CHAPTER 124

EPISODE……………………HARMONY

That days mission for Sheppard and Rodney was to go to a planet that they were trading partners with, to get a few supplies and trade some medical supplies. Even though the T.A.R.D.I.S. was capable of making just about anything, keeping up trade was important. This particular society they were trading with was medieval in technology standards, still living in a very large castle surrounded by a few villages, a couple rivers and a massive forest near a large lake. Despite the look of being technologically challenged, the people did know what technology was and had some, but nothing to the standards of Atlantis, or the Wraith. After talking for awhile, after giving the supplies needed, Sheppard and Rodney were with two of the head ladies, toasting good trading relations. Both ladies were wearing dresses, which covered everything but their necks, and were wide at the bottom.

"Hear is to another fine year of trading." Flora said happily.

"Hear, hear." Rodney and Sheppard said after clinking glasses with them and then drinking.

"Truly, your help with the medical supplies over the last few years have helped our people immensely." Flora said.

"Not to mention, your warning last harvest that the Wraith were nearby. You saved many lives." Mardola said.

"We were just glad to help." Sheppard said.

"My favorite missions are trading missions. I say that a lot. I can prove it…" Rodney said.

"Yes, Rodney, we know. Any mission without a lot of danger is your favorite, which is why you like the trading missions." Sheppard said as he put his glass down. "Well, we would stay longer, but we got to get back."

"So soon?" Flora asked.

"Yeah, so soon?" Rodney asked looking at John.

"We were really hoping that you would stay longer…" Mardola said.

"Well, I guess we could stay a little longer…" Sheppard said with a shrug.

"We were hoping that…" Flora said. "No, never mind. We've already asked too much."

"No, it's okay. What it is?" Sheppard asked curious.

"Well, it's our younger sister." Maldora said.

"Younger, I thought it was just you two?" Rodney said.

"No. She is in great need of your help." Flora said.

"Is she as beautiful as you two?" Rodney asked.

"Even more so. She is in desperate need of your guidance." Flora said.

"Guidance. That I can do." Rodney stated happily.

"Thank you so much. Excuse us one moment, we'll go get her." Flora said as the two left.

"Dibs." Rodney said quickly.

"What?" Sheppard asked with some surprise.

"I'm calling dibs on the third sister." Rodney said.

"You can't call dibs. And aren't you and Katie an item?" Sheppard asked.

"Yes. Sort of. I told you I told her I didn't feel all that ready with moving to marriage and she felt the same. Besides, be both know that Flora and Maldora have been suckered in by the whole heroic stature you show." Rodney said as Sheppard looked at himself. "But maybe, the third sister will be more inclined to…"

"A geek?" Sheppard asked.

"There was a time that would hurt, but now, after seeing Ford and Sam get on with life, very greatly too. And they are both geeks. If it wasn't for geeks, Earth would already be finished." Rodney stated.

"Where did you come up with that crap?" Sheppard asked in disbelief.

"Ford said that. If you think about it, it makes sense. If it wasn't for the geeks, Atlantis wouldn't be functioning. And the Stargate would have never been opened." Rodney said with a smug look. "Not to mention, there would be no technology."

"Here they come." Sheppard said as they heard footsteps. "Now, don't do anything to jeopardize our trade relations."

"These are the men I was talking about." Flora said as she entered. "Gentlemen, this is our sister, Harmony."

"Super." Rodney muttered as they saw a very young girl brought in, no more than ten.

"You know, I think we are the wrong people for this job." Sheppard muttered.

"As you know, our mother and father passed on the last lunar cycle. A secret ceremony was held to see which of us three sisters would succeed the throne. Harmony was chosen to be the new Queen." Flora said.

"Wow, really? Congrats." Sheppard said while putting his hands on his hips with a small bow.

"Before she is crowned though, all new Queens are to perform a time honored passage." Flora said.

"It is normally performed alone." Maldora said.

"It is not written one way or the other." Flora said before turning back to them. "But Harmony is so young, and it concerns me greatly."

"I can do it." Harmony stated.

"I'm sure you can, but it would bring me great comfort to know that you had someone with you in case anything happened." Flora said.

"What sort of rite of passage are we talking about here?" Sheppard asked.

"Deep in the forest lies the ruins of the Temple of Laros." Maldora said. "Every Queen must take the rite of passage before their first lunar selection. She must meditate on the her journey ahead and pray for the knowledge and wisdom to govern her people."

"How deep in the forest?" Sheppard asked.

"No more than a day's trek." Flora said.

"I see. Not that we aren't honored, but why don't you have a couple of your own guards escort her?" Rodney asked.

"Although it is not written so, our people will have expected her to have taken this journey alone." Flora said.

"Ah. You don't want her to be alone, but you also don't want anyone to know she is being helped. Which is why you want us to do it." Sheppard said.

"Yes." Flora said.

"Well, I'd really love to help you out…" Sheppard began.

"John. Our peoples have enjoyed such a fruitful alliance." Flora said taking a step forward.

"Yeah?"

"One that has greatly benefited both parties." Flora said getting closer still.

"Right."

"I'd hate to think that one of us would put that in jeopardy over a simple days walk?" Flora said standing almost in his face.

"When do we leave?" Sheppard asked as Rodney rolled his eyes.

Seeing as they till tomorrow morning before taking her on this trip, they went back to Atlantis to report in, promising they would be back.

Sheppard got back recently after the big sister had asked him to take her little sister to some old ruins, being body guards. Carter said it was no problem and good for relations, so she let Sheppard and Rodney go.

"Hey, can I bring the General with?" Sheppard asked while jerking a thumb over his shsoulder.

"What for? It doesn't sound like a mission of danger." Carter asked.

"Seeing as we have to deal with a little girl, I figured he'd be able to help if she got to be a pain or, if anything might come up. Being a father to a daughter you know, and they asked for help in guidance…" Sheppard said rolling his hand.

"And you didn't think of me going instead?" Carter asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Um, well…" Sheppard began uneasily at her gaze. "I…if you want, I didn't…"

"I can't believe how easy that was." Carter said with a laugh as Rodney smiled at the look on Sheppards face. "No. I think dealing with my own child is hard enough sometimes. I'd rather not snap at someone else's child."

"You'd do that?" Rodney asked.

"My brothers kid broke something important once and…well, I barely caught myself and let him deal with it. Sally hasn't done anything wrong either, but I'd rather not ever look at her in that way. At least not until her teenage years." Carter said trailing off.

"So…" Sheppard began.

"He's out on the balcony overlooking the city. However, if he doesn't go, don't come asking me to have him go anyway." Carter said.

Sheppard and Rodney went there and did see him, leaning on the rail as he gazed at something in the distance.

"Hey General, we got a mission, of sorts. Has to do with a little girl being escorted. She's a princess and you being a father of a little girl you sometimes call princess, I thought you might be able to help." Sheppard said.

When they didn't get an answer, the two looked at each other.

"It's a really nice forest. Even got some faint energy readings." Rodney said. "Thought we might check them out later after playing escort service."

The two looked at each other again and then back at him, now noticing his head was bobbing slightly.

"General?" Sheppard asked a little louder.

When Ford didn't turn, Rodney walked up slowly and saw his face.

"His eyes are closed, and he's silently singing." Rodney said confused until he looked down to see a wire going into his vest that showed the top half of a blue IPOD. "He hasn't heard anything we've said."

"What?" Sheppard asked as he walked up and saw the same thing. "Wonder what he is listening to? Must be pretty loud if he can't hear us."

Rodney reached up and pulled the left side earpiece out, startling the hell out of Ford as Rodney put it into his ear.

"Something to do with being a pioneer." Rodney muttered. "And pretty loudly. Catchy tune."

"What are you two doing?" Ford asked grabbing his earpiece back. "I'm enjoying that song. I had to go to Japan to get it."

"Trying to talk to you General." Sheppard said.

"What's the song?" Rodney asked curious.

"Something from the Tenchi anime soundtrack." Ford said shutting the IPOD off. "What do you want?"

Sheppard went over it again with Rodney pitching in.

