CHAPTER 29 – PROTECT AND SERVE
Ancient ruins... hell. An uneasy feeling began in his stomach and pushed upward. That last mission he had taken her out on? A simple pilot and babysit job. Now, hadn't that gone well...
He burst into the control room and headed straight for the gate technician. "Has he made contact yet?"
Confused, the young gate technician swung around in his seat and met the blazing eyes of Colonel John Sheppard.
"Sir...?"
"Lorne. Has he made contact yet... since he left."
"Ah... no, sir. He's only be gone for an hour and not scheduled to report in for at least another two. Is something wrong, Sir?"
He was a little intimidated by the dark haired Colonel. His temper was sometimes a little mercurial and Airman Steven Truman, having only been in Atlantis for two weeks, held his breath as he waited to see whether the Colonel was going to explode.
He heard the whoosh of breath as the Colonel released his, and his own sigh of relief was almost imperceptible. Almost, but not quite.
"Sorry, airman. Didn't mean to jump down your throat. I'm just a little concerned... about the passenger he has with him."
"The photographer... Nicole Harmon? Sir? That story she wrote last year was amazing. Brought her a lot of fame, but also a few bad feelings amongst some of the groups in the diamond trade. She has a lot of guts doing what she did... especially after..."
John looked at the the young airman with interest. "You heard about all that?"
"Yes, sir. I met her once, at a convention... and she seemed... nice..."
"You mean she was … hot!"
"Yeah, sir... that too..."
"Hmmm... anyway, if you hear from Lorne, can you radio me? I'm just a little antsy with her out there under someone else's protection. Security detail over that particular package is mine."
"Acknowledged Colonel. As soon as a call comes in, I'll radio you. I can try and get a message to them, if you like? I don't know if he's in range, but it could be worth a shot?"
Interest sparked again in the Colonel's eyes. "Good thinking, Airman. Please..."
He activiated the radio, pleased to be able to do something for the Colonel. "Major Lorne, this is Atlantis. Come in, please."
The radio crackled, but there was no response and after trying several times, the young airman shrugged his shoulders and deactivated the radio.
"Sorry, Colonel. I'll have to wait until his scheduled check in time. I'll let you know as soon as he calls."
It was more than spidey senses that fingered their way down his spine. His connection to her was strong, and he knew that if there was trouble to be found, she'd damn well find a way to step right into the middle of it.
And when he got the call from the airman two hours later, he was running into the control room, Sam hot on his heels.
The airman's eyes were wide and a little frightened.
"Sir? Ma'am? That was Major Lorne... he lost connection. Said that they were under fire. They've been attacked by the Wraith..."
John barely had time to bite out an oath before activating his ear mike and calling his team together. He was in the jumper bay in full gear, in under five minutes. Vowing he'd never let her out of his sight again...
The trip to P2B340 had been a quiet one and Major Lorne had cast a few sympathetic glances in the direction of his passenger. He knew a little of what was going down between her and the Colonel, and judging by the way that said Colonel had been storming around the base for the past 48 hours, things had not be going... well.
He left her to her silence, a quiet man himself – and not one to force conversation on another if silence was what they really wanted. He figured she'd talk if she needed to, and sometimes the quiet? Gave him time to do his own thinking.
She broke the silence a half hour in. "Tell me about him, Major. Please"
Startled, he shot a glance sideways at her. "Who?"
"John Sheppard. Tell me about the man..."
Feeling just a little uneasy discussing a superior office while he wasn't there to defend himself, he blushed a little, then haltingly began.
"What do you want me to tell you? He's a damn good soldier, and a fine man... hell, I'd go to the bat for him any day. He's saved my butt more than once, and that of many people on the base. When it comes down to it, he's actually saved earth, more than once... not that anyone on earth would know that..."
She laughed. "Sounds like John... a little loaded in testosterone..."
Again that blush and she pushed down a chuckle. Lorne was adorable, shy and a little in awe of her and she tried to put him at ease.
