Wow! So sorry for the wait! I've been having such a good time reading everyone else's wonderful fic, I kinda neglected my own. Here's chapter 4. Pretty please review!

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Chapter 4

Lorne ran as fast as his legs could carry him, instinctively towards the nearest 'jumper. Approaching 'Jumper One, he noticed the hatch sluggishly open. Tapping the butt of his P90 impatiently, he waited for the large gate to come down.

In the meantime, Lieutenant Collins skittered up next to him. "Problems, sir?"

"Not sure, Lieutenant. We're gonna check it out." Finally, they entered the 'jumper, Lorne flopped into the pilot's chair, waving a hand over the controls. Nothing. "Come on J-One," he muttered to the Ancient ship.

The hatch door closed just as slowly, and the control panel half-heartedly lit up before winked out completely. "What is wrong with this thing?" Lorne touched his earpiece. "Lorne to McKay."

"Where are you? You haven't left yet?"

"I've got a situation with Jumper One. It refuses to power up. I'm moving to Jumper Two as soon as the hatch opens. If the hatch opens."

"Understood. Um, Major? While you're up there, you might as well get Beckett. Sheppard hasn't woken up yet."

"Will do, Doctor McKay. Lorne out." Sighing heavily, he rose to leave the pilot's chair.

"Sir? Do you think this 'jumper is too close to the colonel?"

"How do you mean?"

"Well, this is the colonel's favorite ship," the younger man shrugged. "Maybe it's a bit picky today. Calibrated more to him than you."

The major pursed his lips thoughtfully. Come on, One. I gotta go help the colonel and check the perimeter, he thought, not without a little frustration. Immediately, the 'jumper powered up. Glancing around, Lorne smiled sheepishly. "Collins, I owe you an apology."

"Sir?"

"For all the things I thought about you," he said cryptically. Returning to the pilot's chair, he brought the 'jumper about, aiming the small ship towards the atmosphere. The HUD suddenly came up, blinking plaintively. When the 'jumper cleared the atmosphere, they saw a Wraith cruiser partially hidden behind a moon. A hyperspace window opened, and it was gone.

"Well that answers that question," the major said as he opened a channel. "Doctor McKay, this is Major Lorne."

"Go ahead, Major."

"Cruiser confirmed. Not completely disabled, and it managed to open a hyperspace window."

"Hopefully, they'll think twice about coming back."

"Can't agree with you more, Doc. We're heading for the gate now."

"Understood. I'll let the colonel know. McKay out."

Even over the radio, Lorne could tell the scientist had a scowl on his face. "Dial the 'gate, Lieutenant."

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"Major Lorne's IDC, Doctor Weir."

"Lower the shield."

Elizabeth Weir stood on the balcony overlooking the gate room, waiting for the small ship to emerge. She had been worried about this mission, but Colonel Sheppard assured her that things were going well. However, at his last communication, he seemed distant and irritable. They were two hours late for their next check in, before Major Lorne came through the gate. She watched the 'jumper slowly rise to the bay, not sure if she should be angry or worried.

Minutes later, Major Lorne and Lieutenant – Collins? – came bounding down the stairs. "Evening, Doctor Weir."

"Major. Is everything all right?"

He stalled by shrugging off his tac vest, and handed it to the sergeant nearby. "That is a long and fascinating story." He smiled a little sadly. "I've come to get Doctor Beckett and bring him back to check on the colonel."

Weir tried not to betray her feelings as she heard the news. "Weir to Doctor Beckett."

"Yes, Elizabeth? What can I do for you?"

"Carson, I need you to join me in my office. Major Lorne has a story to tell," she said tersely, one eyebrow sliding up.

A long sigh was heard on the other end. "What's the colonel done now? I'm on my way. Beckett out."

"Well, Marcus. Why don't you give me the highlights while we wait for Carson."

Lorne sat down wearily in the nearest chair. "Their temple turned out to be a defensive outpost."

"Most "temples" end up being some sort of outpost. Anything different about this one?"

