A/N: Holy crap it's been a couple months since the last update. Soooo sorry for the delay but I got kidnapped by plot bunnies and was forced to write an X-Men fanfic before they released me. I want to thank everyone who reviewed or messaged me asking me to update, I really really really appreciate it! Once again, I own nothing you recognize.

This chapter is for Valkyriegorbash, the most faithful reader/reviewer ever!

P.S. Bold writing below means it's spoken via the radio.

Chapter 10 – Reunion

RONON

They stood before the Ring, Ronon holding his backpack, Saro next to him with her own bag and Alces beside her. As she watched the Satedan dial Atlantis, Saro could barely keep her hands from shaking. Alces nudged her hand with his cold nose and she smiled a wobbly smile at him. Finally the Gate activated and Ronon spoke into his radio.

"This is Ronon, Sheppard or Wosley there?"

There was a pause and then a crackly voice responded. "Sheppard here. Coming home early, Big Guy?"

"Yeah, and I got two friendlies with me. Permission to bring them through?" Ronon rumbled out.

While he was sure John would say yes, the former Runner was suddenly nervous. What is she doesn't like it there? What if she wants to leave? Come back here? She's not safe here on this damn planet... Shaking these preemptive thoughts from his dreadlocked head, Ronon waited for a response.

"Picked up a couple strays, ey? Do they have all their shots?" McKay's voice was even more irritating when he whined through the radio but Ronon couldn't help but chuckle at the scientist's canine reference.

"Permission granted, Chewie. Come on through and bring your new buddies," John broke in.

Looking down at a pale faced Saro, Ronon held out his hand. She stared at it briefly before looking up into his eyes for a long moment. And it was like she had made a decision, her face resolved a bit and she took his proffered hand.

It was then that he truly realized how much belief she had in him, a man (he couldn't say 'stranger,' not after all they'd shared with each other) she met not three days ago. She trusted him enough to follow him to a different planet filled with people from another planet in a distant galaxy. The Runner was struck by her bravery. This girl, no this woman, hadn't spoken to another human in almost 10 years and yet she was going with him, to his home. Ronon felt both honored and humbled by her, right then. He would prove her faith in him worthy.

Then the three of them stepped through the event horizon, walking in perfect synch.

SARO

The first thing that came to mind was nothing. Literally nothing. She was struck practically dumb at the sight of Atlantis. The enormous, high-ceiling room, the metal support beams, the staircases, the balconies, the exotic stained glass, the industrial architecture, and the people, all the people! She recognized the ones called soldiers from Ronon's descriptions, they carried lethal weapons called guns. Scattered amongst the soldiers were others in different uniforms, they must be the scientists he spoke of.

There were three people standing by the Ring, apparently waiting for Ronon. They must be Sheppard, Teyla and McKay, Saro mused.

All three were staring, obviously surprised at the sight before them. Rodney was entirely focused on Alces and he seemed to have frozen in place, a strange, terrified look plastered on his face. John was staring wide-eyed and opened mouthed at Saro and Teyla had her sharp eyes on Ronon and Saro's entwined hands.

The Althosian woman recovered first, she reached up to John and shut his still gaping mouth then gently spoke to the frightened looking girl. "Hello, welcome to Atlantis. You must be Ronon's friend. My name is Teyla Emmagan, this is Colonel John Sheppard and Dr. Rodney McKay. What is your friends' name?"

"His name is Alces and I am Saro."

"Sorrow?" John blurted out. Who on Earth (or on any other planet or in any other galaxy, for that matter) would name their kid Sorrow?

"Yes, Saro." The young woman standing before them had obviously been through a lot judging by her worn clothing and timid behavior. But her voice was firm and clear, eyes nearly daring John to question her name again.

"Is your, uh, dog friendly?" Sheppard wisely asked instead.

"Yes. Alces will not harm anyone unless they threaten him or myself." The dog made a huffing sound and Saro smiled at the beast. "Or Ronon."

"Why don't we head to the conference room, I'll call Wolsey and we can all have a nice little sit down. Are you hungry? McKay, go get her some food."

"Me? Why do I have to be the one to get her food? You're perfectly capable of going yourself, Sheppard!" McKay whined.

"OK, you escort Alces and Saro to the-"

"No, no! No, no! I'll go!" And with that the flustered scientist scurried off towards the cafeteria.

Teyla, John and Ronon all got a small laugh at the sight.

"Well, shall we?" John asked Saro with a flamboyant bow.

Ronon tensed but was careful not to increase pressure on the feminine hand he held. The Witchwoman laughed a little at Sheppard's behavior but stepped closer to Ronon, pressing to his side. She was still unsure of these new people and the Colonel's oddly eager behavior made her vaguely uncomfortable. Saro was not experienced enough to recognize she was being flirted with and felt a little lost when confronted by it.

"Lead the way," Ronon growled at John. He had noticed how the Colonel had stared at Saro when they came through the Gate, the way he spoke to her now, and the Runner didn't like it.

Teyla, astute as always, gently pulled John towards the main conference room, letting Ronon, Saro and Alces follow at their own pace. Ronon looked down at Saro and met her eyes, silently asking her if she was ready. The Witchwoman nodded once and tightened her grip on Ronon's hand. The three companions stepped forward once more into the unknown.

A/N: Please review! Any comments are appreciated!