"Colonel Sheppard, welcome back." Woolsey greeted as he jogged down the steps of the gate room.

"Why is he so happy to see us?" McKay asked quietly.

"How did the mission go? I take it that it was a success?" Woolsey asked, practically begging for an affirmative answer as George Dyson slowly made his way down the steps.

"Yes and no." Sheppard replied, causing Woolsey to worry.

"Oh." Woolsey said. "Well before we debrief allow me to introduce you to George Dyson the IOA delegate."

"Mr Dyson." Sheppard greeted. "I am sorry I missed your arrival."

"When duty calls, duty calls." Dyson said wearing a grin so big Sheppard immediately felt disconcerted. "I would very much like to attend the debriefing."

"Well of course." Woolsey said. "How about-"

"No time like the present." Dyson interrupted. "Shall we?"

Woolsey shot a pleading look at Sheppard who nodded.

"Absolutely." Sheppard said as he followed Dyson and Woolsey to the briefing room.

"It is not like I have low blood sugar levels and need to eat." Rodney muttered as he traipsed after Sheppard.

"I am sure it won't take long." Teyla whispered to Ronon who just growled as they entered the briefing room.

When they were all seated Dyson said. "If you would be so kind to get me up to speed Colonel."

"Well the locals on 347 have been good trade partners for sometime. In return for medical help we get fresh food. Recently we found some interesting Ancient tech on the planet which we are hoping to get hold of." Sheppard started.

"So you were there to negotiate the trade of the technology?" Dyson asked.

"That is correct." Sheppard confirmed.

"How come your team was assigned to the negotiation?"

"Teyla has known and traded with them for a long time and her presence tends to make these things run smoothly."

"Uh huh." Dyson said, but there seemed to be an edge to his reply as he scribbled down some notes. "You mentioned that the mission was not a complete success."

"Well it turns out that this month is well…" Sheppard began as he looked to Teyla. Taking the hint she took up the mantle.

"The Scolari are a very spiritual people and they are currently going through one of their most sacred rituals." She said. Dyson gave no reaction so she continued. "During this time all trading deals must be ratified with a ceremony that involves the leader of the other people."

"What type of ceremony?" Woolsey asked, fearing the worse.

"Nothing serious, just a few holy words and a banquet. The whole thing lasts under three hours." Sheppard replied.

"So what is the problem?" Dyson asked.

"Well, as we handled the negotiation they wish us to be there for the ceremony, but as Woolsey is technically our leader they also wish for him to be present." Sheppard said.

"You said that these are friendlies with whom with have a stable relationship?" Dyson asked.

"Yes." Woolsey replied.

"So what is the problem?" Dyson pressed.

"According to IOA regs Woolsey and myself are not allowed to be out of the city simultaneously." Sheppard answered, surprised he had to mention this point.

"Colonel I know from reading previous mission reports that this rule has not bothered you in the past. Richard I know that even you have bent the rule since your tenure here began so I still don't see the problem."

"Rules exist for a reason." Woolsey said looking uncomfortable.

"Indeed they do. But I also know a bit of bending is sometimes in order." Dyson smiled. "If you do not attend the ceremony what will happen?"

"The Scolari will see it as an insult, but I believe they will understand. However, we will not be able to make the trade for several weeks until the festival is over." Teyla clarified.

"Well then I see no option but for you to go." Dyson said. Woolsey opened his mouth to protest but Dyson kept speaking. "Listen Richard I have several tours to keep me occupied and as part of my visit I was to run the city for seventy-two hours so that I could give a fairer assessment of you tenure here. During that time you would not be able to perform any of your duties so why not do it when you are not here?" When no immediate objection was forthcoming he continued. "We can send the Apollo over there tonight so you have full back up." He paused momentarily then stood. "Well now that we have sorted that I think it is time to eat. Tell me Colonel what time will you be departing tomorrow morning?"

"Ten." Sheppard said, still trying to process what had just happened.

"Excellent. Well Richard I will take temporary charge of Atlantis from midnight. Relax Richard, don't worry 'bout the mule son, just load the wagon" Dyson said as he went to the door. "I will see you good folks tomorrow morning. Goodnight y'all."

The rest of the room sat in silence for several minutes before McKay asked. "What just happened?"

"I think I was just replaced." Woolsey said sounding unsure.

"Temporarily." Sheppard stressed.

"Well we all know how well that turned out for Sam." McKay muttered, before realising what he said. "No offence." He offered to Woolsey.

"None taken Dr McKay." Woolsey replied standing. "Well if you will excuse me I better prepare for our trip tomorrow."

"Well that was…interesting." Sheppard said when the doors had closed again.