Conclusion

Chapter 13 – The Glory of Leaders

Teyla felt the world slipping away and her attacks to get free became feeble. Titus breathed heavily into her ear, grunting with the force he used to crush her neck.

Suddenly, the pressure was lessened and the ground came up to meet her. Teyla reached for her neck and massaged, turning clumsily to see Titus on all fours shaking his head.

John Sheppard gripped the hilt once more after whacking him over the head with it, a look of pure venom on his face. He glanced at Teyla before rushing to her side and helping her stand.

'You okay?' He asked gently.

Teyla was surprised, and in pain, but nodded. John could see the exhaustion written on her face. He had arrived in the nick of time.

Teyla closed her eyes for a second, breathing heavily. 'We must end it.' She stated painfully.

John watched Titus shuffle on the ground and felt an anger rise with a gentle understanding. He turned back to Teyla and stood in front, a hand on her shoulder. 'He's not worth it.'

Teyla scowled at him. 'John, if we let him go, he will continue to terrorise his people. We cannot allow that to happen, nothing will stop him but death!'

John tensed. 'He's injured and defenceless; he couldn't kill Maggie Simpson right now if he wanted to.' He said forcefully. 'We can take him back and lock him up. These people will be fine.'

Teyla listened, but her mercy was all but spent. How could he stand there and debate this with her after all that Titus had done? She wasn't convinced. John put his hand on her cheek.

'Don't let him destroy who you are, you're stronger than that. And the Teyla I know wouldn't kill a man in cold blood, even if he were a mass murderer.' His brown eyes pleaded with her and Teyla felt her heart soften.

Suddenly Titus stood, his head a bloodied mess and roared, throwing his sword in the air and charging them. John braced himself, but before they could engage in combat, a blade pierced Titus's chest from behind. He stopped with a gurgling sound of agony and surprise, blood trickling from the side of his mouth. He turned his head slightly, as though looking for the attacker, and Tycho's helmeted head appeared over his shoulder.

'Forgive me…' He whispered.

Titus fell forward and rolled over, his hands reaching toward his chest uselessly. Tycho stood over him and reached for his helmet, pulling it off to reveal his matted blonde hair.

'…Uncle.'

Titus' eyes widened and John did a double take. Teyla watched Tycho with a frown.

'Uncle?' John echoed.

Titus spat his blood onto the ground. 'Stubborn boy.' He snarled.

Teyla walked forward and looked down at Titus before looking up at Tycho. 'I do not understand.' She said confusedly. She knew what it meant, but the surprise of having known him and not really known him making her stutter.

'A jealous and power hungry Uncle placed a fourteen year old boy into the Arena in the hopes that he would die for the entertainment of others, telling the world that he had fled to a distant land in cowardice of his responsibilities.' Tycho pointed his sword at Titus with a strong arm. 'He did not take into account that the boy might have survived all this time and feel the overwhelming urge in anger to avenge his Father's murder.'

Tycho glared down at Titus with a grim face and Titus began to laugh. Teyla stood by Tycho and folded her arms as the former Emperor bled out onto the ground, his skin pale in the starlight. 'My Nephew, how much you look like your dratted Mother – except the eyes, those you inherited from my brother. Augustus and his pretty eyes of green…' His smile fell. 'You should have stayed a slave and hid from the world, Alexis. Your life will be cursed.'

'His life is just beginning…whilst yours is ended.' Teyla said firmly, leaning over him with a look of furious satisfaction. John stood at her back and watched Titus glare at her.

Tycho threw his sword to the ground and watched as Titus' eyes fluttered. 'Aresedys will burn you for your failure, Titus.' He stated. 'Enjoy your eternity of suffering as I have enjoyed mine.' He said stiffly.

Teyla's eyes were glued to Titus as his head fell back onto the stone, his eyes closed, and his chest became still. Teyla breathed. It was over.

John bowed his head, his eyes looking up at Teyla as she stared at the corpse. Tycho turned to them, his face unreadable. John folded his arms.

'So…Alexis, is it?' He asked. Tycho smiled weakly.

'I have not been called that in a long time.' He paused. 'I am unsure if I shall ever be known as Alexis…Tycho has been a part of me for most of my life.'

John nodded once and unfolded his arms, twirling his sword. 'Okay, do you think you could get those mean guys with the swords to stop killing my people?'

Tycho frowned. 'How could I-?'

'The Son of an Emperor, and now an Emperor himself.' Teyla stated, her eyes firm and commanding. Tycho paused, and then nodded, moving to the door at the end of the balcony.

Rodney squealed and ducked as a sword flew through the air above him. 'Okay! That was really close! I could have been seriously hurt!' He yelled.

Lorne punched a guard squarely in the face and turned to Rodney with a look of contempt. 'That's the point, Doc.'

Rodney whined. 'It's just so medieval, I always thought radiation would be the thing that killed me-' He shouted as one of the many guards in the room swiped at him, he backed up against the wall and kicked the man in the crotch.

