When he woke to take his turn on watch he stood stretching out his back before heading over to where Stackhouse stood. The night was cooler than it had been during the day, the heat more comfortable which would explain the series of snores coming from behind him. His body was trained to find rest when it could but he was always a little jealous of people like Parrish who fell asleep without a care in the world. There were times when he thought a bomb could go off next to the man and it still wouldn't wake him.
"Nothing much to report, Sir. There has been a few little critters scurrying passed every now and then but nothing of any notable risk. There was a huge mosquito about the size of my hand that flew passed a few minutes ago. Bit unreal Sir." The man looked and sounded amazed the broad smirk almost splitting his face in two.
"Yeah I'll give you that." He looked around the entrance seeing nothing but darkness beyond the tarp. He only just saw Stackhouse tilting his head in her direction. Coming around the man he spotted Merry easily. Her eyes were open staring straight up to the tarp. Suppressing the shudder that threatened to run through him he prayed she wasn't asleep as that would be unnerving. As if sensing their eyes she turned her head giving them her usual small smile before returning back.
"Get some sleep Stackhouse. I'll wake you when everyone else does."
"Yes sir." The man's voice was barely a whisper as he walked carefully to his bunk, the briefest nod cast Merry's way.
Cautiously coming up beside her bunk he knelt down keeping his voice as low as he could.
"You should try to get some more sleep. It's still a few more hours until dawn."
"I've had all that I need, Major." And there was the smile again both on her face and in her voice.
"I could make it an order, Merry." Putting a tinge of authority with a hint of jest into his voice he knew her well enough to know she would listen.
Watching her lie back a small pout on her lips he had to suppress the chuckle. Smiling he stood back up realising that he had been laughing a lot lately, or at least a lot more than he had in recent months.
Familiarising himself with everything around him again he headed back to the camp's entrance staying just inside enough to see without being seen. A small blue lizard like creature scurried along the floor of the camp, scales glistening as the light danced across it. As fast as it was there it was gone again disappearing behind a tree. He tried to keep that shade in his mind knowing that it would make for an interesting reference in some of his work.
There were quite a few unfamiliar noises around and he couldn't help but wonder what was making them. They made his ears twitch as each creature sang their own song. Staying perfectly still he pulled one out focusing on it letting his mind create the creature for him. The noise was barely a low hum coming in waves towards him. The only thing his mind came up with was a strangely distorted cricket with long spindly legs and huge twittering wings. Shaking it free he opened his eyes adjusting to the darkness before him.
It was an hour later when he realised the sky was beginning to lighten. The days were shorter here coming up at almost twenty two hours compared with the twenty eight back on Atlantis. Even now after so many years going around the galaxy it still took its toll on his body. From days as short as eighteen hours to some as long as thirty he had been through them all and felt off kilter for days afterwards. But like everything he took it in his stride keeping his head calm knowing the next corner could hold anything.
Everything in the camp was still relatively still with the exception of the occasional grunt or snore coming from the bunks. He knew she hadn't gone back to sleep regardless of him practically ordering her to. Deciding to put her out of her misery he set some water to boil making them both some tea. Normally he avoided it during the day but had taken to liking it. He had put it down to becoming familiar with the sweetened tea she would drink on their evenings together. He stood casting a shadow over her the tea outstretched for about a minute before she opened one eye smiling when she realised she was made.
Sitting up slowly she took the tea from him thanking him before putting her feet down on the ground. He could feel her eyes watching him walk to the edge of camp a familiar spine tingle running down his back. He had barely made it to the edge of the camp when he heard her footsteps following him. Standing beside him she looked out into the jungle just as he did smiling with him as a small snake slithered passed her feet, its patterned back glowing red in the darkness.
"So how much sleep did you get?"
"I don't know. I think I fell asleep pretty quickly so about four hours or so. I woke up not long before you did," Looking her over she looked like she had slept for twice as long. He only wished that he felt like that. "Whenever I'd be on a dig or off camping out on some sort fact finding expedition I never got much sleep. Too exciting." The way her body seemed to vibrate with joy as she lightly bounced on the balls of her feet transferred to him waking him up harder and faster.
