Authors Rant
So, yeah I'm not sure how long this chapter is in relation to the other two.
I'm posting this now because of two reasons:
1. I don't want to post too long chapter, in case people will hate me for it and goes 'too much didn't read'
2, I needed to post SOMETHING

Actually I've gotten further on paper but not into the computer. Just as for everyone else holidays was a crazy period, on so many levels. So yeah, that's my excuse why more hasn't gotten done. It'll have to do.

As I said before this is a Re-Write of the episode "The Tower" which is in the end of the second seasons of SGA (or so I remember)
I will complete this. Just have patience!

I don't own any Stargates

Point of Ascension

Chapter Three
"What did they hold against you? Pitchforks?"

It was a beautiful bright day on a planet the Atlantis expedition hadn't previously visited. McKay stopped for a wheel cart passing a dusty road, waving for the man to hurry up and pass him. He had a obvious expression of discontent on his face. Frustration played through his entire body when he inhaled deeply and sighed to try and find some relief, it didn't work.
"If we're hoping these people have something to trade, we are wasting our time. From the looks of it, they barely have enough food to feed themselves." He moved under the sunshelter of a house while Teyla and Ronon listened to him. "And their technology.. well, let's just say that this about sums it up, huh?" He grabbed a a scythe with a thin blade and a crooked handle and held it up.
Teyla turned towards him, wondering how she could convince him that this was important work, even though it might seem fruitless at the moment. And she knew she would probably fail.
"Establishing good relations with our neighbours is not just about trade." She tilted her head slightly
"Right. But do we need to make friends with every primitive agrarian culture in the Pegasus galaxy?" He hung back the tool.
"Alright, that's enough." Sheppard came out of the house holding a knife in one hand and something that resembled a turnip in the other. "They can't all be planets with cool technology and open minded women." He cut up the top of the strange vegetable and sniffed, it had a surprisingly sweet smell to it.
"I don't see why not!" McKay exclaimed, and Sheppard silently agreed that it would've been rather nice.
"Greetings." The voice of an old man cut into their conversation. "I am Eldred."
His clothes were simple. Actually calling them simple would be an understatement. Even in the time of earth's medieval the common people coloured their clothes as best they could. This fabric bore the colour of whatever organic material it had meed created from. The cut was very straight and simple, and the clothes were well worn and in need of repairs.
"I am Sheppard. This is Ronon, Teyla, McKay." He raised his hands towards his team.
Eldred walked slowly pass them with a look mixed of wonder, worry and nervousness. Given them each a look he then stood gazing out the village, not having time to dwaddle he turned back to them. "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, but it's harvest time and we must prepare our tribute for the Tower."
"The Tower?" Sheppard furrowed his brows.
"You must come from a distant land indeed if you have not heard of the Tower. I don't know of anyone who is not under its protection." The man seemed a bit startled.
"Protection from what?" Teyla already had a bad feeling.
"The Wraith."
Teyla lowered her eyes when feeling was confirmed.
"And how is it this 'Tower' protects you, hm?" McKay asked, convinced that this wasn't about real action, but a religious belief.
"It has a great weapon capable of annihilating the Wraith ships which descends from the sky."
"Yeah but how?"
"Thousands of bright lights rise up from the ground to swarm an destroy their ships."
"Upon this explanation Teyla, Sheppard and McKay had a realisation.
"That sounds an awful lot like-"
"Is this Tower nearby?" Sheppard Cut McKay off before he said anything classified.
"It is not too long of a walk. Come, I will show you."
The old man started off down the village, The group exchange looks before following him. Though Sheppard couldn't help but lean towards McKay.
"Little better than a Scythe, wouldn't you say?"

