A/N: Thanks to all who read! Special thanks to reviewers! Lub you all!

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John winced as he felt the syringe deliver its contents into his blood stream. Nearby, Teyla was still looking frustrated. "Too late to back out now."

Teyla sighed emphatically, and Jennifer pulled the syringe out. They had brought John back from the Bug form before… she was confident they could do it again from an even less mutated form. Still, Jennifer shot an aggravated look to John before motioning to Marie her nurse. "Get him sedated, and prep for the operation. I'll handle Teyla."

Teyla sighed again, and watched with reserved emotion as Marie wheeled John away. She looked to Jennifer who pursed her lips and whispered. "You sure you're ready for this?"

With a forced smile, Teyla dropped her head. "It appears Colonel Sheppard has given me little choice."

Jennifer winced hard and put her hand of Teyla's shoulder. "I'm sorry. I ... I feel like you're being pressured into this because of my research. Colonel Sheppard isn't helping any either with his lunacy."

Teyla shook her head emphatically "I have not been pressured into anything. Colonel Sheppard is simply acting out of his own instinct to protect us. And your research may save thousands, even millions of lives. Remember that."

Jennifer smiled, in true sincerity at Teyla's words. "Right… Thanks."

In the corridor just outside the surgery room, 4 heavily armed marines escorted Todd to the isolation rooms where John and Teyla were going to be operated on. From seemingly nowhere, Ronon appeared and faced off mere inches from Todd's face.

The Wraith didn't shirk back, and instead kept calm and collected. "Is there something you require?"

Ronon remained unflinching, and his voice showed just how honest his words were. "Anything happens to them, there won't be anywhere in the galaxy you can hide."

Todd simply remained unexpressive, and calmly replied "Ah. Is that all?"

Ronon forced his mouth into something akin to the smile the Terminator gave John Connor in "Judgment Day" He distastefully mouthed the word "Yeah" and then stepped aside allowing Todd by.

Todd on the other hand just rolled his eyes and moved on. "Right."

As he moved past Ronon, he entered the room and saw two beds… one with Teyla, and the other… "How is my…What is this!? We agreed on only…" He stopped, and looked to Sheppard on the operating table. He could… feel something. "You have done something… He is… different."

Jennifer turned distastefully to Todd and sighed. "3 years ago he was infected with a Retrovirus along with Wraith DNA. Carson Beckett was able to reverse the effects, but the virus remained dormant in his system. None of us trust you alone with Teyla so…" Jennifer paused, and replaced the word 'this psychotic idiot' with "…Sheppard had me reactivate the virus. We've also given him a massive dose of Viral Inhibitor so he doesn't mutate but he should pass for a Wraith as far as genetics are concerned. We still need to change his appearance and vocal cords though."

Todd seemed stunned at this realization. And he gulped thinking of what John Sheppard could do with Wraith like abilities. "You should have warned me beforehand. This will complicate our plans." He quickly regained his composure, almost nonchalantly, and moved over to the computers the Expedition had set up for him. "No matter… Let's get started."

Teyla was still partially awake, the sedative slowly forcing her into unconsciousness. "What is… he… doing here?"

Jennifer smiled and patted her shoulder. "Don't worry. He's just here as a technical advisor. I'm gonna be performing the surgery."

Teyla sighed and looked around, Rodney and Ronon were up above along with Woolsey. Kanaan stood with her child… Torren… and they turned away as Teyla finally lost the will to fight the sedative. Her last thoughts were that it was because of Torren that she was willing to endure this… a galaxy without the Wraith when he was a man… it was worth the discomfort of the now.

Jennifer noted when Teyla finally lost awareness and looked to her operating team around the two now unconscious teammates. She took a deep breath and nodded. "All right… We're ready."

The time passed slowly, and several times Rodney had to go to the washroom, or to the mess hall, or to the washroom again. Ronon growled softly each time he left and each time he came back. "Do you ever sleep?"

