This is a storyline that Kay and I worked on for several months, combining the SGA world with the Magnificent Seven.
It is complete and will be posted in parts over the next week.
Title: Reflection of Deceit A Magnificent Seven/ Stargate Atlantis crossover
By Phyllis and Jkay
Prologue: 3,000 BC- Pegasus SystemThe city was as beautiful and sleek as the woman, heavy with child, looking out at the vast expanse of the ocean water. Valeria, the last commander of Atlantis, sighed weary, releasing a deep, audible breath as she forced her attention from the calming sensation of the ocean's gentle waves. Small black curls framed her ethereal face, while the longer strands were pulled back into a thick braid, worn past her delicate shoulders.
Her deep green eyes, closed for a moment as the immense city shuddered, heralding the departure of the Ancient's fleet through the city's outer shield on their way to intercept the approaching adversary. 'An adversary of their own making,' if she had read the 'between the lines' implications correctly in Janus' research reports. A slender, pale hand trembled as it touched the wall of the immense city, "Soon little one, our time here is almost over," she murmured softly, caressing her swollen abdomen.
Masking her true feelings of dread for what she felt in her heart was about to befall the once great city and her people, she was the perfect depiction of a self-assured commander as the two men arrived at the entrance of the small balcony. Valeria did not have to turn, she knew who restlessly lurked at the entrance of her refuge, waiting for permission to enter. Her son was still angry at her decision to keep him at her side, his continued presence in the doorway a sign of his defiance.
"Meus matris, the fleet is away," a youthful male voice spoke coolly, from behind her. Gracefully, Valeria turned to face the young man and his mentor, Atlantis' leading scientist, Janus. A small smile spread across her face as she studied the tall, blond haired youth beside the scientist. The young man was truly his 'father's son', tall and slender with chiseled features; he walked with confidence like his sire. His sea green eyes revealed wisdom… and a vast amount of knowledge for one so young. The dark haired woman knew he would grow to be a wise leader, as his father had been before him. Yet Valeria knew all to well, that the events in the next few days would open her son's eyes to the burdens and sacrifices that great leaders were destined to bear.
A dark shadow clouded Valeria's eyes as she thought of her mate, dead these past months. She had refused to release the anguished cry of grief; she had failed to follow her mate in death. It was a path she longed to journey, yet she could not. Their people needed her strength and guidance in these dark times. Their unborn child was the hope of all Atlantis. She would follow her love after her tasks were complete.
The city's lights flickered, responding to her inner anguish. Valeria turned her face away from her son, her watery eyes stared out across the calm waters, hoping the gentle to and fro motion of the waves would once again soothe her battered soul. Gathering her resolve, she faced the two men and spoke, "Captain Chenoa will contact us when the fleet has arrived at the rendezvous coordinates." With a simple wave of her hand, she gave permission for the two scientists to enter her private sanctuary.
"Then we will know within a day's time if the High Council's decision was the correct one," Janus said as he entered the small hideaway.
"Chenoa will not fail in her mission." The Commander's voice was strong with her confidence in her flotilla captain's ability, effectively quieting the scientist's condemnation.
"The High Council has sent Captain Chenoa along with the last of our warriors to their death." Danaus stated coldly, and then added as he met the eyes of his matris and commander, "You should have allowed me to join them."
Valeria's eyes dropped to the floor, sorrow momentarily etched across her delicate features from the icy tone of her son's voice. "No, Meus filius, Meus pectus pectoris." Valeria gracefully made her way over to the young man and placed her right palm against his cheek, "We will not win this war. Chenoa understands this. You, Meus filius are needed elsewhere."
"We could still have peace. The Wraith have agreed to the time and place for the meeting." Janus spoke up, as he stood alongside his student.
"Mentor, we have been in conflict with the enemy for over one hundred years. The Wraith will not stop until they have sucked the life from every living thing. They cannot survive otherwise. To believe they would simply seize their cullings and leave is naïve. And..." Danaus paused, locking eyes with his matris, "some of us will not die as quickly as others."
"No, Janus, there can be no peace while a single Wraith lives," Valeria said, returning her son's glare. "We will not die quietly. It is our task to protect this star system."
All three ancients turned as one, moving back inside the great city as a resonant siren echoed down the corridors. Valeria led the way as she continued to speak, "I agreed with the High Council when they said that we are defenders and not predators. That is why we will lose this war. The council and I sent the fleet to give us more time for the evacuation. Our people must survive." Turning a corner, the commander continued along in silence, making her way down, deep into the heart of the ancient city.
At the end of a long corridor Valeria entered a small, dark room. The lights instantly came on, giving the walls a cool, blue glow. The air felt like it had dropped ten degrees in temperature as the commander of Atlantis carefully sat in the chair. Instantly, the chair tilted back, and a blue glow emanated from it and the surrounding floor. A holographic display of the planet and surrounding solar system appeared overhead. All too soon, red dots appeared, moving toward the planet.
Janus and Danaus' eyes met in concern as the great city shook under the first wave of Wraith attacks. They could only stand and watch as the last of the highborn Warrior clan defended the great city.
Valeria's eyes closed as her face twisted in anguish. Her nimble fingers worked the soft jelly-like controls, sending dozens of energy drones toward the Wraiths' dart-shaped ships as they approached the city. The drones exploded on impact, lighting up the sky over Atlantis. Small beads of perspiration appeared and ran down Valeria's forehead as the strain of controlling the energy drones intensified. The dark haired warrior and her unborn child's mind presences flickered and dimmed as Atlantis shuddered.
"Matris!" Danaus sobbed, falling to his knees. Janus raced out of the room. Overhead, a large red dot hovered above the planet, a Wraith mother ship. The Commander's fingers moved instinctively over the controls, a small, painful moan escaping her lips as thousands of small, white-hot drones shot up from the center of the city, and raced toward the ship orbiting the planet. As the drones hit the outer atmosphere, they split. The main body of drones tore through the mother ship, as the other drones took out the smaller darts.
In the small room within the heart of Atlantis, one young man held his breath, waiting for the city's commander to take one small lungful of air. The light emanating from the chair and surrounding area had faded, leaving the room bathed in an eerie, pale blue glow. As the great city stilled, her warrior commander drew a final breath, breathing out one last deep sigh before slumping into the now dark chair.
"Meus era." Nadia, the leading healer of Atlantis slowed as she entered the room, panting from her panicked dash to Valeria's side. Behind her, Janus stood with two others, all trying to catch their breaths.
Nadia stepped around Danaus to reach the commander, placing one palm on Valeria's forehead and the other on the commander's abdomen. The healer closed her eyes as her Ancient healing powers flowed from her body into the woman beneath her palms. Valeria took a deep breath and then another. "Deep, even breaths, Meus era. Malachi, give me your hand," Nadia directed, holding up her hand as she kept the other palm on the commander's abdomen where the life within struggled to survive.
As a tall, ebony haired male stepped from behind Janus and reached for the healers' hand, Nadia swiftly placed the palm on his hand on the commander's protruding abdomen. Malachi, was the older brother to the Atlantis commander, but his dark eyes went wide as he felt the small life inside his sister withdraw in terror from his touch. The arrogant man's eyes darkened-the child could sense his dark presence, yet not the mother, his twin. The dark presence in his mind washed over the terrified fetus, sending the mother into contractions. His twin sister moaned in pain, her head moving back and forth.