Walking through the forest towards the rumoured Tower McKay semi-shouted from him place in the back of the row.
"If this Tower is so important, roads might be in order?"
"Well, yes." Eldred answered. "There are roads. But the Tower is only for the nobles. And I wouldn't want to upset our Lord Protector with any unwanted presence. Here, you can see it from this hill." He pointed up a knoll with only a few young trees swaying in the wind. They all picked up the pace.
There was silence between them. As they had walked up the small hill the structure had become more and more visible. And before they even saw it all there was no discussing it. This was Lantean structure. The tower was spotted with green moss and vines and seemed to have suffered age badly. But it still stood tall, rising up from a valley.
"Is it my imagination or does that look like.."
"The central spire of Atlantis?" Teyla cut off the Colonel, agreeing.
"Yes.. This is where the lights come from?"
"Yes."
"Have you seen this yourself?" McKay suddenly alot more interested in the planet.
"The old man shifted his weight and hesitated.
"No.. The Wraith have not come for many generations now. But.. Sometimes the Lord Protector feels he must.. Demonstrate this power to the people."
Even though he wrapped his words softly all four of the Atlantis team understod the underlying meaning of this.
"Is there any chance we could meet this, uh, Lord Protector?"
"Only members of the royal court is allowed in the tower. Meeting with the Lord may prove difficult."
Teyla turned towards the man with a smile.
"As you said yourself, we have traveled from very faraway lands. Perhaps they would consider an exception, just this one?"
"I'll do what I can." He nodded, but wasn't too happy about it when he turned to head back to the village.
"You know of this weapon?" Ronon asked when Eldred was out of earshot.
"We call 'em drones." Sheppard answered. "We've used them to defend both earth and Atlantis before. But we could always use some more."
"If these people have working drone technology there should be at least one active ZedPM."
"This structure seemed to have endured a long period of time." Teyla turned her eyes to Sheppard. "Perhaps Vera have some knowledge about it."
"Yeah, good point. Alright. Teyla, Ronon, go with Eldred back to the village, me and McKay will head back to the jumper-"
"Actually I was thinking I could get closer to the Tower and get some readings."
"Alright. Teyla, Ronon - Village. McKay - Tower and me - Jumper. Lets go."

"How did you manage such a damage anyway?" Vera stood up after examining the damaged grounding station.
"Well, bullets mostly." Zalenka admitted.
"Bullets?" She asked with a neutral face, but had a clear feeling of scepticism. No weapon she had ever used would cause a damage such as this.
"There was a hostage situation and-" He stopped, suddenly realizing. "You're not wondering why we were shooting at it.."
"No, not really."
"We haven't developed any weapons close to your energy based ones. We use lead bullets for our arms."
"Ah, that would explain it. Unfortunately it caused such damage that is difficult to repair. At least it is beyond my knowledge. We will need to replace it."
"That was our conclusion aswell."
"The should be a component in storage." She turned towards the corridor.
"There should be?" He asked in confusion. They hadn't found anything of the sort.
"Yes, not too far from here-" She checked the corridor for orientation and was about to start to the right of the hall when Weirs voice reached her through the ships intercom.
"Vera, could I ask you to come to the Gateroom?"
"I guess we will have to postpone reparations." She bowed her head lightly before leaving the Czech scientist with his confusion.
When she arrived at the Gateroom the Stargate was active. The familiar picture and sound from the Stargate made such a sharp contrast to this unfamiliar people. Though it had only been days she had learnt that they were an eager people. Willing to learn and a lust for adventure. But there were also a lot of different personalities among them, much like her own people. Without realising she had stopped, gazing into that bright blue pool and was brought back to the presence by Weir voice. Vera located her and walked up to a console. Weir pointed to one of their laptop screens.
"Do you recognize this address?" Weir showed her the chevron sequence. Vera read it and nodded.
"Yes, I have been there before."
"Colonel Sheppard just reported sighting of a structure not much different from the central spire of Atlantis."
"Just the one spire?"
"We never came up close to it. It's possible there's more. But it seems to be overgrown by nature." Sheppard's voice crackled through the radio.
"There should be a ship who's structure is identical to Atlantis." There was no pint in hiding this, she figured. Besides, she was curious to go there herself.
"McKay headed over to take some readings. I'll contact him and get back-"
"No need." Vera cut him of and Weir turned her head towards her. "I'll come myself."
"Really?" Weir was a bit puzzled. She had thought the woman would rather not leave Atlantis.
"If this is the ship I believe it to be, there could be supplies Atlantis could have a use for."
"Alright."

