Title: Lost Among The Stars

Summary: When Major Evan Lorne is attacked on a mission off-world, a series of events is put into motion that reveals the very secret John Sheppard had worked so hard to keep hidden. Eventual Sheppard/Lorne. Spoilers for "Coup d'etat" and "Doppleganger".

A/N: Happy New Year!

Wow, we just passed the 70,000 word count! This story has really taken off since last year. It's really exciting. Thank you for all your support. I couldn't have done it without you guys!

I'm happy to report that with all the traveling I've done over the past week for the Holidays I have finished editing the next two chapters. As such, I expect to publish another chapter in the next week or so.

The last chapter was originally longer but I decided to cut it in half. As you could probably guess, the Wraith finally make an appearance in this chapter! So expect epic battles, daring escapes, and (my personal favorite) major whump!

But without much further ado, there is part two.

Characters: Evan Lorne, John Sheppard, Rodney McKay, Ronon, Teyla, Elizabeth Weir, Sam Carter, Radek Zelenka, Jennifer Keller, and other minor characters and OCs.

Disclaimer: all rights belong to MGM.

Warning: mentions of non-consensual rape.

~o~o~

"Fuck!" John swore, running his hands through his spiky hair. "What are the Wraith doing here?"

"It's probably a scout," Ronon supplied, coming up from behind John. "If there's a Hive in this system they definitely would have detected that energy pulse."

"We need to get back to the Stargate!" John commanded, suddenly fearful for the lives of his team. Immediately devising a defensive strategy, he ordered, "Stackhouse, get heavy artillery up front. See if we can shoot down that dart!" While the soldiers fumbled about, the Colonel gathered the scientists to him. "We have to run to the 'gate. Leave behind any equipment that's not important or a possible risk to Atlantis, it'll only get in the way. Zelenka, stick with Teyla. Ronon and McKay, you're together. Richards…" John suddenly frowned, not immediately seeing Grace. "Where's Richards?"

"She's sitting outside," Stackhouse replied. "Her head started bleeding again."

"Okay, she'll be with me," John decided, unclipping the P-90 from his TAC vest. "No time to waste, let's go."

The group bustled with activity, trying to prepare themselves for their immediate evacuation from the mountain complex. While Radek and Rodney anxiously debated about what equipment to leave behind, John headed to the building's entrance to check on Grace's well-being. Just outside the entrance the wounded linguist sat with her military escort, who was wrapping her head with one of the many gauze strips the soldiers carried in their pockets. The Colonel immediately dismissed the Marine, informing him of the plan to strike the Wraith dart. Once he was gone, John addressed the linguist, "You'll be under my protection, Dr. Richards. I know you're injured but-"

Grace interrupted him, "I should be alright, the cut is fairly shallow and I haven't lost too much blood."

"Nevertheless, we need to run back to the 'gate. Are you up for it?"

"Yes," she replied, nodding earnestly. "I'll be fine."

"You need to stick with me at all times," John told her seriously. "I don't think Lorne would ever forgive me if you got killed on your first mission."

"He'd get over it," Grace lightly joked, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Evan needs to realize that he can't control everything."

Ignoring her dismissive comment, he asked, "Do you have a weapon?"

"No," Grace answered, shaking her head.

"Here," John un-clipped the handgun from his leg-holster, "use this. I'm assuming you know how to shoot?"

Carefully taking the gun and checking that the safety was engaged, Grace responded, "I've had the training, but I'm not a very good shot."

"That doesn't matter," the Colonel assured her. "If we encounter Wraith just aim for the chest, that will at least slow them down enough so I can finish them off."

Just then the rest of the teams exited the Ancient structure.

"We're ready, sir," Stackhouse reported.

"Alright," the Colonel nodded, straightening his back. "Artillery up front, the rest behind me," he ordered, adjusting the grip on his semi-automatic weapon. "Let's head out!

The group hastily made their way down from the mountain complex. Careful of the rocks and boulders in their path, they sprinted toward the tree line, desperate for natural cover from the Wraith ship that was scouting the skies above them. The whistling scream of the dart was heard in the distance, confirming the alien presence on the planet. Luckily, they reached the forest without incident. With the Marines in the lead, and Stackhouse at the rear, the group continued their dash to the Stargate.