"Malachi, concentrate, anchor your twin or we will shall lose the baby," Nadia's low voice scolded him. The male twin forced his attention back to his sister, repositioning the palm of his hand to his sister's shoulder. No one noticed the dark and malicious glint in his eyes.
As Malachi anchored his twin, the healer turned her attention to the small life, pouring warm, healing rays of love into the womb. She could feel the baby's essence, crying out in fear, reaching for someone, a blood kin. A small, sad smile crossed the healer's lips; the brothers would need the strong guardianship bond that was forming in order to survive the coming battle.
Nadia spoke to the young man kneeing beside his mother, "Danaus, place your palm over mine, the little one is searching for you." A look of awe crossed the blond haired man's face as he stretched his arm out as directed.
"Shush, little one." Danaus murmured tenderly. "Ego mos servo vos , meus parum frater." His eyes lit up as the bright spirit that was his little brother touched his mind for the first time. Danaus telepathically wrapped his consciousness around the little one as if he were cradling his younger brother within his protective arms, shielding him from harm. In his mind's eye, he could see his baby brother's head, covered in dark curls and resting on his shoulder, bright golden eyes looking upon his face from under dark eyelashes
Danaus sat still, eyes closed, enjoying the feeling of his infant brother's presence in his arms, but his eyes snapped open as the baby in his arms became restless, immediately searching for the cause. He caught a glance of something murky and malicious, slithering along the outer edge of the baby's presence.
Cocooning his baby brother within his consciousness, Danaus immediately placed himself in front of the venomous darkness racing toward them. Shielding the child, Danaus cried out, calling for their mother's help.
A sharp cry pulled at Valeria's subconscious, calling her back. She had been prepared to cross over, to go to the next level of existences and join her mate. The weary warrior took another step toward peace before another sharp, frightened cry assaulted her mind and she stumbled. With a heartbroken sob, she turned away from her mate. Her babies were crying out to her in terror and instantly Valeria reacted out with the full power of an Ancient warrior. Telepathically she erected a barrier, shielding her children from the darkness that would do them harm. She stood tall and defiant as the darkness raged against her shields. Her golden eyes burned brightly as her power built until finally she released an electrified charge, bright and glowing toward the darkness.
The darkness recoiled, running back to hide in a place that no one suspected. His host's body involuntarily shuddered; the evil could feel the power of the Ancient warrior ruthlessly hunting for his dark presence. He had underestimated the female warrior and unwittingly awakened the predator hiding within the mother. Warily, he fell silent, releasing his hold on his ancient host's mind and body for the first time in three months.
A soft sucking noise vibrated through Danaus' mind, forcing him to look down at his sleeping brother. Content and feeling safe, the baby had his favorite thumb back in his mouth, keening with happiness. The young man shook himself awake and opened his eyes to find he was still kneeling by his mother's side. He blinked a couple of times as if just waking from a terrible dream; his attention was drawn to his mother's soft voice.
"Thank you, my son," Valeria said as she opened her weary eyes. Nadia smiled, and placed the commander's hand over her son's before stepping back and giving the small family some privacy. She was somewhat startled when Malachi moved away from mother and son to stand beside Janus.
"That was very foolish, Valeria. You could have lost our little warrior," a stern, but soft voice, chided, breaking the silence as Discordia entered the chamber. Tall and regal in stature, her long platinum hair fell down her back. The young Ancient looked to be the same age as the commander's son, "You should have waited, and one of us could have directed the drones. We can not afford to lose you and the baby."
"There was no time, my friend," the Commander answered back.
"My sister knew what she was doing," Malachi said harshly in defense of his twin. Looking around in a confused state, he added, "Besides, if the high council had listened to the scientists, the city would be thousands of leagues below the surface and there would have been no need for the Commander of Atlantis to be placed in a position where she had to risk her life and the life of her unborn child."
Discordia's pale blue eyes narrowed with disgust, "Your opinions are not our concern here, Malachi. We only tolerate your presence for the sake of your twin." Her eyes darkened with pain, "Remember, Malachi, you and your disobedience is the reason your twin is without her mate."
"Discordia, please." Valeria struggled to get out of the chair. She saw the look of confusion and pain on her twin's face; she never blamed him for the losts of her mate. Grabbing onto her son's arm for support, she turned to her second in command, "We do not have time for this strife. The Wraith will return in greater numbers and we must be ready."
The tall, platinum-haired woman nodded, "You are right, Valeria." Facing the three scientists, she coldly told them, "Janus, Malachi, please report to the gate room. Danaus will follow in a moment."
Stargate Atlantis
"Tell me you all felt that…that," Nadia asked as soon as the two scientists exited the chamber, her eyes wide, too shocked to continue. A Lantian had allowed themselves to become a host to one of their greatest enemy.
Facing the healer, Discordia asked, nervously, as if some great secret was about to be unleashed, "What did you feel?"
"A…a malicious spirit, wanting...wanting a..." The healer's mouth couldn't form the word.
"Host." Valeria whispered the word that everyone in the chamber was too frightened to speak. The commander's face paled as she realized what was at stake-the life of her unborn child. No Goa'uld had ever survived the merging with a reluctant, mature, Lantian. The parasites were weak-minded against the mental power of an Ancient and would shrivel and die, being absorbed by the unwilling host's body.
In a million years, no adversary of the Lantian had ever stood upon the soil of Atlantis – until now. Clutching at the chair, Valeria's shoulders drooped in defeat. She had failed in keeping her children safe, had failed in her duty to keep her people safe.
"Now do you believe me?" Danaus stood, leaning wearily against the chair, "The parasites have returned to terra, humus. And one or more has come through the gate to Atlantis."
Distressed, Discordia stated, "How are we to survive fighting on two fronts?"
Valeria selected her words carefully, even as Atlantis sang sweetly in her mind, "Aiyanna did not fail in her mission." The commander paused, "The terra humus gate is secure."
"How do you know this, Valeria?" asked Nadia, finally coming out of her shock. "Aiyanna could have been overwhelmed by the plague, leaving the outpost unprotected…allowing the enemy to come through the gate."
"Argos." The way the name was whispered on the commander's lips let the others know of her anguish.
"What did Argos see before he died?" Discordia grabbed and held her friend's hand. The younger warrior had always known that Valeria knew more than what she had told the high council about her mates' demise. "Valeria, I know you were linked with him before his death, what did you see?" Her voice was placid and sympathetic, knowing she was causing her friend, and mentor, great pain in asking her to once again experience the moment of her mate's passing.
"Jaffa," Valeria's body shuddered, and her unborn child shuddered with her. "The space around terra humus has changed, shifted. The Furlings have all but disappeared, forsaking the two younger races. The Nox, hide behind illusions on their home world and the youngest, our Asgard friends, have dwindled in numbers."
"Then the great alliance is no more. We are on our own?" Danaus asked, his voice quivered with growing panic. "How can we return home?"
