Agent Fox Mulder (i_want_2) wrote in multi_fiction, @ 2010-01-09 02:03:00 |
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Entry tags: | atlantis, rated: teen, slash |
Fic: Making The Way Back 1/1 StarGate Atlantis
Title: Making The Way Back.
Author: Lopaka Tanu
Disclaimer: I do not own StarGate Atlantis.
Characters: Lorne, Ronon, Rodney.
Words: 5604
Prompt: Atlantis destroyed, L/R hear of possible survivors.
Fandom: StarGate: Atlantis
Pairing: Lorne/Ronon
Rating: Teen.
Warnings: Language, Character Deaths.
Summary: After Atlantis is lost, Lorne and Ronon have to find their way home.
Author's Note: General series spoilers, between seasons 2,3,4.
______________________________________
Massive tremors shook the city causing the ceiling panels to groan. Glass partitions cracked from floor to ceiling. Every other wall conduit flickered or exploded in a rain of sparks. Entire sections showed evidence of the attack.
Lorne ducked his head instinctively when another loud explosion rippled through the ancient corridors. His bare feet slapped against the cold tiles as he ran. Ignoring the sting of glass shards, he continued on undaunted.
Cold air came blowing up the corridor making his skin pebble and constrict. Shivering, he knew instantly that the outer walls had been breached. The strong smell of scorched stone and sea air confirmed this.
Rounding another turn, he frowned in the haze. Smoke from the burning conduits made it hard to see his away around. From memory, he was four junctions away from one of the transport closets, even if they still worked. It didn't matter, though, he had to get to the control room to find out what the hell was going on.
Another quake knocked him off his feet. Lorne fell to his left and landed against the wall. Thankfully he was next to a stone section. As he used one hand to push himself off it, he reached up with the other to his headset for another try.
"This is Major Lorne, can anybody hear me?" He released the call button to listen for a response. Only the soft hiss of white noise filtered over his earpiece.
Sighing, he used the wall to guide himself in to walking again. This time, he felt acutely felt the pain from his feet. Each step drove the shards a little deeper, making it harder to continue on. Gritting his teeth, he shoved off completely and started to run.
By the next junction he was near tears not from the smoke. Yet, he didn't let that stop him. He used the back of his hand to wipe his face clean. Limping, he moved at a slower pace.
"Where the hell is everyone." He scanned the rubble as he past. There was plenty of Earth tech among the burning bits, signs someone had been here. Despite this, there was not a single body. May be they had gotten out in time.
Then why did they leave him?
Anger coursed through him. Clenching his fists, Lorne slapped his headset again. "Major Lorne to any and all who can receive this. Where the fuck is everyone?" He coughed to clear his throat and lungs of the burning sensation. "Anyone? Please respond."
The soft groaning from above was the only warning he received. Eyes wide, he looked up without thinking. It didn't matter if he had thought to run anyways. With the shriek of metal shearing, the ceiling panels above him, up and down the corridor, suddenly gave way.
Closing his mouth and eyes, he held his breath as they came tumbling down. That lasted all of two seconds when the combined weight and pain from the impact drove the air from his lungs. He didn't have time to think before he was buried under hundreds of pounds of debris.
Smashed to the floor, his body was riddled with shards of glass and stone. He would have screamed in pain but he was unable to breathe. So he lay there gasping like a fish out of water. At least he managed to remember to keep his eyes closed.
Pressure began to build up in his head from the lack of breathing as his skin grew hot. He knew that if he didn't get air soon he would pass out. Pain was every where so that didn't seem like such a bad idea.
Then, just as quickly as it had appeared, several chunks of the collapsed ceiling were removed. By some miracle he found himself free to roll over and breathe. He tried to dig his way out further, but something grabbed his ankle and tugged.
Pain laced through his bare skin as he was dragged through the debris. Rolling the moment he came free, he brought his other foot up to kick his rescuer just in case. Opening his eyes, he found a mountainous figure standing over him. There was something familiar about him.
Before he could think what, Lorne was dragged up. He was hauled in to the back of something hovering a few feet above the debris pile. Next thing he knew he was being dropped on the deck.
"Got him!" It was a rough voice, very masculine.
If that was a woman, Lorne would have thought twice about looking at her in anything but a respectful manner. He was too dazed to hear the speaker clearly, though, so he wasn't able to identify them.
"You're gonna..." This was a new voice, breathless and laced with pain. "You know, fly it, whatever." These words were some what muffled.