Rodney shrugged and his teeth chattered. "Every few days…I've had like… a dozen cups of coffee since this started so I'm completely wired… Jennifer kept trying to get me to talk to Sheppard but…"

Ronon growled again, and drummed his fingers on the wall hoping for Jennifer to come out already. "Yeah me too… I could stun you, get some sleep"

Rodney scoffed as he laughed, and rubbed his greasy face. "I know you're joking, but if I accept Jennifer will kill you…" He saw a slight growl begin to form on Ronon's face, and then added. "…but then she'll kill me when I wake up too so…"

Ronon chuckled softly, and thought about what Jennifer might be feeling right now. "Maybe…maybe one of us…"

Rodney screwed his face and motioned for Ronon to keep going. "What? What is it? Come on come on, just say it!" Obviously the coffee had completely fried Rodney's patience center in his brain… among other things.

Ronon rolled his eyes, and contemplated actually stunning Rodney. "Never mind."

Before Rodney could reply, Jennifer walked in with her operating gown on. A smidge of blue paste was smeared along it, and she removed her mask so she could talk. "Alright… I think it's alright for you to see them now."

She waved them into the room. Both Ronon and Rodney quickly saunter in and drop their jaws in shock. The flanged voice from the bed was terrifying, especially because they knew who was underneath. "How do we look?"

Rodney couldn't believe his eyes. Teyla had become the very epitome of a Wraith queen in vision. Her skin was a disgusting grayish green, the look of oil only highlighted the veins running along her body. The distinct slits of the Wraith ran along either side of her nose, leading down to her mouth filled with sharp looking teeth. Most disconcerting were her eyes, which had turned yellow and slitted at the sides.

Ronon on the other hand was fixed on the other bed. His best friend… the man whom Ronon would die… and had killed many Wraith for… He was now the most menacing Wraith Ronon had ever seen. John's face was dark and foreboding, his hair turned grayish white, yet still its original length. John noticed Ronon's awe and chuckled, his now flanged voice making it sound all the more menacing. "Good. I told Todd I wanted intimidating."

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"Now, assume your throne."

Teyla shot a glance to John across the room and stepped up to the throne. She wore an ornate dress designed for the Wraith Queens, and after sitting down, settled into a comfortable position.

Todd growled softly, and moved over to where John was in his BDU's. With no warning and lightning reflexes, he punched John in the gut knocking the Colonel to the ground. Teyla instantly shot up and screamed. "What are you doing!?"

Todd pointed to her in rage. "The two of you will get us killed!"

John groaned and shook off the pain. He'd been beginning to feel the effects of the retrovirus and he got up much faster than he should have. His voice was obviously a frustrated sarcasm. "Oh really? Think you can just gimme a cue card next time…?"

Teyla could see that Todd was being serious. "I do not understand."

Todd started calm, but as he finished the full rage in his voice showed in a scream. "At the first sign of deception, the Primary will not hesitate to slit our throats!"

Teyla narrowed her eyes and looked at Todd harshly. "You said she would sense my Wraith D.N.A…"

Todd scoffed, and he paced obviously frustrated. "It is not your D.N.A. that concerns me. It is your manner, your bearing…" He looked to John who had recovered and stood tall. "…your treatment of your subordinates!" He got in between them and pointed. "You must never show that you care what your subordinates think of you! That shows weakness, it shows deception, and you will feed the primary with your very essence if you fail!"

John spoke up in an angry tone. "Now hold on a sec…"

Todd snapped and screamed at John in full fury, his hand pointing right at John's face menacingly. "NO! You must never look at her as an equal! She is your queen, your charge, your master! You will lower your head in her presence and speak only when spoken to!" He turned back to Teyla and pointed at her entire frame. "And you! You project apprehension!" He pointed back to John "…Rule him! Break his will and shatter his spirit if he stands up to you! He is your subject and nothing more!"

Teyla furrowed her brow, and looked to John as he flexed his arms in recovery.. "Well, given the circumstances ..."

