"She has been in and out all morning, you asked her about coming last night, didn't you?" Ronon was glaring down at Carson, who was confidently standing his ground. "I was told I could, so I did yes." "She give you an answer?" "No, she said she would in the morning." "This is the most idiotic decision you all have made yet." "What is your bloody problem with them? Got us three of those damn things, and one of her people lost his life to get them." Once again pointing at Rodney. The two were toe to toe, neither willing to back off. "She knows more than she is telling us. She can plan things without us knowing, how do we know she was not left here for a reason? A doctor from another world could easily cause problems back home that we might not be able to fix. She could just be using us to get out of here, and then leave." Before Carson could even respond, he turned away and stormed out of the room. Leaving John rubbing his eyes "Too damn early for this.." muttering to himself before speaking up "He can get over himself. Let's just get home already." John said as he slipped out of the doorway. Quickly followed by Carson and Rodney; who once again had the backpack held tight to his chest. Ronon had been watching Forrest and Castiel all night, and according to him, she had been packing. Carson did hope that was the case, and a sign she had decided yes. "Personally I just think Elizabeth will not be too thrilled at them, we can't exactly explain the entire bond thing." The scientist quickly putting in his own opinion on the matter, causing Carson to roll his eyes, "Yet, I told you already, she said Malco will likely stay behind." "Castiel is not exactly small full sized."

Forrest had spent the entire night lost in her thoughts, balancing out all the options that had been laid before her. Even as she packed her things, she was unsure of her choice. She was helping the now awake Malco, carefully wrap Dazar's body in a blanket, Prepping him to be taken to the resting grounds south of the city. Malco had woken earlier, while Forrest had been getting saddles in place on Castiel. He supported her, to her own shock. He explained to the pair he felt good in these travelers and felt that it was a chance for their kind to know something other than this world. It had been comforting to know she had a friend's support.

Castiel helped gently shift the body onto a carrier, designed for the dragons to be able to carry one of their own in-flight more comfortable. He was in his full size, a saddle behind his ears, and on his shoulders. The few personal things that Forrest had packed away in the saddlebags. She had gathered everything in the night, wanting to be ready as she could for when morning came. Her emotions were mixed, as she looked at Malco who was prepared to take his brother to the resting grounds. She heard footsteps and spun around to see Ronon walk past them and out the front doors of the university. *conflicted, that one is.* Castiel commented, *his issue with us I do not understand at all.* as they looked back towards the room as the others too made their way into the main hall. "Well, looks like someone thought well on our offer?" John walking over to stand next to Castiel, the dragon nudging him with his nose. He smiled, offering to scratch the dragon just above the eye. Forrest smiled, "I have, and while I am still unsure, I feel it would be our best interest. Though Malco has opted to stay behind here to keep the peace within the dragon population." She explained, Malco, spinning his head around to look at John. The dragon's red eyes bright as he clicked and whistled. "But he thanks you for your very generous offer to him." He smiled, reaching out to touch the black dragon's nose. "We are all sorry, about Dazar. None of us asked for that from him, or you. But you both got us out of there, and we all thank you." The dragon rumbled, and Forrest quickly translated. "His brother believed you were a chance for change here and was honored to be a part of that change. All he asks, is his brother be remembered for that." "I think we can do that."

Carson was smiling, excited with the promise of her going with them. He had a chance to learn so much from the pair, things that could help in so many different ways. "So um, we get a ride back to the jumper right?" Rodney was piping up as he looked at the dragons. Forrest half frowned, "Normally I would tell you, yes, but we need to take Dazar to the resting grounds. It is a short flight south of here. We can meet you back at your ship, Castiel knows exactly where it is." The scientist rolled his eyes. "great.. another walk and climbing trip." Muttering as he turned to head for the doorway after Ronon, figuring there may be missary in company. John shook his head "I'm sorry about those two.." She shook her head, cutting him off "Do not worry about it, we all understand." She said before Castiel lowered his head to her, allowing Forrest to swing into the saddle before lifting it back up. "We will be able to get your ship rolled back over when we return." John smiled, looking at Malco as the dragon took hold of his brother. "Would you say I am good enough to fly now?" Castiel lowered his head down closer to the doctor, allowing Forrest to be closer. "Well, since it is a short flight and you seem to think you can." His eyes lit up, "Would I be okay to go with you then?" She paused for a moment. "Sure" The dragon moved around, moving his shoulders closer to Carson. "Have fun Doc; it makes any Disneyland ride seem like a nap." *Disneyland?* *No idea.* John joked before he too went out the front doors.