With the adrenaline flooding their systems, and the advantages of the decline away from the base of the mountain, the group covered a lot of ground in a short amount of time. But, just as they thought they had escaped possible peril, two more Wraith darts appeared in the sky.

"Shoot it down!" John ordered over the noise. He fired several shot at the ships' underbellies in an attempt to disable the crafts. Suddenly, a culling beam appeared before him, heading at the group. "Scatter!" John commanded, grabbing Grace and rolling out of the path of the beam.

Hiding behind a tree, and supplied with only a handgun, Grace tried to provide cover fire for Teyla and Radek as they continued to dodge the culling beams. One of the Marines had a lucky shot and took down the first Wraith dart just as it was about to cull Stackhouse.

Taking the small victory, the group continued to rush to the Stargate. However, when they came upon the clearing several minutes later, they were met with resistance - six Wraith guarded the Stargate. Using the element of surprise, the soldiers burst through the tree line and immediately cut down two of the Wraith before retreating back.

Drawing fire, John ducked behind a thick stump. "We need to dial the 'gate before more reinforcements arrive!"

"I can do it!" Stackhouse called out from behind his own hiding place. "But I'll need backup."

"Ronon, cover him!" John cried.

Nodding, the Satedan ran to join the Sergeant.

Noting their progress from behind his stump, the Colonel ordered, "Rodney, you're with me and Richards," effectively taking care of Ronon's scientist charge.

Ronon and Stackhouse quickly started to circle the clearing in order to get closer to the DHD. When one Wraith noted their change in position and retaliated, Ronon rapidly fired several rounds, killing it. Three down, three to go.

Meanwhile, one of the Marines took a stun blast to the chest. Teyla was quick to drag the unconscious soldier back behind the tree line while Radek provided cover fire as best he could.

From his position, John could see two of the remaining Marines get pinned down behind a cluster of trees. They were stuck - too far from the fight to be any help. The Colonel stood up from behind his stump and emptied the remainder of his clip into the nearest alien. The Wraith fell.

Reloading his P-90, John glanced over at Rodney and Grace who were still under his watch. The balding scientist had his gun up, occasionally ducking around the stump to take pot-shots at the Wraith. Grace acted as a lookout, relaying the aliens' positions to Rodney for him to shoot.

Confident they would be fine, John refocused on the two remaining Wraith. Peeking around the stump, he witnessed Ronon and Stackhouse burst out of the tree line and open fire, quickly downing another alien. The last Wraith spun, surprised by the sudden attack, and launched himself at the Satedan warrior, knocking him to the ground. Having lost the grip on his blaster in the impact, Ronon unsheathed his long hunting knife. Rolling to the side, he flipped back onto the balls of his feet and began to exchange several powerful blows with the Wraith while Stackhouse sprinted to the DHD and started to dial the address for Atlantis.

Unable to get in a good shot without the risk of hitting Ronon, John jumped to his feet and charged toward the Stargate. "Move, move, move," he shouted into his headset, calling forward his men to finish off the last Wraith that blocked their path to freedom.

The Marines jumped out of hiding, carrying their stunned teammate. Teyla directed Radek and Grace toward the Stargate while Rodney darted forward to help the Colonel.

Ronon grunted as one of the Wraith's blows connected with his knee, sending him hurtling to the ground. With the Wraith now completely exposed, John and Rodney opened fire. Hot lead tore through the alien's body, causing it to shudder and jerk with each impact. Snarling, the Wraith continued to stalk forward.

Rodney couldn't help but gawk. "Why won't you die?" he ground out, issuing another round of bullets.

But before the Wraith could answer, Ronon jumped up from the ground and ran his large hunting knife through the alien's back. The blade pushed through both skin and leather until it protruded from the front of the Wraith's chest. With a gurgle and a spurt of blood, the Wraith finally fell. Dead.

