Mine Cave

CHAPTER FIVE

SGA SGA SGA

"No!" Several shouted out in unison.

Brief denial was swiftly overruled by realisation, and without even giving their guards and fellow slaves a glance Sheppard, Ronon and Rodney took off towards the scene of destruction: tiredness and injuries a thing of the past.

The heat of the flowing and sparking shower of red and orange flames reached them the moment they had upturned their faces towards the invading noise, and now, as they reached even nearer to its epicentre, they had to shield their faces against its might with outreached hands. The peaty ground, once sodden with centuries of storms had scattered sharp pieces of rock lying on it in burning flames with some more the size of boulders barraging down from the sky, and it made covering the terrain at speed a trial as hands and knees met with the sharp edges often as they fell down on the difficult ground with their haste to help those in the vicinity.

Sodden not just seconds before, the ground now burned with rage; the ignition by its buried natural gas neighbour finally released from captivity. It thundered high like a geyser into the afternoon sky and soon the screams from those touched by it sounded in their heads as they finally reached the gaping hole where the underground mine had been and was now a crater with a fiery storm raging in its middle like a never-ending torch.

"Ronon, we have to help these men…can you reach down to pull the ones out that are climbing up whilst Rodney and I help them over to safety."

Sheppard had spun around and realised that there was an area nearby that looked safe enough for now to assemble the wounded. His military training coming to the fore. His eyes briefly fell on She'llyn's watching him but for now she was the least of his problems. His last look of her was to see her turn to point at her guards, no doubt directing them herself on what to do. Next, he felt his arm grabbed, and through the flakes of dust and floating pieces of burning embers that nipped and bit at exposed flesh Sheppard looked into the scared eyes of Tain.

"Sheppard. Tell me what to do."

Sheppard watched as Ronon and now a fearless Rodney handled some of the men who were starting to climb up towards them, so he pulled on Tain's elbow and pointed at several of the walking wounded.

"Let's get them there to safety first and see about medical aid. I can't see this stopping anytime soon; we need to get everyone out of the way as quick as we can."

Tain gathered a few of the afflicted and all together they ferried many over to Sheppard's chosen area of shelter, noticing that many of the guards, including M'atra were doing the same thing. Soon there were as many as could be saved from the disaster before the recovery period could begin from their section; but over at the other side, several small fires were sweeping in on the ground to join together and make up a burning ring of fire and inhibiting those over there to escape to safety.

Sheppard, already recovering from yesterday's trials was exhausted and knew he didn't have the energy to help those ones so breathed a sigh of relief when a breakaway band of the Shoana people ran to help them. He watched in anger as most of their guards just watched on without helping.

Sheppard afforded himself a second to stop and take it all in, shielding his eyes against the furnace. He surveyed the devastation around him whilst checking in on Ronon and Rodney's conditions. They were working in tandem and had managed to guide several to safety up over the sharp and burning rocks but Sheppard grimaced when he caught sight of one or the other friend patting out flames that landed on them and occasionally buried into their clothes. Their faces were almost hidden by the dust and were filthy and flushed, sweat ran down their brows and into their hair and their clothes.

He looked towards Tain and was pleased to see that water and medical aid were with them now so he made his way over towards his friends when he noticed Rodney double over suddenly coughing. He was worried as he had been coughing prior to this event anyway, so didn't need the burning dry cough that exposure to these flames were causing. His own lips were dry and he was desperate for a drink of water. That very wish made him stop in his tracks. So busy with the explosion and organising a rescue he had momentarily forgot about Teyla.

At that moment he went to call her name and then clammed his mouth shut when he realised what he had done; but he needn't have worried as his dry throat prevented his voice from coming out fully; it sounded dry and hoarse and suddenly he was bone tired. Ronon helped Rodney to take a breath and waved over to Sheppard. They were fine for now.

