When Teal'c is trapped in the Stargate buffer, the team must juggle the technical challenges along with personal, interdepartmental and diplomatic rivalries to rescue him in time.

SG-1 brings back an Ancient device, the purpose of which is unknown. When Jonas touched it the device activated. Upon reaching the SGC Jonas sees a large red insect fly into a wall, but no one else can confirm his sighting. The SGC is put into lockdown, but nothing is found. Jonas suspects that the Ancient device is causing his hallucinations, but to his dismay it is set to be shipped to Area 51. When Teal'c and Jack see the bugs as well, General Hammond decides to let Jonas take a crack at deciphering the Ancient text on the device.

The discovery of the Stargate creates a war between two nations on the planet Tegalus with Daniel in the middle of it.

Daniel finds himself in a strange time and place - a diner where Oma is working as a waitress. She gives him a clear choice - he can choose to die or to ascend but if it's the latter, he will not be able to help his friends fight Anubis, who has yet to be disposed of. He strikes up a conversation with another patron, Jim, who has his own take on the situation. Meanwhile, Sam decides the time has come for her fiancé to meet her father, Jacob. Jacob is not well, however, something he has kept from Sam for several weeks. After Pete surprises her - he thinks he's found the perfect house for them - Sam realizes she has to come to grips with her feelings for someone else. Teal'c and Master Bra'tac have information that Anubis may be gathering what remains of his forces for an attack on Dakara.

Based on the information Vala gave them, SG-1 travels to the planet where Merlin may have hidden his secret weapon to defeat ascended beings. There they find an appropriately medieval village and learn that Merlin kept a library there. The locals have never been inside owing to a curse on anyone who dares enter, but SG-1 finds a way in. Once inside, they find a secret chamber that may reveal the location of the weapon. The SGC, meanwhile, has located the Ori's Supergate. Sam's attempt to get control of it is too late, and four Ori ships make their way through. In the ensuing battle, much of Earth's fleet is destroyed, and the future of several SGC members is left in doubt.