Ronon's POV
Ronon lead the way as they walked across some sort of wraith ship port. His eyes darted around constantly seeking signs of threat. No movement betrayed itself and the only sound came from the Ancients muffled footfalls.
The Runner nodded to the Ancient as he hefted the assault rife. Releasing the trigger lock Ronon dashed into the open corridor motioning Carson to follow him.
"How many?" Ronon asked the visibly pale man beside him. Not looking away from the currently empty passage, Ronon placed a comforting hand on the healer's shoulder.
"According to the scanner," the physician reported. "There are several wraith, but none in the hallway as far as I am able to discern. Proceed with caution appears to be our best bet."
"So be it," Ronon snarled.
He quickened his pace as they proceeded down the dimly lit hall. Yellow light flickered in a sickening aura. Hefting the weapon, Ronon glanced suspiciously around. Seemed too quiet.
"Ronon, there's one headed this way--"
The physician's exclamation was ended with a wraith lunging towards them. The pale skin appearing luminous in the light as he reached towards the terror stricken Ancient.
In a flash, Ronon seized the creatures arm; flipping the Wraith onto its back the Satedean raised his gun and slew the creature with brutal swiftness. The Runner coldly fired another shot through the wraith's head--never be too sure.
A glance told him Carson Beckett's 'love everyone' side had come out. A tear creased the cheek as Ronon approached him.
"Its alright," The Runner said tactfully. "Lets go. Others most likely are aware of an intrusion. Remaining here would merely hamper our mission."
He gently, firmly pulled the Ancient to his feet and pulled him into a run down the hallway.
Ronon chose a side passage that hopefully took them down a level. During one of his many days as a captive, Ronon recalled seeing a device that fit Carson's description. A tremor of uncertainty called to him, but Ronon quashed it with sheer determination as he drug the healer ever onward.
Carson's warning was all he had before a wave of dizziness hit him--he fell forward. He blinked rapidly while simultaneously leaping to his feet. His vision cleared; Carson under assault by the wraith. Swinging his leg, Ronon caught the wraith across his back in a vicious kick that sent the creature staggering away from the Ancient. Bringing his rifle up he fired several rounds into the abdomen of the wraith until it fell lifelessly to the ground.
Swiftly Ronon knelt to inspect Carson. Tenderly, he prodded the knee: broken.
"Your hurt too."
Carson's comment brought forth a pain in his head. Dabbing it he noted the red stain thoughtfully. Ronon shook his head at Carson's cry of dismay, and tossed the smaller man over his shoulder. The Ancient cried out as his leg was jostled; Ronon did not have time to wait.
"There is more to come," Ronon muttered. "I will get you to the device. Do not fear defeat."
Ronon halted at the end of the passage noting five wraith standing in the device's vicinity. A stab of uncertainty leeched into Ronon's mind. But this was the only way…the only way people could be free.
Silently, Ronon eased the doctor to the ground and drew to weapons. Kneeling in a crouch, Ronon sprang at the unsuspecting wraith guards.
A barrage of fire--three down. One down permanently.
His body never ceasing to move, Ronon twisted his body and slammed his elbow into the wraith's face. Fueled by years of fury, Ronon released his hatred into every move.
He felt a searing pain in his side; Ronon reacted by releasing a second barrage of bullets.
Two down--three left.
Clawed arms sought to pin him down, his muscles bulged as he threw off one attacker after another. Seizing a wraiths arm, Ronon, twisted it and brought his knee upward to crack the neck and deliver a bullet into the creatures brain.
Three down…only two more.
He felt a rip across his back, slicing at the skin. He bellowed a cry of rage intertwined with agony.
He raised his pistol; Ronon's other weapons had been lost in the scuffle. He fired at the wraith till it collapsed--writhing.
A burning pain filled him. Ronon's vision swam and he stumbled forwards. A coppery tang filled his mouth while he glanced down. A wraith dematerializer jutted painfully through his chest.
The wraith stood over him and smiled cruelly. Just as it raised its arm towards him, a rain of gunshots pierced the stillness. As the creature fell away, the innocent visage of the blue eyed healer gazed at him.
No, Ronon thought. Don't weep for me. Destiny had called, Ronon had answered, now he would rest--peacefully.
The healer was at his side easing him gently against a wall. His hands reached for the weapon piercing him. With what little strength he retained, Ronon grasped both the man's hands.
"Its alright," Ronon mumbled.
"No, Ronon its not," Carson wept bitterly. "You came with me and you're dying. And I can't save ya."
"Carson," Ronon whispered harshly. The blue eyes lifted and he held them. "There are things I have done in my life that I have regretted; this is not one of those times. I told you that I would tell you why I came with you before I died. I shall fulfill that promise."
Ronon noted the healer visibly trembling. Tenderly, Ronon brought a hand to Carson's cheek.
"You gave me life," Ronon said, voice filled with affection. "I was able to know love again; you gave me John."
He saw Carson's eyes flash briefly. There was recognition there.
"The love I bear for you transcends family," Ronon said quietly. "You brought warmth to my heart again. So you understand, I will never regret my decision to die with you."
"Ronon," Carson whispered. "I wont let you down. I promise you."
Ronon smiled at the man and allowed himself to sink backwards. A comforting lull encased him. Death's hand extended towards him and Ronon accepted it greatfully.
Carson's POV
Carson got to his feet numbly. Even in death, Ronon smiled. For some reason, Carson found it oddly comforting.
Excruciating pain returned the Ancient to the present as he was tossed like a rag doll onto the glowing device.
A hideous, beautiful creature stood before him with her teeth gleaming wickedly in the poor lighting: Wraith Queen.
With a triumphant sneer, she embedded her hand within his chest.
The burning sensation that followed dulled his senses. A chorus of voices swept his mind--he was far from alone.
As his life was ripped from him, Carson felt oddly calm, serene.
Trace thoughts of Rodney's face flitted though his mind as a chasm of blackness drew him closer.
He heard a deafening scream of pain followed by a tragic lament to the heavens.
Then there was only stillness.
The next thing Carson became aware of was Ronon standing next to him in confusion and a group of people gazing at them expectantly.