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denyceMasterpost
Previous chs: 1, 2
---
Max heard a rustle of movement and snapped opened her eyes, surprised she had actually fallen asleep.
John sat across from her and offered her a power bar, and signaled upward. Her eyes followed to see it was pre-dawn.
Accepting the bar, Max sat up, ignoring the cool brisk chill and looked around to see everyone else huddled together for warmth eating their own power bar. John’s hand touched her shoulder silently beckoning her to join him.
Silently they ate, listening for any signs of more activity.
A robust voice bellowed out cutting through the silence, “Where the fuck are they?”
Max and the others quickly took cover and listened to the argument.
Alec’s voice reached her ears, “Ever hear the phrase about a watched pot?”
It was White who laughed. “He’s right; don’t get your panties into a twist.”
Max held her breath as they came into view; they were less than two hundred feet in front of them. The man John had warned her about, Michael, yelled glaring at Alec before turning his gaze to White. “I don’t give a fuck about a watched pot… White you swore your people could do the job. If you need a reminder of the consequences of failing…”
The man’s hand flexed drawing White to the gesture; his eyes widened in fright while his face drained of color before he forcibly bolstered his stance, narrowing his eyes in hatred as he met Michael’s gaze. It was too late, even from her vantage point it was obvious White was unsettled by Michael’s threat. She didn’t give a shit about White, but Alec was right next to Michael. If her ass of a brother was afraid of the man, then Alec was in serious danger.
However small, she must have made a sound or a gesture before she felt John’s hand settle on her shoulder to silence her.
She met John’s eyes, letting him know she’d move to warn and defend Alec regardless of the disc if she had to. She couldn’t just stand by and let this Michael person take Alec down. Although John clenched his jaw making it obvious he didn’t like it, he clearly understood and nodded. Max was sure John was already strategizing a plan if things went sideways.
Max turned back to Alec. To everyone else he stood there casually, seemingly unaware of the danger he was in, but Max knew better. It was all part of Alec’s persona. A charade he had perfected and ultimately it gave him an advantage, leading his opponent into a false of security. Alec was good; more than once since she had met Alec, she had fallen for the façade. She only hoped Michael would be fooled as she had been.
Max’s fist gripped tighter as White took a step back, his eyes dropping to Michael’s hand even as she felt the pressure of John’s hand increase, she was a hair’s breadth from springing into action when Michael and Alec both turned toward the gate’s entrance. A second later she heard what they did, the roar of an engine. Minutes later Alec started to shout out orders and men rushed to open the gate allowing the car they heard to drive through.
Michael and White walked over to meet the car, with Alec lingering behind them. He bobbed his head in answer to someone then casually he glanced her way and nodded again only this time his face reflected his worry and concern. However it was followed by one of Alec’s typical lopsided smiles thrown in her direction way before it quickly vanished, but she got the message, ‘to stand down – that he had this’. Unable to do anything else Max complied, though it did nothing to ease her nerves.
Camouflaged by the camp’s commotion, she and John gathered their things as their group moved stealthily closer. From under her breath, just loud enough for John to hear, she asked, “Is there something I should know about Michael’s hands?”
John didn’t bother to slow down or even look in her direction; apparently he had faith or instinctually knew she’d be able to pick up his whispered words. “Don’t get close enough to let him touch you… he’s Wraith though more a hybrid since the retrovirus. He couldn’t before, but he’s mutated again and is able to feed again like a typical Wraith.”
Max took in the words she connected with most: hybrid and mutated. Alec had said he thought Michael was one of Sandeman’s mixed cocktails; the only problem was she had no idea what a Wraith was.
John seemed to catch her confusion and supplied an answer. “The Wraith, they’re vampiric through their hands, they’re able to feed and drain a human to death within minutes, leaving behind nothing but shriveled skin on bones.”
Max clenched her jaw in anger. John should have told her sooner then she would have had the chance to warn Alec and Joshua. If there was time she would have turned and clocked him right then and there.
Instead she kept her focus on Michael.
Although they were closer they were still too far away for John and the others to actually hear the exchange, yet even without sound Max was sure they easily understood what was happening as Michael angrily opened the driver’s car door demanding he get out of the car and give him the disc. Even from where she stood Max could feel the driver’s fear as the men scrambled to obey.
Michael grabbed the driver. His voice squeaked loudly in fright, telling Michael that his partner had the disc.
Max had been so intent on Michael she hadn’t seen White move as he abruptly gripped the other man’s shirt and pulled him back out of Michael’s reach, taking the disc from him before shoving him back at Michael as he approached.
Michael caught the fumbling man; blatantly glaring at White, Michael’s hand settled over the man’s neck. pulling him in closer as if he was whispering something important. It was only twenty or thirty seconds before Michael pushed him to the ground.
From her angle Max couldn’t see what had happened but from the look of horror on Alec’s face, Michael had done what John had warned her of and killed the driver.
White stepped back out of Michael’s reach waving the disc, smiling as if had swallowed the proverbial canary. “Think I’ll hang on to this while you lead the way down to the gate.”
Michael’s reptilian eyes narrowed in anger.
White just waved his arm gesturing for Michael to go first. “After you.”
After a moment, Michael moved ahead and entered the cavern’s entrance. White didn’t move instead he waved Alec to go ahead of him, using Alec as a buffer between him and Michael. Smirking, White said, “Let’s go into the belly of the beast.”
Alec glanced at the dead body then briefly out toward where Max was hidden before he turned muttering, “And out the demon’s ass.” before Alec followed Michael while White laughed behind him.
Once Alec entered the cavern, White gave the driver an order then made his way toward the entrance.
The driver hollered out orders for his companion to be disposed of. As White’s men moved to follow the orders, Joshua and his men ambushed them. A man near the entrance whistled a signal. Joshua faced Max’s direction and called out in a bark.
Max understood and moved, waving John and the others to follow her. “Let’s blaze.”
Entering the camp, Max passed the few that stood loyal to White, gagged and hog-tied as she headed over toward Joshua who stood by the slain body. Although Max already knew the man was dead, seeing the evidence up close of exactly what Michael was capable of and that Alec was within arm’s length of Michael scared the shit out of her.
Beside her Joshua spoke his voice edged with anger. “We stop him and go after Alec?”
Max shook her head, no. “You stay here big fella and keep things secure; I’ll go after Alec.”
“Max, not go alone.”
“She won’t. We’ll be with her on her six.” John firmly stated and someone else, Lorne or Ronon, grunted their assent.
Max took one last look at the husked body, still pissed that John hadn’t warned her of Michael’s ability earlier. Although reluctant, Max couldn’t deny she needed John’s help to stop them. Slowly Max nodded her assent. “Fine, then let’s jet.”
Although the entrance was lit with torches, the cavern itself was as expected dark and dank. Further inside, John tried to hand her a torch which she refused. “No keep it for you and the others, I can see without it.” Behind her, she heard Rodney’s muttering under his breath, his curiosity piqued. “What does she mean she can see, what is she an owl or a wolf?” John tried to tell Rodney to knock it off when she stopped and interrupted, turning to answer him, “Feline. Have cat in my DNA.”
She raised a brow daring any of them to say anything, but stared heavily at Rodney. He swallowed nervously under her gaze, but the moment didn’t last as his inquisitive mind demanded answers. Biting the inside of her cheek she turned away knowing Rodney was about to bombard her with questions and as annoying as that’d be Max couldn’t deny it pulled at her heart. In fact the short time she’s known the man she could see the parallels between him and Joshua, neither knew how to hide or be anyone other than their authentic selves. That alone won her respect for the man. She even felt protective of him, same as she did Parrish and Lorne and would have made all of them stay back with Joshua if John and Ronon weren’t there. At the same time McKay had a unique ability to ruffle her feathers especially since he didn’t know when to shut up.