Todd sighed, and he rubbed his face in the most human expression of frustration, testament to the hours spent working with Rodney McKay "It may be understandable, but it is not acceptable! Above all, you must never show weakness, ever!" Todd turned back to John and stared hard. "And you… Success will come with the fewest spoken words. You are her escort and you are to remainsilent!" He turned back to Teyla, and with a grandiose air growled. "Now… again!"

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John was so not used to wearing clothes like this. "I know I said black, but this isn't exactly what I was expecting."

Todd growled softly and tightened the leather vest to skin tight on John's torso. "You were not what I expected either. Fitting is it not?"

John had been waiting for this moment, and now that Todd was finally rebuking him, he had the argument ready. "I'd have told you, but I just don't like you."

Todd fastened the clip holding the vest in place and grunted. "You do not realize the difficult position you place me in."

John looked in the mirror, the person looking back at him wasn't John Sheppard. Sure there was some uncanny resemblance, but… it wasn't him.

His hair was styled the same, only it had become completely grey. His armband was gone and the tattoo underneath had been hidden by the pigment Jennifer had used to tint his skin. John's chest was hidden underneath black leather, a optional larger leather jacket surrounding him. His muscled arms from his shoulder down were exposed, and he looked surprisingly like Michael after his reversion to mostly Wraith. It was a strange get-up and John had only seen one Wraith even similar other than Michael.

Ronon had threatened to kill Sheppard that day, but instead he just bear hugged Carson. "You're not taking Teyla alone… and besides, think of it this way; I'll get new appreciation for how complicated the Wraith I meet are. Of course, this is before I kill them."

Todd chuckled, which puzzled John as he'd just basically threatened his life. "Perhaps… but you have no clue what I already feel from you. This retrovirus is altering you… something unique. I have high hopes that by the time this is all over, you will more than appreciate what honor it is to be Wraith."

John clenched his fists, scratched his palm where the fake feeding slit had been implanted, and turned to Todd. "I survived it before at full strength, just made me hate you more. Doctor Keller does think I might just get stronger and faster." He smirked deviously "Which reminds me, do Wraith ever spar each other?"

Todd smiled, already guessing John's thoughts. "We practice on runners mostly. Our strength and agility more than makes us a match against most humans. But recently we have been…. less worried with the hunt and more with the prey itself. Pray you do not need to put your newfound abilities to use."

John shrugged, and blinking a few times to get used to the contacts straightened his collar. "Worth a shot."

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Teyla raised both eyebrows at John's strange attire, and sat rigidly as Todd had taught her in the passenger bay of the Dart Transport. "You look…"

John shrugged. "Wraithy?"

Teyla scoffed and motioned for him to sit next to her. "You could say that."

John waved with his hand in decline, and sat across from her. "We start acting as soon as this conversation's finished. Not even Todd's Hive will know who I really am except for his Sub-Commander."

The plan was simple, and Todd's hope was that it was so uncomplicated that no one would question it. Todd would go as Teyla's most trusted Commander, and John would be her personal guardian, it was likened to a bodyguard, but with much more… royalty.

Teyla creased her face in worry, but quickly remembering Todd's words ­­­remained impassive. "You are correct… and as my selected guardian, you must do everything I say."

John smirked, and couldn't resist. "Everything?"

Teyla couldn't resist either, and snickered at his insinuative wording. "Yes… and I'm sure Kanaan appreciates the amount of trust we have in each other."

John felt the icy sting of rebuke hidden in compliment, and for a moment, questioned how far he could go before it got… awkward. "Of course… and it's partially because of him that I'm here looking like I just walked out of Army of Darkness."

Teyla furrowed her brow and blinked in confusion. "I have not heard such a way to describe the Wraith before, it is surprisingly fitting."

John choked on his laughter, and shook his head in utter incredulity. "Wait, no… not the Wraith… Evil Dead? Bruce Campbell? Boom Stick? I could have sworn we'd seen it already."