Lorne realized it wasn't the speaker. Everything was fuzzy around the edges. He must have hit his head.
"I got it." The rough voice. "You've done good, McKay."
Oh. He realized now who had rescued him. Lorne wanted to ask if they had collapsed the ceiling to do it. The breath to speak, however, would not come.
"Thanks, I think." Rodney's chuckle ended with a whimper. "I think I'm just going to rest my eyes."
Vision fading, he tried to blink it clear. Nothing happened and slowly the world faded out.
"Yes, rest." Ronon spoke in a whisper. "You've earned it."
Then Lorne heard no more.
~~~~~~~~ 6 Months Later ~~~~~~~~
The fire was warm against his skin. Lorne liked sitting here the best. The bench was just the right distance to keep warm but not cook himself. Still, the cold was insidious, making him shiver even here.
There was no other light in the large hut, but he didn't need it. He could see the other people around him just fine. It was one of the advantages of being in such close quarters. Body heat was another of those.
Glancing back at his bunk, Lorne sighed. A warmed bed was waiting for him. He knew it was silly sitting here watching the dying flames. It was just, he didn't feel like sleeping tonight. Tomorrow was too important.
Lorne knew he should get back to the bunk. There was plenty of work to be done in the morning. It would take all day to get the rest of the harvest in. They would most likely be another week at it, even with his help.
He and Ronon would be welcome for as long as there was work and they were willing to put in their fair share. That was the one thing he knew for certain. People had to eat, animals had to be taken care of, life had to go on. It was simply the way things went.
Opening his mouth, he yawned. He could feel himself moan, and felt a little guilty for it. The others weren't having his trouble sleeping. There was no need to wake them up.
So, he bent forward and reached in to the tender box. Quietly as he figured he could get, he pulled out a split log. Then, just as silent, he tossed it upon the coals. Despite his best efforts it still snapped at him and caused embers to fly up.
When no one came to reprimand him, he shrugged down deeper in to his blankets. The fire wouldn't go out tonight.
~~~~~~~~~~
Lorne awoke to the feel of rough hands sliding around his body. Eyes popping open, he glanced down to them, then up to their owner. He found dark, familiar eyes watching him. It was only the big guy. Relief flooded through him.
That lasted for all of three seconds until he found himself flying up. Those hands were attached to strong arms that now held him aloft. One was under his legs, the other around his chest. He started to protest but one look from the other man made him quiet down.
The strain of lifting Lorne caused Ronon's neck muscles to bulge. In the dying firelight his skin appeared almost red. The smaller man's weight was a great burden even for one such as him.
Not that he was complaining. If the Satedan wanted to throw his back out and give himself a hernia carrying Lorne back to their bunk, he was happy to let him. Dropping his chin to his chest, he closed his eyes. He was pleasantly surprised when he was gently set upon the bunk instead of being dropped.
He scooted over to take the pillow against the wall. This gave room to the larger man behind him. Feeling Ronon crawl up behind him eased the beating of his heart. Before he knew it, Lorne was drifting off back to sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~
Harvest Breakfasts were a somber occasion among the Trai Upi people. A traditional silence was observed during the morning meal. It was a solemn time for basic reflection. Lorne knew from experience the quiet was only because they drank like fish the night before.
Still, he had come to embrace the tradition in the last three weeks. The lack of verbal communication made him feel a kind of kinship to them. In these precious moments he was normal. He could at least pretend he was like them.
Breaking off a piece of stale bread from the main loaf, Lorne handed it to the tiny girl on his left.
She smiled in thanks.
No sooner than he had nodded in response then another hand to his right tugged on his sleeve. With a patient sigh, he broke off another piece and handed it off.
The little boy grinned in a way that was normally accompanied by a giggle. From the withering look their grandmother gave him from across the kitchen, it had been.
Lorne merely smiled at all of them. Ever since he had arrived they and the other four children in this family had latched on to him. It was a complete mystery to him as to why. He hadn't found it amusing like the natives. There was nothing fun about snot-nosed kids hanging off him like monkeys.
Ronon's smirk had nearly gotten the giant shot. Thinking about him reminded Lorne of the note he had found on the pillow when he awoke. He sighed.
Putting aside the bread, Lorne faced the bowl of gruel in front of him. He didn't know what the name of it was, couldn't pronounce it even if he had. All he knew was that it looked like something squeezed from a dead animal and smelled worse.