Ronan was in his prime, killing men left, right and centre – but even he could tire, and their numbers seemed endless. He noted that Lorne, his men and Rodney were still fighting as best they could; even Hearden was holding his own. But if Sheppard didn't get back soon –

Suddenly, the door in the corner of the room flew open and Sheppard, Teyla and another man tore into the room. Ronan watched as the blonde man with intense green eyes leapt onto the stone table and held his sword aloft.

'Enough!' He yelled.

The Altus Domino who had found a sword and was battling with one of Lorne's men paused and frowned.

'Titus is dead – his reign is over!' Tycho yelled.

The guards began to slow and watch, unsure of whether to trust his word.

'My Emperor has fled to safety, slave!' The Domino yelled at him, surging forward with arrogance.

'Your Emperor stands before you, Kyros.' Tycho spat. 'I am Alexis, son of Augustus. You owe me your allegiance.' He said forcefully.

The Domino raised his eyebrows in mortification. 'How can this be! You cannot be Alexis! That boy is dead.'

'That boy survived and just killed your great pompous Emperor upstairs.' John informed them.

'Tycho is Alexis, and he is the rightful Emperor of your city.' Teyla stated loudly. Some of the guards shuffled tensely looking doubtful.

'…uh, it is true!' A voice called.

John frowned and watched Quintus emerge from under the table, giving the crowd a sheepish look. Tycho glared down at him with a weary expression.

'This is Alexis…I have treated his injuries for twelve years! Since he was a boy, I should know.' He smiled up at Tycho. 'Not that his excellence ever needed much treatment, a fine swordsman he is…'

John rolled his eyes. 'Quintus!' The old man looked at him nervously. 'Kiss ass later, fade into the background now.'

Quintus made a small 'o' with his mouth and stepped back, hanging his head.

The Domino dropped his sword to the ground with a stunned expression and fell to the floor, his forehead touching the ground. 'On your knees! All of you!' He yelled. 'Hail your Emperor – Alexis!'

The guards bowed obediently, whispering and staring at Tycho with eyes of wonder.

Tycho seemed highly uncomfortable but gritted his teeth, sheathing his sword. 'Rise!' He commanded. 'Safe guard your weapons! These are friends.' He looked down at Teyla who smiled at him.

Ronan holstered his gun and joined Lorne in looking tired and thankful. Rodney gaped.

'Well that was unexpected. Where's he been all these years?' He asked shrilly, moving toward Sheppard.

'In the Arena.' Hearden said loudly. Tycho watched him. 'Tell me my lord, if you will, what fate Aegen met.'

Tycho jumped off the table and approached Hearden. 'You knew him?'

Hearden nodded. 'Since I was a boy, and I know his wife still.'

Tycho stiffened and nodded. 'Aegen fought and died in the Arena.' He paused. 'He was not in the Underworld for long, but I could see that he was a good man.'

'He was.' Hearden said tensely, gripping his sword with sorrow. 'It is a shame that he did not live to see the rebirth of our great city, under the rule of a great Emperor.' He bowed his head respectfully and Tycho nodded his thanks.

John and Teyla moved toward him, both looking tired, but perky. Sheppard smiled. 'So what now?'

'Could I suggest food…and a bath?' Rodney said disgustedly as he picked as his filthy clothes. Tycho grinned.

'I would have you stay with me.' He insisted. 'If I am to rebuild this city to its former glory, then I will need your help.' Before John could protest, Tycho turned away. 'Kyros!' He barked.

The Domino flew forward and bowed. 'My liege?'

'Before I decide what becomes of you, I would have you assign these people quarters, and prepare a feast of great magnificence.' He ordered. 'Set the guard at ease and spread the word that Titus is dead…and I am not.'

Kyros Praxiteles nodded and bowed leaving the room with his tail firmly between his legs. Tycho turned to the group as the guard began to filter out.

'That's real nice of you, but we should be getting back, let our people know that we're okay.' John said with a pleasant smile.

'I believe that to remain the rest of the night will not hurt, Colonel.' Teyla urged with a wide smile. Tycho grinned.

'Yes, and I for one am famished, so, anything you can do would be great.' Rodney said loudly.

John smiled tightly and gave Rodney a stern look. Teyla smiled. 'Tycho, this is Rodney McKay and Ronan Dex. That is Major Lorne and his men, Adams, Walker and Gilchrist.' Teyla informed him. 'They are all team mates.'

Tycho nodded his welcome to them and indicated for them to leave the room. John looked back. 'What are you gonna do with it…turn it into a gym?' He asked.

Tycho glared at the form of Aresedys. 'Burn it.'

John paused. 'That works also.'

Rodney shook his head. 'A bit extreme, just give the room a face lift – Or! Make it into a spa! Right next to the Throne room too…' Rodney ignored the look John gave him and then glanced down and made a noise of glee. 'Oh yes! May I just say that the skirt really quite becomes you, Colonel. I know it's not military, but maybe you should make a few suggestions, see if you can get all your guys to look as pretty as you.'

