While looking for suitable stargates to harvest for their new Intergalactic Bridge, the team comes across a small village with a revered leader. To their surprise the village's leader, Lucius, has an obnoxious manner and an utter lack of credibility.

Scouring the Atlantian database Dr. Rodney McKay discovers a reference to an abandoned Ancient testing site. Investigating the site, the team discovers a vast metropolis supporting millions of Ancients. Eager to create an alliance with such an advanced society, Weir is shocked when their leader Oberoth refuses the offer.