Max moved holding a finger to his lips and leaned in. “I’ll tell you anything you want to know – later! After we get Alec and the disc out of here and we see Logan. Deal?”
It took Rodney only a second before he started to answer, his head bobbing enthusiastically.
Max pressed her finger harder against his lips to still him from vocally answering. Though she spoke quietly, Max didn’t hide the condescension in her voice. “Shhh, we need to be quiet. Meaning no talking, no questions, not one word, understand?”
Rodney stared at her; his enthusiasm gone, his shoulders deflated, and he was clearly upset by the perimeters and her tone. Max was unfazed and held his gaze, waiting. Although he was reluctant Rodney finally nodded his acceptance.
Pleased Max smiled and whispered, “I promise once we’re safe.” then she gently patted his cheek.
Apparently it was enough, though hesitant, Rodney nodded again but it was the spark she saw in his eyes that let her know instinctively he was filing away questions. At McKay’s sudden smirk, Max realized her mistake that she had just given Rodney the upper hand by giving him carte blanche into her private life.
Looking past Rodney it was easy the others knew it too, but it was Ronon’s wide grin that threw her off - a look of pride that his Rodney had gotten the best of her.
John caught her attention and dug inside his backpack. A moment later he pulled out a bright reflector the size of a bumper sticker. He turned her around and pressed it over her back as he spoke. “This way you can move ahead of us and we’ll still see you.” Encouragingly he patted her on the back indicating she should go.
Feeling dumbfounded, fuming at her own stupidity about Rodney, Max nodded and without another word took the lead as John and the others quietly trailed behind her.
---
They had already walked close to four miles down the winding caverns. She was a good distance ahead of Sheppard. Glancing behind her Max saw the faint glow of the torch and stopped for a moment. If she moved ahead any faster John would lose her trail.
Up ahead, although she had to strain herself, Max could hear the faint mutterings of White and Michael talking, yet she wasn’t able to make out anything of they were actually saying.
Suddenly there was an abrupt scream. Its echo rippled throughout the cavern loud enough that she was sure even John and the others heard it.
Worse, she knew it was Alec.
Terrified, Max broke out into a run.
Behind her she heard running and someone yell out, “Wait!” but she couldn’t stop. Alec was in trouble, deep trouble. He wasn’t a man to scream and she didn’t want to stop and consider exactly what could possibly make Alec scream.
Cursing under her breath as she came up to and picked the second tunnel that vibrated sound; it was a crossroad, one she didn’t stop to leave a marker for Sheppard and the others. Instead she pushed herself harder, running. Her heart pounded in her chest drowning out everything else until she heard Alec’s third whimpered scream. She was losing him.
A faint glow broke through the darkness. Max slowed enough to hear White swearing as he complained to Michael that he didn’t have to kill him.
‘Him? Alec?’ Max’s balance faltered as she registered what White said; her body still in motion, moving even as her mind and heart screamed in agony. Charging into the large chamber she spotted Michael. Instinct driving her, Max moved in and attacked him.
The fight was brief as he turned, hitting her with a weapon that zapped her allowing him to easily knock her out of his way, her body slamming hard into the cavern wall.
Minutes later, aching, blinking against the stars she saw Max tried to collect and lift herself off the ground.
Hearing a loud swish Max looked up only to see a large metallic half circle protruding out of the ground covered with chevron symbols similar to those on her disc and decorated on the clock’s surface. The middle shimmered with what appeared to be a liquid surface. It shifted in motion like soft ripples she’d see on a lake at predawn.
Abruptly a hum ignited. Max looked to the source of the reverberation only to see Michael standing by a pedestal. He had inserted the disc and touched the top of the pedestal then stared keenly at the large arch.
A sound ushered forward as the liquid inside the arch came to life, gathering to form a singular large spout that pushed outward then snapped back.
From the expectant smile on Michael’s face she was too late; Michael had activated and unlocked the arch.
Suddenly there were several figures coming through the arch. Dread filled her heart as Max’s mind supplied the word Wraith.
Although John didn’t give her a full description, Max was certain the anomaly were Wraith. Still there were differences between them and Michael. Those coming through the arch were tall, their skin a pasty yellow/green with slits or gills cut into their cheeks. Lizard eyes with long stark white hair, but it was the jagged teeth they sported in greeting to Michael that really set them apart.
A low muttering moan drew her attention. Her eyes immediately went to Alec’s fallen body. Though his back was to her Max could see Alec’s arms. The skin was shriveled close to the bone. Her stomach revolted at the sight.
Anger and grief consumed her as Max unwillingly focused on the fact she lost her dad, Logan and now Alec.
Hearing another guttural moan it took Max a minute to realize the noise was Alec’s breathing – he wasn’t dead. Max got up and rushed to Alec’s side. Turning him over hoping she could help him, Max gasped in alarm at the sight of his wrinkled, sunken face. Alec’s entire body had caved in on itself, each shallow breath was labored.
Carefully, Max moved closer so she could lift Alec’s face, silently urging him to open his eyes and look at her. It took several moments where Max anxiously held her breath waiting before Alec responded and opened his eyes.
At Alec’s response, Max didn’t bother to hide the tears that rolled down her cheeks.
There was no sound, but Alec mouthed the words, ‘Maxie, I’m all right, I’m always alright.’ It wasn’t true, but it was a mantra Alec liked to say as he’d try to channel the words and make ‘em be true. Then Alec smiled. His lips were thin, twisted and deformed, not Alec’s usual patented lush full lips that Max had come to know and love.
Still he was alive and that mattered more to her than anything else. A tear dropped and slid into a deep wrinkled crease that had once been Alec’s flawless youthful skin. Max’s thumb gently caressed over the dry surface. Under her hand she could feel Alec’s skin push up in response. It took Max several minutes to realize Alec’s cheeks were miraculously filling out.
Behind her someone swore, ‘shit’ drawing Michael’s and the others’ attention to Alec.
Michael spoke, “Now that’s interesting. I could tell he wasn’t exactly human, tasty nevertheless, but even better since apparently he’ll be available for seconds.”
Max pulled Alec to her protectively cradling him in an embrace, drawing her gun, then coldly ordering, “You’re not touching him again.”
Michael chuckled and smiled while the Wraith behind him growled showing their teeth. “That’s really touching - truly. You remind me of my Teyla: a fierce lioness ready to protect those she loved.”
Abruptly a shot rang out as Sheppard and Lorne made their presence known, blocking the exit with guns drawn. John growled out, “Teyla was not and will never be yours!”
Michael turned toward the entrance. “Ah Colonel Sheppard, what a pleasant surprise. I’m pleased you could join us.”
“Really? In that case if you’d just hand over the disc.” John’s voice was almost carefree with only a slight sarcastic edge. His overall stance was lax, really no different than the day she met John, yet Max noticed the way he held his PS90. It appeared John and Alec shared the same outward defense – a camouflage of indifference masked in boredom.
“I’m afraid not.”
“Well there’s always plan B.” John stated as he raised the nose of the PS90. “You didn’t really think we wouldn’t find and stop you, did you?”