Teyla simply blinked again. "Bruce Campbell? Is he a relation to Chuck?"

John's stunned expression matched that he had when Rodney asked if his future version still had hair. He shook it away and palmed his face. "Never mind… we'll watch it when we get back."

The Dart Transport took off, and the somewhat different whine than they were used to began. Somewhere on the outside, Lorne was piloting a cloaked jumper that would land on Todd's Hive as well. John breathed deeply, something he had noticed he was doing a bit more frequently ever since the retrovirus had been reactivated. Dr Keller assured him that he wasn't going to go Scaly-Sheppard again, but deep in his mind he worried about what might happen. It was dumb luck that it had to be Teyla with him… again.

"John… tell me what's bothering you."

John kept his emotions hidden, and his face impassive. Most Wraith-like indeed. "Nothing, just antsy."

Teyla made a scowling face, something that momentarily confused John. "You would not presume to lie to your Queen would you peon?"

John was about to laugh, but seeing that Teyla was serious… well half serious, decided to answer a bit more honestly. "Alright alright… You're a good actor you know?"

Teyla clenched her fists, and leaned forward menacingly. John was amazed by her ability to get into the role. "No… I am not."

John sighed, and stared back at her. "I'm… nervous. The last time I had this stuff running through my veins I kinda went crazy remember?" He hoped the nonchalant tone would get them over the awkward moment of a few years ago.

Teyla pursed her lips, the same lips he'd so unexpectedly pressed his own against the last time he was exposed to the retro-virus. "Yes… but that will not happen this time. I am grateful you are willing to take this risk for me… but I know that is not all that is bothering you."

She knew he loved Elizabeth… and it was in part that which had kept her back from doing what she had wanted to do in those first few years with the Expedition. These people were so strange when it came to love… postponing it as they believed they had so much time.

Teyla knew better. Constant threat of Wraith… and the average lifespan of 50 years in the Pegasus Galaxy… She had once asked Rodney what age he expected to live till and his answer involved many Nobel Prizes, zero point energy, recognition like a man named Einstein, some semblance of a family, and the distinct feeling that the amount of coffee he had drunken would significantly shorten what his 120 years should be.

120 years… more than 2 lifetimes for Teyla… Medicine in the Athosian Culture was not in short supply, but it was rare that one would die of old age… a celebrated thing.

Ever since joining the Expedition, Teyla had been in the best health of her life. Carson… Jennifer… Marie… they all became such good friends to her. Never in her life would she have dreamed the day when she asked Carson what her estimated lifespan was and was greeted with 'Well… with all yer fitness training, barring any incidents I'd wager a hefty sum on triple digits.'

Triple Digits. 100 years of life. Barely a third of her life was done… and she had done the math… as Carson had said, barring any incidents… Teyla may one day see her great grandchildren.

Torren was the short term reason she agreed to take this immense risk, but in the end it was more than that. It was everyone who was still to come… the thousands or perhaps millions of lives that she may help save… including her own family.

She looked at John once more… and realized that while a part of him felt the same, he thought in much much shorter terms. John was here for her… and also for… her.

He had missed the opportunity, and Teyla knew it haunted him. The wisdom of time was a harsh lesson, and only too late did many… most notably these Earth Born humans realize that wasting it was all too easy.

Teyla had considered pushing her relationship with John when Kanaan had begun to court her. Kanaan was… kindred. He too sharing the gift gave them a mutual understanding that they had shared since youth.

Her understanding with John was different… he pretended to be simple, but his complexities weren't always easy to decode for Teyla. When he stopped trying to hide them from her, they grew close. The attraction was there, and that fateful day when John was first exposed to the Retrovirus was all the proof she needed that John would have accepted.

But Teyla knew John's heart was torn. And even now as they moved closer to the hive… and possible doom, she knew he was determined to rectify that. "We will save her."

John didn't meet Teyla's gaze, and instead could only think of the small specialized weapon nestled in his jacket's shoulder holster. "I know."

