An: I apologize for the sloppy editing of the previous chapter. I posted it late and was in such a hurry to watch ADRIFT, I didn't correct everything as I should.

Adrift was such a great episode. Rodney called Sheppard John and actually stood his ground, trying to save Elizabeth, letting his heart rule instead of his head.

Thanks again to all who have read this and special Thanks to those of you who have left reviews and added this and me to various favorites list. That is so nice!

This chapter is full of angst ( What isn't?)

Rodney's POV before Sheppard arrived. I felt the story really needed this addition, so I wrote it. Enjoy!

On Any Given Day - The Watch Stander

Chapter 6 - Alone

Earlier . . .

Rodney was quickly packing his backpack with the rest of the ancient items, when Sheppard called again, saying that he was on his way and telling him he had better be on his or else... Rodney was just about to finish a sentence when out of the corner of his eye, he saw a moving shadow. Just for a moment he thought it was Sheppard, but when he asked, who was there, the man that entered was shoved aside. Two men in Genii uniforms, holding guns pointed in his direction, took aim at him and fired.

Rodney dove for the light switch, calling out for Sheppard . He drew his own weapon as a bullet grazed the side of his head making him stumble. When he was about to fire the 9mm, another shot hit him. The impact made him feel like he'd been punched in the chest; his legs gave way immediately as more bullets whizzed by him. Sliding to the floor, he pulled the trigger of the Berreta repeatedly, spraying the room with bullets.

The 9mm's magazine was soon empty and he was now sitting on the floor with his back to the console. The shooting around him had stopped and it grew quiet once more. He listened for any signs of the Genii sneaking up on him, but realized there was nothing, no sounds whatsoever.

Excruciating pain followed that realization - hurting so much - that he had difficulty breathing.

He'd been hit and knew it was bad - all he wanted now was Sheppard here to help him . . .

God! Where is he? Is he even coming?

Reaching his hand slowly up to his ear, he found the radio missing - there was no way of knowing if the soldier was still coming, or worse . . .

Had Sheppard and the others been shot as well by the Genii?

All around him the dark room was quiet, no noise, just the musty smell from before as if nothing had happened, but even he could smell the scent of blood in the air . . . his own.

Look who's alone now, it's just me...

Moving was out of the question. He hurt too much and doubted he could even standup. Darkness was all around him with the only light coming from the open door. It barely registered in the darkened building, but he kept looking that way, still hoping for someone to come.

Where was Sheppard?

His hand was locked tight in a death grip around his pistol, so he held it against his chest wound, hoping to stop the flow of blood that he could feel running down his chest beneath his T-shirt.

I need help . . .

A throbbing pain suddenly shot through his head making him gasp and taking away his breath.

There's no one coming . . . I'm gonna die here . . . alone.

No longer able to keep his eyes open, he succumbed to the darkness that called to him . . .beckoning him with its soft arms of comfort and promise of safety...

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Later...

Carson was about to leave Dr. Weir's office when the gate activated. Elizabeth suddenly received a call on her radio, advising her that a transmission was coming through from a member of Sheppard's team.

Both he and Elizabeth went to the control room, arriving in time to hear Teyla's even voice come through clearly, but full of emotion.

"We need a medical team, Rodney has been badly hurt. Colonel Sheppard says it's a chest wound. He and Ronon are bringing Rodney and should be here in a few minutes. "

"Oh dear Lord . . . ," Carson said out loud, knowing a chest wound was not good. He quickly called the infirmary and ordered a med team to the gate.

Elizabeth visibly shaken, somehow remained in control, "Understood, Teyla. Carson's here, we'll keep the gate open for you."

She looked at Carson, worry now in her eyes . . .

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TBC