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Chapter 1
The team waited in the Gate room, anxious to be off on their latest mission. The locals were friendly, although backward and superstitious. They spoke of a "haunted" cave which could be Ancient, but was difficult to reach due to rough terrain. Nowhere for a jumper to land. The location was in the foothills of a mountain range, including a river to cross. The last team had to return before reaching the cave because of injuries. A broken arm from a fall down the steep incline, a near drowning in the river, and a severe reaction to an insect bite. This time Sheppard's team was going, along with Dr. Keller.
Rodney, as always, hoped the unusual energy readings would lead to a ZPM, preferably not depleted. Teyla was hoping to find some medicinal herbs described by the locals. Ronon hoped to get in some hunting, while John would be happy with an uneventful mission, for once. Jennifer was not looking forward to going, but at the time there was a shortage of doctors. Dr. Beckett was temporarily at SGC, another had gone back to Earth, and his replacement had not yet arrived. Plus another doctor had the flu. The doctors left had no experience off world.
There was also a technician going along, one of several new Gate techs. Rodney had been complaining about too much work and not enough help. "I wonder what kind of doofus I will be stuck with now?" he whined. "Probably won't know his ass from his laptop!"
"Well, you've been asking for an assistant, so quit complaining!" John said, with an exasperated look. "This tech is supposedly very good, plus can fight and shoot. Hopefully won't fall over his own feet like the last bunch!"
Rodney sighed and rolled his eyes. "He's late already!"
"I believe he is getting some last minute briefing from Woolsey. Probably has to sign some papers too. You know how our boss loves his paperwork!" John said with a smirk.
"Let's just get the hell going!" Ronon said, impatient as usual. Part of it was feeling uncomfortable around Jennifer, tho he would never admit it.
"Col. Sheppard?" said a female voice behind him. "Sgt. Banks reporting for duty. I'm sorry if I held you up, but Mr. Woolsey had papers for me to sign, and, uh, he kept talking,"
They all looked surprised, expecting a man. Ronon had been checking his blaster for the upteenth time and nearly dropped it. Even in uniform and hair pulled back in a tight bun, Banks was definitely female.
They headed for the jumper bay, then Chuck activated the Gate and they flew thru the blue puddle.
Chapter 2
Arriving on the planet, the jumper was left cloaked near the Gate. Rodney was anxious to get started, but Teyla objected.
"It would be considered rude not to stop and visit with the local people," she told John, who agreed. It was important to keep good relations with them. Rodney sulked, but said nothing.
A short walk brought them to the village, where they were warmly welcomed. "I hope you have decided against going to the haunted cave," said the leader. "Evil spirits live there."
Rodney rolled his eyes, but Ronon elbowed him in the ribs, prompting a loud "Ow!"
"Is something wrong?" the leader asked.
"Um, just a twinge in my back," Rodney answered. He had no patience for superstition, but because of the Wraith cullings, many Pegasus cultures had not progressed and were backward compared to Earth.
"We have a remedy for that," the leader replied. "Let me get our healer."
"No that's OK," Rodney answered. "It's gone now."
Banks hid a smile, thinking,"this should be interesting." She had heard some stories about Dr. McKay. She had also heard that Jennifer had chosen him over Ronon. "No accounting for taste," she thought.
"Have you seen these evil spirits?" Teyla asked. They were sitting under some trees, drinking tea. Formal introductions had been made. Banks' first name was Amelia, and John told her that military protocol was relaxed in Pegasus, and first names were used.
"No one has ever seen them," the leader replied. "They are unable to cross the river. Many years ago, some of our people crossed it and were never seen again."
"Are they Wraith?" Ronon asked.
"No, we have never been bothered by the Wraith. We think they are afraid of the evil spirits," the leader answered.
"That's a new one on me," John said. "Don't worry about us," he continued. "We have firearms and explosives. We'll be just fine!"
As the team was leaving, the leader said," we will pray to the Ancestors for you!"
Chapter 3
They were well prepared for the mission. All wore tac vests, and carried backpacks. Except Ronon who wore his long leather coat, with many pockets, over his Satedan clothing.