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Rodney and Ronon were very agitated, Lorne's presence didn't make too much of a difference as the stocky Major wasn't comfortable being on this hive. "Will you stop pacing? Making me nervous."

Rodney grimaced and tugged on his hair as he walked back and forth, "We're making you nervous? What? The fact that a jillion wraith are around us is fine with you? Or the fact that Sheppard and Teyla are completely insane to even think to attempt this?"

Lorne shrugged, and tried to focus on staying calm. "The Wraith don't scare me… Ronon's got a big sword to deal with that." Ronon grunted back in reply. "But you digging a hole with your feet is giving me the willies."

Rodney grunted in irritation, and finally stopped as he leaned against the table. They were in the same room Todd and his Sub-Commander had explained the situation to them, and now they were waiting on Todd and their teammates.

They didn't wait much longer, and the door opened revealing a tired looking Todd. Instantly Ronon moved forward and pressed him with questions. "Where's Sheppard and Teyla? What have you done with them!?"

Todd merely rolled his eyes, as if completely disregarding the frustrated Satedan in front of him. "Calm yourself. They are resting. It has taken much effort, but they are as ready as they will ever be."

Rodney breathed a sigh of relief, and muttered as he got up off the table. "So… what's the plan? Uberqueen or RepliWraith?"

Lorne rolled his eyes, but was curious as well. "I'm wondering that myself."

Todd sighed, and as he walked over to the console nearby he input his command codes in. "The Primary's hive is here…" he pointed out where a signal was coming from on the now flashing starmap in front of him. "…we have been instructed to meet with them. The plan is for us to introduce the information on the Rival Hive's plans, and convince her to launch a pre-emptive strike."

Ronon growled softly, and he found his hand gingerly heading down to his blaster. "Where does Teyla fit in?"

Todd turned and narrowed his eyes. "The Rival Hive may have support… and our alliance would not risk the mission if it were not important. The Primary will only listen to our plan through a Queen."

Lorne scrunched his face as he looked at the starmap. "Looks like you're stretched pretty thin…"

Ronon deduced it all and smiled at the thought. "You're getting your ass handed to you."

Todd checked his snarl, and simply kept his voice impassive. "Indeed, and the thought of total defeat will be what gives us our only hope. The Primary will see the benefit of striking out at this Hive and eliminating the Nanite threat."

Rodney grumbled and clicked his tongue. "And you'll get to look like a hero for stopping those other Wraith… Nice."

Todd smiled smugly, and growled. "The thought had occurred to me. In any case, we must convince the Primary of the importance before all else."

Ronon clenched his fist hard enough for his knuckles to crack. "If anything happens to either of them…"

Todd scoffed softly and waved off Ronon's threat. "Yes yes… Nowhere in the Galaxy, You really should dedicate more time to culture and less on empty threats."

Ronon had his blaster out and aiming right at Todd's forehead. His words showed just how serious he was. "That look empty?"

Todd narrowed his eyes and smiled at Ronon. "What would Teyla and Sheppard think if you killed me now?"

Both Lorne and McKay gave Ronon hand signals to back down, and reluctantly, Ronon growled as he holster his weapon. "They'd probably thank me… like you should right now."

Todd snorted, and simply remained silent.

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Teyla controlled her breathing and contemplated meditating, but she knew to do so would only delay her reaction time, and as strange as it sounded she needed the anxiety to think quickly on her feet.

Todd noticed and growled softly beside her. "Don't be nervous."

Teyla couldn't keep the apprehension out of her voice as she replied. "I am not nervous."

John winced slightly and made a gentle sound of his sigh. Todd instantly turned to him and shot him a death glare. John checked his growl back… something that seemed harder to do that he first imagined, then dropped his head in reverence to Teyla. On the screen ahead, the Primary's Hive moved closer.

It took a moment, but once Todd was relatively sure that Teyla was prepared, he opened the channel to the Hive.

