This chapter will be my last update until the new year, as I'm heading on a three-week vacation with my family. I want to thank everyone who has read my stories this year. To those of you who celebrate Christmas, I wish you a very merry Christmas, and to all of you, I want to wish you a happy and safe New Year.

Chapter 5 What now?

Teyla hobbled out of the jumper into the early morning light. A layer of dew was on the green grass, and a chill was in the air. There was a fine mist rolling around her feet, and if it wasn't for the fact they were meeting Todd, she may have enjoyed her surroundings. She shivered as a gust of wind almost blew her off her feet. Hopefully, Ronon or Carson didn't notice because if they did, she was sure they'd make her stay in the jumper.

Woolsey had tried to explain to Todd that she was injured, but he had insisted on meeting on this planet for some reason. She still didn't trust Todd, but this was their only option.

She had no idea why this planet was significant to Todd, but perhaps when they found him, she would ask him to explain. However, she didn't expect him to answer her questions.

Carson stepped out behind her, and she was sure he was about to complain, but thankfully, he remained silent. Ronon followed Carson out of the jumper and was mumbling about something.

"I guess we follow the cobbled path ahead of us to the ruins," Carson commented, and he didn't look happy.

The ruins spread for miles, and again, she wondered why Todd had asked them to meet here.

"That's the only path leading to the ruins by the gate," Ronon mumbled before taking off ahead of them.

The path was narrow and shaded by trees on both sides, and the ruins weren't far, so it should only take five or ten minutes to reach them.

"How are you doing Luv?"

"I will be alright, Dr Beckett, although with a broken ankle, it may take a while to reach the rendezvous site.".

"I still don't like this Teyla. What if someone ambushes us?"

"Do not worry. It is not far. Ronon is at the ruins already."

"Perhaps you should cloak the jumper," She suggested before hobbling towards the ruins.

She stopped and pulled her jacket around her neck while she waited for Carson to catch up. She didn't sense any problems, so they might as well enjoy the walk together. Although, she still didn't trust Todd, so she was apprehensive about meeting him.

Five minutes later, they finally reached the ruins, and Todd wasn't there, much to her annoyance.

Ronon was waiting in a tiny enclosed room as per Todd's instructions. A small window, with sunlight streaming in, provided light. However, it wasn't much light. It was almost as if Todd wanted to keep this meeting secret. That made perfect sense. Todd wouldn't want anyone to know he was allied with humans.

She was warmer than she was outside, so she unzipped her jacket.

"I hope this isn't a set-up," Ronon mumbled to no one in particular. And he didn't look happy.

"Do you sense anything, Teyla?" Carson asked, looking around the ruins.

The ruins were the remains of some technological civilisation culled by the Wraith. And it looked like it happened thousands of years ago. Most tall buildings had crumbled centuries ago, leaving piles of dust and rock. Twisted metal was also in the ruins. A few tall buildings still stood, but they wouldn't be standing much longer.

"No, I do not sense anything," Teyla replied, looking at her surroundings.

Teyla looked at her cast and realised how filthy and wet it was - no wonder her ankle was aching. She knew that Carson would insist on her visiting the infirmary when they returned from the current mission. She only hoped he wouldn't make her stay overnight.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard Ronon complain, "I knew it was a trap. We should get back to Atlantis before anything bad happens."

"Ronon, wait?" Teyla stated, "I sense a Wrath, and I am sure it is Todd."

"Very perceptive, My Queen," Todd stated, walking into the room.

"Where's Sheppard!?" Ronon growled before she could tell Todd that she wasn't his queen.

"I haven't a clue. I can't believe you've lost John Sheppard again. That is careless of you." Todd replied with a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.

Teyla sensed Ronon was about to explode, so she held her hand towards him, hoping he would remain silent.

Ronon must have received her message as he stayed quiet and glared at the big Wraith.

Teyla put on her best fake smile. The one reserved for people she was annoyed with, "I believe you agreed to meet us because you had information on Colonel Sheppard's whereabouts."

"I may know where he is." Todd replied, "But what's in it for me?"

"We have been continuing to research the Retro-virus to stop Wraith from having to feed on humans. "Carson stated as he stepped forward, "I am willing to give you half now and the other half when we have located Colonel Sheppard."

Spoken like a true diplomat, Teyla thought with a smile.

However, when Todd answered, the Big Wraith wasn't happy, "If you are deceiving me in any way, I will return and feed on your Mr Woolsey."

Teyla used her fake smile again," We would not double-cross you, but I hope you are not going to double-cross us in any way. Because if you do, you will disappoint John Sheppard, and I sense that is the last thing you would want to do."