Moments later Sheppard came back to the village with Vera walking by his side. Her appearance most certainly didn't draw any less attention than Sheppard had done when his team arrived. She wore clothes in bright white. A long sleeve with tight fit arms and over this a leather vest sown in layers which made an arrow pattern pointing towards the ground. Her pants didn't differ much from the style the other military of the Atlantis expedition wore, except they too were bright white. After explaining all that happened to her he posed a question.
"Any chance this people in the tower are ancients?"
"No." The answer came quick and without a doubt. "They are probably not much different from yourself. Descendants from my people who have mixed with the population."
"You're that sure?"
"Our society is founded on a very clear principle Colonel: Free will. My people would never oppress others humans such as this."
"Yeah." He had dismissed the thought himself. But he was curious of what they might find in that tower, and what she might expect to find.
At the center of the village a terrible scene was developing. Involving Eldred and four men, dressed completely different to the villagers. It seemed almost as if they came from a different era. Black fitted uniforms, decorated with bands of red and a shimmer of gold. Their boots were of proper leather and all wore weapons at their belts. The contrast was so extreme John frowned without realizing it.
"Who are these guys?"
"Soldiers from the Tower." Ronan nodded towards them with dark eyes.
"They do not seem to take too well to our request." Teyla had a shadow of guilt in her eyes and concern written all over her face.
A feeling that proved to be well founded when one of the soldiers suddenly stroke the old man so hard he spun to the ground. Sheppard's team instantly reacted walking over to the group. Vera, however, remained at the spot, watching.
"Whoa whoa whoa! Take it easy!"
"Who are you?" The man who had struck Eldred also seemed to be their leader. He turned around to face Sheppard.
"Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard, who are you?"
"I am a constable of the Lord Protectors guard." His face was near void of emotions. "And this village scum, dared to defy me." He gestured towards Eldreds covering frame. "It's clear we're going to have to make an example." The soldier casually unhooked the whip at his side.
But this would not be tolerated by either Sheppard, Teyla or Ronon who drew their weapons as one man. Pointing it at the leader.
"I don't think so." Both defiance and confidence could be found in his voice.
"Please Colonel!" Eldred pleaded, getting to his knees. "It's my fault."
But Sheppard wouldn't listen.
"If you think I'm going to sit here and let you whip an innocent man.. You're sorely mistaken."
Tension hung in the air but was cut by a new unfamiliar voice.
"Constable."
Sheppard reacted instantly turning around with his sidearm pointing at the new stranger. Ronon covered his back, keeping his eyes on the soldiers. Teyla held the P90 trailed at the larger group.
"You may stand down." His voice was soft and carried no ill will whatsoever, the soldiers obeyed. This new stranger was dressed properly in a style that reminded of earth 15th century, but the colours were more modest than the soldiers. "You are the strangers who requested the audience, are you not?" Casually he reached within his pockets and pulled out two devices they all recognize as Lantean. He held them up to demonstrate it was no weapon and then carefully begun scanning them, one by one.
"That's us"
"My name is Otho. I have the honour to be Chamberlain to the Lord Protector. And you would never be allowed in his presence so armed." He said with a soft smile.
"Well, I guess we have to be on our way then." There were hints of both frustration and impatience in his voice.
The scanner in Otho's hand made a sound and he looked up at Shepperd with some wonder. At this point Vera, who had remained out of sight watching the events, stepped forward.
"I carry no weapons. And I too request an audience with the Lord Protector."
The Chamberlain looked over at her with surprise, but soon switched to a smile. He then scanned her aswell and the device made the same sound as when he had scanned the Colonel.
"And that you shall have." He said with a slight impulsive bow. "Take this man as well." He pointed at Sheppard and tucked away the device.
It caused the entire team to realign their weapons on the Chamberlain and the soldiers, high on alert. Eldred rose and got grabbed by the soldiers. Pleading "Please Colonel, don't resist. The Lord Protector sees all."
"He does, you know." Otho reassured him. "But I suppose you're going to need a demonstration." The situation remained unsolved as a peculiar sound becomes louder and closer. "And here it comes now."
Just as John wondered how the man could be so calm and assured of the situation he stepped to the side to show a yellow light flying through the air. Those who had seen the weapon before recognized it as a drone and watched as it struck a cart in the middle of the village. Causing a loud fiery explosion, but hurting no-one. The villagers screams and falls to their knees. But none of them dare to run away in fear. They all remain with their eyes to the ground, no matter how much they're shaking. The team, however, remains unfazed by the threat.
"Now, please, turn over your weapons. Some of the people here may not survive the next strike." Even though there is concern in his voice, his demands are final. And after a final plea from Eldred Sheppard reluctantly lowers his pistol and nods to the others to surrender their weapons.

