Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters. No profit is made from this.

A/N: This is set sometime after The Lost Tribe and a few weeks after The Symbol left off.

A/N: Thanks to Bailey1ak for starting me down this track.

"Colonel, welcome back." Woolsey said moments after Sheppard's team beamed into the gateroom. "I have received glowing reports from the IOA about your mission to secure the Ark. Well done."

"Thanks. It's nice to be back. Being cooped up on the Apollo for four and a half weeks wasn't my idea of fun."

"I can imagine." Woolsey sympathised. "Any idea what caused the engine trouble that delayed your journey?"

"No and it's driving McKay mad." John replied.

"Is it possible that the Ark was causing the problems?"

"Anything's possible." John shrugged. "Which is why I want Lorne and Teldy to take it to the planet using the Apollo rather than gate it through. That way we keep the danger to Atlantis at a minimum."

"And you can observe event from orbit." Woolsey added.

"Yes and no. Just in case their sphere of influence expands further than the planet McKay, Ronon and I can't go."

"What about Colonel Ellis?" Woolsey asked.

"Still not fully aware of the situation, by General Landry's orders." John explained.

"I see. And when do you propose that the Apollo departs?"

"As soon as it has finished unloading. I'd prefer the Ark not to stay around here."

"Agreed."

"Any news on SG1's search?" John asked.

"Last I heard they had a lead, but since then they have been out of contact with the SGC." Woolsey explained, causing John to frown in concern. "General Landry did not seem too concerned, the planet they were going to was at the edge of the theoretical communications range."

"Let's hope that's all it is." John commented.

"For now, let's assume it is." Woolsey replied. "Anyway I'm sure you'd like get some fresh Atlantis air, so why don't you go and meet up with the rest of your team and I'll arrange for a briefing with Lorne."

"Thanks." John smiled appreciatively. "See you in an hour."

-00-

"So you want us to drop it off?" Lorne asked sceptically after John had explained the mission.

"Yes."

"Just like that?"

"Is there a problem with that Major?" John questioned, stressing Lorne's rank.

"No Sir. Just surprised. I thought McKay would want to play with it first."

"He does." John assured him.

"But the rest of us aren't too taken with that prospect." Woolsey added. "He doesn't have the best track record when it comes to experimenting with Ancient technology."

"So we just hand it over? We asking for anything in return?" Lorne probed, the doubt still evident in his voice.

"Hopefully they will view this as an act of good faith and open up a little." John replied hoping Lorne would just accept the orders.

"And if they don't?"

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

"For once I'd like to try the diplomatic approach." Woolsey intervened, causing John to look at Lorne and say, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"It makes the paperwork easier, being able to tick the diplomacy box." The answer seemingly appeased Lorne who shrugged and asked.

"Anything else to be aware of?"

"Other than the normal? No. Just watch your back, just in case."

"Yes Sir." Lorne agreed just as Woolsey asked.

"Anyone one else have any questions?" After a chorus of denials the bureaucrat stood. "Very well then. The Apollo is due to leave in two hours. Good luck." With that the away team stood and left, leaving John watching them with a feeling of guilt.

-00-

"Something troubling you?" Teyla asked as she parried John's blows.

"No." John replied as he failed to block one of Teyla's shots.

"Really?" The Athosian asked. "Then you did not train on the Apollo? Or maybe your reactions are slowing with age." Teyla said, straight faced.

"My reactions are just fine." He said trying to beat Teyla's defences. "It's just this whole situation."

"You don't think the ark should be returned."

"Yes, but that's not what's really bothering me." John said as he parried some more blows.

"Lorne?" Teyla guessed.

"I really don't like lying to him."

"He will understand." Teyla said.

"What if he never gets the chance? What if Lorne hands over the ark and they-"

"They still want the other arks." Teyla cut him off. "While they think we are of use to them they will not harm us."

"That's not exactly comforting."

"They may yet surprise us."

"You get bit by an alien optimism bug in my absence?" John asked lowering his guard. His comment earning a wry smile from Teyla. "History is not exactly in their favour." John went on. "Past experiences with Ancients or Ancient experiments have not exactly ended well. The Asurans cost us Elizabeth, who knows what this will cost us, or what it has already cost us?"

"You are concerned about the George Hammond?"

"Carter and Mitchell play by the book. To go silent either means they can't communicate with us or they have a very good reason not to. Either way it doesn't bode well." John said before stepping to the side of the gym. "Ahh, I'm sorry. Being cooped up on the Apollo has got to me. I should get some sleep or go for a run. Thanks for the workout."

"John." Teyla called before John made it to the door. "Do you wish to get a drink and talk?"

"No, I'm fine. Go be with your son." With that John stepped out into the empty corridor.

-00-

John wasn't sure when he finally got to sleep, all he knew was that it was a few hours and several jogged miles after he left Teyla. What he was aware of though was when he woke up. As the alarm in his room rang he heard Chuck summoning him.

"What's happened?" John asked having reached his head set.

"There is an unidentified ship approaching Sir. It is ignoring all attempted radio communications. Based on it's current course and speed, if it is a Wraith vessel it will be in firing range in four minutes."

"I'll be right up. Keep trying to identify it." John ordered, wondering what Pegasus had in store for him this time.

A/N: Thanks for reading, next chapter up on Sunday