Sheppard and the others are now in control of the one remaining hive ship with most of the Wraith transformed into human form, courtesy of the retrovirus. They do learn something interesting about female Wraiths, however. After they return to Atlantis, the question becomes one of what to do with the Wraiths who are again human, especially Michael who has proved to be quite helpful. Elizabeth Weir meanwhile is surprised to hear that she is to return to Atlantis as the expedition leader. She will be accompanied however by Richard Woolsey who is to review her leadership and make recommendations to the International Oversight Advisory on whether she should be allowed to continue.

A group of beings stranded in sub-space seek help from Atlantis to return to normal space. But their outrageous claims and erratic behavior strains the trust of their benefactors and forces a painful solution.

Rodney is infected with a deadly illness known as "second childhood" which diminishes his mind capabilities and makes him lose his memory gradually.