Thank you for all the reviews, and the alerts - they really are appreciated! Thanks also to those without accounts who left reviews - I would love to reply, but I'm afraid the system won't allow it.

As to what John fell on? Well I think it was probably Rodney's soda which he cunningly spilt so he could get the last muffin!

Now on with the story...and the whump begins in earnest!

DAMAGED

CHAPTER 2

Carson stumbled, blinded, as his eyes slowly adjusted from the dazzling sunlight to the gloom inside the oppressive tent. Even so, it was as plain as the nose on his face there was something wrong when he caught sight of Colonel Sheppard. The man's jaw was rigid, and his tension palpable, as he watched them assemble in the small enclosed space.

He could barely see, but even in the shadows, the tell tale signs of pain were evident in the tight, fine lines around the strained hazel eye's. Sheppard was suffering, and Carson cursed himself for being so bloody stupid in allowing him to undertake this mission, knowing that he'd disobeyed his own rules and allowed emotion to override his judgement.

The situation with the boy, while clearly desperate, could in his opinion have been easily handled by Lorne, but he'd allowed himself to be worn down by John's determination and Teyla's heartfelt plea. Now it was clear the colonel was ill, and Carson felt guilty for letting down his patient, knowing all head traumas, even seemingly minor concussions, must be handled with care, only too aware that their status could degenerate in the blink of an eye.

"Your headache's worse, isn't it?" he asked, and got the answer he expected in John's wry smile.

"Can't hide anything from you can I, Doc?" When John flinched as he lifted his eyes to meet his, Carson got the confirmation he feared.

"You need to come back with me to Atlantis right now, Colonel," Carson insisted. "I need to get you back under the scanner…"

"It's just a headache, no big deal," John replied. "But it's pretty academic now anyway, since I'll be staying with these people for a while yet, and I figure what I'm feeling at the moment, will be small change compared to what they have in store for me."

"What gives, Sheppard?" Ronon asked, his expression becoming serious as he lifted an eyebrow while placing a firm hand on his blaster for good measure.

John raised his hands in a calming gesture, but for once Carson could tell the Sheppard charm wasn't working. All of his friends sharing the same anxious look, as the full implication of his ominous words hit home. "Look," John said, obviously trying to keep his tone upbeat, but sounding hesitant instead, "the chief wouldn't accept our offer and told me that if we wanted to take the kid, he needed to know we were made of the right kind of stuff. So… as leader, I've agreed to take part in one of their rituals."

"What!" Teyla raged, her confusion and concern evident as she searched John's face for answers. "Why? It is clear by the way the boy is treated, they don't even want him."

He shrugged, a resigned expression his face. "Still, he's still one of theirs, Teyla and if we want to save him, I have to prove our worth."

"This is bullshit, Sheppard," Ronon shouted, glaring at his friend, making it clear he was unable to accept his solution to the problem. "What do they want from you anyway?"

"I have to undergo a test of courage," John replied, in a quiet but determined voice. "But only if the tribe consider me worthy of the challenge."

"Oh, and what exactly does this test involve?" Carson asked, already fearing what the answer would be.

"Don't know," he answered. "But I've agreed to take part, so none of you must interfere…regardless of what happens - is that understood?"

Carson noticed Sheppard stared at each of them in turn, just to make sure they knew it was an order, before he turned to the Satedan. "Ronon, I need you to go back to Atlantis and explain the situation to Woolsey, and take Carson with you. Tell him what I've told you - no interference under any circumstances."

When Ronon went to protest, John put his hand up to interrupt "I'm not crazy about this either, but I'm a big boy and know what I'm doing, so I'll suck up whatever they have planned, and hope that you, Carson, can fix me up once they're done." John gave the medic a weak smile, before turning to the Athosian. "Teyla, I'd like you to stay," he asked, his voice surprisingly quiet. "Falack says I need a witness to ensure fair play, and while I know it will be tough for you to stand by and watch, I also know I can trust you keep a level head and get me and the boy home when it's done. Will you do that for me?"

As Teyla slowly nodded, Carson butted in, surprised at his friend's choice. "Wouldn't it be better if I stayed? After all, I'm the doctor here?"

"Well, Carson, you were my first choice…no offence, Teyla." John smiled at his team mate to take the sting out of any hurt feelings. "But chiefie said your presence would give me an unfair advantage, and to pass the test I have to endure whatever they decide, without any medical assistance."

Carson's heart sank at the thought of what agonies this good man would have to endure in order to save the poor wean chained outside. He was a brave man, John Sheppard, but visibly unwell, and Carson was worried he might not be able cope in his condition. "You're not up to this, John - we both know it, and as much as I despise violence, why don't we just take the wee laddie?" he reasoned. "After all I'm sure you, Ronon and Teyla, could cope with a few old men without any bloodshed."

"He's right, Sheppard - " Ronon joined in, but was prevented saying anything more by John's interruption.

