Sora, Daughter of Tyrus

AN: I always felt Sora, the young redheaded Genii soldier, was intended for a larger purpose. Stargate (disregarding SGU) has always drawn a strict line between good and bad, and the bad usually look like the Wraith or talk like Hathor. The lovely Ms. Chambers visibly and positively stands out from the rest of the Genii, and has, on many occasions, expressed her displeasure with their tactics.

This is my tribute to her, and my take on her character.

Be warned, however. For those of you who have yet to watch the first season (of which, I suspect, there are few to none), there will be spoilers. Those of you who did will most likely recognize the plot of the first chapter. I will not deviate from the series until chapter two. Chapter one sets up Sora's character, her motivations and her history, and is therefore quite light on dialogue and action. Both will increase as the story progresses.

Lastly, and most importantly, you should know that I wrote this story mostly to practice writing a strong female character for a different story. As such, I am grateful for any hints, praise and/or criticism you have for me. Also, it means that I do not yet know for how long I am going to continue the story. I will bring it to an end, but it might come rather suddenly.

Now, however, I am proud to present:

Chapter 1: Underground

From the secrecy of the bushes, Sora and her father watched as the Stargate activated and four humans stepped out. Joyfully, she recognized the lone female in the group of travellers as Teyla, the leader of the Athosians, and a dear friend of hers. On many occasions, she had enjoyed talking to the strong woman, either when she had visited Athos to listen to new rumours regarding the Wraith or when Teyla had come to trade with the Genii people.

Not even her father knew that she looked up to the young female warrior as a role model. Leading her people to survive against the Wraith, especially without the Genii's underground bunkers, was a great achievement, but doing so while still maintaining a will to fight and the hope for a better future was what really impressed Sora. More then once, she had wished she could confide in Teyla, tell her of the legacy of the Genii and their plans, to give her hope and ask for her advice.

She waited patiently as her father radioed ahead to let the others know of their guests, before allowing a small smile to wash over her soft features. As one of the Genii's best infiltrators, second only to her own father, the chief military commander of the Genii, it was a look she had worn often when dealing with peoples from all over the galaxy. This time, however, she did not have to force or fake it.

To Sora's surprise, Teyla had changed a lot since their last meeting just over a year ago. Where before, her clothing had been well tailored, but primitive, made from obviously hand webbed fabrics, she now wore a uniform like that of her new companions, made from materials not much different from what the Genii preferred underground. It was cut to allow a maximum range of motion and featured a wide variety of pockets. The most astonishing change, however, was the weapon Teyla now carried. From the looks of it, it was a fully automated gun, and greatly different from the spears and bows the Athosians were able to create and use. Obviously, her three companions were from a culture at least as technologically advanced as the Genii themselves.

To Sora's concern, however, non of the Genii spies, including herself, had ever found any indication of such a society, at least until they had reduced their off-world activities to a minimum. The Wraith activity had spiked unexpectedly a few weeks ago, so, rather then risking their agents falling into enemy hands and being tortured for information, they had decided to fall back and concentrate on their bomb for the rest of the month.

Even though most of their off-world agents did not specialize in nuclear sciences, they had been extensively trained, technologically, in case they ever came across and had to assess alien technology. Sora and her father had specialized in Wraith technology, crowning their work in an interface to connect their screens and computers to a captured portable storage device. Despite being busy in her laboratory, Sora often yearned for the thrill of field work. She was not made to be a warrior.

Smoothing down her long, simple gown one last time to make sure it covered the uniform she wore underneath, she finally followed her father out into the field to meet the visitors.

"Teyla Emmagan", her father greeted their old friend, with Sora following close behind on his right.

She listened patiently as Teyla introduced her companions and smiled charmingly, while her father introduced her. Major, Doctor and Lieutenant certainly were not Athosian titles, she mused meanwhile. They did indicate a fixed social structure, though, possibly even a military command structure. To the information gatherer, the strangers became more intruding by the minute.

"You must be very proud." The Major was the first of the strangers to speak. From the lack of surprise from the others, Sora concluded that that was the norm, and thereby identified him as the leader.