John ground his teeth and Teyla laughed. Ronan raised a comic eyebrow. 'Makes for easier fighting.' He reasoned. John looked back.

'Thank you Ronan.' He said gratefully.

'And for easier attraction of men.' The Satedan said simply.

John shook his head. 'I am never gonna hear the end of this – and Lorne…one word out of anybody and I will make sure it's latrine duty for a month…or two.' He said sternly.

Lorne grinned at his men. 'Yes, sir.'

Teyla smiled back at him and then caught Ronan's eye.

Ronan raised an eyebrow and turned to Teyla. 'Hey.'

Teyla grinned at him. 'Ronan.'

Rodney waited and then shook his head, 'They haven't seen each other in a week whilst they've been facing non-stop peril, and their reunion involves two words.' He paused. 'How are you by the way?' He looked back at her.

'I am…well. Better.' She nodded.

'All will be better now that Titus is no more.' Tycho stated. 'I will see to it.'

'Good.' Teyla agreed. 'Your people need a strong leader after suffering a bad one.'

Teyla watched as a flicker of doubt crossed his face but said nothing as Rodney launched into the story of how they came to be here. Teyla listened but found her mind wandering to the image of Titus dead on the floor, their fight, and the way his mouth had ravaged hers…

Teyla jumped when John put a hand on her arm. 'You okay?'

Teyla nodded. 'Fine.'

He knew that she was lying, and there was no way to make Teyla tell him what was on her mind. She was closed off, he wasn't surprised after what she had been through, she would be angry, hurt, tired, and she had every right to be. He just hoped that she didn't shut him out completely.

The night drew on and Tycho seemed increasingly uncomfortable at the service that was provided. Years of being a slave to becoming an Emperor was quite an adjustment. Teyla knew he would bear it well.

The feast took place in the main hall directly after Quintus had seen to all of their hurts, being especially nice to each and every one in the hope that Tycho would not order his execution. The food was rich in quality and quantity and the wine flowed, particularly in Rodney's direction. Athera and Dio were invited to the palace to celebrate, Athera giving Tycho a massive hug when she heard the news of her husband. The Domino seemed dismayed at the action, but Tycho hugged her just as fiercely.

Most of the conversation involved McKay's adamant belief that he had beaten the guard almost single handedly, with a little help from Ronan.

'I'm just saying, I shot a lot of them on the way and when I ran out of bullets…I was a man possessed! I was kicking and hitting and-'

'-scratching and hair-pulling…' John added with a gentle smirk. Rodney glared, and then paused.

'Actually, the scratching seemed to work better than the hitting…'

After the feast, the hours had moved on, making the day seem impossibly long. She knew it would be dawn in a few hours. Teyla could remember being led to a large room with a large bed; her team mates all sleeping across the hall. She remembered climbing onto the soft material just as the door behind her opened with a knock. She turned to see John standing in the door way, leaning against the frame casually with a grin.

'So.' He said.

Teyla raised an eyebrow. 'So…?'

'It's over.' He stated.

Teyla nodded. 'Yes.'

John nodded also and shifted. 'How do you feel?'

'Tired.' She replied, and then seeing his crestfallen expression at her closed answer added. 'And relieved.'

John nodded. 'Yeah, I know what you mean.' He took a step forward. 'It got a little hairy there for a while.'

Teyla knew what he meant. She had gotten…out of hand. She bowed her head and crossed her legs on the bed.

'I cannot pretend that I was not unlike myself, and I cannot pretend that I did not feel…satisfaction when Titus died.' She stated. John listened with his gentle brown eyes studying her. 'But I do not know what that means and I do not intend spending my time dwelling on understanding it.'

'Okay. Good.' He said positively. 'And you shouldn't.'

Teyla nodded with an uncomfortable smile, glancing at the sheets and the room as he stood there. John raised an eyebrow. She was holding back still. He stepped into the room further, looking to the floor.

'Teyla, I should probably tell you about a guy in my old flight unit, it's a good story – "King" – about as cocky and arrogant as pilots come, but also one of the best.' He walked along side her bed. 'Anyway, he got transferred to a base in Texas, the middle of nowhere; everyone thought it was the kiss of death where their career was concerned. It was definitely a kick in the crotch for your social life, no bars, clubs or Mexican take-outs. He'd gotten on the wrong side of our CO and was paying for it.' He watched Teyla smile slightly and he shifted his stance. 'He came back six months later, the same old King, arrogant and sarcastic…and I asked him what it was like.' He sat on the other end of the bed and looked at her with a purpose. 'He said it was the ass end of nowhere and he had been in pure hell and he would never go back. Then I asked him if he had changed his evil "let's-get-the-CO-riled-up" ways and do you know what he said?'

Teyla smiled, and John continued.

