When Rodney appeared in the infirmary two mornings later, claiming an allergy attack, Carson was definitely concerned. Rodney did have allergies, and while he tended to exaggerate them a bit and worry more than he should, that didn't change the fact that the allergies were very real. Discovering that he'd been exposed to itching powder was less concerning. At least as far as the medical staff was concerned. Not so much Elizabeth and Sheppard. After all this meant someone had once again bypassed the security system, as well as the alerts Rodney had put in place. But of most concern, was that whoever was pulling these pranks might just be testing the system, readying for something bigger. Elizabeth ordered a full diagnostic to try to figure out how they were bypassing the system. Rodney left to get started on it right way.

"Well this day isn't starting out so great." Sheppard said to Elizabeth. "Hopefully, the day will improve. Especially since we're taking Xander to check out that Ancient facility on the Maranian's Homeworld. The one we can't get into at all. Rodney was hoping the strength of Xander's gene would finally get us in there, so we could start exploring it."

"I know, he hasn't shut up about it, since he found out they were finally approved to come to Atlantis. I've blocked off an overnight trip for you, just in case Xander can get you in there, so Rodney can start an evaluation of the site. Do you have any concerns before you go?"

"No, Ronan and I have both sparred with Xander and Teyla sparred with Cordelia. They're both good. He's better. I can tell, he's had actual training. Ronon wants to do some training with him while he's here. Xander said he's willing. He controls his strength well. I think he's used to sparring against others of differing strength. And they both checked out on the weapons."

"Good. Well you leave in two hours. I expect you to get some paperwork done before you go."

Grumbling, he went to do so.

"So what's on your agenda today, my Queen?" Xander asked, as they were getting ready for the day.

"Working with Radak in his lab, seeing if I can activate any of those devices they're having trouble with. Teyla asked if Jesse could go to the mainland with Kanaan and Toran to visit their people. I don't think that should be a problem, do you?"

"No, Jesse will probably enjoy it. He and Toran seem to be getting along well, despite the age difference. He can make a few more friends while he's there. I'll just remind him to use company manners before we head out. I'm looking forward to getting out myself. Atlantis is incredible, but I'm used to getting more exercise."

"I know, me too. But the full moon is next week, so that'll get us out for awhile. Try to stay out of trouble, ok? You have just as much of a tendency to get into trouble as Jesse does."

"We both always try to stay out of trouble. It just sort of, happens."

"Uh huh." Cordelia quirked an eyebrow at him and smiled as he kissed her. On his way out, Xander reminded Jesse to use his company manners and headed to the gate room to join Sheppard and company.

"Why do you have a sword strapped to your back?" Sheppard asked when he saw Xander.

"Because I know how to use it and if we run into any of these Wraith, I want something besides a gun that can run out of bullets to deal with them. I notice, you have one too, Ronan."

Ronan grunted and pulled his from its sheath. "I killed a Wraith and used its leg bone to make this, back when they made me a runner."

"Nice, take down an enemy and get a trophy from him." Xander pulled his own sword. "This was a gift from my father figure, it's a Scottish Claymore. My ancestors were Scottish. They're a people that know how to do war real well. This blade's taken its fair share of enemy heads in its time."

As the people in the gate room stared at the two men from different galaxies discussing swords and killing enemies, Xander and Ronan seemed oblivious. Seemed being the operative word, both were well aware that people were watching them. They were also aware of each other's awareness. They were both amused.

Finally Elizabeth announced that it was time to go and Chuck dialed the Maranian's Homeworld. AG 1 and Xander stepped though. Once on the other side, they set out for the Ancient facility. It was a fair distance from the gate, about five miles. Everyone kept alert for danger while also managing to keep a conversation going. Xander periodically scented the air, familiarizing himself with the scents of this new world.

As they approached the Ancient facility, Rodney was getting more excited. Hopefully, he'd finally get to see what was in this place. Nothing about it showed up in the database, which had him all kinds of curious. Maybe he should have remembered the other times information was lacking in Atlantis' database. He could have saved them all alot of trouble.

Once they reached the facility, they made their way around until they reached a door. Xander placed his hand on the panel and everyone held their breath, waiting to see if he'd be able to open it. When the door slid open, that collective breath was quickly exhaled. The group moved into the facility, Ronan and Sheppard in the lead. It seemed to be starting well.

Deep inside the facility another door slid open, a malfunction allowing it and a few others as well, to open. However well things seem to be going right now, they weren't going to stay that way.