While walking towards the tower Sheppard spoke quietly with Vera.
"Weir sent you here unarmed?"
"Dr. Zalenka told me of your weaponry. If you are using weapons firing lead bullets I suppose you are still in the use of gunpowder. Which in turn means the weapon recoil."
"Yeah.."
"I would be useless carrying such a weapon, Colonel."
"Oh, right." He would admit there was a huge difference in firing energy based weapons and using their own pistols. He suddenly noted she checked the sky, the sun and then oriented their surroundings. And it seemed she guessed the direction of the road even before it turned. "You know, you have this uncanny way of always seeming to know where you're going."
"I've kept our bearing in relation to the gate in mind. Granted the environment have changed but the sun still rise and fall as before."
"That doesn't really explain anything. How would you know where we're going?"
"I'm the one who landed this ship here Colonel. I'll be damned if I couldn't find it again, wouldn't you say?" She gave him the slightest of smiles, Indicating that, yes, she was actually making a joke.
"Well yeah... It's a pretty big thing to loose." He admitted.
They took a sharp turn and the forest started to clear and unraveled a view of the spire. As it had seemed from afar the surroundings had overgrown the structure. For a moment Vera slightly frowned. Almost nothing from the base of the ship could be seen. The centre base and the main spiral rose high to the air. The doors wasn't operational, a great gate of wood and stone had been built in its stead. Guards now hurried to open the gates for them and the both threw each other a glance before entering the building.

Meanwhile McKay returned to the village in the company of his local guide Baldric; a young slightly nervous man. He had continuously tried to warn about going too close to the Tower, that only nobles was allowed and the punishment they could suffer. McKay was now happy that the young man veered off towards a different part of town. It didn't take long before he noticed the aftermath of the explosion and stopped in front of the burnt ground. Teyla and Ronon met him there.
"What happened here?" The question was meant for two things; the unexplained destruction and their obvious lack of weaponry.
"There were guards from the Tower, the took Vera and John with them."
"And our weapons."
"What, and you let them? What did they hold against you? Pitchforks?"
"They are on control of the drone technology. This destruction was caused by one."
"Really?" He looked over the blown up wheel cart. "And no one was hurt?"
"No."
"That's pretty good shooting, actually. I mean if they only meant to scare people."
"This is Sheppard are you reading me?" The radio suddenly crackled to life and Teyla was quick to answer.
"Colonel! Are you alright?"
"Yeah, we're both fine. Is McKay back yet?"
"Right here."
"Let me guess. Your readings tells you that the underground structure is the same seize as Atlantis?"
"Well yeah and there's -Wait, how did you know that?"
"Oh just a hunch. Did you find anything on a ZPM?"
"Yes there's definitely an active ZedPM in there. But it's hard to determine if it's just not drawing much power right now or nearly depleted."
"There should be three of them." They heard Vera's voice in the background.
"Vera, is that you?" McKay had completely missed to register her name when Teyla told him both she and John had been taken to the tower.
"Yes."
"Well my readings only register one active. I guess there could be more in storage."
"I doubt this people have the wit to household with ZPM's." Sheppard commented.
"Colonel, the Lord Protector has arrived."
"Alright, talk to you guys later."