"Oh yes, ma'am! This particular one is highly interactive. Especially where Colonel Sheppard is concerned."

"What about the colonel?" Beckett appeared at the major's side, arms folded across his chest.

"Carson. Have a seat." She gestured for Lorne to continue.

The major sat a little straighter in his seat. Somehow, this felt more official. "The outpost has control panels, but no buttons or knobs or anything. Lit up like crazy when the colonel came inside. Needless to say, the locals got a bit scared. To be honest, Doctor McKay would be better at explaining the technical stuff." Absently, he rubbed the back of his neck, not unlike Sheppard, and flashed a grin. "Long story short, the Wraith attacked, or rather tried to attack–"

"Tried, Major?"

"Colonel Sheppard brought up the defense capabilities. According to McKay, he did it in his sleep. The place was highly attuned to him, and he could operate the weapons chair without sitting in it." Lorne tried to keep the admiration out of his voice.

Beckett stirred uneasily. "Where's the colonel now?

"Dead asleep, sir. The two battles took a lot out of him. I think it drew some energy from him. And every time a display–"

"Display? Like a HUD?"

"Yes, ma'am. But more like a monitor. It showed the Hives being destroyed and every part of the planet, due to the small sensors in orbit around the planet, too."

"So, you mean to say everything is tied to him neurally?" The doctor stood immediately. "Where is he now? Away from that outpost, I hope?"

Lorne blinked at the doctor's tone. He didn't blame Beckett for being a little upset; the colonel tended to get himself into fixes more often than not. "The nice people gave him a place to sleep it off for the night. They gave permission for you to return with us."

The doctor turned on his heel. "I'm going to gather supplies. I'll be ready in a quarter hour."

The major watched him leave, thinking how much trouble his CO would be in when Beckett saw him. Sheppard's hyperventilating incident still fresh in his mind, he decided he would tell the doctor in excruciating detail what happened. But on the way to the settlement. No reason to alarm Doctor Weir, right?

"Well, I'm sorry I can't join you, Major," Weir said curtly.

"Sorry, Ma'am. It took some convincing just to let the doc come."

She sighed. "At least the Wraith won't be coming back anytime soon, right?"

"I hope not, Ma'am."

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When Collins and Lorne reached the jumper bay, they heard a low Scottish brogue swearing.

"What the bloody –"

"It's a little temperamental right now, Doc."

"What do ya mean, son?" Beckett's blue-eyed glare was in contrast to his pink face.

Collins cleared his throat sheepishly. "I think Jumper One has taken a special liking to Colonel Sheppard, sir."

The major's mouth curved into a smile when he saw the look on Beckett's face. "That's right. And if the fine doctor here–" Lorne folded his arms and raised his voice. "–wants to help the colonel get better, he'll have to ask nicely."

Immediately, the hatch opened, allowing the men to enter.

"Just like that, eh?"

"Just like that, Doc," the major said with a bemused expression. The control panel reluctantly lit, and powered up slowly. "Dial the gate, Lieutenant."

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Sheppard heard concerned voices around him. He was touched, but they really didn't have to be worried. Now if I could just open my eyes, that would be great! However, the lead weights placed on his eyelids refused to budge. After feeling floaty for so long, he now felt like he was turned to stone, heavy and cold. Previously, his skin felt had tight and hot, making his plight worse. If I come down with anything, Carson will kill me!

Sleep.

It was the only thing he could think about. Two rounds with the Wraith were bad enough, and right now he felt every inch of those battles. The shield impact was the worse, stealing his breath away. Pain had lanced his chest, leaving a lingering ache like a deep bruise across it. Sheppard tried to detach himself from his body to relieve the constant pain.

Distantly, he heard the low rumble of Ronon's voice.

Great. I'm being carried through the village in the arms of a giant. Good bye self-esteem.

Another voice cut through his foggy brain. McKay. He said everyone was safe.

As soon as Sheppard retreated further away, an image popped into his head. Someone had dialed the gate. Watching from the satellites orbiting the planet, the colonel saw a 'jumper go through.