"I'm not trying to find any dirt on him Major. I just want to find out what makes him tick. So far? He's brought me to my knees... more or less..."
This frank admission from her brought a startled look from Lorne. He had not expected such candid information from her. Maybe a little light conversation along the way, exchange a few pleasantries... but this? This was heavy stuff... advice column material, and he was not so sure he was ready for that.
"Shouldn't you be talking to the Colonel about your... feelings?"
"Ahh Major... that would be the obvious thing... but whenever I'm around him, I get an overload of senses, I can't think clearly, can't even speak clearly... don't know what's going on half the time. Like I said... he brings me to my knees. Both literally and figuratively."
Lorne couldn't resist the laugh that huffed out of him and his answer was dry. "Sounds like you've got it bad... if you don't mind me saying so. I guess, you need to find a way to let him know..."
She looked at him hopefully and another laugh escaped him.
"Uh uh... leave me out of it. This isn't high school, Nicole. I'm not passing notes in the coridoor. But if you want my advice... judging by the way he's been storming around the city like the proverbial bear with a thorn in his claw... if I was a betting man, I'd lay some serious odds down that he feels exactly the same way."
"Wish that were true Major... but the last real conversation we had? He more or less told me I wasn't ready for any sort of relationship... not exactly news from my point of view."
"I think that is what he was trying to tell himself, Nicole... not you. He's an open book where you're concerned... most of the base know how he feels when he looks at you. Not many secrets in Atlantis."
Startled she looked at him again and he hastened to reassure her.
"Oh, don't worry. I know there is some great white elephant hanging over your head about how you came to be here, and even with my ear to the ground, there's not much that anyone knows. Not for sure. So whatever secret you carry around with regards that, it's safe to say that you're covered."
She sat back in her seat in relief and was silent for the remainder of the trip, feeling Lorne's concerned glance cast her way from time to time. She had some thinking to do.
Her cameras at the ready she followed him, Rodney and the team of two achaeologists towards the ancient ruins that had been found on this planet. There were two confirmed settlements. The people of this planet were simple farmers and they placed high mythical importance on the ruins that were located in the west of the planet and did not visit there for superstitious reasons. The Lantiens had learned of these ruins through trading with these people and interest had been sparked when they had learnt that the ruins had been left not by the ancestors of those people, but a different race. McKay had been with the team that had arrived on the planet for the initial visit and he had immediately turned to John and asked if they could bring back a team to investigate.
Rodney was in the rear of the jumper now, engrossed in his hand held computer and Nicole had heard his voice from time to time, as he gave instructions to the archaeologists and interupted their conversations to theorise an idea of his own. Mostly she just tuned him out. She found him fascinating, yes – but she had difficulty following his train of thought most of the time, as many of them did and found it easier to let his voice simply roll over her.
They had been met by some of the elders from the settlement and Nicole had noticed immediately that they were not comfortable with the Lantien's coming into the anicent ruins. Having spent some time in South America in some of the ancient ruins, she had immeasurable respect for the superstitious aspect that these particular areas had for the people that lived within that culture. And she could see those same doubts in the faces of these people. Her hands automatically brought her camera to her eye, capturing that distrust on their faces, capturing the slanted looks at the group from another world, who sought now to find answers in their own.
Lorne watched her closely, a little intimidated in spite of himself. She had an easy grace, a casual attitude that made people comfortable around her, and he watched with a slight smile on his face as the elders gradually opened up to her and saw what she must have been seeing through her lens. The expressions changed from distrust to adoration as they sidled closer to touch her camera and turning it around, she was able to show them the photos she had captured of themselves. Their delighted grins brought a smile of his own and he shook his head. She appeared to have an innate quality in wrapping people around her little finger.
Rodney however, did not seem so taken with the lady. Tapping his foot impatiently, he huffed an aggrieved breath.
"A little less of the 'we love Nicole' routine and a little more of the 'let's get on the road' would be welcome about now. What do you say Lorne? Can we drag her away from her adoring fans and actually do what we came here to do? Ancient ruins... ring a bell?... hmmm?"
