Colonel Sheppard once told me to stop living in the past. Until recently, I didn't truly comprehend the meaning behind those words.

-E-

Green eyes pierced into hers, mirroring the challenge she knew her own expressed. The bottom of his lip pulled up into the barest hint of a smile, and his grip tightened on his gun, both hands holding the barrel steady with a deadly ease.

She stood her ground, her own hands unwavering.

"Nice gun." The warrior said. His voice was gravelly and low, with a melodic cadence that surprised her.

Her eyes flicked to his gun then back. "Your battery is low."

He narrowed his eyes. "Nice try."

She shrugged without compromising her aim. He was definitely one of the men that had come through the ring with Mckay, but damned if she'd lower her weapon first. As long as he pointed his gun at her, she'd stand her ground.

Undoubtedly, he thought the same thing, because he showed no hint of backing down either.

He cocked his head to the side ever so slightly, and Eva tightened her grip on her gun, ready to pull the trigger. He looked like he'd need at least one blast from the stun setting.

Curiously, he raised a hand to his ear and spoke. "I found Mckay. Probably being held hostage." He stared at her, his green eyes bright with the barest hint of joy because he knew she was cornered.

"I'm not a prisoner!" Mckay said from behind her. She heard him rustle as he attempted to stand.

"You want your friend? Take him and leave."

"Put your gun down first."

"Come over here and make me."

His muscles tensed. Maybe he'd take at least two hits. His eyes roved over her body, and she felt chills as they settled on the clan markings on her left arm. "The Surians are dead."

She charged her weapon. "Say that one more time."

He remained silent. Eva was almost sad. She wanted an excuse to blast him in the chest for the insult he dealt her people. The smirk from his eyes was gone, replaced with a wariness and something else she couldn't quite comprehend. Something that forced the corners of his eyes to pinch in as he stared at her, small lines forming just below his irises.

The sounds of footsteps filtered in through the entrance, and the last two members of the group stepped into the cave. Eva didn't spare them a glance, too focused on the man in front of her. She could tell neither of them had their guns raised, and that was good enough for her.

The dark-haired one in charge spoke up. "Ronon, stand down."

Ronon continued to evaluate her. "Her first. She's got Mckay."

"And she clearly was helping him. His leg is bandaged, and he does not look as if he were harmed." The woman was more observant than Ronon. She cast her eyes to the newcomers and gave the woman a brief smile. The woman simply nodded.

Mckay walked up next to her and stood not quite in front of her. "I wasn't harmed! No harm done. In fact, quite the opposite, despite her very Ronon behavior. Look, we should help her." He turned to face Ronon, though why he should didn't seem readily apparent. "She's a Runner."

The simple statement had an unprecedented effect.

Ronon lowered his gun.

This time she recognized the emotion in his eyes. Empathy. Not just sympathy, but empathy.

For the first time in a long time, she felt the corners of her eyes sting.

Her grip on her gun faltered and the woman stepped in closer to her. "The people of Atlantis are well-meaning and kind. If we can find a way to help you, we will." She smiled comfortingly at Eva. She took notice of the kindness in the woman's words, and nodded. "I am called Teyla. He is Colonel Sheppard," the dark-haired man smiled at her, walking over to Ronon, "He is Ronon," Ronon was still looking at her, "And I see you have already met Doctor Mckay."

"Eva Vasir."

"May I ask how long you have been a Runner?"

"Twelve years and 3 months."

Everyone stared at her. Mckay was the first to speak. "She has you beat by 5 years, Ronon. I bet she could kick your ass. Probably a rare thing, for you."

Ronon locked eyes with her.

"I tell you what," Sheppard interjected, "We'll head back to the gate, dial Atlantis and radio for Beckett to come out and see if he can't remove the tracking device. He did it for Ronon, so I'm sure he can do it for you. Though from what I saw, the process seemed quite painful."

"I'm not afraid of pain."

Blue eyes searched her green. "Never said you were. But you might want to consider letting Doctor Beckett give you something for it. I promise not to leave you behind."

"Don't make promises you can't keep, Colonel."

"He doesn't," Ronon said. With that, he turned and exited the cave.

Teyla moved towards Mckay and helped him to exit the cave. Eva hung back, taking up the rear with Colonel Sheppard. He carried himself with an air of amusement, but beneath the surface, she could sense an intensity and wariness. Why he tried to hide it, though, she couldn't tell. Perhaps to make people underestimate him?

"So how did the lady come to hold a gun at you, Ronon?" Sheppard called out, winking at her. "Thought you were supposed to be a good tracker?"

"I am," Ronon replied without looking back. "But even the best tracker can't cover up the sounds of the idiots walking with them."

The others laughed, and even Ronon shared a grin with Sheppard. They seemed so at ease with each other, relaxed. The tossed banter back and forth like cheap wine. She found herself examining Ronon closer. Had he really been a Runner at one point? She found it hard to believe, all things considered.

And yet, green eyes misted with empathy filled her mind.

AN: Ronon stand-off! What's sexier than Ronon aiming his gun at someone, looking all intense? Not damn much, that's what. ;)

Next chapter, removing the device, from Ronon's POV! :)

Thanks again for all the reviews and alerts, guys! I love hearing from all of you! :)