Chapter 17
This Is the Way We…
"What're the problems we're facing?" Rodney asked a packed conference room from his wheelchair.
"Wraith dining on my sister and her kids?" Dr. Dupree offered with a hint of sarcasm.
"Yes, and we don't want your sister or her kids to even know that the Wraith exist. Keep the planet and its inhabitants in the dark."
"We need to buy time once they're out of hyper-space," furthered Caldwell.
"Exactly, we need to buy time so that we can nullify their jamming of the Asgard beam technology. If we make the attempt to retrieve everybody off the Hive ship and hopefully, rescue Sheppard…We are still trying to do that, right?"
"It would be a humiliating blow to the Wraith if humans retrieved a Hive ship's herd. We can make sure they know we did such a deed and can do it again," interjected Ronon with a pleased snarl.
Satisfied the answer was yes, McKay rightly restated, "Thus, the need for time."
Teyla kept quiet. She would not comment on what they would find with the victims, including Sheppard, once they were retrieved. With so many weeks on a Hive ship, the incarceration and the restraint in a small cell would exact a price. Though, retrieving them all-- Ronon was right, it would be a taunt at the Wraith, without question.
One of the many concerns she had for those on the ship was: once released, where would the people go? They could not stay on Earth or Atlantis or any planet in the Pegasus Galaxy for any amount of time. The Wraith may start to double check worlds to see if any humans had re-inhabited them. They may still end up on another Hive ship, right back in the same predicament. She would bring it up at the next meeting, now was a time to let hope grow.
"We've had in our possession a little device that we've been trying to modify for the Jumpers. The opportunity to use it has just not come up. Plus, since the Jumpers can cloak, it's like the Department of Redundancy Department. But, it does provide us with a couple of different options."
Rodney was excited in that I-know-how-to-save-all-our-pitiful-lives-once-again sort of way. She trusted that excitement and knew without a doubt, he had a viable plan already formulated in his brain.
"According to the data and our own observations, the Wraith dart is a versatile craft. It's the family station-wagon picking up take-out. It's the Fed Ex truck delivering supplies. And, finally, it's the troop carrier transferring Wraith from point A to point B." He smugly looked around the room as people whispered to one another and nodded in agreement.
"You want us to steal a dart and infiltrate the ship?" Weir asked.
"While one of the many theories bandied about the last couple of days, no. And we saw how well that went the last time." Rodney pulled up a schematic of a Hive ship on the large screen. "As I said, time…tick tock. We need to get those people off and destroy that ship before Billy Joe Bob reports to CNN about the strange lights in the sky."
"Please, oh gifted and glorious leader, let us in on your brilliance," goaded Radek.
Rodney glared sourly, "Oh like you're not just as excited that we-- you opened that directory."
Radek motioned him to move on with his hand and smiled mischievously back.
Rolling his eyes as well as his wheelchair, Rodney continued, "In order for the darts to conduct their business and prove they are part of that Hive, they must broadcast codes to the ship. I guess the Queens don't want just any old thing being transported aboard since they're infighting at this time. The codes for that Hive ship were included in that directory. Unfortunately, the codes are only for that particular Hive so they won't transfer. Maybe in future events, they will lead us to an algorithm to eventually stop their scrambling of the transporter beam." Even with his last qualifying statement, he was the Cheshire cat and a peacock with spread tail feathers rolled into one.
"You can thank my esteemed colleague over there for his jealous, one-upmanship." Rodney pointed to Zelenka. "Without him, we would never have found the codes. . . Well, maybe, we would have after a great deal of time and energy had been expended on fruitless searches of the other portions of the database…"
"Rodney, focus," gently commanded Weir as Radek took some deep bows to polite clapping.
"As I was saying, the device will give us time to stall as our snake incubating allies lend a hand. We have the means, we have the brains, and we have the technology. Go team!" Rodney said a little too manically.
"This is all still very rough. We need an actual working plan by the end of the week so we can relay it to the SGC." Caldwell looked at McKay with begrudging admiration. "Still, this is the best news in a while, Dr. McKay."
"Well yeah." McKay rolled to the table. "We have a pseudo-plan in the works. It includes some of the spare parts form Atlantis Part Deux and lots of duct tape. Zelenka will coordinate with you on what we have so far."
"If all else fails, we have the nuclear weapon to fall back on, right Rodney?" Weir asked from her position at the center of the table.
"If they don't realize who's sending the codes, yes. They, unfortunately, aren't that stupid. We still don't have the frequency of the scrambler. We'll get only one chance to do this. The bomb may not be an option if we try to rescue the others. It's an all or nothing kind of thing."
"I believe that I can help with that decision," Teyla said softly, but adamantly.
