyla reported. "They all seem stable and reasonably dry."
"We didn't find any evidence of dangerous wildlife," Ronon reported, with a sideways glance at Rodney.
"Yes," John said. "The only dangerous thing in there was Rodney's claustrophobia."
"It's not a phobia," Rodney said, trying to retain his dignity amidst all the teasing. "It is a perfectly reasonable caution in such a situation."
"Yes, Rodney," Carson said, grinning at John as he did so.
"Hold up a minute!" John said, suddenly, a note of urgency in his voice. They all turned to look at him, concern on their faces. He was looking at the life-signs indicator.
"There is someone at our campsite," he reported. The others looked at the indicator over his shoulder.
"Do you think it's someone from Atlantis come to check up on us?" Carson asked.
"Or a Wraith?" Ronon added, a hiss in his voice.
"I thought this planet was uninhabited," Rodney said, concern on his face.
"Well, now it's been un-uninhabited," John said.
"Is that a word?" Rodney asked Carson.
"It is now," he replied. "But who do you think it is, at the campsite?"
"Well, there is only one way to find out," John said. "Follow me, and be as quiet as possible." The last remark was directed at the two doctors, who were no known for their ability to remain quiet.
With that, he started towards the campsite, moving with stealth and care. The others followed, as quietly as they could.