Survival of the Fittest8
Lightning crackled against the dark sky. Bolts of sizzling blue and white. Dangerously close. Sparkling in the waterfall concealing the cave's entrance. Moira shivered in her damp clothes as the temperature dropped. There was a tiny fire in the center of the cave. The men were gathered around it, eating, drinking. She joined them, seeking warmth from the tremulous flames.
"Moira." Matthew smiled, held out a large melon-looking fruit. "I saved this for you. Just for you. It is the best that we have."
She took it, puzzled by his demeanor. His smile. "Thank you, Matthew." She stepped away, bumped into Evan. "Oh!"
Evan smiled. "Here. Let me, Moira." He took the fruit, cut it into more manageable pieces. "You can eat this now. Savor every bite." He glanced at Matthew who was scowling.
"Thank you, Evan." She moved again, growing wary. Suspicious.
"Moira." She whirled as Ronon approached, smiled. Handed her a shell full of water. "Drink. I carved this cup for you out of this."
"Thank you, Ronon." She smiled, masking her worry. "Why don't you all sit by the fire?" As they did she breathed easier. Drank some water. She ate the fruit, slowly chewing, thoughtful. She looked at the waterfall as lightning flared. Revealing John on guard, staring out at the darkness. She swallowed. Wiped her mouth. Looked to see all three men staring at her. In a similar way. Similar to the cavemen.
"Moira." John was behind her, startling her. "Get by the fire. You must be cold."
"John..." She turned to him, studied his expression. Wondered. Looked back at the three men. "Oh no..." She moved into the darkness, began to pace, thinking. Thinking. Muttering softly. "This cannot be happening. This can't be happening. The enzyme, but how? What's the common denominator?" She paused, eying them. All four men were now watching her. She studied them. "Injuries...blood..." Evan's swollen lip. Ronon's split lip. Matthew's gash on his jaw. John's arm wound. "Moss...water...of course! The moss absorbs the water, mixes its secretions...limited doses, on injuries or drinking..." She dropped the shell to the ground. Resumed pacing. Paused by the water cascading down. Watched the lightning. She chewed on her lower lip, considering what to do. "Have to be careful, careful..."
Moira stepped to the fire. Hesitated. "We...we should get some rest. Sleep. I...I can stand guard while you do that. All of you. Right, John?"
"No, Moira," he replied. "We'll take it in turns. I'll go first." He eyed the men. His gaze narrowed. "Then Lorne. Ronon. Parrish. We leave at first light." He stood, moved to the cave entrance.
"John. I'll keep you company," she offered. Hastened after him. She caught his arm. "John, do you feel all right?"
He met her gaze. "I'm fine. Go back to the fire, Moira."
"No, no. I...." She glanced at the men. Sat next to John as he reclined near the wall. "John...you've had the, the least exposure. You might be more lucid."
"What are you talking about?" he asked. "What were you muttering about earlier?" He glanced at the men. "Get some sleep. Two hour shifts," he ordered.
Moira scooted closer, seeking the shadows. His solidity. "John, we have to be careful. You...me...the enzyme."
He touched her arm, stroked the damp, cold skin. "What? Moira." His gaze wandered over her. "You're cold. Wet. Tired."
She sighed. "Damn...too late, or are you just being you?" She glanced at the men. Debated. She settled against John. His arm encircled her, drawing her close. She touched his chest, shoulder. "I'm not sure. I think my best bet is here. Besides the enzyme acceleration you're the only one with the added emotional incentive."
"Incentive? For what?" he asked, stroking her back. He glanced out at the darkness.
"For protection," she answered softly. "You're the most likely to, to protect me. If it comes down to that. Which I hope it doesn't."
"Protect you? From whom? Those mutants?" She was silent, staring at the darkness, moving against him. "Moira?" He looked over at the fire suddenly. Saw the three men watching although the shadows cloaked them.
Moira felt his muscles tense. She caressed his chest. "John, John, just stay here. Please, please," she whispered. Lifted to lightly, very lightly kiss his throat, his lips. "John."
His arm tightened around her. "The enzyme, you said?"
"Yes, diluted, but yes."
"In me as well?"
"Yes, but diluted. Not like before. I just have to be careful is all," she moved out of his grasp. "I probably shouldn't be–"
"No." He drew her back against him. "You're not moving an inch from me." His hand ran down her back, to her rear before he stopped himself. Returned his fingers to her waist. "Crap."