On the screen ahead of them, the face of a Wraith Queen dressed ornamentally appeared. Her smile was unbelievably disturbing, and both John and Teyla fought to keep their control. Her flanged voice was oddly sarcastic. "So… At long last we meet."

Teyla nodded slightly, then spoke just as sarcastically. "Indeed."

John kept his head down, but with his ears open, he noted quite a bit of hostility from the Primary on the screen. Her voice had the added undertone of humor… perhaps Todd was not the only Wraith that laughed. "Many among my crew were beginning to think you didn't exist."

Teyla took a few steps forward, showing just how little she was indimidated. Her voice was impassive… and that made it all the more threatening. "You must point them out to me so that I may remove all doubt from their minds."

Surprisingly, the Primary began to laugh, something that confused both Teyla and John though neither showed it. "That will no longer be necessary. Make your way to my ship -- and do not keep me waiting again."

The screen shut off, and both Teyla and John relaxed. Todd moved over to Teyla and with a cheerful air spoke. "She likes you."

John had determined to keep to his role, so he remained silent with his head bowed down. Teyla simply furrowed her brow and asked. "You think so?"

Todd's reply was deadpan. "It was as warm a reception as we could expect."

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'No... please no...'

Elizabeth's cry was unheard, and other than a faint breathing noise coming from her mouth, unsaid.

They had taken more samples, and also had begun to... implant something. Elizabeth didn't have enough awareness to understand what was going on, her senses had been dulled by some type of... well it wasn't a drug, but it felt like a sedative... blunting the sharp sensations of Nanite Sensors.

The Memories flying past were both her own and the Asurans... and both were scaring the hell out of her.

Her father... killing himself with tabacco... the Wraith wanted to know what caused Elizabeth's sensations to rise at the thought, so they kept on replaying it and studying her reaction.

Why? Why did they care? If they wanted nanite technology they had samples... why were they tortuting her with such a hard moment of her life?

Simon... and his... rejection. It seemed it was another thing the Wraith couldn't understand, and seeing his somewhat sad face over and over again was slowly chipping away at her spirit.

Another... feeling... something was... no... something had been attached to her. She couldn't tell what it was... but... she could feel it pulsing... spreading along her side... giving information to the Nanites that formed her body.

Replicator or not, Elizabeth's essence was being wholly and completely subjugated to the will of the Wraith.

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In the Dart Bay, Ronon, Rodney and Lorne were waiting and watching as Teyla John and Todd entered. Todd quickly ordered the guards away, and leaving only them spoke softly. "The plan is proceeding well, we will be heading to the other Hive now."

Ronon growled and stared at Todd. "I still say we should sneak aboard."

John shook his head, but kept his gaze down as Todd had taught him. "No. It's already risky enough with the three of us. If they catch any of you on-board they'll know right away something's up."

Lorne lowered his neck and looked up at John. "You okay there sir?"

John nodded gently, truth be told he felt like a million bucks, but remembering what happened last time the retrovirus was active… "I'm fine… Teyla you sure about this?"

Rodney piped in seamlessly. "Oh don't worry, anything goes wrong and… Rodney made a sliding motion with his hand. "…wham, we'll be right here."

Ronon winced and clenched his fist. "But it won't."

Rodney shrugged and continued obliviously. "Well just in case it does…"

Sheppard had tried to hold it back, but seeing Rodney once again stick his foot in his mouth snapped. "Rodney!"

The others looked at him momentarily. He'd said it in a much more threatening voice than he needed to. Lorne was the only one to speak though, "Talk about Method Acting sir."

John winced as he tried, and failed to repress the low chuckle, and he moved into the shuttle with Todd. Ronon moved forward and put his hand on Teyla's shoulder. "Hey, be careful."

Teyla nodded gently, and put her hand on Ronon's as well. "Thank you Ronon. I shall."

She let go, and vanished into the Dart Transport. Ronon growled softly and watched as the transport took off. Rodney's voice came from behind completely ruining the moment. "Uhh… something you guys haven't told me?"