"Hmm, sounds interesting. Let's go." Ford said with a smile as he put the earpieces back in. "I'll be waiting by the gate."

"Why were you out here? You can listen to music, practically elsewhere.." Rodney said.

"Watching them, for the most part. Plus wanting some fresh air." Ford stated.

The two looked out at one of the piers and saw a very large yacht parked next to the pier. There was over a dozen people outside and on the ship, moving things around on and off the pier as some sort of work was being done.

"Is that a boat?" Sheppard asked. "I thought the marine people were asking for a submarine."

"They originally asked for a Jumper to be converted into one, but it couldn't be done." Rodney said.

"Yes, that is a boat, large yacht actually. I was never really into boating, unless it was a battleship. After seeing Superman Returns, I bought two of those yachts. One for the marine biologists to go out and look around in, and the other is in the T.A.R.D.I.S., for personal use. Right now, this is their fifth day of working on it to suit their needs." Ford said. "I tried to get one from the Navy, but they refused."

"What sort of needs?" Rodney asked.

"Whatever they want. I just hope they don't sink her. I'd hate to have to go get her from the bottom of the lake. Or go buy another, mostly because it is a real pain to haul one of those things and put it in the T.A.R.D.I.S. to begin with. Anyway…" Ford said waving his hand as he walked back in. "I'll be waiting by the gate."

"Maybe you didn't hear me General. This trip isn't till tomorrow morning. So, unless you are going to sleep in the castle with us…" Sheppard began.

"I did miss that part and since I hate sleeping alone, I decline. Okay, what time should I arrive?" Ford asked as they told him. "Hmm, I can sleep rather well tonight then."

"Why did you go to the Navy for a sub when you can just go back in time and take one that is already sunk?" Rodney asked and then continued quickly as Ford opened his mouth. "Sure, it is a lot of work, but you could easily replicate enough of some sub to keep the timeline right while taking the whole vessel before it complete sank and was destroyed. You've stated before you have a plan to go take the Yamato, Bismark and some other ship off the ocean floor at some time, but have yet to do it."

"Yeah, there has been quite a few subs that had to be evacuated from damage and then sank with no one on board." Sheppard said. "And some were scuttled, so there is an even better……what?"

Ford was smiling and Rodney could tell it was that good idea thought turning into a great idea. Rodney had some himself when someone else had suggested something and he dismissed it only to realize with some tweaking of the idea, it would work or work better.

"I need all Russian personnel on the pier, eastern pier. Say within half a hour. And a few translators along with anyone that has the ability to repair submarines." Ford ordered before shaking his finger. "Thanks for the ideas guys. I have the perfect submarine in mind."

Ford did arrive back half an hour later, in the T.A.R.D.I.S. in the shape of a extremely large boat hanger on the water. Sam knew what he was doing and while thought it a good idea, also thought it might cause some trouble so she was ready to make any calls that might need to take place as she watched from the command tower. There was near a hundred people on the pier waiting for Ford to unveil the submarine he said he was bringing, which confused a great deal of people since no one, not even the Russian personnel, knew why they were there. Sheppard and Rodney had taken off back to the planet, other than to get back, but also because they knew Ford could inform them of what he did since he would be with them all day anyway, helping them with that princess.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I bring this wondrous vessel here to help all of us, even thought the ship technically belongs to the Russians." Ford said while standing on the pier and using a microphone near his neck to speak over the wind. "She needs a lot of work because I wasn't able to get her until after she was being scuttled underwater enough the people nearby didn't see her taken. The weapons have been taken away for the moment and can be put back in later. So, I am going to go back into my ship and take her back to the command tower, leaving this vessel berthed against the pier until she is ready to be taken out. We can add shields to make her more capable of exceeding her normal depth range and add a whole lot of other stuff while upgrading a lot more."

They waited and watched as the hanger part disappeared, leaving behind a massive black submarine. Some people knew what it was, some of the Russians were astonished, and others were excited to play with such a massive vessel. By the end of the day, no one had any troubles with using her since she was obsolete in the technological standing, even though she was a symbol of pride at one time for the Russians. Her name, the Red October.

The next morning, Sheppard and Rodney were treated to breakfast with the girls before heading out for the day. Ford had already ate and showed up as they were eating, carrying a small backpack over his shoulder, wearing his heavy coat and a brown suit.

"Ah, here is the man we were talking about." Sheppard said as he stood and wiped his mouth with a napkin.

"I hope it has all been good news they've told you." Ford said as he set his bag to hang off Rodney's chair.

"Nothing but." Rodney said quickly.

"You may call me General." Ford said bowing to the three ladies.

"I am Maldora."

"And I am Flora. It is a pleasure to meet you. I wish to thank you for helping us with this task. This is Melody." Flora said doing a small curtsey like Maldora did before waving at her sister.

"Hello milady." the General said bowing to her before kneeling down to her level. "Though Atlantis does not technically govern her people like a monarchy, I, being the last surviving member of the original inhabitants, in many ways makes me its King. Not only because of who I am, but also because I am the highest ranked person in charge of the city. Helping you become the new Queen will be an honor I am glad to have a hand in."

Melody shook his hand with a smile as she said thank you along with her sisters.

Once asked, Ford went over what he did and brought, and while Sheppard thought the picture of the vessel was cool, Rodney was ecstatic because he knew the story behind it and was shocked it was still around because he had no idea where it had ended up since it was buried in so much secrecy that no one knew where it was and if they did, they never spoke of it. Ford promised to let Rodney play around to an extent with it once they got back, which eased Rodney's worries of not getting any chances. Melody looked at the picture and didn't really get he concept very much of what the thing was even after being told, though she understood what its purpose was.

About an hour later, they were off, after being given the general direction in which to go. Sheppard and Rodney were still in their black off world outfits with P-90's, and backpacks while Melody was wearing some reddish long sleeved shirt and brown coat, along with pants that had hems at the bottom and near the knees, along with some hand made leather boots, fashioned more like moccasins.

"I must confess, I am quite looking forward to this." Melody said as they walked by a small lake with lots of plant life living on it. "I am rarely allowed to leave the confines of the castle even though I have had much training in forest survival."

"Hmm you have had you?" Sheppard asked.

"Oh yes. I have had three sessions with Nolar Lumbred. He is one of the greatest hunters amongst my people." Melody said.

"Three whole sessions huh?" Sheppard asked.

"How long is each session?" Ford asked.

"A few days or more. And they were all I needed. I am a quick learner." Melody stated.

"I bet you are." Sheppard said.

"Which of you is the superior officer? Other than the General as he said earlier." Melody asked.

"Besides the General, it's really a mute point. I'm a civilian and have no rank, so me and Sheppard are equals." Rodney said as Ford hid a chuckle.

"Technically, I am the superior because I am team leader. He follows my orders. As for the General, he can counterman them at any point and take over when he wants." Sheppard said.

"I'm here for various reasons, other than to help with this rite of passage. Like you said, you don't get out of the castle much. And since our city is floating on a very large ocean, getting out of the city usually requires going with another team to another planet. This one is very nice, you have some very beautiful lands, lake is almost crystal clear. Air is fresh. Besides some people, I like the outdoors." Ford said.

"I see." Melody said. "Our lands stretch very far and are tended to very well to ensure we have the food needed for everyone, and to have places needed to live and grow."

"Now there is the right sort of thinking. You have to think beyond yourself when you are a leader of many people or a small group. In your case, you have to think of an entire kingdom constantly and deal with issues everyday to ensure that your people are happy and such." Sheppard said as they followed the path into the forest.

"Yes. Like I will be soon, you already have the makings of a great leader." Melody stated.

"Well, thank you Melody." Sheppard said with a smile of gratitude.

A couple of hours later, they were pretty deep in the forest, still following the trail. Sheppard was in the lead with Melody a few feet behind followed by the other two, Ford being last. Rodney finished his power bar several minutes ago as they passed by a large root system of a fallen tree that was already dead.

"Hey Sheppard, you still have your power bar?" Rodney asked.

"Yes Rodney, and no, you can't have it." Sheppard said.

"I'm starving." Rodney complained.

"Then you shouldn't have eaten yours so soon." Sheppard said.

