Chapter 17
Research expedition...?
The whole room lit only numerous candles, arrayed in different places, by throwing flickering shadows and glows on the walls.
Moonlight was sitting on the floor, with legs crossed and eyes closed.
She tried to calm down after the recent events. Restore balance in her body. But even the soothing sounds of music did not help her mind focused.
And on top of someone just rang the doorbell, completely knocking it from trials of meditation.
She growled under her breath and stood up quickly to open the door.
- Apparently you looking for me - kindly said Woolsey.
- Yes... Please. Please come - she invited him hand gesture, pulling away.
He stepped inside, looking around carefully. Mo shut the door.
- I tried to meditate - she pointed to the candles. - But I can not focus my thoughts.
- You a lot of have went through. Almost died. No wonder you're still shaken.
- That's why I tried to calm down myself... but it did not work out - she said.
The man walked up to one of the shelves, looking at a small statue standing on it.
- In fact I have not been here since you moved in - he said. - I see that the tour of the station with Amelia in search of various items was successful - he added.
- Yes... It turned out that we have similar tastes.
Woolsey did not answer.
For a moment he listened to the song while listen to a female.
- "Moonlight Sonata" of Beethoven - he said.
- Yes. I listened to most of what you gave me, but this song is my favorite... although I not conceal that partly for personal reasons - she added.
- What's that? - he asked. - If of course I can ask? - he added.
Mo smiled slightly.
- Because of my name.
A man watched at her intently for a moment.
- Your name is Moonlight? - he asked.
- Yes - she nodded. - It's my father began affectionately calling me MO... And so left.
- Moonlight. It's a beautiful name - he said. - It suits you... The beauty and mystery in one, like a full moon... - he suddenly frowned. - It's like you are assigned names? Define your personality?
- Partially... First name suited us after the birth of, as in your case - she explained. - However, we have can change it, when we pass... the Conversion of the adult form of the Wraith - she waved her right hand eloquently. - Someone of us this use... My name partially is a idea of my father's, because I was born during a full moon... though its full meaning is different.
- A similar principle of naming the Earth have the Indians - he said.
- Yes, I read about it in your database.
- So why all the secrecy around your names?
Moonlight smiled.
- I will answer you as I answered the colonel Sheppard: do you submit to your food? - she said with a sneer.
- Well, yes - he said. - Right. For you, we are the only food.
- I'd lied, denying... But there is another aspect... We introduce ourselves in several ways. To socialize I can say, that I am Mo or Moonlight. Slightly more informative to add what Clan I come from... or fully formally introduce ourselves just like this:...
Woolsey took a step back, when by his mind crossed a loud noise. He looked surprised at the Wraith.
- Do you understand anything? - she asked calmly.
- No… I felt as if someone had just put in my ears turned on shortwave. I only heard a loud noise.
- Exactly. But if you were a Wraith, you have heard the full version of my name. It's like among you... Let's just say: name and surname, address of residence, the family tree of and a workstation in a single, brief thoughts. You do not have the skills to pick up that thought.
- And it is not enough to present as you: Moonlight or even Mo?
The Wraith grinned a little mischievously.
- Here we are again back to issue number one: how Wraith treat humans… I mean people - she correct herself. - Presentation to you in this way meant to establish social contacts... with food.
- I think I understand - he said. - Although reluctant to admit it, but I understand what it was. You will not submit to us until you recognize us as equals.
- Exactly... I'm sorry, but that's the point of view of my species.
- Well. At least I'm sure what it was - he said, and looked into her eyes. - And why did you reveal to me your name?
- You are the Commander of the station, and the Commander must show respect.
Woolsey smiled with undisguised pride with her words.
- That's very kind of you... Well, yes, but not after this I come here - he remembered.
- Oh yeah, that's right - she said. - I was looking for you with two reasons. First, I wanted to apologize for what happened...
- You do not have to apologize - he interrupted her calmly. - You were the only victim.
- But after all, I'm ashamed - she said. - For that reason, it's all resulted from fault once of our... Let I just grab this green bug in my hands…
She paused, realizing that she had said it out loud. Woolsey looked at her with a raised eyebrow. She smiled broadly.
- Never mind what I will do to him - she said. - And the other thing. Dr. Hovich very wanted to visit a certain planet.
