Chapter 24
Be like Wraith Queen.
Freighter landed on the platform, and as soon as the hatch dropped down, Starburst came closer.
But he stopped, seeing very unhappy face Moonlight, places the hard steps, and followed by her a cloudy Blaze.
- Something happened? - he asked.
- Yes - she hissed, stopping in front of him. - Because of you, we're in trouble - she snapped.
- What kind of trouble?
- Such - she snapped, jerking a thumb over his shoulder toward the hatch, and then moved on.
The Wraith Commander looked in that direction... and he swallowed hard. On hatch freighter just appeared Skyfall, stepping slowly, with his hands clasped behind his back. On his lips bore a suspicious smile of satisfaction. This does not bode no good.
- Well, well, well... I thought that I would not live to see this moment, and yet - he said calmly, stopping in front of the starburst. - Someone however outstripped Mo and Blaze in their idiotic ideas... But in my whole life I never thought, that would be you... A dignified, respected Starburst. Son Nightstorm.
- I see that you're having fun.
- Excellent - he said, and pulled face to his. - I swear to you that if this case in any way harm the Moonlight, I personally disembowel you... very slowly - he hissed through his teeth.
The Wraith Commander smiled.
- As says some human female: set up in the queue.
But Skyfall does not seem to be amused by the joke.
- Even if this queue was halfway across the galaxy, believe me, I'll be the first... And the rest will have to settle for your scraps - he not changed his tone of voice.
For a moment he looked rigidly straight into my eyes of Starburst, and then followed Mo and Sunblaze.
The Wraith looked grimly at him and growled under his breath. This plan began to escape his control, he thought. Moonlight presence was necessary because of the preparation Teyla for the meeting with Nightstorm. The presence of Sunblaze he could tolerate... But Skyfall... That meant only one thing: trouble. Serious trouble.
Starburst imagined how Skyfall must have been furious, when he found out about everything. It's strange that he did not order to shoot them... And truth be told, how now he analyzes this, calm Commander was very suspicious, he thought. Skyfall was in truth devoted friend Icestorm and now Mo, but his participation in the plan seriously disturbed Starburst. He knew too well this Wraith. Such behavior was not in his style. Skyfall always been loyal primarily an Watchmaster of the Grey Council... Unless something happened that forced him to such behavior... or changed his approach to certain issues.
He definitely will have to examine this issue in free time, he thought and followed them.
The door of the chamber, in which was still the team from Atlantis, opened up for Mo and the eyes of the humans immediately fell on her.
Teyla stood at the far end. The female immediately noticed that she was nervous... and she did not surprise her. Impersonating Wraith must cost her a lot of nerve, she thought and smiled at her. Mo took the view, that this human gesture should help her relax a bit.
- Come with me - she said calmly. - Let's see what you learn.
Emmagan looked at her friends then took a deep breath and walked over to Mo. The door slid shut behind them and the two guards immediately returned to his post, guarding the entrance.
Female Wraith walked down the corridor toward the nearest transporter.
- Where are we going? - asked Teyla.
- To the throne room - she said calmly - ... Todd explained to you what are my terms... take part in this… masquerade?
- Yes.
- So you know that everything you have to learn, is intended ONLY for you? - she stressed the word. - You may not relay this knowledge to anyone... in any way - she noted.
- Yes.
- Very well - she said with a slight smile and opened the door to the transporter.
Beam moved them to another area hiveship, just a few meters of the throne room. But when they came inside, Teyla immediately stopped to see who was there waiting.
- Relax - Mo assured her softly and put a hand on her shoulder, leading closer to the throne. - They help us... In truth I did not took him previously consider - she a gesture of the head pointed to the Skyfall standing closest - but it might be beneficial for us to turn the matter. The more confirm your credibility, the better.
- And Blaze?
Moonlight smiled a little amused at the young Wraith.
- Well, apparently you're... cousins , according to human criteria - he said, grinning at her.
Teyla looked surprised for a female.