Dr. Keller had a medical bag which Rodney insisted on carrying for her until he got too tired. She took it, and Ronon wondered if he should offer to carry it. He had once had a crush on her and vied with Rodney for her attentions, insisting on carrying her bags. She would give him a condescending look and laugh to herself, thinking he was too dumb to notice. But he did notice. She finally told him she was interested in Rodney. He avoided her after that, feeling foolish. He was not happy about her presence on the mission for this reason, plus he felt she was a danger to the team and herself. But he was not in charge, so made the best of it. Keller could carry her own bags!
The downhill road was narrow and steep, becoming steeper and more rocky as they descended toward the river. John was carrying the medical bag, and Rodney was complaining about needing a rest. Finally John called a halt, deciding they all needed a rest and some food. He didn't need Rodney falling and getting hurt like the other guy.
They noticed the strange flying insects which the other team had described. All had developed red, painful welts from their bites, and one man had a bad anaphylactic reaction. A special repellent had been made which kept them from biting, but not from buzzing the team members. They were about three inches long, with large soft bodies. Ronon smacked one with his hand, and it hit a tree trunk, splattering green goo. "Ewww!" Rodney said. "Did you really need to do that? I feel like puking!"
Ronon leaned back against a tree while eating an energy bar. The name Amelia had a nice sound to it and he sometimes caught himself watching her. She seemed confident, even tho it was her first time off world. He had not noticed her before, even tho she had been at the Gate for a few months. He rarely paid attention to the Gate techs, who were mostly male. He couldn't help but notice the difference between Amelia and Jennifer, who seemed nervous and ill at ease. She and Rodney made a good pair, Ronon thought.
Never one for much introspection, he realized something. He was not sad because Jennifer chose Rodney. His pride was hurt. Teyla had said something like that once, but he blew it off. After many years of being in survival mode as a Runner, he was finally able to mourn his loss of Melena in the war with the Wraith. He had been shut down emotionally, including physical attraction, but this was beginning to change. He was finally moving forward. He noticed Jennifer's outward resemblance to Melena for the first time when a lockdown briefly trapped them together in the infirmary. But he now realized it had been a fantasy. Melena was in the past, but Jennifer could never be in his future. Would another woman ever be?
"Ronon, are you deaf or what?" Rodney's voice startled him out of his reverie.
"What?" he replied gruffly.
"Do you want your other energy bar?" Rodney said.
Ronon glared at the scientist as he stuffed the bar in his mouth, then said,"let's get going!"
Chapter 4
They finally made it to the river with no mishaps. The bank was steep and the river was swift. Rodney brought up a map on a device which showed rapids down stream, then the current slowed down some, and the river become wider and shallower. They headed that way along the river bank, which was still very steep. Passing the rapids, which were impressive, they came to a bridge made of weathered boards and rope for a railing. Rodney breathed a sigh of relief but Ronon said to John, "it looks old and unsafe." John agreed. Picking up a large stone, he threw it on the bridge. The board cracked and the rope began to unravel. So much for the bridge.
They continued on and the bank sloped down, then leveled out. Rodney was watching his screen and tripped on a stone, nearly falling in the water. Ronon grabbed the back of his vest just in time.
"Ow! Must you be so rough, Conan? I think I have whiplash!" he whined.
"Next time I'll let you fall in!" Ronon said.
Jennifer rushed to his side, insisting they stop while she examined Rodney's neck, which was uninjured. Amelia wondered how John put up with Rodney's wimpiness. He must be good at his job was the only explanation.
The river became more shallow, with wide flat stones on the bottom. One place had shallower water over the stones, and it was decided they would cross there. They had rope in their supplies, and Ronon crossed over easily, holding one end of the rope, while John held the other end.
Teyla crossed with ease, not even touching the rope.
Amelia went next, holding the rope in fear of slipping. She kept her eyes on Ronon and made it across. Her heart was pounding but she tried not to let it show.
Rodney and Jennifer looked at one another with fearful eyes. The river was less swift and deep than before, but falling in would still be dangerous.
