Chapter 6 -Allies

The team had been shown into lodgings on the Base, they were as nice as one would expect in military surroundings, especially having armed guards outside your door. It was not long before Colonel Akusi knocked.

"Major, the First Minister requests you and your team's attendance at a meeting in five minutes. I will take you to the Conference Room."

Col. Akusi lead the team down the hallway to a higher level of the complex. She continued to guide the team until they came upon the double doors the end of the hall. Guards were standing at both sides of the silver colored doors.

"Right in here if you please," Col. Akusi gestured as she opened the door. A long, dark brown table and chairs were in the center, Commander Gallata and Anirul were already inside. A pitcher and glasses were placed on the table. "The First Minister will be right with you."

Teyla was the last one stepping in, but the Colonel held her back and closed the door. "Could you wait out here for a minute?"

"What for?" Teyla asked.

Just then the First Minister came out from the room next door. Teyla saw some other men and women inside.

"Teyla Emmagan," Tom began, "I would like to ask you something."

"Yes?"

"I know it must be confusing to see AS:2 as they really are, you will find out why in a minute. The other ministers and I need to know if these people that occupy Atlantis are the type of race that would be a positive ally."

"They are, they took my people in when the Wraith came to Athos."

"Would they ever try to underhand us?"

"No, they are a brave, honest, and curious race. They strive for knowledge and understanding."

"Thank you very much Teyla, let us go in." He opened the door for her and the Colonel.

Speaking to the rest of the team, "Welcome everyone. Did you find your rooms comfortable?" Tom took a seat at the head of the table.

"They're… very nice." Sheppard replied.

"Good, I'm glad. I would like to start by informing you of the Ministers Council's decision to negotiate a treaty between our two peoples, of course that is if your people agree.'

"We would have to discuss this with Dr. Weir first." John responded.

"Dr. Weir is the leader of your people?"

"She is the leader of the Atlantis Expedition from our planet, Earth."

"Since our Avenue is out of commission until tomorrow, we seem to be at an impasse. How about we consider these talks as preliminary until your Dr. Weir can discuss it herself."

"If we do not report back to Atlantis," John started, "She will send a Jumper through to get us."

"That is not necessary. Will it be before tomorrow, before our Avenue here in the city is functional?"

Teyla replied, "It is most likely."

"Then they would have to travel all the way here also." The first Minister turned to Fenring, "Commander take your team and the AC-304 to the Ancient's Avenue. If Atlantis establishes a wormhole, try to communicate to them not to and that their people are safe. We will send them home tomorrow afternoon under the hope that our people will be allies."

"Will do sir." He and the Colonel quickly left.

"Is the AC-304 the same model as were flew here in?" Rodney asked the First Minister.

"No, it is our newest model. Much smaller, it can only hold four people, but it is twice as fast as the 200 series, which was modeled after an original Ancient … as you call it Jumper, that was found in one of the many caves on Tialys. I am sure you have other questions."

"I would like to know why the Tialysians are posing as farmers on Tianna."

"Of course Teyla," Tom continued with "The colony on Tianna was established when our population started to consume our surplus of food. They are dressed as simple farmers to hide our advancements."

"Clever, but what about here, on this planet?" Ford asked and Anirul replied.

"Our people lived underground in caves and tunnels for some time. When we advanced far enough that we developed shielding and cloaking technologies from studying the Ancient Flyer, we started building cities above ground. This was only a couple of hundred years ago. At that time, we started studying the Ancient Avenue."

Aside to John, Rodney commented "They were underground like the Genii." But he was overheard by the First Minister, who suddenly got a little angry.

'We are nothing like the Genii! They are deceitful and base, we have nothing to do with them."

"I take it you don't like them either." Major Sheppard replied calmly.

"My government does not like them because of you. I should explain - we first heard of people occupying Atlantis through them. AS: 2 was sent to the Genii planet to explore, covertly. They found the Genii as simple people, but detected readings that led them to discover the underground complex. They are technologically advanced, the farthest we came across. We were considering revealing ourselves to them when AS:2 overheard them in their complex discussing the failed attempt to take Atlantis. We quickly abandoned hopes of an alliance, we do not wish to be involved with a race that would take what they desire by force. I was afraid you were Genii, that they found out about us and would attempt to strike our planet."

"Wait," John was confused, "the Genii never knew AS:2 was there, in the complex?"

Dr. Anirul Belacu responded, "No, they were using a personal cloaking technology. All teams use it in order to prevent anyone from knowing about us."

"Why? Wouldn't you want to make allies against the Wraith?" McKay questioned.

"We are very careful about people knowing of Tialys, even Tianna. We have only allowed the Athosians to know of Tianna, and no one except you knows of Tialys."

"Well, why all the secrecy?" McKay questioned, again.
This time Tom responded. "The more people that know of us, the greater the risk the Wraith will discover us also. The Wraith believe there are no humans on Tialys, if they knew of us, they would destroy us."

"That's really how you were able to advance so far," Rodney replied, "The Wraith do not know you exist."

"Exactly. We intend to keep it that way until were are ready to face them."

"Is that why we are under guard?" Ford asked.

"No, I have kept you al under guard in order to protect you from the rebel group Makina. They are a serious threat to all people in government of Tialys, scientists, and being from another planet, you. They have threatened my life, Doctor Belacu's life, and Commander Gallata's, along with dozens of others. There have been times where they have succeeded in carrying out these threats." Tom paused, took a deep breath folded his hands on the table, and continued. "I have a deep, personal hatred for these people." Anirul placed her right hand on his, trying to get him to stop discussing this topic. She seemed to be getting saddened, but he continued. "Eight years ago they assassinated my brother Minister Paulus Brynisin, Dr. Belacu's husband, in our family home here in the city." Anirul folded her hands in her lap, and lowered her head. Tom kept talking, "It was a strike to also kill Dr. Belacu, her older brother Dr. Hawat Belacu, and myself. Fortunately, Makina has lost considerable power due to government and military efforts, but I fear they would try to come after you if they came to know of your presence."

"I am sorry that they have hurt your family so much First Minister." Teyla considerately responded.

"If you don't mind me asking, but why does Makina not like the government and scientists?" Sheppard asked.

Anirul collected herself, raised her head, and answered. "They believe the Ancients and the Wraith are a myth conceived by the government thousands of years ago to control the Tialysians. They also believe Tialysians are the only humans that ever existed."

"Oblivious aren't they?" McKay commented.

"Very," Anirul replied.

"Major, my government would like a treaty that ensures for both sides the sharing of all knowledge of the Ancients, the Wraith, and technologies in order to defend both sides against the Wraith."

"As I have said First Minister, we will have to discuss it with Dr. Weir."

"Yes of course. Now if you would excuse me," Tom stood up, "I have other business to attend to. Good day." The First Minister then proceeded to leave the room.