While surveying the Dorandan homeworld, the Atlantis team discovers a destroyed Wraith fleet and lifeless planet below. McKay detects faint energy readings, leading to an abandoned outpost laboratory on the planet. The technology is definitely that of the Ancients and McKay determines that they were working on a vacuum energy power source that would make the Zero Point Module look “like an alkaline battery.” After returning with a full research team, McKay conducts a full test of the power source, resulting in a barely-controlled overload and the death of one of the scientists. Despite Weir’s considerable misgivings, McKay convinces her that he can control the reaction and wants to run another test with just him and Sheppard present. The possibility of a power source that could turn the tide against the Wraith is too promising to dismiss entirely, so she agrees. However, things don’t go entirely according to plan.
Meanwhile, Ronon accompanies Teyla on a trade mission to Belkan. Ronon’s aggressive nature causes him to interfere with Teyla’s delicate negotiations. Afterwards, Teyla learns that someone else from Ronon’s homeworld of Sateda lives on Belkan. Ronon is reunited with a fellow soldier and learns that Kell, his former taskmaster in the Satedan military, is still alive and well. It turns out that not all reunions are happy reunions.
written by Damian Kindler
directed by Martin Wood
music by Joel GoldsmithGuest Cast: David Nykl (Dr. Zelenka), Sean Campbell (?), Mitch Pileggi (Colonel Steven Caldwell), Christopher Gauthier (Mattas), Chuck Campbell (Technician)
Note: Trinity refers to the parcel of land near Alamogordo, New Mexico that served as the first test site for the atomic bomb on July 16, 1945.
LogBook entry by Jeff Godemann