The group was directed to a large open area with a low table in it. Thick cushions surrounded it. These were not a people who used chairs. Given that their knees worked somewhat differently that was understandable. Each of the group took a seat on a cushion and several of the Furlia did as well. Platters of food were brought out. A spiced meat that smelled delicious and made their mouths water, fruits and nuts. Either the Furlia were somewhat omnivorous or they really were used to a variety of visitors. Or both. The Pack scented the food and their hosts. They detected neither poison, drugs or deception.

"It okay for us to eat, Sheppard." Xander said. "Like us, these people practice honesty. They can scent deception, so being deceitful is unnecessary simply because they'd know."

"Good to know, especially since it smells delicious."

"It does, doesn't it. That meat is making my mouth water." He could scent the amusement of their hosts at his own honesty. Soon they were digging in. They ate by hand, but none minded. "Don't worry I'm not scenting anything citrus related, not even the fruits. They're closer to apples." Soon Rodney was digging in as well. Their hosts proved they were, at least somewhat omnivorous when they tossed the fruits in the air and caught them in their mouths and chomped, then swallowed. A good way for a human to choke, so none of them tried it.

Thalnan returned and told them, their scientists had left to exam the Stargate, they needed it working correctly as well, since they used it for travel and trade throughout their galaxy. "We have ships, but since we are a people that prefer not to be confined for long periods, we use them sparingly. May I ask you a question Xander, I do not wish to offend."

"Go ahead."

"We can scent the animal within you, but from our brief mind touch earlier, I know you are not shifters, could you explain this to us?"

Oh boy, this involved explaining something AG 1 wasn't cleared to know. But their hosts, might prove to be allies, plus they had known the Ancients, so it was likely they'd understand, even if AG 1 didn't.

"We are two souled. I could show you, if you would permit another mind touch."

"Please, go ahead. We are all curious." Xander knew that, he could scent it. He reached out and touched Thalnan's head. Connecting to a human wasn't possible for the Protectors, but the Furlia were part animal, so while it was somewhat difficult, Xander was able to establish a link. He showed Thalnan the Guardian Ritual and the Bonding Ceremony.

"Ah. I understand. The Altera practiced this as well."

"Yes, they taught our ancestors. It is also why they mingled the bloodlines, since the humans of Earth lacked the ability to Bond."

"But why do this? I did not see that in what you showed me."

"The Altera made a mistake in judgement. Perhaps you are aware of it? They attempted to access other dimensions to use as a means of travel. They found life in those dimensions. Life that wishes to consume us. They beat back the creatures and sealed the rifts. When they returned to Earth 10,000 years ago, it was to discover that the rifts had weakened and somethings were venturing out. They taught us how to make Protectors so we would have a means of protecting ourselves. Perhaps they attempted to reseal the rifts or they lost the means to do so, I don't know, that knowledge has not come down to us. The rifts continue to weaken, we seal them when we can, in a manner we have created. In the meantime, Protectors along with others, guard the rifts and repel incursions."

"I am saddened by this news. We know of this error in judgement. It occured before an Alliance with them. They spoke to us of it as a warning for us not to try such a thing ourselves. We took their warning to heart and have not."

"That's good to know." Xander felt relieved, he'd hate it if these friendly people had to deal with the awful things that came out of the Hellmouths. Too bad the Ancients couldn't take their own advice. "These rifts just feel so wrong to us. So different to what is normal for us, not to mention, most of what comes out of them, wants to eat us. May I ask you a question, as well?" Xander asked.

"Yes, it is only fair."

"We have long been curious about the Alliance between the Altera, the Nox, the Asguard and yourselves, but aside from the exchange of knowledge on Heliopolis, we know nothing. Would this be something you could tell us of?"

"Certainly, it began as an exchange of knowledge, but became more when the Altera were attacked from another galaxy. Beings that called themselves, the Teetanians attempted an aggressive expansion into the Altera's galaxy. We joined with them as friends to repel the attack. It was an extremely large force of hundreds of ships. A titanic battle. They had conquered several galaxies in this manner. Overwhelm the inhabitants by large numbers and maintain an iron grip. We succeeded in repelling them. We maintained several outposts within the Altera's galaxy for a time in case they returned. The Asguard did as well. When many centuries had passed and they did not return, it was decided we would withdrew our outposts. The Asguard decided they would as well, only sending an occasional ship to survey. Then the Altera and we lost contact with each other. After a time, we sent a delegation, but found Terra barren, only animals. What became of them, we do not know."

"A plague, created by the creatures from the rifts. It decimated their population. They believed they had eradicated it, but since there were so few of them left, they decided to start over elsewhere and departed. Seven city ships were sent to seven different galaxies. The one sent to the Pegasus Galaxy, their descendants are the ones that returned to Earth 10,00 years ago and taught our Ancestors before they Ascended."