Sheppard stopped where he stood as Teyla appeared in his sight and marvelled at her ability to remain in character at such a turn of events. There running towards him and carrying two large buckets of water with ladles was Teyla, continuing her duties of supplying water to the slaves.

He noticed her walk fast towards him but he pointed to Rodney first and after a quick nod, she reached his side and held the ladle to his lips. By the time Sheppard was almost beside them, Ronon was the next beneficiary and Teyla was stooping down to look into Rodney's eyes to check that he was okay.

Licking his lips in expectation of the water, Sheppard strode purposely forward and into the fist of Ri'shba as it connected with his jaw sending him sprawling to the ground.

Dazed, Sheppard managed to get to his knees before the man kicked him down and stood over his chest; his face the angriest he had ever seen it. Ronon rose up to his full imposing frame and curled his lip into a snarl stepping forward to retaliate on his friend's behalf.

Sheppard nursed his jaw as the large guard held out a knife towards Sheppard's throat in a threatening manner – his intention clear if Ronon got any closer.

Coughing and spluttering, Sheppard held up a hand to his friend to stop him doing anything that could cause either of them harm and started to stand up to face the guard who had been joined by two others.

"Who they hell do you think you are to run off like that? Think you can organise anything better than we can?" He spat out: his clothes clean, dry and hardly a stain. "Follow me."

Sheppard was hauled to his feet and pushed along to the edge of the crater. He never got one drop of the precious water and he was pushed along so fast and so hard he never had time to look behind him to see what had happened to his team.

SGA SGA SGA

Some-time later, the afternoon melted into evening, and Sheppard was running on fumes. He and several of the slavers had battled against the flames with brooms and material on the many edges as the several wounded were slowly carried or walked back to the mines. Blessed relief came when the heavens opened and a very welcome storm managed to extinguish the larger flames they could not get to, leaving the core of the explosion smouldering; and from experience, the older men knew this could last for days.

Sheppard turned his face upwards to receive the welcome coolness and refreshment of the storms rain on his hot face. He felt utterly exhausted and knew he would soon drop like a stone if they didn't let him sit down soon. His headache was reduced to a dull throb but the last couple of days had been particularly hard on his health and he needed to stop and rest.

Occasionally, She'llyn would stand and stare at him and he started to notice that at the same time her hand always went into her coat pocket and then sharply withdraw again as if she kept changing her mind. He wondered if it was something to do with him, and the disc on his neck, which he was more or less managing to ignore. At this stage, though, Sheppard was almost wishing she would activate it and knock him unconscious like she had the other day, that way he would not know any more of the horrors he had witnessed today for the next few hours.

Water finally came his way by way of Oo'tan, another of the afflicted. Pleasant, as the young lad was, it was not Teyla unfortunately, but he took his fill slowly, not wanting to be sick; he had been well trained by Carson and Keller in the past.

An hour later, shattered beyond belief, Sheppard took stock of the surrounding land he could still see. The explosion had taken away a huge amount of it; leaving the mine bereft, and bequeathing a permanent dent that was now worthless in value with regard to the ore in that particular part of the mine; the gas had seen to that. The sky had turned into night and it was absorbing the dark smoke into nothingness as it weaved its way upwards. There was no sign left of the bright orange and red colours of earlier when the flames were at their highest, but Sheppard still felt the heat on his face as it continued to burn at the source of the explosion. It was contained now and the night's storm that still raged would continue to deaden it. Underneath, though, they knew it would be fighting to find another outlet soon. It was inevitable.

Some-one pulled on his arm trying to get his attention, and he numbly nodded at Tain, who was looking at him with some concern.

"Tain?" was all he could croak out.

"Sheppard, did you not hear the whistle? We are finished for the day; supper is being served. Come, I will walk back with you."

"Rodney, Ronon…did you see them?"

"I have not seen them for hours." Tain patted Sheppard's shoulder. "No doubt, my friend, they are waiting on you. Come on, do not disappoint them by being late!"