He was excited yet terrified all the same time, as he climbed into the saddle. Quickly strapping his legs down into the stirrups, he took hold of the leather handles in front of him. "Don't worry, take off is gunna be a breeze today!" She called back, as Malco began to take flight. Mighty black wings lifting him off the ground as his claws held ropes. The stretcher with Dazar lifting off the ground and out of the dome. There was a pause, as Forrest looked ahead *Bust them down* There was no response, as Castiel lunged forward. Carson was forced back into the saddle, watching ahead as Castiel tipped his head forward, his long horns slamming into the front doors and flinging them off their hinges.

They seemed to explode into the outside air, the rain meeting Forrest's face seemed to almost welcome her to her new start on life. John, Ronon, and Rodney all quickly scattering to the side as the grey dragon ran forward along the street. His wings were extending, before jumping upwards onto a chunk of rubble. Leaping off, his wings beat down, and he was air born. The three men were watching as Castiel took flight, his body turning to glide to where Malco floated, waiting for them. "He has gone insane." Rodney saying as he watched the pair of dragons. "Do we know for sure she did not brain wash him or something?" John ignored him and began to walk in the direction they came when they first entered the city. "We have a bit of a walk, let's go."

Carson had never felt anything like it before, the way he could feel Castiel's wings move under him with each stroke. It was a weightless feeling, as he moved to fly side by side with Malco. While not high in the air, the beauty of the landscape below was stunning. The tall pines, and the occasional stream running across the landscape. It was so endless and untouched. He was able to see Malco gliding to the right of them, the dragon's black metallic body glistening with the rain. He did not feel much of the storm, and what he did feel was refreshing. Forrest looked so content, her body held against Castiel's neck. Her hands resting happily in his long mane. The pair had a newfound spirit to them, they just seemed, happy.

He was able to feel them start to drop, watching how the dragon's wings seemed to lock, similar to the way ducks and geese would when landing. It was a rush, the weightless feeling nearly making him sick. He was able to look ahead, over Castiel's neck. Ahead he could see a broad valley, that seemed to be dotted with something. As the dragons glided down, he could make out more and more of the valley, and he was able to see what it contained. Bones, he could make out the longhorns attached to the skulls where they lay in the dirt. Plant life starting to grow over the oldest ones. Castiel veered up slightly, his wings beating once again as he set himself down hindlegs first before letting his front end land easily. It was nice to be on solid ground once again, watching as Malco began to set the stretcher with Dazar down deeper into the field. "You don't bury them?" Carson asked as he looked up at the rider, as Castiel began to walk into the boneyard. "The dragons believe that they should go back to the earth so to say. But not underground, they allow their bodies to decay and be used by the animals and plant life of Loonrian." It was fascinating, as he looked at the skeletons around them as they walked towards were Malco had set down Dazar and then landed. The skulls and bones varied in sizes, some seemed almost dog-sized, then some were the size of Malco. "How long do they live? The Dragons?" Forrest smiled "Lets just say, I have never heard of one dying of old age."

Castiel stopped as they got to Malco, lowering his head down and allowing Forrest to swing down from the saddle. Leaning up in the saddle, Carson began to unwrap his legs, slipping down before Cas had a chance to even lower to the ground, causing Carson's feet to hit the ground hard, sending a sting down the back of his legs. He winced, before turning away from the dragon. He watched Forrest, the way she walked to Dazar and Malco. Helping the dragon set his brother on the lush green grass next to a more massive much older skeleton. The pair unwrapping the dragon to show the pitch-black scales against the grass. His green markings matching his resting place well. He went to walk forward, only to be stopped by Castiel's tail, the dragon shaking his head before stepping forward to the body.

The three were silent, as Malco moved around to the front of his brother. The massive dragon leaning forward and touching his head to his brother's. It was curious to him, watching them as they seemed to say their final goodbyes in silence. Malco moved away, Castiel taking his place. The mint colored dragon pressing his head to Dazar's. It was strange, to see how they mourned the loss of a friend and family member in a way so human. He felt out of place, wondering if he should have even asked to go. But as the dragons moved away to stand near him, Forrest moved to the dragon. Kneeling down she pressed her head gently against Dazar. Her goodbye to him silent, before she stood up once again. Only she did not join them. She walked to the giant skull that Dazar had been laid next to, touching her hand to the large bone in silence before turning and walking back to them. "Did you know that one?" he asked curiously, she nodded her head, "His name was Armada, he died during the Wraith attack. He was Malco and Dazar's father, and a good friend" He did not say anything but nodded his head. There was a history between the people of this planet and the dragons that he longed to understand. Forrest swung up into the saddle once again, Castiel leaning down this time to allow him to climb on much easier. "You said I would be able to come back?" There was a difference in her tone, but he understood. Saying goodbye never was easy. "I will fly you myself." He responded as he hung on, finding this take off a bit easier considering he knew what was coming. The dragons taking flight into the rain, turning northward once again.

