Elizabeth sat typing a report for Stargate Command, referencing the notes the team had written about the Ixori world and people. Her mind flooded with the possibilities that could result from the discovery. They would go back to pick up John and Teyla in four days and she would go with. It had been a long time since she had gone off world.

“Dr, Weir,” an operator called through her radio.

“Yes?”

“We are receiving an urgent transmission from a private ship asking for clearance to land immediately and to speak with you upon landing.”

“Who is it?” she asked.

“I don't know. I don't recognize the ship, and she won't give any other information.”

“Clear her, and send Dr. McKay to the north platform to meet me.”

“Do you recognize the ship?” Elizabeth asked Rodney as they watched the small ship set down on the tarmac.

“Nope. It's cute. Did she say this was an emergency?” he asked.

“No, she just said she wanted to talk to me.”

A woman Elizabeth's age stepped out of the ship and walked towards them. She wore a plain black flight suit, and her black hair was tied back. As she walked towards them her face seemed alien with her crystal blue eyes set against such pale skin. She stopped in front of them and pressed her lips together.

“Are the leader of Atlantis?”

“Yes, I am Dr. Elizabeth Weir. This is Dr. Rodney McKay, our chief of science.”

“Did you send people to the Briscean world Ixori?”

“Yes, some of our people just returned yesterday morning,” Elizabeth replied cautiously. “Is something wrong?”

“I need to speak with you and anyone who went. I am Althea Enara, a citizen of Del Corinth. I am no one of importance. You have no reason to trust me, but I only want to speak to you for a few minutes and then I will leave your world.” She turned and brushed her fingertips under her eyes before looking back at them.

“Come,” Elizabeth motioned towards the nearest tower. The woman walked beside her struggling to hide the emotion that overwhelmed her. Rodney ran ahead to call Ronon and Carson.

Althea sat beside Elizabeth, and the three men sat across from them. They waited for Althea to speak, and Elizabeth saw that she was upset by whatever she was about to say.

“My husband and I belong to one of the high trade families in Del Corinth. We have a long trade history with the Briscean,” she said.

“Briscean?” Rodney asked.

“The people of the Ixori world,” Althea replied.

“They called themselves Ixori when we were there,” Carson said.

“The native people are Briscean, but the foreign settlers are generally referred to as Ixori after the name of the planet. The Briscean hate this world and all who breathe on it. The Briscean went to war against the city of Atlantis 10,000 years ago.”

“Why would they fight against the Lantians here when the Lantians were fighting the Wraith?” Elizabeth asked.

“Because the Briscean were Wraith, terrestrial Wraith who lived very different lives than the others of their race. They were allied with the people of Ixori. The Lantians saw the Ixori as traitors for this. They were easy to destroy and the Lantians knew the attack would cripple the Briscean Wraith. The world was almost completely destroyed. Out of vengeance, many of the Briscean were part of the group that made the final attack on the city of Atlantis. The Briscean helped rebuild Ixori and made it into what it is today. Everyone who trades with the Briscean knows of their history and their hatred of Lantians,” Althea said.

“I couldn't tell they were Wraith by looking at them,” Ronon said.

“10,000 years and mixing blood with the remaining Ixori probably changed them,” Carson said.

“Yes. Less than 50,000 of the original Ixori population survived,” Althea continued. “Even though you and your people are not Lantian, Elizabeth, they may still see you as their enemy. Some believe the Briscean remained sane because of their love for the Ixori people, but they have Wraith blood. They have the ability to become what they were. Since your people came to Atlantis others have tried to keep the Briscean from knowing you revived this city. Many traders like myself have made intermediate transactions between Atlantis and Ixori in hope that neither would discover the other. I do not know how you learned of them, but I curse whoever told.”

“No one told me, I pieced together things I heard and saw. I did not mean to cause harm,” Elizabeth said.

“Please, do not return. It is possible to trade with them, but do not do it yourself,” Althea said. “Try to understand what they see when one of your Lantian ships enters their atmosphere. Their minds remember war ships, not trade ships. They pass echoes on to their children. We do not remember things like they do.”

“We still have two of our people there,” Elizabeth said. “We are scheduled to pick them up in four days and deliver another load of cargo.”

Althea closed her eyes. By looking at her, Carson could tell she was sick and sleep deprived, probably from a flight of several days through real space.

“I wish you knew how many people depend on what you do here. Things have changed for the better because of your presence in this galaxy. If a war breaks out and your people are destroyed, you will not be the only ones to suffer. I admit I came here for purely selfish reasons. My way of life will change if the circuit of trade is disrupted between Ixori and Atlantis, but consider the lives of the Tarpeon and the risk you cause them by using their gate to enter the S-quadrant,” Althea said.

“The Ixori were nice to us,” Rodney said. “They gave us a fair exchange on our goods, we got a great tour of the trade port, and they were friendly and open in answering our questions. We aren't Lantian. Obviously they see that.”

“You have not lived in the trade world long. Here we speak lies with smiling faces and attack from behind. Our wars are silent ones and if we have enemies we treat them as beloved friends. Your friends are probably there thinking they are learning of the Briscean world, but in truth the Briscean are learning about Atlantis and your native world from them.”

“They are my people. I can't leave them, Althea,” Elizabeth said.

“You can, and you will. You can accept the loss of two lives, or you can accept the fate of thousands of races who have seen war for too long. Trade has given life to this galaxy. We were only able to shelter you from them for so long. The choice is yours. I have said enough and must go.”

She stood up quickly and bowed her head to rub her eyes before pushing the chair in.

“Thank you for coming to warn us, Althea. Please stay and have dinner with us before you leave.”

“I am sorry, but I must leave quickly. My husband will kill me and my children if he finds out that I came to you after you committed an act of war against our oldest trade ally.”

“Your husband would do that?” Elizabeth asked in disbelief.

“All societies have harsh laws that they live by,” Althea replied. “He would be protecting our people by cleansing them of my treason, and the Briscean would accept his sacrifice. You are a leader, Elizabeth. You should understand the necessity of sacrifice. I beg that you do the right thing and let your people be.”

---

When Althea was gone they all paced the conference room in silence waiting for someone to speak. They chose not to sit in the chairs because it was nothing like a briefing. They had no clue what to do. How many times could they possible provoke war in the Pegasus galaxy?

“I know this is my decision, but I need to know what all of you think,” Elizabeth said. “Rodney?”

“I say we fill up the jumper with our best stuff and give it to them as a peace offering. We go in, ask for John and Teyla back, and then promise to leave forever. We can dig our way out of this, Elizabeth. They are reasonable people. We can make them understand that we aren't Lantians. We are from Earth. We are nothing like them. We can play rap music and opera to help them understand our conflicted nature. Lantians are a bit more pious, don't you think?”

“Thanks, Rodney. What do you think, Carson?”

“We need to get John and Teyla out as soon as possible, so we should go immediately if we go at all.”

“Ronon?” Elizabeth asked.

“I grew up in Pegasus and I understand this galaxy better than all of you. Althea is right. You are risking a war. I hate to say it this way, but you should have asked more questions, Elizabeth. We should have known all of this before we went. We have lost people in battle before. I think we've become too close as friends to see reason here. Of all people, John and Teyla are the most capable to survive on that world, especially together. Althea didn't risk her life coming here, Elizabeth. She was already dead. She is going home to join her children who are probably already in a grave. You might not have been able to see that in her tears, but I did. We have to be willing to make the same sacrifice to prevent a war.”

Silence returned to the room, and as if in an effort to forget Ronon's words, the others looked away from him and back to Elizabeth. “I'm sorry, Ronon, but I can't leave them behind. Rodney, Carson, you have some good ideas. We need to set things up quickly and leave.” She laughed to herself. “John would do better setting up a rescue mission, and Teyla would do a better job as a hostage negotiator. Oh Carson, bring medicine in case something has happened to them.”

“It will be alright, Elizabeth,” Carson said. “Let's go, Rodney.”

They left and Ronon stayed behind, keeping her from leaving.

“Can't leave them behind or won't leave them behind, Elizabeth. Which is it?” he asked.

“I don't understand what you mean, Ronon,” she replied.

“I know it is lonely to lead, but the pain is worse when you are hemorrhaging emotion that is not returned. You need to be honest with yourself. This mission is based on your reasons why you won't leave them behind. I've said enough, and I respect your decision. I will see you when we leave.”

He left the room without waiting for her reply. Now that the decision was made and could not be changed, he felt a slight breath of relief, but would this really work the way Elizabeth wanted it to? A picture of Teyla's face entered his mind. She was laughing while standing over him after he fell onto the mat. Her smile faded into the grin of a little girl, his cousin Eilysh, another sister he had lost along the way. But, Teyla had John, so there was still a chance.

---

“It is your turn,” Teyla whispered. Her breath was warm against his neck. He smiled slightly, but remained still as he laid on his back. Ever so often, she could feel his fingertips press against the small of her back as if he were checking to be sure she was really there.

“Five more minutes. You made such a wonderful dinner and you are so warm,” he said with his eyes shut. She rolled away from him and stood up on the side of the bed.

“What are you doing?” John quickly sat up. She was pulling a sweater over her head.

“I have to get dressed since you won't put wood on the fire. I'm cold,” she replied.