'No. He hadn't changed. He went next door and told the Colonel to shove a chilli smothered taco up his…anyway…you get my point?'

Teyla nodded gently, but did not respond. John laid a hand on her bed and faced her.

'You may have gone through hell, and you may have adapted to survive, but you're still the same person. And that's all that matters.' He smiled charmingly and Teyla raised her eyebrows with a feint smile.

'What happened to the pilot?' She asked.

John stiffened. 'He was transferred to Iraq and shot down two months later.' He turned to her quickly. 'But that doesn't mean anything like that will happen to you.'

'I understand.' She grinned. 'Thank you.'

John nodded. 'You're welcome.' He stood. 'Well, I'm going to see if Athera was kind enough to bring me my clothes…the trousers in particular…' He smiled sheepishly and Teyla's eyes wandered to his bare legs under the skirt.

'A shirt would be helpful also.' She added cruelly, noting his bare chest. John blushed with a grin on his face.

'Thanks Teyla.' He walked to the door and turned with the same embarrassed expression. 'Goodnight.'

'Goodnight, Colonel Sheppard.' Teyla responded lightly.

He closed the door and left her to her thoughts. She lay on the bed for a few moments before her restlessness made her sit up. His words had calmed her, but her mind still returned to her darker moments in the Arena. She stood and crossed over to the window, smoothing the curtain out of her way as she sat on the large stone windowsill overlooking the rest of the Palace and the city. It was still dark, and the stars shone over head. She could hear feint cheers in the distance and lights were continually popping up all over the city. News of Titus' death was spreading, as was the resurfacing of the true Emperor.

Teyla frowned. Now that she thought about it, he had been staring her in the face. Tycho had been there for years, his answers to most of her questions were cryptic, but he had a wiseness about him that she could not put her finger on, and now it made sense. He had been in the Underworld for over a decade, fighting and surviving, lost to the world – and now he was back, and expected to take the throne as he should have done all those years ago.

Teyla felt her unease grow once more, her exhaustion growing with it. She crossed to the bed and put her head on the smooth pillow, its soft comfort exactly what she needed. Her mind drifted, ignoring the bright candle at her bedside, her last thoughts involving Sheppard and his skirt. She grinned into her pillow before the world fell away.

The morning arrived with a swiftness and Teyla wandered the halls of the Palace, uncertain of where she should be. Her team would be waking and thinking of leaving this world. Teyla gripped her arms and sighed, she felt awkward about leaving Tycho to ruling the city barely a day after releasing him from his life long prison. She had no doubt that he would rule well, but he had been thrust into a world that had been dead to him for a very long time, because of her. And now they were just leaving him to it.

Teyla allowed her feet to lead her away from the Palace and into the morning light, descending the hundreds of steps that lead into the Palace. She thought about travelling the city, but knew that people would be celebrating and busying themselves with the exciting news. It would be too loud, too alive for her to handle. She was in a quieter mood. And there was only one place which would be silent today.

She wandered the halls with a certain nostalgia and resentment, gently walking through the large open doors that lead into the Arena, as she had done before.

Teyla looked up at the five rings above which seated thousands and saw emptiness. This great hall which vibrated with the roars of many voices was silent. The fires were lit, but only their sound of burning filled the Arena. She looked to the sand and bent down, scooping a handful of the soft grains and allowing it to fall through her hands. She watched the grains plunge through her fingers and silently tumble to the ground. There was no movement, no violent battles to the death. Just an empty room with memories of glory through murder.

Her eyes found the centre of the room where the four stone statues stood. The bodies of their adversaries had been cleared away, but the statues remained. She wandered forward and paused when a small figure appeared from behind one of the statues, looking up at them with wonder.

Teyla bowed her head and walked on, watching Tycho take in his surroundings. He noted her presence and waited for her to arrive before smiling weakly.

'This is the first time that I have elected to walk into this room.' He said. 'In many, many years.'

Teyla listened and smoothed her hand over the stone, noting the dried blood that had trickled down it. She frowned.

'Why did you not tell me who you were?' She asked, Tycho smirked.

'Alexis was no more. And if Titus somehow learned that he was still alive, then I would have been killed.' He explained.

Teyla nodded. 'But you have never tried to escape, never thought to take back the throne?' She prodded. 'When I spoke to you, you were certain there was no way to leave.'

Tycho studied her with his green eyes and wandered forward. 'Fear is a motivator, it also silences men. If the guards knew who I was, they would have ignored it in fear for what Titus would do to them.' He paused. 'And the throne…I wasn't certain, that if I ever were to escape, that I could rule it well.'

'You can rule it better than a Tyrant.' Teyla said sternly.

Tycho smiled. 'Any man – or woman – could rule better than Titus. His priorities involved himself and Aresedys.' He looked at her with a boyish charm. 'Mine will involve something brighter and far more long-term' He said with a cruel eyebrow.

Teyla smiled, nodding, looking to the grand stands above.

'What will you do with this place?' She asked tensely.