It seemed Tain knew which buttons injected a surge of energy into Sheppard, for he followed his friend with renewed energy; he had a goal in mind before he collapsed – and that was to make sure his team mates were all fed and watered before they all went to sleep.

"Are you okay Tain?" Sheppard remembered to ask as they walked.

"I am weary, like every-one else."

"Hmm…yes."

"You did well today, Sheppard. The men got out of there in double quick time with your coordinating."

"Yes well tell Ri'shba and M'atra that. I think I stepped on their toes a bit today…"

"…and paid the price. They worked you too hard, considering your head wound from yesterday."

Sheppard slowly reached up to touch his head and was surprised to find that the bandage was still in place, although looking at his hands, Sheppard suspected it was no longer white and of any use. He smiled a lopsided smile at his new friend. "Welcome to my world!"

"One day, Sheppard, I hope to see your world."

"Soon, Tain. Just give my men time to find us. The rest of your people are safe with them just now."

"I am very grateful. Sheppard, can I tell you something that has been bothering me?"

Sheppard was busy navigating some rougher terrain and tripped with tiredness when Tain grabbed his elbow before he pitched forward. "Thanks…yeah, sure."

"She'llyn. She, um …watches you all the time. It has been heard rumoured that she has set her designs on you; if you know what I mean. Be very careful."

Sheppard stopped walking as they reached the top of the ridge and the glow of the lit torches of middle ground heralded their arrival back at the mine caves. Sheppard had never been so happy to see the place.

He placed a hand on each of Tain's shoulders and laughed, whilst ignoring the impatient looks from the guards prodding them along. "I have gathered that myself. Don't worry, I can handle myself." He slapped his back to get him moving. "Just don't tell Rodney!" He tripped, swayed down the hill on his way to this planet's version of bliss – his hard mattress.

"I have no doubt; but I also know that she has a reputation of getting what she wants and then some…" He whispered in his ear. "…and then discarding what she took just as fast…if you know what I mean."

"Death by She'llyn?" Sheppard looked at Tain in the warm orange glow of the lit torches.

"Something like that, yes."

The very woman herself suddenly appeared to 'welcome' them as they slid down the now muddy ground at the other side. Sheppard grimaced, but didn't think she had heard them talking, although her eyes were only for him again.

"Eat your supper, shower and change your clothes. Tomorrow, we start on the artefacts again Sheppard, do not think I have forgotten about them."

"Yeah, about that…"

"Silence! Guards, see that these men are settled quickly so I can get some peace and quiet around here at last."

So, she could…What? Sheppard was flabbergasted at her totally inability to feel any remorse for the people killed or injured in today's tragic events. He opened his mouth to speak, but at that moment he caught sight of Teyla for the first time since the afternoon and he felt a surge of relief, amongst other things he had to battle to contain. The sighting, in turn, reminded him that his team was counting on him to get them out of there, so as infuriating the owner of the mine is, if he lost his cool now, it would not help matters. He simply nodded his head and followed Tain's lead towards the cave system where they all slept, his eyes searching out Ronon and Rodney in their designated area. He was soon rewarded. Ronon came bounding towards him and grabbed his left elbow and pulled him away from Tain, who had been supporting the other side as he had started to falter drastically. Tain bade them goodnight and walked away to his own family.

"What the hell, Sheppard? Are you okay? You look terrible." Ronon hauled him over to be beside Rodney who was already asleep it seemed.

"Nah, m'good." He muttered, worrying about Rodney.

Ronon caught his look and squeezed his elbow slightly. "He was totally exhausted and fell asleep waiting on you. I'll wake him up and tell him you are here."

"No. Leave him to sleep. We all need it. You look beat up."

"It was hard work. Now, you? Where did they take you?"

"Right to the edge and back again…I hope!" He managed a short laugh before a coughing fit had him doubled up."

