The next week passed relatively uneventfully. The building collapse resulted in five deaths total, two being members of the original group of refugees. The Satedan teams lost three people, but their leader, Orsic, coped well. The job they did was dangerous, and casualties were a part of life in Pegasus. Two of the men were joined, and those widows were absorbed by their friends.

Sheppard and his team stayed close to home for those days. They did return to Achelle's planet to let her leader know that all would be well. But, for such a tight-knit group, the five deaths were hard to overcome in such a short span of time.

Over that week, several changes took place in the city. Setting up Carson's home had a positive effect. More and more people, Olina included, tilled up the small patches of ground behind their homes and started planting gardens. Olina's arm stayed in a splint and sling at Carson's insistence, and Ronon watched her carefully as her cuts and bruises healed. None of them left a scar, which surprised both Shani and Carson, and she recovered well. Her small home, however, became almost spotless as she worked to keep anything else from falling on top of her. Ronon understood the hesitation and did what he could to install shelves to help.

Ironically, it was Sheppard who began worrying. He'd watched Carson's return and knew the doctor needed someone to help him. Shani did what she could, but Sheppard could see how the doc pushed her away in a fit of male pride. In addition, Lorne also concerned Sheppard. At least Carson and Lorne had gotten over whatever had caused their little rift. He'd not noticed but had overheard the stories of how the doc and the major would argue quietly. Apparently, Lorne was dating Shani now, and Carson was quite happy with it.

Rodney and Teyla, however, topped Sheppard's list of topics over which to worry. McKay never got as bad as Carson indicated one night over drinks in the tavern, but he did lock himself into his lab with concerning regularity. Sheppard had been over there a couple times, and it was disorganized but clean. He did insist that Rodney set up house in a separate building, especially after Carson's little sabbatical, but otherwise merely kept an eye on the physicist. Teyla, on the other hand, had her own home and routine which included regularly beating the crap out of anyone dumb enough to touch her or step into the ring with her. Ronon often provided a whipping boy for Teyla but never took any of her mess, either. Many times, Sheppard observed the big guy calling a halt to their sparring session when Teyla got a little too rowdy.

Exactly seven days after Carson's return to the city, the gate activated. Defense teams, now called the Gate Guard, lifted Wraith stunners and P90s, willing to expend precious ammunition to protect their home. The wormhole established, and a lone figure walked through. The woman stood tall, looking over the men aiming weapons at her as if she were the one in charge. Her blond hair was pulled into a bun at the crown of her head, but ringlets fell around her face. She wore a golden-colored gown and carried an equally ornate bag with her. Bright blue eyes studied each face, clearly looking for someone.

Sheppard, who had been passing by just then, stopped and stared. What was she doing here?

The woman spotted him at that moment. She took one step and then froze when weapons that had dropped slightly suddenly rose again. Her perfectly smooth forehead wrinkled. "John?"

Sheppard stepped forward. "Mara!" He blinked. "What. . .uh. . .what are you doing here?"

To his surprise, her face turned red. "Is there some place we can speak?" Her voice was just as airy as it had been months ago when Sheppard last saw her.

He frowned. "Yeah. We can go to the clinic. Dr. Beckett will be glad to see you." Maybe, Sheppard added quietly. Carson had been just as happy to escape the Tower planet as John had. Still, it was a way for him to assess what was going on while still keeping someone nearby.

The Gate Guard finally lowered their weapons as John took Mara's bag. She fell into step with him, the hem of her gown quickly darkening from the residual grime of Sateda's streets. She looked around curiously. "This is where you live?"

"Yeah, we're rebuilding a city that was destroyed by the Wraith." John eyed her. "So, how are you?"

"I am well, thank you for asking." Her natural poise, born of years of living as nobility, kept her from being rude. But he could see that she was pale, and her hands kept touching her midsection.

They reached the clinic before any other conversation could be had. John breathed a sigh of relief as Carson also greeted Mara with surprise. Shani stood in the background, her shrewd brown eyes not missing a thing. The trio sat down at Carson's insistence and spent a few moment chatting about life on Mara's world. With Otho's death, much had changed. The leadership of the people had fallen to Mara after Tavius's treachery was revealed, and she'd done well. Conditions improved in the villages, and she had stopped demanding as much of a tribute as before. John listened with a mixture of approval and that annoying worry. Why had she come to seek him out now? Was she wanting Sateda's help with something?

Finally, she dipped her chin and studied the tea cup that Shani had put in her hand ten minutes ago. "John, I came here for more than simply to update you on my people's condition."

