Chapter 1

Surprise

Sheppard's eyes slowly opened to see only blurs. He blinked a couple times. That helped a little. Quickly he was able to make out some things. He was in a small room with one window. The walls were covered in some strange writing, except for one. There was a huge barred door that took up the entire wall. The bars were made of gold and twisted this way and that but in the end it was very beautiful to look at.

"He is awake," said a voice.

Sheppard turned his head slightly to the right to see Tey'la looking down at him. He didn't even realize the others in the room.

By now he could see clearly. On his left, leaning against a wall, he saw McKay. Then he noticed Ford by the window, obviously trying to find a way to escape.

McKay walked over to Sheppard, "So, how are you feeling?"

"I don't know. First I saw a blue light and then I felt a sharp pain throughout my body. After that I don't remember anything," Sheppard said as he sat up.

"You...we, were all shot by a Zat. It is a weapon that..."

"Yes, I know what a Zat is. You don't need to explain. Uh, Ford. I think it's a safe bet that we aren't going to get out that way."

"Well, I figured you would like to find a way out," replied Ford.

"Your right. But you know the Goa'uld. They probably have it heavily guarded out there or something." Sheppard glanced over at the door, "Guessed that one too."

"What sir," asked Ford?

"Take a look yourself. They even have the door guarded." Sheppard looked at the guards and immediately knew they were Jaffa. Sheppard got to his feet and walked over to the door. "So, how you doing," said Sheppard to the Jaffa guard. There was no answer. "I was talking to you."

"Silence," said the Jaffa with out moving to look at Sheppard.

"Ah," said Sheppard walking away from the day, "must be having a bad day. What do you think guys?" There was no answer from the Jaffa as Sheppard would have expected. "The Jaffa is just as bad as Weir."

Everyone looked at him.

"Oh yea, since it looks like we have plenty of time on our hands, I think I will..."

"Leave," said a harsh voice.

Darnn, Sheppard thought, the perfect opportunity to teach sarcasm has been wasted.

Sheppard turned around to see the Jaffa leaving and a tall alien take his place. The alien was wearing gleaming silver armor from head to toe and was caring a staff weapon. His face was covered by a snake head that's eyes were glowing red. He has to be someone of importance, thought Sheppard.

The new guard reached up to his head and touched something that could not be seen from were Sheppard was standing. The snake head quickly folded up to reveal a Jaffa.

"Why do you humans always have to get into places that you should not," said a friendly voice.

Sheppard stared for a moment, "Bra'tac?"