- Yes, she mentioned me. Apparently it's your planet trade.
- Yes... I should not have mentioned her about it and now... she does not want to give me alone now - she added. - I have to remember that she is xenobiologist, and do not reveal too many details of her - she murmured.
- It would be a reasonable move - he admitted with a slight amusement. - But she has just such a information came here, to try expand her knowledge about the Wraith... Unfortunately, Dr. Hovich is... how to say... hot-blooded.
- Yeah, I was also influenced it - she admitted, wincing a little mouth.
Woolsey smiled.
- In any case, what's done is done. You take her tomorrow on this planet, otherwise she to torment us all... Team Colonel Sheppard will accompany you... For your safety - he added.
Moonlight grimaced slightly.
- All of them?
- Is that a problem?
- Small - said uncertainly. - So a lot of people can return unwanted attention - she said. - Especially since Amelia also has... inscribed on the list of applicants... Until her eyes shone at the news of shopping... What your women have these shopping? - she ask.
- Do not ask me - he said. - This probably does not know any man.
- Oh... In any case, it would be advisable to move in smaller groups... in civilian clothes... no visible weapons - she added more and more unsure of the requirements.
Face man clearly indicated that he was not happy with it.
- All right - he said with a slight reluctance. - I understand that it will be safer... Melt in the crowd... You know better. This is your planet. - he sighed and looked around. - Well. In that case, if everything has to explain ourselves, it's time for me... I have some paperwork.
- Of course. I will not keep you any longer - she said, and walked quickly to the door to open it. - Thank you for coming.
- I just walked around - he said, going into the corridor.
- Oh, Mr. Woolsey, one more thing - she remembered.
- Yes?
- If you have any further earthly works, I'm happy to listen to them.
The man's eyes sparkled slightly. He smiled broadly.
- It just so happens that colonel Carter brought me some new recordings that I ordered... I was just going to listen to them, so if you want...
- Great - she said, leaving him in the corridor.
- Then let's go - he invited her hand gesture.
She smiled slightly and followed him, assuming his arms behind his back.
.
.
All were already at the stargate, waiting impatiently for the doctor to be late. They had already set off five minutes ago, and her still was not there.
Moonlight again glanced at the group, making sure, that the clothes that they set up will not stand out too much among others. She advised them to set up something older, which is not even slightly worn. Such dress will be the least stand out from the crowd. They also had to take only pistols or handheld Wraith stunners, so that they can be easily hidden, and a small backpack or bag. Of course, the best of the tasks to comply Teyla and Ronon as the "natives". And Amelia, whose advice probably give Satedan.
The rest... well, she thought, let's hope that everything will be fine.
Finally, in the corridor, there was the last person. She was wearing a white shirt with puffy sleeves, leather corset and pants. Her long, blond hair hidden by a hat, a bag slung over his shoulder.
Sheppard grinned.
- Miss Indiana Johns! - he snorted when a woman came into the room.
- Something of the kind - she said, and stopped in front of Mo satisfied. - Sorry I'm late, but I could not decide what to wear... I hope I chose well.
But female Wraith said nothing, just watching her closely. Then he circled her, scanning the entire time. When she stopped, she grabbed her hat and threw it aside.
- A woman visiting this planet never wear it on her head - she snapped. - You look like you just left the shop - she said, and suddenly dug her nails into her corset, sliding them down.
- Hey, is new - protested Hovich.
- Exactly - Mo snapped, eyeing the traces left enough.
Then she crouched down and did the same with her pants. A woman groaned in pain.
She rubbed her thighs, when the female was over, standing up.
- I said: USED, not: JUST MADE - she scolded her. - Even as a worshipper sent to shop, you do not have you wearing brand new clothes. We do not run every minute on shopping for new clothes, because the fashion is changed - she concluded, with clear disapproval, almost disdain in her voice.
- I'm sorry, I thought...
- No.. You're not thinking - she interrupted her. - You follow the earthly customs, completely ignoring my words.
- Why are you so angry?
Moonlight came up to her, looking hard at her eyes.
- Because I do not want by one person Wraith shot seven others immediately after we passing through the gate - she hissed. - Look at Teyla and Ronon. So dress the inhabitants of this galaxy. But you might as well be wearing a sign: shoot me, I'm a spy for the New Lanteans.