"That's why I ate it to begin with. Wait a minute…" Rodney said snapping his fingers.

"I hate power bars. Most of them taste chalky or worse, even the so called chocolate ones." Ford said as Rodney turned to him. "I have fruit bars, granola bars, and some chocolate bars."

"What MRE did you pick?" Sheppard asked.

"None. I hate most of those things." Ford said as Rodney took one of each. "Not sure what they do wrong, but a lot of the turkey ones smell and taste like cigarettes."

Sheppard muttered in agreement as he pulled a scroll out from his vest that was the map.

"That is a long drop." Ford said looking down into the large ravine before them that had a fast moving river. "I've seen much longer and deeper though."

"How much longer and deeper?" Rodney asked.

"Enough I backed away with some fear. I think it was like a three mile drop or something near that. The view was incredible and I went back with the T.A.R.D.I.S. at one point and took several pictures, but that much of a drop was still rather scary. And I have been on the Empire State building, out on the edge looking down. I guess it was because I couldn't see the roads and such at the bottom from the smog that day is why I didn't feel afraid." Ford said with a shrug before frowning as he thought out loud. "Now that I think about it, I think it was more of the fact I didn't care at that point in my life if I died since I was alone anyway."

"Does that mean if you had died back when you started with the SGC, before you and Sam got more acquainted, that you still didn't care?" Rodney asked.

"Kinda. I didn't want to unless it was for a good cause, otherwise I hoped to live and see where the SGC went." Ford said. "It hasn't really been that long really since I came here, and yet, it seems so much longer."

"You travel through time a lot, remember?" Rodney said with some sarcasm.

"I can't believe I actually forgot that for a moment." Ford said surprised at himself.

"Okay people, according to the map, there is suppose to be a rope bridge here." Sheppard said seeing the remnants of the said bridge. "How old is this thing anyway?"

"The map has been passed down for too many generations to know for sure." Melody stated as he waved it.

"Okay, no rope bridge." Sheppard said putting it back in his vest. "We'll need to find another way around. I'm going to go take a look for another path."

"Do you want me to?" Ford asked. "The terrain isn't that great."

"I have been doing this awhile General. I'll go this way and you go that way. Just call if you find anything." Sheppard said tapping his earpiece as he set his backpack down. "You, stay with her. Don't go wander off."

"Where would I go?" Rodney asked between a bite as he sat down.

Sheppard went left as Ford set his bag by Sheppard's and went right. Rodney was glad to sit down because his feet were tired, as was his back at the moment. One of the paths they took was rather steep to walk up and a bit rocky, so while none of them thankfully fell, it still put a lot of strain on the muscles to keep balance on the way up. When Melody sat down on the log by him, he didn't think much of it until he took a second glance.

"What are you doing? That isn't yours." Rodney stated.

"When I am hungry, I eat." Melody stated around the power bar she took from Sheppards pack.

"Yeah, but you could have asked first. Besides that, the General has more better tasting bars in that bag he'd be more than willing to share." Rodney said.

"I wanted to try this since you had ate yours and didn't share. And it is good." Melody stated.

"Sheppard is not going to like that you did that." Rodney said.

"He's not going to know." Melody stated.

"He will when I tell him."

"You don't want to do that." Melody said calmly.

"Why wouldn't I tell him?"

"Because I am the Queen, and it would not be good to get on my bad side." Melody stated with a small smile.

"You're not Queen yet little sister." Rodney said standing. "Now give me that."

She smiled as she handed him the wrapper.

"Great. He's really going to be upset when he finds out…"

"Hey, I think I found a way down…" Sheppard said coming back and noticing the power bar wrapper in Rodney's hand. "Rodney!"

"It wasn't me!"

"What's with all the yelling?" Ford asked as he walked up rather fast.

Both of them spoke together, Sheppard accusing Rodney as Rodney pointed at Melody accusing her. Ford looked between them as he sighed.

"One, I have extra food, which taste much better. Two, she ate it." Ford said.

"I did not!" Melody exclaimed.

"Why do you think she ate it?" Sheppard asked as she glared at Ford and Rodney, while smiling at Sheppard. "Rodney is holding the wrapper."

"Has Rodney stole food from you before?"

"On Atlantis." Sheppard said. "But that doesn't…"

"The General just gave me three of his bars. Why would I steal your power bar John?" Rodney asked.

"You like them. Why do you think she did it though General?" Sheppard asked.

"She has crumbs on her face." Ford said.

She quickly touched her lips as they noticed.

"You tricked me!"

"No, I caught you in a lie. Not the makings of a good and honest leader. Daniel and Sam always fell for it, and still do, when I couldn't find the brownies I make. Next time you're hungry, just ask." Ford said as he picked his bag up.

"Sorry Rodney." Sheppard said taking the wrapper. "It's not polite to steal people's food, even when they are willing to share. You don't want your people doing it, so you shouldn't either."

She pouted as she crossed her arms and didn't say anything.

"Alright, let's get moving." Sheppard said as he put his pack back on.

About an hour later, they were down and across the river, still following the trail that was just about gone had it not been for the animals that used it occasionally. The brush and other plants grew pretty tall around them, making it a bit difficult to walk, but not impossible. She wasn't back to her happy self, but she wasn't pouting either. Despite obviously not wanting to ask, she did and Ford gave her one of the fruit bars she picked out. At the moment, she was in the lead, looking at the map as they followed, hearing birds moving and calling out to each other above them.

"I should have brought my sword." Ford muttered as he moved aside a branch in his face.

"A machete would have been nice." Sheppard said.

"Now we go right." Melody stated, turning on the trail.

"Looks like it to me." Sheppard said as he glanced at the map before she moved forward.

As they started down the trail, the three looked around quickly in defensive positions as they heard a strange growling noise.

"What the hell was that?" Rodney asked while still pointing his weapon around.

"That sounded big." Ford muttered while staring down the barrel of one of his personal cannons. "I have heard worse though."

"That probably was the beast." Melody stated, unconcerned.

"Beast? What are you talking about? Why wasn't this mentioned before?" Rodney asked with some fear.

"The beast is the protector of the Ruins of Laros. Did Flora not tell you about it?" Melody said.

"No, she didn't." Rodney said.

"No wonder she wanted us to help you get their safely." Ford said as he waved his Sonic Screwdriver around. "Hmm, I'm getting a low level energy reading, but the source is hard to pin down."

"What about life signs?" Rodney asked as Ford was also using a life signs detector that was modified to be used with his Sonic Screwdriver.

"Too many to make something distinct out." Ford said.

"When you say beast, it's just a figure of speech, right?" Sheppard asked as he continued glancing around.

"No, the beast is quite real, I assure you. However, no one really knows what it looks like. No one has lived to see it." Melody said while pulling the blade out of what looked like a version of a Swiss Army knife.

"Oh yes, that small blade is going to hold off the beast and protect us." Rodney said sarcastically.

"I am the Queen, it will not harm me." Melody said.

"We may not get the chance to tell the beast that." Sheppard said.

"It will know." Melody said putting her knife away.

"Why don't we just tell your sisters that we made it to the ruins? They would never need to know." Rodney said following her as she took off.

"I would know."

"But you're going to be Queen, so what's the difference, right?" Rodney asked.

"My people need to know. You need to stop talking. You're voice is hurting my ears." Melody said.

"Look, that beast could hurt my body. This is not what we signed up for." Rodney stated as they walked into a well trampled down area. "Sheppard, back me up here would…"

Seeing Ford come around the corner of a tree they just passed.

"Hey, where's John?" Rodney asked.

"Nature call." Ford said as he glanced around intently.

"But there is some sort of monstrous animal out there?!"

"Rodney, even in the midst of intense battle, the need to go doesn't wait till there is a free moment. He said he'd catch up in a moment. Besides, any creature that makes a growl that loud must be pretty big, and since we are the only ones out here, it would have to make some noise in all this growth before being able to sneak up on any of us. John said he'd be just fine and catch up in a minute." Ford said still glancing around slightly, with only his eyes.

"The beast attacks silently though." Melody said with some worry as she pulled her blade back out. "However, it is said the beast also only attacks enemies of the throne."

