Reflection

Author's Notes: This was written in response to a challenge on Atlantis100, to write 100 words on the subject of 'reflection.' This is a missing scene from The Defiant One.

Thud. Thud.

The stretcher against his thigh, carrying unwieldy cargo. Didn't notice. Didn't notice the ship around him, nightmare shadows now mundane. Looked straight through Ford, his back six feet away, through hard shoulders and youthful strength.

Thud. Thud.

*I chose them. Led them here. Left them here.*

"Military leaders face tough decisions."

"Major, I'm not military."

"But you are a leader."

Thud. Thud.

Back to the jumper, sat beside Sheppard. Teyla's hands apart, one on the blanketed form, one on McKay's shoulder.

*She's thinking, it could be me.*

*Crap. It could be me.*

Then, *it should have been me.*

End