The docs working on demutating Sheppard came up with what they hoped was a solution. Rework stem cells from araitis bugs. Only problem? They needed to get the stem cells from actual araitis bugs. Very large insects that could suck the life out of a person.
'And yet another reason for me to hate bugs.' Xander thought, remembering praying mantis lady. 'As if one trying to feed on Sheppard wasn't enough.'
AG 3 was taking point on this mission, AG 1 was going along. Major Lorne was a good Commanding Officer. Thoughtful and careful. He could keep his head in a crisis and that was important. They'd 'gated to a planet where araitis bugs were known to live and since the Atlantis' database said that they liked cold dark caves, the group was looking for one. And found one they did. The bugs made it hot. The group cautiously entered. They could see egg sacks hanging from the ceiling. Again Xander was reminded of praying mantis lady. Her egg sacks had looked similar to those. As he crept cautiously forward, he noted something interesting. The bugs were moving away from him .
Suddenly the bugs attacked enmasse. Xander threw himself in front of one of AG 3 members and the bugs scrambled back, away from him. Xander had a sudden idea.
"Major, gossip being what it is, I've no doubt, you've heard a few things about me."
"Rumor has it, you're stronger then you should be." Lorne answered. "I heard that back at the SGC, but never got any specifics."
"I was the sole survivor of a highly illegal and unethical experiment done on unknowing teenagers, when I was seventeen. Swim coach dosed the steam in the steam room with something that caused massive mutations. I joined later in the season and was exposed to less. What the coach was doing was found out and stopped. Consequently, I didn't mutate like the others. But there were changes. We know from Atlantis' database, that araitis bugs use scent and pheromones. They don't like us being here. They recognize us as not belonging. But they seem afraid of me. Maybe I'm giving off a scent or a pheromone that makes them think predator. I may be able to get the eggs without anyone else being in danger. I'll probably get doped slapped for being heroically stupid again, but if it helps Sheppard, it's worth it."
A ripple of laughter went thru the group.
"Captain, being heroically stupid is part of our job description. Would we even be here if it wasn't? Your theory is worth a shot, go ahead and try." Lorne told him.
"Aye, sir." And Xander moved cautiously into the nest. The araitis bugs moved away from him. He reached the egg sack and stuck the collection cup into it, drawing out a mess of eggs.
"I don't think I'm going to be eating eggs for awhile." Xander joked.
"Yeah, I'm with you on that one, Captain." Lorne said with a grimace.
The group worked their way back out of the cave with Xander at the rear, guarding the rest. Once outside the cave they all breathed a sigh of relief and quickly headed back to the Stargate. Beckett looked thoughtful when Xander explained his theory of why he'd been able to get into the nest and the others hadn't.
"You may be right, Captain. We've noted that Colonel Sheppard's sweat glands are producing araitis pheromones. You were undoubtedly sweating as well, given the situation. If what you give off is the opposite, then it would scare them. At least until they manage to overcome their fear. Anyway, we'll get to work on a cure. Good work."
Fortunately for Sheppard, they were able to use the stem cells to reverse the mutation. Afterward Xander went to see Sheppard in the infirmary where he was recovering.
"How much do you remember, Colonel?"
"Quite a bit actually. I didn't behave very well. You seem to understand what I was experiencing."
"I do. I've been there. I doubt you'll walk away from this unscathed, Colonel. You may have permanent changes, the way I do. And I'm still trying to figure out what all those changes are. You may never know all of it. I've learned to live with it and use it in a positive way, just like Teyla with her bit of Wraith DNA. And why did you flinch when I said Teyla's name?"
"You're too observant, Captain. My misbehaving included her."
Xander felt a cold chill as he was reminded of the Hyena possession and what had almost happened to Buffy.
"How bad?" He asked.
"Bad enough. I forced a kiss on her. I don't know why. I mean I like her, but not like that."
"Probably because of the Wraith DNA. You had two instincts at odds with each other. The Wraith follow a Queen. Something in you was saying Queen! But you're a human male and human males and human females behave differently then Wraith males and females. You were still more human then Wraith, so reacted in a human manner. Doesn't mean you don't have guilt. Explain to Teyla. She's smart and understanding. She won't blame you for something you had no control over at the time. And maybe you should do something in regards to the one you do like. She might be receptive."
"How do you know I like anyone?"
"Observant, remember? Your reaction to her is a little more obvious then you might think it is."
"Crap. You don't think she knows, do you?"
"No, but that's because she's too busy keeping her own reactions in check."
"What does that mean?"
"It means she likes you too. She's just as afraid to act as you are. Take a chance, it could be the best thing that ever happens to you. Cordy certainly is for me."
"I'll think about."
"You do that. Well, I'm off to confess to Cordy that I was heroically stupid again. I have no doubt, I will be dope slapped. It's her way of showing it scares her."
Xander was right, he did get dope slapped and kissed and thoroughly checked for injuries. As usual, he didn't object.