"But we've not enemies of the throne!" Rodney stated. "We're hear to protect you!"

"Don't move!" a man said from near a tree he walked out from behind.

"So far, I am not impressed with your protection." Melody said as Rodney raised his hands.

Rodney slowly turned around to see four Genii men standing in the forest with guns pointed at them.

"Drop your weapon, now!"

Rodney removed his P-90 and set it on the ground as Ford dropped his bag.

"We have her. Map grid M-11, in a small clearing." the man said into a CB unit.

"We are on our way." was heard over the unit.

"Wait, you're Genii." Rodney stated.

"They are?" Ford asked as his hands were at his sides on his coat. "Aren't they allies?"

"Yeah." Rodney said.

"Step aside, and hand over the girl."

"Wait, there is a huge misunderstanding here. I'm Doctor Rodney McKay. I am a close personal friend of Ladon Radim. You know, your leader." Rodney stated as Melody stayed behind him. "I'm your greatest ally! Friend of John Sheppard. Don't you know who I am? I handed over the bomb. Didn't they teach you that in Genii school?"

"Hand her over right now and step away."

"Okay, wait just a minute. We need to talk about his…" Rodney began.

"I am growing extremely impatient." he said stepping forward. "We have no quarrel with you."

"What?" Rodney said confused.

"Once you hand her over, you are free to go."

"Really?"

"You can't give me to them! You both took a solemn vow to protect me." Melody stated.

"Rodney, give her a hug, say sorry and then back away." Ford said with a defeated tone as he winked at the two and made a gesture with his eyes only Rodney understood.

Getting the message, Rodney knelt down as she began to get angry and scared. Ford took a couple steps back as Rodney hugged her, despite her beating on his back and yelling. All four men turned quickly as Ford pulled his personal cannons. Gun fire erupted quickly as Rodney dropped to the ground, covering her as the firing started and then stopped seconds later.

"Nice shooting Colonel." Ford said as Sheppard came out of the brush nearby.

"Just glad to know that I wasn't the only one that noticed we were being followed." Sheppard said as Ford looked at the front of his coat seeing a several impact spots.

"Good thing I had my coat closed." Ford said while putting his guns away.

"You can get up now Rodney." Sheppard said as Ford picked up the Genii guns.

"It's over already?" Rodney asked.

"Yes." Sheppard said.

"You were going to hand me over to them!" Melody yelled as she got up and backed away.

"No I was not! Didn't you seen the General wink? I was to make it look like we were complying with their wishes in order to make them drop their guard." Rodney said. "It's called subterfuge."

"And it worked. Nice job Rodney. For a moment I wasn't sure you even understood what I meant." Ford said as he put the guns into his bag, still looking at one of them. "I'm just glad they didn't aim for my head."

"We need to leave before the other Genii show up." Sheppard said. "They could be here at any minute."

Walking away quickly, still following the path, they came across several downed trees that were covering a somewhat deep hole in the ground that had evidence of being a nest area for what could have been deer like creatures or something similar.

"This should work." Sheppard said as they crawled in. "We'd hear anything from above and see it, and with only two entrances…"

"We'll be able to see and hear them coming." Ford said as he pulled one of his guns again.

"Those were the Genii." Rodney stated.

"We know." Sheppard and Ford said.

"But why are they here and what do they want with her?" Rodney asked.

"Harmony?" Sheppard asked.

"I do not know." Melody stated.

"But you know who the Genii are?" Rodney asked.

"Yes. I do not like them." Melody said.

"I don't like people who shoot at me either. Why would they want to capture you? No offense, but your people don't have anything that we've seen that they'd want to have in ransom for your life." Ford said.

She shook her head not having an answer.

"Were you once trading partners with them?" Rodney asked.

"At one time." Melody said.

"That hardly seems like a motive for kidnapping." Ford said.

"Yeah. It does seem very strange." Sheppard said thinking.

"They cheated my mother on many trades, so she banished them from our lands, permanently." Melody stated.

"Still hardly an excuse for revenge." Ford said. "You still use horses and carts to get around. Unless there is some important family secret that you haven't told us, or you weren't told of, there is nothing I can come up with that makes sense to their motives."

"Is there anything you need to tell us that you aren't?" Sheppard asked.

She shook her head as Ford pulled the guns out and removed the ammo.

"Alright, I'm going to go out and see if I can find out how many men are out there. You to stay and watch." Sheppard said.

"I'd be a better choice since I can't die." Ford said.

"True, for the most part. But if they find this position, you can carry her and keep her safe if you need to run." Sheppard said.

"Good point. Don't get shot or captured Sheppard. As easy as it seems, it is actually a lot of work to save someone from death." Ford stated.

"I'll do my best." Sheppard said walking out carefully.

"What are you doing?" Rodney asked.

"Checking these guns. They aren't too bad in design. If we need more weapons, better to know what we are dealing with before using them. Plus, this will help me understand what they are using. Which isn't much from what I see." Ford said looking at a bullet he opened. "Uses gunpowder like we do, but that's not saying much since we've came across little in the way of other civilizations using something else to propel bullets. Not really that much different from our weapons. And we have a couple dozen rounds of ammo."

"Squad three take position on the ridge. Squad four, move up to grid position nine." came over the CB unit of a team that was checking the stream area in the forest.

Sheppard heard the small report, and after seeing quite a few men walking around near the stream, he left and went back to the others.

"Colonel's back." Ford muttered as he lowered his gun.

"How many did you see?" Rodney asked as John sat down.

"I think all of them."

"Exaggerating isn't going to help Sheppard. How about guessing at a number?" Ford asked.

"Not sure really. And since we don't know how they have the area mapped, I'm not sure where all their men are. We're not even sure which squad we took out. Squad three went to a ridge, and squad four is moving to wherever grid nine is. As for the men I saw near the stream, there was four or five of them." Sheppard said.

"That could mean anywhere over twenty men at this point." Ford muttered.

"This is going to make the pilgrimage most difficult." Melody stated.

"Sorry princess, but this trip is over. We're going to need to take you back to the castle so you'll be safe. We'll wait for night and then move out then were it will be easier to stay hidden." Sheppard said.

"We can't go back to the castle. I must perform this task and make it to the ruins before the lunar cycle tomorrow or my right to the throne will be forfeit." Melody stated.

"It's too dangerous to move forward…" Sheppard began.

"Actually, it is too dangerous to go back." Ford said. "If there is as many troops as you think, then trying to make our way back, even under the cover of night would be to difficult. All the animals would be asleep making it harder to move silently and barely being able to see anything would make it practically impossible to move silently at all. Our best bet is to keep moving and get to those ruins."

"Thank you General." Melody said.

"I wasn't thinking of it that way. Since the Genii are looking for us, that must mean they aren't at the ruins or anywhere ahead of us. Otherwise, we'd already would have encountered them. Plus, being ruins, we could hide in them or at least have better cover. You three can stay hidden while I move around and take them out from another position, hopefully higher." Ford said.

"He makes a good point." Rodney said.

"I can't deny that. If it was just us three, going back wouldn't be as much trouble. Having her with would make going back much more difficult." Sheppard said.

"I told you I have had training for surviving out here!" Melody stated.

"Did he also teach you how to defend yourself from people with guns?" Sheppard asked. "How to move silently by your enemy without being seen or heard like we have been? You may have been taught how to defend yourself with that knife, from animals and to possibly kill them for food, but that won't do any good against adults with guns."

"Then give me a gun." Melody stated.

All three men chuckled.

"Sorry princess. I have a daughter of my own, a little behind you in years, but quite a bit stronger. Don't ask, you wouldn't understand without knowing about genetics. Point is, she can use a .22 pistol without failing down, but still end up with the gun in the air instead of at the target once she'd fired it. The only guns we have are much stronger in caliber and if the kick from them don't knock you on your butt, there is a better chance of breaking your wrist or arm from the recoil." Ford said as she glared at him.

"I doubt your sisters would look on us very kindly anymore if you were injured Melody." Sheppard said. "Besides, have you had any experience with shooting a gun or even have a general idea how to hold one properly?"

