PSG-492. A strange world, to put it lightly. There was no sky.

McKay wasn't quite sure what it would be like after seeing the images on the probe, but so far it was proving to be as odd as the pictures they had seen. An underground society surviving with no known knowledge of the world above - or a way to get there.

The room the Stargate was situated in was small, but various openings led outwards into dark corridors. The only light in the place came from the symbols on the gate. Thankfully, it was bright enough they did not need to pull out their own lights.

They had been greeted at the gate by a small band of short, stocky men who carried wary looks and approached the Atlantis team cautiously, stopping just within the archway of a door close to the gate. Sheppard and Ronan's hands instinctively tightened on their guns as the foremost man approached them.

"Who are you?" the man demanded.

"My name is Colonel Sheppard," John responded, stepping down from the gate's platform. "This is Dr. McKay, Teyla and Ronan. We were wondering if we could look around a bit."

"I am Gatak," the man replied. "No one has come through the Stargate in many years."

McKay stepped forward. "Do any of your people go through the gate?"

"No," the man shook his head. "This chamber is avoided. It is taboo to enter."

Sheppard raised an eyebrow. "May I ask why?"

The men looked around nervously. Gatak pulled back and replied, "The beast resides in this chamber."

McKay suddenly felt worried. "Beast?"

"It only stays here," Gatak replied. The men looked up, and the Atlantis team followed their gaze. The chamber, though small, was tall enough and dark enough they could not see the ceiling.

"Well, no offense to you guys," McKay said nervously, "But I'd like to exit this taboo chamber as quickly as possible."

"May we?" Sheppard indicated towards the doorway the men stood in. They silently parted and the Atlantis team entered a long, dark and spacious corridor.

"I shall take you to Fayne," Gatak said, pushing past them.

"Who is Fayne?" Sheppard asked.

"She is our leader," Gatak replied.

Sheppard hefted his rifle, and with a nod to his team, began to follow Gatak down the dark passageway. The men accompanying them took out what appeared to be glo-sticks - long, thin, yet very bright lights that cast away the shadows around them. Sheppard estimated they had walked nearly two miles before exiting the passageway into a large, brightly lit room with a high, cathedral ceiling. This room was teeming with life, and at the far end, a woman sat in what could only be described as a throne. She was beautiful, dressed in a white, flowing dress with dark hair and eyes and pale skin. Sheppard estimated she was in her thirties.

The woman regarded the small group with cold eyes as they crossed the expansive room towards her. People were sitting in small groups around the room, chatting and doing various other jobs, but the woman on the throne sat alone.

"Gatak," she said. "Who are these people?"

"They have come through the Stargate," Gatak said, bowing low.

The woman leaned forward, her eyes widening. "What?"

She looked at the Atlantis team, scrutinizing them with dark eyes. "Who are you?"

"My name is Colonel Sheppard," Sheppard replied, then indicated to the rest of his team. "This is Teyla, Dr. McKay and Ronan. We're explorers."

"There is nothing to explore here," the woman replied coldy. "You have committed a grave crime."

Sheppard could feel the hairs on the back of his neck rise. Ronan bristled beside him. They were all too familiar with the strange customs of other planets and had oftentimes broken serious rules or traditions without realizing it. Sheppard had learned it was best to speak up immediately if it appeared things might go south.

"We aren't aware of your people's customs," Sheppard began. "If you could enlighten us, we'll do our best to amend the situation."

"Colonel Sheppard," the woman formed his name slowly, testing her pronunciation. "I am afraid there is nothing you can do to amend this situation."

"Are you Fayne?" Sheppard asked.

"I am."

"You are leader of your people?"

"Yes."

"Since we have intruded on you, I would like to ask if perhaps we can sit down and talk about this. We are a peaceful people and —"

"Enough!" Fayne waved her hand. "Gatak, has the beast been awakened?"

"I am uncertain, my lady."

"We can't be too sure." Fayne stood, clutching the train of her flowing white gown in one hand as she descended from the throne's platform. "Take them to the chamber."

Before the Atlantis team could react, Gatak and his men had overpowered them, their stocky frames and quick reflexes no match for the Atlanteans. Sheppard had his gun wrenched from his grasp, then a kick to the back of his knees brought him down as a muscular forearm wrapped itself around his throat before he could defend himself. He tried to reach for his knife at his side and his arm was quickly twisted behind him in a painful shoulder lock. The other members of the team were brought down in a likewise fashion. Sheppard felt panic rising when the man who held him put pressure on his jugular. Black spots danced before his eyes and in less than a moment, he was unconscious.

AN: Please read and review!