"How so?" Caldwell leaned forward across the table to see her around Weir.
"I connect with the Wraith as they exit. I can ascertain Col. Sheppard and the other humans' locations aboard the ship. I can let you know if it is an option to save them or…or leave them." She hated saying that last part and could feel the feathers ruffling around her. She really did not want to bring up viability at the moment, but the questions forming on lips and glares aimed at her were making it nearly impossible. "Do you want those that are so close to death or in such pain to linger? There is no cure for a feeding, better to die quickly on a ship than linger in a bed for weeks."
It felt like a decision she had already had to make not too long ago-- kill for the good of all or not?
"Let's have a plan for both. If Teyla says rescue, then we rescue. If she says destroy, then we destroy. Of course, first, we must get permission for you to travel to Earth." Weir looked at Caldwell. "Sound good to you?"
Caldwell nodded. "We can surely come up with plans for both."
Weir looked at the people in the room, "Okay, let's make this happen."
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She rarely visited the bridge. For this, she would. "Release the module," she ordered the male at the console.
This was a first. Her kind had never left this galaxy. They had never had the opportunity or the technology, whether fostered by her kind or acquired by other means, to do it. Now the other ends of the universe were within her reach, expanding the feeding ground to infinite worlds.
The module would broadcast a message to the nearest Hive about the fate of the Lantean city/ship. She had almost included the plans for its star drive. She could not help but be a little vindictive. She decided to let the ones that intercepted the message to acquire that knowledge for themselves. Let them work as hard as she had for their own greatness.
Of course, that was contingent on her failure. If her Hive ship did not pass this way again, the module was set to automatically broadcast.
No, she would return with the good news. How could she fail?
Her ship had dropped out of hyper-space to leave the beacon at the edge of a lonely solar system. Open space was her next destination.
"Re-engage the engines."
Her official duties concluded; it was now time to pick out something for dinner, something aged to start with. She would vary her selections to test what his reactions were. She had to allow time for recuperation between her feedings on him. Timing was everything. The need to draw it out and deliver the death blow at the exact right moment was essential. Choose the time where he finally wallowed in despair. A time when all fire was extinguished and the knowledge his world was doomed pinnacled into a darkness she would slurp in enjoyment.
She was the first to come this far, the first to leave the ancestral feeding grounds. The Great Awakening was thought a legend, now they were at the beginning of it and foresight had been lacking. Not enough food to sustain them all. She was leading her Hive to its salvation and enjoying every moment of it.
When she reached her private stock, her personal steward met her. Together they made the selection that might make the greatest impact. It was another member of her little helper's previous household. She was enjoying both fronts of her game.
Making sure the girl remained in the room when she fed on anyone she might know was satisfying in another way. The child thought she had hidden her motives. She thought the whispers in his ear went unnoticed. How wrong the child was. The Queen knew everything that went on in her ship and acute hearing was a gift in her kind. Breaking the girl was just a side distraction, and she did not have to make the entire trip.
Her other toy was the only one left on board to witness for his planet. She wanted him alive until another could take his place.
She also had work to do, questions to ask. But that was for tomorrow. Today was for gluttonous amusements; to hemorrhage a little more of everything they had to give.
She entered the room and heard the last whispered invectives in his captive ear.
"They will decide your life and death. But, know this, our Queen won't live to see your planet."
Devious little girl, that one. The Queen felt the thrill of the hunt spike in her breast and growl of anticipation in her throat. The old one from the devious little thing's planet was on today's menu, but tomorrow or the next day…her time would come.
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"We have a yes? They can send ships, armaments and troops for the battle?" Mitchell asked excited, yet wary. The Council usually did not do things so quickly. They had a particular fondness for quibbling.
"They have arranged for Death Gliders to be born by one Ha'tak. Two squadrons of Al'kesh, pilots, and troops to man all ships are also being diverted this way. The Wraith will not get anywhere near the planet. You have the vow of the Jaffa." Master Bra'tac struck his breast plate with the oath.
Mitchell had to agree that sounded great. He thought that he and Teal'c would have to do a few more visits to the Council.
"On behalf of everyone, and I include those that haven't the faintest clue you exist, thank you," Landry said with a complimentary smile.
"Atlantis has sent a rough draft of a plan. They also have recommended a few objectives. It all depends on our newest member of the Odyssey crew, Ullr. Hopefully, he will be able to get the beam to do what McKay requested it to do," Carter gestured towards the Asgard sitting across from her next to Emmerson.
"I will not transport an explosive device on board unless it is absolutely necessary. Meaning, that there are no other options left." The Asgard blinked those huge eyes at Gen. Landry.