“You’re here; obviously you found me, but stop me? That remains to be seen. Maybe you haven’t looked around yet, but you’re quite outnumbered. Even if my sweet Teyla and that Satedan trash Ronon are lurking behind you? Let me guess, Dr McKay is with them and your hope is he’ll be able to disable the controls before more of my men come through the gate. Still I believe that’s twelve to six in my favor.”
“You don’t say. By the way, why is that, that you only have twelve goons?”
“My goons as you call them were only the first group to test the gate. Something you’ll realize in a few minutes when you and your team draw your last breath.”
Max had been so occupied by John and Michael’s standoff she hadn’t noticed Alec’s condition until he spoke, scaring the living shit out of her. “Seven.”
Michael shifted to Alec, his eyes widened in shock before settling into a gleeful look that said he was just told he won the lotto or was staring at a pot of gold. Worse and more accurately, the gaze was that of a starving man facing his favorite meal. The thought made Max sick to her stomach.
Dumbfounded Michael took a step toward them. “You should be dead. I left you at the brink of death, but now… you’re as alive as if I never fed from you.”
Max was as equally amazed as Michael. Her fingers itched to roam Alec’s entire body to confirm he was alright. Instead Max settled and had to be satisfied feeling the smooth untarnished skin under her hand as she grasped Alec’s hand. Her thumb swept over the back of Alec’s hand, silently making her feelings known before she clasped Alec’s hand hard, grateful he wasn’t just alive, but that he appeared to be fine and would walk out of the cavern under his own steam.
Mesmerized, Michael smiled and nodded at Alec. “I’ll definitely be taking you with me. I need to study and find out what makes you tick. And you White, are you like him?”
White snared in disgust at the suggestion. “We’re nothing alike; they’re X-5’s filled with junk DNA.”
Michael huffed, “Pity, then again, now I have no reason to keep you.”
Before he could utter a protest a few of the Wraith grabbed White. Although he struggled, White’s enhanced strength was ineffective against the three of them. “Still I’ll hang on to you for a bit, if nothing else to compare and establish a baseline and identify this so-called junk DNA… or in case you’re lying.” Max could tell by his tone Michael believed the latter.
Michael’s glare intensified as he met Max’s gaze, then spoke what she saw in his eyes. “They? Then I’ll be seeing more of you my dear…” His smile malicious before Michael turned dismissing her and stating to his men, “Try not to damage them too much. As for the others, except for Teyla, I want her, you may do what you want with them.”
Max felt Alec’s body tense, ready to spring, they were going to fight, but it was Alec’s whispered, “Eight” that caught her attention and she shifted her gaze to White as the phrase ‘enemy of my enemy’ came to mind.
Max didn’t need to reply as she and Alec sprang into action just as White yelled out, “Now!”
With White’s signal, chaos erupted.
Taking cover, John and Lorne fired. They didn’t need a program note to realize White was suddenly on their team as they fired on the Wraith protecting Michael.
John screamed over the gunfire. “Goddamn it! He’s dialing the gate. Rodney, can you jam the signal, stop him from dialing out.”
“From here? What, are you crazy?”
“Rodney?”
“What, I can’t do anything from here. You’ll have to disable the controls on the back of the dais. Cut power off the gate. It’ll trap those that came through but kill anyone in transport and cut off this gate address.”
Max didn’t stop fighting to assess the situation, but she heard the arch activate and knew by the increased firepower more Wraith were coming through what John called the gate.
Together Max and Alec freed White, leaving each of them a Wraith to fight off. In quick succession, they discovered fighting individually against a Wraith that their strengths were evenly matched. Within a few minutes, they each realized their skills in hand to hand combat strategy against the Wraith were far superior. It was obvious; they had no formal training and relied on their weapons and superior strength against their standard prey, humans.
Avoiding the Wraiths’ palms, Max found it was relatively easy to outmaneuver them as she, Alec, and White tag teamed and got them into position where Ronon, McKay and Parrish took aim and fired, bringing them down. Ronon hovered near Rodney and Parrish, standing guard protecting them from the Wraith that got through John and Lorne’s line of fire.
Someone let out a blood-curdling scream, “No!”
Spotting the man, Max found it had been David, his distress apparent as McKay forcibly held him back, telling him something as Ronon continued to fire.
Max turned to the spot where David was staring. It was Lorne.
Lorne was on the ground attempting to crawl away from a Wraith that had attacked him. Ronon occupied the Wraith by firing until he dropped a few feet from Lorne. However Ronon was unable to get to Lorne as more Wraith attacked their position.
Max saw the pain etched on Lorne’s face; he was alive.
Upon a closer look she saw the trail of blood behind him. Cursing under her breath, Max took out her anger on the Wraith she had been fighting and gutted him from bow to stern. She didn’t bother to wait as the Wraith collapsed in a dead heap before she made her way over to Lorne and clasped his hand, dragging him out the line of fire.
Max helped Lorne to sit up, examining him as she did. He brushed away her hands. “It’s okay, I’ll live.” Sighing, he added sarcastically, “If we can get the hell out of here.”
“Good point. Any thoughts?”
Lorne repeated what Rodney said earlier. “We have to shut down the gate by destroying the control panel.”
“That’s that pedestal. I’ve already seen you and John fire directly at the damn thing, and it’s not making a difference. How do we destroy it without burying us alive?”
Making his way over to Max, still in mid-fight with his opponent, over his shoulder Alec said “One of your merry men said by firing on the back of it.”
Lorne chuckled. “Merry men?”
With his throat slashed the Wraith went down with a thud. “Yup, like you, another do-gooder, Max collects ‘em. Alright, cover me.” Alec pulled his weapon up, it was from one of the Wraith, then he fired at the Wraith coming through the gate. Unlike the fire from John and Ronon, with the Wraith weapon they dropped instantly.
Max followed suit, grabbing another Wraith’s weapon. Although it was a weapon she had never held, it took only seconds to understand the basic mechanics and fire.
Beside her Lorne also took aim, covering Alec as he stayed crouched and made his way toward the pedestal.
Around them more Wraith dropped dead from their own firepower yet it didn’t decrease the numbers they were fighting as more Wraith came in through the gate. It was obvious they were losing.
Suddenly Alec stood as he got into a better position to fire on the back of the dais.
While Max and Lorne had Alec’s six, Max noticed John and Ronon were diverting attention away from them.
Finally Alec was close enough and didn’t hesitate as he aimed at the dais.
Max heard Michael screaming orders at his men to stop him, but it was too late as the gate’s power faltered then shut down completely.
Someone screamed. Max’s gaze found Michael had White in his grasp, his hand gripped tight around White’s neck. White hung there like he was paralyzed. Then like the driver and Alec, his skin started to shrivel as Michael started to feed from him.
Max raised and aimed her gun. Abruptly Michael stopped feeding and pulled White to his chest using him as a shield effectively blocking her shot – unless she fired through White.
There was no doubt Max hated White, and never wanted to think of him as her half brother. Still, killing anyone, even White like this, she couldn’t do it. Max lowered the barrel of her weapon and met Michael’s gaze. “I’m coming after you.”
“I look forward to it.” Michael held White tightly to his body securely surrounded by his remaining men.
His men were easy targets and used as cannon fodder.
Using White as a shield, Michael made his way toward the entrance while the Wraith around him fired, offering cover as they rushed the entrance to escape. Holding White, Michael got away.
Max screamed, “No!” and took action by firing back, killing the Wraith that stood as a shield protecting Michael.
Max heard John call out, “Rodney!”
Rodney’s only response was, “Go, go!”