"Yeah, I used to be the same when I was with the SGC. Don't get it as much now. Too much gone wrong." He tried to keep the bitterness out of his voice but couldn't help it. Too much loss had stuck with him for too long.
"Well hopefully we will find something and bring some excitement back for you. I'm sure McKay would like me to find something," He had overheard their conversation the day before they left McKay practically barking at her to find something more than her little trinkets. He had rolled his eyes then and had to fight not to do it at the memory of the words. "McKay's an ass." He almost choked on the mouthful of tea he had just taken wondering if he had spoken his thoughts aloud chuckling when he saw her slightly guilty look. "Sorry."
"No its fine. I just didn't think you had a bad thing to say about anybody." Laughing with him she seemed to laugh harder than she intended her petite hand snapping over her mouth as she guiltily looked around the camp. Coming in closer she whispered into his ear, her hot breath tickling along his neck sending a hot thrill through his body.
"I just keep the bad things to myself."
A noise behind them had them both spinning. Putting himself in front of her he edged into the camp looking around. A long spindly leg poked out from under Parrish's bunk followed by another and another until a bulky body came into view a dozen beady eyes along its head. It was a spider but a very large spider. Its body was the size of a grapefruit and looked scaly, shimmering bronze hues mingling with orange and green. They both walked around to the opposite side of the camp keeping the fire between them and it, his arm keeping her body behind his. Slowly pulling his side arm just in case he watched the spider scuttle along the floor in the direction they had just come, its eyes never leaving them as it backed up a few cautious steps before disappearing into the darkness.
He followed its path back to the edge of the camp quick and silent searching to ensure it had gone. Turning he saw she was leaning over Parrish checking him to ensure he wasn't hurt. He had to smile at the sight. She was trying not to let her hair fall on to him as she looked at his face and hands. He watched her bend to look under his bunk letting his eyes wander over her.
When she had stood up and headed back towards him he had quickly averted his eyes not wanting to be caught. When she came to him she looked at her hands and then laughed covering her mouth sharply to muffle the sound.
"I don't know what happened to my tea." The merriment in her voice was thick making him smile as he looked to his own empty hands. Laughing a little to himself he looked around the camp easily spotting them beside the fire, the metal glinting in the light. Shrugging he looked back to her finding she was watching him again her gaze running over him. Blushing slightly her gaze shifted down before moving to the camp avoiding him.
"Well I might aswell get ready for the day." She said her feet swiftly carrying her to bunk away from him.
He nodded walking around the camp again checking and double checking. When he came back into the centre of the camp he stopped himself sharply as he spotted her. She was pulling off the top she was wearing. The skin on her back glowed in the firelight. Even from a distance he could see the faint white lines along her pale back and he felt his curiosity peak. They were hidden from him again as she pulled another sleeveless top on tugging it down as far as it would go.
Entering the camp louder than he would normally he saw her turn towards the sound smiling knowingly when she spotted him. Ducking his head he walked towards his bunk picking up the fallen cups as he went. Looking back to her he saw her pull her hair loose braiding it tightly before fastening it securely. The tight braid sat to the bottom of her back. He couldn't understand why he was acting this way putting the blame on the heat messing with him.
Hearing a noise his hand flashed to his side arm only relaxing when he noticed it was just Michaels beginning to stir. He sat up looking around getting his bearings before his eyes settled on her and then him. Nodding to both he silently got up tilting his head pointing off to one side telling Lorne where he was headed.
After another hour everyone was up milling around trying to get their bearings in the dim light. As the sky lit up the temperature did too and he watched as everyone started to feel it again. It didn't hit him as hard as it had yesterday his body growing accustomed to the heat as it slowly rose.
