"I'm not tired." Ronon leaned on Teyla, ironically musing that she hadn't allowed him to touch her outside of the sparring ring since the Battle of Kiah. "Why did we leave?"

"I believe you've had enough," she said as she dumped him on a bed.

"I don't believe I have."

She gave him a tight smile. "Goodnight."

"Teyla." His voice stopped her retreat. She turned to face him, for a moment reminding him of the woman she'd been before Kalle's treachery. "There are three hundred of my people." He reached up to rub his eyes as a way to hide the tears. Three hundred Satedans had survived. He was not alone.

Teyla didn't respond but closed the door as she left. Ronon was fine with that as he wanted time to absorb the news that Solen had given him. Unbidden, images of his final days on Sateda before meeting Sheppard and his people flashed through his head.

"Sateda will not bow to invaders. The time has come for us to put our bravery on the line and defend our nation, our planet." The Chieftain's speech continued in a replay of the worst day of Ronon's life.

Melena stood next to the window, staring out as he demanded to know what she was doing. "I'm listening to the Chieftain's speech.

"Why aren't you packing? I traded every last thing we had to get you on Kell's personal staff."

"He's a criminal. He's using people's fear for his own gain."

"He's a commander, and his staff gets to go through the gate."

"The hospital's going to need me." Now, her voice broke.

Ronon slammed a drawer shut. "There's not going to be any need for hospitals, Melena! That's just a bunch of words meant to make the people who don't get to leave think there's a chance for them. We shot down two ships that came through the gate. Two small ships. Do you really think that's all they're going to send?"

"Of course not."

"Ships as big as our city have attacked other planets. No one that stays here is going to survive."

She started crying at that. "Then why are you staying?"

"I have no choice."

"Yes you do," she insisted. "You believe in this fight! You know that they'll eventually find us, no matter where we go. Our only hope is to show them that we're not worth the effort, to go feed on some other planet that won't fight back as hard as we will." When he stepped past her, she grabbed his wrist. "Ronon! You can't run forever."

Those final words morphed into the knowledge Ronon now had. Kell was still alive. The criminal had escaped the destruction of Sateda while a woman as dedicated and pure as Melena had died in the attack. Pushing away memories of that horrible day, of the explosion coming through the window and killing her, Ronon blinked at the wall across from him. He had such a different life, now. Olina needed him, and he needed Olina, though in a very different way. Being made a Runner had changed him, hardened him. Having a woman like Olina depending on him to return at night reminded him of what he once was before his life fell apart. It gave him hope.

As did the knowledge that the Satedan race had not been exterminated. Ronon had seen planets and peoples wiped out of existence because they dared to fight back. For years, he thought he was the only one who had survived. But, knowing another three hundred Satedans lived on other worlds, he grinned. Rebuilding Sateda had always been a dream of his, but now he had a chance. The Kian peoples had rekindled that hope, but the three hundred Satedans would bring his culture back to life.

But he had to kill Kell first. Ronon's eyes drooped as he tried to think through the implications. He was drunk, but he would have considered killing that man anyway. Kell had sacrificed Ronon's entire squad to get to safety through the gate. The man was worse than a coward in Ronon's eyes.

Unable to fight the pull of a drunken sleep, Ronon let his eyes close as he attempted to plan his next move.

oOo

"Doc?" Lorne's voice broke the stillness of the clinic, and Beckett turned with a start.

"Och, Major!" The doctor headed his way. "What can I do for ye?"

"I. . ah. . .came to see Shani." Lorne grinned when Beckett's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "You wanted me to teach her to fly the Jumpers?"

The suspicion on Beckett's face melted away. "Aye. She's in the other room. Let me call her."

Watching the doctor stride away, Lorne shook his head. Shani had joined the Kians to learn from Beckett, and Lorne had wondered if the two of them shared a romantic interest. It wouldn't be the first time Beckett had fallen for a young woman in his infirmary. He supposed that he could pry slightly when he took Shani out for her lessons, but he refused to force the issue. Besides, Beckett didn't seem the type to take advantage of someone so new to their number. Dahlia Radim had been a special case, and even then, Beckett hadn't allowed things to get out of hand.

Shani appeared, striding gracefully toward him while wearing a cream-colored linen dress that ended at her ankles. Her feet were covered in tan leather boots that barely made a sound. "Major. Dr. Beckett tells me you wish to teach me to fly the Jumpers."