Yeah. Carson's gonna have a fit, he sighed inwardly.

Something unbelievably soft pulled him back into his aching body. A bed; warm and lovely. More softness caressed his freezing skin, surrounding him with warmth. He snuggled down into the warmth, Sheppard allowed himself to be carried off into the oblivion of sleep.

"Well, I guess we wait for Beckett," Ronon said. "He's not going to be very happy."

McKay smiled at the Satedan's statement. "You can say that again." Staring down at the pale figure below him, the scientist absently patted his data tablet. "I'm gonna, um, go back to the chair room. Let me know if he wakes up."

Ronon nodded as he pulled over a chair.

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"You're kiddin' me," Beckett was not happy with the major's words. "And Rodney took care of him?"

"Yep. I've never seen him so calm." Lorne steered the 'jumper towards the village in a lazy arc.

Beckett pursed his lips thoughtfully. "After that?"

"To be honest, Doc, I've never seen anyone get that pale before. I mean, he was white as the walls in that place. Then, he listened to everyone tell what he did. I think he thought he dreamt it all. You know that look he gets in his eyes."

"Aye. Almost unnerving when he's shuttered behind that mask of his."

Lorne nodded in agreement. "But, I'm not sure about the second attack. You'll have to ask McKay about that one."

"Believe me. I will," Beckett said, as he crossed his arms tightly against his chest. He looked sightlessly out of the window as they descended through the atmosphere.

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"What happened?" McKay asked as quietly and calmly as he could.

Ronon stood defensively over the colonel, as Teyla wrapped the sleeping man tighter in the blankets. "Apparently, Sheppard is aware of everything happening on the surface, as well the 'gate."

A snort escaped the scientist's lips. "Apparently." McKay placed his tablet on the small table next to the bed. "Look. Somehow, some way, he's still getting information fed to him. The sensors–"

"Those things orbiting the planet," Dex interrupted, hoping to derail any long-winded explanations the scientist had in store.

"Yes, yes, yes," McKay's hand bobbed in the air. "Now he knows the 'gate's been dialed. I'm guessing his pulse quickened and breathing went wonky?"

Teyla and Ronon glanced at each other then nodded. "Then he was still. This must mean the 'jumper came through unharmed," she said and smoothed back Sheppard's damp hair.

"Carson is going to have me for dinner," McKay said simply. "He hasn't rested at all! And now Beckett is going to see him like this–"

"Rodney," Teyla said quietly, using her voice to calm him. "No one will blame you for this. You did well taking care of him."

Suddenly, the colonel stirred restlessly. Despite his cool skin, beads of sweat formed on this brow.

"They're back," Ronon grumbled. He moved silently towards the entrance, finally disappearing outside.

"Major Lorne to Doctor McKay."

Touching his earpiece anxiously, he responded.

"Good evening. I've got Doctor Beckett itchin' to see his favorite patient. What's your twenty?"

McKay's mouth quirked at the jargon. "We are in the smaller hut just east of the courtyard."

"Where the chair is?" Lorne didn't sound too happy about that.

"Yes, Major. That's the one."

"Copy that. We'll see you in ten."

Behind them, a tiny elderly woman appeared. She moved quickly to Teyla's side. "Is everything to your liking?"

Teyla gave a warm smile. "Thank you, Zoame. This will be just fine for such a short stay. Our healer just arrived, and he will be here soon. Is there anything you wish me to tell him?"

The woman shook her head silently. "We will dine in the courtyard this evening in celebration. Please join us."

"Will this be all right with the others?"

"I will prepare them."

"Prepare whom for what?" McKay interrupted. "'Cause, um," he jerked a thumb towards the cot. "He's totally out again. Did you say food?"

Both women winced at his rudeness. Zoame's smile returned hesitantly. "Yes, food will be served shortly. And I assure you, they will be more than willing to accommodate guests. This is a time for rejoicing!"

Teyla held out her hands, lightly clasping the older woman. "Thank you again for your hospitality."