"Just relax, John," she said.
"I don't think so, Moira. How long?"
"What?"
"How long until this wears off?"
"I...I don't know. The problem is they're not even aware of it. Not consciously."
"I am. That's all that matters."
She sighed. "You can't do anything hasty, John."
"Go to sleep. You're safe with me. Only me," he said, voice low. He could feel the strange adrenaline surge. The warmth of her soft, pliant body pressing his. The threat near the fire. Her erotic dance played in his mind. Her hands on another.
"John? You don't need to–" she began, feeling renewed tension in him.
"Go to sleep. I'm right here, Moira."
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John moaned, turning onto his side. Shoving against Moira again. He opened his eyes, body tense. Muscles strained. He cleared his mind of the erotic images he had been dreaming. But his body remembered. He shifted, uncomfortable. Sat up suddenly, quietly groaned. "Moira. Moira!" He shook her.
Moira stirred, shifted against him, hand inadvertently sliding along his thigh. "Oh." She woke, sat up, eyes wide as she looked at him. "John," she accused, seeing his reaction.
He shrugged. "Hey, I blame your seductive dance. Damn...this is one raging hard-on."
"Colonel?" Evan approached as Moira turned round, moving her hand off John's thigh. Sitting to block a view of his lap. "Two hours. I'll sit with Moira now."
Moira was glad of the darkness. Did not want to know if the others were similarly affected.
"No. Go back to the fire. I'll stay with Moira," John argued.
"No, sir. You go back to the fire. I'll take care of Moira, believe me."
"Oh, I believe you, major. That's why she stays with me."
"Maybe she's tired of you, sir. Always giving her orders. Why not let her have another choice."
"She stays with me, major, and that's final," John stated, steel in his voice.
Moira sighed. Before tensions could escalate she stood, pulling John with her. "Evan, go back to the fire, please. I'll come sit with you in a moment."
"Moira," John protested, his hand closing over hers.
"I need to speak to the colonel. Privately," she explained. Touched Evan's chest, ran her hand up it even as John's fingers tightened on her other hand. "You know how stubborn he is. Let me talk to him, then I'll sit with you."
"Like hell," John muttered, but Evan smiled.
"All right, Moira. I'll be waiting." He glanced smugly at John, moved back to the fire.
John moved to follow but Moira blocked him. "Come on, John. Men!" she fumed, pulled him out of the cave. Water spattered on them as they crossed the threshold. She led him down the ridge. Moonlight glimmered from the clearing sky. "I'm really beginning to hate this planet." She reached an alcove, a hidden glen that was tiny. Damp with moisture. "There." She shoved him against the rock face. "I need you focused, John. Focused on getting us out of here, not on sex. Isn't this how you like it, John?" she asked, flinging herself against him. She kissed him. "Tight. Damp," she whispered harshly in his ear. "Snug and wet. So fucking wet."
He groaned, grabbing her. "Moira." He kissed her as his hands wandered under her shirt to her bra, to her breasts.
"No." She slapped his hands off her. "You need release, not me! I need you focused, John!"
"I am, believe me," he said hoarsely, hands reaching again. His fingers slid to her crotch. Probing.
"No! Not on sex! On escape!" She kissed him, ran her hands under his shirt. Felt the taut muscles, the damp chest hair curling as she stroked. She ran her mouth down his skin to his waist, moving to her knees. "I know this is one of your kinky fantasies, John. Damn you," she mildly muttered. "I need you full throttle. Now." She undid his pants, unzipped. John groaned in need, in surprise. He nearly bucked under her, leaned back on the rock as her hands plied his shorts. As her mouth threaded his damp boxers where his erection strained. Fought.
"Moira, oh Moira! God..." he rasped, hands catching in her hair. Pressing her closer, thrusting into her mouth now, staring down at her. Moira gently pressed her teeth against him, eliciting a growl of desire from him. She slid him out of her mouth, the damp fabric tasting like cotton, like sweat, like him. "That's as far as I go, you bastard," she said hotly, hands sliding up and down him now as she stood. She kissed him. He groaned loudly as her fingers stroked, stroked, faster and faster, squeezing and squeezing until he came in a spasm. Shuddering, thrusting in her hands. His mouth caught hers, demanding.
