Remember, Never to Forget---22
Suduko stayed close to the wall and aimed his weapon in the direction of the door at the end of the corridor. There was another entrance at the opposite side and it was being covered by Lorne, Trazdia and their men. Wallace was damn good, but Suduko had more than the rescue of Rodney McKay on his mind. If he made it to Shazzia's chambers he was going to make damn sure she never had the chance to enslave others again.
Trazdia's men were keeping an eye on Domitar and hopefully they would keep the elderly man from interfering with their mission. Shazzia had shown no sign that she knew they were there and he could only hope Domitar knew nothing of the impending attack.
"Suduko, are you okay?" Wallace asked.
"I am fine…make sure your people know what is expected of them," Suduko said.
"My men can handle themselves," Wallace explained.
"We need to move quickly and quietly," Suduko observed. "Make sure your men know what to do once we enter Shazzia's chambers. She's a mean bitch and she doesn't forgive mistakes."
"We won't make any mistakes."
"Good, get McKay and I'll take care of Shazzia," Suduko said as the team moved toward the closed doors.
SGASGASGASGASGA
Rodney McKay had never felt so humiliated or exposed as Shazzia chained him to the bed and refused to allow him to cover his body. It wasn't that he was ashamed of how he looked, but he really didn't like to flaunt it. He watched as his captor sat before a mirror and used creams on her face and arms. He hated how she glanced at him, her eyes filled with the promise of things to come. Things Rodney McKay had no interest in…at least not where Shazzia was concerned.
"Why do your people insist on covering such perfection, Rodney?" Shazzia asked seductively as she turned toward him.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," McKay told her.
"You and John are both perfectly acceptable males, yet you insist on covering your bodies with excess clothing. Why is that? Surely you're not ashamed of how you look?"
"I'm not ashamed of how I look," McKay said, searching desperately for something to cover himself with as the woman knelt on the bed beside him. His eyes grew wide as she seemed to be purring like a cat ready to pounce. 'God, help me,' he thought and closed his eyes.
SGASGASGASGASGA
Ronan and Teyla stood on one side of the hallway and waited for Lorne's signal. They were anxious to find McKay and maybe even get a chance to question the High Priestess about John Sheppard. There were two guards stationed outside the doors and Teyla had already agreed she would be a distraction.
Teyla watched Lorne and as soon as he gave her the signal she passed Ronan her weapon and walked seductively around the corner. The guards turned as soon as they heard her and she swore she could see the lust in their eyes.
"You're not supposed to be here," the larger of the two men said, but it was plain to see he was glad she'd shown up.
"I'm sorry…I must have take a wrong turn. I was looking for my quarters, but I get lost so easily. Could you tell me how to get back to the main sleeping area?"
"You could always stay here and keep us warm…something as pretty as you shouldn't be on her own," the smaller man said, elbowing his friend conspiratorially.
"The High Priestess would have us flayed alive," the big one observed.
Teyla continued forward until she reached the two men and ran her hands down the well muscled shoulders. "You are both so strong…why are you here?"
"We protect Her Highness from unwanted intrusions," the larger guard said.
"Oh," Teyla purred and ran her fingers along his jaw. "Such an important job must mean you are very good at your job."
"That we are," the smaller one said and was shocked when something connected with the back of his head.
Teyla reacted instinctively as Ronan rendered the smaller guard unconscious. She brought her right knee up into the man's groin and followed up with an elbow to his throat as he bent forward. All her training paid off as the large man pitched forward on hands and knees and she finished him off with an elbow to the back of the head.
"Remind me to stay on your good side," Ronan said as he dragged the bigger man out of sight.
"See that you do," Teyla warned with a hint of a smile.
"According to Suduko there are several parts to Shazzia's chambers. The first is the main room and there could be more guards there," Trazdia explained and smiled as he turned to Teyla. "Perhaps we should just send you in there and have you take them out…"
"You always let a woman do your fighting for you?" Ronan asked.
"When she can fight like that I do," Trazdia assured him and took up position on the left side of the door as Ronan and Lorne did the same on the right.