Huffing, John surveyed the carnage. Behind him, the Stargate finally activated. With a whoosh, the event horizon exploded out of the ring until it settled into a calm, blue pool. Stackhouse immediately sent his IDC through. And, after Atlantis confirmed that the shield was down, he began to usher everyone through the Stargate.

Suddenly the whine of a Wraith dart was heard overheard. Everyone spun to watch the alien ship zoomed over the tree line toward the Stargate. The dart opened fire, spraying the ground with several explosive energy blasts.

"Run!" John cried, shouldering his P-90 as he began to sprint for the event horizon.

Not needing to be told twice, the group slowly disappeared into the Stargate. As the seconds passed, the dart's accuracy increased. An explosion nipped at John's heels, sending him sprawling. Ronon and Rodney, who were both behind him, grabbed the Colonel's arms and continued to drag him toward the 'gate.

Once he was able to get his feet back under him, John was able to witness the last of the scientists and Marines exit through event horizon until only Stackhouse was left. The Sergeant attempted to provide cover fire for the three teammates by shooting at the alien ship with his semi-automatic weapon. But, just as Stackhouse landed a hit, a second Wraith dart joined the first.

Overwhelmed, and still a dozen feet from the Stargate, the four men were not able to dive out the way in time before one of the second dart's energy blasts connected with the DHD.

Boom!

The concussive force shook the ground. The blast sent the men flying into the air. Shrapnel from the DHD flew in every direction.

Rodney and Ronon crashed into the ground, a tangle of limbs and dirt and dead grass. The Satedan howled in pain when he landed on his already injured knee. John slammed into the soft earth a few feet away, his head striking a wayward stone. By sheer luck, Stackhouse was thrown back into the event horizon right before the wormhole disengaged and shut down.

With a screaming whine, the Wraith darts completely passed overhead and began circling back toward the clearing to make another pass at the three stranded men. With no means to dial the Stargate, the three teammates had no choice but to run back into the surrounding forest.

Scrambling to his feet, Rodney quickly lent a hand to Ronon who was trying to keep weight off his injured knee. Once John gained enough sense he gingerly picked himself off the ground, only to nearly fall back down when crippling pain radiated from his hip. Unable to help himself, John cried out in agony. Blinking back tears, the Colonel placed his hand to his lower abdomen only to find blood seeping through his uniform.

"Sheppard, we need to get out of here!" Ronon yelled over the telltale whoosh of the approaching darts.

Trying to ignore the pain, John lifted himself back up. He started to run, passing Rodney who bent down to collect one of the Wraith stunners. A limping Ronon wasn't far behind. The trio sprinted into the trees, weaving in and out of the dense shrubbery in an attempt to lose the alien ships that flew above.

After several minutes - though John was convinced it felt like days - they eventually lost their pursuers.

Huffing and puffing, Rodney finally collapsed beneath a tree. "How are we going to get back to Atlantis?" he asked his equally tired friends. "The DHD is destroyed!"

"Really? I hadn't noticed," the Colonel drawled, hefting his P-90 into the crook of his arm.

"We'll have to wait until Atlantis sends a rescue team," Ronon said, wearily looking at the sky. "Or we'll have to steal a dialing device from a Wraith dart…"

"Yeah, I don't see that happening anytime soon," Rodney sarcastically grumbled.

Ronon shook his head and snorted. In an attempt at subtly, the Satedan lazily leaned against a tree in hopes that no one would notice his injury.

But John noticed how the Satedan was mindfully keeping weight off it. "How's your knee, Ronon?" he inquired.

"I think it's twisted," came the gruff response.

Knowing he wouldn't get much more out of Ronon, John turned his gaze to Rodney. "How about you, McKay?" he asked, wiping his face with sweaty palms.

"Just some bumps and bruises," the scientist answered, still trying to catch his breath. "Though I am awfully hungry."

"I think I have a powerbar," the Colonel replied, bending slightly to dig into one of the many pockets in his uniform. But, as he reached for the granola bar, pain flared throughout his entire lower abdomen. He hissed, retracting his hand to place it on the still bleeding wound.

"Shit, Sheppard, are you hurt?" Ronon asked, limping forward to check on his team leader.