"You're right, My Queen," Todd replied sheepishly.

"Tell me what you know," Ronon said impatiently.

"I have heard a rumour of a group of Hives orbiting a Wraith Worshipper planet. From what I have heard, there is a dark-haired human being held prisoner on one of those ships. Apparently, the human has a great ability to resist queens. I can give you the coordinates."

Todd handed her a handheld device. When she looked at it, she saw a set of coordinates, "Thank you. Dr Beckett will give you half of his research on the retro-virus now. When we have located Colonel Sheppard, we will be in touch."

Carson handed Todd a data device, and Todd walked away. Hopefully, the information Todd had given them would lead to John's location. When she returned to Atlantis, she was due in the infirmary, and after that, Kanaan wanted to speak with her. That was a conversation that Teyla wasn't looking forward to. She suspected Kanaan wanted to end things with her, but maybe that was for the best.

oOo

John was on the edge of sleep when a loud rumbling sound invaded his senses. Opening his eyes, he realised he was lying on the ground. John was sure he was sitting when he was last awake. But he hadn't wanted to sleep, so what had happened?

He looked around the tiny cell and realised the room was empty, and he had no idea where Rollo was. Suddenly, the room began to shake, and there was a loud bang.

What's happening now? He thought.

"We're obviously under attack, you stupid idiot." He chastised himself.

His head was pounding, and minute tremors were running through his body, but John knew now was a good time to mount and escape. The only problem was how to get out of the cell. He'd lost his knife along the way and had nothing to try and pick a slimy Wraith lock. That's if the Wriath even used keys.

A few minutes later, the cell door opened. John had no idea what would happen next but wouldn't waste an opportunity to escape, so he cautiously walked through the open door.

When he walked into the corridor, he was shocked to find it empty. It might be easier than I thought it would. But Knowing my luck, it won't be. But the first thing I need to do is find Rollo. Perhaps I can locate Athena and rescue her as well. That's if she's not a Wraith worshipper.

He carefully walked down the corridor, and he was on high alert. He had no idea what direction to take because he didn't know where Rollo was - with Athena, he assumed.

A few minutes later, he came to a corner and could hear loud noises, and he wondered who was attacking them. Was it someone friendly, or was it an enemy?

The answer came when he walked around the corner and saw a Wraith firing on another Wraith. Another Hive was attacking them. He was about to start running in the opposite direction when he felt a stunner beam hit his back. The last thing he heard before he lost consciousness was the Queen in his head.

oOo

Teyla sat and watched as Kanaan left her apartment for the last time - although it didn't surprise her. Kanaan had told her about his new lady friend Shiara and their plans for the future. And although she was sad her relationship with Kanaan was ending, Teyla wasn't as devastated as she thought she would be. Perhaps now she could tell John how she felt about him - if they ever found him.

Torren was spending a few days on New Athos with Kanaan, so for now, she was alone. Teyla knew she would miss her son, but with him away, it gave her a chance to focus on helping to find John. However, she was sure Carson and Jennifer wouldn't let her leave Atlantis again in a hurry.

Luckily, Jallell had taken a liking to Amelia, so she was staying in Amelia's apartment for a few days. Ameilia was more than happy for Trixie to stay with her as well. That was a good thing because Jallell and the dog were inseparable. Teyla was still worried about the child and hoped they would find Rollo soon so at least Jallell would have some family around her.

Sighing, she left her apartment and began the slow hobble to the infirmary, where she was due to have her cast changed. Carson had also mentioned that she may need to spend the night.

When she arrived in the infirmary five minutes later, Carson was waiting for her, and he didn't look too happy.

"We returned from our mission over an hour ago, so where have you been?"

"I am sorry, Carson, but Kanaan wanted to see me."

Carson's expression changed, and Teyla knew it was one of compassion. She'd seen that look too many times over the last five years.

"Are you okay, Luv?"

"I am fine, Carson. It is for the best that we are no longer together. But I don't want to focus on it right now. I want to focus on finding John alive and well, even if I cannot leave Atlantis."

Carson was silent as he gathered his instruments to replace the plaster cast on her leg. She sensed he was thinking over what she had just said.

She lay back and closed her eyes. The mission had been tiring, and although she was physically fit, it took a lot out of a person hobbling along on crutches.

She was on the edge of sleep when her com activated, "Teyla here."

"Lorne and I are checking out the coordinates Todd gave us. Can you meet us in jumper one in half an hour? Mckay's coming with us as well."

"I am sorry, Ronon, but Carson insists I stay in the infirmary overnight."