"We go in on three," Lorne said and slowly counted off the numbers before Trazdia used his weapon to blow the locking mechanism. Ronan kicked the door open and dove in, coming to his knees to the right of the entrance as two guards reached for their discarded weapons. He fired quickly, taking them both down as the rest of the assault team entered the room.
Lorne entered right on Ronan's heels and automatically checked the area, counting the doors and searching for movement from the alcoves. There was nothing but silence, yet Lorne knew better than to relax as they moved deeper into the chambers. He used hand signals to tell the others what he wanted and moved quickly to the ornate door at the center of the main room.
SGASGASGASGASGA
Suduko hung back as Wallace and the others made their way toward the entrance to Shazzia's chambers. They'd taken care of the guards and he knew there would only be a couple in her private quarters. There was a secret exit, a failsafe she'd kept in place and Suduko knew where the door opened and that's where he headed as the others continued with their mission. He reached the bend in the corridor that led to the back access tunnel and hurried along until he reached the panel that would open should Shazzia try to escape.
SGASGASGASGASGA
Rodney wasn't sure what he was hearing, but his eyes shot open as his captor released him and reached for the weapon on the floor beside the bed. He reacted instinctively, silently thanking Shazzia for removing the chain from his ankles as he struck out with his feet, catching her in the lower back and sending her off balance. He heard her curse as the main door opened and several men hurried inside. He recognized Lorne and Ronan, and immediately forgot about his state of undress in the heat of the moment.
"Thank God," he said, but it was short lived as Shazzia grabbed him and pulled him toward a door that opened on his right.
"Stop her!" Trazdia ordered and rushed forward, but the High Priestess had already disappeared through the opening with her unwilling captive.
Lorne, Teyla, and Ronan hurried toward the opening, but were too late as it closed, blocking any access.
"Rodney!" Teyla called and pounded on the door, but there was no answer as they searched for an access panel.
SGASGASGASGASGA
Shazzia dragged McKay along the corridor and struck him when he tried to fight her. She knew it was dangerous to take him along, but right now she was not willing to give him up. If she could reach the secret docking bay she could get her ship and escape before the others discovered the control panel and opened the door.
"Let me go!" McKay snapped.
"I don't think so, Rodney," Shazzia said.
"Do as he says, Shazzia!" Suduko warned.
"Well, well…hello, Suduko, it has been a long time."
"Not long enough," Suduko spat.
"Oh, Suduko, I have such fond memories of our time together…wouldn't you like to…"
"Tear you apart with my bare hands," Suduko interrupted. "Let Dr. McKay go and I'll show you exactly what I think of you."
"I don't think so. You and I have nothing more to say, while Rodney and I are only just getting acquainted," Shazzia said and shielded her body with the captive's. "You see Rodney needs to be punished for destroying one of my ships…"
"He should be rewarded for doing us all a favor," Suduko told her. He could see the fear in McKay's eyes, but he could also see the grim determination as the man lifted his bare foot and brought it down on Shazzia's. The woman cried out, but didn't release him as she brought the weapon down on the back of his head. Suduko pointed and fired, the small projectile impacted with the woman's shoulder and forced her to drop her weapon.
McKay felt dizzy as Shazzia shoved him forward and would have fallen if not for Suduko. The bigger man managed to catch him and hold him up, but McKay heard him curse and turned to see Shazzia disappear through a second portal. The opening closed as soon as she was through and Suduko eased him to the cold ground. "Go…"
"You're hurt…"
"I'm okay…get her!" McKay managed and felt the nausea churning through his gut. "Don't let her escape!"
Suduko hurried to the wall and tried to find the portal, but there was nothing that would give them access to the High Priestess' escape route. He cursed several times, but turned when he heard movement behind them.
"Someone's coming!" McKay said and struggled to get to his feet. Suduko held his weapon in front of him and watched the corridor as the footsteps grew closer. "Lorne!"
"Where's Shazzia?" Trazdia asked.
"She escaped through a portal," Suduko said returning his attention to the wall.
"Rodney, you are hurt," Teyla said and moved to examine the injured man's head.
"I'm okay…"
"You are cold," Teyla observed.
"How'd you lose your pants, McKay?" Ronan asked with a grin.
