"Hold on!" The words escaped his lips without a thought as he lunged forwards to grab at John's slippery hand. He failed to get a decent grip, but as with other situations, John seemed able to stand his own – for now, anyway.

Beep!

He silently hoped – prayed, even – that John wouldn't lose momentum and fall that little bit further. He had lost enough friends, family and lovers to last him the rest of his life – and all of his lives after that if the myths of reincarnation he'd heard were true.

Beep!

John…if he lost him, he'd have no reason to go on. In all likelihood, he'd leave Atlantis behind and taking up running again; killing Wraith as his sole purpose until he died. He'd have nothing else left.

Beep!

"Ronon." John's scratchy voice tore him from his thoughts. "I'm slipping."

Beep.

"You have to hold on."

Beep.

"You'll be okay without me."

Beep.

"You're strong."

Beep.

"Hold on!"

Beep…

"I…"

Beep…

"Can't."

Beep…

"Let me go."

Flatline.