Moira freed him, moved away to wipe off her hands on the ferns as he messily spurted. "Men! Men!" she fumed, voice trembling with anger and frustrated desire. "You better be completely clear of that damn enzyme! We need to get back to the Jumper, to elude those ravening hordes. So clear your mind and body of that fucking enzyme and don't think of sex! And if you say anything, anything about this, about any of this before we reach Atlantis I swear we will never have sex again! Understood?"
John was resting against the rock, exhilarated. Spent. He fixed his clothes as the breeze cooled his hot skin. He breathed deeply, gaze locked on Moira. On her back. On her messy hair. On her rear. "Can I at least say thank you?" he gently teased.
She sighed. "You're welcome. Go on, get it our of your system. Five minutes! I don't want to hear another–"
He spun her to him, kissed her. Moved her back against the rock. "You're right, that is one of my kinky fantasies. Except in my fantasies you are always, always naked."
"John–" she warned.
"You said five," he countered, kissing her again. His hand sliding down between her legs. To caress as she squirmed. "Allow me to return the favor, please!"
"I don't need–"
"You do need. I can feel your need, my lush Moira. You know actual intercourse would have been just as good if not better than what you did for me."
"Three minutes," she warned tersely, but moaned as his fingers probed, probed. Nearly digging into her clothes now.
"I could go down on you," he said into her ear, kissing down her throat. "I could bring you like this, Moira...just like this...shit, I'm going to become aroused if I don't–"
"Stop! Stop!" She shoved his hand off her. Flushed. Stared at his amorous expression. His unkempt hair. The shirt clinging to his chest. The stubble on his handsome face. "Are you clear?"
He considered, having to look away from her. "Yeah. I think so."
"Let's go!" She took his hand, led him back up the ridge. "Focus. And remember what I said. One word, one word at all about this before Atlantis and–"
"No eso, got it, sweetheart," he finished for her. "Once we're in Atlantis, though," he teased, smiled.
"Think of it as added incentive for you to get us out of here," she prompted. Entered the cave. She freed her hand. "Get some sleep. Real sleep." She moved to the fire. "Evan."
Evan smiled. "Moira."
"You're on watch now. Go." She pointed, sat near the fire. John sat next to her, smiled as Evan scowled but moved to the cave's entrance. She stood suddenly. "No," she touched John's shoulder before he could follow. "I just need to be alone." She moved into the shadows by the far wall. Curled up on her side.
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Moira stirred, rolled onto her other side. Smiled as a hand ran up to her breasts. Down to her thigh. Slipped between her legs over the clothing.
John smiled. "Come on, honey," he urged, sitting next to her. He leaned down, kissed her softly. Again. Guiding her. She rolled onto her back, giving him better access. He caressed, rubbed. She shifted, opening a little. Made noises in her throat, moaning softly. Reacting. "Come on," he urged quietly, fingers moving faster, deeper.
Moira moaned, whimpered. "John...oh John," she murmured, grabbing his hand to push it further. Harder.
"That's it, honey," he encouraged, kissing her again.
Moira's eyes flew open. She froze, stared at the darkness. The man above her whose hand she was practically thrusting into her. "No! No, no!" she squirmed, hit.
John caught her arms, moved her back. "It's me, Moira. Moira, it's only me," he soothed.
She relaxed, calmed. "John? You..." She shoved him. "What the hell are you doing?"
"Ssh!" He kissed her, drew back. "I'm fine. I'm in control. Of everything. Nearly everything, I mean after hearing those sounds and feeling how you're..." He put a finger to her lips. "I'm thinking clearly now. Following your advice. The enzyme. Hormonal communication without being aware."
She moved his hand off her hip. "What?"
He freed her so she could sit. She looked at the fire. It was nearly gone, a dim orange glimmer. "Claim," he whispered against her ear. "You just chose. Undeniable. But completely unaware. Understood?"
"No...I..." She stared at the men. All were asleep, but fitful. Moving. "Are they...are they going to, to wake up like, like you did? Had..."she stammered, flushing. Hot.
He laughed quietly. "Probably, but not as...um...not as affected," he chose his words carefully, "as I was. Because you are way over here, out of reach. Out of touch. Out of, um, sensory range."
She looked back at him. "What are you trying so desperately not to say, John?"
