A/N Sorry for the delay, real life has been hectic.
In response to Sheppardlover928's review I've made some changes to the end of chapter 2.
Having eaten diner with the engineers Riley headed to her room to get ready for the team's movie night. Having showered and changed into jeans and a t-shirt she looked through her DVD's wondering what to choose.
Unable to decide between two she grabbed both before heading to the small movie theatre. Arriving she found the lieutenants also dressed in jeans and t-shirts eating the popcorn they'd supplied.
"Leave some for the rest of us" she reprimanded snatching the bowl off their laps.
"Well said" Lorne agreed as he arrived with the beers.
"What we watching" Marshall asked.
"It's a choice between invasion of the body snatchers or the latest bond".
"Not what I was expecting" Knowles murmured.
"Or I could go get Love Actually".
"Bond, don't want to give Pegasus any ideas".
"No the list in your office is long enough already" Riley observed joining them on the sofa.
"That has nothing to do with me".
"I figured as much". She couldn't help smiling knowing that he shared the office with John.
The group settled down to watch the movie sharing the occasional comment on the action.
"Same time next week" Riley asked as the end credits appeared.
"Same place and Knowles' choice"
"We need one of you to take a look at M7G 677's shield" Sam said looking between Rodney and Zelenka during the departmental head meeting the following morning.
"Too busy" Zelenka replied while Rodney flew into his usually rant.
Slipping out John went in search of someone who wouldn't share their objections. Walking into the lab he found her bent over a schematic spread across the workbench.
"What do you want" Riley asked not looking up.
"The M7G-677 need help with their shield. Rodney and Zelenka are refusing to go".
"As soon as Lorne's cleared I'll check it out" she glanced up "otherwise ask someone else".
"Roger that" he said returning to the briefing room.
"Glad you could re-join us Colonel" Sam reprimanded as he dropped back into his chair.
"Riley's agreed to go".
"That's great news" Sam said relaxing.
"Once Lorne's cleared for active duty" he added looking at Jennifer.
"Have him report to the infirmary as soon as possible".
"Keep me informed. Is there anything anyone would like to add" Sam asked glancing around the room "then your dismissed".
"M7G-677 is inhabited by a bunch of kids who live in tree houses and are protected by an ancient shield. There's a designated landing site a short walk from the village. When you get to the village you should ask for Keras, one of the village elders. I suggest you take some chocolate" John informed the team starting their mission briefing two hours later.
"How long do you think it'll take" Sam asked glancing at Riley who'd been reviewing the relevant scientific reports.
"I won't know till I get there. Twenty-four hours to be on the safe side, if I need long we'll let you know".
"Granted. I'll schedule you for departure first thing tomorrow".
"That gives me the rest of the day to sort out the equipment in jumper six". Each team have their own jumper, meaning they can tailor equipment to their specialities.
"Don't you mean we" Riley said glaring at him.
"Eight hands are quicker than two" Knowles added.
"Sounds like a plan".
"Off you go" Sam said waving at the door.
Pushing back their chairs they headed down to the jumper bay the lieutenants buzzing with the upcoming mission.
"Lorne any idea's what this is" Riley asked passing him a box that contained scientific looking apparatus.
"Nope, probably belongs to Parrish" he said adding it the pile of unnecessary items.
"Who's Parrish" Marshall asked looking up from the first aid box he was checking.
"A botanist I used to babysit".
Stowing the useful items, they grabbed a quick lunch before organising the gear they'd need.
"Welcome to M7G-677" Lorne announced landing the jumper.
Unbuckling their restraints, the team headed for the exit grabbing their packs off the benches as they passed. Hoisting rucksacks onto their shoulders they followed a nearby path through the woods. It wasn't long before the sounds of civilisation reached them and shortly after they got their first glimpse of the bustling village.
Suddenly a young man appeared in front of them "I'm Keras, are you from Atlantis".
"Yes, I'm Major Lorne, this is Doctor Taylor, Lieutenants Marshall and Knowles".
"Then if you'd like to follow me I'll show you to the shield".
"I'm sure it doesn't need three of you to watch me work".
"Why don't you and Marshall stay here and set up camp".
"Cleo" Keras called to a nearby youngster "will you look after Lieutenants Marshall and Knowles".
Nodding she grabbed their hands tugging them further into the village while Keras led Lorne and Riley away from it.
"It's just over there" he said stopping at the edge of the old village.
"Thanks, we should be able to find our way back" Riley said glancing at Lorne.
"I've got the LSD just in case" he said tapping his vest.
"Then I shall leave you to it" Keras replied with a brief nod before turning to head back to the village.
Walking over to the generator Riley placed her toolbox on the floor before slipping her rucksack off removing a tablet and a bunch of wires. Connecting the tablet to the generator she ran a diagnostic.
"How come you didn't meet McKay when he was briefly reassigned to area 51 a while back".
"By a while you mean..."
"2006".
"I was in London; I take it you heard about our meeting".
"People talk".
"What you mean is gossip is your religion" she corrected grinning.
The tablet bleeped alerting her to its completed scan, picking it up she took a moment to review the data, opening a side panel so she could look inside.
"Any idea what's wrong".
"There's a power discrepancy which I think is due to some perished wires".
"Can you fix it".
"Just call me bob".
After finishing the repairs they'd joined the lieutenants back in the village where they'd allowed the younger children to paint their faces.
"Would you like to join us for the evening meal" Keras asked appearing from nowhere.
"Yes thank you" Lorne said knowing that only Knowles liked the MRE they'd brought, the least edible of the lot.
"Another drink" Neleus asked approaching the team as they finished their food.
"No thanks" Lorne said while Riley shook her head.
"Spoilsports" Marshall grumbled holding his cup up.
"I'll take one too" Knowles said also holding up his cup.
"They'll regret it tomorrow" Riley whispered.
Lorne couldn't help smiling "they'll learn".
Half an hour later and having sunk several more cups the lieutenants broken into a drunken rendition of don't stop believing.
"I think that it's time to call it a night" Lorne said getting to his feet grabbing their discarded tac vests.
"I think your right" Riley said following him "why is it always don't stop believing".
"It's the national anthem of inebriated people" Marshall slurred while Knowles tripped over his own feet.
"Come on twinkle toes" Lorne muttered catching him before he could face plant the floor.
Somehow they managed to herd the drunk lieutenants back to the room s they'd made camp in without incident. Sinking onto their sleeping mats the pair were out like lights. After saying goodnight to each other Lorne settled in the doorway ready to keep watch while Riley stripped emptied her pockets, removed her boots and jacket.
Several hours later Lorne was beginning to feel tired when felt someone approaching.
"Get some sleep I can take it from here" Riley whispered.
"It's my job to protect you" he said shaking his head.
"I can handle myself and you need some sleep".