She had to admit; she was glad he did not ask too much right then. With her hands tangled into Castiel's mane as she felt a few tears roll down her face. *you were strong, you have been strong. It is okay to let go here you know.* Why he had to be so damn wise, she did not know. Ten years did give him that much life experience. *He was the first one to find us, after the attack. Help us somewhat rebuild the university. He had gone through so much. I wish he could go with us; he would have thrived.* Cas did not respond, but the warm and gentle feeling that hung in her head was comforting. Leaning farther forward in the saddle, she pressed her face to his mane. Letting the overload of emotion out. The past two days had left her hopeful, broken, and rebuilt all at the same time. She had not had the chance to process all of it. Here she was, 15 or so minutes away from a fantastic adventure, letting it all come out. She was where she felt safest, hundreds of feet in the air on the back of a massive lizard. She leaned back up, letting the wind wash her face clear again before glancing under her arm. Able to see Carson holding tightly to the saddle. His hair slicked back by the wind and his eyes half open in an attempt to block it. *What do you think of him? Honestly?* She asked as she began to feel them start to descend. *Well, he is curious. Willing to learn seems to be kind by nature. Very open minded. He holds attributes similar to the Doctors here.* She smiled, able to now see the downed ship with the three men waiting around. *Well, I have to agree. I feel like we will get along well with him. The big one not so much.* He did not respond, as he brought them gently to the ground. Malco landing right beside him.

The way the ground shook when both dragons landed was a strange feeling, as John had stood watching them approach. Forrest offering a smile as she swung down from the saddle, "You made good time." She said as she looked back to Castiel and Carson, "Well, someone is in a hurry to get home so.." he said as he tipped his head towards Rodney. She smirked, looking to watch as Carson worked to get the leg straps unhooked. As he managed to get the strap undone, the dragon proceeded to commence a full body shake. The water in his mane flying, along with the off-balance doctor. He landed on the ground below with a thud, a gasp escaping him as the wind was knocked out of him "Cas!" She quickly walked over to Carson, who was slowly sitting up as Castiel looked down with no response to the scolding. "He knows better." She muttered as she offered him a hand up. "Well, nothing feels rebroke." Accepting her hand and standing up. "So are we going home or what?" Rodney speaking up as he walked out of the jumper. The look on his face telling them all he was done with the entire adventure. "if they would please roll the jumper back over." John trying to bridge some manners over. There was nothing else said, as both the dragons walked to the jumper. Rearing up on their back legs and grabbing hold with their fronts. Leaning backward, their claws digging into the groves on the jumper and pulled it up and over. The jumper landing right side up, causing all the loose gear in the jumper to get slammed around some more. "Thank you." The scientist quickly walking back into the correct sitting jumper.

They stood around the jumper, Castiel now shrinking down shockingly small. The size of a little dog that now perched himself on Forrest's shoulders. As the others gathered in or around the jumper, she looked to Malco. The giant dragon lowering his head down to her with a low rumble. Reaching up to scratch his head lovingly. "We will come back, promise. Maybe we can come get you just for a day." She said as the large dragon trilled his approval loudly. Behind her Rodney stormed out of the jumper, walking over to the still extended side pods of the jumper. "Great.. just great." Forrest turning to look at the others poke their heads around to listen. "What?" John looking at the pod, and back to Rodney. "This pod will not retract. Remember last time that happened?" Wincing, he rubbed his neck before speaking. "Yeah, that is a problem. Thought you said it was not bad?" The scientist glared, "Oh maybe because my scanners could only run for ten or so minutes before shutting off and having to start over again. I never got that far, but figured they were fine" He said before glaring at Forrest and the dragons. He had to have some outlet for his frustration. "Well.. generally speaking, we should be expecting our rescue party anytime now." John saying as he stood next to the open jumper. "Just have to sit tight a bit longer, and bam, Lorne or someone shows up with a jumper that won't crash, and home we go." There was no response from anyone, only a slight smile from Forrest who was content to spend a bit more time with Malco.