The last Wraith fled, but he wasn’t quick enough as she, John, and Ronon were on his trail. Max finally got a clear shot and the Wraith fell to his death. They picked up speed as they passed his body, reaching the forked passageway and stopped. It was too dark for her companions, but Max was able to see the signs of how the dirt was trampled – unfortunately it was in both directions, they each took a path.
“They split up.”
“Damn it! Can you tell which way Michael went?”
“No. We’ll have to split up and take a chance.”
“Alright fine, just be careful and watch your back.”
Max whipped back, “You too!” before she took off, taking the tunnel on the left.
Running, desperate to catch up to Michael, Max ignored the burn in her lungs as she pressed herself harder in order to make up some time then suddenly the scent of fresh air hit her. Nearly panting, Max pushed her muscles only to slow down using caution when she saw light.
It wasn’t the main entrance where they had entered, but an alternate entrance. Hearing sounds of a car’s acceleration, Max ignored her own safety and ran out of the entrance.
It was too late, the car was gone she could only hear the lingering sounds of the engine.
Taking in her location from the main entrance, Max trotted back inside the cavern to help the others.
Reaching the forked entrance she found Alec, Evan, David and Rodney. She immediately noticed Alec’s handiwork of make-shift bandages around Evan’s left shoulder and another on his thigh. Both Rodney and David had an arm around him holding him up as Alec stood in front at the ready to protect them.
Seeing that it was her Alec’s stance eased slightly.
Rodney immediately asked, “Where’re John and Ronon?”
Flatly Max replied, “We had to split up.”
Meeting Alec’s eyes, she let Alec silently know before she said anything to the others, that Michael still had White and that they got away. The way Alec gritted his teeth and the surrounding skin went taut then flexed told her he got the message loud and clear. Exhaling her frustration, she told them. “Michael got away.”
In a panic Rodney said what she was already thinking, “We can’t let him or any of them get away.”
“We won’t!”
“Yeah well, how do you propose we find them, follow a trail of bodies?”
No one said anything and the silence lengthened. Rodney’s eyes bugged out over his own words and swallowed audibly, the realization dawning what they had each contributed and failed to do, by not stopping them.
It was Lorne who spoke and reprimanded him. “Rodney stop, we’ll stop him.”
“How? We have no idea where he’ll be this time.”
“That’s not true,” John stated as he joined them. “He’ll make his way to the other gate.”
Confused, Max asked, “There’s another one?”
“Two actually: one is located at the SGC and it’s under heavy guard. That’ll be his last resort. No, he’ll make his way to the other one in a remote area in Antarctica.”
Sarcastically Rodney added, “Right we’ll just meet and stop them at the airport trying to buy a ticket.”
Max ignored the quip. “If he’s as smart as you think he is…”
Alec finished for her, “He’ll keep Ames alive and use all of his resources including Ames’ private jet as far as he can. And depending on how remote it is…” Alec looked at her with meaning. “It’ll take them awhile to get there without drawing unnecessary military attention.”
Max nodded, understanding what Alec was saying, and added, “Against your puddlecraft that’ll give us plenty of time.”
John corrected, “Puddlejumper. Time for what?”
Max answered easily, “Fine, puddlejumper.”
Alec moved closer and leaned into her before he addressed John. “Then we want you to fly us wherever you have Logan, now.”
Outwardly Alec was still Alec, and to them he probably seemed harmless, but as he spoke Alec’s voice took on an edge. Max didn’t need to see Alec’s face – she heard the pain with every word spoken. By the time Alec said Logan’s name there was a guttural sharpness amplifying Alec’s need to see Logan, but the word ‘now’ vibrated with a promise of dangerous retribution if John answered the wrong way.
Max held her breath waiting for John’s reaction. She didn’t have long to wait as John’s eyes widened. Suddenly Max realized Alec wasn’t hiding behind his customary mask, but allowing John to see everything. What John saw did nothing to appease the tone he heard in Alec’s voice. It was obvious to Max it rubbed John the wrong way by the way John clenched his jaw. But then he did something she hadn’t expected and uttered, “Huh!” then nodded his acceptance. “All right then, let’s go.”
Rodney started to sputter, but Ronon clasped his hand on Rodney’s shoulder, silencing him. John ignored his teammates, his eyes focused on Alec before he shifted his gaze to Max.
Then she understood staring into John’s eyes that were suddenly easy to read as they stood there. Finally John looked away sheepishly, but not before he glanced pointedly at Rodney and Ronon then moved to take the lead as they headed out of the cavern.
Alec ignored her usual stance against public affection and slid his arm over her shoulders, pulling her in as they followed John.
Max fell into step beside Alec, but couldn’t shake the image of concern and worry she saw in John’s eyes, it was for her. The feelings were palpable – somehow John got what Alec didn’t say and knew that they, the three of them, were intimately involved, like he was with Rodney and Ronon.
Alec must have felt her turmoil, but misinterpreted it, as he briefly hugged her then he dropped his arm. Without thinking, she picked up his hand to clasp and squeeze. Not letting go she quietly said, “We’ll see him soon.”
Alec didn’t respond instead he gave a curt nod.
Behind them they heard Rodney complaining a mile a minute before Ronon interrupted him and reminded Rodney of her deal.
Max tensed and waited. Now that they were out of danger she expected Rodney to start bombarding her with questions. When none came and the silence dragged on her, curiosity got the better of her and she had to turn around.
Rodney was smiling gleefully, his lips widening further when she turned around.
Confused she stopped. Rodney shooed her with his hands to keep moving. “You see Logan, then we can sit down for a nice long chat. That’s the deal.”
“You made a deal?” Max clearly heard the alarm Alec’s voice as did Rodney.
Worriedly Rodney responded, “Yes, she did, and I have witnesses.”
Max cringed then shrugged pulling away from Alec as she turned to continue walking.
Alec reached out and stopped her, questioning. “Max, what kind of deal?”
“Don’t worry, I’ll keep it confined to me.”
“Max?”
“Alec. No. Right now we need to see Logan and make sure he’s okay.”
“Yes. Let’s get going. I’m sure Carson saved him…” Rodney paused and swallowed loudly making it painfully obvious he was remembering the last time he saw Carson bent over Logan. “Despite all the blood…”
Both Max and Alec turned to glare at Rodney. Behind him Ronon grunted, and nudged Rodney, but it was Lorne who hobbled past them, and ordered Rodney to shut up. Then he faced Alec and Max, “Don’t listen to him, he gets scared over a pinprick.”
Offended, Rodney countered, “I do not!”
But Ronon smirked, chuckling as he manhandled Rodney past them. “Yeah you do. Come on let’s go.”
Not waiting, the others passed them as Max and Alec stood there facing each other. “You made a deal?”
“Nothing I can’t handle.” Then she moved to follow the others.
Alec pulled her back. “You’re not getting the point, but I’ll keep telling you and so will Logan. Max, you’re not in this alone anymore. We’re with you, both of us.” Alec’s thumb brushed over her palm, “Come on let’s go see Logan.” Pulling her forward he added mischievously, “Then you can tell him about your deal.”
Max opened her mouth to protest telling Logan about her deal, knowing that she would be at Logan’s mercy for one of his many lectures. However as the thought crossed her mind she realized how much she’d love seeing him in lecture mode – anything but how she last saw him, unconscious and bleeding out. Shaking her head to dismiss the image, Max looked back at Alec smiling; he was right. They needed to see Logan and even if that meant she had to endure one or a dozen of his lectures, it’d be worth it.
next~
Previous chs: 1, 2
---
Max heard a rustle of movement and snapped opened her eyes, surprised she had actually fallen asleep.