"No." Melody said after a moment.

"Once this is all over, you can talk to that….famous hunter and have him give you lessons. You'll be Queen and he'll have to obey your orders to teach you if you want to learn that badly. Until then, leave it to the experts protecting you." Ford said as he put the Genii weapons back in the backpack.

Back at the castle that night, the red headed sister, Maldora was in her quarters, doing very little when the door was knocked on.

"You should not be here." Maldora stated as a man came in.

"I was careful, do not worry. No one saw me." a blonde haired man said as he removed his hood and then set a CB unit on the table. "We will use this from now on to stay in contact."

"Does this mean that this is not over?" Maldora asked with some anger.

"No. The three guardians have complicated things greatly. They have killed four of my men."

"Yes, well, they were an unforeseen complication. My apologies."

"You apologies do me little good."

"We will increase you pay. Fourfold."

"Fourfold?"

"Four times the work, four times the pay."

"No survivors at all?"

"If any of them come back and tell my sister that the Genii were involved. Now we can't have that, can we?"

He bowed slightly and then walked out, covering his head.

Ford, not feeling tired at all, was sitting outside keeping watch with Sheppard while eating a Hershey bar. Sheppard was munching on a fruit bar as Rodney was still under the cover with Harmony.

"Hey, is it true that you have games from the future and that you're lying to keep others from knowing so they don't bother you? I know you don't want to play favorites by letting only certain people into the T.A.R.D.I.S.." Sheppard asked quietly.

"No. I wait with everyone else for the games to come out the times they are suppose to." Ford said. "Even if I did buy them ahead of time, and in no way should this be misconstrued as it sounds because I love my family more than anything, but if I did have them, I'd barely have the time needed to play them anyway. A movie takes a couple hours at most and Sam likes watching them with me."

"What about the Halo 3 game? It's already a proven fact that you got that several months early by going into the future and buying it. Not to mention all the extra's they came out with." Sheppard said.

"I wish I could wear the armor, even though it is just a fake suit. I only did that because I didn't want to wait. The Halo series was and is very special to me and seeing as I really concentrated on that game series, I wanted to get it over with and not have Sam ragging me like she used to." Ford said.

"Ah. But you'll get the movies and TV shows?" Sheppard said.

"We're all the way out here in another galaxy. Telling people back home we have those will get us into trouble and no one wants that privilege lost. The movies and TV shows are easy to watch and pass around quickly. Games, those could take months to play and beat before being passed on. Not to mention the other fact that it could take away concentration on important task, like work." Ford stated.

"I see your point. Um, Sam told me something that I wasn't sure to believe or not. Considering the technology at our disposal, I wasn't too surprised at the idea, but…"

"She told you my idea for making the Master Chief's armor a reality?" Ford asked.

"Yeah. I thought it was a joke, but something came up and I didn't get a chance to ask her if she was pulling my leg." Sheppard said.

"No, it's no joke. K-9 says it is possible. Falling a couple of stories would be a bad idea, but the idea of wearing an armored suit that increases strength, block most projectiles and have a shield. All possible. It's still in the development stages though, even with the technology I got from being in the Halo universe. His armor is built for a cyborg of sorts, and I can't do anything with that until I've built my own version." Ford said.

"Can't wait to see it." Sheppard said with a smile.

"Can't wait to wear it. Plus, I can't wait to see when Area 51 comes out with the Warthog. They have one to copy, which I'm paying them to develop a few of. But for use for the SGC and possibly here, they need to make them more…smaller in a sense. Several people on the hill agreed to let it pass as well. There's cars and trucks out there now with that sort of wheel turning ability for the public, so making the Warthog isn't much of a stretch." Ford said with a shrug.

"Cool. How far along are they?"

"Last I heard and checked, over a couple months ago, they were building the frame for the smaller idea version. Right now, only five are being made in case they are a total bust. However, they work out, I'll fund them to create many more and make improvements myself." Ford said with a small smile as ideas came to mind.

"What about Bill Gates and the Microsoft company? You know they'll have a fit and sue for copyright infringement." Sheppard stated.

"If they work out, they'll only be for the Stargate program. Some alien tech is being built into them." Ford said waving a finger.

"Ah, the proverbial loophole."

"Yep. I did think about the Scorpion tank, but the Abrams is much better in speed and such, so I have it in the T.A.R.D.I.S. with my Abrams. Plus the Abrams can hold people so…" Ford said trailing off.

"What happens if the Warthogs fail?"

"I take them as they are and work on them myself like I said. I paid for it and signed papers that allow me to have them however they turn out. From all indications, they should function as expected. Except for the turning over and infinite ammo thing. The SGC can use them for missions that mean long traveling or stuff along those lines. Since we don't have the technology for a gauze cannon, that's out the window though. Should have asked for one when they gave us those few."

"Hmm."

"One of the other cool things about the Warthog, is the ground clearance. They tried to use Hummers to go through the gate on a few planets, but they broke down or got high centered and other troubles. The Warthog can not only fit through the Stargate, according to the modifications, but move rather fast and will have limited shielding." Ford said raising a finger again.

"Wow. That must be one of the alien technology things you mentioned."

"Yeah. There is one other big reason why they won't be public vehicles either. Having a carburetor that gives a hundred miles or more to a gallon helps tremendously. And then having a five gallon gas can on the back will ensure that making it back to the Stargate will make the appeal even better." Ford said proudly.

"I am liking this idea better and better. Will Atlantis get them at the same time? I mean if…"

"Oh yeah. The plan is to put together an anti-grav system into the Jumper bay and transfer several of the Jumpers to the lower level Jumper bay."

"An anti-gav system? Where is that going to come from?" Sheppard asked unsure of where the idea could come from.

"The Jumpers use a system that allows them to hover in place. Rodney is sure we'd be able to build a couple platforms that would be able to hold a ton, possibly more, to move the Warthogs. Basically, it would be like removing the bottom of a Jumper and setting the shell aside." Ford said.

"I see where you are going. Sounds like a real good idea. What did Carter say?"

"She thinks it's all cool. The anti-grav system would help greatly in moving things around the city and in the SGC. Once we have a functioning one, we can figure out how to make it smaller and be able to pretty much replicate all the parts needed from the T.A.R.D.I.S. The Odyssey can create their own once we have functioning plans instead of sending built ones from Atlantis." Ford said.

"Can't wait to see this stuff. Any time line?"

"Another few months or more. It's been slow going with the anti-grav, which Rodney, Sam, I and K-9 have been doing in the T.A.R.D.I.S. The Warthogs should be another couple of months as well so it's no rush on the anti-grav, but also a project to try to finish as soon as we can."

"Having to wait sucks. Speaking of waiting…" Sheppard said as he glanced at his watch. "We should probably move out soon."

"Yeah, I was wondering when you two were going to make a decision on that." Rodney said coming out. "Speaking of time, I have an idea."

"When don't you have an idea?" Sheppard asked.

"Funny. If you aren't going to think all the time, then someone has to do it." Rodney stated with a smirk.

"Nice come back Rodney." Ford said as they high fived lightly.

"You're taking his side?" Sheppard asked pretending to be hurt.

"We geeks got to stay together." Rodney said.

"He told you that story?" Sheppard asked with a sigh.

"Yeah. I only wished I was there to see the disappointment on both your faces after calling dibs." Ford said chuckling.

"We're still single, technically." Sheppard said as Rodney began opening his mouth. "So, what's this idea?"

"Idea? Oh, right. I've got a Wraith stunner in my pack. Since we need to keep silent to avoid being found, we could stun her. She can't be more than ninety pounds. Ford could carry her while we keep watch…"

"Me carry her?" Ford asked.

"You can keep her safe in your coat." Sheppard said. "You've carried Sally enough it should be second nature."

"True. There's only one problem…" Ford said looking past Rodney as he sighed. "Looks like this princess is going to be a pain in the ass."

"Ah crap! She's not here!" Rodney exclaimed as he saw her missing.

"According to this…" Ford said as he was waving his Sonic Screwdriver around. "She took off on her own, which I didn't need to point out actually. I can still trace her by the slight temperature difference in the air and the change of pressure to the ground recently."

