When Scorpius runs into trouble decoding the wormhole technology taken from Crichton's brain, he appeals to John for an alliance - offering to reveal his own shrouded past.

While inspecting a mysterious weapon on a distant planet, Carter is inexplicably knocked unconscious. She is taken back to the SGC, leaving another team to investigate the aspects of the weapon. Carter finds that an ascended Ancient, Orlin, has followed her back to Earth. At first, she thinks he is imaginary, but then Orlin takes on a real human form to interact with her. He tells her testing the weapon will destroy the planet, and should not be tested. However, other forces now know of Orlin, and are watching Carter's every move. Things come to a head as Carter tries to stop the test firing of the weapon, and the secret governmental group's attempt to capture Orlin.