The Lord Protector came walking into the room with one servant at each arm. As soon as he was visible for Vera and John he shakes them off. Grunting that he is quite capable of carrying himself. There is no doubt that the court doesn't suffer any misery. Their clothing was colourful and of luxurious fabrics. The fashion a mixture of 15th-16th-century earth-fashion. They all had plump healthy figures with full rosy cheeks on fair white skin. The servants, or slaves, were male for the men and female for the women. All dressed unanimously to their employers will.
There was alot of subtlite statement of power and wealth among these nobles. Clothes, servants, jewelry all serving to elevate oneself. Therefore it seemed slightly surprising that this Lord Protector, who should be equal to a king, was not the one dressed as royally as expected.
He was clearly not at his most vital time of his life. But he knew his power well and didn't so much as grace the strangers with a single glance until he was securely seated on his throne. A throne that was much familiar to the two strangers at this court.
The throne was nothing less than the Control chair, and the room had been turned into their most glorious hall for just this purpose; to receive and impress visitors. The walls was decorated with plants, woven tapestry and various crests. Only letting the original blue colour of the walls hint in between the artworks. The balconies was all filled with people carefully watching what unfolded. The original lights still worked, as well as some of the doors that smoothly slid open. Others had been left open with a beautiful cloth serving as a screen.
The Lord Protector swept his cloak around himself before he seated the throne. At his left side a young blond woman took seat in a masterly carved wooden chair. At his right a slightly older redhaired man remained standing in front of an identical chair. Also the man who had presented himself as Ohto took post behind the Lord.
"You there." He raised his hand to wave them forward. "Approach." He spoke with a flow which indicated that this was a man who was rarely disobeyed. Perhaps that was why he felt there was no need for extravagant clothing; his command was completly obeyed.
They did as told and stepped up to the chair. Sheppard politely smiling, Vera keeping a neutral face. The colonel started to introduce himself but the Lord Protector waved him off.
"I know who you are. I saw you in the village."
"You did?" He couldn't remember noticing the old man watching them. Or even imagine him leaving the comfort of his home.
"I see all that I need to see within my domain."
If they had only been slightly surprised that the chair lit up as he had sat in it, they seemed even less unfazed when he now took hold of the armrests so that the chair reclined and a holografic screen appeared. Much like the screens Vera had shown them only days before. This lack of reaction was noted by Otho who seemed both disturbed and surprised by the fact.
The screen showed them the village, panning to the right Teyla, Ronon and McKay talking too each other. It slowly zoomed in on the three, Ronon seeming ever so restless while the other two are trying to calm him with reasoning.
"You're friends.. They are concerned about you." The old man stated, looking directly at Sheppard.
"Well.. To be completely honest I'm a bit concerned about us too. We, uh, are prisoners here, no?"
The old man gave a smile which reason seemed to be secret to all but himself. He folded his hands in his lap, bringing the chair up. "This show of force was necessary for the benefit of the villagers. It keeps them from getting... Ideas."
Revolutionary ideas, I bet. Sheppard thought. But wisely decided to keep these thoughts to himself.
"For the moment I would prefer it if you regarded your honoured selves as our most honoured guests." He gestured with his hand, implying his generosity and smiled cunningly. Both parties understood the meaning of "guests" in this situation. Vera nodded respectfully while Sheppard seemed more doubtful of his words.
"My Lord, I must object." The young redhaired man standing at the Lord's side took a step forward. All eyes shifted to him. He seemed confident with the attention. More than confident; comfortable. Like the others in this roomed he was dressed lavishly. But was somewhat restricted in his taste. "While I agree that this Lady is most welcome," He gave her a reassuring nod. "this man should be punished. He openly challenged one of our constables.
"One of our constables?" The Lord's retort was quick and hard.
"Forgive me." He said, seeming unfazed. "One of your constables." He bowed slightly to emphasise his apology. After this mistake it seemed he didn't dare continue his case.
"Lieutenant Colonel Sheppard and Lady..." The Lord continued and watched Vera. Realising he hadn't seen her at all in the village.
"Vera." She answered with deliberately soft voice.
"And Lady Vera. It would be my pleasure that you dine with us this evening."
"It will be to our enjoyment and honour, My Lord." Again bowing her head. It had been a strange and small victory for the two strangers at this court. While the Lord Protector had claimed to know all he needs to know in his domain, he had still been forced to ask for her name. It had earned her one of his secret smiles. So when she asked him that perhaps she could be allowed a audience with him in private, the Lord granted it without a doubt.
This meeting thus ended with her delight and Sheppard nervously smiling while the Lord was escorted out. The prince looking at him with threat and the princess eyeing him with curiosity.
"Oh fun." He whispered to himself.

Rant part 2
So yes, there's alot of things that are exactly the same as the episode. I enjoy changing things from the screen down to words. I hope you enjoyed reading it as I enjoyed writing it. It's going to vary more in the next chapter. As I'm giving the protector more screen-time and a deeper personality.
Also, look forward to a small catacomb adventure!