"She is betrothed." her father answered instantly, a small scowl on his face. Sora just barley repressed her own, both because of her father's over-protectiveness and his choice for her future husband. Lamil certainly had a bright future ahead of him among the Genii, but even though he had enlisted with the military, as all Genii were, he was a politician and not a warrior. He had earned his rank through his words and not through his deeds. Once upon a time, her father had taught her to hold these people in contempt, now he expected her to bear such a man's children.

Amongst the Athosians, one of the first things Teyla had done after taking over as leader of her people had been to empower the woman to make her own decision. About half of the planets the Genii had contact with had similar laws or traditions, while the other half gave the father the sole right to choose his daughter's husband. Technologically, the Genii were advanced, but oftentimes, Sora felt their society was still sorely lacking. For now, however, the defeat of the Wraith had to be their priority, and the Genii could not afford to be divided by social struggles.

Major Sheppard, meanwhile, had been quick to reassure her father of his noble intentions.

"They have come to trade for a share of your crops." Teyla skillfully shifted the conversation.

Sora frowned, eyeing the four visitors anew. "Yet you bring weapons." The way from the Stargate was not far, and there would be no danger this close to their settlement, unless of course the Wraith attacked. Then, the small, hand held guns would hardly make a difference.

"Only to defend ourselves." Lieutenant Ford reassured her. Sora took that to mean that they simply did not know the Genii, yet. Were they not trying to hide themselves, Sora suspected her own people would travel similarly equipped.

Her father, meanwhile, had a different concern. "You dress as they do of your own accord?"

Teyla seemed confused. "Of course. Why?"

"He wants to know if you work with us, or for us." Her companion, Major Sheppard, explained. Sora smiled slightly. Obviously, the man had experience in gathering intelligence. The question, while rather abruptly placed, was subtle enough. It should have at least given most people pause, to give them time to think of its true purpose.

Her father listened patiently while Teyla assured them of her new friends' character, before coming to a decision. "We will take you to see Cowen." Signalling her, he sent Sora ahead to lead the group away from him. He would now, Sora suspected, radio ahead again to let the others know to prepare for visitors.

The initial negotiation had gone well enough. Rather then pretending to be primitive, the strangers had been quick to offer advanced medicine, capable of curing infections and various diseases that were still out of reach even for the Genii. Had they actually been as primitive as they claimed to be, Sora had no doubt that Cowen would have gladly accepted the offer, and would have felt he had made a good deal.

Their underground bunkers provided protection against the snow and the cold of winter, however, and even could be heated in large parts. To the Genii, while useful, the medicine was not crucial enough to give away their food stock. To many of their workers would have to be removed from their research to replenish their supplies, if they were to agree.

Chief Cowen was a politician, however. At first, Sora had been confused when he steered the conversation towards the clearing of land. With sufficient amounts of explosives, they were easily able to clear large areas of it. Then, as the visitors reacted, Sora finally understood his true genius.

Obviously, the strangers possessed advanced chemical knowledge. Most likely, they also had developed more potent explosives then the simple gun powder compounds the Genii themselves used. Maybe, if they were truly lucky, they would be small and yet powerful enough to finally super-critically compress their uranium.

To her embarrassment, Sora eventually became aware of her mouth standing open when the strangers confirmed their knowledge of such a device. Lieutenant Ford handed them a small, soft pack of something, that they inspected for a while, before demonstrating its destructive powers outside.

"Fire in the hole." What a curious expression, she thought amused, moments before the device exploded in a huge ball of fire.

Observing from about ten paces away, Sora felt a momentary spike of pain when the shock wave hit them, despite covering her ears. Amazed, she realized that the small package had completely obliterated the trunk and big parts of the ground around it. From the look on Chief Cowen's face, he would currently gladly trade the firstborn sons of the Genii for a sufficient amount of the substance. With it, the completion of their bombs and the end of the Wraith would be a lot closer then they had ever suspected or even dared to hope.

"It is called C4." Lieutenant Ford explained.

"If you can supply us with a sufficient quantity of C4, we will supply you with the crop you require." Cowen promised. Sora had expected no less.

"So this instead of the medicine." the Major clarified.

