Survival of the Fittest5
Moira stood admiring the emerald pool. It gleamed like a liquid gem in the sunlight. Rays filtered down into its green depths, revealing fish, plants. The three botanists were exclaiming, gathering samples, voices rising in excited tones. Latin names were flung into the air.
Evan joined her, sighed. "Like kids in a candy store," he jested. They laughed. "I swear, Moira, how can they be so excited over a bunch of plants?"
She smiled. "You've got me, Evan. I don't get it either. Except for the science of discovery."
"Are you all right? Your last visit here wasn't exactly pleasant."
She shrugged. "I'm fine. It wasn't exactly pleasant," she agreed, but had to turn away as the passionate encounters with John surfaced in her mind. The almost sex to free him of the enzyme. Nothing like what they enjoyed now. She stared at the tree-line. "I don't see any of those creatures yet. Maybe they will stay in their caves."
"Let's hope so. For once I'd like a nice, peaceful, boring mission." He checked his watch. "Almost time to report. Come with me." He clicked his radio. "Josephes, Larson, keep watch!"
Evan led her to the parked Jumper. He entered the ship, dialed the 'Gate and tapped the comm unit. Waited. "Atlantis, this is Jumper two. Are you receiving?"
"Receiving signal, sir. Major Lorne's IDC."
John nodded. "Good. Open the Iris." He waited, eyes on the console. The light turned green. "Major Lorne, this is Atlantis. Status?" He waved Rodney back as the scientist all but ran into the room, slowed to a more dignified walk.
Evan glanced at Moira. "Fine, sir. For babysitting duty. Brown, Parrish and Lewis are ecstatically collecting flowers."
"Plants," Moira corrected, smiling at his put-upon tone.
"Plants," Evan continued, "with Josephes and Larson on point. So far nothing out of the ordinary."
"Really, major? Can you explain to me what Doctor O'Meara is doing on that planet?"
"Nothing right now, sir."
"Evan!" Moira elbowed him.
Evan smirked. "What I meant to say, sir, was that she is assisting–"
"What I meant to say, major, is that I fail to see the need for a biologist on this mission," John interjected, knowing she would object.
"Paleozoologist," she corrected."Colonel Sheppard, I have in fact discovered a few animals, well amphibians, actually. And lots of bugs...even your favorite. Iratus bugs. I was going to bring home a few specimens to–"
"No, you will not," John countered, trying not to smile. "Major, that is a direct order. No bugs. What is Doctor O'Meara's status, besides standing around doing nothing but–"
"Colonel Sheppard, I trust you are able to keep it in?" she retorted, smiling. Could imagine the amusement in his brilliant green eyes.
"As a matter of fact, yes, Doctor O'Meara. So far. Now get that pert to work!" he ordered. Smiled hearing her laugh.
"Yes, sir! On my way. Moving my pert."
John saw Rodney's bewildered expression, ignored it. "Major, don't let those scientists denude the entire planet. Elizabeth wants you to stay. Report back in two. No, belay that. Make it one. If you run into anything you evacuate. Understood?"
"Yes, sir," Evan agreed. "Lorne out." He switched off the comm. Sighed. "Do I really want to know what all that was about?"
Moira laughed, followed him out of the Jumper. "No. You don't. Come on. Let's see if they have found anything of note."
John turned, schooling his expression. Met Rodney's gaze. "See? They are–"
"What the hell was that?"
John shrugged. "Private joke. You see, everything is fine," he repeated. "No need to worry."
"Well...I guess," Rodney conceded. "You, you don't think those creatures will attack them, do you? Or Ford show up again?"
"No. Rodney, they are fine. Quit worrying." All the same John glanced at his watch. The same thoughts occurring to him.
************************************************************************8
The Jumper was loaded with packs full of specimens. Bags overflowing with vegetation lined one wall. Greenery sprouted along the seats. The men were loading the last of the bags as Moira and Katie strolled along the tree-line.
"It's so beautiful here!" Katie gushed. "Almost a paradise!"
"Almost," Moira agreed. Paused. Stared at the tall, leafy trees. A slight breeze stirred the foliage. Heavy vines climbed the trunks. Tiny pink flowers bloomed.
Katie had kept moving, knelt in some ferns. "Look! Gentium!" She stroked the blue flower. Stared. "Uh...Moira. I thought you said there was very little mammalian life here."
"I did. Why?"
"Come look at this." Katie's gaze moved away from the sight.
Moira stepped to her friend. Knelt. A small deer-like creature was prone on its side. Brown fur stained by dried blood. Tiny antlers protruded from its delicate head. "Poor thing."
"What is it?"