"Make up your minds!" John said. Rodney went next, gripping the rope for dear life, slipping and nearly falling a few times, but he made it. He sat down, red faced and breathing hard.
Jennifer looked terrified but kept her footing. She sat down by Rodney and put her head on her crossed arms. Her hands were cramping from gripping the rope so hard.
"I think we all need a break!" John said, after crossing with ease.
Amelia was sitting down, leaning against a tree, looking a little pale. Teyla sat next to her, asking,"are you feeling well?"
"Just a little shaky," Amelia replied.
"You did well crossing the river!" Teyla said sincerely. She looked at Ronon, who seemed to be debating whether to sit with them or John, who was stretched out on the ground, relaxing. "Do you not agree?"
Ronon sat down next to Teyla, and looked across her at Amelia. "You did good!" he said in his deep rumbling voice.
Amelia smiled and said, "I admit I was scared!"
They sat in silence, then Teyla said," I want to check on Rodney and Jennifer." Then she rose and went to them, both still looking very shaken.
Ronon wanted to say something but was not sure how to say it. "Sometimes it catches up to you when the danger is over."
"I guess so," she replied as they made eye contact. His green eyes were intense.
Then John said loudly, "Time to get our asses in gear!"
Chapter 5
Rodney's device showed where the energy readings were coming from. Unfortunately they had to backtrack, which made him unhappy. "Would you rather have swam across?" John said. Rodney stopped complaining.
They continued along the river bank, then headed up the slope to the site of the energy readings, which was a cave. Time for a break and lunch of MRE's and water. Rodney complained as usual, and Amelia wondered what he expected--steak and champagne?
Heading to the cave, the readings became stronger, and Rodney became excited. He was sure it was an Ancient outpost with ZPM's!
Ronon and John checked it out, walking a short distance into the tunnel, and saw no evidence of it being a wild animal's den. Not even bats, worms, or insects, which was surprising. The group proceeded into the tunnel, which led downward. John leading, then Teyla, then Amelia, Rodney and Jennifer keeping close together, Ronon taking their six. Eventually they were under the river, according to Rodney's device. Small rivulets of water were seen here and there. "Is that normal?" Jennifer asked, and Rodney assured her it was.
As they made their way deeper into the tunnel, they noticed weird fungal growths on the upper walls and ceiling. Not mushrooms, but slimy and repulsive, with a noxious odor.
"Don't touch that shit!" John said, but no one wanted to, avoiding getting too close.
Ronon had a bad feeling, and it was not simply the smell. "Sheppard, we need to get the hell out of here!"
"Just a little further!" Rodney cried. "I know there's an Ancient device close by!"
John put up his hand, indicating stop. He had a strange feeling, but before anyone could move, a force field appeared in front of him. Another one appeared in back of Ronon, who kicked it, getting a tingling shock to his foot, right thru his boot. It was all he could do to stay on his feet.
"No shooting!" John yelled, "Ricochet!" He barely touched the field and got a zing to his finger. "Don't touch it either!" No one argued.
"Are you OK, buddy?" he asked Ronon.
"No problem, it's like when your foot goes to sleep and you get pins and needles," he answered, balancing on one foot.
"So sit down, and that's an order!" John said. Everyone sat down.
"What do we do now?" Rodney said, his voice high and shaky.
"That's a good question," John answered. He thought for a minute, then to Rodney,"there could be people here or it could be Ancient technology still operating. Can you figure out which it is?"
"I'll try," he replied, sounding less scared with something to do.
"Let me see your foot," Jennifer said to Ronon.
"It's OK, just pins and needles," he answered gruffly.
"You should let her look at it," Amelia said. "You could have a burn and not realize it."
He gave her a startled look, then sighed and removed his boot and sock. There was no burn.
"Let me know how it goes," Jennifer said.
"It's OK," he said, putting his sock and boot back on.
"How is your finger?" Jennifer asked John.
"Just a little tingly," he replied, pointing the finger at her.
"I can't tell anything from this device," Rodney said, reaching for his pack which held other devices.
