AN: See chapter one for disclaimers

Retribution

Chapter 3: He Tasks Me

Chief Cowen sat at his desk contemplating the message he just received over the subspace relay communication system. The unexpected, but serendipitous news from Golathe of Logara was welcome indeed. The timing of the invitation, however, meant he had to develop a plan fast. He did not want to miss an opportunity to get revenge on the man who had bested him with such embarrassing ease. Not just once, but twice. The humiliation he suffered as the result of both incidences was a constant source of irritation. Yes, the man in question was a thorn in Cowen's side. A thorn that needed to be removed.

The defeat of his top commander and the loss of over 60 well-trained, dedicated Genii soldiers during the attempted takeover of Atlantis was not something easily forgiven or quickly forgotten. Cowen felt someone had to pay dearly. That someone was one Major John Sheppard. At their first encounter, Cowen had warned Sheppard that he did not want to make an enemy of the Genii. Now he finally was being handed a chance to make good on his threat. He intended to use it.

Leaving his office, he strode down the corridor and entered a large gymnasium where several warriors practiced hand-to-hand combat techniques within a small arena. Under the tutelage of their commanding officer, the trainees parried and thrust at their opponents with long wooden staffs. Normally Cowen enjoyed watching the intricate, seemingly choreographed movements of the martial arts discipline his soldiers performed, but today he had urgent business to discuss with their teacher.

The teacher in question looked up from his students at the sound of the door opening. Seeing Cowen enter the gymnasium, he told his students to continue their exercises, as he walked up to his commander-in-chief. Normally, he allowed no one to interrupt a training session, but Chief Cowen, by privilege of his rank, was the one exception to this rule. An astute observer and a canny strategist, the older veteran warrior could ascertain from the chief's expression that this was no ordinary visit.

"Chief Cowen, it is always a pleasure to have you attend our morning exercises. Today, though, I get the feeling you have not come just to see how your future troops are faring."

"Commander Koyla, you see right through me as usual. Remind me never to play poker with you. I have just received news from the Logaran homeworld that I think you should hear."

"Logara? What news does our good friend Golathe have for the Genii?"

"He was just visited by some travelers looking to trade."

"Yes, so? Logara is a busy trade center known to many worlds. The business concerns of Golathe should hardly be of interest to me. Why should we concern ourselves with news of common travelers?" Koyla impatiently asked.

Unless Cowen had something more to tell him, he needed to get back to his trainees. The Wraith could show up any day now, and he needed to get his inexperienced charges as ready as possible. Especially in light of losing so many seasoned soldiers recently. Cowen could sense Koyla's growing impatience and grinned at him as he spoke.

"Oh, but these are no ordinary travelers. This latest group came from Atlantis."

Koyla's interest was suddenly piqued. "Atlantis! Are they still on Logara as we speak?"

"No, but they will be returning this evening. Golathe has invited them to dinner to discuss a possible trade alliance. The party of four due to dine at Golathe's table tonight will include none other than Major Sheppard, Dr. McKay, and Teyla Emmagan....names I am sure you remember."

"Ah yes, I remember them well. They left me so little reason to forget them." Koyla allowed a small grin to etch his grizzled and battle worn features. "This is good news indeed, Chief Cowen. I am sure you have a plan?"

Koyla was pleased to hear his former adversary would be once again within his reach, Ever since his defeat at Atlantis, there was not a day that went by that the Genii commander did not curse Major Sheppard's existence. The hostile takeover of the sea-bound city should have been the crowning glory of his military career, but instead it had turned into an unmitigated disaster. Instead of claiming Atlantis as his own and gaining invaluable technology for the Genii homeworld, Koyla found himself besieged by one crafty and defiant soldier.

Though seriously outnumbered, the major had continued to outwit the Genii at every turn, refusing to back down in the face of impossible odds. He turned out to be a formidable opponent, worthy of Koyla's admiration and respect, even as much as his hatred. But the cold, calculated murder of his men was a deed that must be punished. Over 50 alone lost forever when Sheppard raised the stargate's shield as a secondary contingent of Genii soldiers were gating into the city. Soldiers lost so completely in the wormhole that he had no bodies to bring home to their families. No bodies for the families to bury, just memories of the men they mourned. Not to mention the injuries the major had inflicted on the commander himself when he so brazenly shot Koyla as he held Dr. Weir hostage in front of the stargate. He still carried the scars on his chest, and his shoulder still ached at night, an ever-present reminder of Koyla's shameful defeat. Yes, Major John Sheppard needed to answer to his crimes to the Genii.

Cowen looked back at his highest ranking military official. "I think we can devise one on short notice. Golathe said they will be arriving back at Logara at sunset. I mean us to be there beforehand so we can lay in wait. Can you have a strike force ready in time?"

"I can and I will. I will need at least two hours to prepare my troops. We will finalize our strategy in the meantime. I mean to have the tactical advantage when Major Sheppard and I come face to face again. This time he will not win!"

Chief Cowen slapped his old friend and trusted commander on the back as they both headed out the door. "Come Acastus, let us prepare for tonight's dinner. We will bring the just desserts."

(TBC)