Tycho turned to take in its magnificence. 'Make it what it was.' He said simply. 'It was built generations ago for a higher purpose, for celebrations, meetings and entertainment of a safer kind.' He said with a bitter smile. 'I will make it so once again.'

Teyla nodded, but felt a pang of uncertainty. Tycho eyed her. 'You would feel comfortable coming here for such events, despite what this place has been to you for the majority of your life?' She asked.

Tycho stepped forward. 'My most vivid memory of this place was when I was thirteen years old.' He turned to the throne above them, where Titus once sat. 'My Father and I sat and watched the celebrations of the people as we paid tribute to the gods. All around were many different peoples from across the land bringing their children and dressing in the most fantastic things. They would build spectacular objects from statues, to wooden buildings painted and decorated with flowers, to piles of food, some grown to the biggest size I had ever seen. They would sing and dance, and everyone would get a chance to be a part of its magnificence.' He said animatedly. 'Such vivid colours and laughter.'

Teyla smiled.

'My Father sat in his throne, and I at his side, and he leant over to me and said "the people are happy, therefore I am happy, because I have done them only right, as you will".' Tycho's green eyes shone at the memory and then his eyes fell to the sand. 'Maybe this place will harbour some of my darkest times, but it will never rob from me the times that I treasure.'

Teyla nodded. 'And you can create more treasured memories here, to erase those which haunt you.'

Tycho nodded. 'Change will see to that.' He looked to the ceiling. 'The one thing that I have always disliked about this place is the darkness, the gloom of the fire. I have not seen the light of day in years, and the wonderful thing about being Emperor is that my commands are followed without hesitation.' He pointed up with a grin. 'The ceiling has to go.' He placed his hands on his hips. 'We are fortunate with warm weather throughout most the year, and we have no need for this place in the time of rain.'

Teyla raised her eyebrows and looked up, cocking her head. 'I hope to be here when it is completed.'

Tycho smiled. 'You are always welcome.'

Teyla smiled and nodded, and Tycho noted the odd look in her eyes with a frown.

'What is it?' He asked, moving toward her. Teyla raised an eyebrow, considering keeping her thoughts to herself.

'I feel responsible for your sudden move to power.' She said uncertainly. 'Whilst it is better than being a slave, you must adapt quickly to benefit thousands of people who rely on you. Thousands of people after taking care of only yourself…and myself and Dio.' She smiled weakly.

Tycho nodded. 'I was born into the family of Emperor's and my Father groomed me from a very young age.' He paused. 'His teachings are far from me, but I remember them. It is just a matter of putting them into practice…which may sound easier than it is.'

Teyla shook her head. 'The responsibility of your people is not an easy burden, but it is one you will come to bear with a warmth for they are your family.'

Tycho frowned. 'You sound familiar to it.'

'I am the leader of my people, the Athosians. They are not thousands, but they are my family.' She stated.

Tycho nodded. 'And yet you travel with these?'

She nodded, folding her arms. 'To better my people, to help them fight the Wraith.'

Tycho understood. 'The Ghost Lords…' He bowed his head with a bitter expression. 'Gods knows what I will do for my people when they come back. Being in the Underworld, we were safe from their attacks…but now I must see to it that thousands will be safe.'

Teyla walked forward and put a hand on his shoulder. 'There are ways of saving them, and we can help you as best we can.'

Tycho nodded, his green eyes bright with the coming danger. 'You may know that I enjoy a challenge, but somehow, fighting their ships seems an impossible task.'

'Nothing is impossible.' She said with an encouraging smile. 'And you will be a great leader for your people.' She nodded her head in respect and Tycho smiled at her gratefully.

'We should return, your friends will be waking.' He said, heading toward the door with Teyla at his side.

The Athosian gave him a side glance and spoke. 'So who leaves the Arena? Tycho, or Alexis?'

Tycho smiled. 'Alexis died when Tycho was born.' He said with a strength. 'But I must leave Tycho behind if I am to rule the people. He has known only death.' He turned to Teyla. 'While Alexis knew my Father.' He paused. 'The people will call me Alexis, but those who know me truly will call me Tycho.' He nodded.

Teyla smiled and then frowned. 'If I may ask, where did the name come from?'

Tycho smiled. 'When I entered into the Underworld a boy, a warrior took me under his wing and trained me. He said that if I was to survive that I must never be Alexis, if the Emperor knew that I was still alive, he would have killed me long ago. No, he wanted me to suffer in the Arena. His mistake.' He said darkly.

'You were far stronger than Titus predicted. His…rather large…mistake.' Teyla added.

'The warrior gave me the name Tycho; it was the name of his son whom Titus had slaughtered years before.'

Teyla nodded. 'And this warrior?'

'Died when I was seventeen.' He said stiffly. 'But his training remained. His strength helped me survive.'

Teyla smiled positively. 'Then we owe him much.'

Tycho smiled at her as they left the Arena.