"That won't be necessary," said a strange sounding voice.
A figure could be seen behind the force field. "Don't bother shooting at me, we are immune to your weapons."
Then the force field disappeared, and Ronon shot at the figure, his blaster on kill. It had no effect. Then a flash of light and they all lost consciousness.
Chapter 6
Ronon was first to awake, as usual when the team was shot with Wraith stunners. But this was different. He felt sluggish and could barely get his body to work. He finally managed to sit up. His vision was cloudy, but gradually cleared. They were in a large cage, surrounded on three sides by a transparent force field. The back of the cage was rock, all within a vast circular cavern, with only one outlet. The others were sprawled nearby, still unconscious. A crowd of "creatures" stood in front, and they began cheering as Ronon sat up.
"Creatures" was the only word that came to mind. They were humanoid in shape, but there the resemblance ended. They were skeletal, their scaly skin light red, like a sunburn. But there was no sun! They were hairless, with horns, tails, and pointed ears. Their mouths were lipless, showing sharp teeth. Long fingers ended in sharp claws. Their eyes were reptilian and so evil that Ronon shivered when one made eye contact. He normally would have kept eye contact, enjoying the challenge, but with these creatures, he had to look away. They radiated pure evil!
They began jumping around, yelling gibberish, and scraping the fungus off the wall to eat. Some began hitting the force field, causing it to spark, and getting burned by the sparks but not seeming to care.
Ronon was feeling better and tried to wake the others. Finally he put Teyla over his shoulder, dragged Amelia and Jennifer by their collars, leaving them all at the back of the cage. John was stirring, but Rodney was still out. Ronon pulled John to his feet, then grabbed Rodney's arm. John was still half asleep, but grabbed Rodney's other arm. They dragged him to the others, who were trying to wake up and process what was happening. The noise became louder, alarming those who were waking up. But suddenly it became quiet. The crowd parted as a creature walked slowly toward the cage. It was larger, redder, and had bigger horns and a longer tail.
"I see our guests have awakened. It has been many years since any humans ventured into our realm." The voice spoke English, but had an unnatural sound. "My minions will be extremely pleased!" The crowd began to yell again, but a raised hand from the leader quieted them. "They are hoping to see you mate, maybe an orgy. But the torture chamber will be the favored entertainment. We will leave you to become fully conscious, the better to entertain us!" Then the creature exited thru the tunnel opening, the crowd following.
Eventually they all were fully awake, trying to figure out a way to escape. It looked hopeless, and Rodney was not helping with his attitude of gloom and doom. Finally Ronon said, "if you don't shut your mouth, I will shut it for you!" It worked.
They had surveyed their situation. None of their gear had been taken, not even weapons. The creatures were confident the weapons would not hurt them. They could not stand against the greater numbers, but vowed to go down fighting, die with honor, and never allow themselves to be taken to the torture chamber.
John had noticed the leader had a small metal box. "That must be some type of a language translating gizmo."
"The voice did sound weird," Ronon replied.
"I wonder how they generate the force field?" Teyla asked, looking at Rodney, who looked downcast, but had regained his composure.
"And how they knocked us out!" John said.
"I'm sure it's some Ancient technology they know how to control. That would cause the energy signature," he sighed. "I guess this is all my fault. I deserve a beating," Rodney said sadly, looking at Ronon.
"Nah," Ronon said. "You thought it would get us a ZPM, which is good. Sometimes you just need to keep your big mouth shut!"
"I wonder what those creatures are?" Amelia said. "They look like old Biblical demons, and their leader Satan."
"I thought the same thing," John answered.
"Earth religion?" Ronon asked.
"Yes!" Rodney snapped. "More stupid superstition! People on Earth don't believe in it as much as they did in the past!"
"I've read some books about comparative religion," Amelia said. "Many cultures have beliefs about evil creatures living in the underworld. Demons are common in folklore. All religions are basically the struggle between good and evil."
Rodney rolled his eyes, but Teyla said, "There are Athosian legends about demons that were banished to the underworld by the first humans."