"The gate is secure. The Goa'uld have abandoned our home, thanks to Argos," the commander reassured them. "Cheveyo and his fellow scientists were able to introduce the naquadah marker and as we planned, the marker has spread throughout the Goa'uld larvae. Only… only… it seems that Argos missed one, the one who…" Valeria's body trembled. Nadia moved over to her friends' side and placed her arms around the dark haired woman.
"Then we must be on our guard. There are Goa'uld among us." Discordia started to pace back and forth. The younger warrior stopped pacing with a jolt; something just occurred to her, "Ones that we can not detect."
"So, once again, our people will flee and like before, abandon the younger races to this new enemy." Danaus spoke bitterly and out of turn, making eye contact with the platinum haired warrior destined to be his mate. "And we return home, to what? An empty outpost? Or do we ascend, like the prophet has ordained and follow the priestess, Oma Desala?"
"I do not wish to forsake the new seedling of life in this galaxy, but we have no choice. We are not as we once were; the bloodline of our warriors has diminished. We are not powerful enough to withstand fighting on two fronts. Atlantis must not fall to our enemies." Discordia casually moved to stand by her chosen mate. Gazing lovingly into his eyes, she spoke, "However, nor do I wish to return home and follow the priestess' path, it is not our time."
"We follow our chosen destiny, my son and soon-to-be daughter." Shaking off the healer's arm, Valeria slowly moved toward her son and placed the palm of her right hand on his chest. "As we once were, we will become again as was foretold long ago."
"You speak of the prophecy from days long past?" Danaus whispered. "A time when our race was young and aggressive, ruled by the strongest warriors of Lucetius' blood." Danaus closed his eyes.
Memories of ancient battle echoed in his mind. Shaking his head, he continued. "Surely you do not believe in that old prophecy that one of the blood, that Minerva, daughter of the protector of the empire herself, survived?" The young Lantian waited for a denial from the woman at his side, but only silence answered him back. He was a scientist, he believed in hard facts not fairy tales of old glory days. The tall blond quickly added, "Besides, the last of the full warrior bloodlines died out thousands of years ago, before the great crossing."
"It is true that a venomous plague devastated Lucetius' bloodline." The healer lowered her voice, glancing around, then she added, "although one or more of the blood could have survived, would have had to for Atlantis to..." Nadia stopped speaking, nervously waited for the commander's reaction. All but the city's commander had shocked expressions on their faces.
"Nadia, it's time; they need to know what fate has in store for them." The commander's voice was dull, lifeless, "what our ancestors have foretold for our people."
"Matris," Danaus whispered softly as he looked into his commander's eyes. "Matris," his voice trembled with fear, catching the faraway look in his mother's glassy eyes. She was no longer with them; her bright green eyes had turned golden, locked on a faraway place that only she could see.
Shakily, he placed his hand over his mother's delicate fingers so she could feel his beating heart. He had hoped to ground her to the here and now. Without moving his eyes from his mother's, Danaus called to the healer, fear for his mother lacing his voice. "Nadia, what's happening?"
The rustling of Nadia's robe against the floor was the only noise heard in the small room as she circled to stand at the side of the statuette form of the commander. Placing one of her hands on the commander's forearm, the healer closed her eyes in reflection. The two younger Lantians held their breath, waiting for the soft-spoken healer to speak. "Valeria is communicating with the old one, the great ship herself."
"That is impossible, the great city's voice has lain dormant since the great crossing thousands of years ago," Danaus said suspiciously. "It would take a direct descendent of Lucetius to awaken the old one which dwells within Atlantis. For generations, Melia, of the High Council, has told us that none had survived."
"She lied; one survived, one who made it possible for the great ship to travel across the galaxies." Nadia spoke candidly. The three Lantian's remained silent as a soft radiance emanated around the commander, giving her a ghostlike appearance. Nadia instantly went to her knees as golden eyes fixed upon her face, "Meus era," bowing her head in trepidation and esteem at the royal being appearing before them. Both Danaus and his mate followed the healer's example, confusion clearly written on their faces as they too dropped to their knees.
Golden eyes, full of wisdom, looked down upon the three younger Lantians, a strong expression of love danced like fire in her eyes as she spoke, "Rise, my friend," reaching out a hand to help the healer to her feet. "My children, do not fear me."
Danaus locked eyes with the being before him; he felt his chosen mate's gentle assurance as her hand wrapped around his, "Matris," His childlike voice brought a smile to Valeria's lips and she bent down, her long robe spread behind her, embracing the two younger Lantians in her arms.
"My son, my son, how I love you." One small tear leaked from watering eyes, leaving a shimmering trail down Valeria's cheek. Rolling back on her heels, she stood taking in her surroundings. Her right hand gently caressed her swollen abdomen, soothing the little soul inside her, her youngest, her little warrior, the one that was destined to endure great pain and suffering all because he was her son, the heir to Atlantis and all her power. "There is so much I need to tell you. Time is so precious and we have so little left."
"I don't understand, Mother, what is happening to you?" Even as he spoke, Danaus could see his mother becoming more and more luminous as if she was on different planes of existence, the past, present, and future. "Are you joining father in the next phase of life?"
"No, my son, it is not time for your father and I to be together again." A sad smile crossed Valeria's face, "Not for a long while will I be able to join the others of our kind. There is much I need to tell you, my son." The woman circled around the two kneeling Lantians, lost in thought. When she finally spoke, her voice was soft but strong as if it came from a great distance, "You know of our history, the great battles, the inner turmoil of rebellion between our people, to the great crossing and the death of Lucetius," she paused, bowing her head, "my father," she looked up, "your grandfather."
"But…but we were all told that the priests of Ori killed the royal family, to stop the warrior bloodline," Danaus said in disbelief.
"Three survived," Nadia said in a soft voice. "Minerva and the newly born twins, Valeria and Malachi. Minerva joined her soul with the great ship, Atlantis. In doing so, she guided the city, disguising the twins' true heritage and keeping them from harm."
"Minerva was never meant to interact with the great ship's artificial intelligence; she was not a warrior." Valeria continued with a heavy sigh, "Minerva was a healer. Abhorred at the thought of the taking a life, she guided our people through the years. We grew to become a society governed by technical experts. Our people became conceited, arrogant in our dealings with the younger races. We were not prepared to confront a race of beings as technologically advanced as our own. Overconfident, the High Council sent our young warriors to face the Wraith." The commander paused, taking in a deep breath, fighting tears, "For the next hundred years they would be overwhelmed and slaughtered by the thousands."
Sensing Valeria's despair, Nadia picked up again, "Argos understood that for us to survive as a people we would have to evolve. Most of the religious cast had already ascended, leaving the scientists and a few warriors left to deal with the Wraith."
"The High Council was divided. Should we remain and fight, or return to terra, humus? Or ascend and follow the priestess to the next plane of existence? Argos knew that the scientists, though strong in intelligence, lacked the mental power to ascend, and the few warriors…the handful of warriors remaining, refused to abandon the new seedlings of life to the Wraith." Valeria spoke in a low voice, "Argos foresaw we would not survive as a race if we stayed; he was determined that we would evolve, just not in the way the priestess foretold."
"Remember the prophecy, we will become what we once were. An Heir of Lucetius, will rise and bring back the golden days of Atlantis," Nadia said with reverence.