Half an hour later, they found her, in a cave, cooking something that smelled like chicken. Rodney was really hoping to eat some of it, but Ford said that there was a good chance that she wouldn't share, or not have enough, or eaten it all by now, because she was upset with all of them on various levels.

"Hello…" Melody began as John rushed in and kicked the fire out. "Hey!"

"We could smell this a mile away. You might as well be yelling your position to them." Sheppard stated.

"Oh well, I was finished cooking anyway."

"That looks like a chicken." Rodney said as he pointed his flashlight at it.

"And this isn't a cave. It's the ruins of some old building." Ford said while shinning his light at the walls. "Very old. I'm going to guess this isn't the place we need to be at."

"No." Melody said as she picked her knife up.

"What is that?" Ford asked.

"It's a chicken." Rodney stated.

"It looks like one, but they probably are different in some way, or at least by some other name." Ford stated.

"It is a Lodan bird. They are quite delicious." Melody stated.

"Wait, you did all of this?" Rodney asked as Ford knelt down and pulled a small piece off to her dismay.

"Yes I did. And you should ask…" Melody began.

"No offense, but I am making sure the food is safe for us to eat. Your people may be able to eat, this bird with no troubles, but it could have a different effect on us since we aren't from your world."

"And you testing it would be pointless. They both ate the same thing back at the castle last night." Melody stated.

"Oh, that's why it seems familiar." Rodney said.

"Well, it does taste like chicken, to a point. Sorry to have doubted you." Ford said standing. "And I can test anything since I am unable to die."

"That is impossible. Everyone dies." Melody said in total disbelief.

"To technical to explain. Point is, I'll live forever. Or at least until the my ship dies." Ford said trailing off. "Well, I have to admit, whatever those lessons you took were, you were taught well. If it wasn't for the situation, I would be more impressed."

"Yeah. So would I. However, the lessons only taught you how to survive out here, not how to survive people trying to find and kill you. No more fires." Sheppard said.

"Very well."

"Good, let's eat." Rodney said sitting down and then looking at her. "If I may have some please."

"You may." Melody said pulling a leg off.

"Thank you."

"We need to move…" Sheppard began.

The growling noise from before made all three pulled their weapons and aim at the opening to the cave as she began cutting pieces off. Rodney still have the leg in his mouth even though he was ready to shoot with them.

"Okay, that just confirms that we need to leave." Sheppard said.

"Yeah, this is probably it's home anyway." Rodney said.

"You people are so ignorant. The beast does not live in here. We should stay in here and wait until the coast is clear." Melody said eating.

"She has a point." Ford said shining his light around.

"General…" Sheppard began.

"Colonel, I don't see any signs of animals being in here lately. No fur, no droppings, thank god, and no bones. Just dirt and hand made brick walls. Hey princess, is this opening the only one or is there more down that corridor?"

"No. That is the only opening."

"We'll see them before they see us then." Ford said. "And I have a lot of ammo if it comes down to a massive fire fight."

"They could blow the opening and leave us buried alive." Rodney said.

"From what I understand, they didn't have the necessary stuff to make bombs. Which is why they wanted our C-4. Plus, if things get that bad, I can call the T.A.R.D.I.S." Ford said.

"Why didn't we just do that to begin with?" Rodney asked. "This entire trek could have been avoided!"

"One, the exercise is worth it. Two, if her sisters ask about the trip or her people do, she'll do better not having to make up something. Three, we're using an old map to get to wherever it is that we are going so, even though I could bring the T.A.R.D.I.S. here, I have no idea exactly where we are going, coordinates wise." Ford said.

"Well, when you put it that way." Rodney said.

"Okay, we'll stay here for half an hour, at most, and then move out if we haven't heard or seen anything." Sheppard said. "Let's just hope that we don't encounter any trouble."

They ended up staying for a good hour, Ford taking the first shift before nodding off for awhile as Sheppard watched the front from the opening. Rodney was slightly asleep and awoke as Melody went to the front to talk to Sheppard. They spoke back and forth, him telling her about responsibility to the people and then trying to avoid her trying to get him to be the next King. When there was a loud growling noise again, it brought the other two to the front quickly as they heard lots of gun fire, men screaming and the sound of the growling noise again.

"Was that the beast?" Rodney asked.

"Sounded like it. Look, you three…"

"No. I'll check this out. This is a good defensive position." Ford said. "You two watch her while I see what happened."

"Okay. Just be careful General. You can't die, but it does take you time to recover from being killed." Sheppard said.

"Nothing will sneak up on me. If I only have to watch my own back, I'm at my best." Ford said heading out. "Oh wait…"

"What are you doing?" Rodney asked.

"I may need this." Ford said grabbing his bag, but leaving the food.

"Why?" Sheppard asked.

"Other than being a gun collector, you don't want weapons left out for some kid to come along and shoot himself or someone else by accident do ya?" Ford said with a look before heading out.

"This is Mardola. I want an update. What is taking so long?" Mardola asked using the CB.

"I have men all along the path to the ruins. They must have gone another way." the blonde man from before said.

"Well, obviously they are not idiots. You should be looking everywhere but the path to the ruins."

"I am, but it is night and this forest is vast and dense. And my men are spread thin."

"What if they make it back to the village? There is no way I could save relations between our two peoples then."

"We just lost contact with several of my men. We're heading to their last known coordinates. Maybe we'll get lucky. Teran out."

She banged the radio down onto the table in frustration and then went off to do something else.

"You're a doctor, right?" Melody asked as they waited by the former camp fire as Sheppard was keeping watch by the opening.

"Yes, but I am not a medical doctor…."

"So, you're a liar?"

"No, I'm a different sort of doctor. My field of expertise is just not dealing with medicine and healing people." Rodney stated as she looked at him confused. "Never mind. What is it you want?"

"Do you know how love feels?"

"Oh boy." Rodney muttered.

"I think I am in love with John."

"You aren't the first and probably won't be the last sister." Rodney said a bit sarcastically.

"What does that mean?"

"It means that a lot of alien women tend to fall for John Sheppards good looks and charm."

"On me they don't." Melody stated quickly.

"He's a bit old for you, don't you think. You're 14 and he's….um, 30 something, I think."

"I hadn't considered that."

"Well, don't get your hopes up. I know he will think otherwise."

"You're not going to try and influence him are you?" Melody asked with narrowed eyes.

"Trust me lady, I won't have to. But if he falls for you, however unlikely, I will not get in the way at all."

"Truly?"

"I promise." Rodney said.

"Thank you Doctor."

"Sheppard, Rodney, you still there?" Ford asked over the coms.

"Yeah." they both said touching their earpieces.

"I found two dead Genii. Whatever killed them, I can't tell, specifically. There is no signs of trampled ground or broken bushes. Whatever this beast is, must fly or something. Maybe jumps off the sides and climbs trees. These guys look like they were hit with a gatling gun, laser style. The many wounds are cauterized all the way through. I'm even getting a faint energy reading, but the Sonic Screwdriver can't pinpoint the source." Ford said.

"Hmm, that's is strange." Sheppard said.

"Hang on, I'll call back in a few moments. I'm not alone anymore."

Hiding in some thick bushes near a tree, he watched carefully with his guns ready as a few men came up, dressed like the dead guys.

"What kind of creature could do this?" one of the men asked after examining them.

"It doesn't matter. We don't leave this forest until all four of them are dead." Teran said.

"Their weapons are missing, just like the others."

Teran muttered something that Ford couldn't hear as the man turned to talk to a couple men behind him. When they headed off, he took off as well. Sheppard lowered his gun as Ford came running in.

"You being followed?" Sheppard asked as Rodney and Harmony stood.

"Hell no. I would have started shooting if I was, or more than likely, killing with my hands. They are really trying to find us though." Ford said.

"No surprise there." Rodney said.

"It gets worse. We are all wanted dead. I don't know who, but the Genii are working for someone." Ford said.

"You heard something?" Sheppard asked.

"Educated guess. Originally, they only wanted her, but the guy in charge told his men to kill all of us now." Ford said.