Much to Sora's surprise, Cowen disagreed. "As well as the medicine." Obviously, the leader of the Genii judged the strangers' need for food quite a bit higher then Sora herself did.

"Really?" Sheppard appeared even more surprised then she was. "That wasn't impressive enough?"

Cowen nodded self-confidently. "It is you who are in need." He reminded the other, rather gently, Sora thought. Unwillingly, her thoughts strayed back to her betrothed. One day, Lamil hoped to inherit Cowen's position and lead the Genii. Compared to the titan standing before her now, however, who was not only a formidable fighter and tactician, but also probably the most cunning man Sora had ever met, Lamil simply fell short. The day Cowen died would be a day that would set the Genii cause back significantly.

When the Major announced that he would have to discuss the trade with his people, first, Cowen quickly invited them to a harvest ceremony later that day. There had not been one planned, yet, of course, but the chance to find out more about this new player was invaluable. Even then, Sora had to bite back a smile when she overheard the rather cautious enthusiasm of their four visitors.

The festival was a success. Even though they could not talk true science without revealing themselves, Sora enjoyed the chance to catch up with Teyla. In the process and with liberal help of distilled tapa bean schnaps, she also found out that all of Taylor's tribe had allied themselves with the strangers, who were a stranded expedition from a far away world that had come here through the Stargate.

Sora was curious how they could have stranded when they could obviously still use the Stargate, but held back the question. From there, it would be rather easy to infer that she knew far more about this than she should. She did manage to find out a number of worlds the group had recently visited, however, and made a mental note to return there, soon. Perhaps that way she would be able to find out more about the strangers.

She had been surprised when Chief Cowen had suddenly excused himself, citing a dispute that he had to settle.

"Everything all right?" She had followed her father outside and listened in as the two men talked, while rapidly approaching the nearest hatch to their bunker. In this small group, at least, she would be able to talk relatively freely, regardless of her gender.

"The two others have returned, and have stumbled across entry hatch four. They are now being held underground, but I must find out what they know and decide on our course of action." Cowen explained.

Sora frowned. Ultimately, the decision on how to proceed would be his, and she was glad. She could not imagine making it herself, knowing that the future of the galaxy might ride on it. "We must get this C4." Tyrus interjected. "At this point, everything else is secondary."

Cowen nodded. "From what we have seen, it might be the missing component we have been searching for. For now, keep the other two here, and indoors. I will likely sent for them, soon."

"Arm the men you send." Sora recommended as they approached a barn on the edge of their village. "Their weapons look formidable, especially after we have seen what their explosives can do. We might have to resort to force."

With a last nod, the Chief entered the building, leaving father and daughter to return to their careful act.

By the time they returned, Teyla and the last stranger had already picked up on the change, and were getting ready to leave. Looking around, Sora could easily understand their confusion. Where before, the Genii had carelessly celebrated with music and plenty of alcohol, they were now sitting quietly, talking in hush whispers and staring at the two visitors. The silence was oppressive.

Hurrying closer, her father reacted first. "No one must leave. It is not safe."

Knowing that they would require some form of explanation, Sora added: "There is a Wraith ship in the area."

It was a simple, believable lie to anybody living in Pegasus galaxy. It had the distinct disadvantage, however, that it would be discovered as such within minutes. The Wraith normally did not wait long before harvesting their herds. Sora just prayed that Cowen would sent reinforcements before the two became too sceptical.

Lieutenant Ford was, unfortunately, instantly so. "Wraith? Are you serious?"

Teyla, meanwhile, had hurried to pick up her vest. "We must warn our friends", she stated, much to Sora's surprise. One did not go and meet the Wraith head on. Perhaps Sora had seriously underestimated the capabilities of their weapons.

"You will draw them to us. Everyone must stay indoors." she argued and was relieved that the two, although they obviously disagreed to with her assessment, agreed to stay inside.

She was even more relieved when reinforcements arrived minutes later, and her father's radio beeped. Outnumbered eight to two, with weapons pointed at them, the two visitors did not put up a fight, or even questioned the events much.