"Well Ullr, we were hoping to avoid that anyway, the prospect of fallout and what not. We were just hoping to blow them to hell the old-fashioned way," he replied, not phased in the least by the Ullr's tone.
"Yeah, big ass guns from a friendly Ha'tak." Mitchell grinned at the little grey skinned alien. He had gotten used to the nakedness, but those eyes made him real uneasy. The eyes condescended to what the little squirt must have been thinking were nothing more than bright monkeys. In other words, the human race.
"Very well. The modifications should be easy enough." Ullr looked at each person and beamed himself back to the Odyssey without another word.
"Abrupt little guy," commented Emmerson.
"You'll get used to it," Landry replied. "He's all yours."
"Thank you sir."
"We do need to decide if this is a rescue operation or not." Carter squinted; Mitchell could tell she really did not want to play devil's advocate.
"Well, my vote's rescue," Mitchell pursed his lips and raised his hand in the air.
"Sentimentally, that's my vote too, Colonel."
"I hear a big but coming, General."
Landry snorted, "You're correct. We can't afford to have any, and I mean any, Wraith darts make it anywhere near the atmosphere."
"That's what's nice about the preliminary plans Atlantis sent. They want Col. Sheppard back, but their first concern is Earth."
"Alright, let's study what they are proposing, see if it can be done and get it going."
"Yes sirs" echoed from around the table and everyone stood up to leave. "Carter, a minute." Landry motioned her over as the others filed out.
Mitchell left looking over the rough strategies sent during the last communication and started adding a few of his own. They were depending on the Death Gliders to swarm like the darts seem to be capable of doing. Their F-302 squadrons were too few in number but together…Additionally, the Al'kesh would be a nice bonus surprise. From what he gathered, they did not know about the Ha'taks. Of course, with Col. Sheppard in their salivating hands, that could have changed. They still had a chance to pull their fat out of the frying pan. Yep, the day was looking sunnier-- even if they were underground.
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Landry had wanted to know if she thought rescue was truly an option. She wanted it to be so badly since thousands were trapped alive on that ship. It must be a nightmare existence.
Carter walked the hall back to her little hole in the mountain. She had to grudgingly admit, she was impressed that McKay had come up with an imaginative solution. He was exploring avenues that he never would have a few years ago.
The little spoiled brat had grown into a…He had grown into a spoiled brat of a man. Yet, his concern for others was touching. McKay had obviously changed during his time on Atlantis. He had a teammate on that ship and he had a plan to save the others as well. He had learned how it feels to lose a friend and desperately want them back. She stopped walking for a second-- he had friends. That was something that surprised her and had to surprise him as well.
Of course, that's why the outright destruction plan was more clinical and precise in description. It must have been hard to write-up. More proof of the man's change in disposition.
She had also seen the reports on his experience in the Wraith chair. He had resisted for as long as possible. She had to agree with Weir on that one. When he broke, he tried to confuse the Wraith as much as possible. It would be strange seeing this new man in a few days, especially now that he knew the meaning of the word team.
"Col. Carter!"
Sam stopped and turned to face a short of breath Dr. Lee.
"I have all the information on the satellites."
"Good. Let's run some simulations and see if this has a chance in hell of working."
If it did not, they would have to come up with something else and that prospect was frightening. Time was shrinking. As it stood, the plan would involve a little interference with cell phones and TV signals, but overall, the everyday, average Joe, armchair quarterback would not even notice a thing. Or, at least, she hoped not. The thought of a Wraith entering someone's living room during the Stanley Cup made her shiver.
Earth remained in the dark about things extra-terrestrial, and for right now, that was the way it was going to stay.
"You realize we're guessing from what direction that the Hive ship'll exit hyper-space. That, if they exit on the other side, we're going to be scrambling with the ruse." Dr. Lee opened his laptop and called up the information they needed.
"We have to leave a few things up to chance. I think we can maneuver all assets into place quickly. They should get a real warm Earth welcome from wherever they exit. Anyway, the long range sensors should give us a timely heads-up."
Daniel joined them about an hour later. "There's nothing useful in the artifacts from Merlin's cave. There might be, but nothing that we'll figure out in the next week. I'll keep looking though. How's it going here?"
Carter looked up from the monitor, "We're getting ready to boggle the enemy with our resourcefulness once more."
"Oh, so nothing new?"
After shooting him a semi-serious, caustic glare, she went back to work making balloons out of satellites.
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A/N: Little bunnies love the cake and chocolate and …Hey, get away from my beer! I've got this story almost finished. Normally, I have a story ¾'s written before I post it. Sorry, this one I didn't but it's been a blast to play with.
If I'm losing you, let me know. If I'm not, let me know. Thanks to everyone reading and/or reviewing. Summer's almost here, so time is on my side, and hopefully, quicker updates.