"Sateda too. I remember being scared as a child when we were told old legends about monsters living in the center of the planet, waiting for the day when they would have their revenge on us!" Ronon added, causing more eye rolls from Rodney.
Jennifer sat silently, her arms wrapped around her knees, looking terrified. "I have always believed in science only, but now, well, I just don't know!"
"The longer I'm in Pegasus, the more I believe science does not know everything!" John said, and all but Rodney nodded in agreement. For once he had nothing to say.
"Just curious, Rodney, are we still under the river?" John asked.
The scientist studied his device, answering yes.
"The villagers said the evil spirits would not cross the river. Maybe water will kill them!" Ronon said.
Everyone had noticed the small rivulets of water seen on the ceiling and walls in places.
But how to use this to escape?
Ronon suddenly shot his blaster at the ceiling next to the force field, enlarging a small crack which dripped water. The force field crackled where the water hit it.
"Maybe it would short out with enough water!" John exclaimed.
"No no no!" Rodney cried out. "We could be electrocuted or drown!"
"Would you prefer the torture chamber?" John asked. Rodney turned pale.
"Everyone agree we should try to cause a flood?" John asked. All nodded, even Rodney.
Chapter 7
"Everyone got the plan?" John said.
The group nodded. It was a stretch but their only chance.
"On my mark-3, 2, 1, MARK!" Everyone fired their weapons at the spot on the ceiling Ronon's blaster had hit. Water began running, then gushing on the force field as they continued firing. It sparked on and off, finally disappearing. Then the bars of the cage shattered from Ronon's blaster set on kill. Ronon leaped to the floor, John right behind, followed by the others. Ronon squatted down, John climbed on his shoulders, able to reach the ceiling as Ronon stood up. He placed a small C4 charge, then they ran to the wall near the tunnel opening, where the rest of the group already huddled together for protection from the blast.
"Fire in the Hole!" John yelled, and a waterfall came down, soon covering the cavern floor, and running out into the tunnel.
"Go, go, go!" Ronon yelled, as he took their six, making sure everyone was out. John took the lead, and Teyla made sure Rodney didn't fall as he looked at his screen, which showed the way out of the cave. Water flowed down a side tunnel, and unearthly screams were heard from that direction. "Maybe they were getting the torture chamber ready," John said. "Ironic!"
"Follow the main tunnel!" Rodney yelled, "it eventually leads out!"
The water was rising as they ran, the tunnel going up for a short distance, then descending.
"Looks like we're going for a swim!" said John. "Everyone know how?" They all answered yes. They swam a short distance, then touched bottom as the tunnel rose upward again.
Rodney managed to keep the device above the water, and silently thanked his parents for making him take much hated swimming lessons as a child. "We're almost there," he said. "I think that's all of them!"
But he spoke too soon. A group of demons, probably sentries, appeared before them, and began advancing. John and Ronon looked at one another, having the same thought. What were the demons' fighting capabilities? Could they create another force field?
"Guess we'll find out!" Ronon said.
But then a rumbling was felt. "Earthquake!" Rodney cried out.
"More like tsunami!" John said, as rushing water was heard coming toward them. The cavern roof, now far below, had collapsed. They braced themselves as a waist high wave hit them and the demons, who began screaming as their bodies melted.
Everyone held on to the wall and one another. Rodney was holding on to Jennifer, but he began to puke from the gruesome sight of melting demons, and she began to slide. Teyla grabbed her pony tail with one hand, and Ronon grabbed the other hand. The wave receded and they ran toward the daylight, as fast as they could on the slippery rock.
Reaching the mouth of the cave, Ronon stopped, yelling at the others to keep going. But John stopped and waited as the tall Satedan stuck two C4 charges on the underside of the cave opening. Then they caught up with the others. Safely away, Rodney pushed the button and the explosion collapsed the cave.
"Can we rest now?" he asked, still out of breath.
"We should cross the river first," John answered, and Ronon agreed. They crossed where they had crossed before, with the aid of the rope for some. Amelia was less afraid than before, but lightly held the rope. Jennifer and Rodney were reluctant but Teyla urged them on, walking between them. All made it safely across.