John yawned and looked down at McKay with drooping eyes. It was bad enough that he was tired and injured, but now he was just bored. McKay had taken to dissecting the DHD to find the reason for why the Wraith had never come through it. John was at the point of not caring. They were standing at the Gate ready to go home and Rodney had taken apart the device they needed to do that.

'Rodney…' He prodded.

'Few minutes.' The scientist barked.

John stopped leaning against the DHD and wandered over to Ronan and Teyla. She smiled tiredly and looked back at the path behind them.

'We cannot leave until Tycho arrives anyway, Colonel. He wishes to say goodbye to all of us.' She said with a smile. John nodded, his brown eyes looking unimpressed.

'He knows we'll be back. We've got trade to sort out, not to mention helping him get his city on their feet.' He replied, glancing at the tree line.

Lorne and his men had taken to wandering the immediate perimeter whilst waiting for Rodney to finish, anything to keep them out of shooting range. Ronan shifted his weight.

'How long will this take?' He looked at Rodney.

The scientist surfaced with an agitated expression. 'As long as it has to, okay? This is an extremely complex machine and I'm not even sure what I'm looking for.' He was about to go back in when he jerked out again. 'But I'll find it, just give me time.'

'How much time?' John said sternly. 'Ten minutes? Twenty?'

'I don't know!' Rodney yelled. 'It's worth the wait, don't you think? Gates which don't allow Wraith to travel through them…why, you got somewhere else you need to be?' He barked.

'Yeah. In my shower, in the infirmary, in the lunch hall…' John listed.

'So you would rather feel comfortable than protected, mh?' Rodney asked rhetorically.

'The Wraith still have ships. If they can't come through the Gate to wherever they want to go, they'll just fly there.' John explained wearily.

'But the limitations of their hyper drive would make the journey five times as long-'

'Rodney.' Sheppard warned.

'Fine, getting on with it.' Rodney disappeared into the DHD's systems once more.

'Fair day!'

The group turned to see Tycho riding on horseback with Athera at his side and Dio sat behind her. She wore a long blue dress with a dark blue robe and silver jewellery. Teyla noted that Tycho looked very much the Emperor, but his outfit dialled down the shiny. He wore a coffee brown robe with beige trousers and a thin wreath of gold on his head. Four guards escorted them. John stepped forward.

'For an Emperor, your security detail kinda sucks.' He commented. Teyla raised an eyebrow at him.

They climbed down off their horses and Dio flew into Teyla's arms with a wide smile.

'We came to say goodbye!' He exclaimed. 'And to say, come back soon!'

Athera smiled. 'Our people are very grateful. We are only sorry there is little we can do for you in return.'

'Your friendship is enough.' Teyla nodded.

'Yeah. And I want to thank you for what you did to help us out.' John smiled at her. 'And I'm sorry about your husband.'

Athera smiled weakly and nodded. 'Aegen was a good man. He would have loved to see these days.'

Teyla frowned. 'What will become of your Uncle?' She asked.

Athera raised an eyebrow and turned to Tycho who grinned at the Athosian. 'He will be charged with the position of Master Sewer Cleaner, under guard of course.' Tycho seemed genuinely pleased about that.

'Good.' Rodney commented. 'He should be, I can't believe he sold us out.' He reappeared from under the DHD with a sour expression.

'Well, I can't believe that we're still here.' John said lightly, giving the scientists a meaningful look. Rodney glared.

'I'm getting there.' He dove back in.

Tycho frowned. 'What does your friend do?'

'He is looking for the reason that the Wraith do not come through your Gate…' Teyla explained. They frowned.

'Astrum.' Ronan added, Tycho and Athera nodded.

'Will we see the Deus Astrum shine?' Dio asked excitedly.

'Yeah, it'll explode and everything.' John said chirpily. Dio's face lit up and he made a squeal of anticipation before crossing over to spy on Rodney.

Tycho raised an eyebrow. 'Explode?'

'Not actually explode; it'll just make a loud noise.' John explained with a friendly smile. 'So, we'll get back through and send some aid your way. Although Teyla seems to think you won't need it.'

Tycho turned to Teyla who nodded. 'Your people's needs are already seen to by themselves. But if there is anything you truly want, then we can discuss it during the trade negotiations.'

'I look forward to it.' Tycho bowed his head with a grin, and then paused. 'I may be inexperienced at leading a people, but the both of you have wisdom I could use. Perhaps I could ask for your advice if I ever need it?'

John and Teyla looked at each other before the Colonel nodded stiffly. 'We'll be in touch if you ever need help.'

Tycho narrowed his eyes. 'Need help?'

'Yeah, in the event that something gets too tough…' John prodded with a grin.

Tycho nodded with an understanding. 'You are an infuriating man, Sheppard. I see why you follow him.' He added to Teyla.

Teyla bit back a smile. 'He is often useful in times of great peril.' She grinned at Sheppard who raised an eyebrow at her.