“Wait.” He rolled to the side of the bed and grabbed her, quickly pulling off the sweater. “I promise I won't slack off again. Just please, don't put any clothes on.” She wrapped herself in the blankets while she watched him build up the fire. It was hard to believe that he had been close to death two days before. They had been eating well. They had taken turns motivating each other to leave bed to eat and do the few other chores they had. The transmitter remained dead, even though the blizzard had passed and the sky was clear. The weather had warmed outside so it wasn't difficult to heat the room with the fire, as long as they continued to feed it.

He walked to the front of the bed, bent down, and kissed the top of her head. “Better?”

“Yes. We need to talk about a few practical things right now, John,” she whispered. He jumped onto the bed and pulled her down to him.

“Okay. I think I can handle that. Where do you want to start?” he asked.

“How are you able to hear me when you are not Briscean?”

“I still don't have an answer on that one. I am wondering why the radio is still out.”

“They want us both dead,” she said. “It won't make a difference if the team comes back for us.”

“What about the message you left?” he asked.

“I've already written that one off. You and Rodney probably could have programmed it so the team would actually get it when they got here. I was rushed and out of my mind because you were dying. We can't spend another two days laying in bed,” she said.

“Are you trying to get out of bed with me?” he laughed. “Tell me what you want, Teyla. I'll do it to you.”

“I'm serious, John,” she smiled, pushing away from him.

“I was serious too.” He bent and kissed her belly.

“We will eat more if we start exploring this mountain town, because our metabolism will speed up. We've got enough food for maybe two more weeks, maybe less,” she said. “I would hate for us to depend on a rescue and then run out of food by the time we decide to do something on our own.”

“It's not like we are prisoners here, Teyla.”

“It will kill you if we go anywhere else,” she replied.

“Everything made sense to you when they explained it to you at the hospital, but I'm not sure I would have agreed with them. They are an advanced civilization, but only ahead of Earth in a few areas. Stargate geneticists made a complete map of my genes when they realized I had the Ancient gene. I've learned to express it in a greater concentration than many of the people who have it, and I was born with it naturally instead of having it implanted, but that's it. I'm sorry to disappoint you, babe, but I don't think I'm an Ancient, although a Wraith and a Lantian would probably make a cute couple.”

“Why would they tell me that you were?” she asked.

“I don't know. They needed a reason to hide us here. Maybe they really do hate the Lantians. They saw me fly the ship in, so they knew I had a gene that made it possible for me to operate the ship, so the decided to stretch the truth for their purposes. Their sinister plan is what we should start concentrating on.”

“If you were a Lantian you would have been able to operate more at Atlantis,” Teyla admitted. “What are they trying to do? They seemed so nice. John, do you think they are spying on us right now?”

“Ah, very good question. We've been working on projecting thoughts only to each other. We can't slack on that. As far as audio, video surveillance? Game over if they are watching us that way. I don't even want to think about that.”

“Should we go radio silent?” she smiled.

“No words, only projecting them?”

“Yeah.”

I will have to get used to this. She heard the words in her mind even though he only mouthed them to her. Do you think we will be able to do this when we get back to Atlantis?

It is really convenient during sex. She kissed his shoulder. “If you aren't Lantian they probably made up the radiation. I think they poisoned your food,” she said out loud.

“Wait, I thought we were going radio silent,” he said.

“I don't think they have any way of understanding English unless we are projecting. If there is no radiation we can escape and travel south to where it is warm.”

“We will hike south then. Feel better?”

“Yes,” she replied.

“So, what else can we talk about now that we are done with the heavy thinking?”

“What's your favorite color?” she asked playfully.

“That dark red we were wearing. It would be nice if we could escape this world with that dress,” he replied.

“We can't go without that shirt,” she said.

John rolled over and look down at her. “Hey, am I moving into your room when we get back to Atlantis, or are you moving into mine?”

“What?” she laughed out loud. She sat up and he sat up with her. “John...” He touched her lips with his fingertips.

“I am going to tell you something, but you have to promise to forget after I tell you. It will work better that way,” he said. “I will ask you to marry me, but not here. Not like this. You are too beautiful, and it has to be beautiful. When we get back to Atlantis we will get a whole new room for us when the time is right.”

“I love you, John,” she whispered. He pulled her onto his lap. “I thought we were going to explore outside before it got dark.”

“I love you back, Teyla, and I want to be sure you are warm before we go out into the cold.” He kissed between her breasts and she threaded her fingers through his hair. They moved to the floor in front of the fire to where their minds and bodies were warmed equally. Winter light streamed through the window in the other room where static continued to crackle over the comm relay. Outside, the major storms seemed to have passed.

---

Elizabeth watched in awe from the copilot seat as the jumper flew towards the atmosphere. A steady current of traffic flowed around the planet. She understood why they did not maintain a Stargate. If the Ixori wanted to go to war with Atlantis they would still have the advantage. Carson seemed nervous as he flew. The comm relayed a message, and Elizabeth turned to look at him when he didn't reply.

“What did they say?”

“They are sending our air escort. So far so good I think,” Carson said. “Rodney said they could shoot us out of space anytime they wanted. The orbiting space stations are really weapons. Was there anything else you wanted to add to your greeting before I send it?”

“No. I simply want to let them know I am here with the team this time. Althea could still be wrong, and they might not hold anything against us so we shouldn't mention anything.”

Rodney stared across the jumper at Ronon who was polishing a knife that had a carved ivory handle. “They will see through you, Ronon. That is still a weapon no matter how pretty it looks.”

“I'll tell them I brought it to trade,” Ronon grinned. “I have five more like it with me. They come in a set of six.”

“They will see through that too. You act as though a war has already started.”.

“That is a Wraith world. Do you remember who I am?”

“Oh, I forgot about that,” Rodney said looking back at the knife.

Carson landed the ship in the center of the designated ledge platform and took his time powering down the jumper. Elizabeth stepped out followed by Ronon. A man was waiting for them, but it wasn't Sorrel.

“Greetings. We are glad to see you return so soon. Several worlds have already made inquiries about your next trade shipment. We are honored that you have come here yourself, Dr. Weir.” Elizabeth was more surprised by the reception than anyone else. “My name is Verdance. I am an aid to Sorrel. He is in a meeting and will meet with you as soon as he can. I have arranged for you to have dinner before then while you wait for him, and any luggage you specify will be moved to your rooms if you wish.”

“Where are John and Teyla?” Elizabeth asked.

“I'm sorry, Sienna is their liaison. I have never met them and know nothing of their status. I have informed her office that you have arrived, so they should make contact with you shortly. Come,” he motioned. They followed and switched back into English to comment to each other.

“It was like this last time we came,” Rodney said to Elizabeth.

“Remember what Althea said about lies and back stabbing,” Ronon whispered to him.

“Play along,” Elizabeth said. “Althea only heard that we had traded here. She never said how she heard. Maybe there was a different reason for her to want us to stay away.”

“Do you think the traders are trying to keep a monopoly on the trade in Ixori space?” Carson asked. “Independents stand to lose if we step in.”

“Play along,” Elizabeth said again.

The dinner was wonderful, and Verdance made arrangements for everything they needed, including the cargo in the jumper. They went to their separate rooms to shower and change, and then gathered in a sitting room near their rooms waiting for John and Teyla to make contact. Sorrel finally entered the room, but alone.

“Dr. Elizabeth Weir, it is good to finally meet you, and I apologize for not being able to meet with you when you arrived. I am Sorrel Ecru, an elder of the Guild. I am your primary liaison here for as long as you wish to trade with us.”

“I have heard only good things about you from my people, and your reception of us has been generous. You must pardon us for coming earlier than expected, but I was anxious to see your world for myself. Are John and Teyla busy right now? I was hoping to see them,” Elizabeth said.

“Sit with me, and we will talk.” He motioned to the circle of chairs around a low table. “They left a message for you, and asked me to give it to you in case you arrived early. It is in your native language, so I don't really know what they have said, but we will talk after you hear it.” He held a digital recorder out to Elizabeth. She pressed play and they listened.

“Hello to, Rodney, Ronon, Carson, and to Elizabeth if you decided to tag along for this trip,” John's voice said. “If you are listening to this message then we are not back on Ixori yet, and you have probably arrived early. Or Rodney is out of ice cream.” Teyla's laughter echoed in the background. “We have a lot to explain to you, because a lot has happened in these past few days. I wish we could tell this to you in person, but we got married today. We are going to spend our honeymoon on the Briscean colony world Thystin where Teyla's mother's ancestors came from. Teyla, did you want to help me explain?” John said.

“My mother was Briscean, but I didn't know that until we came here. Sorrel can tell you more about the Briscean people. Ship manufacturing is the main industry on Thystin. John had been invited there to test pilot several ships before we learned of my mother's history there. Dr. Weir this was unexpected for us, I hope you will understand. I am sorry if this has caused any problems, but we will be back in time for your originally scheduled arrival.”

“You don't have to apologize for anything, Teyla,” John interrupted. “We will talk with you when we get back. Bye for now.” The recording ended. Everyone seemed shocked except Ronon, who held a slight smile on his face.

“That was recorded two days ago,” Sorrel said. “Do you have any questions?”

“Who are the Briscean?” Elizabeth asked pretending Althea had told them nothing.

“The native people of this world. The term Ixori simply includes all of the others who have settled here.”

“Teyla said she was Briscean. That doesn't make sense,” Rodney said.

“Her mother's family came from this world and moved out towards Atlantis. I met Teyla's father twenty-five years ago. When she came here we pieced her history together and were able to trace her ancestors to one of our colony worlds.”

“It is hard to believe they would just suddenly get married. Especially off world,” Elizabeth said.