"I think a piece of shrapnel grazed me," John reluctantly admitted. Lifting up the corner of his shirt, John revealed a nasty gash that was sluggishly bleeding. While it didn't look too deep it was still concerning, and Rodney voiced as much.

"Oh God, you're going to die!" the scientist wailed.

"I'm fine, McKay," John snapped. "Don't be so dramatic."

Ronon agreed with the Colonel. "He's right. Sheppard should be fine if we get him back to Dr. Keller."

Rodney, however, did not have time to argue before two Wraith soldiers burst through the undergrowth. Surprised by the attack, John barely had enough time to swing his P-90 up. He took aim and quickly emptied a clip into the first Wraith. It fell just as the second alien was stunned by Rodney's pilfered blaster. Ronon rushed forward with his long hunting knife and finished the job, effectively killing the second Wraith.

Staring at the freshly killed aliens, the trio silently agreed to move on. They began jogging deeper into the forest, staying off the paths and moving toward the denser tree cover.

After several minutes Rodney spoke up. "How did those other Wraith get here? They couldn't have come through the 'gate."

"The darts probably had a few drones demolecularization in their culling beams," John reasonably replied.

"Well, who knows how many more there are out there," Rodney panicked. "Now we have to worry about Wraith hunting us on the ground and in the sky!"

"We need a plan of attack," Ronon stated.

John nodded. "Okay, what do you suggest?"

"I don't know," Ronon shrugged. "I could set up some traps, capture the Wraith if they get on our trail."

John grimaced. "I don't think we should split up…"

"We have radios, don't we?" Rodney spoke up, fingered the headset that was still in his ear.

Ronon shook his head, "I lost mine in the fight."

John check his own, pulling the device from his ear. It was cracked. "It must have broken when the DHD exploded."

"I still have mine, and it works!" Rodney announced.

"Well, that's good," the Colonel admitted. "If a rescue party comes through the 'gate we'll be able to contact them at least."

"Alright, so no splitting up. But what about a plan of attack?" the Satedan asked again.

John snapped his fingers. "What about that chamber? Number 42?" he voiced. Nodding at Rodney, he continued, "You said the Ancients inadvertently created a weapon. Could we use it against the Wraith?"

"Probably not without killing ourselves in the process," Rodney admitted.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, we almost took out the entire mountain complex the first time and you were sent into convulsions," the scientist told him. "And I didn't even find the power source or a control console the first time…" Noting the contemplative look on his friend's face, Rodney put his hands on his hips and scowled. "What, do you think I can just rip the machine out the wall and bring it outside?"

"Uhh…"

"Don't answer that, it was rhetorical."

John pursed his lips. "Then what do you suggest we do?"

"Run. Hide."

Just then, Ronon stilled. "You hear that?"

Frozen in the spot, the trio heard the high pitched whine of another dart. They paused briefly, ducking behind a thick bush as another Wraith ship flew overhead. Once certain it was gone, they rose from their hiding place.

"We have to think of something soon," the Colonel admitted. "These Wraith have to be coming from somewhere. There's probably a Cruiser or Hive in this system. Either way, we'll have a much bigger problem on our hands if thousands of Wraith show up, not just a dozen."

"But we're back to the problem with the Ancient machine," Rodney said. "The Wraith definitely detected the energy pulse it released, that's why they sent scouts. We can't let something that powerful fall into their slimy hands."

"But they can't even activate it," John argued. "The Wraith don't have the ATA gene."

Rodney threw his hands into the air. "We still don't know all aspects of their technology! Take Michael for example, who's to say he won't create a creature that has the gene."

"Now, I think that's a bit of a stretch-"

"I'm not willing to take the risk," the balding scientist snapped. "If we can't use it then we shouldn't let the Wraith have it either. Even if they never activate it, who knows what they'll learn - about the Ancients or their technology." Rodney ran his hands through his thinning hair before sighing deeply. "I won't endanger Atlantis like that…" he confessed, alluding to his own failure with Project Arcturus - the Ancient successor to the ZPM that Rondey used to accidentally destroy three quarters of a solar system due to his hubris. "As much as it pains me to say this, we need to destroy it."