"Don't ask!" McKay snapped, regretting it immediately when it felt as if his head would explode.
"Easy, Rodney, I'm sure we'll find something for you to wear," Teyla said.
"Shazzia can't escape!" Suduko spat and fired his weapon at the wall several times. Trazdia and several of Wallace's men did the same, but their efforts failed.
"We'll find her, My Friend," Trazdia said, placing a hand on Suduko's shoulder before turning to his men. "Find a way through here and I'll buy drinks for the next cycle!"
"We need to get Rodney back to the Jumper," Teyla told them.
"Major, you take your men and head back…Suduko and I will lead the search for Shazzia," Trazdia explained.
"I can't go anywhere like this?" McKay said desperately trying to cover himself.
"What's the matter, McKay? Ashamed you won't measure up?" Wallace teased.
"Rodney has nothing to be ashamed of," Teyla said, cocking an eyebrow at Wallace's comment.
"Thank you," McKay said, feeling a hint of heat in his cheeks.
"Come On, Rodney," Teyla said and helped him to his feet.
"Hank, stay with Suduko," Lorne said and knew Wallace would stick with the others and bring them back to the planet.
"We're going to destroy this place once we find her!" Trazdia vowed.
"Just make sure you're far enough away when it explodes," Lorne warned. He watched as Teyla and Ronan moved to support the dazed Canadian and quickly led the way back along the corridor.
SGASGASGASGASGA
John walked slowly along the hallway until they reached the door to Hawk's chambers. Kudrone had placed his wrist in a hard casing making it impossible to move, but it also supplied him with a weapon should the opportunity arise. He took a deep breath, hating the feelings running through his mind. Fear mixed with distaste mingled with hatred and hope as the door slid open and Kudrone motioned for him to go inside.
"Come in, John…Kudrone, I will speak to you later," Hawk ordered.
John felt the light of hope being distinguished as Kudrone left him alone with the other man. He stood where he was, hiding the contempt he felt for Hawk as the big man slowly walked around him.
"John, you are going to learn to bow that stiff neck of yours or eventually I will break it," Hawk warned.
"Better off dead than a 'slave'," John snapped.
"Do you really think so? At least you have a chance of escape if you're alive," Hawk said and stood in front of his captive. "I'm sure that's what you're thinking, John, but I warn you death is not an option and escape is far beyond your means. I showed you the gorge so you'd have an idea of what you're up against. I chose this place on purpose because it is easy to defend if anyone is stupid enough to launch an attack. This fortress is impregnable…"
"No fortress is impregnable," John told him.
"How do you know, John, when you don't even know who you are," Hawk snapped. "I grow tired of your…"
"Then let me go!"
"That is not an option, John, you belong to me. Perhaps a taste of fighting will curb your insolence and show you that I can and will do what I want. Perhaps a private fight between you and Tyrel?"
"I won't fight him!" John said, remembering the young male who he'd last seen during the return trips from the fight.
"You won't have a choice, John, because he will fight you if I wish it."
"I don't think so."
"We shall see," Hawk said and reached for a length of chain attached to the wall. "I am tired and in need of sleep."
"What's that for?"
"I want you where I can watch over you," Hawk answered. "This chain will be locked to the collar around your neck and you will sleep at the foot of my bed as all pets do…"
"I'm not a pet…I'm a man!"
"No, you are a pet…my pet," Hawk told him and clicked the mechanism to seal the lock. "Your pallet is there."
John stared at the man as he walked to his bed and lay down. He turned and looked at the fur spread out at the foot of Hawk's bed and reluctantly sat down. Whatever Kudrone had given him when he fixed his wrist was making him sleepy and there was no choice but to lie back and sleep.
Hawk listened as John's breathing evened out and knew he was sleeping. What was it about this man that made him want to hurt and protect him at the same time? Why didn't he just sell him and be rid of the problem before it got a bigger hold on him? Hawk sat up and looked down at the sleeping captive and wondered at the warring emotions that crossed his face. It spoke of dreams, but whether they were good or bad was something he didn't know and guessed it was probably the latter. With a heavy sigh, Hawk lay back on the bed and hardened himself against the soft emotions John managed to conjure in him.
TBC