“You know them better than I do. They took many pictures while they were here, and gave this one to me before they left. I added the writing though. Teyla helped me translate it.”

Sorrel held a large picture out to them. John was wearing an open collar white shirt with black pants, and Teyla was wearing an elegant white dress that cut low in the front and remained fitted tight around her until it flared at her hips. The fabric gently gathered at the top of her shoulders, but left her arms bare. Her fingertips were touching the collar of his shirt while he held her hand, and his left arm was circled around her waist. They were facing the camera, but their smiling faces were turned towards each other, radiating with a consuming love.

An inscription was written in English and a foreign script at the bottom of the picture. Teyla Emmagan, Athosian leader and daughter of the Nikaicyn line of Thystin and her husband Lt. Colonel John Sheppard, of Earth, a Terran leader of the reoccupied city of Atlantis.

“They look really happy,” Carson said breaking the silence.

“I like the way that is written,” Rodney said hoping the others caught that the word Earth had been included. “That is a look cinnabar can't compete with. Not that I'm jealous,” he added quickly. “I just wish we could have been here. I don't know, maybe to throw them a party and make a few jokes before they took off.”

“I'm still surprised,” Elizabeth said. “Thank you for letting us know, Sorrel.”

“You are welcome to stay until they return. If you would like you can continue Teyla's original tour for her.”

“I would like that very much.”

“Good. Sienna will meet with you in the morning to arrange everything for your stay here. If you need me, feel free to call. Have a good evening.” He took the picture and recorder with him when left. Ronon got up and headed for the door without commenting.

“Where are you going, Ronon?” Elizabeth asked.

“I think I'll pick up from last time where I left off exploring this place,” he replied.

“You haven't said anything about this. Is something wrong?”

“I don't believe any of it.”

“Why?” Rodney asked.

“Teyla was wearing white,” he replied. “I can accept her begin Wraith, but I can't accept that she would choose to wear white as a bride. I don't want to talk about this. I will see all of you later.”

“This day is full of surprises,” Rodney said after Ronon left the room. “What is his problem?”

“He didn't want to come back here. Something about this place really bothers him. He really does hate the Wraith,” Carson replied.

“Or he just has a problem with what has happened between John and Teyla. She probably wanted to dress like the brides of Earth for John,” Elizabeth said.

“It is the traditional color of mourning for her people,” Carson said.

“Be prepared to give something to Ronon to pacify him if he gets out of hand. I don't want him to start a war out of paranoia and from his vendetta against the Wraith. That is an order.”

“Okay,” Carson replied. “I think we should get some sleep.”

---

“What do you think?” Teyla asked. They stood in the snow on a slope that looked south towards the nearest city. The sun was low in the sky, but there was still enough light to see by.”

“Are you expecting me to smile. All I see is mountains and snow. We don't have the necessary survival gear to make it through that, and I know we don't have enough food.”

“We haven't searched all of the town yet. We might be able to find something that will help us make the trip.”

“Why would they put us out here to die if I'm not really Lantian?” John asked. “What do they gain by provoking us?”

“Look at the map, John,” she pointed. “There is a city decent sized city tucked in this valley south east of here. If the weather stays this way we could probably make it there in four days if we push ourselves.”

“You have never done cross country hiking in snowy alpine conditions, Teyla. It is dangerous, and I don't want to get into the horror stories I been through.”

“We know how to deal with this. It is like what we've done playing around with the languages I know, except this time it will be you opening your mind so I can use everything you know and have experienced. I will die some day, John, so you will have to deal with your fear of it eventually.”

“I'm going back,” he said. He turned away, but she stopped him.

“To do what?”

“I need to boil some water to fill that big tub. You've been fantasizing about a hot bath for the past thirty minutes.”

“I'm venting that badly?” she laughed.

“Only to me.”

“I'll see you later. As cold as I am, I'm not done exploring.”

“I'll call you home when I have things set up, and I'll make dinner tonight,” he said.

She watched him leave and then headed for the main building of the resort.
Instead of wandering through the trade port, Ronon had decided to head back to the jumper. Too many little pieces did not fit together, but Elizabeth wanted to simply play along as if they didn't exist. This was not a time to be defensive. Something was wrong, and he wouldn't wait to find out.

The small cargo bay was empty, but he shut the jumper door behind him anyway. He opened a small compartment in the back and drew out a gun. He refused to change his nature on the chance that things would turn out alright on their own. He wandered to the front of the ship and sat in the pilot's seat. It was a new perspective for him. He would never be able to fly a jumper even though he had flown other ships. The engine wouldn't start, but he was able to turn on a scanner, hoping to patch into the port communication system. Instead a high frequency of static came through in a rhythmic sequence. Three beats, three more, and then three more. Three quick, three slow...

Ronon stood up quickly. Was Elizabeth in trouble? It was the Terran military distress code. He adjusted the receiver relay and realized the message was not a live transmission, but a contained message dump that required an authorization code to be decrypted. He typed his in and waited. It was an audio file in Teyla's voice.

“Rodney or whoever came back to get me and John, this message will degrade after it is played. You must guard your minds. The Briscean are not mind readers, but they can read the thoughts in your mind. John is dying because of the radiation of a weapon that only affects Lantians. It is buried under their cities. His fever is very high and the doctors are unable to stabilize him because of the seizures. Genetically he is almost completely Lantian. We are going to a small town in the north to escape the radiation field. They refuse to do more to help because Lantians are their sworn enemies, but I am afraid we unknowingly gave them reason to want us both dead. I can't explain much more except that being Briscean through my mother has given me no advantage. I am too rushed and afraid to see any of this clearly, but I hope you will help us. I hope they will bring you here to get us when you arrive like they promised.”

The message ended, and the computer signaled that access to port communications was denied. Ronon turned the power off again and sat in the dark. He had three stories to choose from. Althea, Sorrel, and Teyla all had completely different stores. He tried to piece together the bits of information that fit in all three. The Lantians were bitter enemies of the Briscean in Teyla and Althea's stories. Teyla was Briscean in her story and Sorrel's. What about the voice recording they had done together announcing their marriage? What about the picture? He stopped himself. Teyla was wearing white in that picture. She would have followed the traditions of her own culture above his, and John was reasonable enough to support her. That picture was fake, just like the recording. Sorrel had been able to fabricate them somehow.

Ronon didn't have to think long before he understood how Teyla had sent the message. She had buried it somewhere in the traffic slave system that sent out pulse directions, but no substantial data feed. The message transferred to the jumper the moment it received landing instructions. The message must have been delayed so it wouldn't open when they were in the process of landing. It had been waiting, and now he was the only one who had been able to listen to it. The others would not believe him, especially after he voted to leave John and Teyla on Ixori and then maintained that the marriage was a fake because of the white dress.

He had heard the fear in her voice, but she had been true to her nature by reporting all of the necessary details. This voice of hers he could believe. They were in danger and they were up north. He had a place to start looking.
“Where is he, Rodney?” Elizabeth asked when Rodney entered the small breakfast room. Carson sat beside her.

“No one has seen him since he left us last night. His map is still in his room.”

“Do you have any idea what he is thinking? What does he think is going on?”

“He lived through some very sever trauma before he came to work with us at Atlantis, Elizabeth,” Carson said. “I can't predict what he is thinking or what he is planning to do.”

“We have to tell Sorrel,” Elizabeth said. “If we wait things will turn ugly. They can help us find him, and we can send him back to Atlantis before he can cause any harm.”

Everything had turned into a nightmare, and Elizabeth was ready to wake up. Ronon was about to compromise their trade relations with a race that controlled vast resources that would be of great value to everyone at Atlantis and on Earth. Althea and the other traders would blame her if things went wrong. She thought of John. Too many things had gone wrong.
“Good morning,” John said as he walked into the kitchen. Teyla handed him a slice of bread before giving him a quick kiss.

“Sleep well?” she asked.

“How did you get out of bed without me knowing?”

“Magic. I was hungry and you were sleepy. Hurry and eat. I want to show you something.”

She was completely dressed and ready to go outside. He probed her mind, but it was walled shut. Something had her excited.”

“What aren't you telling me?” he asked.

“I need you to eat and get dressed. Then I will tell you.”

It was torture to wait, but she refused to say anything even when he was ready. Instead, she led him outside across the bright snow towards the resort main house.

“Will you tell me now?” John asked when they entered the dark building.

“No.”

“Will you tell me now?” he asked a few seconds later.

“No,” she laughed. “Be patient.”

They went straight through the building and then through a side compound until they reached a tall insulated building. He wondered how she had been able to navigate through the maze of buildings the night before when it was almost dark. She opened the door and he followed her into the dark room.

“I couldn't see anything yesterday so I'm not completely sure what to expect,” Teyla said. “We will get more light in here if we open the scale door.”

They spent a few minutes finding the locks and releasing them before pushing the tall garage door up. John turned back too look in and smiled. The room was a hanger and in the middle was an emergency medical ship tied down for the winter. She had found it in the dark and identified it through the feel of her hands.

“You once said you could fly anything, right?”

“I'm the best pilot there ever was. I'll figure it out. I just need some time to get to know her. I hope you don't mind,” he said.

“She is cute. I will sit over here and watch the affair. Call me if you need help with anything.”

