Major Lorne discovers a planet with dozens of satellites in geosynchronous orbit. However, inhabitants on this planet are no further advanced than being themselves in a renaissance period and even stranger, he discovers a flag bearing Rodney McKay's likeness. Informing Rodney and Lt. Col. Sheppard of this, the team realize a game they had found years earlier on Atlantis might actually be much more than just a game.

With the entire city ordered to take a personal day the team does their best to unwind and enjoy their leisure time. Without warning a mysterious explosion rips through the city killing and injuring unsuspecting citizens. Dr. Rodney McKay and Dr. Carson Beckett arrive on the scene to find Teyla critically injured by shrapnel from the explosion. Unable to find explosive residue, the only leads they have to go on are eyewitness accounts saying one of the base-scientists just suddenly exploded.