Taking all the information into account, John made a decision. "Back to the mountain it is then," he announced. Rodney solemnly nodded. "But if we're going to do this, we're going to do it right." John turned to Ronon. "How much C-4 do you have?"

The Satedan pulled out a single brick of explosives. "Not much."

"McKay?"

"I have two," the scientist said, showing his own stash in the front pocket of his TAC vest.

"I also have two," John nodded. "So we have five bricks in total. You think that's enough?"

"If we place them correctly, we should have enough to destroy the machine and collapse the mountain's entrance," Rodney informed him.

"Alright, let's go."

With a plan in mind, the three teammates changed direction and headed toward the base of the mountain.

With both Ronon and John injured, the trek back to the mountain was agonizingly slow. Rodney did his best to assist the stoic Satedan over the larger boulders and downed trees the trio encountered. John didn't need as much help physically, but his abdomen had not stopped bleeding. The bandages he had wrapped over the laceration had long been soaked through, reddened with blood. Not wanting to inform the others when their goal was so close at hand, John swallowed his pain and silently marched forward.

After killing four more Wraith and barely escaping a culling beam, they finally made it to the mountain complex. John called for a halt, signaling Rodney and Ronon to wait before they crossed the open stretch of land between the tree line and the mountain's entrance.

"We can't blindly rush out there," John told his teammates. "We don't want to be surprised by any nearby Wraith. Two of us should plant the C-4 while the third provides cover and acts as a lookout."

"McKay and I can plant the explosives," Ronon growled, shifting his weight slightly.

"Are you sure?" John asked, disbelief coloring his voice. "You can barely walk-"

"I'm sure," the Satedan firmly replied. "McKay knows where the C-4 needs to be for the greatest impact and I can move any debris we encounter on the inside. No offense, Sheppard, but you can't lift anything in your condition."

John reflexively placed a hand to his bloody side. Feeling the still damp cloth, he pursed his lips. "Fine," he nodded, acknowledging a good plan when he heard one. "But make it quick. And Ronon," the Satedan arched his brow at the Colonel, "make sure Rodney doesn't touch anything."

Pulling the two bricks of C-4 from his TAC vest, John gave them to Ronon. Then he turned to Rodney. Noting the steely expression on the scientist's face, he asked, "Are you feeling confident?"

Rodney shook his head. "Not really."

"Good, because overconfidence will kill you faster than a Wraith any day." John gently placed his hand on his friend's trembling shoulder. "Fear is good."

"Oh, I have fear… and doubt and serious regret," Rodney rambled on. "I should be fine."

John rolled his eyes, "Stay together and don't forget to set the charges on a delay so you can get out of there before it blows." He smiled reassuringly, and gave Rodney's back a final comforting pat. "Good luck."

"No problem, Sheppard," Ronon grunted. "We'll be back before you know it."

The Colonel raised his hand to begin the silent countdown. Three. Two. One. And, with a final nod, they were off. John lifted his P-90 into the crook of his arm and watched his teammates sprint for the mountain's entrance. Checking the skies above him, John did not see single Wraith dart. The forest behind him was equally empty. When Ronon and Rodney finally reached the Ancient doorway, the Satedan gave John a thumbs up before disappearing into the darkness within.

Minutes ticked by.

Still alert, John rested against a nearby tree. Holding his semi-automatic weapon in one hand, he searched around the deep pockets of his BDUs to find some unused gauze strips. His side had started bleeding again.

Using his teeth to unwrap the cloth from its plastic package, John struggled to apply the bandage. The shrapnel injury was just under to edge of his TAC vest. If he stretched he could reach it, but his crumpled pained position made it difficult to address the wound without completely letting down his guard. Cursing to himself, John check his flank again before simply deciding to take off the cumbersome piece of his uniform. It would be for just a moment, he justified.

Crouching behind a nearby bush, John placed his P-90 on the ground within arms length. Then he ripped off his vest, careful not to aggravate his injury further. Once completely exposed John noticed that the bloody gash was worse than he first believed. The sharp shrapnel of the DHD had easily sliced through fat and muscle right above his hip bone. The wound was long - almost a handwidth across - and several centimeters deep.