"You don't really want to know, do you? Trust me, Moira. This diluted enzyme should be clear soon. From them. Trust me, you don't want to ask. You don't want to know how they'll wake up or how they'll, um, relieve it. Because of what I just...accomplished...they'll be more, um, any way, leave it at that."
"You...they...oh...oh ew!" she complained, realizing. Causing him to laugh again. "You've got to be kidding me!"
"Ssh! I wish I was, Moira." He yawned. Scratched his head. Ran his hand over his stubbly jaw. "I'm thinking we have two more arduous hikes before we reach the Jumper. If we can avoid the cavemen. I wonder where that bald guy is. I don't like unknown variables. And why hasn't a rescue Jumper been sent? Moira?"
She was still staring at the men, an expression of disgust and annoyance on her face. "What?"
She met his gaze. "The last thing we need is more men!" He laughed. "It's not funny!"
"No, I guess not," he conceded, suddenly serious. "Stay by my side, Moira. That's an order."
"Yes, colonel." She sighed. "When do we leave?"
"First light. About..." he checked his watch, "another two hours. Go back to sleep. I'll keep watch."
She frowned. "I don't think so. Not with your wandering hands." Nevertheless she scooted against him, rested her head on his shoulder. "Don't do anything."
He smiled. "Me? I won't. Not unless you ask first. Or plead. Or beg."
"Shut up, John!" she scolded tiredly. Closed her eyes.
He held in his laughter. "Go to sleep, Moira. We'll be in the Jumper by lunchtime. Hope there's still food on board."
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The loud clap woke Moira. She started, scrambled to her feet. John was standing near the fire. "Rise and shine, troops! Let's go! Now!" He turned, moved to her. Gave her a piece of fruit. "Here. The fruit should be okay, right?"
"I...I don't know. It should...but if the water is tainted then..."
"There's nothing we can do about that now." He turned back to the groggy men. "I said let's go! Now! Do your business and we're moving out." He turned back to her. "Let's go. Follow me." Moira glanced at the men, took the gun John offered her. He led her out of the cave. "This way." He began to climb the other side of the ridge.
"Colonel?" Evan called.
"This way, major. We've got a lot of climbing to do. Crap." He paused. "Moira, go ahead of me."
"What? Why?" She asked, saw his smirk. "For crying out loud, John!"
"Not me. Them. Go." He swatted her rear to move her. She glared at him but climbed ahead of him. He glanced back to see Evan in the lead, followed by Matthew and Ronon. "To the top. Then we can rest." He turned, caught sight of Moira's swinging rear as she hauled herself up the slippery ridge.
"Eyes on the vines, flyboy!" she called over her shoulder.
He smiled. "Yes, jungle queen. I'm right on your six." He laughed, following her.
Reaching another clearing they paused, catching their breath. Moira moved through them to a cave entrance. Water fell on the other side, a resounding crescendo. "How far do you think we are now?"
"Another hour." John studied the area. Pointed. "That looks familiar. If our luck holds the Jumper should be past that giant tree."
"I wonder where our friends are," Evan said, touching his sore lip.
"Maybe they gave up," Matthew suggested.
"Baldy can't be leading them, unless he was lying," John reasoned. "Usual positions. Ronon, six. Lorne, flank. Parrish, center. I'll take point with Moira."
"Why do you always take point with Moira?" Ronon asked suddenly. "How about you take the six and I'll take point."
"Because I said so. Because we're the only two lucid enough to know where we are going," John explained.
"Lucid? We're all lucid, sir," Evan argued.
"Not all of us. Yet." John eyed them. "Moira, lead us into the cave. You–"
"Wait! Ronon's right." Matthew joined the argument. "Why do you monopolize Moira's company? She is a scientist and should be with me, not you."
"Really?" John asked mildly.
"Boys!" Moira called, shaking her head. "Come on! Do as Colonel Sheppard orders. Including you, Matthew. The faster we follow his orders the faster we can get out of here! John!" she snapped, headed into the cave.
"You heard her," John said, quickly followed on her heels. "Damn! I thought they'd all be clear of it by now."
"This last climb should do it," she reasoned.
"Yeah...but they should have been clear when they..." He stopped himself.
"Don't, please, don't," she warned, feeling her face warm at the thought.
He laughed. "Sorry." Called over his shoulder, "Come on! Double-time! Keep moving, Moira."
She darted ahead. "Don't you worry. I'll run if I have to, John, to get away from you males."
