SEASON: Season Four - sometime before "Missing"
MAJOR CHARACTERS: McKay, Sheppard, Teyla and Ronon
NOTE: As always, I don't know much about SG1 stuff... and science and medicine. Sorry if I got it all wrong. You don't have to point out my errors. I make it all up. Remember, this is just for fun!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Okay, here's the deal. I haven't been able to think up any story ideas, so I asked Tipper, sablecain, hflah and GateBiscuit to each give me one element to be part of a story. They all complied and this is the result. I will list the conditions of the challenge at the end of the story.
SUMMERY: The team hears about a "Marvel" in an underground vault on the planet of the Bankiers. They go to investigate. Team fic where McKay gets kinda hurt.
SPOILERS: small ones for various episodes through the beginning of Season Four.

COULD BE WORSE - by NotTasha

CHAPTER 1: THE SIGNET RING

They stepped out of the Event Horizon and onto a carpet of leaves. The air was crisp. The sun was warm, in spite of the chill in the air. The ground was covered with yellows and oranges and reds – a crackling riot of color. Around them, trees shuddered in a breeze, whispering to one another.

Leaves sailed down from the canopy. Singularly, they wafted. In groups, they came down. Here and there, seedpods that resembled maple keys helicoptered.

A stone wall led off in one direction, and a vine of squash-like vegetables followed it. Something that might have been a pumpkin lolled near them. And just beyond the wall, another tree was laden with apple-like globes. Its branches hung low as if beckoning them to pick.

It was the perfect image of autumn, an explosion of color like a Disney imaging of the season, like a Hallmark card. It was all too pretty to be real, too right to be plausible anywhere outside of New England.

Sheppard stood on the verge of the Gate's platform and breathed in deeply. He smiled at Teyla who returned the expression, and then turned to Ronon who was surveying the area warily as if he expected someone to leap out from behind the nearest tree.

McKay, between Teyla and Ronon, hunched as he checked his scanner, oblivious to the beauty of the day – or the possibility of any threat. He muttered as he punched controls and then nodded. "Yes, yes, I'm getting a power reading from that direction." And he pointed off toward a path that followed the wall. He cocked his head, adding, "Seems rather low tech, but definitely a sign of civilization."

"The Bankiers are an industrial society," Teyla explained.

McKay harrumphed, not impressed, and lifted his head to look around. He moaned and muttered, "Great… just great. This place is going to severely mess with my allergies, I can tell you that right now." He sniffed, then experimented with a sniffle. "You can just bet they have some form of ragweed here."

"Kinda doubt it," Sheppard said, as he stepped forward. Leaves crunched beneath his feet.

"It looks horrible to me," McKay grumbled unhappily.

"Could be worse," Sheppard stated. When McKay gave him a sharp look, Sheppard added with a grin, "Could be raining."

"Oh! Oh! Don't even start!" McKay snapped. "If all these leaves get wet, they'll be a breeding ground for mold spores." And he tried to sneeze at the mere thought of it.

Sheppard gazed toward the sky, seeing blue showing through the yellow and orange and red. "Looks kinda pretty to me," he said, smiling at Rodney's annoyance. "How about we find this city?"

Rodney sighed, saying, "I hope they're advanced enough to have running water for a change. The last few people we met up with were a bit backward. No offence, Teyla."

Teyla sighed at his statement and assured, "They are a civilized people."

"Right," Sheppard responded. He fished around in his pocket and pulled out a small object. "And this will get us in to see their head guy?" He held the item toward Teyla.

The Athosian smiled. "The Signet of Kaleden will gain us entry to all areas of Bankier."

"We'll get to see their extra special secret machine?" Sheppard reiterated.

"Yeah," Rodney responded. "They're very advanced."

Teyla continued, undeterred, "You had best put it on your right index finger before we continue. They are a people who honor their history and this ring is a symbol of their heritage. It is said that the first settlers of this planet formed an inner circle and their descendants carry this signet."

Sheppard stared at the ring for a moment. It was inscribed with the Ancient symbol for "Controller" and decorated with abstract designs of vines and leaves. It had been found long ago in one of the labs. Teyla had recognized it instantly, knowing of the Bankiers, and the item had been set aside until it was needed.

Word had recently reached them of an incredible 'Marvel' on the Bankier's planet. Apparently the Marvel had been a part of their history for the past three generations, but they'd kept mum about it. It was only during a recent trading mission that a team from Atlantis had heard about it – a machine, an incredible machine of Ancient design.