John sat across from her and offered her a power bar, and signaled upward. Her eyes followed to see it was pre-dawn.
Accepting the bar, Max sat up, ignoring the cool brisk chill and looked around to see everyone else huddled together for warmth eating their own power bar. John’s hand touched her shoulder silently beckoning her to join him.
Silently they ate, listening for any signs of more activity.
A robust voice bellowed out cutting through the silence, “Where the fuck are they?”
Max and the others quickly took cover and listened to the argument.
Alec’s voice reached her ears, “Ever hear the phrase about a watched pot?”
It was White who laughed. “He’s right; don’t get your panties into a twist.”
Max held her breath as they came into view; they were less than two hundred feet in front of them. The man John had warned her about, Michael, yelled glaring at Alec before turning his gaze to White. “I don’t give a fuck about a watched pot… White you swore your people could do the job. If you need a reminder of the consequences of failing…”
The man’s hand flexed drawing White to the gesture; his eyes widened in fright while his face drained of color before he forcibly bolstered his stance, narrowing his eyes in hatred as he met Michael’s gaze. It was too late, even from her vantage point it was obvious White was unsettled by Michael’s threat. She didn’t give a shit about White, but Alec was right next to Michael. If her ass of a brother was afraid of the man, then Alec was in serious danger.
However small, she must have made a sound or a gesture before she felt John’s hand settle on her shoulder to silence her.
She met John’s eyes, letting him know she’d move to warn and defend Alec regardless of the disc if she had to. She couldn’t just stand by and let this Michael person take Alec down. Although John clenched his jaw making it obvious he didn’t like it, he clearly understood and nodded. Max was sure John was already strategizing a plan if things went sideways.
Max turned back to Alec. To everyone else he stood there casually, seemingly unaware of the danger he was in, but Max knew better. It was all part of Alec’s persona. A charade he had perfected and ultimately it gave him an advantage, leading his opponent into a false of security. Alec was good; more than once since she had met Alec, she had fallen for the façade. She only hoped Michael would be fooled as she had been.
Max’s fist gripped tighter as White took a step back, his eyes dropping to Michael’s hand even as she felt the pressure of John’s hand increase, she was a hair’s breadth from springing into action when Michael and Alec both turned toward the gate’s entrance. A second later she heard what they did, the roar of an engine. Minutes later Alec started to shout out orders and men rushed to open the gate allowing the car they heard to drive through.
Michael and White walked over to meet the car, with Alec lingering behind them. He bobbed his head in answer to someone then casually he glanced her way and nodded again only this time his face reflected his worry and concern. However it was followed by one of Alec’s typical lopsided smiles thrown in her direction way before it quickly vanished, but she got the message, ‘to stand down – that he had this’. Unable to do anything else Max complied, though it did nothing to ease her nerves.
Camouflaged by the camp’s commotion, she and John gathered their things as their group moved stealthily closer. From under her breath, just loud enough for John to hear, she asked, “Is there something I should know about Michael’s hands?”
John didn’t bother to slow down or even look in her direction; apparently he had faith or instinctually knew she’d be able to pick up his whispered words. “Don’t get close enough to let him touch you… he’s Wraith though more a hybrid since the retrovirus. He couldn’t before, but he’s mutated again and is able to feed again like a typical Wraith.”
Max took in the words she connected with most: hybrid and mutated. Alec had said he thought Michael was one of Sandeman’s mixed cocktails; the only problem was she had no idea what a Wraith was.
John seemed to catch her confusion and supplied an answer. “The Wraith, they’re vampiric through their hands, they’re able to feed and drain a human to death within minutes, leaving behind nothing but shriveled skin on bones.”
Max clenched her jaw in anger. John should have told her sooner then she would have had the chance to warn Alec and Joshua. If there was time she would have turned and clocked him right then and there.
Instead she kept her focus on Michael.
Although they were closer they were still too far away for John and the others to actually hear the exchange, yet even without sound Max was sure they easily understood what was happening as Michael angrily opened the driver’s car door demanding he get out of the car and give him the disc. Even from where she stood Max could feel the driver’s fear as the men scrambled to obey.
Michael grabbed the driver. His voice squeaked loudly in fright, telling Michael that his partner had the disc.
Max had been so intent on Michael she hadn’t seen White move as he abruptly gripped the other man’s shirt and pulled him back out of Michael’s reach, taking the disc from him before shoving him back at Michael as he approached.
Michael caught the fumbling man; blatantly glaring at White, Michael’s hand settled over the man’s neck. pulling him in closer as if he was whispering something important. It was only twenty or thirty seconds before Michael pushed him to the ground.
From her angle Max couldn’t see what had happened but from the look of horror on Alec’s face, Michael had done what John had warned her of and killed the driver.
White stepped back out of Michael’s reach waving the disc, smiling as if had swallowed the proverbial canary. “Think I’ll hang on to this while you lead the way down to the gate.”
Michael’s reptilian eyes narrowed in anger.
White just waved his arm gesturing for Michael to go first. “After you.”
After a moment, Michael moved ahead and entered the cavern’s entrance. White didn’t move instead he waved Alec to go ahead of him, using Alec as a buffer between him and Michael. Smirking, White said, “Let’s go into the belly of the beast.”
Alec glanced at the dead body then briefly out toward where Max was hidden before he turned muttering, “And out the demon’s ass.” before Alec followed Michael while White laughed behind him.
Once Alec entered the cavern, White gave the driver an order then made his way toward the entrance.
The driver hollered out orders for his companion to be disposed of. As White’s men moved to follow the orders, Joshua and his men ambushed them. A man near the entrance whistled a signal. Joshua faced Max’s direction and called out in a bark.
Max understood and moved, waving John and the others to follow her. “Let’s blaze.”
Entering the camp, Max passed the few that stood loyal to White, gagged and hog-tied as she headed over toward Joshua who stood by the slain body. Although Max already knew the man was dead, seeing the evidence up close of exactly what Michael was capable of and that Alec was within arm’s length of Michael scared the shit out of her.
Beside her Joshua spoke his voice edged with anger. “We stop him and go after Alec?”
Max shook her head, no. “You stay here big fella and keep things secure; I’ll go after Alec.”
“Max, not go alone.”
“She won’t. We’ll be with her on her six.” John firmly stated and someone else, Lorne or Ronon, grunted their assent.
Max took one last look at the husked body, still pissed that John hadn’t warned her of Michael’s ability earlier. Although reluctant, Max couldn’t deny she needed John’s help to stop them. Slowly Max nodded her assent. “Fine, then let’s jet.”
Although the entrance was lit with torches, the cavern itself was as expected dark and dank. Further inside, John tried to hand her a torch which she refused. “No keep it for you and the others, I can see without it.” Behind her, she heard Rodney’s muttering under his breath, his curiosity piqued. “What does she mean she can see, what is she an owl or a wolf?” John tried to tell Rodney to knock it off when she stopped and interrupted, turning to answer him, “Feline. Have cat in my DNA.”
She raised a brow daring any of them to say anything, but stared heavily at Rodney. He swallowed nervously under her gaze, but the moment didn’t last as his inquisitive mind demanded answers. Biting the inside of her cheek she turned away knowing Rodney was about to bombard her with questions and as annoying as that’d be Max couldn’t deny it pulled at her heart. In fact the short time she’s known the man she could see the parallels between him and Joshua, neither knew how to hide or be anyone other than their authentic selves. That alone won her respect for the man. She even felt protective of him, same as she did Parrish and Lorne and would have made all of them stay back with Joshua if John and Ronon weren’t there. At the same time McKay had a unique ability to ruffle her feathers especially since he didn’t know when to shut up.