"Argos completed his mission before he died. Our Asgard friends will act as guardians of the alliance, until the time the fifth race is ready. Your children and their descendants will be our future." Valeria said with confidence as if she were watching the future unfold in front of her eyes. "That is why you could not go with Chenoa and the fleet." The commander's eyes begged for her son to understand.
"I…I don't understand…" Danaus whispered.
"Chenoa's mission is to stall the Wraith so that we can finish the evacuation back to terra, humus. There will be no peace with the Wraith. When the time is right, your descendants will return." Valeria's commanding voice reverberated around the chamber. "I need you to go gather your belongings and meet Discordia in the control room within the hour. I will remain and keep the city functioning until the last moment."
"Matris… please," the young man's voice pleaded with his mother. "I cannot be the Heir spoken in the prophecy. I may have the bloodline of Lucetius, but I do not have the warrior blood."
"You may not have the warrior blood, however I do, from my father," Discordia whispered. Her eyes filled as Danaus turned his face away from her in disbelief at her apparent betrayal.
"I will not abandon you, or my unborn brother," Danaus told his mother.
"Discordia will return to terra, humus, but I shall remain at your side until we both go through the gate-together."
"My son, the city will not function properly without my connection with Minerva. Before I can travel through the gate, I will need to disconnect her from the mainframe at the last possible moment, allowing her consciousness to ascend. I owe her my life; we owe her our peoples' lives. I will not forsake Minerva to a life of endless loneliness."
"And what of my unborn brother's life? Is he not just as important, Matris?" Valeria's son replied angrily. "You are willing to place yourself in danger by staying, but what of him? You know what will happen to you if you fall into the hands of the Wraith. They will feed upon you and my unborn brother, until they force you to ascend." He continued to glare at his mother. "You would survive by joining father in our next phase of life, but my brother…my infant brother… would not have the mental power to ascend; he would die. I will never have a chance to hold him in my arms, never have the opportunity to watch him grow, to love and protect him."
"Do as you are told." Valeria's cold voice commanded, turning her back on her son, her hands clenching at her side. Her unborn son was once again in turmoil but she refused to place her hand on her swollen abdomen until her older son left the chamber.
"As you command," Danaus replied furiously, turning and leaving the chamber. As her son exited, the Commander severed her connection with the city, her face turning a grayish color. She took a wavering step as if to follow her son, but stumbling, releasing a painful cry and collapsed to her knees, her arms around her abdomen, as she rocked back and forth in agony. Both Discordia and Nadia flew to her side, each placing a hand on Valeria's swollen belly, sending wave after wave of warm healing powers.
The three Lantian women stayed wrapped in each other's embraces until Valeria's contractions dissipated. "Meus era, you can not keep this up. Your body needs rest," Nadia told the commander. Her own exhaustion and frustration with her friend, laced her voice. "You are hurting the baby, Valeria. He will not survive another attack."
"Valeria?" Discordia asked, the younger woman watched as the fire in Valeria's eyes dissipated, leaving them weary.
"Danaus and you must survive and return home; the future of our race depends on it." Valeria told the younger warrior in a low voice, her hand shook as she placed it on Discordia's shoulder. "My little warrior's life depends on you both remaining alive and flourishing."
"Meus era, I'm honored," Discordia replied, her head bowed. "My son…sons will protect the Heir with their lives." The younger warrior stood and gracefully walked toward the door; she hesitated briefly as Valeria pleaded.
"Tell my son that I love him…" Valeria's voice quivered, "…and I will protect his brother with my very life, for I love my little warrior dearly."
Stargate Atlantis
"You lied to them," Nadia whispered, turning her head, "Why?" After watching the young, blonde warrior leave the chamber to join her soon to be mate.
Ashamed, Valeria faced away from her friend, her voice low, barely above a whisper, "Danaus would not leave Atlantis if he knew the truth."
"Which truth, Valeria?" the healer pushed back on her heels and stood up. Anger flooded her features, "That you have no intention of returning to terra humus with the others? Or that you know that more than one Goa'uld has traveled to Atlantis?" Nadia's expression softened and, reaching down, she placed her fingers under the commander's chin, tilting the warrior's head up to look into her eyes. "Better yet, the fact that you can not travel through the gate without harming your unborn child? There are lot of truths that you have withheld from your son… as well as your people."
Valeria's eyes glassed over, "Danaus would demand we wait until the child is born." A small tear traveled down her cheek. The commander opened her lips to speak, only to close them, holding back her grief of losing one of her children.
Nadia bent down and placed the palm of her hand on the commander's enlarged abdomen. "Our little warrior needs another month before making his grand appearance."
Nodding her head, the dark haired woman placed her hand over the healer's. "You will say the oath of guardianship and hide my son until the warrior child of Danaus and Discordia returns to claim that responsibility." Both women could feel the erratic movement of the unborn baby as it fought for its life.
Nadia pulled back as if the mere touch was scorching, "Do not ask this of me, my lady," the healer stood and backed away from the mother-to-be. Valeria slapped both of her hands, onto the ground, the painful sound of flesh hitting the cool floor echoing around the room.
Dark, stormy eyes flared with emotion, "We are out of time; Minerva's control of the city's defenses is dwindling. She will not have the strength to hold back another attack from the Wraith and the shields will fail. No Lantian was designed to interface with the city for has long as Minerva has endeared." Golden fire danced in the orbs of her eyes. "I will not abandon my sister to an endless void or this great city to a Goa'uld or the Wraith."
Valeria stood unsteadily, eyes becoming unfocused as she once again interacted with the great city, speaking with both voices. "You gave your word, healer." The commander's orbs turned to liquid fire.
Exhausted, the healer bowed her head for a moment, and then slowly tilted her head back up to face the warrior, "My host fears for you, if you stay, you will die, and so will your little warrior." Gone was Nadia's soft-spoken voice. What resonated around the chamber was strong, deep, and commanding.
Valeria ignored her, staring at a point over the healer's shoulder, lost in thought. "We both have a part to play, and I will confront the Son of Horus." Silence hovered over the room. When the commander finally spoke again, her voice was strained. "Agro gave his life to save you, do not force me to sacrifice his unborn child."
"I never asked to be saved, Dux," the healer stated, her eyes flashing white. "Duamutef's host took the life of your mate, not I."
"You know who he desires," Valeria stated, her hand held protectively over her swollen stomach.
"His desire for your unborn son is strong," The host stood taller, her voice took on a distinctively double layer tone of a Goa'uld. "However, his desire for you, my Lady, is even greater."
Unconcerned about her own possible fate, the warrior asked, "Will you keep your bond?"
"Will you keep yours?" the Goa'uld demanded back.
"Your children have been relocated, Goddess. They will grow and prosper… free, with their chosen host. I have taken steps to insure their new home is shielded from the Wraith." Valeria answered back. A small sneer pulled at her lips as she added, "I personally arranged for Duamutef's influences to be eliminated."
"Thank you, my lady," the Goa'uld bowed her host's head in respect.
"Your kind believe you dead," Valeria eyes locked on the Goddess'. "You have a new beginning, a second chance for your offspring." A wistful smile graced the commander's lips as she said, "Isis, our people were once bitter enemies who have grown to become fast friends." The commander let the woman dwell on her words before adding, in a low voice, 'The 'enemy of my enemy is my friend' some would say; we have come together for a common goal, to protect our children and their future."