"A deer. More likely a muntjac...but not a primitive form." She saw the streaks of red. The wound that had killed it. Froze. She looked around. The trees were silent. No creatures. "Katie," she said calmly, "would go get Major Lorne? Head him over here but stay near the Jumper. It's almost time to go."
"Okay. I can help Matthew." Katie headed out of the trees, round the pool.
Moira found a stick. Gently pried at the wound, making a face as congealed blood pooled sluggishly. She looked round at the heavy foliage. Felt nervous, more so now recalling Ford's men. Their odd deformities. A step made her stand, turn quickly.
"Moira? What is it?" Evan saw her expression. Tightened his hold on his P90.
"Evan. Look."
He moved to stand next to her. "Deer?"
"Muntjac. So there is some mammalian life here, but that's not the point. Look at how it was killed. Is that what I think it is?"
Evan leaned closer. Frowned. "A bullet," he identified, seeing the metal object. A copper gleam in the rent flesh. He looked round the trees. "Time to go."
"It's not one of ours. I mean it's–"
"No, it's not a P90 bullet, you're right. In fact it's oddly old-fashioned, from what I could see.
Let's go." He led her out of the trees, round the pool. "Josephes!" he called. "Get Parrish! Time to move out! Larson, form up! Brown, Lewis, get in the Jumper!"
"Major, I've discovered a very rare form of–" Matthew began to object.
"I don't care! Get in the Jumper now!"
Gunfire erupted. Everyone duck, dove for cover. Evan shoved Moira down, knelt beside her. "Larson, start the engines! Where the hell are..." His words trailed off abruptly.
A horde emerged from the trees. Strange, misshapen men. Waving rifles they fired into the air. Strange grunting noises filled the air. They shot haphazardly at the Jumper. A bullet his Larson, propelled him into Katie, into the Jumper. Lewis fell, a bullet slicing across his throat with startling accuracy, or accident. He fell, blood spurting in a crimson fountain.
"They're human, but deformed early–" Moira was trying to see but Evan pulled her down.
"Not now! Clear the way, Josephes!"
As the lieutenant fired Evan pulled Moira to her feet. They ran round the pool, dodging, ducking. More gunfire. Bullets pinged sporadically around them. Katie ran to the Jumper's ramp, waving her arms.
"Major! Major Lorne! Larson's been hit bad! He...oh my God!" Her gaze landed on Lewis as his body sprawled in the grass.
"Close the door, Katie!" Moria shouted, saw they wouldn't make it in time. "Call Atlantis!" Moira dove into the ferns. Evan after her as bullets ripped up the ground in front of them, cutting off their access to the ship.
Wild grunts. Howls. Gunfire. A yell. Silence.
Evan raised his head. He was next to Moira in the tall, waving ferns. Cautiously he peered round. Froze.
Moira moved to her knees. "Evan? What..." Her words faded. The strange humans surrounded them. Moira stared at their heavy brows, misshapen forms. Bumps and ridges but their build was different. Their skulls sloped differently. Receding jaw lines. Prominent brow ridges. Stocky, muscular bodies. Scars. "Early humans..." she whispered.
Evan cursed, raised his empty hands slowly. "Do you think they understand surrender?"
Moira raised hers. "I hope so."
They were pulled to their feet. Roughly dragged out of the ferns towards the pool. Dumped next to Matthew and Aaron. The lieutenant was bleeding from a leg injury, staining the grass crimson. The attackers hooted and hollered. Surrounded them, shaking their rifles. Ignored the Jumper.
"Uh...now what?" Matthew asked. "We can't communicate–" he broke off as one shoved him to the ground.
"Don't talk," Moira urged.
The group parted, revealing a towering figure. Not as misshapen as the rest. Heavy brows. Long tangled hair. Rough-hewn clothes adorned with leaves. Vines. He circled them. Circled. Leaned close, small eyes narrowing in concentration.
"What's he doing?" Evan asked quietly.
"Don't move," Moira advised. "He's...he's smelling us," she realized.
"Huh?" Evan retorted, bewildered.
The leader sniffed Matthew. Poked his shoulder. Said something in a guttural slur. He moved to Aaron. Sniffed. Poked his injured leg. Aaron grimaced, remained silent. The man grunted something. Producing guttural laughter from the others. He circled. Sniffed Evan. Sniffed again. Evan grimaced at the man's fetid breath. The leader scratched his head. Moved to Moira.
Moira stiffened, cursing in her mind. Suddenly very aware of how she might smell to heightened senses. Wondered if the man would smell John all over her. Would smell the wild, exuberant sex they had enjoyed. She had not had time to change, not even time to clean up before the mission. She blushed.