"I figured." John met her eyes. "What do you want?"

Carson blinked at his blunt question. "What Colonel Sheppard means. . . ."

"It's fine," Mara interrupted. She glanced around. "This is your medical facility?"

"Aye," Carson answered. He motioned to Shani and Lieutenant Morales, who had appeared just moments ago. "I work with these two ladies. Shani's a healer from Ataliya, and the lieutenant is a combat medic from before Atlantis was destroyed."

"I see." Mara eyed each of the other women before turning back to John. "Is there some place we can speak privately, John?"

John met Morales's eyes and gave her a quick nod toward the door. When she left the clinic completely, he looked at Mara. "You can say whatever you need to say in front of these two."

In the background, Shani blinked at the level of trust he'd just shown. As did Carson. But his focus was on Mara and on how her face again darkened.

"Very well." She straightened and lifted her chin. "I'm with child, John."

His breath left him in a rush as his eyes dropped to her midsection. She wasn't showing yet, but he knew that wasn't a prerequisite. "You. . . ." He pointed at her and then at himself. "Me?"

Her chin dipped. "Yes." She met his eyes. "When you were on my world? That was the last time I ever. . . ."

"I got it!" His shock made him speak sharper than he'd intended. Out of all of the things he'd faced in his personal life, he had never expected this. How many children do I have? he wondered. Running a hand over his face, he blinked. "You're sure it's mine?"

"Yes." She smiled again, this time with hope shining on her face. "I came here because I felt that, as the father, you should know."

"I. . .I don't know what to say!" And he didn't. He tried to even put what he felt into words and couldn't articulate a thing. He was going to be a father? How? Where? The implications of Mara's position on her world and his position put Sateda in a bad spot. He'd seen Major Marks and his wife as the pair of them prepared for their child's birth. Lindsey Novak-Marks was further along than Mara and just starting to show. John had thought it sappy and heartwarming to see Kevin walking along with his wife or stopping to touch their unborn child. But him? He tried to imagine doing the same to Mara and just couldn't quite make it happen.

Carson stirred. "Mara, why don't you let Shani take you to some guest housing? I'm sure you're tired after traveling here, and she's become our midwife. She'll help you."

Shani stepped forward as Mara nodded. "Very well." The blond woman stood. "I'm sorry to shock you like this, John."

He didn't even respond as she left the clinic. Shani closed the door firmly behind the two of them, leaving John with Carson. The doctor didn't speak or even add "I told you so" to his expression. He just waited.

John stared at the spot where Mara had sat. "I'm. . . ."

"Aye," Carson said again. He smirked. "Should I congratulate you or buy you a drink?"

John blinked. "That drink sounds pretty good right about now!" He followed the doctor from the clinic and blindly made his way to the tavern. Carson spoke with Radek, who manned the bar that day, and ordered two mugs of the strongest ale the tavern had. John picked his up when it was set in front of him and downed half of it before the burn hit. He coughed, and Carson chuckled in that way of his. The Scot sipped his cup and pinned John in place. "So, lad, what are you goin' to do?"

oOo

Shani walked with Mara, staying only a step ahead of the other woman. The sun was setting, casting long shadows over the streets. Mara looked around curiously, clearly surprised at how primitive everything seemed. Shani wished she did not understand but could not deny it. Her recent visit to Ataliya had proven just how harsh life on Sateda really was. She had willingly returned, excited about spending more time with Evan as they prepared Carson's home. But she missed the comforts that she knew on Ataliya.

The house where Javan had stayed had not been prepared for company. Shani opened the door and lit a lamp, looking around at the impersonal surroundings. "I am sorry. We were not expecting guests. It is comfortable, but you are always able to stay with me if you choose."

Mara also surveyed the area. Her fine dress was soiled along the hem, and her face showed an innate disdain for her surroundings. She forced a smile as Shani knelt to start a fire. "This will do fine." As the Ataliyan worked, she moved around the house. "You live here, on Sateda?"

"Yes." Shani rose as soon as the flames began licking up the firewood. "But I am not from Sateda. My home is Ataliya."

"Ataliya?"

Shani pointed. "May I see your gown?"

Mara looked a bit surprised and held out an arm. "Why?" she asked as Shani ran a hand over the fabric of the sleeve.

"You see the way this cloth shimmers even in this dim light? It is because threads of gold were mixed in with the dyed fabric." Shani's eyes narrowed. "I have woven fabric such as this, but the color leads me to believe you purchased this fabric from a village called Croya."