- I have to change? - Said offended doctor.
- So we have to wait again? - she said mockingly. - No, gets dirty a little shoe and bag on the way... And then, we will pray, that no Wraith was interested in us - she said and looked towards the gate control room.
She nodded her head. Sitting for DHD man returned the gesture and symbols on the gate began to light.
- You did not have to be so rough for her - whispered Teyla.
Moonlight looked at her askance.
- Did you see what she put on her?
- Yes, but... - she paused, seeing a meaningful glance Mo.
Gates activate and female moved the first, pulling up the hood.
- I hate to admit it - said Ronon, walking over to Teyla - but she's right. They shot to us right away. No questions asked - he admitted and passed through the gate.
A woman sighed heavily and also moved.
Gates on the other side were on the shore of a small lake. The newcomers looked around with interest in the area. Their target was on the other side - a lot like the human village town.
- We are splitting into two groups as soon as the city gate, like we went to our regular dealers - instructed their Mo and went ahead again.
On the shore of the lake, as usual, play with children of different ages, which with interest looked at the newcomers.
- Mo - said Teyla, catching up with her. - I just thought. Now that we are here. Do you know where I can find a clothing store for children?
- Yes. I'll show you.
- Great. Torren grows so fast with everything.
The Wraith smiled.
- A pity that you did not get those that are already too small. You could list them. About this planet is said , that traded with the Wraith, but in fact, most of the transactions carried out here, is trade between human worlds... Maybe next time... Anyway, now you know the address, so you can come here alone.
- I do not think I would have dared to come here alone... I have a feeling that someone is watching us - she said, looking a bit around.
- It is highly probable - Mo said calmly.
- And do not bother you?
- It is normal here - she said, and glanced at the others. - You behave as if you did not care, and you will not arouse suspicion.
- Full loose? - Sheppard joked.
- Exactly. You behave as if you were regulars here. The less you look around, like on a trip, the better... You have to pretend merchants... not tourists - she added, glancing at Hovich.
A women re-offended her attention.
They went to the city main the gate constitutes a powerful stone arch. The doctor really tried not to look as if she saw it for the first time, but it was stronger than her. She absorbed her eyes every detail of the local architecture.
As soon as they crossed the gate of the city, they saw a large square full of stalls. He was surrounded by colored building, on the ground floor which they were shops. Everywhere people were bustling about, not paying much attention to the two groups of newcomers.
They looked around in search of the Wraith, but for now, to their relief, they did not see any.
- We will meet at the gate for two hours - Mo said. - Try not to use a walkie-talkie. And certainly not in the crowd... I will try to have you in the eye... telepathically - she explained. - So what if I will inform the rest.
- It's possible? - Rodney said.
She looked at him wryly.
- As if it was impossible, I would not say this - Mo talk back and turned to women. - You will be with Teyla. With her will be my easiest way to keep in touch... Store by which you asked is there - she pointed her finger and walked off.
- You said that the split - said Sheppard.
- That was before I learned that Teyla also want to do some shopping... I'll take them there and get back to you... Meanwhile, take a look around a little and pretend that you are looking for something to buy... For now, let's go to that fountain - she nodded structure in the middle of the square. - Then right - she said.
- I do not have to pretend - Amelia snorted to Dr. Keller. - This place is great.
- As an old European city markets.
- Exactly. Even the atmosphere is the same.
- Great. Woman's shopping - McKay said walking next to Ronon.
- Is something wrong?
The researcher looked at him ironically.
- It's a nightmare for any man.
- Since you're such an expert? - Sheppard snorted.
- Ever since I gave up on it to convince Jennifer and Jenny on Earth - he said.
- So you have proficient - Ronon sneered and slapped him on the back, speeding.
- Very funny - he growled, looking for him.
Going through the crowds of people it took them some time. Especially since according to the Moonlight in no hurry. When they reached finally to the fountain, a female Wraith was waiting there for them, explaining something the doctor Hovich.
She looked at the men.
- In that direction are the gun shops and bookstores... if you want to - she said. - There is also a kind of study house - looked at Rodney. - Only I beg you, do not elaborate on the discussions.
- I watch him - Ronon replied cheerfully, grabbing his arm.