The man leaned closer, nostrils flaring. Sniffed deeply. Face running down her chest. Moira shifted, highly uncomfortable.
Evan shoved the leader. "Okay, buddy, back off!" He was slammed to the ground.
"No! Nobody move!" she warned, before Aaron could react.
The leader straightened, grinned. Pointed. Issued a string of commands.
"What's going on?" Evan asked, scooting closer to Moira.
"I have no idea. I'm no anthropologist but I don't think they want to kill us."
"Yet?" Aaron asked. "What the hell was all that sniffing?"
"Their olfactory senses are much more heightened than ours," Moira opined.
"Are they on the enzyme?" Matthew asked.
"God I hope not!" A shiver swept through Moira at the thought. They were surrounded again. Rifles were shaken. Noises filled the air. Gestures. "Looks like we're moving," she noted,
as they were being herded along the grass.
"Great. Now what?" Evan asked. Glanced at the undisturbed Jumper.
**************************************************************************
John twirled the sticks. Began to swing them. Meeting Ronon's hit for hit in a ever-widening circle of combat. The two men drew closer, closer. Went back and forth across the room. Increasing their pace. Faster. Harder.
Ronon grinned. "Not bad, Sheppard. Something bothering you? You look tired but you seem to have a lot of energy. Pleased, but tense."
John didn't miss a beat. "Yeah, something like that." He twirled the sticks, pressed Ronon backwards, backwards across the room.
"I see. Moira off-world then?" Ronon teased, grinning widely. Suddenly he was battered into the wall. "Whoa, it was a joke!" he proclaimed, as the two sticks crossed at his throat.
John smiled, stepped back, lowering the two sticks. "Sorry. Guess I am a little...tense."
Ronon laughed. "Just a little?" He quickly blocked a sudden stick headed for his face.
John's watch beeped. He dropped the sticks to the floor. "Gotta go. Check in." He jogged out of the exercise room.
**************************************************************************
The four were roughly searched. Stripped of guns, TAC vest, earpieces, packs. Prodded to follow the leader as they walked around the emerald pool. Surrounded by the grunting men.
"Where do you think they're taking us, sir?" Aaron asked, stumbling along. Blood still seeped down his leg.
"No idea. Just keep calm. Help will be here soon," Evan assured. Glancing round at the odd men who were herding them.
"I thought you said there was no life here," Matthew commented, helping Aaron hobble.
"There wasn't. Last time," Moira noted. She followed Evan closely.
They entered the tree-line. The going was slower. Thick foliage blocked them. Vines tangled around their feet. Long plants snagged their arms. Their captors moved with ease, despite their bulkier builds. Aaron faltered, fell.
Moira and Evan turned as Matthew knelt by the injured lieutenant. "Wait!" the botanist called. "He's bleeding badly!" The leader began talking wildy, waving his arms. Matthew was grabbed, hauled to his feet. "No! Hey, wait! We can carry him! Stop!" He was shoved aside.
Guns were raised. "No! No, you can't! Wait!" Moira rushed to Aaron but was hauled away from him by the leader. "Stop!" Bullets flew wildly, not directed at anyone or anything. "No!"
"Josephes! Play dead!" shouted Evan, ducking, hoping his lieutenant was still alive. He tried to keep sight of Moira as the throng enveloped them.
"No! No!" Moira argued, struggling but the leader's grip bit into her arm, dragging her.
Evan and Matthew were prodded to move along. Evan quickened his pace to catch up to Moira. "Don't fight, Moira. It's his best chance."
The men fought their way through the trees. The land began to descend. Sloping downwards sharply. The sounds of the waterfalls were nearly deafening. Crashing liquid all around them. The air felt moist, but warm. Moira struggled to keep her footing, slipping on the spongy ground. Trying to move slower but was hauled by the leader.
"Oh my God...the moss! It's everywhere! It wasn't like this before!" Moira exclaimed in horror. A great swath of it cut across the abruptly open meadow. A profusion of tiny blue flowers seemed to spread for miles.
"Shit. It's a cliff," Evan warned, trying to stop but was grabbed by two men as was Matthew. They were dragged to the edge. Walked right over as was Moira. Into the air. Free falling down, down.
**************************************************************************
"Colonel Sheppard! It's Larson's IDC, sir!"
"Open the Iris," John ordered, wondering at the identity of the caller. Why it wasn't Lorne.
Rodney joined him. "What is it? You have that look? Something's wrong, isn't it?"
John ignored him. "Sargent Larson, status." Silence. "Larson? Report!" He exchanged a puzzled look with Rodney. "Larson, do you copy?"