"I was going to ask him to come with us, but if he's busy, I'll ask Dr Keller, Ronon out."

"Who was that?" Carson asked when she cut the connection.

"It was Ronon. They are ready to go and check out the coordinates that Todd gave us. Ronon wanted to know if I am available to go with them. He also was going to ask you if you're available."

"Well, did you tell him to ask Dr Keller?"

"Yes, Carson. I know you'll be here with me for a while, and you will be busy."

She felt Carson's hand on her shoulder, and he smiled at her, "Do you need something to help you sleep while I do this?"

"No, I am tired, so I will probably fall asleep anyway. Please go ahead and do what you have to?"

Teyla closed her eyes as Carson cut the old cast off her leg. She suspected that he'd slipped something into the IV in her left arm because the pain in her ankle was minimal, and already she was beginning to feel drowsy.

When she had arrived in the infirmary, Carson had insisted on sticking her with an IV, and she wondered why. When she'd asked Carson, he'd stated she was dehydrated and her temperature elevated, so she needed some antibiotics in case there was an infection in her ankle.

She tried to shut all thoughts out of her mind as Carson went about his work, and it wasn't long before she drifted off to sleep.

oOo

When awareness finally returned to John, Two Wraith were dragging him through the corridors of the Hive. His hands and feet were bound, and he still had no shirt or boots and socks on.

His head was pounding, minute tremors were running through his body, he felt agitated, and to top it all off, he had pins and needles in his extremities. Even if he wanted to escape, there was no way he could.

However, even though his body wasn't functioning, his mouth was working fine, "hey, where are you taking me?"

The Hive continued to shake as the enemy continued to fire. John wondered how long it would be until the enemy completely destroyed the Hive he was on.

"We're taking you to the Queen's shuttle, "the Wraith he'd named Tom replied.

"I don't suppose there's any way you can take me to a dart and let me fly out of here?" He asked sarcastically, and not for the first time, he wished he could keep his mouth shut.

The Wraith he'd named Jerry snorted and hit him in the side of the head with something hard - possibly his stunner gun.

His vision blurred, and John saw black spots dancing in front of his eyes, so he decided to remain quiet. If his head hurt before, it was now ten times worse, and he felt blood dripping down the side of his face.

The ship continued to shake, and he could see fire and hear explosions in the distance. Perhaps, it was time to do whatever it took to get off the Hive, even if that meant going with the Queen - or Morticia, as he liked to call her.

They reached a small ship a few minutes later, and Tom and Jerry threw John through the door. He was disgusted when he landed at the feet of Morticia.

"John, my pet. My hive is under attack by a rival queen, so I am leaving. I will leave you with a group of my servants on the planet below. But do not worry, little one. I will return for you. Until then, I will leave Junior to keep you company."

Between the pounding in his head and his repulsion at seeing Morticia, he hadn't noticed the beast inside the small craft with them - although the smell should have given it away.

He must have been out of it because he hadn't noticed Tom and Jerry were up front and the ship was moving.

The Queen running, cold, clammy fingers down his cheek made him shudder. He soon realised he was still sitting on the cold, hard floor, and the Queen was on a small throne in the middle of the ship.

"Do not worry, little one. Very soon you can rest and have a meal. And if you behave yourself, I will reward you."

There was sweat beading on his brow, and he felt agitated, so he knew he was going through withdrawal from the Wraith enzyme. Although a big part of him wanted more common sense told him, it was the last thing he needed.

Rather than answer her, he remained silent and looked around the ship. It was a much smaller version of a Wraith cruiser and was as slimy and creepy as any Hive he'd ever been on.

Suddenly, there was a loud explosion, and something hit the ship, throwing him across the room.

"What is happening?" Morticia asked, looking at Tom.

"We've been fired upon and thrown off course."

"Which means?" Morticia asked, and John could sense her anger.

Tom answered her question, "It means we can't control the ship, and by the look of things, we are heading for the other planet in this system."

"Will you be able to land safely?"

"I will do my best. My Queen." Jerry answered with a worried look.

At least it looked like worry to John, but what would he know? He had no idea about Wraith facial expressions - although he had seen Wraith that looked happy when they were about to feed.

The ride suddenly became bumpy, and if he were to guess, he'd say they were hitting the upper atmosphere of a planet.

Junior started to howl, and the Queen ran her fingers through the beast's fur. Thankfully, it seemed to calm the creature. Junior let out a small whimper and then was quiet.

The craft continued to shudder as they continued their descent, and John had a bad feeling it would tear itself apart. He was positive they were nearing the ground, so he sat on the floor and put his head between his knees, hoping he would survive the impact.