The kids seemed to like it, though. Between happily dipping their bread in it and slurping from their spoons, they were grinning like mad.
Dipping his spoon in it, he swirled it about. He supposed if he had been raised on it, he might have liked it too. Then again...
~~~~~~~~~~~
Hauling sacks of grain was a pain in the ass. Well, to be honest, it was a pain in the ass, neck, back, thighs, and generally the entire body. He wasn't sure what part of him hurt the worst. Generally, though, everything ached more than a little.
The sun was high overhead, doing its best to melt them all. Lorne was glad of the trees. Their late season leaves kept most of the effect of the rays at bay. Still, the heat from the indirect contact left him flushed and sweaty.
Using a rag from his back pocket, Lorne dabbed at his face, forehead, and neck. He remembered from some where dabbing was better for the skin or some bullshit like that. His sister had been speaking with her mouth half full of food at the time.
A shadow fell over the ground in front of him. Looking up, he found one of the teenaged girls standing a couple feet away. She was holding a pitcher of water and a wax cup. It was a communal cup, but from the way she was holding it, one would have thought it was specially for him.
This sent a shiver down his spine.
He grimaced at her. Not wanting to encourage her, he considered sending her away. Yet, the heat and his activities forbid even that bit of dignity.
Holding up a hand, he gestured for the glass she tentatively held out for him. The dazzling smile she aimed at him made his heart sink. This was going to be another one he had to fight. Since Ronon had left, he was the top physical form of single male flesh around.
That thought made him physically shudder.
Lorne was no fool. He had seen the way those women looked at him on more than one occasion. The old ball and chain was alive and well in the Pegasus Galaxy.
Hastily sucking down the water, he handed the glass back to her. There wasn't going to be another chance for this girl if he could help it. Once he was certain she had a hold on the glass, he pushed off from the tree he was leaning against.
Break time was over even if the others didn't think so. He headed back for the fields. All the way back he could feel at least four pairs of eyes on him, assessing him. He wished Ronon would hurry and get back.
~~~~~~~~~
Lorne was chopping firewood when word came by way of a racing boy that the trading party had returned. Lorne didn't have to hear what the boy said to know what was happening. His cries brought the entire clan out of their cabins.
Setting the ax in the chopping block, Lorne reached back for his rag. He dabbed at his neck while he headed for the water buckets. There would be plenty enough people clogging the path. He didn't need to be one of them. They would bring the news to him in time anyways.
He shucked the work gloves. They were of a quality he hadn't expected in this galaxy. It was going to be a shame when he had to return them. In the mean time, though, he stuck them in his back pocket.
Heading for the barn, he fought the urge to look over his shoulder. He didn't need to appear like he was doing things he shouldn't. The others were friendly, but they were still suspicious of newcomers. It was a habit that would save their lives.
Once inside the barn, he quietly closed the door he had come through. This time he did look around for prying eyes. When he found none, he sighed.
Okay, he could do this.
With a shiver, he reached in to the inner lining of his jacket. He slid down the zipper and pulled it out. Immediately, the device began to power up. By the time he had it out in full view the scanner was fully operational.
Checking the readout, he found what he was looking for. He wouldn't be alone for much longer. There was little time to prepare.
A few presses of the buttons caused the air around him to shimmer. He immediately felt the cloying effects of the dampening field. For all the world outside would see, it would appear to be a heat mirage.
Sudden streams of light filtered through the barn from an open door.
Lorne spun to see who it was. Finding Ronon entering, he smiled. A final press on the scanner activated a holographic screen over the device. 'I have activated the cloak,' he typed, and the words appeared on the screen.
Pausing in his scan of the barn, Ronon scanned the hologram. Nodding, he continued his search. "We don't have much time. I promised to help the others skin the beast they brought back."
Watching the words appear on the screen, Lorne snorted. 'What did you find out?' His fingers moved slowly, partially numb from swinging the ax.
"Nothing new. They appear to be keeping a low profile." As Ronon snorted, it appeared on the screen as an indecipherable grunt. Having finished his search, he started across the barn to Lorne. "Whoever it is wants the word to get out they are around. They are being cautious about it, though."
Lorne didn't have to type the word 'duh', he just wanted to. He had just finished typing out the letters when the screen flashed red. Looking down at the scanner, Lorne activated the Lifesign Detector.
There were two small dots approaching. The natives were getting restless.
Eyes going wide, he deactivated the dampening field. At once the world around them stopped shimmering.