"Then we need to leave." Sheppard said.

As they walked out, Sheppard looked at the map using the moonlight.

"Okay, according to this, the ruins we need to get to are close by. Hopefully, there will be a lot of cover." Sheppard said.

They all looked up and went on the defensive, except her, as they heard the growl noise again.

"I wonder if it is another dragon?" Ford muttered.

"You encountered a dragon?!" both men asked.

"Yeah, SG-1 did. Part of a defense program to keep the Sangraal safe. Unfortunately, it was a hologram." Ford said with a sigh.

"The beast never goes near the ruins." Melody stated.

"We'll be safer there then." Rodney said.

"Let's go." Sheppard said.

By morning, with the sun just starting to crest the mountains, they walked up a rocky incline to find the ruins. However, the ruins were very small instead of a large temple like they were hoping. Getting down behind a fallen pillar covered in moss, they noticed a couple Genii standing by some rocky pillar that seemed to be carved into some shape.

"Damn, this is what I was afraid of." Sheppard said. "This is why we should have went back towards the settlement."

"I saw over five men when I checked out those dead guys. Who knows how many are checking things out in that cave we were in." Ford said.

"That is sacred ground. How dare he!" Melody stated.

"Hey, hey, hey." Sheppard said quietly as he pulled her to the ground. "We'll handle this."

"There is two of them. I got it." Ford said as he jumped over and rolled down the small hill.

Both men pulled their guns as they saw him but were blasted back as Ford shot them with his energy pistols. Rolling to a stop near the strange rock pillar, he glanced around with his weapons still ready. After listening and looking around for a minute, he stood up and put his weapons away.

"You could have just shot them from up there." Sheppard said.

"I'm still learning with those. At close range, I don't miss." Ford said.

"Oh, this is fascinating." Rodney said as he pulled a scanner out of his pocket.

"It's Ancient technology isn't it?" Sheppard asked.

"It is." Ford said surprised as he pulled his Sonic Screwdriver out. "And I thought it was some carved rock. What's more surprising, is it still functions."

"It is even more beautiful than I imagined." Melody said walking around to a pillar that was near her height and placing her hand on it.

"Rodney…"

"Yes."

"Those Genii idiots were messing with the system." Ford said.

"I noticed." Rodney said checking out the panel was pulled out like a drawer. "Some of the crystals are missing."

"Something is wrong." Melody stated while holding some pendant around her neck as her hand stayed on the panel.

"I wonder?" Ford said as he ran his device over her.

"What are you doing?" Sheppard asked.

"She has the Ancient gene like we do." Ford said a slightly surprised.

"That's interesting." Sheppard said. "Harmony, what is suppose to happen here? We thought you were suppose to meditate or something."

"My pendant is suppose to glow." Melody stated while giving Ford a strange look as he pointed it at her necklace.

"Hmm. That is Ancient technology too. Some sort of key." Ford said.

"Which must activate whatever this is." Rodney said.

"Many generations ago, these people must have knew what this really was, but, over time, it became what it is now." Ford said standing up.

"This is the pendant of Laros. The Queen and only the true Queen must return it to the ruins." Melody said. "It is suppose to glow and fill me with great power. It is no more than that."

"No offense lady, but we could show you very similar structures and devices in our city." Ford said. "And any of us three could also make that glow, if the structure wasn't tampered with."

"Give us a minute to look it over. We'll have it going again." Rodney said. "And you'll have your power. Whatever it is."

Sheppard only shook his head as the two started looking it over.

"Oh my god! I know what this is!" Rodney exclaimed, making the others jump. "This is a testing ground!"

"A what?" Sheppard asked.

"Really? We need to look over the data on this planet more carefully when we get back home then." Ford said with interest.

"We've been looking for this sort of thing for the last two years John. Plus, if I am correct, there is no beast, but a mini drone system and this controls it! This must have been one of their testing grounds on drone technology!" Rodney stated.

"Would make sense of why it looked like a laser mini gun was used on them. No blood, but lots of burned wounds. There must have been millions of drones at one time." Ford said.

"Maybe more. Probably less. If you think about the noise we heard, it really was more like angry bees instead of a growl." Rodney said.

"That explains the energy reading this picked up off their bodies and in the air." Ford said waving his Sonic device.

"Right." Rodney said.

"That means the pendant is more than a key." Sheppard said.

"Yeah, probably a pass card to access the system. It took more than the gene to use this." Rodney said moving her hand away to look at the panel. "Ah-ha! The system is in auto-protect mode! They are swarming the forest and killing anyone without the gene! That's why we have been perfectly safe and the Genii keep getting killed."

"And somewhere down the line, this became an initiation rite for royalty, find the next successor." Ford said.

"Right." Rodney said. "Or something like that. They have some Ancient tech back in the castle that works, but it seems only certain people can use it, the royalty that is."

"Well, get it working then." Sheppard said. "We could use those drones if all the Genii come down on us."

She placed her hand back on it, trying again as the two worked on the internal parts.

"Melody, the machine is broken. That's why your pendant isn't glowing and isn't going to until these to fix it." Sheppard said as he saw her concentrating hard.

"It has nothing to do with machines." Melody stated with sadness. "You don't understand, I have failed."

She turned and sat down, still holding her pendant.

"Trust me Melody, they'll get this fixed and then your pendant will glow. After that, we can get you home." Sheppard said as she looked ready to cry. "Right guys?"

"Yeah, no problem." Ford said.

"No problem? We have no idea how this is suppose to be arranged…" Rodney began.

"Well, these two crystal's go here." Ford said putting them in their slots.

"They all almost fit all the other slots. How do you know where they even go?" Rodney asked.

Ford waved his Sonic device and then moved another to a different slot, getting a different buzz noise from his device.

"Wrong noise, wrong slot."

"You've got to tell me how that works." Rodney said in amazement.

"One of these days. Ah, right slot for that one."

"Huron, come in." a voice said from a object nearby.

"Sheppard, can you get that?" Ford asked.

"Sure." Sheppard said walking over to grab the CB unit off one of the stunned men. "What am I suppose to do?"

"Talk." Rodney said. "Make something up."

"Huron here." Sheppard said in a deeper voice.

"What's your status?" came over the line.

"Good."

"Elaborate?"

"Um…" Sheppard said looking to them and finding no help. "Still looking at this strange structure."

"Any idea of its function yet?"

"No."

"What does Nebo think?"

"Um…"

Ford made a hand signal that indicated taking a leak.

"He's off taking a leak at the moment."

"Nebo, what's going on?" came from the other man's unit.

Ford walked over and grabbed it from Johns hand, putting his Sonic Screwdriver to the mike.

"Might want to cover your ears." Ford said.

A high pitched whine came out of the unit and cries of pain were heard mixed in. Ford tossed it aside quickly as he pulled his cell.

"Okay, that should by us a minute if we are lucky. Sam, I'm calling the T.A.R.D.I.S…." Ford said into the phone.

"You can't right now. We're in the process of creating urgently needed medical supplies for a team to take off world. This was suppose to be a simple walk and come home thing. What's going on?" Carter asked.

"Problem with the Genii. We'll be fine though, no worries." Ford said hanging up.

"We'll be fine?" Sheppard asked. "We are heavily outnumbered!"

"Yea of little faith. Rodney, quick crash course. When it makes this noise.." Ford said as it buzzed. "Wrong slot. If it makes another noise, right slot. Scan the crystal first and then use it over a slot. Don't mess with the settings or you might cause who knows what sort of trouble."

"Okay." Rodney said.

"Sheppard, get behind one of these walls with her." Ford said pointing at one.

"And you do what?" Sheppard asked.

"Protect Rodney, what else?"

She didn't really want to move, but went anyway as he pulled her behind a former brick wall that was about four feet high and covered in moss like the rest of the ruins.

"Got three more. Six to go." Rodney said.

"Harmony, there is going to be a lot of noise soon, especially when he fires his guns. So, I need you to stay down, keep your ears covered and don't move unless I say so. Okay?" Sheppard asked.

"If things are going to be so bad, why not give me a gun anyway?"