"Yes." Lorne smiled his friendliest smile. "We'd kind of like everyone who has the gene to know how to operate them, just in case."

Shani nodded. "I understand. But, after yesterday, I do not believe it a wise choice to ask me to fly one."

Seeing Beckett rolling his eyes behind her, Lorne buried a chuckle. "I think you just need to get accustomed to it."

She stood in place for a moment, her dark eyes boring into his as she weighed her options. If she refused, he couldn't make her do anything. She was Javan's sister, after all. Though she had never once demanded special treatment, it was still a balancing act. How often did they defer to her as a visiting dignitary, and how often did they treat her as one of their own?

Finally, she turned to Beckett. "Carson?"

Beckett came forward and touched her shoulder in an altogether brotherly kind of way. "I think it's a good idea," he said softly. Lorne recognized the manner from treating his own sister that way for years. Beckett continued, "Major Lorne is right. Havin' every person with the gene trained to fly will help us prevent what happened last time."

Shani let out a deep breath and nodded. Turning to Lorne, she smiled tensely. "Lead the way."

Sharing a nod with Beckett, Lorne escorted her out of the clinic and into the streets. In the last week, much had been done to clean up this portion of Sateda's capital. The Stargate sat in the middle of the city, and McKay was working to figure a way to send an IDC code through and develop an iris. It was a daunting task, but one that could conceivably keep Sateda secure. The Jumpers were stored near the gate in a centrally located warehouse.

Shani glanced at him. "Have you been flying these Jumpers for very long, Major?"

Lorne grinned. "No. Just since finding out I have this gene. And call me Evan."

She agreed with another nod. "Very well."

At the Jumpers, Lorne felt the hum of the Ancient technology in his mind. A quick glance at Shani told him that she also felt the buzz. Her formerly smooth features had tensed, and those lines between her eyes had returned. She walked stiffly toward the Jumper he indicated and stood in the rear compartment. The lights came on in her presence, and Lorne realized that she was entirely too tense.

He motioned to the copilot's chair. "Have a seat."

Shani looked startled that he'd pointed her there. "I thought. . . ."

"You're too tense." Lorne met her eyes and let out a deep breath. "Ancient technology works based on a mental connection with a person. When you're tense, a stray thought can send a drone into something you don't mean to shoot. The first lesson for you is going to be getting comfortable with being in one of these things."

"Major—Evan." She met his eyes, standing only an inch or two shorter than he did. It made it necessary to tip up her chin slightly but not crane her neck. "The first time I even knew it was possible to fly through the air—outside of Wraith ships—was when your people brought one of these ships to Ataliya. I did not actually fly in one until yesterday, and I believe we would both agree that it did not go well."

He grinned at her. "Which is why we're gonna take a flight." Dropping into the pilot's chair, the ship immediately responded to his connection. He listened to the rustle of fabric as Shani seated herself gracefully in the chair next to him and looked over the controls. Glancing at her, he put as much compassion in his voice as he could. "Don't worry about what all these controls mean. Just enjoy the trip."

"I will try."

Taking her at her word, Lorne gave the command to the Jumper, and it rose gracefully from the warehouse. Hovering briefly above the city, he made a quick decision. Flying these ships was freeing and more than just knowing how to fight. There were benefits to the Jumpers that went beyond the military. Making an instant decision, he headed for orbit.

Shani grasped the sides of the control panel. "Where are you going?"

"Ever seen a sunrise from orbit?" When she blinked, he shrugged. "It's probably one of the most amazing things I've ever seen in my life. I thought. . . .If you're not comfortable, we can go around the planet."

She glanced at him. "No. It is fine. I am. . .overwhelmed."

Feeling a bit like he'd been chastised, Lorne completed the flight into orbit. He cloaked the Jumper and, after a few moments, guided the small craft toward the pending sunrise. As the brilliant light crested over the edge of the planet, he took a moment to turn to Shani.

And found himself entranced. She was probably the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. With smooth skin, long dark hair, and a tiny birthmark between her eyes, she could pass for a woman from India on any day. The darker tone of her skin came from her world's desert climate, and the unique clothing she wore accented her slim figure while making her the most exotic woman on Sateda. And he wasn't the only man to notice. Lorne had caught several others eying the beautiful Ataliyan, and it always bugged him that they couldn't show some respect.

Realizing he was staring, however, he turned to watch the sunrise with her. It was over quickly but something she would never forget. Turning to him, all tension forgotten as excitement sparkled in her eyes, she smiled. "That was incredible!"