Sheppard slid the ring onto his finger, feeling a little self conscious about the ornament.

With a disgusted snort, the Canadian said, "I don't know why it's him that gets to masquerade as royalty. Honestly, it makes more sense if I'm the one who…"

"Not royalty," Ronon explained gruffly. "It must makes him… special."

"Yeah… special," Rodney echoed with a wicked smile.

Sheppard crinkled his brow and grumbled, "Hey! We're just trying to get to that secret vault." He lifted his hand, displaying the ring. "Besides, it fits me." He smiled smugly at the scientist who frowned at him. "Come on, let's get going, Mr. Pudgy Fingers. We're on a deadline."

Rodney looked crushed. "My fingers aren't pudgy," he moaned.

Carter had insisted that they spend only minimal time at the site, discover exactly what was contained in the vault, decide it if was worth further investigation, and return.

Apparently, Sam had grown tired of missed meetings, and teams that failed to return on time. It wasn't as if they'd planned it for things to go haywire – sometimes, they just did. Of course, she'd had experience in how things could badly and knew the importance of keeping her teams on schedule.

Sheppard took one more glance around at the setting and started down the steps, taking the lead. McKay fell in behind, still studying the scanner. Teyla and Ronon trailed them.

They made their way through the autumnal wood, shuffling through the scattering of leaves, rustling and crunching. Sheppard recalled apple picking and pumpkin carving, and the smell of leaves burning in great heaps as lawns were cleared.

There was a strange odor in the air, but not the scent of burning leaves. Undoubtedly part of the industrialization of the people, he realized.

He moved easily, enjoying the brisk weather, even as he glanced to McKay and noted him drawing a collar tight to his chin. Rodney, realizing the scrutiny, gave him a disgusted look. Teyla and Ronon kept moving, their gazes raking the land around them.

After a short walk, the town of Bankier came into sight and they paused to check it out. The city consisted of a series of ugly, gray structures, with narrow streets running between. Utilitarian looking, the town still found a way to show off, as weather-dimmed, orange and yellow flags flew from poles that surrounded the huddle of buildings. At least, Sheppard thought, at least they tried.

The only remarkable structure was a glass pyramid. It was the top of a central building and was decorated with red banners. Teyla pointed it out as the seat of the Kaleden council.

Smokestacks rose from some buildings, belching blackness into the air. The gentle breeze blew at the dark clouds, sending them onward and away, drawing dark bands over the tops of the orange/gold trees in the distance.

Behind the main buildings, lonely looking apartments rose. Decked in yellows, their regular pattern of windows designated them as living quarters of some sort.

Sheppard frowned. "Huh," he muttered. "Not the prettiest place I ever saw."

Teyla nodded and stated, "They are known for their metalwork."

"Yeah," Ronon added. "They make tools, simple machines. That sort of thing."

"Well," Sheppard mumbled, "the place isn't going to be appearing on the cover of Architectural Digest anytime soon."

Rodney lifted his head and blinked at the place. "So what?" he started. "It isn't pretty. Progress usually isn't. I'm sure the town is set up in the most efficient way to use their resources. I suppose it's practical."

They strode onward, along the path that led them from the beauty of the forest and onto the packed dirt that surrounded unpleasant looking place. They moved with a forced casualness, that meant to imply that they were no threat – that they had come here as friends.

Workers moved about in the alleyways, dressed in various shades of yellow and orange, looking like trees moving in the breeze. The Bankiers walked without any great haste, loitering along the open space, like any workers on a break.

Stray leaves played about what appeared to be the main corridor of the city, and as they drew near, one of the workers lifted her head and gazed at them curiously. She looked toward one of the buildings, and then back in their direction. After seeming to come to a decision, she moved resolutely toward them.

"Have you come to trade?" she asked anxiously. "Traders need to go to the rear entrance to the city. No trading is allowed in the main thoroughfare."

"We've come here to meet with someone in charge," Sheppard told her. When Teyla cleared her throat, he turned toward her, raising an eyebrow. The Athosian dipped her head, indicating his hand. "Right." Sheppard responded, and extended his right hand, showing off the ring.

"Oh!" the woman exclaimed and stepped back. "I beg your forgiveness. I didn't know you were one of the Kaleden." She bowed and made a curtsey and then stepped back again. "Forgive me. Your clothing was unfamiliar to me. I didn't think that black…" She cut off her speech and bowed again.