She did very little sitting. Instead, she translated the control prompts and the various records that were archived in the ship computer and the hanger files. Teyla returned to the house to make lunch while John charged the fusion cells and she packed their belongings. If they planned the trip right they would be able to fly beyond the mountains completely and into the temperate zone where the radiation was supposed to be. They had a continuing discussion about how they would get flight clearance and the story they would use to go with it. Teyla did not speak the native Briscean language, and they didn't know if they would pass using a trade language while flying a Briscean medical ship.

They both paused for a moment following day after closing the door to the house for the last time. “This is goodbye, unless you want to go back in and make love to me again,” John said.

“Let's keep the good memories, but we should go now. The sun just came up, and we need to be close to the city at the high point of traffic so they won't have extra time to question us,” She laughed softly. “I really thought I would hate this place.” She looked up at him. “And I really thought you would die here.”

They walked across the snow to the pad where John had landed the ship after a test flight. They felt an amazing sense of freedom when they were high over the mountains. They could already see morning traffic far ahead on the horizon. The medical ship was fast, but too small to make it back to the capitol city in one trip. Andoraan was the largest city the ship would be able to reach. They had no plan beyond getting into the airspace of the city.

“We don't have to take all of the medical supplies. If I have to crash this ship we will need to leave everything here, except maybe a ice pack if I bump your head, but I'm an expert at crashing ships safely,” John said.

“Let me try to talk to them first. They won't shoot us down,” Teyla said.

They reached Andoraan airspace without difficulty, and John motioned towards the comm when a message came through in Briscean. They were both relieved when the operator repeated it in the Ixori trade basic.

“Alpha-one medical transport, please relay your resident identification and your intended vector code.”

Teyla held her breath and glanced at John before inserting a data card into the comm relay circuit. They had reprogrammed it based on the ship's maintenance logs. The operator would check the ship's origin to be sure its license allowed for access to their destination. They knew they would be traced back to the resort town, but the operator only checked to be sure the general information fit. They listed their destination as a service hanger used by the Andoraan medical fleet. The an auto-slave pilot took control of the ship, and John let go of the controls.

“So much for all my plans for crashing,” John said. “You change while I stash our winter gear.”

They weren't sure if a medical crew would actually fly a ship to ground for maintenance, but the medical uniforms they had found in the lodge infirmary were better than their bulky winter clothes. The consul finally beeped signaling that the slave pilot was ready to disengage and let John land manually, but they still didn't have a story or a plan beyond landing the ship.

---

Ronon took a deep drink of dark liquor and then continued laughing with the rest of the crew. They had given him a ride north in exchange for help with maintenance and a few bribe items he casually thrown in so they wouldn't ask questions. Living a life constantly on the run, he had learned to fit in and obtain help with ease. The crew had arrived early to Andoraan because of him, and their load had earned a higher profit than usual. They invited him to celebrate with them, and he decided to use the opportunity to learn more about the Briscean people and to find a contact who would take him farther north.

“Where are you off to now, Ronon?” Corin asked. The captain reminded Ronon of John. The man found a humor in every situation, and did everything with complete sincerity.

“North.”

“What city?” someone else asked.

“I don't know. I'm looking for some people and all I know is that they went north.”

“Good luck then,” Corin laughed.

“What is the farthest city north?” Ronon asked.

“Of here? What do you think, Fritz, Umber?”

“Yeah Umber, but the Ebony Mountain resort is farther up. It is inside the winter line right now, though.”

We are going to a small town in the north to escape the radiation field, Teyla had said. Which town in the north, he though.

“What do you know of the Briscean people? Their history I mean,” Ronon asked.

“They are an everlasting dynasty. You'd have to be a clever civilization to keep a stable system of trade going even when most of the galaxy is racked with war. Are you new to this sector?” Corin asked.

“Yes. I came to this system through the Stargate with friends. How were they able to keep the trade stable?”

“They are Wraith and the only Wraith you will ever learn to like. You can't tell now because they've inbred with the original Ixori people over thousands of years. They are called Briscean now. There weren't many Ixori left after the Lantians blew this planet to hell.”

“I bet they are glad the Lantian race was wiped out,” Ronon laughed.

“They earned their extinction. That was the only time they ever fought with the other Wraith. The stories are amazing because it is hard for most people to accept any group of Wraith, but the other Wraith leave this part of the galaxy alone and even respect the territory of the Briscean trade allies.”

“What did the Briscean and Ixori do after the attack? Did they set up a defense in case the Lantians came back?”

“The Lantians were too afraid to come back because they knew the Briscean were already heading to Atlantis to avenge their allies. The only thing they did on this planet was rebuild.”

“And make lots of love,” Fritz added.

Ronon laughed, but prolonged it to induce their curiosity. “You were right about those stories. I guess I need to hear a lot of them before I can figure out which ones are true.”

“Did you hear something different?” Fritz asked.

“Yep. I heard that the Briscean have a radioactive weapon buried underground that will kill Lantians if they set foot on the surface. I was told it only affected Lantian genes.”

“That's a great idea. I wish they would have had that weapon the first time around,” Corin said before the others burst out laughing. “You must give me the name of your storyteller. I have never heard it told from that angle.”

“She is Briscean. I can never really tell if she is telling the truth or making up a story at my expense. I did the same to her when she was on my world.”

“Is she the one you are chasing north?”

“Yes. One of our friends, a trading partner, is from a planet near Atlantis. He began to get sick while we were in the capitol city, and then I got a message saying that she had taken him to a city in the north to get outside of the radiation. She said he must be a descendant of the Lantians because he was reacting to the radiation. She disappeared and I'm trying to find her. Both of them.”

Ronon looked around the room and held his breath. Their humor had drained away, and it was replaced with fear and caution. What had he said?

“There is no radioactive ore under the city, Ronon. If your friend got sick it was probably because someone was poisoning him. If he is Lantian he is already dead. We tell stories and joke around, but all of the people who trade with the Briscean are loyal to them. They have protected us without demanding anything in return. Their enemies are our enemies. Anyone in this room would gladly kill your friend if he were truly a Lantian, but he still has a chance if this Briscean woman is with him. I hope she has found a way to get him off of this world.”

“Thank you for telling me,” Ronon said. “I wish you well in your trade. I must go now.”

“Ronon,” Corin called after him.

“Yeah?”

“The Lake Road Tavern is at the end of the trader's market near the Guild Forum. You'll find a skinny kid sitting at the bar carving. Get yourself something to drink and offer to buy whatever he's cutting at. He will tell you no. Ask him if he has heard of Lydia's Corin. Follow what he does from there. Tell them what you need. I hope you are able to find this Briscean woman you love. They will help you because of her even if your friend is Lantian.”

Ronon left quietly. “What do you think?” Fritz finally asked.

“No one can fake that kind of love and desperation. He spent a day with a Briscean crew without knowing it and didn't leak one thought. She has probably coached him on closing his mind,” Corin said.

“We know there aren't any Lantians left. There must be some other reason why their friend was poisoned,” one of the crew said.

“No one in their right mind would attack a Briscean on the Ixori home world, even indirectly,” Corin agreed. “But she is afraid of something very real if she would suddenly abandon Ronon without a full explanation. We've got time to kill before we take off again. Kent, follow Ronon and make sure no one is following him. I want to know by the end of the night if this woman came through Andoraan or went anywhere north. Call in all of your favors if you have to. We will involve the Guild when we know more.” Elizabeth stood with Rodney and Carson as they waited for Sorrel to respond to their news about Ronon. They had waited all morning until they were finally able to meet with him, and the stress of waiting had made Elizabeth sick.

---

“It is not easy to tell the native Briscean from the others who live on this world. Do you think he will start attacking at random because he is on a world of Wraith origin?” Sorrel asked.

“I don't know. I just wanted to let you know he left us in conflict.”

“You are disowning his actions?”

“Yes,” Elizabeth said, “But we want to stop him from doing anything that will violate your terms of trade.”

“What was the conflict over?”

“The wedding picture. Ronon said Teyla would never marry wearing white. He said he didn't believe anything you said. He refused to say anything else and left. We haven't seen him since,” Elizabeth replied.

“We sent people out to Thystin when you arrived to let John and Teyla know that you are here. They should return tomorrow. We will look for Ronon, Elizabeth, but your people are your responsibility. You cannot separate yourself from his actions. You are responsible for any disturbances he causes. You are free to move about as you were. I will call all of you in later when I know more.”

“Shit! Shit! Shit!” Rodney hissed. He glared back at the door as if Sorrel might return.

“Calm down, Rodney,” Elizabeth said. “John and Teyla will be back tomorrow, and Sorrel will find Ronon before he does anything. Then we can all leave.”

“What if Ronon is out there looking for John and Teyla. He doesn't believe they are married, so he probably doesn't believe they are on Thystin,” Carson said. “They would have to be somewhere on this planet then.”

“He left without telling us,” Rodney said.

“Because he knew we wouldn't agree with him. If he believes something different from what Sorrel is telling us then he believes John and Teyla are in danger. He wouldn't waste time to wait for us to agree.”

“Sorrel wouldn't lie to us,” Rodney said.

“Why not?” Carson asked. “We have only known him for a few days, but we have known Ronon for over a year.”

“I'm not good at playing mind games,” Elizabeth said. “I will see you both later after I get some sleep.”

Rodney glanced at Carson. It felt like everyone was scattered and clueless. Were they ever a team?

“Elizabeth is a diplomat trained to endure the most cutthroat of political situations. Even mind games. There is only one reason why she can't handle this situation,” Carson said.

Rodney paused. “She's in love with John.”

“Yep.”

“But you are in love with Elizabeth,” Rodney laughed.

