Author's Note: This story idea came from a comment writer Martin Gero made on the DVD commentary. Something about how all the characters enjoyed picking up big guns and playing Army. All except Weir, who would never shoot-em-up because it would be so out of character. So of course, my first thought was, "How can I put Elizabeth in a situation where she would consider shooting a gun?" Up to the very end I still wasn't sure if she actually would or not, so read up and see what happened! Sheppard gets to go along for the ride, and gets whumped pretty good to provide "motivation."

Reviews are appreciated as you go!

July 1, 2006 - Just completed and uploaded minor revisions throughout the story, mostly small picky editorial stuff but there are some major rewrites of chapter 10 and the epilogue. Hubby also pointed out a couple of minor technical holes which are hopefully "plugged" in this revision. Probably not worth re-reading if you've already done so! Otherwise, enjoy!

Dr. Elizabeth Weir squirmed a bit with excitement as the puddle jumper cleared the Stargate and began a smooth rapid climb into crystal blue morning sky. She really had to get off Atlantis more, she thought. It just wasn't dignified for the leader of the Atlantis Expedition to feel quite so…giddy about a mere archeological survey of an unpopulated ruin.

She leaned forward to watch the ground fall away below her and her stomach did a flop despite the eerie lack of any sensation of ascent. She grinned, unable to contain her pleasure and looked over at the man in the pilot's seat next to her. John Sheppard sat relaxed at the controls, carefully surveying the view through the windshield and the complex array of instruments in front of him. She felt him radiating a deep sense of contentment as he brought the jumper around into a tight arc to circle the gate and then leveled it out to follow a crumbling but impressive ancient roadway. That man sure does love to fly, she thought to herself, turning back to the landscape zipping by below and still smiling. She was sure she had caught the faint shadow of a similar joyful expression on John's face.

Now and then a sparkling stream or large river would catch the fresh sunlight and reflect brightly into her eyes. She caught glimpses of chalky rock and dark earth beneath the leafy green canopy of the forest they were flying over as they followed the road's meandering path, and she knew the jumper's scanners were recording every inch for the benefit of the survey team that would study both the road and the geography it traveled through in great detail.

The winding relic itself was unusual to the Pegasus Galaxy. Made of what appeared to have once been solid or poured rock, it indicated a different civilization than the Ancients that had founded Atlantis. The architecture of the columns and monuments surrounding the gate itself was also unique to their experience and Elizabeth had eagerly studied the reports and photos that had come in from the first survey teams. When Sheppard's team came back with the discovery of a towering Ziggurat at the end of the road she had decided right then to check it out for herself.

She hadn't, however, expected the resistance she had faced the second she announced her intentions. Sheppard had thrown up every barrier he could think of to get her to stay home, or at least wait until the science team had spent a day or two at the site. She even suspected he might have tried to contact Col. Caldwell to back him up in his campaign. But luckily the Dedalus was well beyond reach heading towards Earth, the final scout reports had all come back clear, and she was defiantly sitting in the jumper thoroughly looking forward to a hot, hard day's work of exploring and translating.

"As I was saying…" Rodney McKay's rapid-fire monologue had paused at the jumper's rather grand arrival to the quite beautiful planet. "It's a miracle we actually found this place at all. Well, perhaps not so much a miracle as yet another one of my feats of brilliant deduction too commonplace to be considered truly surprising any more…"

Privately rolling her eyes before turning her chair, Elizabeth pulled herself away from the landscape and faced the interior of the jumper. It was crowded in the confined space. Ronan Dex and Teyla Emmagan were seated just behind Sheppard and herself in the forward cockpit, also looking amused, but long used to their teammate's inane egotism. Through the open door into the rear compartment, Elizabeth could see Rodney huddled over his tablet computer as he talked and the 3 members of the science team next to him nodding politely. Across the aisle and looking large and intimidating were Sheppard's men… two marines obviously chosen for their size and (Elizabeth hated herself for thinking this) their thug-like appearance. Clearly Sheppard was still unhappy with her presence on the survey and had decided to exercise his protest in the only way left to him: by assigning his own team and extra security to the mission. Considering how many times she had heard him grumble about babysitting science teams on boring scientific surveys, his and his teams' presence was quite an indicator. Thinking that she appreciated his concern, in an annoying big-brotherly sort of way, she also thought he was being a bit paranoid. Surely it wasn't healthy to assume monsters jumped out of every ruin and crevasse one encountered in the Pegasus galaxy.

