Chapter 5
The silence was almost unbearable to Rodney. John pressed ahead as fast as he could through the forest, Teyla only just being able to keep up with him and Rodney trotting behind.
'John!' she finally shouted to their leader for him to stop. He looked back only then noticing how far Rodney was behind. Teyla walked up to him.
'John, Rodney is very distressed.'
She didn't have to say it, he knew already. But for some reason he just became very frustrated with the scientist sometimes. And especially when one of them got hurt because of his actions, or in this case, lack of action.
'Go ahead.'
Teyla looked once more at the struggling Rodney and then took the lead.
'I know, I know. I'm holding you up.' Rodney knew Sheppard was in no mood but he could not go any faster. Rodney just pushed on passed the silent Sheppard, trying not to look into his eyes, or even show his own, not to betray his feelings.
'Rodney,' John started walking next to him. 'I'm sure Ronon will be ok.'
Rodney stopped walking and looked John in the face. Silently he sighed and started walking again, shaking his head. They would need to talk this out after their lost friend was back into the fold. For now, they just needed to keep walking.
John didn't often feel helpless but he didn't know how to handle the scientist now. Military people were so much easier, a word, a nod was often enough to tell a whole story. But he knew that didn't work for Rodney.
But Rodney would have to wait. He pulled out the life sign scanner to see if they were anywhere close to Ronon by now.
'Oh, crap!' was all he said when he noticed the distinct signal of one life sign surrounded by several others.