Isis, wife of Osiris and mother of Horus, gracefully glided over to stand face to face with the Commander of Atlantis, "I will keep my bond; my children will no longer take an unwilling host." She gently placed her hand on the commander's right shoulder. "I will wait with you until the birth of your little warrior, Valeria and when you are ready, I'll send you and the infant through the gate to your oldest son."
"And if the systems fails before that?" the commander questioned.
"Pray to the Goddess that it doesn't," Isis answered back.
"But if it does, and I am forced to take Minerva's place in the chamber…" Valeria's voice took on a pleading tone.
"I will forcibly take the infant from your body if you have not given birth before I place you in the chamber," the host's eyes flashed brightly, "and if he survives…" She stopped in mid-sentence, confusion clearly written on her host's face. Standing before her was one of the oldest and most powerful beings in the Pegasus System, with enough mental power to destroy planets with a mere wave of her hand, yet…this warrior…this queen of a mighty race was begging. Finally she asked, squeezing the commander's shoulder hard enough to leave impressions, "Why are you so sure of failure, Valeria?"
"The ascended ones have returned after traveling through time and space." Valeria spoke with reverence. "They have foretold… Oma spoke of my unborn son's death at the hands of Duamutef."
"And you believe her? Believe the one that helped Anubis ascend?" Isis questioned. "She lies."
"The priestess has no reason to lie."
"You still believe in them? The priests of Ori were the ones who murdered your father, cut you and your twin from your mother's womb; they butchered her," Nadia cried out, once again in control of her body.
"Oma was the one who placed my twin and I safely in Minerva's arms." Valeria stated, and then added, "She is no longer a priestess of Ori and the future she has foretold may not come to pass."
Lost in thought, visions of the future assaulted Valeria's mind. The picture of her city flooding flashed before her eyes, courageous people fought to survive, but failed only to be reborn. Confused, the warrior staggered backwards as image after image played like a movie before her eyes. Her heart fluttered and she gasped as the image of a young man appeared in her mind. His tall, slim haggard looking body swayed back and forth.
Valeria focused her attention on the wild, dark mop of hair; waiting for the young Lantian to lift his head, to confirm her suspicion… could this be… is this…The dark head turned, looking over his shoulders, Valeria instantly felt the danger, an evil so great, lurking, ready to strike. The dark haired youth's head snapped around the instant the evil stuck. The female warrior stumbled, gasping for air; her golden eyes locked on the golden, anguished filled eyes of the Lantian youth, as the darkness consumed him.
"My son… my son," the warrior didn't realize she was speaking out loud, as she mumbled, "so many splinters to the future, each leading to death and destruction, only one way…I see only one way..." the warrior closed her eyes in desolation. Even the reassurance of her friend's hands gently pulling her into a warm embrace gave the mother-to-be no comfort.
"Valeria, if you stay, it will be you that condemns your unborn son to death. Without his mother or his blood guardian to protect him, the Wraith will flock to him like the carrion they are, and Duamutef," she hesitated, "the Son of Horus, will use him to control the city until he has reached an age to be taken as host."
Green eyes snapped opened and sparked with fire as they bore into the healer's, the anger directed toward the Goa'uld within. "Know this, if your child's son should raise a hand against my infant son, he shall face the full wrath of an Ancient Warrior…a wrath he will not survive."
"And I will help you destroy him. I have given you my bond," the Goa'uld spoke out, taking control over the host body.
"Who has Duamutef taken as host? Which Lantian was foolish enough to listen to his lies?" Valeria demanded.
"Aiyanna sent four others besides myself back through the gate after Argos ascended," Nadia replied, taking over control of her body.
"Melia of the High Council was one, young Aquene was another, Cheveyo…"
The healer cut her off. "Cheveyo was fatality wounded, and ascended alongside your mate. It was Tyrus and…" Atlantis shuttered. "What?" Nadia glanced around.
Before Valeria could answer, Danaus' deep voice sounded throughout the chamber, "Commander Valeria, please report to Central Control."
The Commander slanted her head, letting the healer know that she was speaking to her son, telepathically. "What is the problem, my son?"
"Mother, one of the support pillars has sustained structural damage."
"How is that possible?" Atlantis jolted again, throwing the two women off their feet.
"Mother, we are losing the shield," Danaus' panicked voice echoed in the commander's mind.
Stargate Atlantis
Nadia had never known a pregnant woman to move so fast; the healer was wheezing from the exertion as she raced down the long corridor behind the city's commander. "Commander…Valeria…you must slow down," she called out. Slowing to a stand still, the healer bent over, taking huge gulps of air into her over-exerted lungs.
Shaking her head in frustration, Nadia watched Valeria, the warrior never slowing as she gracefully slipped around the last corner to disappear into her office overlooking the gate room. Nadia took another deep breath, her eyes widening at the raised voices coming from down the corridor; she took a shaky step to join the arguing pair when the city once again shuddered violently, slamming her unprepared body into the wall, her head impacting solidly and painfully against the unyielding material. White fog danced on the edge of the healer's vision as she slid down the wall. The Goddess within shook with rage, screaming at her host to move, recognizing the deep male voice that was threatening the commander. The Goa'uld struggled to stave off the growing darkness, the host lips moved, but no sound was uttered, causing eyes to flash white, Isis screamed in a forced silence at the betrayal, even as darkness took them both.
Valeria entered her office at a run, barely pausing to mentally will the door open in time, only to slide to a stop in shock at the figure leaning over her desk, working the manual controls that allow any Lantian with the proper code to interfaced with Atlantis' computer and, therefore, her sister, Minerva. "Tyrus, what are you doing?" her raised voice demanded.
The Lantian male turned his head at the question and told her, "Something that should have been done months ago, Commander." He continued to work the controls as he stated, "It is time for us to go home.
"Yes it is, but this is not the way," Valeria moved closer to the Lantian male, "I order you to stand down and back away from the control interface."
I no longer follow your orders, witch." The male moved with cat like grace, leaping across the room, bringing his weapon to bear on the commander.
The female warrior stood taller, squaring her shoulders, then looked the young Lantian in the eyes as she cocked one eyebrow up, 'And just whom do you follow, young one?" Her voice was low, tantalizing as she took a step closer to the weapon in the Lantian's hand.
"I follow my God," the male answered, taking a step back from the advancing warrior. The young Lantian's eyes took on a confused look, glancing down at the weapon in his hands, then back at his commander, "Commmaaannnddeerr…" His hand started to shake, even as his fingers tightened on the firing button.
Valeria tilted her head back, closing her eyes. Concentrating, the commander's consciousness washed over the younger Lantian's mind, seeking the Goa'uld within. Deeper and deeper her consciousness went, searching for evidence of a parasite wrapped around Tyrus' vertebrate nervous system. Finding no sign of the leech the commander pushed her consciousness into the dark corners of Tyrus' mind. Shifting through the fog-like atmosphere, Valeria eyes latched onto the shimmering iridescent threads leading directly into the young Lantian's cerebrum.
Her eyes snapped open, her strong rich voice vibrated throughout the vast city, "Release him; I command you." Her green colored eyes turned golden as they narrowed, her voice intensified and repeated, "Release him."
