Shepherd's POV

"We have to go after them!" Rodney demanded furiously.

In all honesty John couldn't blame Rodney's anger. The man was afraid of losing someone he loved--John could relate. The Runner, of course, had followed Carson; the runner having an affinity with the doctor that no one had quite understood. Whatever the reason, John feared it would cost Ronon his life.

And break my heart he considered ruefully.

"Rodney," Weir stated. "There is no way I can authorize a rescue mission when we haven't the faintest idea where to look! They could be anywhere; Carson becoming an Ancient opens the door for possibilities you and I could not even conceive of."

"Give me a break Elizabeth," Rodney remarked condescendingly. "We both know the Stargate wasn't activated so they cannot have gotten that far!"

"Shut up," Shepherd remarked sharply. He gave Elizabeth a look. "You too."

Glancing from Rodney's furious stare to Elizabeth's shocked expression, Shepherd took a deep breath.

"I'm going to save our people," Shepherd said matter of factly. "McKay, lets move it."

He felt Rodney nearly on his heels as he strode towards the jumper bay. Teyla met them there with a reassuring smile. A grin fit his face.

"Lets go save them."

Ronon's POV

Ronon's gaze followed the swift and sure movements of the healer. Confidence bestowed on every motion of the man's demeanor. Much had changed, but much was the same. Ronon noted the comfort marred by guilt every time the man looked at him.

Carson was the soul of Atlantis--her song.

One of many reasons Ronon followed the Ancient on this futile mission. Ronon knew the moment he'd seen the truth in the man's eyes…he would follow him.

"Hive ship is within sight," the slight man deplored ominously.

Indeed. The ship cruised through space unaware of their presence for the moment. But what the hell would they do when they boarded the ship?

"Carson," Ronon chose his words carefully. "What can I expect?"

The doctor sighed and leaned heavily on the controls. He offered the runner a crestfallen look before nodding softly.

"You deserve to know," Carson commented softly. "Ronon, why do you think the wraith hate the Ancients so?"

Ronon threw him a look before retorting sarcastically, "Their power naturally. Wraith don't like enemies; wraith like submission."

"That is not entirely correct," Carson murmured.

Ronon lifted an eyebrow at the statement.

"The Ancients blood is a poison," Carson began. "A single wraith feeding on an Ancient can bring about the death of thousands.

"How is this possible?" Ronon demanded fervently. Could they use this now?

"Wraith possess telepathic capabilities they use to communicate," Carson explained. "The essence of an Ancient obliterates the brain tissues of a feeding wraith in addition to all wraith within telepathic range."

"So," Ronon proposed. "We are going to destroy this hive ship?"

"No," Carson lowered his head. "We are going to kill them all."

Ronon's head whipped upwards and he met Carson's eyes in astonishment. Was it possible? His blood stirred; the healer would not lie. Joy surged through his system.

"How," Ronon requested eagerly. "How can we accomplish this goal?"

The Ancient sagged before his eyes lifted and he spoke, " Relatively simple actually. Wraith ships communicate by means of a device that transmits their telepathic brainwaves. If a wraith was to feed on an Ancient near such a device…the wraith would be completely destroyed."

Ronon nodded solemnly. The doctor was walking head first into the wolf's lair and had yet to falter. Ronon's admiration for the man peaked.

"Ronon," the Ancient said brokenly--shoulders trembling. "You never told me why you decided to come. I know you are aware that you have little chance of surviving such an endeavor as this; success is barely foreseeable as it is."

Ronon closed his eyes. No regrets filled him. His life would have meaning--true meaning. Though he would die doing so, Ronon swore that the healer would succeed in his goal.

"I will tell you why before I die," the Runner responded with warmth.

Author's Note: Long live the action scenes J