As promised book two starts today! I will be keeping my Monday Thursday upload days up as long as i can into the buys season:3

Slight trigger warning for later chapters. (per suggestion of a friend who read over everything)

"No one really knows why they are alive until they know what they'd die for."

Two weeks had passed since the newest residents of the city arrived. Most the expedition starting to become used to the unique pair, a few were still unsure, but more came around by the day. Forrest and Castiel were merging into the new way of life effortlessly, learning as much as they could about their new-found home. Many welcomed them with open arms, most people eager to learn about the dragon that now called the city home. There had been a few instances where expedition members had walked into their quarters to find him asleep and sunning himself on their balcony, causing a few upsets, but Forrest had managed to get the dragon to stick to a few that belonged to people okay with him. They worked well together, everyone had taken note of it when the pair did things. It had become a great pass time for everyone to watch out the window as the couple glided across the city, seeing as Forrest did not trust the transporters at all the pair would happily float around the city, using the balconies around the pillars as landing and takeoff pads. Everyone quickly realized that Forrest was also becoming Carson's shadow. They spent much of their time in the infirmary, while Carson attempted to teach them some of their medical technology. The two catching on rather quickly, allowing Forrest to return the same with what she knew. Starting to figure out how to recreate treatments and tools from Loonrian with Earth resources. Most notably, she had begun to work on recreating the bio matched stitches that her people used. Needless to say, Carson was ecstatic, his imagination running wild with what they may be able to accomplish. However, for the past week, there had been other issues the doctor had to deal with, along with two other people.

For the past seven days, about an hour each time, Dr. Weir had to sit and listen to John and Carson argue, over where Forrest and Castiel should be assigned. Seeing as Elizabeth had concluded that the pair was a great asset to the entire expedition. John convinced that the couple would be a great asset in the field if they were to get into trouble, when as Carson felt that the pair would do more good with his medical team. Given that they have entirely new medical treatments that they could all benefit from. "Doc you were not there, you did not watch Dazar in attack mode. He could rip people apart in seconds imagine that against a Wraith." "That was Dazar; a dragon bred for combat, Malco the same. Castiel is not meant to do that. Those two were considerably larger as well." John leaned back in his chair, looking across at the doctor. "What about a field medic? With them, we could get wounded out a lot faster, even start to treat some." "Aye, and what happens if one of them gets hurt. She explained to me that drastic wounds or injuries could have a pain transference between them. If she got hurt bad enough he would feel it too. Besides, the only way I am sure you can get him to show any aggression is if she were in danger, he would rise up to defend her." "Exactly my point, we take them along, say we get ambushed, he would go into protect mode and problem solved." "So, use her as a pawn to ensure he will defend? That's bloody ridiculous, unfair and unethical." He argued with a glare, "They both have already managed to get a great understanding of our medical technology, starting to be able to recreate some of what she knows as well. She already just about has the bio matched stitches she used on me recreated. I do not think we should risk losing the valuable knowledge she has in the field." "She has also started to spar with Tayla! She says that Forrest's ability in hand to hand is impressive. Not completely useless in a fight." "Because she has a second set of eyes!"

She rested her face in her hands, this had been going on for days, and neither side was in any mood to budge on the issue. She looked at the two, finally speaking up. "Would they be willing to split? Off-world teams could take Castiel, and Forrest could stay with the medical teams?" John staying silent, as Carson shook his head, "Doubt it, they are pretty much inseparable as is. I am not sure how they would feel about it, or if they would be okay with it. " She nodded, taking a deep breath. "And we are sure that the other dragon, Malco would not come here?" John shaking his head, "Forrest said he was pretty clear on wanting to stay and take care of the remaining dragon population. Maybe if we needed him once and a while, but not here constantly." "You two have been arguing this back and forth for the past week. Both of you have valid points. I feel at this time; it will be up to them on where they want to stay. Let them choose their position" Both stayed silent before John finally spoke. "Why don't we test it? Carson, you were going to go with Tayla today to one of the Athosians' trading partners. Take her and Castiel with and see how they like it." Carson sighed, "We could easily do that. Nothing dangerous and she could help me if needed." Weir nodded, "Perfect; it will be you three then. Military should not be needed; these people have always been great allies." The men standing as she spoke. "Go find her and get ready to go." Both nodding before walking out of the room.