Inside the bunker, the other two prisoners were already waiting. Sora was taken off guard when, the moment they were reunited, the four began to banter rather easily. Their chances of survival had not improved the slightest, in her opinion, yet, they seemed to have picked up new hope. For a moment, Sora was jealous. Obviously, the quartette trusted each other explicitly, while Sora had always worked in solitude.

"The secrecy of who and what we are is our only defence against the Wraith." Cowen finished his explanation. "One day, all that will change."

"D'you think you can do that with an atomic bomb." McKay stated, rather sceptically, causing all eyes to turn to him. So far, the fourth member of the team had been rather silent. Now, he had not only revealed the Genii's biggest secret, but also spoke about the most powerful weapon Sora had ever seen or heard of with a casual familiarity.

She listened halfheartedly as the group discussed the mechanics of their bomb. She was not an expert, having specialized in alien technology, data recovery and infiltration. In the end, however, even she was impressed by McKay's obvious knowledge in the area. From the few sentences she understood during the tour and the following meal, she suspected that he knew more about the process then any one of their scientists - and maybe even all of them together – did.

"With your help, before the next culling, we plan to vaporize the Wraith as they sleep."

When the conversation finally came to their attack plan, Sora perked up. This was her area of expertise. She had spent countless hours with Wraith technology, at first by analyzing the components of the Dart they had shot down and eventually even by gaining access to an abandoned Wraith laboratory. Her next step would be to actually attempt to infiltrate a Hive ship or another active Wraith facility.

"What exactly is your plan?" Major Sheppard questioned cautiously, but with obvious interest.

Cowen was happy to explain. "We intend to take advantage of their over-convidence. That is their weakness."

When Sheppard asked for specification, Sora obliged. "They hibernate between cullings aboard their great ships, sometimes for centuries at a time." It had been her greatest discovery, found in a log on a long abandoned facility on the other side of the galaxy. Apparently, that was where the Wraith had developed their stasis technology after their war with the Ancestors had ended. For decades afterwards, various factions had battled each other for the suddenly limited food supply, before a scientist had developed the concept of hibernation. Now, each faction had a turn and a specific area and time they were allowed to cull. Size and time depended on their numbers and status after their civil war.

"There are always Wraith who watch over the sleepers, but they're small in number." her father continued for her.

"Small enough to be overpowered." Cowen specified.

"We intend to sneak aboard their ships with our new weapons." Tyrus never got to finish, however, as Teyla interrupted him.

"That may no longer be possible."

For the next minutes, Sora listened in horror as their carefully laid-out plans crumbled apart. The Wraith were coming. Within weeks, most likely, a ship would attack them from space, would likely track the radiation to their underground complex, and would completely wipe out the Genii in retaliation.

Sora certainly emphasized with Cowen when he shouted the Major down. The strangers had doomed their society and countless others in one unthinking act. Moments later, however, she had to admit that, had their positions been reversed and Genii been taken, she would have most likely attempted a rescue operation herself, no matter the long term costs.

When the two leaders took their discussion outside, however, Doctor McKay instantly gave her new hope. Rather arrogantly, he boasted of his scientific expertise, and the advances he could bring to their program. Within the day, while his two colleagues returned to inform their superiors, McKay made good on his promise and brought their project further along than their scientists had managed in years.

More important for Sora personally, however, was that she got a chance to talk to Teyla. To her great relief, the older woman did not hold any resentment against the Genii, even though she expressed a regret that Sora and her people had not trusted her enough to let her help. Sora wished she could have reassured her role model, but with her father present as well, she did not dare to get too emotional.

As she watched the group gear up to infiltrate the hive they had picked, Sora could not help but feel jealous. She had trained her whole life for this mission, ever since her mother died and her father had militarized her upbringing. To her, being left behind now was almost an insult, as if they doubted her skills.

"I should be going with you." She complained, both to her father and the Chief.

It was one of their new allies, Ford, however, that answered first. "There is a good chance we might end up in a firefight."

Sora gasped at his presumption, and glowered at the man angrily. She had earned her spot amongst the Genii not by cowering in their bunkers, but by being the tip of their spear, thrust into the heart of their enemies.