- Steelflower was from the same Clan as Blaze - Mo said. - Their mothers were half-sisters. Which according human affinity makes you cousins ... And now you introductions me - she said, stopping in front of the throne.
Emmagan focused and sent a telepathic information to Mo. But she looked displeased.
- Wrong - she said gravely. - First: you wondered. That in itself is suspicious. You have to do it instinctively, even when I wake you in the middle of the night... Secondly: you used the abbreviated version. It could cost you even your life... It's strange, that it made you two with the Solarwind. But if you presenting yourselves as the Grey Council, it will be considered an insult - she said, starting to walk around it. - I will make for you full name, but you must master it to perfection. Forget that you're Teyla Emmagan. From now on you Steelflower and you have to present like this way... - she said, and sent her telepathically your full name.
At first, even for Teyla was only unintelligible noise, but her mind quickly process information to understandable for her language. She looked surprised at the young female.
- Your name is Moonlight? - she asked. - Beautiful name...
- It does not matter now what my name is - she interrupted dryly, rolling her eyes. - Now you should be interested in only one thing: how to survive a meeting with my grandmother... human - she said, pulling up his face to hers. - Now show me how you behave... Sit on the throne - she pointed, more calmly, pulling away from her.
Teyla nodded her head slightly, straightened up, taking the most proud attitude which she was able and dignified step slowly came to the throne to sit on it... and then she waiting for the reaction of Mo.
- Acceptable - female muttered and looked at starburst. - At least this you learn her as far as properly.
- It will be a disaster - Skyfall snorted under his breath, and immediately he saw the look Mo.
- Do not helping me this - she said.
- But it's true... You see how she behaves - he said, stepping closer. - Even 10 years among humans do not explain... This - a gesture of his head he toward Teyla.
- What do you mean by "This"? - outraged Emmagan, standing up.
And then she realized that she raised a voice. She almost stopped breathing, when Commander looked at her... but to her surprise, not such a reaction she expected after him. He looked at her his yellow eyes and an expression of satisfaction on his face. He smiled corner of his mouth.
- Maybe there's some hope for us. The first time you act like a Queen - he said calmly and walked closer. - Remember this moment, this feeling, because you must behave like this all the time. You have to look at the world with pride and contempt. Do not show any weakness... In your chamber you can cry, scream and bang head on the wall. But outside you have to be like... how it say humans? - he looked at Mo - … nasty bitch?
- Yes… in more delicate version - Moonlight admitted with amusement.
- And now you change places... Mo will be pretend her grandmother. We need to properly prepare you to meet with her. Basic knowledge of labels is one thing and the ability to talk with the Queen as Nightstorm, quite another - he added.
Teyla stepped off the podium, where became the throne.
- What's your name? - she asked, confident, and he raised some eyebrows. - If we pretend to be allies, I should know this - she added, without changing the tone. - Mo called you Skall and him Blaze - a gesture she pointed at the head of a young Wraith. - But when her grandmother asks me about you, I suppose I should not call you that.
Commander again smiled corner of his mouth, and suddenly he sent a telepathic message to Teyla. Immediately after him Blaze did the same thing, what a little bit confused woman. But after a while she managed to control the accumulation of information which she has received and put them into a coherent whole.
- Your names resemble the names of a group of people from Earth, called Indians - she said. - Where did they come from? When you introduce yourself, I understand that, but you also receive the name soon after birth. So, where do you know how to name the baby?
- Give them to us Vocator - said female. - This can be translated as: "The one who gives the names". He has a certain ability: he can see into the future newborn Wraith and on that basis chooses a name for him. It shall specify the characteristic feature or an important event in his life.
- He is a clairvoyant?
- I think so... Yes, I think it's a good description of his abilities - she said. - For example, the Wraith whom you named Michael, was named: Hightower... Vocator told me that this is because the only vision which he had in his case, it was the moment of Michael death... when he falls from the tower of Atlantis.