"I have considered it guys, and the truth is, after the way they've treated the kid, I really don't want to put my life in their hands," He said, muttering the last part under his breath. "Still, old men or not, we don't know what they're capable of …remember when we first met the Genii?" John gave them a grim smile. "Besides, there are other children here, and I want to save a boy's life, not risk other kids getting hurt. So please, don't make this make it any harder…just do as I ask."

Just as John finished speaking there was a rustle as the tent flap was pulled open, revealing Falack, who was standing at the entrance. "It's time, Colonel. Please remove your weapons, boots and upper garments, then come with me."

When John removed his shirt, Carson could now see the full extent of the damage caused by the fall, as he was covered with deep livid bruises covering the length and breadth of his back. Ronon grunted, and Teyla's face fell, as Falack produced a stout piece of rope and proceeded to wind it tightly round John's wrists three times, securing them at the back. Yet Sheppard didn't flinch, and his face remained impassive as the chief completed the task, before allowing himself to be led away, only turning to nod as he left. Carson, pretty sure it was an attempt to reassure them, but he could tell no one was fooled. This was wrong…in so many ways.

ooooOoooo

The searing heat of the blazing sun had eventually given way to the icy chill of the desert night, as John knelt shivering, restrained hand and foot, within the circle of light.

Except there was no light, only some small polished stones, hidden by darkness as the biting cold seeped into his bones. He gazed out, but saw nothing save the muted light of campfires burning within the surrounding tents. The people within enjoying their warmth while he was exposed to the elements, aching from skin burned under the sun's blistering rays during the long hot day. Now he was frozen, chilled to the bone as he waited for dawn to come, but knowing with it would only come more discomfort, and yet more pain before the day was finally through.

Scant water had been given throughout his gruelling ordeal, and nothing to eat. There was no blanket to relieve his cold, only rough sand scratching his skin as the sand mites devoured their captive meal. He was in misery, his burned skin tight and sore and his shoulders in agony, strained to their limits after being forced back for hours by the strong rope tying his bound wrists to his feet. Hogtied, like an animal, except their animals ran free while these freaking people sat in judgement of him, and decided if he was worthy to take their challenge.

Once or twice, he thought he'd seen Teyla from the nearly tent, stealing a glance, checking on him, making sure he was alright, but he wasn't, not really. Beckett had been right, he wasn't fit, his head already sore to start with, now pounding so hard he could barely see straight. Shafts of pain spiking through his skull making him feel sick, dizzy, ready to collapse in a heap, but unable to do so, or he would risk losing the challenge and any chance of saving the boy.

Falack had tied him up tight and told him to kneel, then surrounded him with stones. A sacred circle, he'd called it. He'd told him if he could maintain that position, it would show the tribe his humility, his respect for their beliefs, and prove he was worthy to take part in their ritual. And so he had…for hours, but now it was late. All the spectators were gone, the cold, curious eyes tucked up in their warm, cosy tents, yet still he was made to kneel, sleep denied, his body in torment from the strain, both wrists and ankles numb despite the blood dripping from his abraded skin. It was inhuman treatment from people no better than savages, hypocrites, who would torture a man for trying to provide a better life for a child they abused.

At least Elient was inside away from the cold, hopefully being cared for by Teyla. John doubted if this was the norm and wondered if it was done for their benefit? Either way, he was glad. No one should be treated the way he'd been done, especially not a child, and John roused himself, shuffled on the sand with his knees and tried to gain some purchase so he could stay upright. He was aching and exhausted, desperate to lay his head against the ground, but couldn't give way to his body's demand for rest…to do so would be to fail. John knew he must suck it up, stay awake and force himself to endure the rest of the night. Whatever it took to free the boy from this hellish place, and give him the life, and home, he deserved.

ooooOoooo

Dawn arrived, its warm rosy glow illuminating the still bent figure with light. John's head was bowed, but Teyla was relieved when he raised his face at the sound of her footsteps and gave her a weak smile.

His body was covered in burns. There were large, angry blisters on his shoulders, which had caught the brunt of the sun's scorching rays, and his wrists and ankles looked puffy, the raw skin swollen around the bloody ropes. Though it was the glazed, unfocused eyes that worried her most. John, who wasn't well to start with, now looked much worse, and she feared he wouldn't survive the test that lay ahead.

Teyla had persuaded a reluctant Falack to allow her to tend him, convincing the chief it would not break their rules to supply John with some slight relief while the elders made their decision, but he'd refused to allow her to release him from his bonds. Angry, she'd held back from raging at the patronizing man, as it was obvious John had passed the first hurdle by showing his respect and deference for a brutal race who didn't deserve it. Now aware, they couldn't refuse John's participation in the test, but she was worried, about what cruel ordeal he would have to endure next. Teyla couldn't regret seeking help for the boy, but at what cost would it be to her friend? Only too aware, that if John died trying to save the child, his blood would be on her hands.