Before she could work work up her anger to retort, however, Cowen spoke for her. "Sora is a skilled fighter and an expert marksman, Lieutenant Ford. Still, she must stay here", he held her eyes for a moment," to carry on if we don't come back."

Sora frowned again, but finally nodded. She had understood the hidden message, and although she did not like it, she would obey. Whatever Cowen wanted her to do was obviously a more important application of her skills.

As long as even one Genii still lived, their fight against the Wraith would continue. As a people, they had dedicated their existence to rid the Galaxy of its greatest plague. While she would certainly be able to support that effort, the importance of the mission meant that every fighter was needed. Sora had every confidence they would succeed, however. After all, most of what she had learnt, she had learnt from her father.

After confirming that the craft had left through the Stargate, Sora wasted no time to return to the bunker. In the topmost drawer of the Cowen's desk she found a note, folded once through the short side. Unfolding it, she found the words flowing across the long side of the page.

Folding the paper into thirds along the long side, she revealed the real message hidden within the nonsense. It was a simple security measure, but since nobody could simply search the office, it would do to prevent anybody from accidentally reading it.

Sora,

The information and the weapons of the strangers are essential for the defeat of the Wraith, but they have proven that they can not be trusted with the responsibility. Their callous, thoughtless actions have almost cost us everything.

Take twenty men, arm then, and have them wait for us in hiding around the landing side. For the good of the Genii, we must seize control of them, to understand them and use them for our own goals.

The Genii depend on you.

Cowen

Sora starred at the note for several long moments. While the strangers' rescue mission had obviously gone wrong, Sora would not have called it callous. Even then, however, the Genii could use any ally against the Wraith and these strangers had obviously had some success, already.

What worried Sora the most, however, was the sudden shift in tactics. So far, the Genii had always fought for all humans in the galaxy, even though some had always planned to claim a superior status after the Wraith were defeated. Her own father had always been a more moderate voice, who simply wished for peace and freedom for all. Sora had adopted his outlook in life, and Chief Cowen had always seemed like their ally on the matter.

Now, however, Cowen's goals had obviously shifted. In his note, he had clearly stated that he fought for the Genii alone. Everybody else, including the millions of innocent farmers, hunters and traders on other world, were no more then a shield he probably intended to sacrifice whenever and however he saw fit.

Sora sat down in the office's single chair, turned the note over, unfolded it, refolded it, and read it again. When she still did not find a second, even more hidden message, she sighed heavily. There was no doubt to the authenticity of the note, unfortunately. She recognized the handwriting, and Cowen himself had sent her here to read it.

She should have seen it coming, really, given how angry he had been at their visitors. Unfortunately, short of completely betraying her people and probably having her father executed for treason in her stead, she had no choice but to comply.

She made sure the men were completely hidden away and therefore arrived just at the moment the ship appeared from thin air and touched down on the ground, two guards by her side. She figured the two would not raise any questions. After all, who knew what happened out there, and if any Wraith had followed them back.

When the strike team exited the craft, Sora tried to catch Cowen's eyes. For several moments, he evaded her, before she noticed the team was incomplete. "Where is my father?"

Apparently, Cowen could no longer stand to evade her. He look her directly in the eyes, and she could see his sorrow there. "He did not survive."

Sora was aghast. Her father was too good to be the only one struck down, and not noble enough to voluntarily stay behind if anything went wrong. "How? What happened?"

Cowen looked grim. "I think we should find out." His eyes swept over the tree line, probably searching for their men, so Sora gave a small, barely noticeable nod to confirm their presence. Immediately, he called out. "Take aim!"

The Genii burst out of the woods, brandishing their weapons and surrounding the visitors. Their leader, Sheppard, spoke up first. "Cowen, I thought we were just learning to get along."

Cowen turned to Teyla instead. "She killed Tyrus."

Sora frowned. She had known Teyla for a long time, and she could not believe she would thoughtlessly betrayed them. Indeed, the lone female visitor denied the accusation vehemently.

"By leaving him to die, you may just as well have killed him yourself." Cowen argued.

Teyla frowned at him. "He shot the man we tried to save."