Reaching for the hem of his jacket, he fumbled with the scanner. He tried to slip it in the small pocket three times, failing each one. Frustration made his hands jittery and his fingers slipped several times. There wasn't time for this, he had to get it hidden fast!
A shadow appeared in front of him a moment before strong hands grabbed his own. The strong scent of familiar sweat filled his nose. Lorne opened his mouth to protest, but was quickly stopped by soft lips closing on his.
He froze.
Ronon's slipped the scanner from his hands. Grasping the hem of the smaller man's jacket, he quickly found the pocket and shoved the scanner inside. Growling, he parted his lips to lick along the Major's.
Shock quickly turned in to brain freeze and Lorne simply went along with it. Warmth flooded from his face through his body. Hands free, he brought them up to wrap around Ronon's back. One of them grasped broad shoulders, tugging the large man against him.
Brilliant light suddenly flashed in to the barn. Standing in the open doorway were two of the children.
Lorne saw this over Ronon's shoulder. He closed his eyes as Ronon's hands slid from the small of his back down over his ass. He would have moaned in to the other's mouth if he could speak. Still, he barely noticed when the door shut.
The taller man didn't let go.
~~~~~~~~~~~
There was plenty of giggling and staring at them by the time everyone sat down for dinner. Lorne could feel their eyes upon him. Some were curious, most were amused. There were a few pairs that promised murder.
He shook his head and sighed. It wasn't like had led them on. Those women, and a couple teenage girls, had never once been approached by him.
This new revelation to the clan would bring changes. Excitement was buzzing from the day's trade as well. Yet, this left Lorne untouched.
The phantom touch of lips against his own felt like a scalded mark. Faint irritation against his cheeks reminded him that Ronon had really kissed him. It was real. They had kissed.
Frowning, he tried to get his mind back on track. There was enough evidence to go on. People wearing SGA uniforms were out there in the Pegasus Galaxy. They could go searching for them at any time.
For some reason, that thought twisted Lorne's insides in to knots. He wasn't sure he wanted to go. That confused him more than anything. For six months they had been alone out here. Naturally, he should have jumped at any chance to go back.
Breaking a piece of freshly cooked bread off the loaf, Lorne set it on his plate. He then passed the loaf to his right. The tiny hands that snatched if from his own almost took his fingers with it. This earned the little boy a snort.
For a moment, Lorne wished he could have heard the kid's reaction. Then he thought better of it. There was no reason to encourage the rambunctious kids. He was about to break in to the bread when a familiar face caught his attention.
Across the kitchen, Ronon smirked at him. There was something more than amusement in his features.
Whatever it was made Lorne shiver in anticipation.
~~~~~~~~~~~
This time on his trip to the barn Lorne made sure that he wasn't followed. It was far too important. His breath steamed up the air as he shivered. Nights were getting colder fast.
There was no need for a light, the twin moons were full tonight. In their light he could see a steady stream of smoke coming from the chimney. That relieved him. It meant no one would be getting up because they were cold.
Heading in to the barn, his hand automatically went to the small of his back. The zipper came undone quickly. Once he had a hold of the scanner, he pulled it out.
The first thing he did was activate the dampening field. At once he felt the heavy feeling of electric tingle over his skin. Moonlight filtering through the cracks in the walls began to shimmer. He activated the Lifesign Detector to watch for Ronon.
He didn't have to wait long.
A minute after his arrival the side door to the barn slid open. Slipping in, Ronon quickly shut it behind him. The sound of his breaths echoed in the large structure. As he passed through the barrier, he shivered.
Lorne immediately straightened up when he caught sight of the other man's face. His heart began to pound and he took a calming breath. With a press of his thumb he activated the holographic screen. 'When do you wish to go?'
Glancing over his shoulder, Ronon frowned. "I don't want to stay here much longer. If it's them, there is no telling how long they'll remain in this part of the galaxy." The last of his words appeared on the holographic screen in a lazy scroll.
For a moment, Lorne made no move to respond. He silently considered everything they had been hearing over the last two weeks. Then he weighed it against the last six months. This must have shown on his face as it caused the other man to react.
Stepping forward, Ronon grabbed Lorne by the arm, just above his shoulder. "We don't have to do this." He was so close that the vibration of him clearing his throat was felt by the other man. "I'm not going to force you on this one."
They both knew what could be waiting for them. It wouldn't be the first time someone had pretended to be from Atlantis.