Mara blinked. "Yes. How did you know?"

Shani smiled. "My brother, Javan, is leader of Ataliya. We trade with many planets, Croya being one of them. While Croya is a marketplace from all worlds, this fabric comes from Ataliya. In fact, I believe that the majority of your luxury fabrics are from Ataliya. We are known for them. As for this gown, a woman from Ataliya has developed this dye and no one has yet been able to mimic the vibrant golden shade she brings as she weaves in the gold thread with the yellow dye. It is what the people here would call her 'signature color.'"

Mara stared at her. "I had no idea."

"I know." Shani looked around. "Are you hungry? I could have some food brought for you."

"No." Mara's face fell. "In truth, I am tired. I knew this news would come as a shock to John, but I did not expect. . . ."

Shani touched her arm, compassion filling her mind as she wondered what she would do if she suddenly found herself with child by a man from another world. While she had her hopes for her relationship with Evan, the idea of becoming intimate with him without the marriage contract in place was unthinkable. "John will do what is right. I believe that."

Mara sighed. "I just wish I knew for certain."

"That he would do what is right?"

Mara looked at her, eyes wide. "There is a chance this child is not John's."

Shani blinked, caught off guard. "Then why did you tell him it was?"

"Because the scans I have done indicate this child possesses the gene of the Ancestors," Mara said. "My family has been selectively bred to produce children with superior genetics so that we may operate the technology of the Tower. The gene is stronger in John than it has been for generations of my family. That is why I believe this child is John's. But I cannot be certain as. . . ." She stopped speaking as her face heated.

"As you were with another man around the same time as you were with John?" Shani asked gently.

"Yes." Mara rose and walked to the bag she'd carried with her. She pulled out several devices, all of them looking like the scanners that Carson used in the clinic. "These are devices from the Tower. Otho once used them to scan newcomers for the gene of the Ancestors. But I believe they may be able to determine who my child's father is." She paused as Shani took the devices. "Is it wrong to hope the child is John's?"

Shani smiled at the uncertainty in the other woman's voice. Mara was barely a woman in comparison to many of those on Sateda. While she was of the appropriate age, she had been so sheltered by her noble status that she could not comprehend anything less than royal treatment. "It is not wrong to hope," Shani said. Seeing the tired sigh, she touched the other woman's arm. "Perhaps I should leave you now. I will return in the morning with breakfast, and I am certain that Colonel Sheppard and Dr. Beckett will have a better idea of what you face."

"Of course." Mara nodded. "Thank you."

Shani left her then, thankful that those who lived nearby would not harass Mara. She cradled the devices close to her body as she walked home. How she would have loved to have tracked Evan down and spoken with him about this. But a quick walk past his home showed him in some sort of meeting with Ronon. Not wanting to interrupt this late at night—and over such a trivial matter as her own misgivings—she continued to her own house. She would speak with Carson the following day and help him come up with a plan for determining the father of Mara's child. Then, once that happened, she would know better what step to take in dealing with the new arrival on Sateda.

oOo

As Sheppard and Carson arrived at the tavern, Solen slipped out the back door. He knew it was not strange for him to leave at this time of night, but his mission required the utmost secrecy. His time on Sateda had proven Ronon's words about the Kians true. Solen's loyalties had always stayed with his people, but, for the first time, he found himself unable to call a group of Satedans "his people."

He found Ronon leaving Olina's home. Solen kept to the shadows and watched his friend. When Ronon and Teyla first appeared on Belkan, he had assumed that those two were joined. Now, he knew the truth. Ronon was as much in love with Olina as he'd ever been with Melena. Tonight, Ronon pulled Olina into his arms for another hug, laughing softly in the gathering twilight even as he was careful of her still-healing arm. Solen looked away, feeling voyeuristic as the pair spoke softly while Olina gazed up at Ronon.

Finally, Solen's patience was rewarded as Ronon walked away. Olina stood in the doorway, the warm light from inside silhouetting her figure as she watched him disappear. Solen waited until she went back inside before catching up to his friend. "You two make a nice match."

Ronon scowled. "I was wondering how long you were going to stand there and watch."

Solen smirked. "You put on quite the show." He sobered an instant later. "Ronon, we must speak."

The other man clearly picked up on the seriousness of his tone. "I was about to go see Lorne."

"Good. I won't have to repeat myself." Solen kept an eye on the shadows as they walked. Ronon noticed his tension and sped up their pace. Lorne's home soon came into view, and Solen breathed a sigh of relief. As far as he could tell, they had not been followed.