It was the depth of the laceration that concerned John the most. Deep cuts became easily infected. Searching his BDUs for an antibiotic, he eventually found an alcohol pad. John shrugged; it was better than nothing. He ripped it open with his teeth and generously swabbed his injury. The stinging alcohol caused his muscles to contract, sending jolts of pain up and down his side. Blinking away tears, the Colonel looked away as he continued to dab at the laceration. Once he was content that the wound could not get any cleaner, John tossed the disinfecting pad to the ground and reached for the already opened gauze strips.

Shuddering, the Colonel bit his lip as he delicately wrapped the gauze around his side. When he was finished, it took his fumbling fingers almost a whole minute to fasten the ends together. Abdomen humming in pain and chest heaving, he bent down to retrieve his discarded TAC vest.

But something made him stop.

There was silence all around him. An unnatural quiet oozing from the woods. Only his own heavy breathing cut through the silence. Something wasn't right. A shiver ran down his spine.

Passing over the vest, John's fingers wrapped around the barrel of his P-90. Confidently settling the semi-automatic weapon into the crook of his arm, the Colonel slowly emerged from behind the dense shrubbery. Still crouched, he stalked forward, each step purposeful and silent. Sweat broke out on John's forehead. The open area between the tree line and the mountain was empty, only boulders and the wayward bush littered the ground. The sky was also clear of any darts. Standing still, John patiently waited for several more seconds. Still nothing.

Maybe the blood loss was affecting his instincts, he reasoned.

Finally deciding the area was clear, John slowly retreated back to the bush hiding his TAC vest. He needed to put it back on before-

Crunch.

John spun around, gun raised and ready to fire. But he didn't get the chance to pull the trigger before a Wraith slammed into him. Crying out in pain, the Colonel was flung to the ground. His P-90 skittered away from him, landing just out of reach.

A heavy weight descended on his legs as the Wraith attempted to pin John to the ground. Peering through the black dots that threatened to obscure his vision, John quickly dodged to the side just as the Wraith snapped its dangerously sharp teeth at his face. Grunting, the injured soldier grabbed the Wraith's head and twisted it as quickly as he could to the right.

Snap.

He had broken the alien's neck.

Using every ounce of strength he possessed, John pushed the dead Wraith off of him. He gasped as his side flared in agony. Dry heaving, John pressed the palms of his hands on his bloody uniform. Trying to catch his breath, he stumbled over to his abandoned P-90. And, just has he picked up the weapon, two more Wraith exploded out of the undergrowth.

"Oh, come on," John wheezed.

Fingers slick with his blood, he fumbled with the trigger before sending a round of hot lead into the closest Wraith - its torso jerked with each impact. But, despite obvious injury, the Wraith only snarled and continued to advance on the injured Colonel.

The bleeding Wraith's non-feeding hand slammed into John's chest, sending him flying into the nearest tree trunk. Grunting, the already injured soldier's back collided with bark and branch. Luckily he still clutched onto his P-90 even when he limply fell onto his stomach. Breathing through the pain, John aimed for the approaching Wraith's legs - one bullet perfectly connected with the alien's knee. Its legs buckled before giving out, leaving the first Wraith completely immobile.

Leaving the downed - but not dead - Wraith, John turned his head to face the second alien who was still ready for a fight. The second Wraith decided on a less direct, but more methodical, attack.

The second alien dodged several bullets before smacking the P-90 from John's weak grip. Avoiding a kick aimed for his head, the Colonel rolled away from the base of the tree and scrambled to his feet. As the Wraith approached, John's hand desperately grappled with his leg holster - only to find it empty. Cursing, John remembered that he had given his side arm to Grace before their original dash to the Stargate.

Weaponless, John raised his hands, preparing himself for close quarter combat. He hoped he could kill the second Wraith quickly because it appeared that the first injured alien was already beginning to rejuvenate its mangled knee and struggle to its feet.