“Who isn't?” Carson said.

“True.” Rodney couldn't help feeling a strange alliance with Carson over their mutual rejection. “It's hard for her because John has finally made his choice. How would you feel if Elizabeth married me out of the blue one day?”

“Aye, point taken. It would hurt, I won't lie, but Elizabeth can't let this cloud her judgment. If Ronon is right, John and Teyla probably aren't married, but are in serious trouble instead.”

“So what should we do?” Rodney asked.

“Get Elizabeth to fall in love with me so we can buy Ronon some time without her meddling,” Carson replied.

“You make me laugh. Let's go find some place where I can buy you a drink.”

Rodney and Carson left the room with a small degree of optimism.

---

“Woah,” John said lifting his arms when he exited the ship. A man in an expensive light colored suit stood on the tarmac waiting for them. The two men beside him held guns that were pointed toward them. John pushed Teyla behind him. Help me with the words, he spoke into her mind. His accented version of the trade languages would give him away even more than their bullshit story. “Did we do something wrong?” he asked.

“Theft of fleet property is a serious crime, but smuggling is a more serious offense. Is there any reason why you are using out of season relay codes? We don't even have a work order on file for this aircraft. Do you want to speak your defense now or later in front of the magistrate?”

“We needed to give the operator something so we could safely land,” Teyla said, pushing John aside. “The navigation computer of our ship corrupted in mid flight over the Ebony Mountains when we took off from the town of Umber. We got caught in the blizzard and crashed near the mountain resort, and then stayed there until the storm passed, then flew this ship out. Andoraan was the nearest fleet base. We came directly here to return the ship and pay whatever fines we have incurred through its use.”

The man motioned for the others to lower their guns. Nice Teyla, John thought. You are up next, she echoed back.

“I'm Artreu Keating, the overseer of this base. I won't make any charges now, but I thank you for your effort to return this ship directly. I will see what I can do to provide you with accommodations and access to our base communications if you have someone you want to contact.”

“Thank you,” John said letting his accent blend more freely with his words this time. “Would it be possible for someone from your medical staff to examine my wife? She was hurt more than I was in the crash. Some of the muscles were torn in her left leg.”

“I'm fine,” Teyla said for the sake of an argument. So now you are equating rough sex to a ship crash, she asked him.

I just want them to admire my work, he whispered back into her mind.

“I can do that that for you,” Artreu said.

“You make me laugh, John,” Teyla said when they were tucked away in a small hospital room at the base. “What did you project to them. Why did you keep it from me?”

“Because it would have spoiled the effect. I said I was concerned about my beautiful Briscean wife who I am totally not worthy of. Surely her people will take care of her. My bumbling accent helped I think. You and your flawless speech and performance helped too. I leaked other random thoughts like how hungry I was and how I hoped to God we didn't get shot. I also sent impressions of our so called crash and the emotional trauma that went with it. Mind readers are so gullible when they think they have the upper hand.”

“So now I am your wife?” she smiled.

“Do you mind playing pretend until we are out of the dark?”

“No.” She kissed him. “We still have to get out of here. We don't have any money or contacts.”

“How was your check up?”

“They were convinced, although I did fall on the ice several times at the resort.”

They sat on the bed, and he leaned back against the wall so he could hold her against him. They had been able to change into civilian clothes again and all of their survival gear lay in the corner of the room. They had eaten food from their bags so they could avoid the busy cafeteria. The room faded, and they felt only each other's heartbeat, and then sleep.

---

They both woke fully in response to a quick knock at the door. Teyla stood up, crossed the room, and opened the door, but saw a blur and felt only a sting that radiated through her body and exploded in her mind. Then everything went dark.
John woke on a thin mattress that was directly under a bright light. He was unbound, but he lay completely still as he glanced around the room. It smelled faintly of dank mold and sulfur. Someone else was sitting in the corner of the room.

“I know you are awake. Get up.”

John sat up and studied the man who pointed to a chair. There was nothing else in the room. John slowly crossed the room and sat down to where he was facing the man.

“Where is she,” John demanded. He could not touch her mind so she was either unconscious still or dead.

“She is a few rooms away. We are treating her well. Who are you?”

“I won't say a thing unless she is here.”

“You are protected through her even though she is not in the room.”

“Protected?” John asked. “Abducting us is your way of convincing us that you aren't the ones trying to kill us?”

“I need to know who you are before I can start looking for the people who are trying to kill you. This world is complicated and the Guild law enforcers aren't the only ones with the power or motivation to settle conflict. What is your name?”

“John Sheppard.” The man waited as he studied John's face. “You won't get confirmation of that if you are trying to pick it out of my mind.”

“Your Briscean is a good teacher,” the man said.

“My wife is good at many things. Why did you take us out of the hospital.”

“Wife?” The man vented surprise and for a moment he projected images that John understood.

“Am I missing something?” John asked.

“My name is Corin. Earlier today we learned that a man had been attacked by some unknown party and that he went into hiding under the protection of a Briscean woman.”

“Really, Corin? Why would you want to help us. The people who are after us could have told you that the moment we escaped. You cannot even comprehend the consequences if you have killed her.”

“I thought the attack was directed only towards you.”

“You are being very vague,” John said. “We are both trying to get off this world and back to my home world Athos before we get killed. I don't know who wants us dead or why. I could give you a very long, screwed up story, but honestly I struggle to speak this language without her help, so be nice and go get her.”

“Athos. Isn't that near the world Atlantis?” Corin asked.

“Good guess,” John replied seeing right through him. “Who have you been talking to?”

“A man we met earlier today named Ronon.”

“They're here!” John whispered to himself. He bowed his head and rubbed his hands across his face. He stood up quickly, struggling to keep his mind closed. Teyla, he called out. Ronon is here! “Where is he? I need to see him, Corin.”

Corin caught a glimpse of the intensity of John's projection when his mind slipped with emotion. The deadly game had become darker. John's mind pleaded with him, and Corin noticed the same emotion and desperation he had seen when Ronon had talked of Teyla. His men had complete control of the building, so they were safe, but the sooner he knew more the sooner he would know how close they were to danger.

“Who are you?” Corin asked again.

“I've already told you. Where is Ronon. I need to see him.”

“I heard you calling out to her. Who are you?”

Don't say anything, John! He caught a faint picture in his mind and sat on the bed again, waiting.

“We make no secret of our abilities, yet foreigners let their minds slip around us,” Corin said. “We all blend in to where it is difficult to tell the Briscean from the Ixori, but there is only one true way of knowing. Why would you hide who you are?”

“Why not?” John couldn't help replying.

There was a rapid knock on the door and Corin opened it. The hall was empty so he stepped out to look further. John smiled as he saw Teyla hit Corin in the face with an open palm. Corin recovered quickly and Teyla retreated behind John for protection. Her only intention was to get into the same room as John.

“What did you do to my men?” Corin asked as he wiped his nose.

“I did what I needed to do. You do not know what we have been through. I can hear my husband and find him, but we do not have that ability with Ronon. Your men are only tied up. I am not as delicate and beautiful as they would like me to be.”

“We did not bring you here to harm you here,” Corin said. “We stand to suffer if corrupt activities begin to escalate on this world. Our allied worlds can do what they want, but our ability to see into the minds of other gives us the advantage that lets us keep peace here. We have maintained a stable civilization for thousands of years this way. Who would attack Brisceans and why would you hide who you are, John Sheppard. Your friend Ronon doesn't seem to know who you are.”

“A Briscean high in the Guild is the one who has ordered the attack. There is little you can do to help us. We must speak to Ronon,” Teyla said.

“What crime have you committed that would make a leader of your people attack you?” Corin asked.

“You misunderstand,” John replied. “We are not from this world. My wife and I are leaders to our own people. If you would kindly let us see Ronon we will leave before your leaders commit further acts of war against us in violation of their own trade laws.”

“Your story still does not match Ronon's,” Corin challenged.

“Complicated stories are usually only explained to the people who need to understand them,” John bit back.

“I left Ronon the message,” Teyla said trying to break the aggression between Corin and John. “He is like a brother to me. Our people adopted him after the Wraith destroyed his world and tortured him. I knew he would find us. John and I did not understand how the minds of the Briscean could connect until we were around them when we first arrived on this world a week ago. I didn't realize mother was Briscean, and Ronon only knew me as Athosian because I am their leader as my father was before me.

“Corin, what coded story would you give to someone if you wanted them to know you were under attack without cause and at risk of being killed by any person on this world? The Lantians are your greatest enemy, and with our lives in danger here, the Briscean who would not protect us are our enemy. I needed him to know he could not trust them. I needed him to know that John had been poisoned and how serious the attack had been. My story obtained its intended effect for us. Ronon found us.“

“What official ordered the attack?” Corin asked.

“For your protection we will not tell you that,” Teyla replied.

“Let us see Ronon right now or you won't be able to walk out of this room when you want to leave," John said.

“Save your threats for your true enemies,” Corin said. “Come with me. Teyla, please don't attack any of my people again.”

“I merely disabled them.”

---

Ronon was drinking with the same crew that had brought him to Adoraan. They had been kind enough to take him in and help him search for John and Teyla. The boy had simply taken him to a house where he was given food and a place to sleep until Corin woke him and brought him back to their private trade base. He dropped his glass on the floor and it broke when he saw Corin walk through the door with John and Teyla

“Teyla! John!” He cross the room and pulled Teyla into a tight hug and kissed her forehead. He reached out and patted John's shoulder and then scanned their faces. “No radiation?”