She remembered fondly the day they'd met. It was Sumner in charge then, and although Teyla disliked thinking ill of the dead, she had found the colonel to be an arrogant man, clearly not interested in pursuing an alliance with her people and dismissive of her, a mere woman, as their leader. John, however, couldn't have been more different.

He'd taken tea with them, but more than that, he'd listened to what she had to say. Right from the start she'd felt a connection between them, she trusted him – a gift she didn't bestow lightly to those new to her acquaintance, but John Sheppard was different from other men. He'd shown her respect and something more, something Teyla couldn't define, but her trust was soon repaid when he saved her life and became the saviour of her people.

Teyla knew John was strong, in mind as well as body, but even he could only endure so much. If only she'd discovered the boy last week, or even the next, he would have been more able to face the ordeal that lay ahead. Coming to the planet already injured by the fall, John looked spent, and now badly weakened by the elements, she was frightened he was ill prepared to survive the trial ahead.

"John," she whispered, although there was no need, for there was no one about to hear them. "How are you?"

He coughed in response, and she pressed a cup of water to his cracked lips, dried by the sun. "Honestly…I've been better." His voice trailed away as he coughed again, so she gave him a little more, but was worried to let him have too much in case he choked.

"Any…word?" he asked, swallowing hard.

"No. The elders are meeting now, but I don't see how they can refuse as you have done what they asked, and survived the day without falling."

"Think I should have gone with Ronon's plan…and just taken the boy." John groaned and started coughing. Teyla was about to rub his back to give him some relief, when she stopped just in time, suddenly aware that if she touched the painful looking burns it would only cause him more distress.

Once the coughing subsided, she gave him another sip of water before replying. "Your instincts were correct, John. I found several rifles stored in the tent I was sleeping in. So if we had tried to abduct the child, I do not doubt they would have retailiated with force."

"Thanks, that's made me feel…better." John grimaced, and she caught his arm just as he started to fall to the side.

"Just as well you didn't do that an hour ago, Colonel Sheppard." Teyla spun round and saw the chief standing there, accompanied by two grey haired men. "You will be pleased to learn that your humility and strength have satisfied our people of your respect. Therefore, you will be allowed to undertake the test of courage later today."

"Gee…thanks." John replied, and Teyla suppressed a smile when she saw Falack draw him a look, suspicious of the sincerity of his response.

"In the meantime we will release you from your bonds and take you to where you may rest."

"So, what is this test?" he titled his head to ask, as Falack went to leave.

"As chief, I am authorised to make decisions as to the welfare of my people. Nevertheless, while I have given you permission to try and gain possession of the boy, it will be his uncle's choice as to which ordeal you will face. Hence the delay, as he and the others are not due to return until later this morning." Falack paused for a moment while giving John a searching gaze. "Take full advantage of the time, Colonel…you are going to need every ounce of strength for what lies ahead."

To John's credit, she noticed he didn't flinch as the sharp knife sliced through the rope, which drew fresh blood as it fell onto the sand. When they pulled him to his feet, she saw his eye's fly open and heard him groan as the men forced him onto unresponsive legs, then realising he couldn't walk, dragged him painfully across the compound into a small tent.

In the relative cool, Teyla bathed his wounds as gently as she could, then bandaged his abraded wrists and ankles, before slathering ointment on the worst of the burns. He grunted in response, but didn't cry out, although the small shallow breaths, and the firm set of his jaw, were a sure sign her ministrations were causing him considerable pain.

Shortly afterwards, a young woman arrived with refreshments…some broth and a jug of fresh water. Though too late for John, as the steady rise and fall showed he was finally, blissfully asleep. After the woman left, Teyla waited a moment before lifting the edge of the canvas and taking a discreet peek outside. Then, confident she wouldn't be disturbed, she retrieved the bag Carson had left in her possession and proceeded to set up an IV, John barely stirring as she slid the needle into the vein of his hand the way Beckett had taught her, before covering it and the bag of saline with a blanket, to keep it hidden - just in case.

Athosians were raised steeped in tradition. Respect, honour and dignity the code by which they lived, and treated others. Teyla, as leader, more aware than anyone, the importance that rituals played in their lives, and she'd always made a point to treat other's beliefs with equal respect. Except these callous people did not deserve it…John did, so she felt no guilt in breaking their rules to help her friend and give him the fluids he badly needed.

Sheppard had told her once he had no faith, as least not of the religious kind, but in her view, John possessed more humanity, more compassion than any of the people here. He was a good man, who didn't deserve the treatment being meted out to him, so she felt no remorse at flaunting a ritual based on persecution and abuse. Teyla only hoped it would be enough, at least to help him stay alive, until she got him home.

ooooOoooo

TBC

Well the whump has begun in earnest, but there is much more to come! Hope you enjoyed the chapter and please review. I really do like to know what you think, plus your reviews give me the motivation I need to keep writing.