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Teyla stepped off the Dart Transport, and repressed the urge to strike out at the Wraith before her. Her breathing threatened to become erratic, but she managed to control it enough to blend in.

The Wraith ahead of her stepped forward and nodded curtly. "Welcome to my Hive."

Teyla knew she had to take control, so keeping her voice relatively calm, yet with an undertone of hostility, she replied. "Where is your Queen?"

The head Wraith growled softly, and he kept his voice at the same almost hostile tone. "You will meet her in time." He turned to one of the higher ranked sub-commanders to the side and nodded his head. "Inform the Bridge they're on board. Take us to hyperspace."

John stepped out just as the Wraith leader finished his sentence, and barely held back his shock. Todd snarled and spat acid. " This was not part of the agreement."

Teyla simply remained unmoved, almost as if she expected it to happen. The head Wraith answered curtly. "You did not expect us to conduct this meeting here, within weapons range of your Hive?"

Todd rebuked quickly, and Teyla remained calm. "We are part of the same alliance -- unless you do not trust us."

The head Wraith smiled evilly, and stated matter-of-factly. "I make it a practice to trust no-one I do not know. This is how the Queen wishes it. Follow me, please."

John was screaming inside, the plan was already going bad and they weren't on the Primary's hive 20 seconds. Todd looked to Teyla, make a subtle motion for her to follow and she quickly did. John couldn't believe how well Teyla was taking the sudden change… he wanted to rip that Wraith leader's head off.

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Lorne's voice was none too pleased. "What'd you do?"

The Sub-Commander growled softly in confusion. "Nothing. The Primary's Hive just went into hyperspace."

Rodney, who had been sitting off to the side just awaiting doom snapped at the knowledge. "What?! What do you mean they just…"

The Sub-Commander seemed honestly confused, and he began to work on his console. "Exactly what I said! I have no prior knowledge of this…"

Ronon stepped forward and held his body posture stoically. "Where'd they go?"

The Sub-Commander furiously tapped on his console, but his frustration only grew. "I do not know. There is no way to track them in hyperspace"

Ronon looked to Lorne, gave a faint nod, got his acknowledgement, then with lightning speed unholstered his blaster and held it at the Sub-Commander's throat. Lorne had knelt and held his P-90 ready to back him up if needed, Rodney just stood with a stunned look on his face.

The Wraith Guards around them were equally fast, and stunners were leveled at them from all sides. Even with the automatic weapons, Lorne and McKay were seriously outgunned. But Evan knew Ronon just wanted to make sure the Sub-Commander was telling the truth.

Rodney of course didn't know this, and he softly muttered in terror. "Uh… guys…?"

The Wraith Sub-Commander snarled in Ronon's direction, obviously very annoyed with this Satedan. "Are you really so short sighted as to kill the one person keeping you alive on this ship?"

Lorne didn't back down as he sighted Wraith after Wraith, but his voice was calmly diplomatic. "He's got a point Ronon and I think he's telling the truth. Now let's all calm down here… Don't want a repeat of that bar on PX4-386 now do ya?"

Ronon growled in his throat, then realizing that Lorne was right, holstered his weapon.

The tension on the ship was great, and the Wraith guards around were reluctant to holster their own weapons, but the Sub-Commander knew it was more important to follow their original mission that deal with these almost idiotic foodbags.

Rodney, now relatively sure he wasn't going to be the piece de resistance, had only one thing to say. "Uhh… okay. What happened on PX4-386?"

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"The Queen shall see your… party shortly."

Teyla nodded slightly, and the Head Wraith left the room silently. She quickly turned to Todd, already noting that John had taken a support position for her should things get messy. "What do you have to do with this?"

Todd noted he was outnumbered, and replied quickly. "Nothing, I swear I had no knowledge that this would happen."

John snarled softly, Teyla couldn't tell whether he was acting or not. "It's a trap… we'll have to fight out way out."