"What made you go looking for this planet's gate address if it wasn't in the Ancient Database?" asked Dr. Corrigan, the anthropologist who had been with Atlantis since the beginning.

"Well it isn't in the database of Gate addresses, but it is in the histories." McKay went on, warming to his topic. "Carson was watching the historical tapes again… he seems to have a weird fascination with that hologram girl…and we noticed that there was a cluster of planets the Ancients didn't originally claim."

"What do you mean by 'didn't claim' Dr. McKay?" asked Teyla, speaking up with interest.

"They weren't Blue." Stated Sheppard succinctly, his gaze still intent upon their route.

"Blue?"

"What he means…" Rodney seemed annoyed by the Colonel's interruption, an effect that Elizabeth was sure John had intended. "is that when the holographic histories represent the Pegasus Galaxy before the Wraith overwhelmed it, there was a group of star systems that, well, weren't Blue, symbolizing the Ancient Territories." McKay glared at Sheppard before continuing. "They weren't Red symbolizing the Wraith either, and once we spent more time studying the tapes, we also realized this cluster didn't seem to have been conquered after the Ancients left Pegasus because they still weren't red or blue."

"I see. What color were these planets?" Teyla's expression was full of mischief and Elizabeth shared a grin with the young and beautiful woman who was more sophisticated than many, especially the arrogant Rodney McKay gave her credit for.

"That's beside the point! Ok, they were Yellow. " For all his brilliance, Elizabeth thought, Rodney was pretty clueless when he was being teased. "What's really interesting here people, is that we FOUND this planet by calculating its location manually, then refined by trial and error to finalize the address."

"You forgot the part about the black hole orbiting the sun next door, making gate travel intermittent and shutting us off from Atlantis for 6 hours at a time." This time Sheppard's bluntness sent a ripple of tension through the ship. The scientists and the security detail squirmed a bit at the uncomfortable thought of being stranded. Teyla and Ronan exchanged a meaningful glance, sharing a moment of heightened determination to be wary.

"I was getting to that," said McKay, seeming a bit deflated. "Because of where this planet is in the gate network, the black hole the Colonel mentioned functions kind of like a revolving door, protecting this planet most of the time from gate travel in and out. It's sheer luck we happened to be testing our final addresses during an open window, and it was Dr. Pesch our astronomer who discovered why we can only reach this address intermittently. We've calculated the next 3 or 4 windows of opportunity to gate in and out, so even though it is intermittent, it's also predictable."

"Perhaps the people who put a gate here were reclusive?" Teyla suggested astutely, and Elizabeth was surprised to hear a very soft pair of grunts come from both Ronan and Sheppard making her wonder what about the comment had concerned the wary men.

"Maybe…" Rodney answered in the tone that meant all too clearly "Not". "More likely, just extremely unlucky. Anyway, each window is open for 6 hours roughly so we shouldn't have any trouble getting home on schedule."

"It's the unscheduled trips I worry about." Ronan muttered. "Are all gate addresses blocked by this black hole or is only Atlantis disabled?"

"Pretty much we're stuck here except during the open windows." Rodney seemed thoughtful, as if finally realizing the implications of their extended visit. The previous survey teams had purposefully come in and out within a single window, avoiding being cut off for any length of time. This expedition, they planned to stay a full day to catalog any writings and document with photos the entire area surrounding the Ziggurat. They would be cut off for 6 hours, then return to Atlantis during the next window.

The sobering statement brought silence to the jumper and they continued the rest of the trip with only the rustle of idle movement and McKay's muttering to listen to. Finally, Elizabeth noticed the slightest of changes in the light dancing through the jumper's window, and she turned her attention back to the landscape to see them approaching a gentle but massive hill. The road cut through the natural barrier, rather than climbing over the hill to create a deep and shadowy artificial canyon. They were slowing down as well and she caught her breath in an involuntary gasp as they cleared the crest.

A massive plain that could have once been a lakebed it was so wide and level stretched out before them, velvety with short brightly green grasses. But the interesting geology was far upstaged by the towering structure jutting out of its center. Its beauty lay in its dramatic contrast to the natural surroundings. The rock that formed the evenly tiered steps up to a dramatic domed crown seemed to be the same material as the road they had been following and which continued to march across the plain directly to the Ziggurat. Unlike the broken and crumbling road, however, the building was perfectly smooth, showing no signs of the decay of wind, water and weather. A moan of anticipation reached her ears from the back and she had to grin at Dr. Corrigan's eagerness. She felt a similar intellectual pull to the monument and at that instant felt like she would have ignored even a direct order from her government or sneaked through the gate all by herself just to see it.