He also prefer it, than wandering with the women around the shops. Besides, Mo mentioned something about a gun.
- I'll go so far with them - said the colonel.
- If you prefer the womanly company - snorted Dex.
Sheppard gave him a meaningful look, when Satedan moved in the direction indicated.
- This way - said Mo and walked toward street leading between buildings. - The rest is certainly in place.
The colonel followed her, passing several houses, and finally stop at the stone steps leading up to one of the shops. It was a bit out of the way, but had everything we needed Emmagan.
It was the same store where Mo was here for the first time with her caregiver.
- I will go to them - said Hovich.
Moonlight nodded and leaned against the stone railing of the stairs.
- It may take a long time - said John.
- That's what I'm afraid - she murmured, which amused man.
- At least one woman who does not like shopping - he snorted.
- Usually I visit the planet to buy specific things, not just to watch them.
- So, you happen to walk aimlessly around the shops? - he did not change the tone.
- Only when I'm looking for something and do not know where to find it.
- This is just understandable... Women on Earth treat shopping as a form of entertainment.
- I noticed looking through your archives - she said.
He smiled slightly.
There was silence. Both of them do not really know what to say.
Moonlight looked into the narrow alley between buildings located across the street.
- There, I met Mia and Lyli - she gestured toward the head and moved slowly in that direction. - Some kids took Lyli her only doll so I gave her my new toy that I took was from this shop - she glanced over her shoulder, standing at the entrance to the alley.
- Do you miss them? - influenced Sheppard.
- For all of them - she said sadly, looking into the street. - In the cell I even had hallucinations of them - she snorted under his breath.
Sheppard did not answer. He did not want to admit it out loud, but he had never thought about the fact that their fight against the Wraith has consequences. The soldier never thinks about it. It was only when you begins to speak of "the other side", the man realizes that he killed someone, someone else suffer through it, he thought.
And now, when he looked at the sad face Moonlight this thought came to him again.
He pushed back it quickly. Deliberately over the already not change what happened.
- That's right... Speaking of which... Listen - he did not know how to start. - That's what happened in the gym...
- Can we not talk about it and forget it? - she murmured. - It's embarrassing for me...
- Because you kissed human? - he was indignant slightly.
She looked at him grimly.
- No… Because of how I behaved.
- Oh - he said. - ...So, there was no issue.
- Exactly.
- That's good. I wanted to suggest the same thing - he said.
- That's good.
- Great - colonel nodded.
Moonlight turned back to the store.
- How much you can pick a few things? - Mo snapped irritably.
- I'm afraid that long. So this is how you let women shopping - he said, just as impatient and left the streets to resist, and the wall of the building.
He reached into his jacket pocket after a candy bar from a military point.
- Do you want? - he asked, giving her another.
- Thanks - she said, and leaned against the wall, a bit further, around the corner house, glancing at the store.
It was supposed to be a trip for research purposes... and not womanly shopping, she annoyed and bit a candy bar. She had to admit that even fond of military rations... or at least most of them. Some, unfortunately, did not taste too good... to put it mildly.
Busy watching, she did not even sensed the presence of the Wraith, who had just appeared in the back alley. Only his voice caught her attention.
- Mo! - called undertone Sunblaze and ran to her. - Mo, where have you been? Everyone is looking for you...
He paused.
Emerged from behind the corner of a building just a man, his hand resting against the wall.
He smiled grimly.
- So, that is really your name? - Sheppard said, amused. - Mo?... I knew that with your names is something wrong.
- Who he is? - snapped the young Wraith.
- John Sheppard from Atlantis - she murmured sarcastically and looked at the colonel. - You do not be so happy. It's just a diminutive - she retorted.
- From Atlantis? - asked incredulously Sunblaze and suddenly looked grimly at the man. - They have you imprisoned? - he growled, stepping forward.
- Wait a minute - the officer said, backing away.
Moonlight stopped pilot her hand.
- No. They do not imprison me - she said calmly. - Let's just say... that I live there… temporarily.
The Wraith looked at her in surprise.
- You live there? - he repeated. - So, the Doc was right.
Moonlight frowned and looked at him very uncomfortable.
- He let slip? - she snapped. - Green betrayer…
This time it Sunblaze stepped back and grinned innocently.