The Wraith came at him with its feeding hand, fully intending to suck the life right out of the Colonel. Sidestepping the outstretched hand, John grabbed it and used the Wraith's own momentum to flip the alien over his shoulder. The Wraith, however, landed on its feet and reversed the grip on the already wounded soldier. Crushing the Colonel's wrists in its powerful grip, the second Wraith kicked John's feet out from under him.

In his peripheral vision, John saw the first Wraith finally steady itself on its newly healed knee. It bared its teeth in a feral grin before stalking toward the two struggling fighters.

Turning his full attention back on the alien before him, John bit the inside of his cheek to keep from screaming when the Wraith twisted his arm violently. His knees dug into the soil. Sweat broke out on his brow. Growling, the Wraith applied more pressure downward in an attempt to make the Colonel completely crumble beneath its enhanced strength. At the same time, it tried to drive its feeding hand into John's chest for a second time.

Half collapsed on the soft earth, John head butted the Wraith in the stomach. Surprised by the underhanded attack, the Wraith loosened its grip on John's wrists. Taking advantage of his new mobility, the Colonel grabbed the Wraith's feeding hand and redirected it into its fellow alien's chest who was sneaking up behind the pair. Howling in pain, the first Wraith feebly struggled as its life force was suddenly drained away.

With a thud, the dried husk of the Wraith fell to the ground. Dead.

"You will pay for that!" the last remaining Wraith hissed.

"Yeah, probably," John grunted as he struggled to catch his breath.

He knew it was a risky moved. While he now had one less Wraith to deal with, John had intentionally allowed the remaining alien to feed - increasing its speed, strength, and healing ability.

Gritting his teeth in determination, the Colonel threw an uppercut in the Wraith's stomach. Snarling, the alien retaliated with a swift kick to his abdomen, connecting painfully with John's wounded side.

His breathing hitched and sputtered. It was getting harder and harder to focus. His vision wavered and faded. The Wraith grinned, sharp teeth bared in a predatory smile, knowing full well it was winning the fight. Stalking toward the hunched human, the Wraith moved in for a final, crippling blow. It hit John squarely in the jaw, sending him tumbling to the ground.

John tried to get up but his limbs failed him. He stumbled and collapsed, dry heaving. Flopping uselessly onto his back, John watch through half-lidded eyes as the Wraith slowly approached his prone form. Dead leaves crunching under each footfall.

A pale feeding-hand descended from above, intent on sucking the downed human dry. It gently brushed against the Colonel's shirt, and John closed his eyes to accept his inevitable death-

Boom!

The mountain exploded behind them.

The Wraith retracted its feeding-hand, distracted by the sudden blast. A deep cracking noise sounded to their right, signaling to John that a tree was about to fall. Taking the opportunity to finish the Wraith once and for all, John kick out his right leg and tripped the alien right into the path of a falling tree. The Wraith collapsed, snarling angrily. And then, with a sickening crunch, the trunk crushed the Wraith's head beneath its tremendous weight.

As the dust settled, John finally began to hear shouts of alarm and surprise in the distance. The distinct sound of automatic machine gun fire immediately followed. Reinforcements, John realized. He smiled softly, they were saved.

John gathered all his strength and attempted to stand up. But, just then, the ground trembled with an aftershock. Part of the mountain's face crumbled in the distance and started a landslide.

John flopped down onto his back, to weak to battle both nature and blood loss. So he sighed and succumbed to the pain, hopeful that Ronon and Rodney survived the explosion and were on their way to pick him up.

~o~o~

A/N: I must admit that I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. But it was also the most difficult chapter to write. Fight scenes are so fast paced, sometimes it's hard to want to expand descriptions when you picture the event only taking place over a few short seconds or minutes.

(For example, I pictured the last scene to take place in about three minutes. However, I used over 1,000 words to describe the fight alone.)

I'm not paid by the word like Charles Dickens, or by the line like Alexandre Dumas... (I'm actually not paid at all - surprise, surprise.) But I feel sometimes it's hard to find the balance between too much description and too little, especially in scenes with a lot of action and not a lot of dialogue.

Anyway, enough about me. I really hope you liked this chapter. Next time we will switch back to Lorne's perspective and see what he's been up to over the past few weeks. Until then!

Please favorite and review.