"Can't we rest now?" Rodney said , sounding whiny.
"A short rest, but I want to reach the village before dark," said John. Their wet clothing was drying in the warm sun, but the night air would be cold. They sat down under some trees, grateful to be safe at last.
Chapter 8
After a short rest, Jennifer began checking everyone out for injuries, which helped her focus and deal with the frightening events they had experienced. The medical bag had been lost in the flood, but fortunately there were only some bumps and bruises. Ronon's foot and John's finger were fine. Rodney was still shaking and complaining about his stomach.
"If you're going to puke again, go over in those bushes," Ronon said gruffly.
Teyla gave him a disapproving look, and he shrugged.
John hid a smirk.
Amelia was still feeling shaky but focused on the camaraderie between the team members, finding it comforting.
Ronon looked at her out of the corner of his eye.
"She looks lonely," Teyla said softly. He hadn't heard her sitting down next to him."Go sit with her, unless you want to meditate with me." Ronon smiled, remembering how he fell asleep during meditation lessons.
"You mind?" he asked, sitting down next to Amelia.
"Of course not," she said with a smile.
"Doing OK?" he asked.
"Yes," she said, and thought to herself, "much better now!"
A few minutes of silence, then she said, "your team seems very close knit, almost like a family."
Ronon had never thought of it that way. "I guess we are," he replied. "Got each other's backs, even Rodney."
Amelia chuckled. "I'm supposed to be his assistant, but he doesn't seem to want me around."
"Don't take it personal. That's just McKay!" Ronon answered.
"I know I'm the new kid on the block," she said.
Ronon gave her a puzzled look. "Block? And you're not a kid!"
"Just a figure of speech, meaning a new arrival," she said, realizing he was not familiar with Earth slang expressions.
"OK, I get it. I know how that feels. Teyla too. We're the outsiders in Atlantis." Ronon was not in the habit of voicing his feelings.
"Actually we're the outsiders in the galaxy!" Amelia replied.
"True," Ronon said. "But Atlantis goes by Earth customs."
"That must be difficult," she said.
"Yeah, it is, but most people are okay about it. Sheppard has helped me adjust, and Teyla has too," he said. "But can't say much for McKay!"
"It's obvious he's intimidated by you," Amelia said.
Ronon laughed and said,"I try!"
He wondered if she was seeing anyone, but was not sure how to ask. Satedan courtship rituals were very different from what Earth people called "dating," which could mean most anything. Ronon would never admit Jennifer's rejection bothered him, but he was hesitant to risk it again, especially with this woman he found himself so attracted to.
"Do you have a family at home?" he asked.
"No," she answered. "My parents were killed in an auto accident when I was a baby. My grandparents raised me, but they have passed away. There is no one else. I was married but it didn't work out."
"The same thing happened with Sheppard," Ronon said.
"Are he and Teyla together?" Amelia asked. Then said hurriedly, "I'm sorry, that's none of my business! Forgive me for asking."
"No problem! I've asked him but he just changes the subject. I once asked Teyla but she hit me with a bantos stick!" he said with a chuckle."Everyone wonders about them."
Amelia wondered about Ronon--how could such an attractive man be alone? She had heard something about a wife killed on Sateda, and of course the gossip about Jennifer. She wondered if he was seeing anyone but hesitated to ask, deciding on a safer subject.
"I understand you teach hand to hand fighting classes to the new Marines. Any openings? I have done kickboxing for several years but would love to learn new techniques."
Surprised, Ronon answered, "I have a new class starting in a few days. I'll let you know the exact day. We usually get a day or two off after a mission."
"I'll look forward to it," she said with a smile.
"Um, can I ask you something?" Ronon said hesitantly. John had said dinner and a movie was a typical first date.
"Yes?" she replied.
"OK guys, asses in gear, we need to get a move on!" Sheppard yelled.
Chapter 9
They stopped at the jumper to change out of their damp and bedraggled clothing, then headed for the village to pay their respects.