Settling into comfortable conversation they all sat and ate what was defined as their breakfast. Rolling his first mouthful around, his mind gasping at the texture and taste, so foreign and sickly in the heat. Swallowing it he felt the heat around him churn his stomach. Putting it down slowly he glanced at the faces of the people around him seeing the familiar looks that matched his own. The food really didn't go too well with the heat.
"Ok I think we should split up a little differently today. Michaels you stay in the camp today keep it secure, Stackhouse you stay with Parrish keep him out of trouble and I'll go with you Merry help you dig out the last bit of the site. Everyone good? Be back in four hours." Listening to the chorus of yes sirs he nodded in response indicating with his head to Merry for them to leave.
Down at the pit they re evaluated their situation. The water from last night's rainfall had drained away through the night leaving a sloppy mud surface behind. There were several large pale stone steps covered in ancient symbols leading down a narrow passage. Just looking at it he knew there must be a few more to dig out before they reached the doorway. Lowering himself down into the pit he grimaced as his boots sank into the sludge.
Helping her down he held onto her arms letting her find her balance before letting go. The moment she moved a hint of vanilla danced around him blocking out the aromas of the jungle.
As she headed down the few steps already uncovered he examined the top stone looking at the symbols hoping to see something perhaps she did not. He knew her ancient was far better than his but there were a few things here and there that he could see. The top line looked unusual compared to the other although he couldn't figure out why. Stepping to the next step he stared at the line again tilting his head to one side.
"It's upside down."
"Sorry?"
"The top line it's upside down but the bottom one is facing the right way."
"A message to greet and a message to bid farewell."
"Yes, I think."
"Major I could kiss you. This makes sense now. Or at least it will when I get to the rest of it." Handing him a small trowel she nudged his arm making him shake his head in disbelief.
"Ok, Ok I get it. Go and dig Major. I get the hint."
When they had dug out the last step they had revealed a total of ten steps at a steep incline disappearing into a virtual darkness. He was surprised by how hands on she had gotten delving in with her bare hands so pull away the chunks of dirt covering the door. Between the two of them it took only a few minutes to pull it all away revealing something that looked very familiar.
"Isn't that?"
"The same as Atlantis." Swiping his hand over the crystals he hoped the door would open or at least acknowledge the gene. When it failed to open he reached for his knife popping away the covering to reveal the three crystals inside all perfectly in tact." Doesn't look like there is any power, doc."
"Major?" Her tone was an unusual mixture of annoyance and jest.
"Sorry Merry." He purposely made sure to over pronunciate each syllable enjoying the roll of her eyes even if it was tainted with her smile.
"It's been buried a long time. Most likely abandoned. If they were allies with the Ancients they could have gone with them or maybe run out of power."
"And with no Ancients around to replace their power source they up and left."
"It's the most likely conclusion."
"So force the door open then. Luckily I'm used to that on Atlantis." The quirk in her eyebrow made him chuckle. "Long story."
"Well I've been in this situation a few times myself." Raising his eyebrow almost mimicking her inquisitive look he laughed as she spoke using his previous words. "Long story."
With the two of them pushing and pulling together it didn't take long to open the door. Inch by inch it moved revealing a darkness inside. In a move he knew he shouldn't do he put his back against the door jam pushing the remainder of the door into the wall with his legs, a groan reverberating around the room as it slid home.
She was about to step in when he reached out grasping her arm to stop her. Pulling his light free he quickly clicked it on keeping her behind him. Lifting his foot to take a step he thought better of it. Removing his side arm he lifted it pointing it into the darkness. Taking a few tentative steps forward he tried to look around finding the darkness swallowed the light. Hearing the click behind him he was about to turn but he saw the stream of light searching the darkness from the corner of his eye.
Step by step they made their way further into the room still unable to see anything. Every one of his senses was on high alert hunting for the most remote sense of danger or other wise. He felt something beneath his foot as he stepped. Pulling his foot back he flicked his light down in one solid movement. There was a thick vine running along the floor. Following it with his light he found what looked like a small pod no bigger than his fist. Holding his light over it he took a step forward only to stop as the pod began to move. Removing the safety on his weapon he watched patiently waiting for something to happen. Slowly the outer layers pulled back to reveal a deep blue flower; its five petals stretched outwards shaping itself like a star. The soft yellow centre twinkled under the torches light.