Looking from the Athosian to the sleeping Lantean, Zoame looked puzzled. "I must ask you, Teyla. This man, John Sheppard. He is not like us, is he?" Suddenly, she realized she had an audience and hurried on. "Many of the priest for years have tried to enter the temple and reveal its secrets. They most certainly could not do what your friend accomplished." She held her hands lightly at her sides. "Which leads me to believe he is a descendant of the builder of this place."

Teyla looked at McKay quickly. "That is true –"

"Hullo, Teyla," Carson Beckett stormed into the small room, bristling with nervous energy, making it feel a bit crowded."Rodney. Where's ma patient?"

Zoame watched the newest member as he bustled inside. His strange voice tickled her ears when he spoke.

McKay moved to the right, revealing a cot shoved into a corner. "He's been asleep for the last ninety minutes. We've tried to wake him for water every so often, but he hasn't fully awakened." He began explaining, not quite knowing why he was so nervous.

The doctor only saw a pile of brightly colored blankets. Upon further inspection, he noticed a shock of dark hair peeking out of the top of the pile. "Ah, son. What now?" Peeling back the layers, Beckett finally found flesh. The pale face held a satisfied smile and flushed cheeks. The doctor placed a hand on Sheppard's cheek, frowning. "Well, it's not too bad right now. Nothing a good night's rest won't cure."

He turned to find his companions had changed. McKay was gone, Teyla was alone, and the little woman had vanished. "Och! Where's Rodney? I've some questions for him." He furrowed his brow at Teyla's pensive expression. "What's wrong, lass?"

"I am..."

Beckett rose from his kneeling position next to the cot. "Now, if you're worried about the colonel, don't be. He'll be fine. His blood pressure's a bit low, but I don't think he'll be in danger. Just a wee bit tired, I'm guessing. Seems he had a long day. No worries, luv."

Teyla glanced from the doctor to the sleeping man below. "I just wish he wouldn't–"

"Throw himself head first into the lion's den?" McKay had reappeared on the stairs leading to the chair room. "Yes, yes. That is annoying." He placed his tablet into his pack with shaky hands. "Prognosis, Doctor? Is he gonna live?"

The doctor chuckled lightly turning his attention back to his patient. "Aye, he'll live. Probably wake up with a doozy of a headache though."

McKay shrugged, trying to appear indifferent. "Well, that's nothing new."

A chime sounded outside.

"Dinner?" The scientist instantly perked. "Great! I'm starving. Carson? You coming?"

"I'll be along in a bit. I need to get him on an IV first, finish checking him out. You go ahead." He turned to see them reluctantly leave the small room.

Beckett focused his full attention on his patient. Everything seemed fine with the colonel; he was merely asleep. From what he heard, Sheppard had slept little and ate even less, then discovered the secret about this place. He had used the outpost to battle the enemy and quite successfully.

He sat listening to the colonel's heavy breathing. But something nagged at his senses. A low hum caressed his brain. Is that what the colonel feels when he's in Atlantis? It was a little unnerving, hearing and not hearing, feeling, but not feeling this vibration.

"Doc?"

A barely audible whisper snatched him from drifting. "Colonel? Can ya open yer eyes for me?"

Sheppard struggled with limited success. "Can't... tired." And he drifted away.

"No, no, lad. Open just a little." Beckett had begun pulling away the blankets and found the colonel fighting his efforts, brightly colored fabric clenched in weak fists.

"Cold," he slurred. Cold and hot, achy and comfortable, tired and restless. Now Beckett was here to disrupt it all, and the good doctor was stronger than him right now.

Beckett sighed as his patient stubbornly held onto the last blanket. "The sooner I do this, John, the sooner ya can go back to sleep."

So many demands! The colonel's eyes opened to slits as Beckett coaxed him to lie flat. He felt a cool hand on his wrist, prompting his eyes to open a tad more. "How come you're here?" he croaked, his throat was dry and raspy again. How long had he been out?

"About two hours," Beckett said, smiling at his confusion. "And, believe it or not, people are worried about you." Finally, the colonel released the third blanket. "Ya know, John. Ya could give a ghost a run for its money."

