Year Four - The Four Season - Challenge

[ts5000.livejournal.com]

Fandom: SGA
Rating: PG
Words : 1000
Title : Drop Bears
Season 1

The picture can be found behind the cut.



Sheppard frowned, turning in Teyla’s direction. “I thought you said the natives were friendly?”

“They were the last time I was here,” Teyla answered, peering into another abandoned hut, and then disappearing inside.

“Well, I hate to state the obvious, but the natives are non-existent,” Rodney said, scanning the area.

“There’s no sign of a battle, or even Wraith interference,” Ford added as he walked into the center of the deserted village.

Rodney spared the lieutenant a glance. “There are other things beside the Wraith that can wipe out a whole civilization.”

“Like what?” Ford asked.

Moving to McKay’s side, Sheppard squinted at the scanner. “Well?”

Exhaling, Rodney spared the major a scowl, then lifted the scanner. “No,” he said impatiently. “I haven’t taken near enough readings to give you any sort of coherent answer.”

Sheppard snorted then tapped his intercom. “Teyla, you find anything?”

“There is rotting food on the tables. It is strange as––” Her voice was abruptly drowned out by a thunderous roar.

“Teyla!” Sheppard called, already moving. Ford flanked him, both running low, prepared for anything. “Teyla?” Sheppard called again as they approached the hut. Teyla fell through the door, landing awkwardly on the ground before rolling to her feet. She reached for her gun and backed away.

“It is like no creature I have seen before,” she said, breathless as she wiped blood from her face.

“You okay?” Sheppard asked, assessing the scratch marks on her cheek.

“Major––” Rodney’s yell was cut off as a huge creature jumped from the tree overhead. It knocked him flying and he landed awkwardly, winded, to stare up in horror at the massive animal stalking him.
Sheppard fired into the ground between McKay and the creature, forcing it back. Then a second creature came crashing through a hut, and they all opened fire. Both creatures squealed and retreated.

“Back,” Sheppard ordered, grabbing McKay by the flack jacket and hauling him upright. “You okay?”

“I’m bleeding,” Rodney said, shocked, as he stared at his fingers.

“You’re not going to faint, are you?” Sheppard asked.

Rodney closed his mouth, his glare unforgiving. “I thought we had established the fact that I don’t faint.”

“I think we know what happened to the villagers,” Ford interrupted, searching around.

“Yeah,” Sheppard sighed. “Let’s back it up. Slowly,” he said, getting them moving. “No fast moves.”

“That’s easy for you to say, you weren’t almost lunch,” Rodney said.

Once outside the village they started to run, wanting to get out of the forest quickly. They didn’t stop until they cleared the trees and were again in open grassland.

“No offense, doc, but you looked like a deer caught in headlights back there,” Ford said as he surveyed the trees behind.

“Gee, thanks,” Rodney said sourly, breathing hard.

“Not so much a deer, more like one of those baby Harp seals,” Sheppard said. Ford snickered.

“What are you two? A comedy duo?” Rodney complained. “I almost died. Remember?”

“What is a deer and a seal?” Teyla asked.

“A deer is a four-legged animal about so high, and a seal is a cute, cuddly thing,” Sheppard said, his grin infectious.

“I remind you of something cute and cuddly?” Rodney asked, his brows disappearing upward.

“No, you just had that ‘about to die’ look,” Sheppard answered, leaning closer. “Now I suggest we get back to the Gate.”

Opening his mouth to deliver a blistering retort, Rodney froze as five hairy creatures appeared at the tree-line. “Umm, Major?”

In unison the animals let out a blood-curdling screech.

Sheppard swore and fired when the creatures broke cover and bounded after them. “Get to the Gate!” he ordered, pushing McKay ahead of him.

“Okay, I can do cute,” Rodney said, following Teyla through the long grass. He knew Sheppard was on his heels, could feel the Major urging him on, making him run faster. After five minutes he was panting. His ankle was killing him, and for some reason he just couldn’t get enough air. It had to be the atmosphere. Bracing hands on his knees, Rodney stopped and looked up when Sheppard jogged back to his position. He had that typical disproving frown plastered across his face.

“This is not the time to stop.”

Rodney did not bother to alter his glare, noticing how the Major’s hair was once again at odds with the universe. “I’ll have you know that running can seriously injure one’s health.”

“So can being eaten by a Drop-Bear.”

“You’ve named the thing already?”

“Just getting in before Ford.” Sheppard grinned, pleased.

Rodney stared at him, amazed. Straightening, he wiped sweat from his face and reached for his pack, realizing he’d left it in the village. “Damn.”

“Rodney . . . move!” Sheppard said as one creature suddenly appeared at the bottom of the slope.

Rodney moved. They cleared the slope and ran down the hill toward the Gate. Ford was already dialing in while Teyla gave covering fire.

“Keep going,” Sheppard said, shadowing McKay.

“I’m running,” Rodney said exasperated. “What do you think this is? Sun bathing?”

Sheppard snorted. “You sun bathe?”

Biting back on his reply, Rodney reached the Gate and turned in time to see a dozen huge, hairy creatures crest the hill. They started to beat their chests and howl.

“Somehow, I don’t think they’re interested in trade,” Sheppard said as the wormhole opened.

Rodney limped through the Gate as the creatures charged, yelling for the iris to be closed when he reached the gateroom. The protective shield slid into place as marines rushed the area with guns ready. Nothing happened; then the wormhole disengaged and silence fell.

“Well, that was fun,” Sheppard said.

“I take it not all went well?” Weir asked.

“You could say that,” Sheppard said, glancing up, his grin cocky. “If the Genii ever ask for another Gate address I say we give them this one.”

Rodney winced and sat on the top step, exhausted. “Can someone please get me a drink, before I pass out?”






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