"Parrish is going to love this." No sooner had the words left his mouth the blue of the petals seemed to spread to the ground, first from the flower then seemed to follow the line of the vine running along the floor and up the walls. Soon the whole room was filled with a soft blue hue. As more flowers opened the light grew making every shadow disappear." Yes Parrish is definitely going to love this."
Hiking through the plants and trees had given him enough ideas to paint to last him a lifetime but this room inspired him more than all of it. The thought of capturing the colouring was too enticing. The sweet spicy scent of the flowers awakened something within him making his fingers ache. It was beautiful with a slight touch of feminity that he couldn't quite place.
As a flash of light encompassed the room making the light shine brighter for a moment he watched in awe. Slowly it calmed returning to its previous gentle tone. Turning to find the source he spotted the camera in her hand.
"You could have warned me."
"Sorry Major. It's just so beautiful. The structure is definitely ancient that's for sure but the plant seems to have been incorporated into it."
Looking around he found there wasn't a part where the vines didn't touch. He also noted there was very little within the room. A small recess in the far wall caught his attention. Crossing the room, careful of where he put his feet he looked into it his eyes first drawn to the network of fine vines running through it then to the familiar design.
"Why does this look like a stasis chamber?"
"Erm, maybe because it is?" Her tone was laced with amusement.
Turning to her he found her stood staring at the closest wall her whole being the personification of frustration. Scanning the walls one by one he looked beyond the flowers and vines seeing the truly bare walls. Looking to the ground in some desperate hope he found that there was nothing there aswell. Nothing. The whole room was a big nothing. Compared to the others he knew finding a stasis chamber was a step forward but with no information the room was mostly nothing. In that one moment he truly understood how frustrating her job must be given the assignment she had. As much as they tended to hate babysitting the scientists at least he got to go and do other things aswell.
"I'd better get Parrish down here," Bringing his hand to his earpiece he watched her slowly turn about the room moving only a few steps at a time capturing an image with the camera before moving again. The steady click created a continuous beat that seemed to keep her pace of work. "Parrish, head to the site. There's a plant here you will be interested in."
"On my way Major." The abundant enthusiasm from the man seemed lost on him mostly feeling how disappointed she was with finding almost nothing yet again.
Stood looking at the stasis chamber he scanned the surrounding wall hoping to find something but he couldn't put his finger on anything other than how odd the room looked encompassed in vines and flowers.
"So Major where is, oh my... I've never, this is, oh my. I've read about this but to see it, oh my."
"We get the picture Parrish. Where is Stackhouse?"
"Who? Oh top of the steps keeping watch or something." The man looked and sounded a million miles away from their conversation eyes fixated on the flower in front of him.
With the shake of his head he slowly crossed the room watching each step. Reaching the doorway he stuck his head out quickly spotting Stackhouse leaning against the wall of the stairwell. Silently he stood watching the younger man looking this way and that the look of utter boredom on his face. With a quick glance behind him seeing both Merry and Parrish locked in conversation he decided to perk up his team mate.
Stepping back a touch he kept himself hidden from Stackhouse but kept it so he had a clear view. Tapping his earpiece he quickly spoke keeping his words clipped.
"Stackhouse report." His voice was devoid of amusement but seeing the man fly off the ground suddenly standing, back ramrod straight he released the chuckle that built in his chest.
"All clear Major. Starting to get a little dark though sir." Stackhouse's voice was the epitome of professional even if the sneaky smirk wasn't.
"Copy that." A glimmer of something beyond Stackhouse caught his attention. Spotting the heavy looking clouds he muttered a curse.
"Need to get a move on. We need to head back to camp..."