Max moved holding a finger to his lips and leaned in. “I’ll tell you anything you want to know – later! After we get Alec and the disc out of here and we see Logan. Deal?”
It took Rodney only a second before he started to answer, his head bobbing enthusiastically.
Max pressed her finger harder against his lips to still him from vocally answering. Though she spoke quietly, Max didn’t hide the condescension in her voice. “Shhh, we need to be quiet. Meaning no talking, no questions, not one word, understand?”
Rodney stared at her; his enthusiasm gone, his shoulders deflated, and he was clearly upset by the perimeters and her tone. Max was unfazed and held his gaze, waiting. Although he was reluctant Rodney finally nodded his acceptance.
Pleased Max smiled and whispered, “I promise once we’re safe.” then she gently patted his cheek.
Apparently it was enough, though hesitant, Rodney nodded again but it was the spark she saw in his eyes that let her know instinctively he was filing away questions. At McKay’s sudden smirk, Max realized her mistake that she had just given Rodney the upper hand by giving him carte blanche into her private life.
Looking past Rodney it was easy the others knew it too, but it was Ronon’s wide grin that threw her off - a look of pride that his Rodney had gotten the best of her.
John caught her attention and dug inside his backpack. A moment later he pulled out a bright reflector the size of a bumper sticker. He turned her around and pressed it over her back as he spoke. “This way you can move ahead of us and we’ll still see you.” Encouragingly he patted her on the back indicating she should go.
Feeling dumbfounded, fuming at her own stupidity about Rodney, Max nodded and without another word took the lead as John and the others quietly trailed behind her.
---
They had already walked close to four miles down the winding caverns. She was a good distance ahead of Sheppard. Glancing behind her Max saw the faint glow of the torch and stopped for a moment. If she moved ahead any faster John would lose her trail.
Up ahead, although she had to strain herself, Max could hear the faint mutterings of White and Michael talking, yet she wasn’t able to make out anything of they were actually saying.
Suddenly there was an abrupt scream. Its echo rippled throughout the cavern loud enough that she was sure even John and the others heard it.
Worse, she knew it was Alec.
Terrified, Max broke out into a run.
Behind her she heard running and someone yell out, “Wait!” but she couldn’t stop. Alec was in trouble, deep trouble. He wasn’t a man to scream and she didn’t want to stop and consider exactly what could possibly make Alec scream.
Cursing under her breath as she came up to and picked the second tunnel that vibrated sound; it was a crossroad, one she didn’t stop to leave a marker for Sheppard and the others. Instead she pushed herself harder, running. Her heart pounded in her chest drowning out everything else until she heard Alec’s third whimpered scream. She was losing him.
A faint glow broke through the darkness. Max slowed enough to hear White swearing as he complained to Michael that he didn’t have to kill him.
‘Him? Alec?’ Max’s balance faltered as she registered what White said; her body still in motion, moving even as her mind and heart screamed in agony. Charging into the large chamber she spotted Michael. Instinct driving her, Max moved in and attacked him.
The fight was brief as he turned, hitting her with a weapon that zapped her allowing him to easily knock her out of his way, her body slamming hard into the cavern wall.
Minutes later, aching, blinking against the stars she saw Max tried to collect and lift herself off the ground.
Hearing a loud swish Max looked up only to see a large metallic half circle protruding out of the ground covered with chevron symbols similar to those on her disc and decorated on the clock’s surface. The middle shimmered with what appeared to be a liquid surface. It shifted in motion like soft ripples she’d see on a lake at predawn.
Abruptly a hum ignited. Max looked to the source of the reverberation only to see Michael standing by a pedestal. He had inserted the disc and touched the top of the pedestal then stared keenly at the large arch.
A sound ushered forward as the liquid inside the arch came to life, gathering to form a singular large spout that pushed outward then snapped back.
From the expectant smile on Michael’s face she was too late; Michael had activated and unlocked the arch.
Suddenly there were several figures coming through the arch. Dread filled her heart as Max’s mind supplied the word Wraith.
Although John didn’t give her a full description, Max was certain the anomaly were Wraith. Still there were differences between them and Michael. Those coming through the arch were tall, their skin a pasty yellow/green with slits or gills cut into their cheeks. Lizard eyes with long stark white hair, but it was the jagged teeth they sported in greeting to Michael that really set them apart.
A low muttering moan drew her attention. Her eyes immediately went to Alec’s fallen body. Though his back was to her Max could see Alec’s arms. The skin was shriveled close to the bone. Her stomach revolted at the sight.
Anger and grief consumed her as Max unwillingly focused on the fact she lost her dad, Logan and now Alec.
Hearing another guttural moan it took Max a minute to realize the noise was Alec’s breathing – he wasn’t dead. Max got up and rushed to Alec’s side. Turning him over hoping she could help him, Max gasped in alarm at the sight of his wrinkled, sunken face. Alec’s entire body had caved in on itself, each shallow breath was labored.
Carefully, Max moved closer so she could lift Alec’s face, silently urging him to open his eyes and look at her. It took several moments where Max anxiously held her breath waiting before Alec responded and opened his eyes.
At Alec’s response, Max didn’t bother to hide the tears that rolled down her cheeks.
There was no sound, but Alec mouthed the words, ‘Maxie, I’m all right, I’m always alright.’ It wasn’t true, but it was a mantra Alec liked to say as he’d try to channel the words and make ‘em be true. Then Alec smiled. His lips were thin, twisted and deformed, not Alec’s usual patented lush full lips that Max had come to know and love.
Still he was alive and that mattered more to her than anything else. A tear dropped and slid into a deep wrinkled crease that had once been Alec’s flawless youthful skin. Max’s thumb gently caressed over the dry surface. Under her hand she could feel Alec’s skin push up in response. It took Max several minutes to realize Alec’s cheeks were miraculously filling out.
Behind her someone swore, ‘shit’ drawing Michael’s and the others’ attention to Alec.
Michael spoke, “Now that’s interesting. I could tell he wasn’t exactly human, tasty nevertheless, but even better since apparently he’ll be available for seconds.”
Max pulled Alec to her protectively cradling him in an embrace, drawing her gun, then coldly ordering, “You’re not touching him again.”
Michael chuckled and smiled while the Wraith behind him growled showing their teeth. “That’s really touching - truly. You remind me of my Teyla: a fierce lioness ready to protect those she loved.”
Abruptly a shot rang out as Sheppard and Lorne made their presence known, blocking the exit with guns drawn. John growled out, “Teyla was not and will never be yours!”
Michael turned toward the entrance. “Ah Colonel Sheppard, what a pleasant surprise. I’m pleased you could join us.”
“Really? In that case if you’d just hand over the disc.” John’s voice was almost carefree with only a slight sarcastic edge. His overall stance was lax, really no different than the day she met John, yet Max noticed the way he held his PS90. It appeared John and Alec shared the same outward defense – a camouflage of indifference masked in boredom.
“I’m afraid not.”
“Well there’s always plan B.” John stated as he raised the nose of the PS90. “You didn’t really think we wouldn’t find and stop you, did you?”