Sheppard winced, partly at the joke, and partly from the chilled membrane of the stethoscope. "Ha ha," he groused. He knew the inevitable lecture about how thin he was would come so he braced himself. Instead, he heard a slight gasp from Beckett.

"What the devil– How did this happen?"

The colonel opened eyes he had not realized he closed, and blinked away the fog. "What? Ow! That's really sore..." He stopped talking due to the thunderous glare he received from the CMO.

"Colonel," he blustered. "Ye look like yev been whacked with a two b' four. Now what the bloody hell happened?" Pushing his patient's shirt further up, he examined the long bruise that stretched diagonally from Sheppard's right shoulder to his left hip. When he did not get an answer, Beckett tore his gaze from the odd injury.

Sheppard had fallen asleep, shivering. The doctor let out another long sigh. "All right, son. Have it your way," he said, gently continuing his examination. Thankfully, no other injuries presented themselves, and the bruise appeared to be a shallow one. No broken, cracked or bruised ribs – for once.

"How is he, Doctor Beckett?" Teyla had quietly returned, holding a tray with a steaming bowl and bread.

"He seems fine. All his vitals are pretty normal, for him anyway. Temperature slightly elevated, but that will most likely pass by morning. He's got some curious bruising on his chest. I'm hoping you could shed some light on that."

She sat the tray down on the small table, looking intently at Sheppard. "I did not notice an injury, however, Doctor McKay may be able to tell you what happened after the second attack." Teyla gave him a trademarked warm smile, handing him a napkin. "I thought you might be hungry."

Beckett dimpled at her insight. "Aye, lass. Famished. Thank ye, Teyla."

As she watched him eat, a thought came to mind. "Rodney seems to be the only one who can get him to eat or sleep. Earlier today, he told me they had quite the argument."

"They often do, luv. Was there anything different about this argument?"

"I do not believe so. We were interrupted by the first attack." She sat down at the foot of the bed, careful to avoid touching the sleeping colonel. "We ran back to the outpost from here." She smiled at the memory. "I do not believe I have seen Rodney move that fast." The smile broke into a light chuckle.

Beckett returned the sentiment. "Rodney can do whatever he sets his mind to, that's fer certain." He sobered after a moment. Any good investigator asks questions, right? "Did he mention the colonel bein' in any pain during the attacks?"

Teyla thought back to any signs from the two of them. "Not that I know of. After the second attack, the people were a little frightened of what they were seeing. According to Zoame, the outpost has been dormant for many years. It was not until Colonel Sheppard activated the panel..." Her voice trailed off, and she turned inward. Mayhem always followed John Sheppard. Strangely enough, he always seemed ready.

The doctor reached out and touched her hand. "When he's not in trouble, yer always waitin' for fate ta drop the other shoe on him. This time, it wasnae as bad. I'm sure he'll be good as new tomorrow." He stood and stretched, taking a deep breath. "Why don't ya show around the village."

They left the sleeping colonel tucked away in a brightly colored pile. When he heard them leave, Sheppard rolled slowly over to face the door. With a sigh, he watched their retreating backs. A smile curved his lips as fell back into a blissful sleep, listening to the sounds of the planet at dusk.

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After the evening meal, and a few stories from Major Lorne, everyone decided to turn in for the night. Teyla, Ronon, and the other officers slept outside the small hut. The scientists slept inside with Sheppard and Beckett. McKay returned to the chair room with no intention of sleeping. There was so much here, he just couldn't access it, and it was driving him crazy.

He studied the smooth control panel on the chair, and the other smooth surfaces in the room. Not that much different from all the other Ancient tech they had encountered. "So why can't I operate this?" The question bothered him so much he had to ask it aloud.

Footsteps sounded behind him, and he had a sneaking suspicion it was Carson Beckett coming to check on him. "I'm going to bed, prom–"

Not only had the doctor come down the steps, but he was lead by Colonel Sheppard. Their eyes were opened part way; Sheppard appeared to be still asleep.