Shaking his head at the scientist, Lorne moved over to the group who were examining her photos, and called over his shoulder at Rodney.
"Actually Dr McKay, Colonel Carter asked specifically for Nicole to be here taking photos... part of her assignment that has come through from Washington." He imparted this last information, not knowing exactly why she was doing it, and Rodney shifted a little uncomfortably. He, of course, had all the facts and knew exactly why she was out here but knew also, that this information did not extend down to the Major. Not yet, anyway.
Rodney retained his sarcasm. "I'm assuming that her assignment includes the photographing of the ancient ruins... not the people. So case and point, Major Lorne."
Rolling his eyes at him, Lorne signalled to Nicole, not really wanting to interupt her. He knew the importance of keeping good relations with the people on each of the planets they visited. Rodney did not always keep this in mind, his only interest was in what he could find, not how many friends he could make and potential allies. Out here? Allies were what kept the wolf from the door, so to speak. She acknowledged him and he saw that her face was glowing and saw immediately the spell that Sheppard had fallen under. She had a way of drawing people towards her, the moth to the flame - and she was most definitely the flame. She glowed brighter than most, the passion for what she did showing clearly in every movement of her body, every expression. Lorne had to give himself a mental shake. This one was already taken.
"What wonderful people... so full of spirit and belief in their way of life, God - I'd love to spend a week here, with them. Any chance of that?"
Lorne laughed, gently steering her away from the departing elders and towards the impatient scientist, who was casting baleful looks in her direction.
"Take it up with your Colonel, but I'd say that would be a ... no..."
'Pity... maybe I'll work on him. Or maybe I'll just stay here and he'll have no choice?"
"Not on my watch you won't. You may have no trouble disregarding the Colonel's wishes, but me? He's my superior officer and even without that over my head, I respect the man, and if he wants you under surveillence at all times, then that necessitates you being in Atlantis, where that can be done." Lorne's voice held more than a hint of concern and she lightened her tone, wanting to reassure him.
"Don't worry Major. I won't get you in trouble... usually trouble finds me one way or another, and I won't go courting it. I know I'm treading on eggshells as it is with 'our' Colonel, but a week out here? Solitude and pictures during the day, then the hospitality of these wonderful people by night."
"No, Nicole...I mean it!"
"Spoilsport..."
"If you two are finished bickering, perhaps we could go and do our damn jobs!" Rodney's voice had risen to a snarl and the two archaelogists looked away in embarassment. Lorne let anger lace his voice now.
"Will you keep your shirt on Rodney! You'll get to the damn ruins, but you're not the only one with a job to do here, so quit your bitching!"
He received startled glances from both Nicole and Rodney, and the scientist huffed a breath and finally fell silent, falling in behind Lorne as he led the way through the clearing and down an overgrown pathway that looked as though it was not used on a regular basis.
The planet was a humid one and they had to endure Rodney's constant complaints as they moved at a brisk pace down the trail, swatting constantly at flying insects and applying repeated coats of insect repellent. Nicole had wondered idly whether an earth derived repellent would have any effect on the insect life on these alien worlds and when one particularly large and unappealing bug had landed on her bare arm, she had barely suppressed a screech and frantically moved on ahead to where Major Lorne took the lead position. Reaching out to him she had gotten his attention and he had immediately turned his amused eyes on her.
"A problem with the insect life, Nicole?"
"Not usually, but the incessant nibbling is starting to annoy me... does that bug repellent work? I think they're attracted to the healing scratches on my arm... ah crap!" She swatted loudly as one particularly large insect dug it's feeding tube into her already damaged skin and proceeded to drink long and deeply. Lorne stopped, picked up her arm and promptly used his thumb to squash the insect, then reaching into his tactical vest he brought out a tube of the same repellent that Rodney was using and rubbed a liberal layer of it over her exposed skin. She had coiled her long hair up on top of her head partway into the walk, the humidity was causing sweat to build up under her hair, and Lorne promptly turned her around and applied the repellent on the exposed neck.