He felt himself being pushed to the ground and then a cup of water appeared seemingly out of no-where, but he suspected he was losing awareness, so just let Ronon take care of him for a moment until he got his bearings.

The water was wonderful on his sore throat, and then the meaty stew with chunky vegetables that followed went down a treat and he smiled up at Ronon with eyes half shut, looking loopy.

"Oh no you don't!" He heard Ronon say, "…don't fall asleep yet." And then felt him tug at his arm before Ronon then leaned over him and put his hands under his arm pits to haul him up to a standing position, where he then swayed like a scarecrow.

"Shower first, Sheppard. You look like a piece of charred wood."

"Gee, thanks, big guy." He swatted his arms away. "I can walk."

So, Sheppard took off on his way to the shower area, only to find Ronon shadowing him from the side. He had to inwardly laugh – the big guy could see his reserves had run out and was waiting to catch him as he fell. Well, he would not go down so easily.

Sure enough, Sheppard managed to quickly shower and put on some new overalls that were firm and starchy but were clean and not full of holes, so he felt partly human again. He dressed in silence and walked back to their area with Ronon. They were almost there when he looked towards Ronon once and then over to Teyla's tent, his face full of worry.

Ronon knew he was worried about her. "Sleeping, I think. She has searched the hill for your return many times I've noticed. She will be glad you are back."

Sheppard said nothing but nodded his head. "And Rodney?"

Ronon kicked a stone and sighed. "Exhausted, worried about you. Coughing. He cough's a lot. I hope he has not caught anything."

"Lorne will find us soon. Fever?" He wondered about Rodney.

"Slight. May-be he just needs a good sleep."

Sheppard nodded again. It was getting harder to remain upright, never mind hold a conversation.

Ronon smirked when he tripped again, but the smile was Sheppard's next when Ronon stumbled as they neared one of the lit torches and Sheppard could see his features clearer. "I think some-one else I know needs a good sleep also." He said, as he got a good look at the bags under Ronon's eyes.

"Yes, well…it's been a long hard day."

Sheppard was guided over to his mattress and he knelt down on it to look at Rodney first and softly wrapped his hand around his wrist and watched him breathe for a moment. He was satisfied with what he saw and could see no sign of a rash. The slightly rattling breath he took, though, made him think he had caught a cold or a possible flu, but it looked like he was clear of the plague and Sheppard breathed easier himself for that.

He felt Ronon tap on his shoulder and he realised he had drifted away again. He looked up and saw a rather annoyed Ronon looking down at him, pointing at his mattress, with his lips drawn tight Sheppard got the message and moved position so that he was horizontal at last. He heard Ronon lie down but that was all, because as soon as his head had touched the ground, he fell asleep, trusting that all his team, including Teyla, did the same.

SGA SGA SGA

Morning arrived and Sheppard sat upright on his mattress staring sleepily over towards Teyla's tent willing the flap of her door to open; so, when she suddenly appeared in her guise of Te'gan standing in front of him, he blinked stupidly for a few seconds until his brain caught up – he had missed her exit from her tent.

With her back to the guards, she managed to signal him with a finger to her mouth in reminder of not to speak her name.

Sheppard tried to appear nonchalant at her presence, but he found he couldn't quite contain the smile that slipped out at his relief at seeing her in the flesh.

He dipped his head in thanks. Next, he found a small bowl of porridge being handed over to him, and he squeezed her fingers briefly as they touched unseen.

Inside the mask, Teyla was crying silent tears of relief at seeing Sheppard alive and well this morning. She had spent all day yesterday in fear for his and the rest of her team's life. The fire had brought many wounded their way to care for and each time some-body that looked like one of them came near her, her stomach had fallen.

She was annoyed with herself that she had fallen asleep so quickly last night and had missed Sheppard's return to the cave, so her relief at finding him sitting up this morning; rough looking but very much alive, was overwhelming and she couldn't contain the tears that she felt falling down her face and throat. She hoped no-body noticed before she could wipe them away.