"What are you two doing down here? Especially you, Shep–"

Beckett wordlessly moved over to the control console, and waved a hand in a sweeping gesture. McKay stepped away, aware that the doctor never displayed such grace when activating anything. Meanwhile, the colonel had seated himself in the chair.

With keen fascination, McKay watched the two men, born of the ATA gene work in complete unison. Shaken from this experience, McKay sidled past the diligent workers towards the stairs. "I should get someone," he whispered to no one in particular. He ran upstairs to wake Meyers; it was best if another scientist saw the strange goings-on here.

Upon returning, McKay spread both hands. "Well? Explain this." was all he said.

"Is this what happened at the outpost?" Meyers yawned.

McKay gave a noncommittal shrug. "More or less. Look," he came to stand in front of Sheppard, who was mumbling a bit to himself. "The thing is, this place obviously has some affect on those born with the gene. No matter how strong it is."

"Sheppard can just do more because his is stronger," Meyers nodded to himself. "Should we stop them?"

"What? No!" McKay rolled his eyes. "Whatever it is that they're doing, they should probably finish it. No telling what would happen if we woke them up in the middle." He pulled out his tablet, taking notes. Walking around the two men, he carefully studied the display Beckett had pulled up.

Sheppard muttered something in Ancient to Beckett, who replied strangely enough in English. "Yes, it looks that way. Anything else?"

"No," Sheppard said quietly, his eyes vacant. The blue light around them had turned his eyes a greyish color. "It is done." The chair powered down, the colonel slid out of the chair, and neatly collapsed.

McKay lay his tablet down and moved over to the unconscious man. "Sheppard, I really wish you'd stop that," he said, sighing greatly. "I can't imagine what your knees look like from falling all the time."

Stumbling forward, Beckett blinked drowsily at the blank wall in front of him. "Bloody hell. What happened?" He felt a tug on his sleeve, and started, spinning around. "Rodney! What is going on here?"

"We're hoping you could tell us," McKay said pointing at the prone man on the floor.

However, the doctor was not listening. He knelt down opposite McKay, beside Sheppard. "Colonel? John? Can ye hear me, lad?" Beckett gave the pale man a light shake.

"Mmmnn... Five more..." was the colonel's weak response as he curled up on his side.

Beckett sighed wearily. "Let's get him to bed, Rodney." He reached down to roll the man over, and nearly joined him on the floor.

"Whoa, whoa, Carson. We'll get him," McKay calmly said, placing a steadying hand on the doctor's shoulder. "Why don't you go up first. Meyers, could you get the colonel's legs."

The doctor walked heavily up the stairs, each step taking more out of him. By the time he reached the top, Teyla was waiting with open arms, ready to catch him when he pitched forward. "Thanks, luv," Beckett said breathlessly. "I think I'll just sit over here now." He sank down unceremoniously onto his palette.

Meyers and McKay struggled up the short stair with the sleeping colonel. Ronon shook his head and scooped Sheppard up, placing him on the cot. He curled up again on his good side, mumbling about flight control.

Beckett moved in the direction of the colonel, but Teyla stopped him with a light hand on his shoulder. "Please rest, Carson. We will take care of John." She had learned that these stubborn men listened closer when she used their birth names. Teyla watched as the doctor nodded wearily, his eyes slipping closed as he lowered his body down to his warm sleeping bag. She smiled as she heard soft purrs coming from his direction.

After she fetched bottles of water, Teyla placed them within arm's reach of both sleeping men. "This is proving to be a very long night," she sighed.

McKay inevitably snorted. "You said it." He crossed his arms hugging himself tightly. "We need to get back to Atlantis."

"For once, I agree with McKay," Ronon Dex grumbled. "First thing in the morning?"

In unison, those who were awake bobbed their heads in agreement. From below a muffled voice commanded, "Off ta bed wit ya!"

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TBC

So, I hope to get my head out of the clouds and away from LJ long enough to finish this story in a more timely manner! Next up... Teyla enjoys being a girl...