“You’re here; obviously you found me, but stop me? That remains to be seen. Maybe you haven’t looked around yet, but you’re quite outnumbered. Even if my sweet Teyla and that Satedan trash Ronon are lurking behind you? Let me guess, Dr McKay is with them and your hope is he’ll be able to disable the controls before more of my men come through the gate. Still I believe that’s twelve to six in my favor.”
“You don’t say. By the way, why is that, that you only have twelve goons?”
“My goons as you call them were only the first group to test the gate. Something you’ll realize in a few minutes when you and your team draw your last breath.”
Max had been so occupied by John and Michael’s standoff she hadn’t noticed Alec’s condition until he spoke, scaring the living shit out of her. “Seven.”
Michael shifted to Alec, his eyes widened in shock before settling into a gleeful look that said he was just told he won the lotto or was staring at a pot of gold. Worse and more accurately, the gaze was that of a starving man facing his favorite meal. The thought made Max sick to her stomach.
Dumbfounded Michael took a step toward them. “You should be dead. I left you at the brink of death, but now… you’re as alive as if I never fed from you.”
Max was as equally amazed as Michael. Her fingers itched to roam Alec’s entire body to confirm he was alright. Instead Max settled and had to be satisfied feeling the smooth untarnished skin under her hand as she grasped Alec’s hand. Her thumb swept over the back of Alec’s hand, silently making her feelings known before she clasped Alec’s hand hard, grateful he wasn’t just alive, but that he appeared to be fine and would walk out of the cavern under his own steam.
Mesmerized, Michael smiled and nodded at Alec. “I’ll definitely be taking you with me. I need to study and find out what makes you tick. And you White, are you like him?”
White snared in disgust at the suggestion. “We’re nothing alike; they’re X-5’s filled with junk DNA.”
Michael huffed, “Pity, then again, now I have no reason to keep you.”
Before he could utter a protest a few of the Wraith grabbed White. Although he struggled, White’s enhanced strength was ineffective against the three of them. “Still I’ll hang on to you for a bit, if nothing else to compare and establish a baseline and identify this so-called junk DNA… or in case you’re lying.” Max could tell by his tone Michael believed the latter.
Michael’s glare intensified as he met Max’s gaze, then spoke what she saw in his eyes. “They? Then I’ll be seeing more of you my dear…” His smile malicious before Michael turned dismissing her and stating to his men, “Try not to damage them too much. As for the others, except for Teyla, I want her, you may do what you want with them.”
Max felt Alec’s body tense, ready to spring, they were going to fight, but it was Alec’s whispered, “Eight” that caught her attention and she shifted her gaze to White as the phrase ‘enemy of my enemy’ came to mind.
Max didn’t need to reply as she and Alec sprang into action just as White yelled out, “Now!”
With White’s signal, chaos erupted.
Taking cover, John and Lorne fired. They didn’t need a program note to realize White was suddenly on their team as they fired on the Wraith protecting Michael.
John screamed over the gunfire. “Goddamn it! He’s dialing the gate. Rodney, can you jam the signal, stop him from dialing out.”
“From here? What, are you crazy?”
“Rodney?”
“What, I can’t do anything from here. You’ll have to disable the controls on the back of the dais. Cut power off the gate. It’ll trap those that came through but kill anyone in transport and cut off this gate address.”
Max didn’t stop fighting to assess the situation, but she heard the arch activate and knew by the increased firepower more Wraith were coming through what John called the gate.
Together Max and Alec freed White, leaving each of them a Wraith to fight off. In quick succession, they discovered fighting individually against a Wraith that their strengths were evenly matched. Within a few minutes, they each realized their skills in hand to hand combat strategy against the Wraith were far superior. It was obvious; they had no formal training and relied on their weapons and superior strength against their standard prey, humans.
Avoiding the Wraiths’ palms, Max found it was relatively easy to outmaneuver them as she, Alec, and White tag teamed and got them into position where Ronon, McKay and Parrish took aim and fired, bringing them down. Ronon hovered near Rodney and Parrish, standing guard protecting them from the Wraith that got through John and Lorne’s line of fire.
Someone let out a blood-curdling scream, “No!”
Spotting the man, Max found it had been David, his distress apparent as McKay forcibly held him back, telling him something as Ronon continued to fire.
Max turned to the spot where David was staring. It was Lorne.
Lorne was on the ground attempting to crawl away from a Wraith that had attacked him. Ronon occupied the Wraith by firing until he dropped a few feet from Lorne. However Ronon was unable to get to Lorne as more Wraith attacked their position.
Max saw the pain etched on Lorne’s face; he was alive.
Upon a closer look she saw the trail of blood behind him. Cursing under her breath, Max took out her anger on the Wraith she had been fighting and gutted him from bow to stern. She didn’t bother to wait as the Wraith collapsed in a dead heap before she made her way over to Lorne and clasped his hand, dragging him out the line of fire.
Max helped Lorne to sit up, examining him as she did. He brushed away her hands. “It’s okay, I’ll live.” Sighing, he added sarcastically, “If we can get the hell out of here.”
“Good point. Any thoughts?”
Lorne repeated what Rodney said earlier. “We have to shut down the gate by destroying the control panel.”
“That’s that pedestal. I’ve already seen you and John fire directly at the damn thing, and it’s not making a difference. How do we destroy it without burying us alive?”
Making his way over to Max, still in mid-fight with his opponent, over his shoulder Alec said “One of your merry men said by firing on the back of it.”
Lorne chuckled. “Merry men?”
With his throat slashed the Wraith went down with a thud. “Yup, like you, another do-gooder, Max collects ‘em. Alright, cover me.” Alec pulled his weapon up, it was from one of the Wraith, then he fired at the Wraith coming through the gate. Unlike the fire from John and Ronon, with the Wraith weapon they dropped instantly.
Max followed suit, grabbing another Wraith’s weapon. Although it was a weapon she had never held, it took only seconds to understand the basic mechanics and fire.
Beside her Lorne also took aim, covering Alec as he stayed crouched and made his way toward the pedestal.
Around them more Wraith dropped dead from their own firepower yet it didn’t decrease the numbers they were fighting as more Wraith came in through the gate. It was obvious they were losing.
Suddenly Alec stood as he got into a better position to fire on the back of the dais.
While Max and Lorne had Alec’s six, Max noticed John and Ronon were diverting attention away from them.
Finally Alec was close enough and didn’t hesitate as he aimed at the dais.
Max heard Michael screaming orders at his men to stop him, but it was too late as the gate’s power faltered then shut down completely.
Someone screamed. Max’s gaze found Michael had White in his grasp, his hand gripped tight around White’s neck. White hung there like he was paralyzed. Then like the driver and Alec, his skin started to shrivel as Michael started to feed from him.
Max raised and aimed her gun. Abruptly Michael stopped feeding and pulled White to his chest using him as a shield effectively blocking her shot – unless she fired through White.
There was no doubt Max hated White, and never wanted to think of him as her half brother. Still, killing anyone, even White like this, she couldn’t do it. Max lowered the barrel of her weapon and met Michael’s gaze. “I’m coming after you.”
“I look forward to it.” Michael held White tightly to his body securely surrounded by his remaining men.
His men were easy targets and used as cannon fodder.
Using White as a shield, Michael made his way toward the entrance while the Wraith around him fired, offering cover as they rushed the entrance to escape. Holding White, Michael got away.
Max screamed, “No!” and took action by firing back, killing the Wraith that stood as a shield protecting Michael.
Max heard John call out, “Rodney!”
Rodney’s only response was, “Go, go!”