The people were shocked to see them, fearing they had been lost to the evil spirits. "Thanks be to the Ancestors!" they cried out as John told the story.
"We felt the ground shake and feared the worst!" the leader said. He then ordered a feast prepared. John objected, wanting to get home. But Teyla again felt they should accept the villagers' hospitality, so John agreed to stay for the feast. All were happy at the prospect of food, especially Ronon and Rodney.
They were led to the tavern, and shown to a table loaded with food and drink. Bread, cheese, and fruit to begin with, then vegetables, and several kinds of meat, then dessert. Plus ale, wine, and a potent liquor. After dinner, they were entertained with music, then the children were put to bed, and a rather bawdy play had everyone laughing.
"You must stay the night," the leader said. It was raining hard and John was in no condition to fly the jumper, Rodney even less so. There were only two vacant rooms, with twin beds, so it was boys in one, girls in the other. An extra cot was brought to each room. The place was like most in Pegasus villages, simple but clean.
Rodney and Jennifer were both very tipsy, and stumbled as they helped each other up the stairs, Jennifer giggling and Rodney huffing and puffing. Then he headed for the bathroom, which was at the end of the hall, and loud vomiting was heard. Jennifer debated whether to wait outside the door for him, but decided that would be embarrassing for the scientist. She went in her room, undressed, and lay down, falling asleep immediately.
Amelia stood up, swaying a little on her feet. She hadn't realized how buzzed she was. "OK?" Ronon said, putting a hand on her back.
"I wish the room would stay still!" she said with a laugh, feeling silly.
"Come on," Ronon said, putting his arm around her. She put her arm around his waist and they climbed the stairs.
John and Teyla were right behind, arm in arm. They talked for a minute outside the door, touched foreheads in the Athosian manner, then went in their respective rooms.
Ronon hesitated by the door. Having his arm around her felt good, it had been a long time. He felt relaxed from the drinks. "Do you remember I was going to ask you something when John yelled to get going?"
"Yes, I do remember. What was it?" she replied.
"Um," Ronon said, feeling tongue tied.
Suddenly the bathroom door opened, and Rodney came stumbling out. He tripped and clutched Ronon's leather vest to keep on his feet. "I think I'm drunk," he slurred.
"I know you are!" Ronon said, as Amelia tried unsuccessfully to stifle a laugh.
"Let go!" Ronon said, pushing Rodney away and grabbing his arm. He steered him to the guys' room, opened the door, and pushed him inside.
Amelia was still laughing, and Ronon could not help but do the same. "What were you going to say when we were so rudely interrupted?" she asked.
Ronon opened his mouth but could not get the words out, so he said, "I'll let you know when the training class is."
"OK," she said, disappointed. "Goodnight."
"Yeah, goodnight," Ronon replied, wanting to throttle McKay.
Jennifer was asleep in one bed, Teyla on the cot. Amelia quietly undressed and slipped into the other bed. She wondered what Ronon would have asked her. Maybe for a date? She did not think it was about the training class. His arm around her had felt good, safe and reassuring. Falling asleep she wondered how it would feel to snuggle up with him.
Ronon pushed the door shut behind him. John stirred in his sleep. Rodney was sprawled on the other bed, fully dressed, and snoring loudly. They had left Ronon the cot. "Thanks guys," he muttered, as he stripped to his underwear and lay down. The cot was small and short. He got up and elbowed Rodney, who turned on his side, lowering the volume of his snores. Then Ronon moved the bedding to the floor and lay down. He began thinking about Amelia, her dark hair loose on the pillow. It took him a while to fall asleep.
Chapter 10
Arriving back thru the Gate, they were met by a medical team in hazmat suits, and hurried to the isolation room. Sheppard had called ahead from the jumper, and Rodney had been overheard expressing concern about fungal contamination. So after many more tests than usual, and a seventy two hour quarantine, they were finally pronounced healthy, with no evidence of fungus.
Released from isolation, all were glad to go to their quarters, shower, and rest, away from needles and beeping machines.