Teyla a bit nervous, wondering if this Vocator said also Mo who contributed to the death of Michael... She looked at her uncertainly, but the female just smiled and looked at door of the chamber.
- Let's get started. We do not have much time... Let's practice your entry - instructed Mo and sat on the throne.
Emmagan watched her carefully. She was surprised, that despite the fact that Moonlight was never Queen, yet she still was able to be so maintained. Her way of moving, sitting down and the attitude which she took... Teyla first time saw in her a real female Wraith, who just looked at her dryly green eyes. Earlier learning by Todd gave her some insight into the principles of the community Wraith, but now a woman began to understand that what she knows, this is just the tip of the mountain.
She thought of Dr. Hovich, who was delighted by this knowledge.
- Forget it, human - just grunted over her Skyfall and looked at Mo. - And you watching her very closely. She is Protheu, but she still remembers how it should behave the true Queen... You rehearse - he said loudly and started for the door.
- Where are you going?! - Mo was surprised.
- I have something to do - he said mysteriously.
- There is something more important than it!
- No... but for now I'm not needed here - he said from the doorway with a slight smile and walked out into the corridor.
- I do not want to say anything, but your Commander probably just treat you lightly... My Queen - Blaze snort amused.
- As always - she said, making it even more amusing young Wraith.
- Sometimes I wonder if he behaved in a similar way, if you became Queen.
- Bet that yes?
- No... because I bet a the same assumption - he said.
- So, his behavior did not differ from that of yours - she said ironically, as Sunblaze smiled broadly.
- So, maybe for change you pretend that is as it should be - interrupted them a Starburst. - Time is running out.
Moonlight sighed and she took again a proud attitude of the Queen sit in her throne…
On other deck of hive, Skyfall paused at the door from the room and the people of Atlantis opened it.
- How long are you going to keep us here? - Sheppard asked, slightly annoyed, walking over to him.
- Now that you mention this... you can go. Your friend has still a lot to learn - he said, looking at him from a mocking smile.
- I do not understand? - he went surprised.
- Really? - Commander sneered and walked past him, directed it straight to the doctor Hovich.
Colonel grimaced, clearly dissatisfied that another Wraith was privy to their little mystification. At this rate, soon will know about it halfway the galaxy, he thought. And yet this less advisable half.
A woman stepped back, looked at him confused and slightly scared, not knowing what she should expect. Wraith stopped in front of her, leaning over her and watched her intently for a moment.
- What do you want from her? - Ronon growled, moving in their direction.
Skyfall looked at him quickly and growled a warning, and standing at the threshold soldiers lifted his gun, ready to shoot.
- You have a the gene Lanteans? - he finally asked, glancing back at the woman.
- ...Yes - she said.
- Come with me - he said, and turned on his heel.
- Why? - she asked, looking a little scared once a time the colonel and the Wraith.
The Commander stopped and looked at her.
- One of our scientists had known before the war, some Lantean women. You are confusingly similar to her... Certainly very interested him your case.
- Coincidence...
- Her sister probably escaped with others on Earth - he interrupted. - I do not think it was a coincidence.
Hovich slightly wrinkled her brow.
- You think that I could be her descendant?
- It is probable... taking into account several factors which substantiate this - he said with a slight smile and walked towards the door.
A woman looked first at rest, then follow him.
- Alaya... - Jennifer began, standing up, but she smiled at her calmly.
- It is all right... I admit that this story also intrigued me - she said. - I happy to find out something more - she said and walked out into the corridor for a Commander.
- You can go back to Atlantis - Wraith said and walked away.
This time, the room door is not closed. The others looked at each other.
- Thank God, finally - McKay said, standing up as the first and gave his hand to Keller. - I thought that we'll be stuck here for good - he said, moving toward the exit.
Sheppard and Ronon joined them.
.
.
Alaya Hovich went for Commander to sizeable room full of all possible equipment standing on the floor, tables and shelves. Most of them were definitely made by the Wraith, she noted, but a few things looked at the work of people and Lanteans.