Sheppard glanced to his companions to get their take on her response. All of them looked puzzled – one appeared to be a little annoyed. "Hey, no need for that," Sheppard told her, snatching his hand away, and taking the ring out of sight. "We're just here to see someone in charge."

She smiled thankfully and brushed a bit of her hair under her kerchief. "I will inform my superior. He will send for someone who can speak to you." She curtsied again, turned swiftly and was gone. The workers in the courtyard had come to a standstill during the conversation and were watching the scene unfolding before them, then slowly, a little like sleepwalkers, they went back about their business.

"Pleasant place," McKay muttered. "Everyone seems happy happy."

"Yeah," Sheppard responded as he turned about, taking in the gray of the buildings and the people. And so, they waited.

Several minutes passed as they stood in the courtyard. Ronon stood hipshot, his blaster holstered, but his hand never seemed far from it. His eyes darted from one worker to the next as they scurried about.

Teyla watched as well, but with a different expression. The Bankiers seemed desperate in their attempts to NOT look at the strangers, and yet they couldn't help themselves from stealing glances.

Rodney continued to fuss with his scanner, his attention focused on the screen. He'd hold up the device from time to time as he tracked a power signature, then give a little grunt in disgust as he figured out it wasn't worth his trouble.

They waited.

Finally, a group of people hurried toward them through one of the narrow alleyways. They were colorful amidst the gray of the buildings – their yellows and oranges were bright, obviously of richer materials. The man in the lead was the orangest of the group, and donned a red stole over his shoulders.

"Oh," the man with red shouted. "Oh, oh, oh!" He scuttled toward them, and made a quick bow as the others in his group gathered behind him. "I am Winfield of the Kaleden," he announced. "And have come to welcome you to our humble town. I only hope that you will be happy amongst us."

Sheppard answered the bow with a nod. "I'm Colonel Sheppard. This is Dr. McKay, Ronon and Teyla." He gestured to the others as the mentioned them. "We're… happy to be here," he added lamely because he didn't know what else to say.

Winfield smiled, toothily and his gaze strayed toward Sheppard's hidden hand.

With a sigh, Sheppard lifted his hand and displayed the ring.

"It is the Signet of Kaleden!" Winfield called out, sounding ecstatic. "Brother! Welcome, welcome!" He extended his own hand to show off a similar ring – battered and dulled by the passage of time. "You are family!" he declared happily, smiling so wide it hurt to look at him.

Behind him, his followers made sounds of astonishment and awe.

"We are so few," Winfield went on. "Only twelve. It is good to find a brother such as you, after being separated for so long." And he lunged forward.

It was only a quick movement from Sheppard's arm that kept Ronon from taking out the man. Winfield swept up Sheppard in an embrace, laughing and crying at the same time. "Brother!" he cried again.

"Yeah, brothers," Sheppard said quietly, embarrassed by gesture and all it signified. "Good to see you…" and patted Winfield on the back.

"You've never been here before?" the Bankier asked.

"First time," Sheppard told him. "Seems my part of the family… wandered."

"And you have returned. Your family must have wandered long ago. We thought that there was only twelve." Winfield smiled again, his eyes wet with tears.

"Yeah," Sheppard replied, looking to his teammates. "Go figure."

"Please, please, let us show you our town," Winfield continued. "Let me take you to my house. Let me introduce the others in the Kaleden. They will be pleased – so pleased to meet you. There shall be a great feast that will last many days. There will be merriment and gaiety!"

"Hang on," McKay said with a totally dissatisfied expression. "We don't really need… gaiety. We just came to see the vault."

Sheppard smirked at Rodney's abrupt reply, but was rather pleased at his interruption nonetheless.

Rodney went on, "We were told that you had something 'special' that only certain people…" he glanced toward Sheppard's ring, "And the people with them… were allowed to see. We're on a schedule."

Winfield looked at McKay incredulously, so Sheppard added, "Yeah, the vault. We'd like to see what's inside. We were told that you had some sort of machine."

The people behind Winfield put up a murmur, and the official nodded. "The vault! Of course! You've come to see Osoyoos, the Marvel of Bankier."

"The Marvel," Sheppard repeated, and glanced to McKay. "It's a marvel."