A meeting was called in Woolsey's office, where the team was questioned by an IOA representative, and some others who did not identify themselves. One man wore a clerical collar and was heard mentioning the Vatican. Dr. Daniel Jackson was there, anxious to study some Ancient texts he had found which made reference to underworld creatures. He hurriedly left, saying he was meeting someone for dinner.
Ronon hoped this would mean no individual reports needed, but no such luck. He was restless and glad when the boring meeting ended. There had been no opportunity to talk to Amelia alone. As he was leaving, Woolsey asked him to wait, and gave him a different recorder for his reports, saying this one was much better, and going over the instructions in detail.
The team had gone to the mess hall, and Ronon caught up with them. They were already seated and eating. But Amelia was not with them. Instead she was across the room, at a table with Dr. Jackson. Ronon's heart sank, and he quickly left the mess hall. He told himself at least it wasn't McKay this time, but it did not make him feel any better.
"Thank you for looking at the pictures," Daniel said, closing his laptop. Then his eyes lit up, "there's my date now!" He stood up and motioned to an attractive woman walking toward their table.
Amelia stood up, saying,"time for me to go!" Daniel introduced them, and Amelia went to join the team, hoping she and Ronon could finally talk later without interruption.
"Where is Ronon?" she asked.
"He was here a minute ago," John answered. "Isn't he in the food line? He got held up in Woolsey's office for some reason."
"I saw him leave, and he looked unhappy," Teyla said. "I know he wanted to speak with you."
"Oh no!" Amelia thought, and left without a word.
She went to his quarters, but there was no answer. Then to the gym, where a group of Marines were working out. She inquired about Ronon but none had seen him.
Disappointed, she headed back to the mess hall, maybe he would be there. She was not paying attention and collided with a tall figure coming around a corner. Ronon caught her to keep her from falling, then quickly released her, giving her a cold look and muttering "sorry."
"I'm sorry," Amelia said. "I wasn't watching where I was going!"
He turned to leave, and she said, "Wait! I was hoping we would finally get to talk!"
Ronon turned and looked at her. "What about Jackson?"
"He's with his date, I assume," she replied. Then her eyes opened wide, "Oh, you thought I had a date with Daniel?"
"It looked that way," Ronon said.
"He asked me to look at some drawings from an Ancient text that resembled the creatures on that planet. They did look similar to paintings of demons from Earth," she explained. "He was meeting a woman he has been seeing, an archaeologist I believe. Teyla said you had left."
Ronon looked embarrassed. "I went for a run but I got hungry since I missed dinner."
"I was heading for the mess hall," she said.
"I was going to catch a quick shower first," he said.
"Shall I save you a seat?" she asked.
"Yes, and I won't be long," he said, and took off at a jog.
John and Teyla were still at the table, the others had left. It was movie night. Amelia sat down with her tray and began to eat.
"I wondered where you went," John said. "What happened to Ronon? I can't believe he didn't eat dinner!"
Teyla gave her a knowing look. "I think there has been a misunderstanding."
"Um, something like that," Amelia answered.
"What?" John asked.
"Oh nothing," said Teyla.
John looked puzzled, then went back to eating.
Soon Ronon appeared, with clean clothes and wet hair. He loaded his tray and sat down.
"Please hurry and finish eating," Teyla said. "I want to check on Torren."
"I'm sure he's fine with the babysitter," John said, swallowing the last of his dessert.
Amelia relaxed as they left, thinking,"Maybe now Ronon would finally say what's on his mind. After he finishes eating that is."
Epilogue
"I guess I jumped to the wrong conclusion," Ronon said.
"Yes you did," Amelia answered.
They were on the balcony watching the sun set. Ronon cleared his throat several times, then said, "I wanted to ask you for a date, but we kept getting interrupted. John told me your custom was dinner and a movie for the first date."
"That's often true, but not a hard and fast rule. A date can be anything really!" Amelia replied.
"Well, we've had our dinner, and if we hurry, we can make the movie!" Ronon said, grabbing her hand.
"So this is our first date!" Amelia said.
"I hope the first of many," Ronon said softly. Amelia gave him a big smile, squeezed his hand, then looked down to hide happy tears.