"All right people," Sheppard's commanding voice brought the expedition to attention, even as most everyone was beginning to shift and jostle with their packs and gear. "You've all been briefed. We survey what we can, and go home the next open window in 8 hours, no exceptions. It'll be getting dark by then anyway. It takes 30 minutes to get back to the gate by jumper so our point of no return this window is less than 60 minutes. Science team, don't wander off alone. You can divide up how you want among yourselves, but stay with a security member at all times. Security, we'll rotate teams of two when possible, one team keep the jumper in sight at all times. Have fun!"

As he finished, Elizabeth felt a small jolt and realized they had just landed in the waving grasses near where the road ended and became a wide set of shallow steps down to the foot of monument, still many yards away. That giddy feeling was creeping over her again, and the grin reappeared. Just before marching out the rear hatch behind the others, she glanced back to find John Sheppard studying her. Afraid for a moment he would again voice his disapproval, or worse try to restrict her exploration on the planet, she returned the look firmly, daring him to speak. Instead, with a resigned sigh and a gallant sweep of his arms, he gestured her out into the sunlight.

It had been the best day of Elizabeth's life in the Pegasus Galaxy. It was hot, dusty, she had probably walked 10 miles in her wanderings around and around the stone building and she had never had so much fun. Perhaps she had missed her calling as archeologist or anthropologist she mused, happily tired. The ruins remained frustratingly enigmatic with only the architecture itself providing any clues as to who had built it. Without a reference to compare against, even this was of little use. Still, she had helped photograph the site and some surrounding odd stone markers. Rodney had spent most of the day muttering over the single panel that contained any writing at all, and that in a language no one there recognized. Dr. Corrigan in a fit of zeal had climbed the step-like walls to the top tier hoping to find an opening somewhere, only to return with a happy expression of sheepish disappointment.

Finally wrapping the expedition up, Sheppard had just given a 30 minute warning to regroup at the jumper for departure and was pacing just behind Elizabeth as she strolled towards one last stone marker very nearly at the edge of the plain. He in fact had been in the same position all day, something of a gun-toting second shadow in dark glasses. Teyla, Ronan and the two marines had all taken turns with each of the science members, sometimes joining her, sometimes merely standing at attention some distance away from the group to survey the surrounding landscape on Sheppard's orders. But even while he interacted with his team via the radio and anytime they happened to be nearby, Sheppard himself never strayed more than a stone's throw away. At the moment, they were both a long hike from the others, having followed a trail of markers noticed late in the day off towards the forested hillside. In the distance behind them, they could just make out a few of their team moving around the gray blob of the jumper.

"Was it worth it?" John asked lightly as they walked, watching her stretch and rub her neck tiredly.

Elizabeth considered him briefly, smiling, before she answered. "Yes. I think this is the most fun I've had in weeks. This place is so beautiful, and the ruins are simply incredible. Thank you." And lest he misinterpret the latter, she added pointedly, "Thank you for asking." He nodded also smiling, his lengthening shadow merging with hers on the warm groundcover. It was late afternoon on the planet, and would soon be evening.

As they walked the last few yards, John clicked his radio and ducked his chin in the unconscious gesture borne of the habit of talking into one's vest. "Ronan. Dr. Weir and I are down the road, checking out one last marker. It'll take us 15 minutes to walk back to you, so get the rest of them ready to go in 20."

"Understood." Came Ronan's answering growl. "McKay and Jones are packing up gear now. What's your score?"

Elizabeth threw John a puzzled look, but he seemed pleased, as if he had been anticipating just such a question. "I'm at an even dozen!" At Ronan's snort, Sheppard's face fell a bit.

"Passed that by mid-day. Mine is 25."

Suddenly Teyla's voice chimed in, "Then I have you both, 26." Sheppard chuckled and was about to respond when the tentative voice of one of the security detail crackled through.

"Um, sir?"

"Go ahead Lieutenant."

"Walker and me got 32…sir." Sheppard laughed out loud, a short exuberant "Ha!"