"Because as soon as that machine is fixed…" Sheppard said as she opened her mouth to say otherwise. "It will be fixed, you will get a glowing necklace and then become Queen. Point is, until it is fixed, you can't do anything except stay put and keep your ears covered so you don't loose your hearing."

"Once the system is online, Rodney can run for cover behind the wall and she can move in and call the drones for help. I'll cover her then." Ford said as he twirled his personal cannons nervously.

"Hey, I got it!" Rodney said as the system lit up.

"Melody!" Sheppard yelled as she took off and moved outside the cover of the rock wall.

"Move!" Ford yelled as he took his Sonic Screwdriver back, shut the panel and pushed Rodney as gun fire erupted around them.

Rodney tripped near the wall by her as Ford turned around firing shots. Sheppard let loose with gun fire, taking a man out as he tried to get closer.

"Move, quickly." Rodney said shoving her as he kept her from being hit.

Teran moved up behind the cover of a tree as three of his men where blown back from one shot each. A few rounds hit the tree making him stay put for the moment. Rodney and her were behind the wall as Ford jumped over behind it quickly.

"You are surrounded! You have limited ammunition and I have unlimited men!" Teran yelled.

"Well, we have something better!" Ford shouted.

Teran saw two of his men behind the cover of a fallen pillar drop back dead as a couple rounds went through the rock.

"I have a couple hundred rounds of that, if you don't back off now!" Ford yelled.

"Really?" Sheppard asked as Ford shook his head and signaled he had a few clips.

"Give up the girl and we'll let you live!" Teran yelled.

"They will never give me up to the likes of you savages!" Melody screamed. "They'd rather die defending me! When my sisters hear of this, the Genii will be finished, you hear?! Finished!"

"How do you think we knew where to find you little one? And why we only wanted you in the first place?!" Teran yelled.

"You lie! Come at us with everything you got!" Melody yelled.

Three men that he signaled to move were shot dead in the head, by Sheppard, as they moved out into the open.

"I have explosive ammo as well! You really want to die?!" Ford yelled.

"You have one minute!" Teran yelled.

"General, we need a plan." Sheppard said quickly as he went to shout back.

"Plan is simple, we eliminate the threats and go home." Ford said changing clips.

"We can die, remember?" Sheppard asked.

"Provide cover for me. I will go out and summon the beast and smite them." Melody stated.

"I…." Sheppard began.

"Colonel, you move to where I am after I run out. Both of you shoot anything that moves. Once I have fired off four of my explosive rounds, you move in and call those drones." Ford said.

"It is a beast." Melody stated.

"Whatever you want to call it princess." Ford said.

"This is a bad idea! She could get hit or killed!" Sheppard stated.

"Okay, new plan. Same for the two of you, watch my sides. You, follow behind right behind me. Once I am at the panel, you do your thing call those drones." Ford said.

"Beast." Melody said.

"Whatever!" the three men said.

"You're time…" Teran began yelling.

Reminding himself to lodge a complaint and to possibly second guess himself on asking the General to come along on the next mission, he moved over as the two moved. Four explosions into the hill, several feet apart, left a nice dust cloud making it hard for the Genii to see because of the surprise attack. Ford kept firing as Rodney and Sheppard firing into the dust cloud as they saw movement. Teran turned to shoot only to be blasted back and down the incline as the tree he was behind exploded on one side. Fire was exchanged back and forth, mostly from the Atlantis team side as the men were disorientated. Seeing the part in the back of his coat, she moved under it and saw the panel. Grabbing her pendant, she put her hand on the panel, smiling as it lit up. John and Rodney moved in closer, hitting targets easily as they were still confused by the dozen explosions all around. Looking up, they heard a buzzing noise and saw several dozen small yellow drones flying around through the air and then forward into the Genii. As Ford dropped his two clips into his pockets, Sheppard moved in closer and fired off a quick burst into a man that was drawing a bead on Ford.

"Thanks."

"Looks like they are either dead or retreating." Rodney said as the dust was settling.

"You all have displayed great bravery." Melody said turning to them proudly. "You were willing to sacrifice yourselves for my life and restored the ruins. You are heroes."

"All in a days work for us." Sheppard said as he replaced his clip like Ford did.

"The gods have deemed me worthy." Melody said looking at her glowing pendant. "I am now Queen."

"Sorry to disappoint you your majesty." Ford said while putting his guns away. "But it works for me as well."

Touching her pendant and then the console, she was a bit surprised as several drones came from somewhere behind them and swirled above their heads.

"Now, we set it back to auto-protect, for the next successor to come in, maybe a hundred years or more." Ford said holding his hand out as one of the drones stopped above his hand and quit glowing. "What do you know? Looks just like the ones we have, but much larger. Kinda cute."

"Let's get out of here before the Genii figure on a counter attack." Sheppard said.

"Can I see that?" Rodney asked.

"Don't loose it." Ford said as he handed it over. "Coming your Majesty."

"You were deemed worthy by the gods because you are king of your kingdom." Melody said. "My sisters will find this most interesting."

"I…..give up." Ford groaned as his shoulders slumped.

"I would have to." Sheppard muttered.

"Wait, speaking of sisters…" Rodney began as they took off, Melody being extremely happy as she skipped along. "Which one do you think was behind the attack on us?"

Once back at the castle, Melody, though not wanting it to be the truth, informed the guards of what happened. They instantly searched Floras room as Melody told her the reason why. Then they went to Meldora's room, barging in as they did with Flora.

"You've survived!" Meldora said getting up from the table where she was reading a book. "Hey, these are my private quarters!"

"It is alright Meldora, they searched my room as well." Flora said. "You should allow it."

"Why?" Meldora asked.

'The Genii attacked us." Melody stated.

"Oh, well, it was a good thing that Colonel Sheppard and those other two were there to protect you." Melodora said not sounding as concerned as she should.

"They knew the location of the ruins Meldora, how?" Flora asked.

"You ask as if I would know." Melodra stated as a guard placed a CB unit on the table that was found in her drawer. "You are to young to be Queen, Melody!"

"Perhaps, but when you are released from prison, you will be too old to remember." Melody said.

Several hours later, after some coronation ceremony and getting things and people ready, the three were standing in front of the throne chair, several feet away, while many of the people were behind them standing as Melody was sitting in the chair. She had a tight blue regal gown on with a small circlet that made up her crown. Flora stood off to her right, smiling like many of the other people. Sheppard, Rodney and Ford were still in the same outfits seeing as they weren't allowed to go back just yet until after a special ceremony.

"Doctor Rodney McKay, Colonel John Sheppard and King General Ford …" Melody said while standing.

The other two looked at him with a smile that was anything but funny for Ford as he sighed and tried not to show his displeasure at what Melody and her people thought of him, even though he did try to tell them otherwise.

"Your contributed to my people may never be able to be repaid." Melody said.

"Well, we didn't do it for compensation your highness-ness." Sheppard said bowing slightly.

"Kiss ass." Rodney muttered.

"I personally own you all a debt of gratitude, for helping defeat the regicidal Genii. I have had one of our courts finest artist feature you, in a rendering of our glorious victory." Melody said proudly.

She moved over and nodded to two men that were behind the throne. A green curtain was pulled off the wall and showed a painted picture of the group of them. It showed her with her hand on the small pillar and the surrounding area much better looking than it really was. Sheppard was firing his gun off one direction on the left side of the painting while Rodney was firing another direction on the right side. Ford was behind her, one gun pointed at everyone as it fired, and the other firing off to the right. A swirl of the mini drones were laced around like they moved from behind the two guys and then near her before going off the painting.

"Well, that's pretty close to what happened." Rodney said as he clapped with everyone else.

"I think it is a good rendering." Sheppard said proudly.

"Oh god, she really made them think I was a king." Ford groaned with his eyes closed. "No wonder everyone keeps calling me royal names."

The clapping continued as the two looked up seeing that the pendant she wore in the painting, that was glowing, was also around Ford's neck as well.

"I can't wait to see how Sam reacts to this." Sheppard said. "I hear similar versions of the painting, though smaller, were made for us to take home."

This only made him groan even more, but still clap anyway.