The guards seemed unsure whether to hold back the mob or join them. On instinct they had formed a circle around the team but now they were looking at each other in confusion as the townsfolk pushed forwards. Some of them were screaming, others crying, yet more were disturbingly silent but all of them were trying to force their way through the thin line the soldiers were holding. They had been pushed back to the chair platform and Ronon, Teyla, McKay and John all had their weapons up but the seething mass didn't really give them anything significant to aim for unless they wanted to shoot indiscriminately into the crowd. Meanwhile, Beckett was vainly trying to put himself between his new patient and the crowd.

The only way out was clogged with people and even if it was clear they had no-where to go. Whatever was blocking the gate was here and unless they could turn it off they were stuck. There weren't enough guards to simultaneously hold back the crowd and point weapons at the strangers. John knew that at any second the crowd would break and they would be torn to shreds.

"SILENCE!" As loud as the crowd was the voice carried over them. The noise stopped instantly and after a few seconds so did the pushing. A few of the guards turned and levelled their rifles at the squad and Ronon tensed.

"Easy" John called as the crowd parted and the owner of the voice strode forward. He was an older man, around 60 but still tall, heavy set with short white hair. He clothes were embroidered with gold and those around him moved back respectfully as he stepped onto the edge of the platform. Several others in similar dress followed behind him but they stayed back behind the guards with various looks ranging from intrigue to fury.

"I am Elder Jaigon, Lord of Crowlan and I demand to know the reason for this intrusion into our Temple" The crowd remained silent but John felt the tension all around them. He lowered his gun slightly but still kept his finger on the trigger.

"I'm Colonel Sheppard, from Atlantis..." he eyed the crowd as a flurry of urgent whispers rippled through them, "...and we originally came here looked for a distress signal."

"Distress signal?" the Elder seemed confused by the term

"A call for help, from a downed ship. Sound familiar?" He said but there was obviously no recognition in the Elders eyes. So, the town's folk aren't descended from the ship's crew. Or maybe they are and they don't know it? John thought. He didn't know enough to be sure. All he knew for certain was Lexia's clothes looked significantly more advanced than Jaigons and he looked to where the young General sat on the floor. She seemed to be coming round again and Beckett held up his medical scanner whilst keeping one eye on the crowd.

"A call from her" Sheppard clarified and nodded towards the woman as she stirred. A new barrage of shouting greeted them as he finished and the Elder was forced to call for silence again. If anything the tension had increased and the townsfolk focused on the Elder as he waved his hands for quiet.

"A blasphemous claim..." he started but was interrupted by one of those who had followed him.

"Jaigon, they are strangers. You cannot expect them to know our ways!" The second man cried from behind the guards. He was younger than the first, John would guess still in his 40s, but wore a gold embroidered coat much like Jaigon. Unlike most of the others his dark hair was long enough to touch his collar and he had a short beard.

"All of this Land knows of the Angel, Enrick. If they claim ignorance then they are liars and will be dealt with" Since their ignorance was exactly what John had been about to mention he shut his mouth quickly and let the Elder continue "Many have come to seek the Angel of Crowlan. But you would try to steal her on this most holy day!" This time the whispers were more hostile and several of the crowd started to edge forwards again.

"We didn't come here to steal anything. We just picked up a signal and came to investigate." Sheppard tried to explain as the guards began to edge closer, forced inwards by the crowd, and several lowered their rifles in exchange for drawing swords. Beckett helped the injured woman to her feet and the team pulled back further into a tight circle around the chair.

"You will return the Angel and surrender" Jaigon instructed as Enrick tried to reach for the older mans arm. John could feel Ronon tensing behind him, just as he recognised McKays heavy breathing. Even Carson had pulled out his pistol as he supported Lexia. The young woman was fixated on the Lantian scanner in the doctors other hand and seemed oblivious to the events going on around her.

"We did not come here to fight. Please, we mean no disrespect" Teyla pleaded but the Elder only shook his head.

"You have interfered with the Angel and I...we...cannot allow that to go unpunished"

The crowd pushed forward.

The team braced themselves.

The guards raised their weapons.

Lexia elbowed Carson in the stomach.

The sudden 'humf' of expelled breath as the doctor doubled over was so unexpected that everyone froze. The injured woman then pushed him backwards and he dropped everything he was holding as he fell into the chair she had so recently vacated. Her own legs gave way without his support and as she dropped to her knees she grabbed Becketts hand and forced it down onto the arm control. Light flooded down as the chair activated and every single member of the crowd cried out in alarm. Even Jaigon stepped back in shock whilst at least two of the guards dropped they weapons in surprise.

What seconds before had been an angry mob ready to tear them limb from limb was now a group staring in rapt adoration. John quickly glanced to make sure everyone what alright before turning his attention back to Jaigon but before he could say anything the Elder moved forward again.

"How are you doing this!" he demanded as Beckett groaned, "only the Angel can command the Temple"

John glanced at the doctor and signalled him to stay where he was. He just hoped he didn't set off any drones by mistake.

"I told you, she called us" The Colonel replied.

"You are Seekers?" Jaigon asked and John recognized the common word for the title is was. "Prove it!" The Elder demanded and John saw Enrick nodding at him from behind the guards. He was forced to think fast an hHHe pulled the life detector from his tac vest and held it out to the Elder.

"How else could we have this?" He said and Jaigon took the device before frowning as the screen went dead the instant it left Johns hand.

The crowd around them all gasped in wonder as John took the scanner back from the Elder and it sprang to life again. It was enough to break the tension and Sheppard began to think they might actually have a chance of getting out of there alive. Then he saw the look on the older mans face and wondered how many blood vessels the old guy must have broken to turn that shade of red. As the townsfolk looked expectantly to their leader the man squared his shoulders. However, before he could speak, Enrick finally managed to catch his arm and spoke in a calming tone.

"The Writ teaches us that true Seekers will have powers similar to the Angel. You would be wise, my Lord, to give them time to prove their true nature before passing judgement" Jaigon shook off the other mans hand and glared at him before turning back to the Atlantis team. He looked at the awe filled faces of the townsfolk before taking a deep breath and addressing the crowd.

"Councillor Enrick is correct. We will need time to decide of these are true Seekers. Let all know that they are honoured guests and will be joining us in our celebration of light." He turned his attention to Sheppard and the Colonel shifted under the intensity of the gaze. "You and your friends will relinquish your weapons, Colonel Sheppard, and you have my word that no harm will come to you."

"Until you 'pass judgement'?" He asked and the older man narrowed his eyes.

"Correct" He replied.

"The Judgement will not be until tomorrows dawn, after the celebration, and if you are true Seekers your possessions will be returned" Enrick said quickly as John and Jaigon continued their staring contest.

"And if we aren't found 'true Seekers'?"

"Then you will be punished for your blasphemy with cleansing fire" Jaigon said simply and stepped closer so only the Colonel could hear, "Alternatively if you don't surrender now I will proclaim you demons and they will rip you apart with their bare hands" He moved back with a confident smile.

"Well, when you put it like that" Sheppard replied and very carefully he unclipped his gun.

"Sheppard" Ronon hadn't relaxed throughout the entire exchange.

"Stand down" the Colonel ordered, "We're all just friends here" he turned with a forced smile. He nodded to Teyla and McKay who both reluctantly followed suit and unclipped their weapons. Ronon gave what could only be described as a growl that made the nearest guards flinch before lowering his gun. Jaigon gave a slight smile as the team handed over their weapons before he raised his voice so everyone could hear him.

"Welcome Seekers, we are honoured by your presence and bid you join us in our celebrations"

This time the crowd cheered.