Todd shook his head and held his hands up to them both. "No! We're in no danger… we'd be husks already if the Primary did not believe us."

John shook his head and turned around, he felt the irrepressible urge to just beat the crap out of Todd. And this Wraith makeup was making him itchy and it was driving him insane!

Teyla kept her voice in check, and looked to John to calm him down. "We may yet still have to fight our way out… but for now we have no choice but to play along."

Todd took a moment to think, then sighed in relief. "Everything will be fine, provided you continue to play your parts. Be prepared for anything."

A few moments passed, and the sound of someone outside alerted them. John instantly got into his position near the door as a guard, with Todd standing near Teyla yet still in reverence to her.

The Primary's face was the first thing they noticed as the doors opened, her perpetual scowl did nothing to lighten the mood. She first stared at Todd, her voice condescending. "What is…he doing here?"

John fought his smug smile as Todd bowed graciously, and backed to the wall opposite him on the other side of the door. The Primary gave him a disdainful look before staring at Teyla intently. Teyla didn't back down though and kept her composure. "I thought his presence would be useful, as he is the one you have been dealing with up until now."

The Primary turned to John then, and her face become almost curiosity. "Who… or what is this?"

John kept his gaze down, and his mouth shut. Teyla answered for him in the routine Todd had worked out for him. "He is my personal guardian. Sworn to me and marked for his service. I go nowhere without him."

The Primary snorted in derision, and her fingers came up to caress John's cheek. "You rely on bodyguards for your defense? I had no idea you were so fragile. Your reluctance to show your face is starting to make sense." John simply stayed still, even as the Primary's fingers slid down to the nape of his neck.

Teyla snarled back and took a step towards the Primary. "Only a fool would believe they are invincible, failing to plan is planning to fail… and I plan of living a very long time." Ironically, it was the truth.

The Primary snickered softly at that, and she grabbed John's chin, forcing him to look at her she hissed softly. "So… primal… Do you even speak?" John didn't reply, only staring at her with repressed hostility. It served well to mask his identity.

Teyla interrupted, obviously feeling worried about the Primary's interest. "He will speak for none but I… and I wish him silent now. Come! We must discuss the matter my commander warned you of."

The Primary took another few seconds to gaze at John, and he just barely managed to repress his revulsion as she gave him…that look… You know that look. The one that says you're about to have a fun night… except in this case it was definitely not what John wanted. Todd was slightly stunned at the exchange, but remained in reverence. Needless to say, John was freaking out, no check that… he was about 2 seconds away from a full blown McKay screaming session!

The Primary looked to Teyla then and spoke eloquently. "Very well… I shall play with your toy later. Let us sit."

John couldn't take it anymore and he looked to Todd for advice, the Wraith made a strange… what?

'Assist…'

Teyla had turned and walked with the Primary… but it all became slow and hazy in John's eyes. He could see… and he could feel Todd's hands move quickly… the knife… he was…

John knew what was coming and he knew what he had to do. How he did was something else entirely, and John had little control over his actions. With a silent step, he moved with Todd, grabbing the Primary's arms from behind as Todd swung around and promptly stabbed her ruthlessly in the neck.

Teyla turned at the strange and sudden noise and gasped. "What are you doing!?"

That was a good question. And even now as John held the Primary in a full nelson with his knee digging into her back, Todd finished her off as he twisted the blade in her neck. All the healing powers of the Primary were exhausted in moments, and she slumped silently to the floor, her throat so savagely ripped to shreds not a single scream was able to come out.

The bluish blood of the Primary spat out, and Teyla was repulsed by it landing on her clothes. Todd simply yanked the knife out and stared down at the Primary, the shock getting to him as well. The Primary's eyes simply remained open, the final astonishment now frozen on her pale skin.

John rubbed his temples as he began to breathe harder, his voice full of shock and doubt. "What… what the hell just happened?"

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A/N: Omgzors. Evil Cliffy. :P