"And I'll chase," he countered, grinning.
Moira cursed, fighting her way up without slipping, sliding on the moss. John's hand was on her rear, steadying her. He pushed and she scrambled over the top, rolled to her feet as he clambered after her. She glared.
"Wait, wait!" He held up a hand, catching his breath. "Physical necessity! That's all, I swear! Just be glad it was me behind your...behind." He laughed.
She relented, catching her breath. "I'll scout ahead."
"Don't go too far." He turned, helped Evan over the edge of the cliff.
Moira forced her way through the trees. A turmoil of emotion caused her to tear at the ferns. Embarrassment. Anger. Desire. Chagrin. Lust. She could feel the enzyme beginning to alter her chemistry, tried to ignore it. She paused, reaching the tree-line. Viewed the emerald pool. The welcome sight of the undisturbed Jumper. "John! John!" she shouted. Moira turned, hearing crashing sounds erupting from the trees. Except instead of her friends it was the horde of cavemen. A wave of grunting shattered the peaceful air. Shouts. Gunfire.
"Moira! Get to the ship!" John shouted, on the opposite side of the pool. The men cleared a line of fire as she ran through the ferns, straight for the Jumper. She stumbled, fell. Stared at the body of the bald man. He had been torn to pieces. Blood and guts spewed over the greenery.
"Moira, go!" John bellowed, advancing with Evan and Ronon flanking him.
Scrambling to her feet she jumped over the body, ran to the Jumper. Hit the door. Hit the panel. Again. "It won't open!" she cried, whirling. The horde was advancing.
"Shit. Cover me!" John dove into the emerald pool as Evan and Ronon fired repeatedly.
Moira watched anxiously, still trying to get the hatch to open. John swam across the pool, powerful strokes propelling him. He emerged, soaking wet, gun in hand. He fired mercilessly at the cavemen, running to the Jumper. "I'll cover you!" she said, taking the gun. She stepped in front of him, firing at the cavemen who were circling them.
John hit the controls, swore. Savagely pried off the panel. "That bald bastard tried to force his way into my ship!"
"He's dead," she informed him, stopping the gun.
"Hang on! McKay showed me this...hang on," he muttered, fiddled with the control crystals.
"Today, John," she urged.
"Hilarious, Moira. There!" He slammed the panel shut as the hatch opened. "Go! Fire her up!" He took the gun, shoved her into the ship. Whirled, shooting. "Ronon! Flank Parrish! Go, go!"
The three men ran towards the Jumper, weapons firing until a silence fell. Out of ammunition they dodged, ducked, raced into the Jumper. John slammed the hatch shut, ran to the front as Moira was powering up the vehicle. John slid into the pilot's seat.
"I don't know how to–" she began, falling into the co-pilot's seat.
"It's fine! Strap in!" The cavemen were all around them, banging on the ship. Shouting. Eyes wild. Furious. John touched the controls. The ship lifted, lifted. Cavemen fell off, screaming. He flew swiftly, turning suddenly to shake any remaining unwanted passengers from the vehicle. "That was too close. Moira, dial!"
Moira dialed Atlantis, punching in the 'Gate address. "John...it's not working!"
"What?" He flew higher, avoiding the caves and waterfalls. Brought up the HUD to check all systems.
"It won't dial the last symbol. It stops."
"Try again. I'm not reading any system failure."
Moira dialed. Again the last symbol flickered to life, then faded like the rest. "Still nothing."
"Wonderful. There's the 'Gate. We can use the DHD." He smoothly landed near it, stood. "Stay here. Lorne, with me." John opened the hatch. "Ronon, keep an eye out." He strode to the DHD with Evan as Ronon grabbed a gun, loaded it. The Satedan stepped out of the Jumper to stand guard.
John dialed the DHD. The chevrons flared. Faded. "Damn! Where is McKay when I need him?" He knelt, opened the panel of controls at the machine's base.
"Is it broken, sir?" asked Evan, looking round the clearing. All was peaceful. Still.
"No. I don't see anything out of place. Or missing crystals. McKay would be proud I can do this, you know."
Evan laughed. "That he would, sir. So the problem must be the 'Gate itself. That explains why we haven't been rescued."
"Yeah." John closed the hatch. Stood. Dialed again. "But we got here all right." He moved to the 'Gate. Evan followed. "Looks like we're going nowhere."