Chapter 2

The walk to the temple was extremely scenic. Of course McKay had been right, there seemed to be three different types of architecture: the obvious signs of the Ancient architecture, the unknown race and the Parcinese. They may have still relied on agriculture but the Parcinese were no slouches in the building department- no grass or skin huts here. The walk was longer than he had expected though. Apparently, the temple was not in the center of town like in most places he had visited.

"All I found out is you present yourself to the Matriarch of the temple and promise free trade and exchange of ideas," McKay informed him as they trekked to the temple.

"Are you sure that is it? No fighting of dragons or drinking the blood of the young?" asked Sheppard as Larin led them down one more street.

"Where do you get this stuff from? That puerile mind of yours is working way to hard." retorted McKay.

"Because McKay, I am very imaginative. And as Teyla and Lt Ford pointed out, these things like to take a hunk out of my hide."

They were now nearing the edge of the town and approaching the small mountains that backed up to it. The temple was definitely not in a place of prominence, but hidden in the side of one of the mountains. As they approached the entrance, it was disappointing. It was very unassuming. They stepped through the door into a narthex. The inside, however, was a different story.

The narthex had a high ceiling with the familiar stain glass effect that Atlantis had in abundance. The inner chamber was even grander. A mountain of steps reached towards the ceiling with an oversize altar at the top. It reminded Sheppard of the pyramids in Mexico. At the base of the steps, Mirandau and his council waited for them. A group of clerics lined the chamber's walls, while a lone figure stood atop the pyramid.

Immediately, Mirandau started the ceremony. "Matriarch Scilla, I present to you Major John Sheppard of the City of Atlantis. He brings knowledge beneficial to your people. We ask for your consent and blessing on our agreement…"

As the Chief Elder prattled on, Rodney checked his portable device for energy readings. There was nothing so far. He looked around. Writings in Ancient on the walls, could signify this room was used for… "I have no idea," he admitted to himself. Too much of it had been bastardized by the Parcinese and the others.

Rodney felt a poke in his back. Ford motioned to him to pay attention. The Matriarch descended the pyramid steps. McKay took a good look at the young woman. She was beautiful in a very seductive priestess sort of way. He leaned over to Sheppard.

"Think Picard."

Sheppard shot McKay a quick glare and returned his full attention back to the Matriarch. When she reached him, the Matriarch circled him predatorily.

"Come stand before the altar so that your intentions may be judged."

She grabbed the Major's hand and led him towards the pyramid steps. When his foot landed on the first step of the pyramid, the portable device in McKay's hand chirped. Rodney quickly began checking the readings. The signature was very low but growing steadily as the pair ascended the steps. Lights flickered on all around them; the hum of energy traveling through long dead conduits filled the room.

The Matriarch and Major Sheppard reached the top. He looked back down at McKay as if to say-did you see that?

Coolly, Matriarch Scilla faced the altar, "You must stand directly in front Major John Sheppard."

She smiled at him but not a smile that filled him with many reassurances.

"I will beseech the temple itself to levy its grace on the agreement." She stepped forward and bowed. Closing her eyes, she began to sway.

"Excuse me, the temple itself?"

She bowed again and turned to walk back. Her demeanor had changed; she seemed unfocused and distant. She came to a halt just to his left and slightly behind him.

"You need to present yourself," catching him off guard, she pushed him forward. He stumbled right onto a square floor plate one meter by one meter. It instantly lit up like a disco dance floor.

"McKay!" shouted Sheppard as a tingle went up his leg, through his spine and into his head.

The energy readings spiked on Rodney's device sending it into a chirping frenzy. The entire chamber came alive.

"Oh crap," Rodney blurted out.

"What is it?" Teyla and Ford asked in unison rushing forward.

"I think Major Sheppard and his gene have set something else off." Rodney raced up the steps to the altar glaring at the Matriarch. "Enigmatic priestesses always trying to screw us anyway they can. Ancient tech always wetting itself to connect with John Sheppard." He continued to swear under his breath as he reached the top.

The Matriarch seemed lost in her own dance; listening to an internal melody. She slowly opened her eyes and in a very euphoric voice entreatied the group, "Welcome home."

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Chief Elder Mirandau was befuddled. "I do not understand; nothing like this has happened before. It is just protocol! Protocol!" his voice rising as he rushed up the steps with his council. "Matriarch Scilla! What have you done?"

At first, he had been mesmerized by the temple's reaction to Major Sheppard. It was nothing less than miraculous. They were truly ordained by the Ancestors. Then the Matriarch changed and Dr. McKay ran up the stairs cursing under his breath.

He roughly grabbed her by the shoulders, "Did you know that this would happen?"

"Do not fear, the temple recognizes its own children. Rejoice at the reunification of mother and child," she gave the answer in a singsong voice. Mirandau released her and looked between his council and the visitors.

"Lt. Ford, I suggest…Lt. Ford?" He looked at the young officer and then at the others. All of them were glassy eyed and blank. Arcs of energy streamed between them. "Larin go find Sgt. Stackhouse and bring him as quick as possible."

Larin ran quickly down the steps and out of the temple.

"It was only supposed to be protocol."