Thank you so much to everyone who left feedback for the first part :o)
Chapter One
It started out as just another mission, quieter than most, even. Their scans had given no indication of any life larger than a small dog in the immediate area and no signs of settlement anywhere near the stargate but there was an energy reading that had Rodney practically panting in his desire to examine the source. It wasn't a ZPM but it was unusual, and for him, that was enough.
The team followed Rodney, his gaze glued to his scanner, into a lush valley that was located less than a mile from the gate. In the centre was the into the only structure they had been able to identify on the planet. The design was Ancient, but simple and far smaller than most of the outposts they have seen. The entrance was sealed but it was the work of moments for Rodney to locate the access panel and open the door.
When he would have headed straight inside, Sheppard held him back, asking, "McKay, you getting anything that suggests the place might be booby-trapped?"
"No, but that doesn't mean that it isn't. The power source seems to be located below us and opening the door hasn't caused any changes to the energy signature but I can't confirm anything until I get a chance to figure out what's generating it and the purpose of this place. Sheppard nodded his understanding but didn't release him, instead instructing Ronon and Teyla to check verify it was empty before they proceeded.
"Really, Colonel," Rodney whined, waving the LSD impatiently, "It's empty."
"Uh-huh. Humour me anyway, McKay."
Once Ronon signalled the all-clear, Rodney hurried inside, eager to see what discoveries awaited him.
The first room was empty, except for the elaborate murals covering every surface. Rodney paused, looking around him in wonder, "Music, he said thoughtfully, moving forward to study the images more closely, "every image here is about music. " For a moment he remained transfixed then, visibly shaking himself free of his thoughts, he said briskly, "The soft sciences are going to be thrilled but the energy reading is through there," he gestured to a large archway on the far side of the room and walked through, the others following.
There were no murals in the other room, but the walls seemed to give off a subtle glow and shone with all the colours of the rainbow, changing with the light like they were made of opal or some other precious stone. The effect was breathtaking, but Rodney ignored it, heading straight for the centre of the room, where the energy signature was strongest. He dropped to his knees, hands running lightly over the floor, letting out a triumphant, "Ha!" as he found a panel that slid back to reveal a small keypad but before before he could do anything more, the room shook and a door crashed down behind them, sealing the archway they had entered through so completely it was almost impossible to tell where it had been.
"McKay..." Sheppard called, but the scientist was already scurrying to the door, scanner in hand.
"I'm on it." He just had time to announce before they were enveloped in a blinding white light that froze them where they stood and when it abruptly released them, Rodney was gone and only his equipment remained to show he had ever been there at all.
TBC...