Lorne answered their knock quickly. He let them into his home, glancing warily at Solen as he did so. They had not discussed their differences, but Solen had come to respect the major. Lorne's home reflected his simple, direct personality. Everything had its place, but a bit of messiness here and there showed that someone lived here. Solen took a moment to look around before meeting Lorne's eyes. "We must speak."

Lorne nodded and held up a finger. He moved across the single room as he glanced at Ronon. "It's done."

Ronon accepted the draped item Lorne held out. He swiftly removed the cover, and Solen blinked at the painting of an elderly man. Ronon grinned. "What do I owe you?"

"Nothing." Lorne met his eyes, the faint paint stains on his fingers evidence of the hours he'd put into the painting. "Consider it a gift."

Unaccustomed to that level of generosity, Solen spoke up. "Who is that?"

"Geir." Ronon's voice held a slight growl that Solen recognized as lingering grief. "Olina's father."

Solen nodded once and allowed his friend to continue studying the painting. That Ronon had commissioned the painting told him just how deeply the other Satedan loved Olina. He almost wanted to be there when Ronon presented his gift and then decided that he'd rather be as far away from that spot as possible. Women got emotional, and Solen often didn't know how to handle them.

Lorne broke the silence when he turned to Solen. "You needed to see me?"

"Yes." Solen's smile returned, but he glanced up at Ronon with a serious expression. "I overheard something in the tavern that would concern the two of you greatly."

Lorne crossed his arms and rocked back on his heels. "Okay. What?"

"There is a group of Satedans operating outside of what you've set down as your objectives in this galaxy." Solen met the major's eyes. "Orsic is using Sateda as cover. I don't know exactly what they've got planned, but I know it's big. And it includes the Wraith."

Ronon's head snapped around. "Orsic?"

"Yes."

"He saved Olina's life." Ronon frowned. "You're certain he's in league with the Wraith?"

"I didn't say he was in league with the Wraith." Solen shrugged. "From what I overheard, he has a partnership of sorts. He does certain things, and the Wraith leave him alone."

"What things?"

"That I don't know." Solen shook his head. "A barkeep is invisible. We're there to serve ale and food, but we tend to get ignored during business deals. It is why a tavern is such a useful source of intelligence."

Lorne blinked. "You're offering your tavern as a place to gather intel?"

Solen shrugged again, this time exaggerating it. "I'm not telling you what to do. But I am saying that you've got a problem. If there are people from Sateda who are partnering with the Wraith, then it could affect the entire planet. We could be vulnerable to Wraith attack, retribution, and any number of problems."

Lorne nodded, his lips pursed as he thought through the implications. "This isn't the first report we've received."

Ronon, who had been silent until now, narrowed his eyes. "Kavanagh."

"Yeah." Lorne shook his head. "I don't know how someone that annoying does it, but he's sure on top of his game. He warned us about this weeks ago."

Solen frowned. "Kavanagh. Is he the ponytailed guy?"

Ronon smirked. "On Kiah, he was in charge of the sewage system."

Solen grinned at that. "I have noticed he sits in the back corner, listening though he doesn't allow people to see him listening."

Lorne snorted. "Whatever he's doing, it works."

"Perhaps I could use him." Solen looked between the two men. "You need someone who can listen and learn? He has already spent enough time in the tavern that most think him too fond of drink for much good. But I think he's looking for an opportunity to prove himself."

"You may be right." Lorne sighed deeply. "I'm not dismissing this, Solen. But I need to meet with Sheppard and decide the best course of action for everyone."

"Of course," Solen replied. "You cannot go arresting people without proper evidence." He turned to the door. "Just don't take too long, Major. I don't know how many of Sateda's allies are at risk."

With that final warning, he slipped back into the night and left Ronon and Lorne to discuss the issue. He was under no illusions. He was not a member of the leadership of this people. But Ronon, Lorne, Sheppard, and the others would make the best possible decision. None of them could afford to let this threat slip past them.

Back in the tavern, Solen glanced toward the darkened corner and spotted Kavanagh. The tall man's glasses glinted as he tapped them on the table. But he didn't look interested in anything save the tankard of ale before him. Wisdom born from too many years in taverns and military intelligence training before that allowed Solen to see the brilliance behind the bored expression. Yes, Kavanagh had what it took, he believed. And he hoped that Lorne and Ronon gave him the chance to train the arrogant scientist into something that could serve the people well.

~TBC