All of a sudden, he felt the impact as the ship hit the ground, and the last thing he heard before he lost consciousness was Junior howling in pain.

oOo

Ronon looked out the window as the jumper came through the space gate and was shocked to find a debris field. And he immediately knew what it was.

It had taken them longer to leave for the mission than expected, so Carson had joined them rather than Jennifer. That was good because although Jennifer was no coward, Carson seemed braver.

"Is this the place?" He asked, looking at Lorne, who was in the pilot's seat.

"Yep, these are the coordinates Todd gave us," Rodney replied, and Ronon didn't miss the worry in his eyes.

"Does that mean…?" Carson asked, not bothering to finish the sentence.

Ronon didn't want to think about what that may mean for Sheppard, "all it means is something destroyed a hive ship. I'm assuming it was a hive ship."

"Yeah, I'm detecting Wraith material, and I'm fairly sure it's the remains of one ship," Lorne replied, "So the question is. What happened to the other one? I'm assuming they're long gone."

Ronon looked at Sheppard's XO and didn't miss the look of worry on the man's face. It was no secret Lorne didn't want Sheppard's job and hated doing it when John was missing or injured.

There was silence in the jumper, and Ronon stared at the debris field. He knew what they needed to do but gave the others time to process what they saw.

Luckily, the jumper was cloaked, so even if there were still Wraith around, they wouldn't be able to detect them - at least, he hoped they wouldn't. He only hoped Sheppard was on the planet below.

"I guess we should go and check out the planet below," Rodney suggested with a shrug.

"Yeah, but which one?" Carson asked with confusion.

Ronon noticed a second planet for the first time since they'd exited the gate. It was a little further away, but still near the spacegate.

"Because the other planet is smaller than this one, it's probably this planet's moon," Rodney explained with a roll of his eyes.

"We haven't got time for a science lesson, " Ronon mumbled before addressing Lorne," can we land on the planet?"

Lorne looked at the Hud, "there shouldn't be any problems."

"Well, let's go. The sooner we find the Colonel, the better. We know the Colonel's injured and needs emergency medical care." Carson stated impatiently. At least, that's the way it seemed to Ronon.

"That's if he's down there," Rodney answered pessimistically.

"Well, let's assume he's down there. It's as good a place as any to start," Ronon told the annoying scientist.

Ronon hoped that Sheppard would be down on the planet and alive. He shuddered to think what his friend and commanding officer had gone through at the hand of the Wraith. There was also the matter of Jallell's brother, Rollo. Would they be able to bring him home, too?

Sighing, he looked out the front window as Lorned turned the jumper towards the planet. If Ronon were a religious man, he'd be praying right now, but he wasn't, so all he could do was cling to the hope that he would see his friend again.

oOo

A loud dripping sound brought John to awareness, and it didn't take him long to realise it was raining. Slowly, he opened his eyes and looked at his surroundings. The first thing he noticed was he was on a Wraith ship, and it was raining inside for some reason.

As he became more cognizant, he suddenly remembered why he was on a small Wraith ship.

He slowly looked around and realised he was alone, except for Junior, and the beast appeared dead - that explained the smell.

The ship slammed into a rock and tore a hole in the hull. That explained the rain. The only question he couldn't answer was where were the Wraith and why they'd left him there.

Finally, he realised he was lying on the floor behind the queen's throne. Part of the roof had landed across his legs, and he had a pounding headache. Basically, he had no idea how he was going to get out of the situation he was in.

The first thing he needed to do was assess his injuries. The pounding in his head and the dried blood on the side of his face told him he had a head injury and a possible concussion that could have had something to do with the fact he was going through withdrawal from the Wraith enzyme as well. Next, he moved his arms and was happy to say they appeared to be okay, other than a few cuts and bruises.

When he tried to move his legs. he almost screamed in pain. Something other than the roof that had fallen on him was pinning his right leg to the floor. John was fairly sure he'd broken his left leg as well.

He knew his friends weren't coming because they'd have no idea where he was, and the last thing he wanted was for the Wraith, so his only option was to try and free himself. His strength was fading fast, so he knew he needed a rest before he attempted to free himself.

Closing his eyes, he gave himself a few minutes to summon the strength he needed to escape.

A loud noise brought him back to his surroundings, and he soon realised he must have fallen asleep.

Next, a gentle voice spoke to him, and it sounded like Teyla, "Do not worry, we will get you out of here."

At last, someone was there to save him. He had no idea who they were or if they had anything to do with the Wraith, but he didn't care. So he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

TBC…