'Besides, if I ever need assistance, I shall firstly turn to my Altus Domino.' Tycho said with a wide smile, stepping back. Athera grinned with red cheeks.

Ronan raised an eyebrow. 'You?'

Athera nodded and John smiled. 'Congratulations.'

'That is wonderful.' Teyla offered. 'And well deserved.'

'I only hope I can serve the people well.' She said nervously.

'You can.' Ronan stated, Athera smiled at him.

'Okay!' Rodney leapt back and stood, swaying for a moment. 'Oh…head rush…okay, I'm done.' He clicked the Ancient Pad. 'I am so glad Quintus did not destroy this. I mean, who in their right mind would-'

'Rodney?' John prodded.

'Oh, right!' He turned to the group. 'The system was rewritten to include a new programme, miniscule in relation to the others inside the DHD, which rejected a certain code sent through the Gate by specific wavelengths emitted from Wraith Darts.' He explained. 'So whenever the Darts dialled this address, the programme forced the receiver to reject the information and cause the Gate to commence a shut down, blocking the Wraith from this planet.' He paused and a wide smile spread across his face with a hand on his hip. 'It's quite funny actually because the DHD can differentiate between ships, but not people, so if the Wraith ever dialled in by hand and walked through – they wouldn't have a problem. But if they tried to come here by ship, then it wouldn't work.' He said simple, 'Genius. And obviously the Wraith haven't figured that part out yet, so…'

The group stared and John shifted. 'So…yey for us?'

Rodney nodded. 'Big yey. The only pain is that I need to come back here. In order to take the programme back with us, I would need to disable their DHD permanently which would mean stranding us here…and I'm sure that now the big evil dude is dead that this is a nice planet, I'm just saying, I'd rather not stick around…I can bring a team back and transfer the data to an Ancient interface without disabling the DHD, but I need more equipment to do that, so…let's go home.' He smiled at them.

Tycho stared with a raised eyebrow and leaned over to Sheppard. 'What does this mean?'

John nodded. 'Yeah, we get that a lot.' He moved forward. 'Okay, dial the Gate, and let's go home. Lorne, we're moving out.'

The radio crackled. 'Yes, sir, we're heading back.'

Athera frowned as Rodney began to punch in the address. 'Perhaps it would interest you to know that there is a temple with these symbols inscribed on the walls a great distance from here.'

Rodney paused and turned to her with a blank expression. 'Temple?'

'No.' John stated.

'But-'

'No.' He reinforced. 'Dial.'

'But it could be their lab-'

'Rodney, you can come back later, much later, after I have slept for a couple days, now dial.'

Rodney turned to Athera. 'Where is this temple?'

'Far from here, over the mountains in the West. They say white flowers fall from the sky and cover the land.' She explained with a dreamy expression.

'Snow?' Rodney said incredulously. 'Not the point. If it is that far away, it can't be a lab, why on earth would they have it so far away…it could be something completely different. What if the Ancients settled here? We should check it out…'

'Can I shoot him?' Ronan asked.

'You'll have to beat me to it.' John said sternly. Rodney huffed.

'Oh come on! It's important-!'

'More important that Chef's Turkey sandwich?' John asked.

Rodney paused. 'We could come back in a few days in a Jumper.' He moved to the DHD and completed the address, punching the red centre. The Gate erupted and shone onto their surroundings in a loud roar.

Dio ducked behind Rodney who had to pry the kid's fingers from his arms. 'Okay, thank you.' He complained, sighing, then lifted the radio to his mouth. 'Elizabeth, this is Rodney, you there?' He looked back at Dio with a sour smile.

The radio crackled. 'Where the hell have you been?' Her angry voice came back loud and clear. 'It's been seven days Rodney, six since I sent Lorne in after you. Is he with you?'

'Yes, yes, we're all fine.' He said wearily.

'Where's Colonel Sheppard?' She asked testily.

'Here.' John replied over the radio. 'We're all good, a little the worse for wear, but in one piece.'

'That remains to be seen.' Elizabeth stated firmly. John raised his eyebrows and turned to Tycho.

'Okay.' He said with a large smile. 'So we'll be going now.'

Lorne and his team appeared and headed straight for the Gate. 'Sir.' Lorne nodded, and smiled at Tycho and Athera. 'Thanks for the hospitality.'

Tycho nodded and watched them go through. Athera gaped. 'They have disappeared.' She smiled with a nervous laugh of wonder. John grinned, it was always an experience to watch someone who had never seen the Gate activate before.

He nodded his thanks and stepped toward the Gate, Rodney doing the same with an expression of bitterness. 'She's not actually mad at me is she? Because I have been through hell in the last week.'

Ronan gave a swift nod and turned before Athera moved forward and put a hand on his shoulder. 'It was an honour to work by your side. May the Gods watch over you on your travels.' She stood on tip toe and kissed both his cheeks. 'Return soon.'

