AN: Before I get started, I just wanted to apologize for not updating in forever and the shortness of this chapter. Also, I've been meaning to reload the first chapter which includes the changes of Ford to Ronan (thanks for catching it!). So, if someone comments on how Ford suddenly disappeared and Ronan took his place...that will be because you didn't read this.

Beginnings
"Major! I told you, nothing went wrong. It was just a vase with some dust in it- nothing to worry about." The Canadian placed his hand on Sheppard's shoulder, trying to physically force the man to listen to him.

"McKay, I said not to touch anything, and when I said anything that means everything, including vases that were probably filled with someone's ashes." The soldier continued on towards the gate, Ronan and Teyla silently following him. Sheppard thought that Rodney looked remarkably like a child being forced to leave a toystore early because of misbehavior. "You knew this would happen if you did anything."

"How can you be so obtuse? Don't you want me to figure out how the force field was created? There could be a Zed PM in there! So help me Sheppard, if we don't go back right this instant I will rig the water systems to deliver salinated water to you for a month, MENSA or not!" Red in the face, Dr. McKay tried to get Lt. Colonel Sheppard to return to the structure. Finally, desperation won out. "Sheppard! I'll tell Kavanaugh." John froze. He wouldn't, would he? "Aha. I see that I have your attention."

"You wouldn't dare." Sheppard turned to look at the scientist who, at the moment, looked one hundred percent smug.

"Try me." John's eyes narrowed. Weighing his options, he sighed and started walking in the opposite direction, away from the Stargate. Teyla and Ronan exchanged uncertain glances but followed. Rodney smirked and bounced alongside John.

"And to think that I was going to share my secret stash of coffee and chocolate with you. Shame." Sheppard continued to walk as McKay halted. Counting down, John waited for the outburst. He wasn't disappointed.

"But I'm hypoglycemic you selfish moron! I need that chocolate to stay alive!"

A multitude of thoughts filled his head. Freedom was the first. It wasn't a word he used commonly or without desire. He didn't know how much time had passed, but it felt like an eternity. He remembered when he had first been locked up, not knowing when or how he would see the light of day again. He had tried and failed to count the days, months, years that had passed since he was caged. When he had finally given up hope, fortune had smiled upon him and he was freed. In that split second, he strayed onto the one who had set him free.
"Thank you profusely for letting me do my job, Sheppard. Elizabeth will be pleased to hear that you have finally found enough heart to grant this poor scientist one wish before he gets his life sucked out by a giant, energy-devouring, highly-evolved bug." Rodney hadn't stopped talking since they had begun trudging the short distance back to the Stargate after retrieving the fragments of the vase at the structure.

"Dr. McKay, I am sure we are relatively safe from the Wraith. This planet has long since been abandoned. I'm sure the people moved of their own accord and were not forced to escape from threats of the Wraith." Teyla placed a hand on the Canadian's shoulder, meaning to soothe his agitation.

"Either that or the Wraith drained every last one of them." Ronan gruffly stated his cynical opinion, eager to return to Atlantis. Teyla and Sheppard both glared at the former runner, but did nothing to contradict him.

"Lucky us. I know Atlantis doesn't need me- not really. You know, they can just order another genius to save the city countless times. They'd just have to pay for shipping and handling. Really now, what if there are Wraith? We have no idea what happened to the population on this planet. Were there even any people? What kind of place is this? A vacation resort? I mean what kind of people were they? They could have--" Murderers. McKay abruptly broke off his rant. Sheppard turned to see what was wrong to find the scientist pale.

"McKay. McKay? Rodney! You alright?" Rodney looked up, sweat beading his forehead.

"What? Oh. Oh, yes. Just got a sudden headache is all. Probably just dehydrated...and my hypoglycemia is certainly catching up to me. You know Sheppard, you really drive us too hard. Why can't we just have nice, relaxing missions? Why not go to a beach planet and-"

"McKay, I'll give you a chocolate bar when we get back if you'll just shut up. Does that sound like a fair deal?" Sheppard ran a hand through his hair. As tired as he was, he could never pass up a chance to taunt Rodney.

"I'm not a child Major. You cannot control me with promises of sweets." The scientist squared his shoulders and stepped up to the DHD, dialing Atlantis. He sent his IDC ahead and waited until Teyla and Ronan stepped through before looking at John. "What kind of chocolate?"

AN: I'm sorry if this chapter was short and seemed like it had no point...but I"m just getting started back up. I know where I'm going with this, so if you'll stick with me and everything, it might be worth it. Hope you enjoyed it! Ciao!