Sora frowned as well. While she could certainly understand why her father would not want to rescue anybody on the ship, firing his weapon would surely have given away their position. It did not seem like a mistake her father would make. In any case, he had often taught her that sacrifices might be necessary, and that the mission had to come first.

Apparently, Cowen disagreed. "It was a mistake to try and save anyone. It jeopardized the mission." He reached into his pocket and took out the Wraith data device. "We will keep this intelligence information."

Sora mustered the Chief. He really wanted to completely go back on their agreement and burn any bridges between the two most powerful enemies of the Wraith. To her, it seemed like the worst decision he could have made.

Sheppard agreed with her silent assessment. "You're the one making a mistake."

"And your ship, and whatever quantities of C4 you have in your possession." The Genii leader continued, as if uninterrupted.

"That is all you ever intended. To use us." Despite the events of the day, Sora found herself agreeing with Teyla, and even suspected that her father would as well.

"This is what your father died for? In the name of people who would lie and steal from those they would call friends?" During her musings, she had apparently missed quiet a bit of the conversation. Now, Teyla was staring back at her, obviously waiting for an answer.

Sora kept her gun up as she contemplated her options. Contrary to before, her father would no longer bear the brunt of their betrayal. Even if she changed sides, however, they would sill be outnumbered significantly, and, while Cowen might actually let the others go, she doubted he would be as lenient with her.

Before she could come to a decision, Sheppard acted. "Well, I lied, too. Jumpers Two and Three, execute."

As two more spaceships appeared overhead, Sora cursed her indecision. Changing sides now would simply mean that neither side trusted her. She would simply appear to follow the stronger side, to hide in their shadow and avoid conflict.

"You didn't really think we had one ship, did you?" Sheppard mocked Cowen. "Tell your people to get back and nobody gets hurt."

Sora hid a smile. Cowen really accepted that they would have a single ship? Judging by its design, it was obviously from the Ancestors, so they had most likely found an outpost of theirs, somewhere the Wraith had never searched. Any outpost would hold more then one ship, if for no other reason then to provide an alternative when one is damaged.

Within minutes, the strangers had left, and Sora stayed behind to watch Cowen rage.

"These damn, ruthless liars. Get me Kolya here. The Genii will not stand for this insult. I want all our agents deployed to find them."

"Cowen." Sora began hesitantly. "Do you really think that is wise? We would be devoting significant resources away from our main goal."

"Our main goal is to obtain that data device, and to get revenge for this insult to our people."

"Our main goal is the defeat of the Wraith, and while we may never again be friends, that goal does unite us and them." Sora argued.

"Leave!" Cowen barked into the group of guards, and suddenly Sora understood how greatly she had misjudged the situation. Their leader was not thinking rationally, but instead allowed his anger to guide him.

"Cowen, I know you are furious, but you must not loose track of the bigger picture."

"Do not forget your station, woman!" Cowen was almost screaming by then. "They just murdered your father, and you are standing here, defending them. Be glad I suspect you are not thinking straight, or I would have you executed as a traitor to the Genii."

Before she had a chance to retort, another Genii entered the field. Sora knew the man, although mostly by reputation. Acastus Kolya was a successful military leader, with a keen grasp on tactics and the ability to alter his plans on the fly. More importantly, however, he was absolutely ruthless, and the most high ranking supporter of the isolationist movement.

"Kolya. Very good. The strangers have attacked us, as you predicted. I am hereby promoting you to Commander of the Genii forces. I want you to find out where they are operating from, and plan a counterattack. You have your pick of men to form a strike force. Train them in the ways of the Ancestor. The enemy was using their technology. I want their supplies and their C4, and I want them humiliated. Have them crawl back into whatever hole they came from."

Sora knew, that Kolya had just profited from her father's death, inheriting a position she had often felt her father groomed her to take up, some day. Still, this time, she did not hesitate. "Commander, I would like to volunteer for the task force. They killed my father, and it should be my hand that makes them pay for it."

For a moment, Cowen continued to frown at her, as if doubting her motives, before, slowly, a small, respectful and self-satisfied smile crept onto his face.

In her father's memorie, Sora planned to wipe it off.