- Wait here - Skyfall instructed and went to the next room.
She started to look at everything carefully. Some of the things she recognized without difficulty: test tubes, vials, pipettes and equipment for distillation. But most was a mystery for her.
She moved closer to one of the organic displays. It showed there some substance formula. She began to analyze subtitles. She's still not very well versed in the language Wraith to easily read the text. Suddenly, her attention turned the sound of breaking glass. She glanced violently to one side. In the passage to the next room was the Wraith. He was of medium height, rather slim. His reaching down to mid-back hair was pinned partly on the sides with two thin braids, decorated with silver rings. And his right eye was adorned with a tattoo in the shape of a double lightning. His yellow eyes stared at her in disbelief... and then he narrowed them, and his face was angry. He looked back and quick movement grabbed Skyfall by his neck, pinning him to the wall.
- You think this is funny - he growled.
- ...I thought... that... - said the Commander struggled, trying to free himself from the grip, but to no avail.
Scared Alaya watched this scene, not knowing what to do.
- Leave him! It was my idea! - she called out finally.
Clearcut looked at her slowly, releasing a little the grip on neck his friend. However, the angry look on his face did not change. A woman wanted to withdraw at first, but then she remembered what said her Mo: "You never show fear against the Wraith. Because he right away take advantage of this and destroy you". So, she took a deep breath and straightened.
- Commander mentioned that you knew before the war Lantean woman similar to me... and he assumed, that her sister could be my ancestor... I have Lanteans gene ATA for the use of their technology - she went on, seeing that the Wraith still holds Skyfall for throat. - So I asked him to meet with you... I am an anthropologist and xenobiologist, so this story really interested me...
- You leave - he snapped, interrupting her and letting go finally the Commander.
He leaned forward, grabbing greedily air in the lungs.
- You both go out - he said in the same tone. - Now! - he yelled and went back to the room from which he came.
Skyfall looked at the woman.
- We'd better get out of here - he said, rubbing his neck and went to the door of the lab.
Hovich at first wanted to follow for him, Wraith scientist anger frightened her, but in the middle of the road she had an epiphany. She suddenly changed direction, moving to another room.
- Do not go there...
- Just for a moment - she said calmly and walked into the room.
The Wraith stood at a distant table with his head down and digging their claws in a wooden top.
A woman walked up to him slowly.
- I told you leave... human - he growled, turning to her suddenly.
His face was full of anger... and pain.
But Alaya did not recoil. She did not move. She just looked at him... with compassion.
- You loved her, right? - she finally asked softly.
The Wraith still towered over her, even though he was a little taller, looking at her eyes, which seemed to be analyzed at the same time a lot of things. And then his eyes softened. He calmed down and relaxed muscles.
- I did not mean to cause you pain...
- Why do you care about it, human? - he interrupted dryly. - After all we do not have feelings.
- All living creatures feels, in one way or another - she said calmly. - And if you react to seeing me this way... she had to be very important to you.
- Yes, she was most important to me - he hissed, still holding his face close to hers. - And your great Lanteans, which you so glorifies, killed her... Along with others who were on our side.
- I'm sorry... And I'm sorry that I caused you pain. Really, I had no such intention - she said calmly and then she backed up a step and turned back towards the exit from the laboratory.
Ever since she got into the project "Stargate" and learned about the Wraith, she wondered what is their version of the war with Lanteans. Each of the reports, which she read, demonized them, describing as bloodthirsty, heartless creature. But every medal has two sides... and it was not just her opinion.
The hypothesis of the origin of Wraith presented by Dr. Beckett put up more questions than answers. And she felt that in this story is the second bottom of. Something more than told them the records from Atlantis... very enigmatic records. War, after all, always has two faces... and the two versions.
Clearcut looked at her as she walks away. Confused. He was furious at his friend that brought this human female... but on the other hand her view recalled so many memories. And not just this painful.
Hovich quickly glanced one last time into the lab and came out into the corridor.