"Let me guess, you've been shadowing Dr. Corrigan." Sheppard was still grinning, and Elizabeth could hear Teyla's delighted laughter through the radio as the young soldier replied sheepishly, "Yes, sir."

"Understood, Sheppard out."

When several steps later, it became clear that the Colonel was not going to volunteer an explanation, Elizabeth prompted him with "Well?"

"Me and Ronan had a bet," was all he answered, thoroughly enjoying holding the moment over her.

"And this bet was about?"

"Who would hear the words 'interesting', 'fascinating', 'amazing' or 'incredible' the most today. Walker and Jones won."

Moments later, still chuckling and grinning, they were at the 14 foot-tall 4-sided obelisk that was the object of Elizabeth's interest. "Wow" she breathed, immediately excited by the scribbles of writing on the smooth surface. "We've got something here!" John too stepped closer as she touched the marks, and brushed dust off the surface.

"There's more on this side," he commented managing at least mild interest. She darted around to his side, almost bumping into him in her enthusiasm.

"This is fascinating, John!" She blurted out the words before thinking and then felt herself blush as she caught his smug expression.

"Lucky 13" he muttered softly, shaking his head as if exasperated yet his eyes were twinkling.

"This panel is in a different language, I'm sure of it." Elizabeth was talking breathlessly, and she continued on around quickly to view the other 2 sides. "Each panel seems to be a unique translation, probably meaning the message is the same, repeated in 4 languages so as many people as possible could read it! Ancient! This one is in Ancient!" She was almost shouting the last and without waiting for a response from John, she clicked her own radio to call into it, "Rodney, we've found a panel written in Ancient on the last marker, along with 3 other languages I don't recognize. I'm working on reading it, but if the message is the same in all 4 languages….!"

It was Dr. Corrigan's voice that cut in, sounding equally excited, "We can use the Ancient text to decode the other symbols."

"Exactly!"

"We're headed your way, Elizabeth!" Rodney added.

"Hold up!" Sheppard interrupted the surge of enthusiasm. "Stay put everyone. We still leave in 15 minutes." At the chorus of protests he held up his hand and continued, "Dr. Weir will take lots of pretty pictures for you to look at back on Atlantis. It'll be dark in a couple of hours anyway. Ronan, Teyla, Jones make sure they keep packing."

"Oh FINE! Sick the dogs on us will ya… HEY!" Rodney's petulant voice was abruptly cut off as his radio was apparently yanked out of his hands.

Elizabeth had already tuned out the others as she was furiously concentrating on the Ancient text. Stepping back from the marker to better see what was written higher up on the panel, she didn't notice the smooth circular stone, albeit covered in thatch and debris, she ended up standing on. Under her breath she began reciting, "Peace be with you who come in peace. Friends are welcome to the Sanctuary of Serenity. Enemies of peace will be driven before the wave of their own violence…" So intent upon her translation, she was almost mesmerized by the words as they came to life before her, she could almost hear them in her head.

The next instant she found herself sprawled on the ground looking back up at John Sheppard in full battle stance, looking down the scope of his P-90 held high on his shoulder. Confused, she stupidly looked around for what he was aiming at only to see the stone marker itself in his line of sight. But it was as she turned her head that the corner of her eye caught the flicker of blue surrounding John as he restlessly searched for something to disable. Not knowing what to do she simply cried out "John! Something's…scanning you!" And just as suddenly, the flicker was gone. After a moment, she added, "…It's, it's gone now."

Sheppard lowered his weapon a mere fraction, looking further around them. "I know. It had you first…Let's get the hell out of here."

Nodding, Elizabeth stood up and immediately headed away from the Obelisk glancing back over her shoulder at it feeling completely shaken. Only moments before it had seemed exciting and interesting and now it only felt ominous and menacing. John was in the lead now, setting a very fast pace back to the jumper, weapon still at the ready as he fumbled for his radio. "Teyla, Ronan, we're getting out of here now. If you're not on the jumper yet then get there and leave anything behind that's not packed. Jones, you're co-pilot. Warm it up and be ready to come get us if we need it."

A chorus of "Yes sir!" rang through the radio and only Rodney dared ask the obvious question, "What happened?"

"That damned rock scanned us, and I'm not taking any chances."

Half expecting Rodney to either protest or ask more about the fascinating scan, Elizabeth was completely unprepared for his actual words as they screamed through the radio "Sheppard! Incoming!"

Seconds later, all hell broke loose.