But Sheppard seemed to study that very area of her body, and as Ronon joined them for his bowl of porridge, with a nod of his head her way in acknowledgement, Sheppard stole a touch at the base of her throat and gently wiped them away.

Ronon watched this slow-motion touch with his spoonful of food midway to his mouth and stalled. The movement had seemed so gentle and intimate and only meant to be between the two of them. He coughed slightly and Sheppard withdrew his hand almost reluctantly. Teyla straightened and went to lean against one of the supports, in man fashion, as if nothing had just happened. Rodney took that moment to rouse himself, and it was a much-needed distraction. Two friends had just reached a realisation with the other and the other friend had just witnessed it for himself.

Rodney stretched cat like, and yawned. "What's going on?"

"Nothing!" and one shrug, went over Rodney's head, thankfully he was too busy pushing his tired body into moving and moaning to notice much of what was going on.

The others soon fell into their usual positions of helping each other rise – which basically meant, Ronon hauling them upright, whilst Teyla ran off to help the others in serving the slaves their breakfast. Ronon watched her go and turned to look at Sheppard watching her also. With Rodney having verbal diahorrea about the conditions he was having to endure, he missed the quick look they shared and the unspoken snatch of a conversation they said with their eyes.

"I think I love her, Ronon."

"So, I notice. Think she loves you too, buddy."

"Bad timing!"

"Yeah."

Silence.

"But we will get out of it and you can work on your relationship."

"Yeah." Sheppard smiled as Ronon squeezed his shoulder and returned the smile with a beaming one of his own.

Sheppard patted down his trousers as he stood and stretched up his arms. Back to business. He remembered She'llyn's orders for today involving the artefacts so quickly told Ronon and Rodney that he would probably have to 'perform' some-time in the day.

"I'm sure she will love that!" Rodney quipped.

Sheppard, a bit defensive, said. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You know as well as I do, she is eyeing you up all the time." Rodney stood laughing at him.

Sheppard groaned. "Gimme a break, Rodney."

Ronon glowered at Rodney and he got the message to leave it be; besides it was too much effort. He had coughed all night and wasn't feeling very well.

The object of Sheppard's non-affection was suddenly walking towards them, flanked by her two private guards.

"I trust you are rested?"

No-one answered. Just stared at her as if she had just said a joke with no punchline. How could a few hours rest recover you from the nightmare of yesterday's explosion? Sheppard thought.

She'llyn motioned for her two guards forward towards Sheppard, so he automatically back-paced a couple of steps.

She'llyn sighed. "I did warn you… today, I need some testing done. You have been tied to the post a few times now. Can you not come and try these willingly and you will not be harmed?"

Sheppard scoffed. "By Whom? Your thugs here...or the artefacts?"

Suddenly, Sheppard felt heat and pressure at the side his neck from the embedded disc and lights were beginning to dance in front of his eyes. His breath stalled as he felt himself tilt to the side. Ronon was moving forward to help him; but was held back by one of the burly guards. Rodney was shouting out something to him, but his hearing was fading fast - and then it was over.

Sheppard drew air into his lungs; fast and deep. He blinked several times as all his other senses returned. He held up a hand in the air. "R'non…Rodney…stand down." His voice came out stronger than he thought; this time around the power of the disc's attack was not as profound: or was it because he wasn't having to fend off the artefacts power as well.

She'llyn looked puzzled as she fingered the remote in her pocket. So, it was probably that it didn't hold much power over him then, after all. She took it out of her pocket and turned it over several times, before once again pressing into it hard; and this time she concentrated.

Sheppard's body folded. He grabbed his head, crying out in pain and fell to one knee, before pitching forward onto his hands and panting hard. One of the guards took an opportunity to kick him in his side and he fell over, clutching his now bruised ribs. Ronon was like a mad man, fighting with both of the guards while Rodney threw himself down beside Sheppard to give him something to concentrate on.