There was a silent agreement, both men standing to walk out of the conference room. Neither making eye contact as they walked across the control room and towards the stairs. As they did, a shadow flashed across the glass windows, "She still not trusting the transporters?" John breaking the silence as they turned to walk along one of the halls. "Aye, not sure if that will ever change." They turned into a small outcrop, which opened up to a large balcony. Watching as Forrest carefully jumped from the saddle to the ground, Castiel shrinking down just behind her. "Hey, guys." She said as she pushed a few stray hairs from her face. "Afternoon Forrest, Castiel." John greeted them as they walked over to join them. "We got some news for you." She looked at him curiously, as Castiel happily glided onto Carson's shoulders. The doctor had finally started to get used to the dragon using him as a perch as needed. "We have a mission today, and Dr. Weir would like you to join us." Carson explaining. "It is just checking on some people we trade with, see if they would be interested in anything new. If you don't want to go, we completely understand" She nodded, and smiled "That sounds interesting, who all would be going?" "Would just be you, doc here, and Tayla." John sating as he watched the pair. "I would love to get to go along. It sounds fascinating." Carson could almost sense the silent "I told you so!" coming from John as Forrest happily agreed to go with. The idea of going to another world once again leaving her with a sense of excitement and wonder. "Perfect, Tayla is probably already getting ready, I'll go let her know you will be joining." The Colonel explaining before turning and walking away.

Forrest and Carson watched him walk away, before he looked back to her, "Follow me." He said as he turned around and began to lead her down the hall. "How have things been for you?" He asked as they walked side by side. "Oh great, we are getting a better understanding of where things are, but we do still get turned around now and then." He laughed "Should have seen us when we first got here." She smiled, as she looked up at Castiel on his shoulders. "You do know you can tell him no if you want to?" "Its fine, I am actually getting pretty used to him. He is not exactly heavy. " She smiled, watching as the dragon affectionately rubbed the side of his face against Carson's, in a way similar to a cat. *I do like this one.* *He is not a pet, but a person, try not to play favorites.* "So what should I expect? I mean Tayla has explained a lot to me, but I feel like I know nothing." The three entering the armory as she spoke. "Well, these people are not too advanced. But their planet does not have a change of seasons, it is always tropical and warm. So, they can grow crops year round. We normally offer medicine and other aid in exchange for some of the crops." He explained as he led her to a wall of equipment. "Standard issue for when off-world, though I do not think anyone has had you work with any firearms yet?" Castiel hopping off his shoulders and to the ground as he pulled the black vest down from the wall. She shook her head, "No, but I did start sparing with Tayla if that gives me any advantage at all." He handed her one, smiling "Puts you ahead of me in that department." Grabbing one down for himself. Next, to them, Castiel had grown into his larger big cat sized form, looking curiously at the weapons before picking up one of the P-90s. "Probably best you don't touch that." Carson watching as the dragon turned the weapon over in his paws before putting it back with the others. "We should not need them, hopefully." *hopefully?* Castiel looking up at the pair. "We will be fine Cas." "There should be no worry; these people are very kind, we have never had a problem with them."

Within a half an hour, the group had made their way to the gate room. Forrest geared up alongside Carson as Castiel perched happily on her shoulders. Tayla looking at him, her expression concerned. "What's wrong?" John asking as he stood next to her. "Well, these people do have a mythology that contains monsters and demons. I worry Castiel may frighten them greatly." She explained as Forrest listened with Carson. "Oh... "She said as Castiel dropped to the floor, growing in size. "I feel it would be safer if he stayed behind. If that would be okay?" *can they promise it will be safe? That you will be safe?* Castiel quick to respond. "He wants to know if you all can promise it is safe." John nodded his head, looking at the dragon. "Safe as if we were here." Behind him, Ronon was glaring, a rather angered by the fact that they were all going off alone. *if it will allow you to meet these people, then I can stay behind.* *Are you sure Cas, I mean, I would like it if you went.* *I trust you with these two; they will keep you safe.* She smiled, "He said he would stay behind." She explained as the dragon moved off, walking up the stairs to sit at the top of them quickly followed by John and Ronon. It was hard for him, to trust them. But as he watched how Forrest smiled, laughed, and enjoyed their company he knew he had to let it go. She was happier than she had been in years here with them. Behind them, the chevrons on the gate began to glow and move, soon the gate roaring to life. Weir moving to stand next to the dragon, realizing she had never really taken much time to be around the animal. "Good luck!" She called out, watching as they all began to disappear into the blue shimmering puddle, John and Ronon watching as they did. She heard the large dragon sigh, looking at him. "She will be okay." His head turned to her, as he nodded his head before turning to walk down one of the halls. "You should have let me go." His voice a growl as he looked down at her. "We have never had a problem with these people; they will be fine. Tayla and. Dr. Beckett have done this many times." He shook his head, " It's not those farmers I worry about." John shook his head, "They have been here what, two weeks now? If they wanted to do something they could have by now." But Ronon stayed silent, as they walked out of the room.