Rodney poked at his scanner a few more times, obviously annoyed at Winfield's disregard for him. "I should hope so," he murmured. "I'll have to research the name when we get back to Atlantis. Osoyoos -- I wonder how they spell that."

"Come, come and see!" Winfield scampered away and his retinue went with him, hurrying to keep up. With a sigh, Sheppard took after them with a half-hearted jog. The rest of the team followed.

They moved through the town, past buildings that loomed and glared down with heavy eyes. All around was the steady hum of equipment at work, and the quiet drone of the people who labored at the machines.

They moved along one alley and then down another with Winfield walking quickly in the lead. He twittered excitedly about one factory and then the next, telling of what was fabricated there and how efficiently each operation maintained its quotas.

"We exist on trade," Winfield told them. "We have some crops on our planet, but we trade for most of our food and other necessary items. In exchange we create the comforts for their worlds, pots and pans, ovens and cleaning machines, cooking appliances, tools and devices of all kinds. We can make almost anything."

Sheppard glanced to Teyla who gave him a nod. Apparently everyone in the Pegasus galaxy had a Bankier toaster oven, electric can opener and rug shampooer tucked away in a closet.

"Here," Winfield said suddenly. "Here it is, brother." And he stopped at the doorway of a building that looked pretty much like the rest of the structures that grumbled and rattled around them.

One of Winfield's party opened the doors and they moved inside, into the din of working machinery. All around them devices clattered, ka-chunked and clunked. Belts whizzed over their heads, carrying devices from one end to the other. People huddled over equipment, or tottered about on catwalks. All about them, humans put together what looked like ugly little alarm clocks.

It was loud. The clangor of equipment filled the room, and McKay reached for his ears and called, "Are there any earplugs?"

Winfield just gestured, pointing to the far wall.

The workers paused only long enough to give their visitors a startled glance, surprised to see people of such importance grace their factory. Eyes followed Winfield, then took in the others. The moment passed and they dipped their heads back to their work.

The group moved, finding narrow passages between working machines. Winfield held his robes close as belts zipped past. Rodney, alarmed, tucked his arms against his body and hurried through until they reached an inner wall, and another door.

"It is here," their host proclaimed, pulling a chain from within his shirt and finding a key.

The lock ground as he turned the key, and he shoved at the door. It opened with a groan, reveling darkness. Winfield grinned at them, looking excited enough to faint.

"It's been a while since anyone's been in there," Sheppard surmised.

"It has been at least a year," Winfield told them. "There is little reason to access the Marvel, and only the Kaleden are allowed to view it."

"And people with the Kaleden," McKay added snottily.

"If you are of his family," Winfield told him. "You are related?" he asked.

Sheppard glanced to his crew, from McKay, to Teyla to Ronon. "Yeah," he responded with little hesitation. "Family."

McKay snorted in amusement.

Winfield smiled, happily. "Then we shall go." And he walked into the dark room.

Sheppard exchanged a glance with Ronon, not entirely happy with the idea. He was about to turn on the light on his P90 when Winfield clicked something within the room and the place illuminated. The space was small, little more than a landing at the top of an enclosed stairway.

Winfield, just inside the space, smiled proudly. He opened his arms wide and declared, "Now, Colonel Sheppard, let me show you the Marvel!" And he turned to the stairs. "Come! You will be amazed."

"Amazed," Sheppard repeated, not impressed. Finally, when Sheppard moved forward, Winfield made a gleeful little movement, and swooped to the stairs, leading the way. With a sigh, Sheppard followed.

Rodney fell in line behind the colonel, moaning unappreciatively about the stairs. Teyla came in behind them.

Ronon stayed a moment longer, watching Winfield's followers who remained outside of the door. He narrowed his glance at them, waiting.

One of them, perhaps realizing that something was required of him, said in a soft voice. "We shall not be accompanying you."

"Why not?" the Satedan asked.

She looked anxious, glancing to the doorway, and then back at the big man. "It is not for us," she replied. She touched the door as if she meant to close it.

Ronon glared and she stepped back.

"Ronon?" Sheppard's voice came up from below. "You coming?"

Winfield's voice joined his. "Really, we must keep moving. Don't worry about the door, fellow. It opens from the inside. We just must make sure that the workers don't find their way into the lower levels. No telling what sort of trouble they might get into."

Ronon kept his gaze narrowed at the woman who held the door, but finally, he turned and started down the stairs after the others.

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TBC - I'm sure everything is going to be fine