"Sheppard. Sheppard! It's Ronon. He is out of control. You have to stop him, John!"

It was all Sheppard needed to overcome the device, and he drew some strength from somewhere, and fought against its invisible hold. Pulling himself upright, with Rodney hanging on to him, he bellowed: "Ronon!"

Ronon; distracted by his friend's cry, took a hit on his jaw, followed by a quick double jab to his stomach and then one of the guards swiftly put his meaty arm around his throat from the back and drew his arm up behind him to hold him secure.

"Ronon." Sheppard repeated, whilst standing up straight and now glowering at She'llyn. "What did you do that for?" He brazenly asked.

"Enough!" She'llyn shouted, but motioned for the guards to release Ronon.

The big man stared at She'llyn before turning his attention back towards Sheppard, who seemed to have recovered and had a dangerous look to him that Ronon knew only too well.

Sheppard was now pissed off with things and wouldn't let this latest incident go by this time.

"What do you want from me?" He said low and slow; each word peppered with resentment.

The air stilled as She'llyn returned his gaze: her body taut and her eyes unyielding.

Only the whistle, that heralded the start of the working day in the mines, was able to break up the atmosphere in that moment. All eyes were on the stalemate in front of them with neither, slaver or slave willing to bend for the other. A slow trickle of their friends started to make a line and followed the lesser guards to their days work, passing Teyla as she started to move forward on hearing Sheppard's raised voice.

On passing near Ronon and Rodney, Tain and Soony came over to provide some support and stood on Rodney's left. It was this movement that caught Sheppard's eye and he realised that they did not need a spectacle.

He took two steps towards She'llyn and then stopped. "I'll activate them in the tent." He boldly said and walked in its direction, leaving a shocked She'llyn and her personal guards rushing to catch up with him.

Sheppard neither looked at his team mates or his new friends; just walked with his head held high in the direction of the canvas tent. He walked with a purpose. He walked with new information: the device in his neck was depleting in its power; he knew that now, so She'llyn could not use that against him for much longer; yes, perhaps for another session or two, but each time it would get weaker and he could fight against it.

And there was something else: something that did have him puzzled.

He had felt a connection with She'llyn when he first felt the buzz of the device. He couldn't tell what it was exactly, but something had changed within the electrical charge and when he had battled through the pain and disorientation of it, he caught a fleeting thought of hers. She had been unsure of what she was doing and wanted the pain to stop.

She had felt almost...well, Ancient! What was going on here? She was toying with him and he was not amused at how weak she was making him look in front of his team, so he wanted this to come to a head, and in the process he would try and figure out what the story was with her ship in orbit and maybe cause a ripple of upset enough to dislodge her power she seemed to like to flaunt.

Sheppard stood at the tent's entrance and waited on the guards to catch up with him and open the flap. He didn't step in, just waited on She'llyn to do so first and he even had the audacity to gesture her forward into the tent in front of him. He smirked at that; thoroughly enjoyed his little win over her command of him.

Ronon and Rodney watched from afar until Sheppard vanished into the tent and the flap was pulled down. "Did you see what he did there?" Rodney whispered to Ronon, his mouth open in a large 'O' at his friend's blatant disregard for She'llyn power of command.

Ronon laughed deep and whacked the shorter man on his back. "Sure did. I wouldn't like to be her right now. Sheppard's got his game face on."

SGA SGA SGA

'Please?'

'What is it you want?'

'To go back to…oh, I don't know.'

'You must trust me on this. Here we are as safe as anywhere else. We can't go back, you know that…'

'I know that, John and I love you, but sometimes…'

'Sometimes, what?'

'Sometimes I could…I could…kiss you!'

'Please, never stop.'

Kiss. 'I do hope they never find us here."

'I know.' Kiss ''But the possibility is always there.'

'Then love me now, for tomorrow is but a time unwritten.'

SGA SGA SGA

TO BE CONTINUED …..