The humidity of the air took her by surprise, as she walked out of the other side of the gate. The area around her beautiful shades of green with tall trees that sprouted broad leaves off the top. It was fascinating as she followed closely behind Carson. She felt empty, realizing quickly it was because the bond between her and Castiel could not span worlds. It felt strange, unnormal, but manageable. "The heat takes some getting used to." He explained as they began to walk down a small stone path from the gate. Tayla ahead leading the way as they fell in line behind her. "It is a bit of a walk, but I am sure we can all manage?" She asked, Forrest, letting out a light laugh. "Can't be too bad" Carson was more focused on Forrest, who was not quite focusing on where she walked. But he understood, she saw things she had never thought of before. "We will be meeting with Shikon. He is the current leader of these people. We will be able to talk to him about how things have changed. It has been quite a few months since we were here last." Tayla explained as they followed the stone path. Forrest starting to focus more on what she was doing. "Last time we were here, they had the nasty flu like virus spreading around. We got that cleared up pretty well." Carson said as he shifted his backpack around. "Castiel would love it here, the warmth alone for him would make it his favorite." She said as she tried to take in as much as she could, hoping she would be able to explain it all to him when they got back. While unlike other reptiles, the dragons were warm-blooded, but even then, their core body temp was lower than most would expect it to be. Thus, the dragons still enjoyed sunning themselves on large rocks and open flats. They did not fare well in the cold. Thus they migrate south during the Loonrian's northern winters. Bonded dragons enjoying the warmth of their human partners home. A planet like this, they would thrive on. "Is Earth like this?" She asked curiously, in the short time she had been there she had gotten a bit of what their homeworld was like, but it still confused her. When they described an amazing paradise, this was what came to mind. "Parts of it are, but there are some areas much like Loonrian. All sorts of different climates and landscapes. Deserts, grassy plains, tropical jungles, and more." Tayla just ahead of them was smiling, as she listened to the doctor try and explain Earth and all it's different regions to Forrest who was captivated entirely in the idea.

Soon enough the tree-filled landscape began to change into rolling farmland. Row crops standing tall and the orchards in full bloom. People waving happily as the three made their way towards the village. It was still strange, to see so many people again. That were friendly. Sure, people on her homeworld were kind enough, but rarely did Loonrians go out of their way to show kindness. To them, it was a waste of time. For Forrest, her entire life had been spent working for the sole goal of becoming a top surgeon on her world. Admitting that she had probably been just as standoffish as others of her race. Their culture valued ability, be it from knowledge or trades. Friendships and even relationships were mostly based on a mutual benefit for one another's goals. It was the reason Forrest found the people she now lived with so fascinating; many of them brilliant in their field, like Carson or Rodney, yet still open and friendly with others. She found it to be an enjoyable change. Soon enough a mass of young children ran down the path to them. All quickly gathering around them with laughter as they seemed to latch onto Tayla. They were so excited to see them; it was such a fantastic thing to Forrest. They quickly looked at her, curious having not seen her before. Tayla was able to explain that she was another doctor, and would be helping Dr. Beckett out with things. Carson noticed how Forrest reacted, as she happily walked along the mass of kids. "What is it?" She looked at him and smiled. "I have not seen a child this age in years; they were so rare on Loonrian." He nodded, remembering how she explained the infertility of her people before the Wraith came. "Tayla!" A voice called over, as a man walked down the path from the now close village. "Shikon!" She called back as they walked towards one another. The dark-haired man happily greeting Tayla, "It is good to see you all again, it has been many months." "It has, we do apologize for that. But hopefully, it will not happen again." She explained, looking back at the two doctors. "You remember Dr. Beckett; this is Forrest, she too is a doctor and is here to help him if needed." Forrest offering a smile " It is nice to meet you Shikon." In hall honesty, she was rather nervous; she had never been good with people. He seemed genuine, yet for Forrest working with a more, primitive, race was strange in itself. She did not want to make the wrong impression. "The same, please come with me. We can go talk in city hall. So much has changed, we have much to discuss." He turned and began to walk back to the village, with the three following after.