Status: Completed 5/14/2009

Word Count: 1,411

Author's Notes: Again, sorry it has been so long between this chapter and the last, but I've been working on a few other projects. I'll try to post more often, but I just started a new job, which is taking up more of my time, and I still work part time at my other job, so no guarantees. Many thanks to Annie and Cheryl for the beta.

Ford allowed himself a small smile as McKay jumped at his words. "Jumpy, aren't we?"

"Gee, I wonder why," McKay snarled.

Putting on his best innocent look, Ford simply smiled as the team got to work. Teyla stayed with their injured CO, while he and McKay gathered the supplies they'd need. He was very glad the major had insisted they all learn how to build a travois. Actually, he'd insisted all members of all offworld teams learn. While Doctor McKay had not been pleased about the additional work the lessons had made for his team, he'd agreed they were necessary.

Fifteen minutes later, Ford and McKay had gathered enough wood and other materials. Teyla came over to help the two men put everything together. Using a combination of rope from his pack and some of the strong local vines, they strapped the branches together. Working wordlessly, they finished in less than half-an-hour. He was sure it would hold the major's weight. Once the major was home and feeling better, Ford was sure he'd be proud of the way the team had pulled together.

"All right, let's move the major."

"We must be extremely cautious," Teyla warned. "I believe he may have broken one or more of his ribs."

Nodding, Ford helped her move the travois closer to the sleeping major. He then turned his attention to McKay. "When Teyla and I roll the major, you'll need to slide the travois under him as quickly as possible and make sure it's lined up with his body."

Ford waited for one of the usual snippy remarks the scientist was famous for and was surprised when McKay simply gave a brisk nod. He and Teyla got into position and were about to roll the major onto his uninjured side when McKay called out.

"Wait." McKay then sifted around in his pack for a few seconds before pulling out a bunched up shirt. "I know it isn't much," he offered, "but this thing is going to be uncomfortable enough for him. This should help to pillow his head at least a little bit."

McKay placed the makeshift pillow on the travois and got himself into position. When he nodded to indicate he was ready, Ford nodded to Teyla. He counted to three and they quickly rolled the major onto his right side. He watched as McKay slide the travois under the major then he and Teyla rolled him onto his back. The major groaned softly as they rolled him, but his eyes remained shut.

"All right, people, this is how it's going to go. McKay and I will carry the major while you take point," he began, pointing to Teyla. "After about an hour, we'll switch off. We'll keep switching every hour until we make it to the 'gate. If the person staying with the travois needs it, we'll take a short break at the exchange." Turning to McKay, he said, "You take the front, I'll take the rear."

Without protest, McKay moved to the end with the major's feet. Ford moved to the end by his head as Teyla took up her position. "Lift on three," Ford ordered. "One . . . two . . . three." Together the two men lifted, grunting softly under the major's weight. "Adjusting his grip to make sure he wouldn't drop the injured man, Ford asked McKay, "You okay?"

"Fine," McKay replied. With a muttered grumble, he added, "You need to lay off the chocolate cake, Major."

Despite his hushed tone, Ford overheard McKay's comment. Smiling, he called to Teyla, "Ready, Teyla?"

"I am," she responded and started walking, her P-90 at the ready.

The going was painfully slow, as Ford had expected it to be. Silently, he agreed with McKay that, maybe the major needed to lay off the cake. Just a little. As they walked, he constantly scanned the area looking for any signs of trouble. He also concentrated on listening to the woods around them. He was certain there were more of those mutant Wraiths around and didn't want to take the chance on being ambushed again. Sending a silent prayer to whatever god might be listening that the remaining creatures would stay far away from them, he walked in silence.

Nearly an hour, and by Ford's estimation, less than a mile later, they'd been forced to take their first break when McKay's grip began to slip.

"My arms are going numb," McKay complained. Ford was actually sort of relieved to hear just a touch of the man's usual whiny tone slipping back into his voice.

"Okay, let's set him down gently."

McKay sent him a "no duh" look but said nothing as they lowered the travois to the ground. The major stirred a little, a low moan escaping his lips, but his eyes remained closed.

"We should change positions," Teyla stated as she approached Ford.

Ford turned his attention to Teyla as she spoke. He thought about saying no, but as he glanced at McKay, he could plainly see by the way he was rubbing his shoulders that the guy could use a break. The guy was a scientist, not a soldier, and he'd never hidden the fact that regular exercise was nowhere on his daily 'To Do List'. Nodding in agreement, Ford said, "Okay. We'll take a ten minute break so we can check on the major, then you and McKay can switch positions."

Ford wasn't thrilled with the idea of McKay being on point, but they didn't have a lot of options at this point. He knew they'd need to switch around again at least once more before they reached the 'gate, and he wanted to be the one on point when they did. He wasn't sure why, but he had a bad feeling the creatures would be there. While they did exhibit some intelligence in how they attacked, he doubted any of them would remember what the 'gate was or how it worked. Still, his gut told them some of them would be there.

Teyla's voice interrupted his thoughts as she said, "Rest. I will check on the major."

Saying nothing, Ford nodded in agreement. He was more tired and sore than he was willing to admit. After watching Teyla until she reached the major, he turned his attention to McKay to inform him to stand guard and was surprised to see that McKay was already walking a perimeter. Maybe the stubborn scientist was learning a thing or two about field operations after all.

It was about time.

Finding a thick tree trunk, Ford sat on the ground and leaned against it. He kept an eye on McKay. While he was putting in the effort, it was still painfully obvious that McKay was not military and didn't have much experience. Teyla, while also not military, was a warrior in her own right and was eager to learn.

Unlike McKay.

He turned his attention to Teyla and watched as she checked the major's temperature. Her frown was not a good sign. She looked at him and he could tell from her expression that he was getting worse. He turned his attention back to McKay as she took her bandana out and wiped his brow with it. McKay, he noticed, had been watching her as well. He locked eyes with the other man for a moment before McKay looked away and continued his patrol.

"His temperature has risen again," Teyla informed Ford as she knelt beside him.

"I kinda figured that," he replied. Watching the major, even from this distance, he could tell the wounded man was still in a lot of pain. Tempting as it was to tell Teyla to give Sheppard more morphine, he knew it was too soon. Instead, he said, "Let's get moving."

Standing, Ford called out, "McKay, time to move out. Take point."

McKay nodded and moved into position as Ford and Teyla each grabbed an end of the travois. "On three," Ford said and then started counting. When he got to three, he and Teyla lifted together, both grunting softly under the major's weight. They paused as the major groaned and his eyes fluttered open. Glazed, unfocused eyes met Ford's as Sheppard muttered something. The only words Ford could make out were "'gate" and "creature".

"Shhh, we're okay, sir. We're almost home. Just rest, we'll get you there."

The major said nothing. A few moments later, his eyes slid shut once again. Nodding to Teyla and McKay, Ford told them, "Move out."

TBC