The young male moaned, his hand trembled as he fought to turn the weapon away from his commander. His mouth moved, but his voice was silenced. His eyes pleaded with the woman to run, escape the danger. "I will not abandon you, Tyrus," Valeria said, reading the apprehension in the younger Lantian's emotional eyes.
"Commander Valeria, please respond," Danaus' distressed voice startled them both. "We are losing power; the shields are down. I repeat, the shields are down."
Startled, Tyrus diverted his eyes for a moment and that was all it took for the commander to strike. Valeria's arm shot out, palm flat, striking the young male in the jugular, followed by a painful strike to the kneecap. Both heard the bone snap, forcing the male to the ground onto his good knee. The woman warrior, flipped around, one arm going around Tyrus' neck, the other reaching around to hold his chin. "I only have to twist my wrist and you will be dead. Reach inside, young one and take back control." Valeria could feel the youth's breathing settle into a normal rhythm. "Who do you follow, Tyrus?"
"Myyyy Lady, "Tyrus fought to keep his emotions in check, he had raised a hand to the Commander of Atlantis, the one he had pledged his allegiance to. "Forgive me," the young Lantian beseeched, knowing the woman had the power to end his life. "What? What?" Tyrus glanced around the room, confused he asked, "What is happening to me?" The commander's grip slacked off, however she did not release her hold.
"What do you remember?" the commander asked.
"I was working with the power modules, checking them before we submerge the city." Once again the great city trembled, forcing Valeria to release her grip and take a step back, locking her knees. Tyrus fell forward, the weapon in his hand concealed between his chest and the floor.
When the city settled again, Valeria called out, "Tyrus, what did you do?" The warrior circled around, kneeling at the young Lantian's head, her back facing the doorway. Placing her hand on his back, Valeria took a deep breath and closed her eyes; the Commander of Atlantis drew upon the ancient power of her bloodline.
Tyrus felt the commander's hand on his back and braced himself for the deathblow, but after a few moments of feeling only Valeria's warm hand through the cloth of his uniform jacket, he became aware of a warm feeling that soon turned into a tingling sensation as it spread throughout his body, "I…I… powered down the module link to the city's interface." A weak sob escaped Tyrus' lips as he realized he had unknowingly, betrayed his people. "Why…why would I do that My Lady?"
"You were not in control, Tyrus," Valeria placed her hand on his dark hair, brushing it out of his eyes as he looked up at her. "Concentrate… focus on that moment, let me into your mind." The young man nodded his head, "Yes, yes, I can almost…" Tyrus screamed, pushing Valeria from his mind; at the same time, his hand shot out… the hand that held the weapon.
Valeria's world turned red as the beam of light sliced through her side, before striking Tyrus in the chest. He died instantaneously, his body falling backwards. The woman fought to remain conscious as her hand went to her side to find it was sticky and wet. Shocked, Valeria looked down to find her hand was covered in blood…her blood.
Valeria screamed when a hand fell on her shoulders, "Sister, it is only I Malachi,"
"Brother?" the commander's back arched and her eyes opened wide as a contraction hit her; she gripped her twin brother's hand hard, screaming in pain.
"Hush, sister, it will be over soon," Malachi glanced around the room. Through the glass partitions, he could see everyone frantically working at the main consoles down in the control room. Yanking his hand out of his twin's powerful grip, he placed it on her quivering stomach. "You want to be born, infant? How about now?" Malachi pushed down hard, forcing a scream of pain from his twin.
"Malachi?" Valeria asked between deep gasps, her voice full of pain. A pool of liquid spread across the woman's lower body. Too early…too early. Nadia, need Nadia. Go get Nadia, she will know what must be done." Another contraction ripped through the warrior's back, forcing a mental scream to echo throughout the city as the woman called out telepathically to her friend and healer.
Through the pain, Valeria felt herself being dragged to her feet. "Time to relinquish control of the city to me, my sister," a deep, male voice whispered in her ear.
Her mind muddled by the painful contractions ripping through her body, she called out in confusion, "Malachi, help me over to the control interface, I must…must…" She braced herself against the next contraction, biting her bottom lip as it ripped through her body. Her hands went around her stomach, cradling her unborn child as he fought for his life.
Valeria leaned into the strong arms surrounding her waist; riding out the last contraction with her back supported against her brother's muscular chest. Breathing hard and fast, she was startled when she felt her brothers' hot breath against her neck as he whispered, "Time for you to rest, my sister, and let me take up the burden of command."
The next moment, the dark haired woman found herself being pulled roughly along by her brother until the twins stood in front of the interface console, "We need your code to deactivate the interface, Valeria. Let me in, my Queen."
Breathing hard and fast, she made to take a step towards the interface, then hesitated, something tingling in the back of her mind, "Deactivate… my code… I need no…" Valeria's body shuddered as her head swung back and forth in denial, "We? NO, please no." The woman's eyes widened as the realization hit. Tyrus had died, not in an attempt to kill her, but protect her. Protect her from the one standing behind her in the doorway. Protect her from her own blood, her own twin Malachi.
Fingers dug painfully into the commander's pale flesh, pulling her back, "Fight me, my sister, and I will forcibly take the unborn child from your body." Valeria screamed out in agony as her brother pulled her body back against his chest and, wrapping his arms around her waist, he placed both hands on her swollen abdomen and pushed down hard.
Valeria's scream ripped through the base as she struggled to fight off the oblivion that was creeping into her mind. If she fell now, she would doom her unborn son to a life of horror and servitude.
She had underestimated the parasite; she was a fool, and her unborn son would pay the price. The Goa'uld had taken the perfect host, the one she, the Commander of Atlantis would never doubt. Her whole being shook with rage at the knowledge. Calling upon her hidden power, she sang out to Minerva for strength.
The fury that danced in her eyes glowed brightly as she interfaced with the great city for the last time; she could fight to the death, taking her baby son with her or she could escape through the gate the voice whispered in her mind. No matter which choice Valeria made, her beloved sister would be sentenced to a life of loneliness for a very, very long time. The great city might not survive the ages, waiting for her eldest son to have sons to fulfill their destiny. Turning inward, Valeria's soul wept for the life of her unborn son. But, the warrior within, the Commander of Atlantis, would not hand over the last of Lucetius' bloodline to a Goa'uld.
Using her pain to strengthen her resolve, the warrior slammed her heel down hard on her attacker's foot, then drew both hands together, interlocked them and swung back hard, catching her brother in the face. Free, she took off, guided by Minerva's strength, for the survival of the unborn child within her.
The warrior stumbled down the corridor, toward the balcony, overlooking the gateroom. Blinded by pain, she felt her way down the hallway. Tripping over a body, she fell to her knees, crying out in pain as another contraction struck.
Tears welled up in her eyes as they refocused and fell upon the unconscious body of her friend, "Oh, Nadia… please, wake up." Valeria shook the healer's body in desperation, "Please, Isis, answer me, you gave your bond."
"Witch…" Valeria felt her long, dark hair gripped and yanked back as a weapon was pressed to her head, "I could kill you know and take your infant from your dead body."
"You fool…" Valeria screamed, clawing at the hand holding her. "Minerva!" she cried out. The warrior shoved her elbow in her attacker's chest and scrambled to her feet. She stumbled her way to the steps leading down. A weapon discharged near her head and the warrior decked, stumbled, and then tumbled down the steps.