The last Wraith fled, but he wasn’t quick enough as she, John, and Ronon were on his trail. Max finally got a clear shot and the Wraith fell to his death. They picked up speed as they passed his body, reaching the forked passageway and stopped. It was too dark for her companions, but Max was able to see the signs of how the dirt was trampled – unfortunately it was in both directions, they each took a path.
“They split up.”
“Damn it! Can you tell which way Michael went?”
“No. We’ll have to split up and take a chance.”
“Alright fine, just be careful and watch your back.”
Max whipped back, “You too!” before she took off, taking the tunnel on the left.
Running, desperate to catch up to Michael, Max ignored the burn in her lungs as she pressed herself harder in order to make up some time then suddenly the scent of fresh air hit her. Nearly panting, Max pushed her muscles only to slow down using caution when she saw light.
It wasn’t the main entrance where they had entered, but an alternate entrance. Hearing sounds of a car’s acceleration, Max ignored her own safety and ran out of the entrance.
It was too late, the car was gone she could only hear the lingering sounds of the engine.
Taking in her location from the main entrance, Max trotted back inside the cavern to help the others.
Reaching the forked entrance she found Alec, Evan, David and Rodney. She immediately noticed Alec’s handiwork of make-shift bandages around Evan’s left shoulder and another on his thigh. Both Rodney and David had an arm around him holding him up as Alec stood in front at the ready to protect them.
Seeing that it was her Alec’s stance eased slightly.
Rodney immediately asked, “Where’re John and Ronon?”
Flatly Max replied, “We had to split up.”
Meeting Alec’s eyes, she let Alec silently know before she said anything to the others, that Michael still had White and that they got away. The way Alec gritted his teeth and the surrounding skin went taut then flexed told her he got the message loud and clear. Exhaling her frustration, she told them. “Michael got away.”
In a panic Rodney said what she was already thinking, “We can’t let him or any of them get away.”
“We won’t!”
“Yeah well, how do you propose we find them, follow a trail of bodies?”
No one said anything and the silence lengthened. Rodney’s eyes bugged out over his own words and swallowed audibly, the realization dawning what they had each contributed and failed to do, by not stopping them.
It was Lorne who spoke and reprimanded him. “Rodney stop, we’ll stop him.”
“How? We have no idea where he’ll be this time.”
“That’s not true,” John stated as he joined them. “He’ll make his way to the other gate.”
Confused, Max asked, “There’s another one?”
“Two actually: one is located at the SGC and it’s under heavy guard. That’ll be his last resort. No, he’ll make his way to the other one in a remote area in Antarctica.”
Sarcastically Rodney added, “Right we’ll just meet and stop them at the airport trying to buy a ticket.”
Max ignored the quip. “If he’s as smart as you think he is…”
Alec finished for her, “He’ll keep Ames alive and use all of his resources including Ames’ private jet as far as he can. And depending on how remote it is…” Alec looked at her with meaning. “It’ll take them awhile to get there without drawing unnecessary military attention.”
Max nodded, understanding what Alec was saying, and added, “Against your puddlecraft that’ll give us plenty of time.”
John corrected, “Puddlejumper. Time for what?”
Max answered easily, “Fine, puddlejumper.”
Alec moved closer and leaned into her before he addressed John. “Then we want you to fly us wherever you have Logan, now.”
Outwardly Alec was still Alec, and to them he probably seemed harmless, but as he spoke Alec’s voice took on an edge. Max didn’t need to see Alec’s face – she heard the pain with every word spoken. By the time Alec said Logan’s name there was a guttural sharpness amplifying Alec’s need to see Logan, but the word ‘now’ vibrated with a promise of dangerous retribution if John answered the wrong way.
Max held her breath waiting for John’s reaction. She didn’t have long to wait as John’s eyes widened. Suddenly Max realized Alec wasn’t hiding behind his customary mask, but allowing John to see everything. What John saw did nothing to appease the tone he heard in Alec’s voice. It was obvious to Max it rubbed John the wrong way by the way John clenched his jaw. But then he did something she hadn’t expected and uttered, “Huh!” then nodded his acceptance. “All right then, let’s go.”
Rodney started to sputter, but Ronon clasped his hand on Rodney’s shoulder, silencing him. John ignored his teammates, his eyes focused on Alec before he shifted his gaze to Max.
Then she understood staring into John’s eyes that were suddenly easy to read as they stood there. Finally John looked away sheepishly, but not before he glanced pointedly at Rodney and Ronon then moved to take the lead as they headed out of the cavern.
Alec ignored her usual stance against public affection and slid his arm over her shoulders, pulling her in as they followed John.
Max fell into step beside Alec, but couldn’t shake the image of concern and worry she saw in John’s eyes, it was for her. The feelings were palpable – somehow John got what Alec didn’t say and knew that they, the three of them, were intimately involved, like he was with Rodney and Ronon.
Alec must have felt her turmoil, but misinterpreted it, as he briefly hugged her then he dropped his arm. Without thinking, she picked up his hand to clasp and squeeze. Not letting go she quietly said, “We’ll see him soon.”
Alec didn’t respond instead he gave a curt nod.
Behind them they heard Rodney complaining a mile a minute before Ronon interrupted him and reminded Rodney of her deal.
Max tensed and waited. Now that they were out of danger she expected Rodney to start bombarding her with questions. When none came and the silence dragged on her, curiosity got the better of her and she had to turn around.
Rodney was smiling gleefully, his lips widening further when she turned around.
Confused she stopped. Rodney shooed her with his hands to keep moving. “You see Logan, then we can sit down for a nice long chat. That’s the deal.”
“You made a deal?” Max clearly heard the alarm Alec’s voice as did Rodney.
Worriedly Rodney responded, “Yes, she did, and I have witnesses.”
Max cringed then shrugged pulling away from Alec as she turned to continue walking.
Alec reached out and stopped her, questioning. “Max, what kind of deal?”
“Don’t worry, I’ll keep it confined to me.”
“Max?”
“Alec. No. Right now we need to see Logan and make sure he’s okay.”
“Yes. Let’s get going. I’m sure Carson saved him…” Rodney paused and swallowed loudly making it painfully obvious he was remembering the last time he saw Carson bent over Logan. “Despite all the blood…”
Both Max and Alec turned to glare at Rodney. Behind him Ronon grunted, and nudged Rodney, but it was Lorne who hobbled past them, and ordered Rodney to shut up. Then he faced Alec and Max, “Don’t listen to him, he gets scared over a pinprick.”
Offended, Rodney countered, “I do not!”
But Ronon smirked, chuckling as he manhandled Rodney past them. “Yeah you do. Come on let’s go.”
Not waiting, the others passed them as Max and Alec stood there facing each other. “You made a deal?”
“Nothing I can’t handle.” Then she moved to follow the others.
Alec pulled her back. “You’re not getting the point, but I’ll keep telling you and so will Logan. Max, you’re not in this alone anymore. We’re with you, both of us.” Alec’s thumb brushed over her palm, “Come on let’s go see Logan.” Pulling her forward he added mischievously, “Then you can tell him about your deal.”
Max opened her mouth to protest telling Logan about her deal, knowing that she would be at Logan’s mercy for one of his many lectures. However as the thought crossed her mind she realized how much she’d love seeing him in lecture mode – anything but how she last saw him, unconscious and bleeding out. Shaking her head to dismiss the image, Max looked back at Alec smiling; he was right. They needed to see Logan and even if that meant she had to endure one or a dozen of his lectures, it’d be worth it.
next~