She gave a long sigh of relief. "Thanks Major...I've been in jungles before and am used to high levels of discomfort. But this is a little extreme, even by my standards."
They reached the ruins a short time later and Lorne pulled his group together for instructions. "I need eyes on you all the time. If you need to leave the vicinity, no one goes alone, you come to me first and I will authorise your movements. It may sound extreme, but we would normally have two here for security, so we are spread a little thin at the moment. Nicole?"
He directed his words to her especially, knowing that she had a penchant for wandering off to get her photos, losing track of both time and the fact that there were other people in her party.
"Got it Major... but I'll apologise in advance if I become a little... remiss. Not intentionally, but in the heat of the moment..."
"There will be no 'remissing' Nicole. You keep me in sight at all times, or you'll think the Colonel is a pussycat..."
Startled brown eyes stared up at him and he fought down a smile.
She did try and keep within his sight, most of the time. They had been there for an hour and she knew that the Major was making noises about heading back to the jumper in order to check in with Atlantis. She looked up from what she was doing. In front of her was a beautifully sculpted wall that included artwork and detailing such as she had never seen before. She had run her hands along the intricate detailing and sighed a little with pleasure and Lorne, standing only a short distance away, had watched her with fascination as she had angled her camera as close as she could using her close up macro lens and taken shot after shot of the beautiful art work. Rodney had ambled over to see what had held her attention for so long and he had carefully removed tiny samplings of the material, without damaging the basic structure of the art, wanting to test the properties that had been used.
Lorne wandered over and looking over Nicole's shoulder, he nudged her slightly to get her attention.
"I need to get back to the jumper to radio Atlantis, or your Colonel will be champing at the bit. Rodney? I need you as eyes and ears for me. I'll only be gone for 20 minutes if I take it at a jog, just time to radio in and let them know we'll be another two hours?"
He raised his eyebrows in question at this and Rodney nodded. Two hours would be enough for now. The heat was beginning to get to him and he was mentally calculating the amount of food he had left. They could come back another time. With more equipment and more food.
"Nicole?"
She dragged her eyes away from what she was doing, having felt him standing behind her but crouched down on the ground she was busy checking through the photos she had taken.
"Sure Major...and yes, I'll behave. Scouts honour!" This brought a smile to her lips as she remembered these same words coming out of John's mouth as soon as they had met and she had immediately doubted the fact that he had ever been a boy scout. His face rose into her mind now. She had managed to keep from thinking about him too much, fully engrossed in what she was doing, this had not been an issue. But now? His words came to mind, as did his face and she wished they had not parted all those hours ago on such an angry and negative note. Hard to take back words that had already been said, and while they had both been busy since that time, it had been blatantly obvious to everyone that they had taken some pains to avoid each other. Until things calmed down a little.
Well, she was calmer. And she had the overwhelming urge to see him. Hell... to do more than see him. With the smile still on her face, but a little wistful now - she waved Lorne off and turned her attention back to what she was doing.
Lorne returned to the jumper in record time, having the need to expend some energy he had stepped it up to a full out run, and arrived back breathless and just a little exhilarated. He was about to enter the jumper when the he heard a familiar sound from overhead. The whine of wraith darts. Fear triggered immediately inside him and he ran for the radio, activating an open channel to Atlantis and not waiting for acknowledgement, gave the terse report that they were under attack by wraith. That was all the time he allowed - his mind was on the charges he had left behind at the ruins and he immediately pushed down his fear and headed back in the direction from which he had just come. He knew only Rodney was armed in that group, and Nicole.. hell... she would be terrified. With this in mind he redoubled his speed and burst out of the trail and into the start of the ruins just as the first dart flew overhead, it's telltale whine leaving a trail of sound across the sky, lingering for just a moment before it settled.
"McKay! Nicole!"
Weapon in front of him, Lorne came to a skidding halt and scanned the area, looking for signs of his charges. They were nowhere to seen and there was no answering call.