Atlantis shuddered; lights flickered throughout each level of the city, and then went out. Every Lantian, male and female closed their eyes in fear; the city was in trouble. As suddenly as the lights went out, the city jerked, then plunged downward. Amid screams of panic echoing in the dark, the Lantians scrambled to hold on as the city plunged through the ocean to the depths below.
Only one male Lantian had the strength and willpower to stand his ground as the city raced to the ocean floor. Glassy, green eyes narrowed in anger before turning hazy and dull, as an alien force took control, he made his way over to the gate's dialing control board and started to push the address to terra, humus as the voice inside his mind commanded him.
As each symbol on the gate activated, it was met with silence as the eighth chevron lit up and the swirl of the wormhole exploded outward before reversing, leaving the room shimmering in its greenish tint.
Valeria's back impacted with the gate room floor. Moaning, she pulled herself to her feet. She swayed in the dim light, leaving a trail of blood as she stumbled toward the open gate.
"Valeria!" The Goa'uld within Malachi's body howled from the lower steps, "You may escape, but know this. If you leave, I will kill them all." Duamutef, Son of Horus', double-layered voice etched around the chamber. His bright, glowing eyes settled on Valeria's eldest son standing behind the center console.
The warrior kept moving toward the gate, one foot in front of the other. Reaching the gate, all she would have to do is take one step and she would be free. A howl of pain escaped Valeria's lips as she felt her unborn son slip down in the birthing canal as the hardest contraction yet tore through her body.
"He'll watch as I take his mate as my Queen in your place. Then I'll rip out his heart and feed it to the Wraith as she watches," Duamutef threatened moving closer to the gate and his goal.
Valeria turned to face the Goa'uld, her and her baby son's destiny was upon her. It was time to choose, "Forgive me, my little warrior. A life for a life… I love you." Placing the flat of her palms close together in front of her chest, she closed her eyes; her body shuddered as her mental power built, the energy crackling between her palms. The warrior's hands glowed as she spread them out, a sphere of electrical charged energy hovering between them. Her hands dropped away, falling to hang limp at her sides. She would have to time this to the exact moment of impact. A smile lit her eyes at the sight of the Healer stumbling down the steps, knowing her people would survive; her mind turned inward to the small being hanging by a thread to life.
"I love you, my little warrior." At the first twinge of a contraction, Valeria pushed down, and started to let go of her life. As she ascended, the heated liquid bubble that she had formed would encase her infant son, forming an artificial womb as her body dissipated and disappeared.
"Valeria…no!" Minerva's mental cry reverberated through Atlantis as she sensed her sister's unborn child's umbilical cord wrap around his neck. The infant would literally hang himself as he dropped into the sphere.
Minerva flashed an image of the baby's impending death into Valeria's mind and the warrior screamed, frantically turning her mental power inward, searching for the thread of life, losing her concentration and control of the sphere. The energy sphere pulsated; building in strength to a magnitude greater than a sun could produce, growing to encompass the Stargate.
The Stargate flickered as the energy danced around the gate caused the wormhole to pulsate. The roar from her twin made the warrior's head snap back in time to see him impact with her body, sending the two of them stumbling backwards, into the event horizon at the same time the sphere exploded, plunging the city once more into darkness.
Deep down in the bowels of the city, the spirit of Atlantis screamed in agony as the ghostly figure of Minerva raced to strengthen the shields surrounding the city, preventing it from being crushed by the pressures of the deep.
The apparition stood with her arms out, eyes closed as the enormous city settled on the ocean floor. A soft sigh could be hear throughout the silent structure as the translucent apparition dissolved back into her body as it lay in the stasis chamber, concealed in the lower level of the city. There she would wait, suspended, regaining strength until she was needed once again.
Stargate Atlantis
"Easy, Danaus," Nadia said to the young man returning to consciousness; she gently brushed his blond hair out of his eyes. The healer's head shot up as her body unconsciously shuddered. The city felt different, cold, lifeless.
"Matris?" The young scientist choked out, grabbing the delicate hand of the healer, "Cold… I feel cold." A slit of green peered from under pale eyelashes, "How long have I been out?"
Nadia couldn't look him in the eyes as she spoke. "Too long," she whispered.
Danaus released his grip on the healer, and then with her help, the young man pulled himself into a sitting position. "Can we dial out?"
"They are attempting to power up the gate. Now, as for how long you were out," the healer hesitated, choosing her words carefully, "Danaus, you hit your head pretty hard against the console."
"We are under the surface," Danaus gasped as he realized, "The shield?"
The healer closed her eyes, liquid pooling around her eyelids, "The shield is holding."
"How?" Danaus asked, confused. The city should have been crushed from the pressure of the ocean depths.
"Valeria…" One small tear fell, traveling a path down the healer's cheek, "She… she sacrificed..." Nadia couldn't continue as more tears flowed; she raised her hands to her face concealing her grief from prying eyes.
"Matris," Danaus called out, audibly as well as mentally, into the darkness. Using the control board to pull himself from the floor, he pushed Nadia away, calling out again, "Mother, please answer. " The tall blond stared at the silent gate.
"Dial terra humus, Danaus," Discordia said, walking up behind her mate. The stress of taking command was evident in her tone of voice. The Stargate glowed as the first chevron locked into place. Discordia's eyes closed as she listened to each level as they reported in. The damage was widespread and extensive with flooding in some of the lower levels. As the last symbol for terra humus locked, the tall blonde warrior spoke, her voice low, but commanding, "Danaus, you must go. Take Nadia and search the outpost for the commander. We will start evacuating within the hour." The tall warrior locked eyes with the healer, her voice failing to ask the question that her pale blue eyes held.
"I do not know. Valeria never foresaw…" she stop speaking at the look of devastation that rose on the two young Lantian's faces. Knowing that it was too early for the infant to be born, she added in a softer tone, "the twins may have survived the journey; however, two hours is a long time for…" Nadia could not say the words, so Danaus finished for her.
"Our little warrior would not have survived. Is that what you were going to say?" Danaus' voice cracked, his eyes filled with grief at the loss of his mother and the baby brother he would never know.
The gate sprang to life behind them, "We should go now, Danaus, if we are going to be any assistance to them." Nadia turned and walked towards the event horizon. She paused briefly, the Goa'uld within glanced around the city she had grown to love. Unnoticed by the Lantians, her eyes flashed, glowing white as the Goa'uld Isis vowed that she would honor her bond with Valeria and return, before walking through the gate.
Danaus took his last glance around the city, also, "Discordia…I…"
"I love you, my heart. Now, go search for our Commander." Danaus leaned over and kissed his future mates' lips, then turned and ran through the wormhole.
SGAM7
The twins were flung from the gate locked in battle, hands around each other's throats. Valeria's eyes glowed with fire as she mentally shoved Malachi down a ramp. The male twin flew through the air, striking the far right wall. The Goa'uld's eyes flashed momentary as his head impacted the concrete wall; the host's unconscious body slithered down the wall, landing in a lifeless puddle.