Lorne made a decision and shook his head. Looking down, he typed out a quick message. 'I want to go. Tomorrow, afternoon. We'll say our goodbyes then.' He was stunned when a curled finger tucked under his chin, making him look up. Eyebrows raised, he looked in askance at the taller man.
Face contorted in an unreadable expression, Ronon took a deep breath. "I'm sorry." He exhaled slowly. "I don't know if I've told you how..." He was silenced by a shaking hand over his mouth.
Shaking his head, Lorne quickly tapped out: 'not your fault.' With that, he turned off the scanner. The relief of being out of the electrical field was immediate. Pulling his arm from the other's grip, he turned away.
Taking a shuddering breath, he closed his eyes. There was no need to bring it up. It was over. What was done was done, there was nothing either of them could do about it.
When strong arms slid around his waist, he leaned back in to them. He breathed slowly to relax. The strong scent of Ronon flooded over him and he welcomed the calm that came with it.
~~~~~~~~~~
Morning dawned with the thumping of little feet across the floor. The vibrations roused Lorne from his sleep but he did not fully awaken. He dozed against the blaze of heat behind him. On one level he knew that it was a person.
That point was driven home when he felt something definitely a hand press against the back of his leg. Opening one eye, he peered within his limited his field of vision. Looking down revealed an arm around his waist, a very familiar one.
The memories of last night came flooding back. With them came a mild haze of depression. Today they would be leaving these people, possibly for the last time. He had known them for only three weeks, yet, he felt reluctant to go.
Lorne knew he had to, though. There was a mystery out there waiting for them, possibly even a chance. It was a way out, back to Earth and to his people.
For some reason, it didn't occur to him that he hadn't thought to call it home.
~~~~~~~~~
Ronon's announcement to the clan at midday meal had been met with a variety of reactions. Generally, though, everyone was sad to see them go. They spoke only to the tall man, but would give Lorne sympathetic looks.
During the whole time, he was glad he couldn't hear what they were saying. Goodbyes were always uncomfortable. This way he could just stand there and let someone else be responsible for a change. It was cowardly, but he wasn't going to be cut up about it.
While he had helped clear away the dishes, he had felt a few death glares come his way. They were gone by the time he turned back. To his surprise, there were a couple young men in the group of his detractors. It took him a second to realize why.
There was still a week's worth of work.
He would have flipped them off if thought they would have understood. Instead, he had rolled his shoulders and headed for the door. There was some wood he wanted to get split before they left. The steady repetition worked to ease the unsettled feeling in his stomach.
~~~~~~~~~
Clutching his coat tight against his body, Lorne watched the dying sun disappear over the horizon. Winds were picking up, bringing dust and fallen leaves with them. In a few more days the trees would be completely bare.
Beside him he sensed Ronon waiting for him. He looked over and up to him and smiled.
Lorne picked up his bag and slung it over the opposite shoulder. He felt the big man's hand slide up under his coat along his waist. A tiny smile formed on his lips as Ronon paused for a moment over his bottom, then went for the seam.
He waited until the big man had the scanner before starting towards the barn. There were a few people milling about in the evening's cold, but it no longer mattered. Craning his neck, he put out a hand to block the sun's rays.
Ronon held up the scanner, pressing a button in the center of the controls.
Above the barn, the jumper decloaked in a rippling effect. It started down towards them at a lazy pace.
Several people jumped and backed away in surprise at seeing it. More of them came rushing out of the cabin.
By the time it had landed in front of the barn, Lorne was already at the back hatch. He waited just far enough away for it to open.
The idling drives kicked up dust.
Turning, Ronon waved at the clan. He said something to them, then followed Lorne in to the jumper.
After dropping off his bag on one of the back bunks, Lorne headed to the front. He took the right chair and began activating the controls. They powered up under his touch, glowing in response. Entering the destination, he powered up the drives and closed the hatch.
Easing his bulk in to the second pilot's chair, Ronon grinned at Lorne.
~~~~~~~~~~~
His black coat shiny in the sunlight, Ronon was easy to spot in the crowded market place. That was a good thing as far as Lorne was concerned. From his position in the cloaked jumper, he had had to wait for the last two hours. Being unable to communicate with the locals was really starting to get on his nerves.
At last, though, it looked like his wait was coming to an end. He watched Ronon mostly, but kept an eye out on the crowd. If the big man was being followed, Lorne wanted to be prepared. Thankfully, there was no one following him.