Silence. The two men waited. "Colonel Sheppard?" came a quavering female voice.
Rodney lurched to the comm, nearly shoving John out of the way. "Katie! Katie!"
"Rodney! Thank God! Rodney, we need help!" Katie cried, leaning over the comm in the Jumper. She held onto the control panels tightly.
John pushed Rodney aside. "Katie, what's happened?" he calmly asked.
"We were attacked by, by some men...weird, deformed men with guns! Larson's here with me in the Jumper but he is injured! Lewis...Lewis is dead!"
"Where is Lorne? And Moira?" John asked, his heart hammering. Muscles tensing.
"I don't know. She said to close the Jumper and call you! They took them, all of them! Colonel, they didn't speak English! They didn't speak at all!"
"Don't worry, Katie, we're coming! Don't move!" Rodney shouted. He whirled, ran into the 'Gate room.
"Katie, how many were there?" John asked, seeking intel.
"Sheppard!" Rodney shouted, gesticulating wildly.
John held up his hand as Katie answered, "I don't know. Dozens! Several dozens!"
"All right. Don't move. We're coming to you. Sheppard out." He tapped his earpiece. "Reynolds, Ronon to the Jumper bay. Bring ordnance. We're on a rescue recon. Now."
**************************************************************************
Moira woke slowly. Remembered the fall. Hitting the water, plunging into a sea of green, heavy growth underwater. Drowning, but hauled to the surface by groping hands. She vaguely remembered the plants. Moss everywhere. Tiny blue flowers proliferating.
Something was between her legs. Sniffing. Sniffing like a dog. She scrambled awake to find the leader between her thighs, head thrusting into her crotch. The wet clothes clung to her. She cried out, kicking him in the head. Scooting away to slam her legs together, thankful she was still fully clothed even though drenched. The leader sat back, laughed. Laughed loudly as did the audience of men around her.
Moira flushed. Embarrassed. Shocked. More embarrassed because for a moment she had thought it was John, her unconscious mind tangling erotic memories. She scooted until she hit a stone wall covered in the moss. Aware of all of those males staring at her. The leader was speaking in a guttural tone. Gesturing, making the others laugh again.
She swallowed nervously, looking round. She was in a cave. Underground, not one of the high cliffs. A pool glinted nearby. Moss covered everything, a carpet of green spongy growth. She couldn't see Evan or Matthew. "Evan! Matthew! Evan!" she shouted, the rising hysteria in her voice evident.
"Don't be afraid. They won't hurt you." The man's voice was calm. Deep. He stepped out of the throng. Dressed in tattered clothes like the rest but appearing normal. Human. A bald head. Muscled, bare torso. "He won't hurt you. He can smell you. Smell the sex on you. He knows you belong to some man. Some man who fucked you very, very recently. But it's not one of the ones with you, so he is puzzled. Intrigued."
Moira stared, more startled by the perfectly understandable English than by the man's words. She flushed. Scooted closer to the wall, folding her legs under her. "Who...who are you?" she stammered, longing for rescue. Longing for John so intense it made her eyes sting with unshed tears.
"You are safe here. Even if I wanted to harm you he wouldn't allow it. See?" He made to approach in a threatening manner but the leader snarled. Blocked him. The man lowered his hand, stepped away. The leader relaxed.
"What do you want?"she asked, only slightly reassured. "Where are my friends?"
"They are recruits. Helping us now. Cooperating to ensure your safety. Once the city is done you all can go."
"City? What city? Wait, wait!" she cried, watching him turn to go. He spoke some strange words, then looked back at her. Set a plate on the ground. "Eat. Fruit. It's not harmful."
She stared at the assortment. Wary. Hungry. Thirsty. "No."
"You will. They won't let you starve." He left.
The leader pushed the plate to her. Mimicked eating. Picked up a piece of what looked like an apple. Ate it. Shoved the plate closer to her. She snatched a strawberry. He grinned, nodded. She stared at the fruit, thoughts of John dominating. Worried about the others.
***********************************************************************
Evan wiped his brow, stared at the moss clinging to every stone, every wall. The city was immense, spiraling upwards over the rock face, over the ground. A complete and utter ruin of what once could have been an Ancient outpost. Waterfalls cascaded around them. "This will take days. Weeks!" He glanced at the mutant men working with them. "That bald bastard better be telling the truth about Moira."
"With any luck Atlantis has sent a rescue team," Matthew added, leaning on a crude pickaxe. "Do you think Aaron is alive?"
"I hope so." Prodded Evan resumed working. Stared at the long rows of stones, of walls. All waiting to be cleared of the moss. Miles of broken masonry.