"But Major I've only just begun to work. I need samples and...." A low rumble swallowed Parrish's words. The sound echoed through the room Stackhouse barrelling into the room seconds later. As he crossed the threshold a torrent of rain began pounding against the ground behind him.
"It's started to rain sir."
"Really?" He couldn't hold on to sarcasm that time. Glancing around each member they all nodded to the silent command quickly working to finish their work.
Feeling something hit his arm he looked up to see water dripping from the ceiling. Faint shimmers of cracks darkened under the strain of the water a large one covering the expanse of the ceiling darkening faster than all the rest. Drop by drop water began falling faster from different places. Seeing him look up they all followed his eye line seeing the water dripping in.
"The rain is leaking in through the ceiling. We have to go now."
"But Major..."
"Have you ever been buried beneath a building Doctor Parrish?" He waited seeing the man shake his head, eyes casting down. "Right. So let's get a move on, it's not something I'm keen to repeat thank you."
Gathering everything together they quickly left the room. Water was already beginning to run from the steps into the room, a thin channel wavering between the vines. The rain was heavy creating huge puddles along the ground that splashed up against them as they ran. Only a few paces from the camp the ground shook as a large crash filled the air.
Stopping he urged Stackhouse and Parrish to continue on the last few steps seeing her turn to begin back. Reaching out he grabbed her arm pulling her to him.
"It's gone. There's nothing you can do. Come on." He shouted over the noise feeling the rain running down him as he as he began to tug her along. After a sharp tug she relented quickly walking beside him the last of the way.
Heading back into camp a few eyes brows were raised at them. Crossing the short distance to his bunk he sat down unhappy at being rained on again. Looking across the camp he watched her scribble down in her notebook the camera grasped firmly in her hand. She seemed lost in her own little world. He knew she would have returned to the site if he hadn't stopped her but to do what he didn't know.
Startled out of his thoughts by food thrust under his nose he thanked the hand he could see before beginning to eat pulling a face at the food that looked and tasted like nothing. Looking back around he noticed he wasn't the only one not taking to his food.
"It not my cooking I swear. Must be a bad batch or something." Michaels seemed quite defensive of his culinary efforts.
"Or the heat." Taking another mouthful he couldn't stand the non taste any more and placed it to the floor rubbing his hands together. Rubbing one hand over his hair he watched the droplets fall to the camp floor just noticing that he was yet again completely soaking wet. Realising he needed to eat something he rummaged through his pack retrieving several power bars. Pulling the most appetising he ripped it open looking around at everyone in the camp.
Michaels was absentmindedly stirring his food around and around his gaze locked on the camp's entrance clearly not listening to Stackhouse who was yapping away about something he had seen. Parrish was trying to get her attention practically waving a sample in front of her attempting to get her to listen to him but she was focussed on the notebook in front of her. She looked up smiling at Parrish as she took another mouthful of food promptly putting it back on the floor. He would have laughed at the look on her face as she swallowed the food quickly, the back of her hand to lips as she did.
He had heard several rumours about her and Sheppard. She never seemed to look at him how the rumours had made out but what happened behind closed doors was another thing. They had a banter about them whenever they were together one he hadn't seen from the Colonel before but he did hope that there wasn't something. The looks that she had given him and although quite subtle, the flirting that had gone on between them gave him a small sense of hope that maybe he was more than a friend to her.
Stackhouse began tormenting Parrish about something but he wasn't really listening to them. He was watching her write, her handwriting barely legible as she scribbled down her words. He watched a streak of red descend over her collar bone and down her chest disappearing into her top. Her cheeks were flushed from what he could see. About to get up to check on her he noticed the smile on her face as she bit into her bottom lip. He figured he had been caught and quickly cleared his throat as he got up walking to the entrance of the camp looking out. Breathing deeply to calm himself he tried to think of anything but her. Feeling a hand on his shoulder he almost flew out of his skin. Turning he saw Michaels begin to lean in.
"There's nothing between her and the Colonel, sir."