Head held high, the Satedan actually looked pleased. Instead of the more circuitous route that they had agreed upon, he was heading straight for the jumper.
That made Lorne sit up a little higher. He didn't like what that might mean, even with the big man smiling. Just to be safe, he checked the charge on the wraith stunner in his lap. It was at full power and ready to be used.
He felt strange holding it. For so long the only weapon he had held had been hand crafted. When hiding out the best way was to blend in. Since most of the people in the Pegasus Galaxy lacked anything more sophisticated than blades, that limited his weapons of choice.
A second later Ronon was at the hatch.
Spinning, Lorne had his stunner aimed within a hare's breath of firing. He narrowed his eyes at the other man in suspicion.
Smile a mile wide, Ronon held up his hands. Instead of trying to look harmless he pointed to the ceiling.
Lorne frowned. He glanced up slightly, but did not take his eyes off the other man. He had broken their agreed tactics for a reason.
This time, Ronon put more emphasis on his pointing. Slowly, he reached one of his hands to the jacket he wore. Flipping up the lapel, he revealed a rank insignia pin.
Freezing, Lorne found it hard to breathe. His heart began to pound, making his head hurt. Drawing a shaky breath, he pointed to the ceiling.
Ronon smiled, then nodded. The moment the stunner was lowered, he reached in to his jacket pocket and pulled out a radio. It was of Earth design. He pressed a button on it, activating the device, and began to speak.
For the first time in six months Lorne found himself on the verge of weeping. He desperately wished he could hear what the bigger man said. Even the crackle of static over the radio would have been welcome.
Half a heartbeat later a blinding flash of light appeared at the back of the jumper. Four people in IOA standard issued uniforms stood just outside the hatch, a med kit in hand.
Feeling unstable, Lorne leaned back in his chair. It was real. They were going back to Earth.
THE END.........................
Epilogue:
"I still don't understand." Pulling off her glasses, Director Tan folded them neatly and set them on the table in front of her. "Atlantis was under attack, and yet you did nothing to stop it." Her voice was flat and unemotional as she stared him down. "Was it not your duty to protect the base against all threats?"
Watching her words appear on the screen in front of him, Lorne sighed. This was not the first time they had asked him. He had a feeling this would not be the last time. Using the newly attached keyboard, he responded. 'There was nothing I could do. When I awoke, the base was already falling down around my head.'
"So you have said." She leaned forward a little in her chair. "Our reports say different. You were scheduled to be on duty."
'I was not!' He stamped the exclamation point with his index finger. Frowning at her, he reminded himself that killing her with the computer would only temporarily make him feel better. 'No matter how many times you try it, I will not lie. Atlantis' duty roster did not have me listed as active that day.'
"Say we believe you." Her voice was pleasant sounding. That was belied by her narrowed eyes. "Then at most you are guilty of gross negligence."
'If that's true, you're a beautiful woman.' He smacked the period with a satisfied grin.
Unfolding his hands, the Director Thompson leaned in to the light above their table. "Where is Dr. McKay? You mentioned he was with you for two weeks after you fled the city. Why is he not here now?"
Hand shaking, Lorne balled it in a fist. He looked down at the computer to avoid their accusing stares. 'The Genii.' Lorne took a quick breath to steady himself. 'It was a trap.'
Sitting back, Thompson laced his fingers again. "Please, elaborate."
~~~~~~~~~
Shuffling as fast as the ankle chains would let him, Lorne continued on down the corridor. His hands ached from the hours of typing. Even if he could use them the cuffs prevented them from rising higher than his waist.
He kept his head down, following the guard's feet instead of watching where he was being led. Not that it mattered. He knew where he would end up, the same place he had been for the last three months. Nothing was ever going to change around here.
Eventually they reached a familiar cellblock. He stopped and waited for the door of his cell to be opened. Once it slid back, he hobbled in and turned to face the bars. The door slid shut with a thump he felt through his feet.
Stepping forward, he put the cuffs and chains to the bars. The guard quickly removed the feet chains, then the one around his waist. The handcuffs came off last.
When he was freed, he turned around and walked over to the bunks. Slowly, he slid down on to the bottom mattress. Lorne laid back and turned over to face the wall.
A moment later he was no longer alone on the bunk. He closed his eyes as an arm slid around his waist.
Eventually he found sleep, the comforting smell and strength of Ronon easing his way.
.........................THE END