He smiled with her. "I remember the first time I saw the sunrise in orbit above Earth." His face sobered as he thought about his home world. Would they ever find a way back there? Or did his family believe him dead, killed on foreign soil with only the military's vague apologies?

A slender hand landed on his arm, and Shani squeezed reassuringly. "I appreciate you showing me."

He nodded and, when she withdrew her hand, motioned to the controls. "Wanna take the stick?" At her confused expression, he chuckled. "Sorry. I meant, would you like to fly the Jumper for a few moments?"

The tension that had faded from her face instantly reappeared, and she eyed the control panel. "Would you mind terribly if we waited until tomorrow?"

Grinning at how Beckett's accent had influenced her speech, he shook his head. "Not at all."

Shani stayed silent as he flew back to Sateda and landed the Jumper in the warehouse with the others. She rose gracefully to her feet and, after exiting the craft, turned to him. "Thank you for the ride, Major."

Lorne grinned. "You're welcome." He stopped her exit with a hand on her arm. "And it's Evan."

For just a moment, she held his gaze. Her brown eyes sparkled with barely-hidden wit, but her expression spoke volumes. She flushed ever so slightly and nodded. "Thank you, Evan."

He watched her leave with a silly grin on his face and anticipation of tomorrow's flight.

oOo

The following day, Ronon rose with a hangover he could ignore. Now that he could think somewhat clearly, he ate a quick breakfast with Solen while Teyla gathered their things and paid the bill. Solen whispered something to him, and all vestiges of weakness vanished. Once outside, Teyla listened to his revelation that Kell had arrived on Belkan and agreed to his request to arrange a meeting. Meanwhile, Ronon again returned to the tavern and coordinated his next act with Solen.

Late that morning, Ronon waited behind a set of stairs while Teyla faced the door. Two men wearing military uniforms came into the room and glanced around. After their okay, another pair of men entered the room. Ronon peeked around the wood beam, taking stock of his enemy.

Kell had aged in recent years, now thinner than he'd ever been. But his demeanor was that of a hardened mercenary leader. He bore a tattoo on his neck similar to Ronon's, and his lips had an arrogant sneer. "I am Kell of Sateda."

"Teyla Emmagan of Athos. Thank you for granting us your time." Teyla's voice told Ronon everything he needed to know, and he gripped the butt of his blaster as he kept it hidden beneath his long coat.

As he began to move, Kell spoke again. "If we are to trade, I would know all the members of your party."

"Of course." Teyla smiled, the first time she'd used that expression in weeks. "In fact, that is why we are here." She turned to Ronon as she spoke.

Kell's eyes widened. "Ronon!"

Ronon snarled. "Hello, Kell." Pulling his hand out of his coat, he immediately pulled the trigger. The blast hit Kell squarely in the chest, instantly destroying his heart and lungs. As he fell to the floor, the other men in the room surrounded Ronon and Teyla.

Teyla drew her knife, putting her back to Ronon in spite of overwhelming odds. "Ronon, what have you done?"

Ignoring her, Ronon lowered his blaster and held out his hands. He didn't have an argument against any of them, and he was happy to see an enemy die. "We all know who this man was, what he was. If anyone here believes he should be avenged, here I am." He watched as, one by one, they lowered their weapons. Then, he met their eyes. "Now, I extend an invitation to you. We are rebuilding Sateda. If you wish to join me, you know where to find me."

With that, he left the tavern. The men who had stared mutely while he gave his invitation bent to collect up their dead commander. They were all Satedan, as evidenced by the tattoos on their necks. Outside, Ronon took a deep breath and actually smiled. He had done the galaxy a favor.

A small hand stopped his progress as Teyla slammed him into a wall. She held her knife against his throat. The cold anger was back, and her voice dropped dangerously low. "You just used me to murder an innocent man!"

Unwilling to deal with her issues on top of his own, Ronon grabbed her hand and pushed the knife away. "He deserved worse."

"You said he was like a father to you."

"Kell commanded several infantry divisions on Sateda, and when the Wraith came, he ordered thousands to their death just to save himself. He was. . . ." Ronon shook his head. "He was a traitor and a coward. My only regret is that his death was quick."

Teyla's face softened marginally. "I understand. In your place, I nearly did the same. But believe me when I tell you that the others would not. We must not speak of this when we return to Sateda." She took a step closer to him. "And if you ever use my friendship in such a way again, I will not be so understanding."

