Status: Completed 7/19/2009

Word Count: 1,474

Author's Notes: At the end.

"Shit, shit, shit," Ford muttered as they approached the 'gate. The major, who had been sleeping somewhat peacefully after their last stop, had become more and more agitated as they neared the Stargate. Now, only several hundred yards away, he finally understood what Sheppard had been muttering about during their last stop and his increased unease.

The Wraith-creatures were already there.

Sighing, Ford motioned to Teyla to join him. They had set the travois down several feet behind Ford's current position using nearby bushes for cover. Turning to McKay, she cocked her head in Ford’s direction –an indication of her intent to join him– and keeping low, made her way over.

As soon as she arrived beside him, Ford opened his mouth to tell her what he saw then snapped it shut again. The look of concern on her face told him she had seen the creatures as well. There were only four at the 'gate, but he had a bad feeling there were more nearby. The good thing was, they didn't appear to know how to work the 'gate.

Teyla seemed to read Ford's mind. Just as one of the creatures snarled and slammed a hand against the DHD, she turned to him and remarked, "It appears these creatures have retained some knowledge about the Stargate, but do not seem to remember how it works."

"Yeah, that's what I figured," Ford remarked. "The question is, are they gathered there because they know we are heading this way, or for another reason?"

"At this point, I do not believe it matters."

Hesitating for a moment, Ford replied, "Yeah, you're right. The real question is, how do we draw them away from the 'gate long enough for us to escape. The major is in no condition for a direct assault and McKay's aim isn't the greatest. Someone would have to stay with the major to make sure none of those creatures attack him while we're distracted. We have to come up with a diversion and pray that, if there are any more of those creatures around, they're far enough away so that we can escape before they arrive."

"Agreed," Teyla said with a nod. "We must act quickly, though. The major's condition is deteriorating rapidly. His temperature has risen again since our last break. It is getting dangerously high. I do not know how much longer he can hold on."

Nodding, his face grim, Ford said nothing. The whole situation just sucked really badly. The urgent need to get Sheppard home weighed heavily on his mind. Rushing in without a plan would be foolish and could lead to more of his team being injured or worse, killed. It simply wasn't worth the risk.

Finally breaking the silence, Ford said, "We need a plan. Let's get back to McKay and the major." Without waiting for a reply from Teyla, he made his way back to their teammates.

As he knelt down beside his CO, Ford was surprised to see how relatively focused Sheppard's eyes were. The pinched look on his face told Ford he was still in extreme pain, but was more alert than he had been for several hours. "They're here," he stated simply.

"Yes," Ford answered. The major opened his mouth to speak, but Ford spoke first, "There are four of them at the 'gate. They don't seem to remember how to work the DHD."

Sheppard nodded, grimacing. His eyes closed and Ford was afraid he was unconscious, or worse, but the slow rise and fall of the wounded man's chest assured him he was falling back asleep, even though he'd prefer he stay awake. At least until they could get him through the 'gate and into Doctor Beckett's capable hands. Finally, Sheppard's eyes fluttered open. It was obvious that keeping his eyes open was a huge effort for him.

For a few more seconds, Sheppard remained silent. "Mm . . . more . . . nnnearrr . . . nearby," he gasped.

"Can you tell how close they are, how many?" Teyla asked.

Ford felt Teyla's hand settle on his shoulder as she spoke. He glanced up and saw his worried expression mirrored in her face.

The major's eyes slid closed again as he grimaced in obvious pain. Ford waited anxiously for him to respond. Finally, he shook his head and, in barely more than a whisper, replied, "No." After another pause, his eyes opened again. Ford could see that the glazed look was returning. "Clo . . . close. That's all I . . . I . . . gahhhh," he groaned against the pain then continued, "I . . . can ssss . . . say."

Ford started to stand when the major reached out and grabbed his wrist.

"Gun."

"We'll take care of them, sir, you need to rest," Ford said firmly.

Sheppard pinned him with a hard glare and tightened his grip. His strength amazed Ford. "Give me . . . m . . . m . . . my . . . my gun, now, Lieutenant."

Picking up the emphasis on his rank, and realizing his injured commander was not going to give in and let his team handle the situation without him, Ford conceded. Besides, he rationalized, even half out of his mind with pain, the major is still the best shot in Atlantis and if worst comes to worst, he shouldn't be unarmed. He nodded and unholstered the major's gun, chambered a round, and then handed it over. Sheppard released his grip and accepted the 9mm.

McKay, who'd stood to keep watch while Ford and Teyla spoke to the major, turned his attention back to his teammates. Ford waved him over.

"I think our best bet is to take them by surprise, eliminate the creatures at the 'gate then make a break for it. We'll just have to take our chances and pray the others are far enough away that we can get through before they arrive." Pausing for a moment, Ford took a deep breath before continuing. "We'll move the major to the bushes closer to the 'gate. Teyla, you and I will use the bushes for cover and take out the creatures. McKay, you'll stay down and face those woods," he pointed slightly towards the left, "in case any more of those things show up and try to attack from the rear." Knowing how important it was for the major to feel involved, Ford turned towards Sheppard to gauge his reaction.

"Sounds . . . like . . . plan," came the whispered response.

Sheppard's eyes were half closed, but he still seemed alert enough to fire with accuracy if need be. Ford was still uncomfortable with the plan, but they didn't have any other viable options. Looking to Teyla, he saw the quiet acceptance and worry in her eyes. She didn't like it anymore than he did, but also didn't have a better idea.

Difficult as it was to walk with the travois while standing upright, it was much harder when crouched down. Somehow, they made it to the bushes closest to the 'gate without being detected.

Standing and turning towards the 'gate, he waited for Teyla to do the same then motioned for her to take the two on the left, while he would take the two on the right. Just at that moment, their luck ran out. Ford could only guess that one of the creatures had sensed the major's presence as it growled loudly and started running towards their meager cover. Ford reacted swiftly and felled the charging creature then took out his other target. He was relieved to see that Teyla had taken out her own targets just as quickly.

They now had a clear path to the Stargate. For how long remained to be seen.

Ford took up position in front of his teammates as Teyla and McKay each shouldered their P90's and grabbed an end of the travois. Running as fast as they could, the team made their way towards the 'gate. Ford reached the DHD quickly and dialed Atlantis. As soon the 'gate whooshed open, he sent the IDC and, thumbing his radio, yelled out, "Atlantis, we're coming in hot. We need a medical team in the gateroom stat." He'd just finished sending the second code when his teammates rushed past him. Running as fast as he could backwards, he covered their six as they made a beeline towards their only method of escape.

Ford began firing as he saw several creatures approaching. He dropped them quickly, but several more appeared, seemingly from nowhere. He was aware of several more coming from his right, but knew he wouldn't be able to get them before they reached his friends.

In an amazing display of skill, the wounded major aimed and fired, taking down the three rapidly approaching creatures with as many shots. Ford watched in awe as the creatures fell then he turned forward again in time to see Sheppard finally collapse then disappear through the open wormhole. Within seconds, he entered as well leaving the nightmare behind him.

TBC

Notes: Oiy! I know it's been almost two months since I update this, and I apologize for that. I don't like to break of the flow of the fic, especially for those who are reading several chapters in a row, which is why these notes are at the end. I want to say thanks soooo much to all of you have stuck with me through the long process of writing and posting this fic, and a HUGE thanks to those who have sent me feedback, it is greatly appreciated. You are all awesome! There are, most likely, only two chapters left, so this journey is nearly at an end. The next chapter is with my beta's as I type this and should be up within the next week or so.