“Poison,” John replied. “According to Teyla I almost died. I can't remember much except the pain. Lots of pain.”

“Sorrel fed a pretty, but questionable story to Elizabeth, Carson, and Rodney.”

“Really? You didn't buy it? What was his angle?” John asked.

“He gave us a recording of you both announcing that you both got married and went off world for the honeymoon. He showed us a wedding picture of Teyla wearing white. You guys aren't married, right?” Ronon asked.

John looked at Corin who was standing close by. “The dress was red when I saw her wearing it, and a honeymoon in the mountains up north wasn't our first choice. Do you have any ideas of how to get out of here?”

“You could play along with Sorrel's story and fly into port as if you just got back from Thystin. Sorrel wouldn't expect us and he always has to be called away from diplomatic duties to meet with us, so we end up waiting for him. We could say hi to everyone and lure them out to the cargo bay and then into the jumper where you both have presents for them from off world. We can knock them out and fly back to Atlantis,” Ronon replied. “Sorry, but I've had a bit of time to think about this one.”

“Good, because we've been clueless. How are you going to explain going AWOL?”

“No problem. I will tell them I was ticked off that Teyla married you instead of me. I will tell them that I wandered away to find some place to drink away my heartbreak. We can arrive back at the port together, but I will just enter the bay at a different time.”

“Teyla, what do you think?” John asked.

“Corin, were you offering to bring us back to port? All conflict will be resolved when we leave this world, so your interests will be satisfied then. We will pay you,” Teyla said.

“We can't protect you once you get there, but we can promise to get you there safely. We are a strange people, and I don't understand why a Briscean would attack one of its own, but it was wise of you, John, to hide that you are Briscean through a poor accent, a strange story, and the strong contrast of your pretty Briscean wife. Rest for awhile while we prepare accommodations for your journey back.”

Corin motioned for his people to leave the room so Ronon, John, and Teyla would have time alone together.

“You are Briscean too?” Ronon asked John.

“Nope. I'm an army brat from Earth.”

“What was he talking about then?”

“Brisceans can do that mind thing and for some reason I can do it too.”

“Probably because you've been bitten by too many Wraith and Wraith bugs in the past,” Ronon laughed.

Teyla and John looked at each other immediately and laughed. “That's it,” John said.

“It only makes sense that your body would be altered permanently by those incidents. They were very serious,” Teyla said.

“I never thought anything positive would come out of them. I really would have died if you hadn't heard me that night,” John said.

---

“Anything?” Sorrel asked Sienna when she entered his office.

“I sent a team north when Elizabeth and the others arrived. They reported that John and Teyla were not there. By the arrangement of their gear we think they went hiking south. I have air and ground crews still scouting the area, but so far they haven't found anything.”

“They are a strange people. This messes everything up. You should have watched them. You have less than twelve hours to find them Sienna.”

“We didn't think they would try to leave,” she replied.

“A leader and a warrior. They left so they could warn their people.” Sorrel stood and picked up the picture of John and Teyla from a shelf.

“What will you tell their people?”

“Their ship crashed. But then John doesn't look like a person who would ever crash. The doctor is getting skeptical. I don't want to give them any more reason to doubt.”

“Elizabeth has the final say,” Sienna said. “She still believes us.

“She believed Althea too. Elizabeth is a woman who is used to being under the heel of powerful people.”

“Despite all of the flaws, did you learn what you wanted in all of this?”

“Yes, but I want to see how it ends,” Sorrel replied. “Find John and Teyla. Dig under the snow to find their bodies if you have to.”

---

“Hey Teyla,” John said.

“Yeah?”

He paused. The port was still a small dot in the distance, but he already felt like they were standing inside it. They had left Ronon and Corin over an hour ago. He would never fully understand why Corin helped them, and he was grateful for Ronon's love and loyalty to Teyla and to him. Atlantis was heaven, and he hoped they would reach it.

“John?”

He focused back on Teyla. “Things have been crazy for the past several days. I wanted to thank you for going through everything with me. I'm sorry our story got mixed up. I love you, but I didn't mean to make you play the roll of being my wife. I wanted to pop the question when we were somewhere nice.”

“We can just keep playing the game until it is for real,” Teyla said. “A marriage is just an agreement to love and help each other through pain, and the unknown, as well as the brighter shades of life. We have been doing that. This will work.”

“Isn't this a great ship? It almost makes me want to go to Thystin for real. Do you want to fly? I'll talk you through it,” John said.

“As long as you keep me from crashing over the capital city.”

---

“What's going on?” Carson asked. He entered the landing bay where the jumper was docked. Elizabeth was pacing and Rodney was eating cinnabar while watching the sky through transparent bay door.

“What does it look like?” Rodney said. “John and Teyla just radioed in. They said they would be here...” He checked his watch,”...in five minutes.

“So Ronon was wrong.”

“Yes, but now we will have to find Ronon again before we can leave,” Elizabeth said.

“I can't believe they got married!” Rodney said.

“You believed Ronon?” Elizabeth asked.

“No, but I'm still surprised. Aren't you?”

“I think we all are. Everyone at Atlantis will be.”

Carson ignored them and walked out closer to the door. “Is Sorrel coming to greet them?” he asked.

“I'm sure he will, but he is always fashionably late,” Rodney said.

“Look. That's them,” Carson said.

“In a Thystin ship,” Rodney added.

Carson glanced at him.

“I studied up on the ships they make. John will probably want to start importing them. Pretty isn't it,” Rodney said as he looked at the ship.

“Yes,” Elizabeth said.

The ship was large enough to endure interstellar travel and accommodate several passengers, but it was small enough for casual use planet side. The strange alloy of metal was a silvery blue. A blue dampener field spread out to cushion the ship as it landed. Elizabeth, Rodney, and Carson stood on the platform and waited. Teyla was the first to appear in the open hatchway after it lowered to the ground. She was wearing a light teal-blue pants suit with an elaborate silver belt that matched the geometric design of the bracelets on her right arm. Silver raindrop earrings slapped against her cheeks when she turned and held out her left hand. John took it. He wore a sage green short sleeve shirt and khaki pants. He waved at everyone with a hand that held sunglasses.

“Hi, we can explain everything,” Teyla said.

“I already told you we don't have to explain anything,” John said to her loud enough for the others to hear. They had spent several hours working with Ronon to get stories straight. He squeezed her hand and led her down to where the others were. “Where is Sorrel?” he asked.

“Probably in a meeting,” Rodney said. “Were you expecting him?”

“Nope. That just means we can give out presents before we attend any meetings. What do you think Teyla?”

“Presents?” Rodney said.

“We did quite a bit of work on Thystin and earned a good salary in local currency. Teyla and I got a bit carried away buying presents for everyone,” John said.

“And the ship?” Rodney asked.

“Teyla bought it for me so that was her getting carried away.”

“We need help unloading,” Teyla said.

Teyla followed everyone into the ship. John pulled a gun from under his shirt and then climbed the ramp. Three bright cerulean shots lit up the cabin and three bodies hit the floor.

“How long will that stuff keep them out?” John asked. Teyla poked a needle into Rodney's shoulder and then drew it out. She did the same for Elizabeth and Carson.

“Longer than a hydrostatic blast. Thirty minutes maybe. Ronon should be here by the time we get them into the jumper,” Teyla replied.

John unloaded a cart from the back of the ship and set it up by the ramp. He picked up Elizabeth and laid her on it. Teyla helped him carry Rodney.

“They won't be too happy when they hear we didn't collect their luggage and souvenirs.

“They will have more things to be upset about when they wake up,” Teyla said. She walked ahead while John pushed the cart. They buckled all three of them in the seats of the jumper.

“You look beautiful, Teyla,” John said. “Did one of Corin's people get that for you or did you pick it out?”

“Corin's wife. Who dressed you?” she asked.

“I did.” He took both of her hands. “Are you ready to do this?”

---

Elizabeth woke with the inability to rub her eyes. Carson was asleep in the seat across from her, also tied up, however Rodney was tied, awake, and glaring at Ronon who sat in a seat at the front of the cabin. He had a gun on his lap.

“Welcome back, Elizabeth,” Ronon said. “I will tell you what I told Rodney. If you make noise I will knock you out. He decided to test me. He just woke up from his second nap a few minutes ago.”

“Can I at least ask...” Elizabeth said.

Ronon fired the gun, and Elizabeth lay back again, unconscious.

“Damnit!” Rodney said.

The gun went off again.

---

“How much longer?” Teyla asked. “They are probably awake by now.”

“Rodney McKay could have probably done this in ten minutes. It is going to take me awhile, Teyla,” John said with a slight edge in his voice. He felt like he had a gun to his head. His hands ached from typing fast on a keyboard he hardly knew. Teyla translate everything on the screen straight into his mind, but he sensed that she was getting tired too.

“This is a 10,000 year old civilization. They would have thought of every possible way someone could hack into their system.”

“I got my message into their traffic relay system,” Teyla replied.

“You didn't change or manipulate anything. You merely inserted an insignificant packet of information. They will shoot the jumper down with those space rays if I can't give our ship an ID that will clear it through the atmosphere and into space.”

“Let me go get Rodney,” Teyla said.

“And risk him going crazy? He might leak something. Briscean are everywhere and he might not be convinced that we are on his side.”

“It's the only way, John. Admit that you can't do this.”

“You won't be able to translate this for him,” John said.