"Damn it you guys... where the hell are you? Dr McKay?"
He looked wildly around, coming to rest on a backpack that lay carelessly against one wall, and heading towards that he picked it up just as a second dart flew overhead, it's tracking beam running a lethal trail of death underneath it. Staying purposely out of it's path, Lorne flattened himself against one of the walls and peered around. There were no other signs that Nicole and the scientists were still in this area, but the ruins were large and it was likely that McKay had heard the sounds of the darts and encouraged the others to take shelter in another area.
The first dart flew back over again and after it had passed he heard the sound of gunfire, and biting back an oath he headed quickly in that direction.
The ruins provided adequate shelter and he was able to dodge from building to building in order to avoid the hunting darts. He wondered what had brought them here and suspected it was something to do with them being in the ruins. As far as they had been led to believe, the wraith had not visited this planet for a very long time and when they had spoken to the elders the first time they had come to trade, Rodney had thought that perhaps there was a device in the ruins that somehow repelled the wraith. It was possible that they had inadvertently turned off the device, simply by being here. Superstitions were bred from truth, and Lorne recalled that they had been responsible for bringing the wraith to a previously protected planet, more than once.
The sound of gunfire rattled again and he recognised the pitch. It was a beretta that had been fired, Rodney's weapon - and he breathed a sigh of relief. That meant they were alive and at least attempting to fight back, and keeping his own weapon at the ready he headed in the direction of the gunfire, which now sounded further away than before.
There were three darts criss crossing the sky in seemingly random patterns. Lorne knew there was method to their hunting and as a soldier himself he should have felt a small measure of respect as one military - of sorts - to another. But they only brought loathing and disgust. A monstrous race of people with no aspect of humanity left inside them, determined to wipe out the one race from which they had once evolved.
By the time Lorne reached the outer limits of the ruins he had still not caught up with his charges. He had not heard the gunfire again, and fear had begun to turn to panic and he mentally calculated how long it would take for help to arrive from Atlantis. He knew that Sheppard would have immobilised his team immediately and there would be others to follow. It had taken them a little over an hour to fly here, and it had been almost that since he had gotten word to Atlantis. All going well, he should have back up in the vicinity shortly and he knew that there would be hell to pay when the Colonel touched down and found his girl was missing. Lorne allowed himself the luxury of closing his eyes briefly. This could be his last respite.
He spent a half hour carefully scouting the edges of the ruins and there was still no sign of the team he had come in with. No clues left, no sounds - except the incessant whine of the darts that continued their overhead searching. Lorne hoped that meant they had come up empty so far, but he wasn't holding his breath.
He heard a new sound overhead and looking up, he saw nothing. But he felt immediate elation. He had recognised that sound. It was a jumper and no doubt in cloaking mode. Help was here. This was confirmed when gunfire shot across the sky and connected with one of the darts that flew alarmingly close to to the cloaked jumper and Lorne watched in triumph as the dart changed direction suddenly, falling towards the ground with black smoke trailing along behind it.
He didn't have long to wait after that. Sheppard's voice barked out orders from somewhere behind him and Lorne knew that he had landed the jumper nearby and was on the ground and not far away.
"Colonel Sheppard?" Lorne brought himself out into the open so that the Colonel could easily identify his position and keeping a close eye on the sky, watched as Sheppard, Ronon and Teyla ran quickly across the open area, bringing themselves up against the side of a building as another dart passed overhead.
"You all ok?" His voice was tightly controlled and the Colonel's eyes darted around the clearing, then up to the sky as the darts made another pass. "We need to get to that downed dart before more of them arrive, or worse. Over there, that trail of black smoke. Less than a click away. Where are the rest of your group? Nicole?"
His eyes had narrowed as he took in the resolve in Lorne's eyes.
"Yeah.. about that, Sir."
"Where the hell are they, Lorne?"
John's shoulder's slumped at the abject misery he saw on Lorne's face. This day had just gotten a whole lot worse.