Alexander spotted a tall man and two children in the field ahead of them. They appeared to be playing, maybe catch or something. As his group drew nearer to them, he called out.
"Well met!" The three turned to look at them and the man positioned himself in front of the children, an instinctive response.
"Well met!" He called back. "How may I help you?"
"We seek friendship and possibly trade."
"Then you should speak with Teyla, I will take you to her."
"I would appreciate that."
"A woman leader?" Captain Jenkins said softly.
"Athosia passed leadership though family lines." Alexander responded.
"We have not been known as Athosia in centuries." The man said. "We are Athos. I am Halling."
"I apologize, my information is out of date. I am Alexander, military commander of an expedition from a world known as Earth."
"A military commander seeking trade?"
"Seeking to determine if it is safe to send our negotiator. Yesterday we found a world totally culled."
"I understand. The Wraith have not come in force for a few generations, but we do occasionally lose people to them."
"The city beyond your encampment, it looks to be old."
"It is. We abandoned the cities long ago. Too easy for the Wraith to catch us in them. We move our hunting camps often and stay mobile."
"And try to have moments of peace with your children?"
"Yes."
"My wife and I are expecting our first child. I hope to find such moments with my child as well."
Halling nodded and smiled. They were approaching the tents. "Teyla, I bring visitors!" He called out. A beautiful, dusky skinned woman in her late twenties turned towards them. Halling introduced them and told Teyla what Alexander had told him.
"As Halling said, we have not been known as Athosia in centuries, not since we abandoned the cities. And I have never heard of Earth."
"That's because Earth isn't in this galaxy. Earth use to be known as Terra. It was the seat of the Alterans power in the Avalon galaxy. When they left this galaxy after losing the war with the Wraith, they returned there. We came to see if anyone has survived."
"The Alterans?"
"Lantians, as they were sometimes known as here."
"That is a name that seems familiar. I will think on it. And yes, the Wraith are around. We have not seen them in months though and it has been centuries since the last great culling."
"I'm glad. We seek friendship and trade."
"We have many things worth trading. Not the least of which is the wine we are known for."
"Supplementing our food and clothing supplies is of more interest right now, but what is a celebration without wine?"
"True. We welcome trade, you may send your trade negotiator."
"I will let our leader know. And friendship?"
"One can never have too many friends."
"Also true, would you be willing to point us in the direction of others who may be willing to trade and perhaps be friends as well?"
"Many such worlds are known to us and all welcome trade. Friendship comes with time."
"Then let us hope we have the time." After chatting for a little while longer and getting several gate addresses of worlds that sought trade from Teyla, the small group headed back towards the jumper.
"That went well." Sheppard commented.
"Yes, it did. Athosia, as it was known 10,000 years ago was a world we visited. I remember the cities. Solid and strong, built to last. Maybe one day they can reclaim them."
They returned to Atlantis and made their report to Jon.
"Sounds promising. While we don't need the wine currently, we can still trade for other things." He tapped his communicator. "Dr. Weir, please report to my office."
"I'll be right there." She replied. Once she arrived, Alexander also filled her in.
'Major Lorne's team will escort you to Athos tomorrow, Doctor. Remember, the things we will offer in trade are medical and defense assistance."
"I remember. I'll be ready."
"Good."
Alexander went to find Corda, who'd been helping Allyson and her scientists check labs.
"How's your day been?" He asked when he saw her.
"We've had a good day. We've cleared several labs for Allyson and her people to get started on checking and so far haven't run into any trouble. And yours?"
"Athosia changed their name centuries ago after abandoning their cities. They try to stay mobile to avoid the Wraith, but fortunately haven't experienced a culling in generations."
"What is the world called now?"
"Athos."
"Like Earth, which used to be called Terra. How many other worlds have changed their names in the last 10,000 years? In some ways we have an abundance of information and in others, virtually nothing."
"We're learning, that's the important part. Come on, let's call it a day. I'll give you a back rub."
"That sounds heavenly."
Alexander and Corda had a good night and the next day he and Major Sheppard's team went out again looking for another world that might trade. Major Lorne and his team escorted Dr. Weir to Athos to begin negotiating with them. After finding several good prospects, AG 1 returned to Atlantis. They'd only been back a short while when the Stargate activated, it was Major Lorne.
"We're being attacked. It looks like a ship parked itself in orbit. They're sending out fighters. Request back up!"
Jon turned to Alexander and said . "Take all six primary and secondary teams. Protect them."
Alexander nodded and tapped his communicator. "All gate teams attention! Gear up, personal shields and pulse weapons. Our new friends, along with Major Lorne and Dr. Weir are being attacked, probably by the Wraith. Meet me in the hanger bay." He received various acknowledgment and then directed a call to Corda and let her know what was happening.
"Stay safe and come home." She told him.
"Do my best."
Once the gate teams were assembled in the hanger bay, Alexander briefed them.
"Remember the intelligence I gave you on the Wraith. They have some psychic ability, they produce a fog and make you see things, ghostly images, ignore them. Focus on taking down their fighters and killing them. They will not hesitate to drain a human. Keep your shields on at all times and use only the pulse pistols on them. Don't bother trying to stun, they're too strong for it. Any questions?"
"No, sir!"
"Then let's go help our new friends."