"Colonel Sheppard, come in." It had been maybe half an hour before Lorne's voice came over on the radios. Forrest had been happily sitting in the grass with Malco and Castiel, watching the others as they rummaged around their ship. John quickly responding, "Lorne, we promise it is not as bad as you all are thinking. Just a broke down jumper and some new friends. We should not be hard to find, just don't shoot at the dragons." "Um, okay sir we should be there shortly." The group smiled, Carson making his way over to Forrest once again. "You ready to go?" Offering her a hand up that she gladly took. "As ready as we can be." She said as she looked back to Malco, who seemed to purr. Castiel happily hopping over onto Carson's shoulders, taking him slightly by surprise. Once again, Malco lowered his head to her, his red eyes closing as he pressed his long nose to her body. She returned the hug, letting her head rest on his for a moment. "I promise, I will return." She said before breaking away as a jumper came into view. The small ship easily landing next to the fallen one, and the other three men quickly walking over to it. The dragon pulled his head back slightly, before nudging her gently away with a low trill. *Go and do great things little one.* She knew Castiel had translated him, as she looked to Malco one more time before turning to walk with Carson. Only as he went to walk after her, he was stopped by Malco's tail. The large dragon looking him in the eyes, letting out a few sharp whistles and purrs. Before moving away again. "What did he say?" He asked, watching the dragon sat down on the edge of the clearing. "Castiel said you should know." The shrank down dragon hopping off of Carson, who was attempting to figure out what he should know, and gliding onto Forrest once again. Refusing to fully translate what had been said.

Behind them, the back door of the jumper opened. Major Lorne walking out with a small team of men behind him. He stopped halfway out, eyes big as he looked at Malco who nodded his head calmly. "Woah.." "You can sit in when we explain to Dr. Weir what happened," John said as he walked past and into the jumper. Leaving the man unable to look away from the black dragon. Forrest paused as she got into the jumper, looking at the people inside who were completely focused on Castiel who was still sitting on her shoulders. Carson next to her she looked out again, to where Malco watched. She smiled, as the great dragon reared up with his wings held high, a long and ear-shattering roar filled the air as he sent them his final farewell. It was heart-wrenching and exciting all at the same time for her, as the jumper door closed before her. Carson stood near her, "You okay?" She nodded her head, as she turned around looking at the people eyeing them.

Carson sat down next to Rodney, as Forrest walked forward and into the cockpit of the jumper. Lorne about to say something only to have John prevent it. "She's fine; let's get going." He said from where he had taken the co-pilot seat. Not in the mood to fly. Forrest looked out the front of the jumper, Castiel over her shoulder as it began to hum. Lifting off the ground with no real feeling, it almost made her dizzy. "Remember how you said that riding the dragons was a strange feeling? I feel the same right now." John only smiled, "Well, enjoy the view then without the wind hitting your eyes." The jumper lifting away from the planet. Watching as the ground became farther and farther away. Sure, she had flown high with Castiel but nothing like this. Soon enough the entire expanse of her home visible, the way the large cities connected across the planet. She could see how destroyed they all were, how the roads had been broken apart. The planet below them an elegant marble with a snow-covered cap, it was so strange as she stood looking out the front of the jumper. "Wait till you see this," John said as he leaned up and began to dial on the DHD. "What is that?" She asked as Castiel jumped from her shoulders, finding a place on the dash of the jumper to sit and look out. "Takes us back to Atlantis, look ahead." She did as told, looking ahead to see a metal ring floating in space. Blue lights on it lighting up before it roared to life leaving a beautiful blue puddle. "Wow.." She said as they got closer. "We are good to go," Lorne said as he set the jumper up to pass through the gate. "It will feel weird, but you get used to it." Forrest looking at him with a slightly alarmed expression before the jumper glided into the pool of blue.

On the other side, Dr. Weir stood on the upper balcony overlooking the gate, watching as the jumper came through and stopped. "That was fast, and good to see you all alive.." She trailed off on the radio as she looked into the jumper and its unfamiliar occupants. "Okay, what happened?" John shrugged in the jumper, "Um well, we crashed, made some new friends, found some ZPMS. Oh, we got to ride Dragons." She was silent, as Forrest and Castiel looked out the front of the jumper at her, the pair nervously waving. "Okay go unload and all of you in the conference room in ten minutes." She said watching the jumper lift upwards. Completely taken back by what she had seen, she walked past the terminals and towards the conference room.