Valeria stumbled down the metal ramp, slowly making her way to the farthest wall from the Goa'uld, collapsing to her knees as a contraction hit her, starting in her lower back and extending around to the front of her abdomen. Panicked eyes took in her surrounding; the cold gray structure was not the bright, warm welcoming walls of home. The very air felt different, something had changed. Valeria clenched her eyes closed as another contraction hit, gasping for breath. All thoughts of her circumstances were lost as wave after wave of pain assaulted her body.
The birth was imminent and she lay down on her back. Valeria lifted her long robe above her waist and then raised her hips, thighs apart, feet flat on the floor. Wild, golden eyes opened to glance around the room once more; it was time for her son to be born. Valeria closed her eyes and mentally pictured the crown of her baby's head inside the birth canal. Taking a deep breath to calm the panic as she sensed the umbilical cord wrapped around her son's neck, Valeria mentally tried to slip the cord gently over the baby's shoulder, but failed as the baby slipped further down the birth canal, tightening the cord around the infant's soft vulnerable tissue.
She cried out, her anguished voice low and weak, the commander was running out of time. Refocusing, Valeria used her life-force energy to sustain the life of her baby while her own lifeblood flowed from her. Arching her back off the floor, Valeria screamed out in pain and frustration as another contraction hit her hard. She was losing the child; the cord was wrapped too tightly around his neck. Panting heavily and refusing to give in, the woman once again pictured her son's tiny neck and the cord that threatened it, causing beads of sweat to pour off the mother's forehead. She concentrated once again on lifting the cord with two invisible fingers, and then mentally, using her sharp mind, sliced through the cord and unwound it from around the neck. Her painful cry ripped through the air as the baby's shoulder came forward and soon the head of the small male form materialized.
Two unseen hands supported the infant's body as the abdomen and then hips emerged. The infant's small form floated above the floor before slowly, the invisible hands hovered the infant over the new mother's chest as fluid drained from its nose and mouth.
Exhausted, Valeria took the infant in her solid hands and turned onto her side as she slipped two fingers into the tiny mouth to clear it of blood and mucus. Panic filled the new mother's heart. Her son had yet to take his first breath. Valeria took a deep, calming breath and then started to stimulate the small, thin body by rubbing its back gently. The mother placed her other hand, palm out, above his small chest, sending the last reserves of her strength into its small lungs.
A small cry escaped from the baby's little mouth and Valeria wept; raising her child to her abdomen, she laid the infant on his side. Both mother and child were covered in blood and breathing hard. Bringing her breathing under control, Valeria pulled her young son to her chest, and painful opened her outer garment, sliding the newborn to her breast. The baby immediately attached its little mouth around the nipple, suckling the needed nourishment from his mother.
Time stood still as mother and son bonded for the first time, but the moment was cut short as a low moan rose from across the room and the sound of running feet sounded from outside the chamber. Frantic, realizing her son was still in danger; Valeria painfully pulled her newborn away from her breast, his small, pouting cry slicing through the air.
Sitting up with her back against the gray wall, Valeria placed her son in her lap as she ripped the bottom of her robe, making a small blanket to wrap her child in. Darkness threatened her awareness as she felt her blood continue to flow. Dull, pain-filled eyes explored the small, enclosed chamber; behind her, the Stargate was cold, silent. She was trapped; her body was ready to move on to the next level of existence, but her heart refused and she pulled the small bundle tight against her chest.
Movement across the room pulled Valeria's attention away from her newborn son. Carefully, she leaned over and kissed her son's forehead, then placed him gently on the cold floor, pushing him, swaddled in the ripped robe, into the far corner, out of sight. She stood on trembling feet; the warrior took a painful step forward, placing her body in front of her child.
Malachi shook his head to clear the fog shrouding his mind, settling for leaning his head back against the cold wall; the young Lantian opened his eyes slowly and gasped out loud, "Valeria." His younger twin sister was on her feet, swaying, covered in blood; her eyes were open wide, golden in color. A savage snarl escaped her lips as she raised her palm to strike.
Struggling to his feet, Malachi called out, "Valeria, no…" the power build up was massive, and the ground beneath the twins shook. "NO!' the Goa'uld roared, the white in his host's eyes flashing brightly. After struggling for domination, the serpent within triumphed over the ancient mental power of the Lantian host and raised his host's hand, palm out.
The heavy metal door slammed open at the same time a beam of light swept across the chamber, engulfing the woman warrior in its light. Valeria's golden eyes filled with terror as she disappeared in the light.
The room exploded in chaos.
Stargate Atlantis
Traveling through the lower levels of Cheyenne Mountain was cold, hard duty as Lieutenant George Hammond had discovered as he stepped out of the elevator, making his nightly rounds. It had been two days since the incident with the four travelers from the future. The young man wondered if they had made it back to their time safely. That thought had been replaced by a feeling that had Hammond on edge. There was an odd feeling that something important was going to happen; he'd had it since the arrival of the strange circular, stone object that now resided in the lower launch bay. It was what kept drawing him back down to the lower levels of the complex.
Going from door to door, the lieutenant poked his head into each of the empty rooms; finding nothing out of the ordinary, he kept moving. Tonight would be his last round; in the morning, he was being transferred to Fort Braggs, as punishment for losing his prisoners. Lost in his thoughts, the young lieutenant failed to feel the first shudder that shook the walls of Cheyenne Mountain, however, he could not fail to hear the warning sirens that sounded throughout the complex. Evacuation alarms, all levels were to evacuate to ground level.
The once empty corridors of the base soon filled with airmen, calmly but urgently heading toward the exits. Hammond pushed his way past the fleeing soldiers toward the main launch pad.
As he passed through the doors of the pad, he was pushed roughly out of the way by a panicked airman; Hammond reached out and grabbed the enlisted man's arm, jerking him around, glancing at the airman's name tag, "Johnson, control yourself."
Panicked, fearful eyes locked on the lieutenant's, "Don't go in there… dead… all dead." The airman struggled out of Hammond's hold, making a frantic dash toward the elevators. It was then that the lieutenant took in the undressed state of the airman running away.
"Airman…" Lieutenant Hammond called out to the panicked soldier. However, the urge to enter the metal doors was too strong for Hammond to disregard. Shaking his head, he turned, pulling out his sidearm; he cautiously entered the launch pad. His eyes fell upon the three lifeless bodies at the base of the metal ramp. Dropping to his right knee, gun held between both hands, his eyes searched the room for an intruder. The Lieutenant slowly made his way to the three soldiers, checking the first two for signs of life. Finding none, he moved to the last body. The ground had stop shaking, indicating that the earthquake was over.
At the sight of the stripped third soldier, Hammond cursed under his breath. Spinning around, George started for the door to pursue the intruder that he had allowed to pass only a few moments before. The lieutenant had reached the heavy door when a muffled cry reached his ears. Turning, the young soldier's eyes narrowed, searching until they fell upon a bundle of shifting cloth, shoved against the furthest wall near the base of the ramp.
Cautiously, the lieutenant made his way over to the bundle and bent down on one knee. His heart almost stopped at the sight and smell of the blood that covered the cloth; pulling back the ripped piece of the cloth, George gasped at the tiny black haired infant calmly staring back at him.
At that moment, George Hammond lost his heart as a tiny pale hand wrapped around his finger, "Well, hello there, son."