Ronan raised his eyebrows and walked toward the Gate, Rodney looking stunned and Sheppard impressed.

Teyla hugged Dio and stroked his hair. 'And where will you be staying?' She asked.

'In the Palace.' Tycho answered. 'Athera has taken him in, and I feel that I may have one or two things that I can teach him.' He smiled, and then his face became more serious. 'Be safe. I hope to see you soon.'

'Perhaps I could arrange for you to visit Atlantis?' Teyla suggested.

Tycho's eyes shone as he looked at the Gate. 'I would enjoy that very much. Maybe at a time when my people are more comfortable with my leadership.'

Teyla smiled and moved forward into a hug. They held each other for a few seconds before she whispered in his ear. 'This is how my people say good bye.' They parted and Teyla took his shoulders and bowed her head. Tycho caught on and did the same until their heads were touching. Tycho broke the embrace to turn to his horse.

'I had my blacksmith forge this for you.' He produced a sword with a gold hilt and inscriptions of their own language. He handed it to her and Teyla took it, her eyes searching the blade with interest. 'May it be a symbol of your strength and love for those you protect.'

Teyla smiled at him and bowed her head before walking to the Gate and standing at Sheppard's side. He cocked his head. 'Cool. But I think I'll stick with our weapons.' He turned to Tycho, holding up his sidearm. 'They're cooler.'

Tycho raised an eyebrow at the small angular weapon in his hand before smiling at the group. 'Good bye, and know that you are always welcome here.' He said graciously as Dio stood at his side with Athera's arm on his shoulder.

Rodney and Ronan headed through, John gave them a last nod and did the same. Teyla lingered, her eyes focussing on the city in the distance before smiling at Tycho.

'We shall see you again, Teyla Emmagan.' Tycho announced. She nodded and stepped through, leaving this world and all its troubles behind.

As she stepped out on the other side, chaos erupted.

Carson was adamant that all four of them climb onto stretchers and be escorted to the infirmary while Elizabeth demanded to know at least in a summary where they had been.

'I'm not arguing with you, Colonel, you've got some nasty injuries…oh my god, Teyla. What did these people do to you?' Carson hurried over and began looking her over. She knew she must look worse than she felt. The Scot's hands played over the bruises on her throat and his blue eyes swiftly caught sight of the sword grasped in her hand. 'Where did ya get that?'

'It's a sword Carson; she got it from the planet.' Rodney said incredulously.

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. 'Is anyone going to tell me what you found?'

John obliged. 'We found a people with a crazy Emperor who put 50 of us in an Arena to fight to the death a couple times before we ended their lives the way they knew it and restored power to the rightful Emperor, and we now have allies which we can trade with.' He paused. 'Oh! And Teyla got a sword.'

He headed down the hall way, Carson frantically following them. 'Arena? What are you talking about?'

'That's an excellent question; you all look like you've been fighting battles single handedly.' Elizabeth commented, putting a worried hand on Lorne's shoulder.

'Well, Teyla has, the rest of us not so much.' John responded. Rodney glared at him.

'Speak for yourself Colonel, I for one am traumatised by the events, but happy to say that I have also been made stronger for it…' He said perkily.

'How can you be traumatised and made stronger by something, Rodney?' Carson asked testily.

Teyla watched as they slowly headed down the corridor, people shouting and complaining, asking questions and making comments. Sheppard turned and held his hands up.

'Hey, hey, hey! That's enough!'

Elizabeth eyed him with a steely green eye. Sheppard put his hands down. 'I'll tell you what, how about we get to the infirmary and while Beckett checks us out – we explain. One at a time.' He said sternly.

'Fine.' Elizabeth nodded. 'As long as you do.'

'Would I lie to you?' John asked with a sly grin.

'I'm supposed to answer that?' Elizabeth asked.

Rodney pushed his way toward her with a look of barely contained excitement. 'Elizabeth, despite the things that have happened on the planet, I think we need to go back and investigate a few things…'

'Rodney, can't this wait?' John moaned.

'No, it cannot wait…'

The scientist launched into a speech with an animated argument and Teyla hung back, slowing to a halt as the rest of them turned a corner. She paused and looked around at the Ancient city, various people milling around and getting on with their lives. It was quiet, the odd bleep of a control, the soft conversation of scientists and military personnel.

Teyla felt the sword in her hand and closed her eyes, remembering the sand underfoot, the brightness of the fire and the magnificent roar of the audience…

'Teyla.'

She opened her eyes and saw John standing at the end of the corridor with a frown. 'You coming? You don't want to miss the latest McKay/Beckett argument…I think Carson might actually strain something this time.' He said with a charming smile.

Teyla smiled and felt a warmth spread throughout her as she walked forward, sword in hand.

They were back, and they were free. All she had to do now was prepare for what came next, with John at her side, and hope that the Arena in which they were forced to fight was of a different kind.

The End

Thanks for reading! Please review the story as a whole! Really enjoyed this one and would like to know what you think. Cheers!