As she stormed away, Ronon wondered if she had forgotten everything that had taken place on Kiah. Sheppard would understand his actions, as would Lorne and Olina. Beckett might have a problem, but most of them wouldn't do anything to him. In Pegasus, one did what he needed to survive. And, today, that meant killing a Satedan traitor and preparing the way for his people to return.

oOo

Late that evening, Olina watched as Ronon trudged wearily toward her home. She had been given a tidy one-room house near the clinic and had not complained when she realized that Shani also received the same treatment. Right now, the people of Kiah were working to get Sateda livable, and she put in her hours every day. Now, she smiled when Ronon's tall form appeared. He'd bathed since his return and now wore a linen shirt she had made for him while they were on Ataliya. His blaster was at his hip, the holster slung across his body in a way that was both dangerous and incredibly alluring. His soft leather shoes made no noise as he walked, and he returned her smile when their eyes met.

Finally close enough to speak, he stopped and stared. "Sorry I didn't come home yesterday."

Olina's smile widened. "I understand." And she did. When he had not returned from his trading mission to Belkan, she had worried even though he had warned her that he might spend the night on another world. "I take it the negotiations were successful."

"Yeah."

More had happened. Olina picked up the tension in his shoulders and stepped back. "Come in, Ronon. I'll make tea."

His presence filled her small home, and something stirred in her. The week since she'd left Ataliya had been heaven. Yes, life was hard on Sateda. Yes, she collapsed out of sheer exhaustion most nights. But she was away from the constant reminder of what happened on Kiah. The struggle to survive, the challenges facing them invigorated her in a way that nothing else had. And Ronon made that possible. He put his back into the work with enthusiasm, yet he always had a kind word for her. His silent ways were slowly breaking down the barriers she'd spent the last two months constructing.

By the time the tea was ready, Ronon had dropped onto the edge of her bed and stared at the floor. Olina frowned as she handed the cup of tea to him. "Ronon? What is it?"

"I never told you about Melena, did I?" The questions startled her.

"No."

He nodded. "She was. . .someone I cared about." Meeting her eyes, he sighed. "She and I were to be married."

"What happened to her?"

"She died." The agony in his eyes told a story, and Olina wished she could read it. "When the Wraith came to Sateda, she refused to leave. In the end, she was killed right before my eyes."

Sitting on the bed next to him, Olina reached out and took his hand. His palm was calloused from physical labor. Scars crisscrossed his knuckles from numerous fistfights. "I am sorry."

Ronon nodded. "I gave everything I had to get her on Kell's staff. Now, I'm happy she didn't go."

"Kell?"

"A traitor." Over the next few moments, Ronon told her about Kell and his treachery in order to escape Sateda. Finally, he took a deep breath. "I killed him today."

Olina blinked and, for a fraction of a second, tensed. The cold way that Ronon said that sent fear through her. When he turned to her, however, there was sincere emotion in his eyes. He did not show anyone this level of trust often. While he felt that killing this Kell was the right thing to do, he still struggled with the act of taking a human life. Olina met his eyes. "You did what you had to do."

"No." He shook his head. "I did what I wanted to do." Pushing to his feet, he set aside the untouched, now-cool tea and paced the small room. "I talk about wanting to rebuild Sateda. About reuniting my people. About making the people of Kiah into a race that can fight the Wraith and, one day, defeat them. Yet, when faced with a major decision, I returned to my roots. I am a soldier, Olina. Not a leader."

Standing along with him, Olina moved to his side. When he turned away, she reached out and grasped his elbow. He was so much bigger than she was, but he'd never used that size to intimidate her. "Ronon. Sometimes being a leader means being a soldier. The important lesson is to never let your past control you again."

He nodded at her, his face changing from angry to worried. "How are you? Are you settling in?"

"Yes." Olina forced a smile. "I quite like it here."

"Good." After another moment of awkwardness, he jabbed a thumb over his shoulder. "I should go."

She stood in place as he headed for the door, speaking only when he was almost outside. "Ronon?" As he turned to stare at her, she shrugged. "Do not be afraid to come here and talk. I will gladly listen."

His eyes narrowed slightly, and he nodded yet again. Rather than answering, he left her alone and slipped into the night. Olina stared at her empty doorway, amazed that her home now felt bereft without him there. In all her life, she had never once imagined a man such as Ronon being the best thing that happened to her. But, after Kiah and the nightmare that her life had become, she wondered if it was for the best.

~TBC