“Lay low, I'm going to get him,” she said emphatically. He grabbed her hand quickly, but not to stop her. “Come back to me.”

Always.

---

Teyla stopped when she entered the jumper. Ronon sat up with a hopeful expression, but Elizabeth, Rodney, and Carson were silent and furious.

“What is it?” Ronon asked.

“We are stuck and John is tired. How are they?” Teyla asked.

“Alive, but they aren't aware that they should be grateful for that. You shouldn't have left John in there, Teyla. They might try to kill him again,” Ronon whispered.

“Someone tried to kill John?” Rodney asked.

Ronon raised his hand to shoot Rodney again, but Teyla blocked it.

“I need him. If he can't make this work our only other option is to leave the jumper and stowaway on one of Corin's ships,” Teyla said.

Ronon stood and cut the cords around Rodney's hands and feet.

“If you screw this up you will get everyone killed, Rodney. We don't have time to explain, but you have to do whatever Teyla and John tell you.”

“Okay.”

“Ronon, could you talk to me, please,” Elizabeth begged when Teyla and Rodney were gone.”

“I will answer one question.”

“Why did they try to kill John?”

“We have given up on trying to get that one answered. Now, all we want to do is get back to Atlantis,” Ronon replied.

---

“What's wrong, Teyla?” Rodney asked. They walked quickly as they entered the busy trade port.

“This is the first and most important thing I need you to do. The Briscean can read your thoughts. Anything you are thinking out loud in your head they can pick up. I need you to be conscious of your thoughts and keep from projecting them.”

“I will try. How do you know this? Are you really Briscean?”

“Yes, that part of their lie was true.”

“Are you and John really married?” Rodney asked.

“Stop with the questions. We will explain everything later. Stop venting thoughts. I can hear you and they can to. When we get to the terminal John is working at I need you to help him find a way to tag our ship so it will get past the orbiting rays. That is all I need from you.”

“And I need you to stop and hold up your hands,” a voice called out from behind them. Teyla turned to see Sienna and six guards.

John!

“What do you want?

“Where is John?” Sienna asked.

Teyla quickly swung her foot up knocking Rodney in the back of the head with the heel of her boot. He dropped to the floor and the guards moved closer.

“I take it he knew, and you were afraid he would tell?” Sienna said. “Take them. Sorrel has been looking for you.”

“Isn't Sorrel the one who lost us to begin with?”

Teyla noticed every corner of the path they took. They stopped near the section where she and John had had their apartment together. Sorrel and several other people were waiting inside. He waved the escort away and Teyla entered on her own. Two of the guards set Rodney on a low cushioned chair.

“It is good to see you again, Teyla”

“What more do you want from us?” she demanded.

“Where is John?”

“I won't answer you. You have a creative way of making enemies.”

“The purpose of a test is not to make an enemy. We do not work with people we don't know. The point of establishing a trade relationship is to find out who we are trading with. When you first came, we were immediately put on guard by seeing a Lantian ship, even though we knew you were a different race. For this reason our tests for you were different.”

“What could you learn from your test that you could not learn by asking?” she demanded.

“Loyalty. The people we trade with are loyal to us, just as we are loyal to them. We do not work with people who cheat.”

“How can you say that?” Teyla laughed. “You cheated before we ever established any permanent agreements. You almost killed John. He almost died!” Her mind and emotions remained contained behind a solid wall. She refused to give them any ground.

“We didn't let him,” Sorrel said.

“You hurt him. Do you make a habit of hurting people you don't know?”

“We wanted to understand you. We have never met a race with such chaotic thought patterns. Even Ronon who is native to this galaxy has altered his thoughts to flow like theirs. Your mind was walled off because you are Briscean. We wanted to monitor a stabilized thought pattern. We did not mean to poison him. The drug was supposed to stabilize his thoughts. We didn't know it was making him sick until it was too late.”

“Why did you send us up north and tell us that story. You didn't have to make us leave the city.” Rodney was rubbing his head. She walked away from the chair a guard put next to her. Sienna sat by two women, and four men were seated beside Sorrel. She felt like she was on trial.

“We were not able to observe your thoughts, so we decided to observe your actions. You chose to help John when we told you he was our enemy, even after our disapproval. We wanted to see if it was true that you loved him, or if you were just trying to sway our sympathy.”

“Were you testing everyone else?”

“We wanted to see if they believed my story about you and what they would do about it, and we wanted to see if Althea could keep your people from rescuing you.”

“Althea?” Teyla asked.

“Althea!” Rodney said. He stood up quickly and stumbled to the floor, but kept crawling. Teyla helped him up.

“I am so sorry,” she whispered hoping his head didn't hurt too much.

“You sent Althea to us?” Rodney said.

“She committed a crime. I told her that her two children would be executed unless she convinced the people of Atlantis to not return to Ixori. I told her to make up any story she wanted, as long as she did not tell the truth.”

“We came back here though!” Rodney said.

“I told her what I needed to tell her so she would tell the best story. She is working in the central gardens right now if you want to stop by to see her. Her debt has been paid. She did her job, but your people came back to rescue John and Teyla regardless. Ronon went out to find the truth, and Elizabeth struggled to keep things peaceful while she remained completely in the dark.”

“Did we pass your loyalty test? Is this what you expected to see?” Rodney asked.

“You passed. Even when you doubted each other you were what we always hope our partners will be. We didn't expect Teyla and John to escape from the resort. We would have brought them back here after observing you, Elizabeth, and the others for a few days, and we would have then explained everything to all of you.”

“Why did you bring us here?” Teyla asked looking around the room.

“I hoped to talk to both you and John.”

“And tell us what?”

“What I have just told you. I found out that you were back in the city,” Sorrel said.

“Ronon told me something that was very interesting,” Teyla said. “Is it true that any attack, even a slight one, against a Briscean is a greater offense than one committed by someone of another race?” She took a step closer to him.

“We have a good reason to give our people strict protection. After proof of a crime is obtained, the offended has the right of sentencing without the intervention of the courts. On the Ixori home world the sentencing extends to the accused's immediate family. Teyla, I haven't attacked you in any way by this.”

“I know, but what about John? You can't say you didn't mean to hurt him when you were the one giving him poison. You were willing to risk that he wouldn't die and that our people would be lenient towards you if he did.”

“We will pay restitution to make up for the suffering we have caused him,” Sorrel replied. The door knocked open and John stepped inside holding a gun.

“I don't buy any of it,” John said. “Too bad Elizabeth didn't hear any of this. You heard it all right, Rodney?”

“Yeah.”

“How did you! How did you get in here?” Sorrel stood up and four guards crept out of the corners of the room and moved closer to Rodney, Teyla, and John.

“How? Someone drew me a pretty map, and that someone kindly filled me in on the conversation while I was on the way so I would know who to shoot when I got here,” John replied.

“He could hear you!” Sorrel asked.

“Every word.”

“But you are not...”

“Briscean?” John asked. “Did you ever ask me?” The other people stood up and looked at Sorrel

“But we could hear your thoughts,” Sorrel said.

“Yeah well maybe I didn't know you were listening. Does everyone in the room agree that I get to shoot him?”

“Tie him to a fire ant pile,” Rodney whispered.

“They are not convinced I'm Briscean,” John said to Teyla.

“Briscean?” Rodney asked.

“Don't you remember my sister Ellia?”

Rodney thought for a moment. “The one none of us liked?”

“That's the one,” John said.

“I didn't know,” Sorrel said.

“It shouldn't make a difference, because an attack is an attack.”

“We just want to leave, and because of your dishonesty, I do not think we will come back,” Teyla said. “Would you...” she stopped.

“Yeah, I hear them,” John said. “In another five minutes Corin's people will be here to pull us out and put a bullet in the heads of the names we gave them.”

“You mean Sorrel and Sienna?” Teyla asked.

“Yep.”

“I didn't hear that part of the plan,” Teyla whispered.

“I didn't want to worry you while we were on our honeymoon,” John grinned. “He was concerned when he heard two Brisceans had been attacked.”

The guards brushed past them and took Sorrel and Sienna.

“They never introduced themselves, John, but they are some of the other Guild elders,” Teyla said. “They are here to observe Sorrel's decision to accept us as trade partners.”

One of the female elders stood up. “We gave him freedom to test your people more extensively, but we did not give him permission to hurt any of you. How is it that you are Briscean if you are from Earth, John Sheppard?”

“I don't know. I've been wondering how I got the Lantian gene as well. But it shouldn't matter. An attack is an attack no matter what race it is committed against. How dare you put Teyla in such a position, Sorrel. She is foreign to this world, and if I had died she would have been completely alone.” John paused as he listened to the Guild council. “They want to know what goods we would like to bring home with us, Rodney.” Rodney glanced around the silent room.

“Nix on the fire ants?”

“We will have to import them,” John replied. Sorrel's eyes widened. “Oops, did I let that image slip?”

“Have you chosen a sentence for them and their families?” the woman asked.

“Yes. Sorrel and Sienna you will write down a chronicle of the events from the moment we got here and include your reasons for your actions. Have it completed and in my hand by the time we are ready to leave. You can save all of the gifts you plan to give us to smooth all of this over. We don't want any of your bloody tributes. We will only take what we brought with us, and since our goods have already been traded into your system, you will pay Elizabeth for them in whatever manner she specifies. Corin Gannon gave Teyla and me a Thystin ship as a gift, so we will also take that with us. I am diverting any repayment and any right of sentencing to Corin who will act as our advocate. Be generous with his people. Especially since they are waiting in the hall right now. Are there any questions, Elders?”

“We understand.”

“I didn't mean to hurt you,” Sorrel said quickly before they left.

John and Teyla ignored them.

“John and Teyla,” Corin said as he held out his arms. “The plan was for you not to be here. I could have gotten a confession without your help.”

“Yeah, but I fell in love with your ship on the way here. I won't accept their blood money, but I will accept your ship if you give it to me. That way you can demand ten ships in repayment of their debt against to us.”

“Because you've made me your advocate. I get to benefit and sentence at the same time.” Corin's men laughed. “Everyone know what they want? Make your lists now.”

“Do you think they will be that nice?” Teyla asked.

Corin touched her arm. “It is good that you are handing this one off. You would be too lenient. Sorrel and Sienna are both Guild officials. The committed a crime against a pending ally. You both are leaders, which should be an act of war, and then you both are Briscean which should merit them a death sentence. They will get off light if I make them foot the bill for my men to go casual shopping every day for the next year. You have chosen to let me decide this, so I will. Be the happy couple that you are. Desari will take you back to the platform near your quarters.”

“Thanks,” John said.

“Where did you meet him?” Rodney asked. Teyla walked ahead with Corin's wife.

“He's one of Ronon's friends. The kind of person that drinks a lot, plays with knives, and gets in fights,” John smiled.

“Do you think he will have them killed?”

“He will do what gives him the most profit while getting the message across to the other Brisceans.”

---

“The coast is clear,” John said when he opened the door of the jumper.

“What happened? You've been gone for so long,” Ronon said.

“Your friends showed up.” Elizabeth and Carson stared up at John, still afraid to speak. “It's okay now. We are 100 percent safe. We had to attend a long lecture with a group of elders, but now we aren't rushed. You guys can have a couple of hours to pack and then we can leave like normal people.”

“What about the traffic system?” Ronon asked.

“I got knocked out on the way there. That makes four times in one day,” Rodney said.

“The elders have cleared us for flight, and Sorrel and Sienna are under arrest,” John said.

“For trying to kill you?” Elizabeth asked.

“That is the main part. Over the next couple of hours you will get the whole story. Most of what Sorrel told you was a lie."

“The Briscean part?” Carson asked.

“That was true,” Ronon said.

“What about you both being married.”

John and Teyla turned to look at each other.

“True,” they said at the same time. “I think everything else was made up,” John added.

“But the dress in the picture Sorrel showed us was white,” Elizabeth said.

“Sorrel was trying to pick around in our heads. John's thoughts are easier to read than mine,” Teyla said. “He probably saw that American brides traditionally wear white. I was wearing red, so he probably changed the color in the picture hoping you would really believe that we were married instead of simply dressing up for a fancy dinner.”

John laughed at the irony when he heard the last part of her statement.

“They can read minds?” Carson asked.

“Hold that thought. Let's take a break and meet back in the common room in an hour. We promise to answer questions, but please give us an hour.” John held his hand out to Teyla.

“Where are we going?”

“To our ship. What should we name her?”

“How about, 'Aerial escape from Ebony Mountain,'” Teyla said.

“Or Ebony for short,” John replied.

“That means dark.”

“Yeah, I know. Our time here has been dark. Well mostly.” He smiled at her and shut the door when they were inside the ship.

---

“What is all of this?” John asked. He looked around the bay at the large skiffs that were being carted into the bay. He would have been upset, but he saw they were Corin's people.

“Boss said we were getting some new stuff. He wanted to make room so he decided to give you all of our junk. Where should I put it?” Fritz said. He waved at Ronon who was across the room.

“Fritz, we don't have room for all of this.”

“Ronon said he could fly.”

“Oh no,” John laughed and crossed his arms. “We are going through a Stargate.”

“I think three ships have enough room to carry all of this.”

“Is he arguing with you, Fritz?” Corin asked from behind them.

“Yes.”

“Desari and Teyla will probably have more stuff when they get back.”

“Corin, why are you doing this? I still don't understand why you immersed yourself so deeply in our cause?” John asked.

“A war is a trader's greatest fear. You won't find a life better than this. My wife and my friends work with me every day. We have traveled around these stars since birth. Any amount of conflict creates two sides. If we are near one we will offend the other. Things become dangerous. Everything becomes unknown. Nothing is more terrible than living a life of fear. I will never forget Ronon's face when he was telling us about trying to find you and then his expression when you were reunited with him. He was afraid and I knew I would be next if I did not find a way to help him. An attack against two Brisceans, even if they are not residents of this world, is serious. You were attacked without cause, just as the original Ixori were attacked without cause. You may not think of this world kindly after you leave, but I want you to think of me and my people. The Briscean Wraith and the Ixori established a trade empire. Trade is in our blood, not this deception and violence. I welcome you to come back here and work with my people. Forget the Guild Order.”

“I have a better idea. Come to Atlantis. Meet Teyla's people and mine, and see the city as it is today. Then you can be the one to trade between Atlantis and Ixori. Maybe one day I will come back here, but right now I have a wife to focus on.”

“Speaking of focusing on wives. I think I see mine,” Corin said.

Desari waved at them. Ronon followed her and Teyla.

“Teyla, we don't have room for anything else,” Ronon said.

“You didn't tell him about the ship?” John asked.

“We were waiting for him to feel overwhelmed by cargo. Does he look overwhelmed, Fritz?” Corin asked.

“Yep.”

“What's going on,” Ronon asked. They motioned for Ronon to follow them. John and Teyla watched them leave.

“Fritz and I are going to take you to the neighboring bay,” Corin said. “We can start diverting things in that direction?”

“Why?” Ronon looked back at John.

“We need to start loading the other ship,” Corin replied.

“They are giving you a ship, Ronon,” John called out.

“You should have let him figure it out on his own,” Desari laughed.

“How is he Lydia's Corin if your name is Desari?” Ronon asked.

“Lydia was my mother. That is a long story. I will tell it to you when you come back here,” Corin said.

“Excuse me,” a man said as he approached John. “Col. John Sheppard?”

“Yes?”

“I was instructed to give you these files.” John took the two data cards and gave them to Teyla. The man stayed standing there.

“Was there something else you wanted?” John asked. The man motioned. A second man held a large box out to John.

“I was asked to tell you to look inside it before you threw it away.”

“Is it from Sorrel?”

“Yes.”

John pushed it back at the man and walked away.

“Please, just look at it. Then you can burn it or throw it away. Please, take it.”

John disappeared into the other bay. Teyla looked back at the man.

“Put it on the floor of this ship and then leave the bay.” Teyla stood still and watched them. He was probably like the woman Rodney and the others had met. What had his crime been and what would his punishment be if she refused to accept the gift? She was tired of their twisted games. When they were gone she left to find Elizabeth.

---

John wrapped his arms around Teyla as she stood in front of him. The jumper was high up in the atmosphere, and they watched Ronon take off with his air escort. It would be completely dark when they would leave. Their assigned window was thirty minutes away. The bay was empty and completely quiet. Corin's people had finally said goodbye, and the port authority had left them alone.

“You have to stay awake at least until we get to deep space,” John said.

“I wasn't planning to fall asleep,” Teyla said. She pulled on his arm. “We should be clear by the time you have the ship powered and positioned.”

“I guess I've seen enough of this view.” He followed her into the ship and knocked over a box on the way in. “What is this?”

“Something from Sorrel.”

“Why is it here?” John asked.

“I told them to put it here.”

John picked it up and pressed the button to open the hatch.

“Wait. Let me look at it first.”

“I will give you five seconds before I throw it,” John replied.

Teyla removed the wide cover and pulled back thin sheets of paper. “Oh, John!” she said quickly.

“What is it?”

“Look.” He held the box out to him.

“How much were they listening to us?” John asked. “Put it on.”

“You have to put yours on.”

Teyla unfolded the dark red dress and held it against her. “I never thought I would see this again.”

“There's something else,” John said as he held a bundle of clothing. He held up a flat package. “What do you think? Long apology note?” She tore it open, but sat down quickly. “What is it?” he asked as he sat beside her.

“Us.”

She handed him the same picture Ronon had seen, except Teyla and John were wearing red. John took the picture and Teyla pulled another one from the stack.

“They are pictures of our time here.”

“The good parts at least,” John said. “I guess spies are useful after all. Quick, put it on.” When they were dressed he led her out onto the platform again. The sky was dark, but filled with lights from the city and from the ships and stations in orbit.

“I thought you said you had enough of this view,” Teyla said.

“Even with all its evil I will always love this world,” John said as he twirled her around. He kissed her and then held his hands against her face while he breathed in silence. What would it be like when they got back to Atlantis?

“I never expected this to happen,” she whispered.

“It was my fate to fall in love with you, Teyla,” John said. He gently tilted her chin up and brushed his fingers through her hair. “I want you to share my life. Bring me into your world. Here before the bright lights against the dark sky on a world that is both bitter and beautiful, I am asking you to be my wife. You are too perfect for this to be a game any longer.”

“I am your wife, John. It was never a game. I made my vows to you when you were dying in my arms and you made yours when you came back to me.”

“I love you,” he whispered.

He pulled her to him so her head could rest on his shoulder, and she wrapped her arms around him. They peacefully looked over the world knowing they would never return. Teyla reached up and rubbed the dark red fabric of his collar between her fingers.

“Let's go home,” she said.

Let's go home, he echoed as they turned back towards the ship.