Chapter 30
Conversion.
Repair Travelers ship lasted longer than they expected.
Fortunately, they cooperation laid getting better.
In principle, could safely conclude, that for trio: Carter - Moonlight - McKay, rest of the people of Atlantis was unnecessary. They quickly mastered the entire backup control room, although it seemed, that only thanks to a female Wraith, who performing the forced role peacemaker, two human scientists did not pass to blows in their quarrels.
Sheppard for some time watched them with amusement, but then he disappeared somewhere.
- You're unobservant, doctor McKay - she said with amusement, when a man asked the other, where is the colonel.
- Oh - he muttered and went back to his work.
Carter looked with interest at the young female.
- I have over two hundred years, and often am confronted with human behavior... It only took me their brief exchange of views in the jumper, to guess that between them... sparks? So you call it?
- I was thinking, that you read his mind - Sam admitted.
- I do not do this... as long as I do not have necessarily - she said reluctantly. - Believe me, it is better not to delve into the minds of most… people - she snorted.
The woman did not answer. She did not know what.
Over the last few hours she had spent in the company of a Wraith female, she was still a mystery to her. She was almost like a human, but there were moments in which Carter clearly realized, that Mo is still the Wraith. And yet, it could not be disliked her. It was strange, she considered, but true... and at the same time disturbing. She was not sure if in fact this is not another Wraith trick or her own feeling... As in the case of people: some you like, others not.
Therefore Sam decided to be cautious. Perhaps McKay is right, she thought, being skeptical about Mo? Finally, after all she is still the Wraith...
Her thoughts was interrupted by the sound of the door-spreading. Into the room come one of the Travellers, searching eyes of someone.
- Where is colonel Sheppard? - he asked.
- He went out… to stretch his legs - Teyla said calmly.
- You have a message from Atlantis - he said, almost harsh tone. - They want your team and Wraith immediately returned. Apparently it's something important.
Emmagan looked at the two scientists.
- We can?
- Sure - said Sam. - Have been cosmetic case. We can handle this - she glanced at the other technicians.
- In that case, I will inform John - she said, reaching for the radio.
- You no need - interjected calmly Mo. - He already knows.
Teyla looked at her.
- You said, that you did not look into the human mind - she reminded her, though without remorse.
- Sending a message does not require... "look into the mind" - she explained.
- In that case... you tell him, that we are waiting with jumper - she said.
- Done - she said and smiled.
- Fast - Rodney admitted.
- Thought is faster for anything else. Besides, you do not need to send messages... verbal. Enough picture. And I sent him a picture of us standing by the jumper. He should guess... I think - she added with a note of irony.
- Yes, I know. I've dealt with telepathy - he said. - I even once had such ability - he remembered with a smile.
- Really? - Mo asked surprised, with slight disbelief.
- Yes, when I accidentally got on the field of action one of the Ancients devices... I'll tell you later - he added, seeing the meaningful look Teyla.
- Come on. Atlantis did not call to us, if it really was not important - the woman said, and she was the first on the corridor.
The others followed her... along with Mo shadows.
Sheppard was already waiting for them in the jumper.
- Thanks for the message - he said, sitting now in the pilot's seat. - I think... Although it was weird.
- You wanted to know more about the Wraith - said maliciously Moonlight, sitting in the back. - So, now you know how we communicate.
- This I already knew.
- But now you experienced this personally - she said, amused.
- Thanks for caring about... my life experiences - he retorted, and she bared her teeth in a wide smile.
He did not know if it's because of her teeth were white, like a human, or because of her human appearance, but her smile did not seem to be so... weird, like other Wraith.
Jumper hatch closed and they slowly left the hangar, flying to the stargate. However, barely they left the deck of the ship, on the control panel light flashed, indicating them about established contact.
The colonel turned on the communicator and on holographic screen appeared Larrin face.
- Sheppard, you took the Wraith - she snapped.
- We were told to come back with her to the Atlantis...
- She has to stay here - she demanded. - While the Council has not decided what to do with her.
- Larrin sorry, but I can not do that. We need...
- Turn back jumper, or I shoot you down - she warned, clearly anger.
- You do not do it - he said, although it was more his wishful thinking than certainty. - It would lead to a conflict with Atlantis.
- You want to bet? - she said. - Enough as I damage your engine - she said and motioned for someone to head.
The colonel looked at readings, which informed him, that they are being targeted.
- Larrin - now he almost growled.
- Leave a female - she insisted.
- John, I'll stay...
- No - he interrupted firmly, glancing at Mo over his shoulder. - You know what you have to finish. This is more important.
- How you like, Sheppard - said the woman on the screen and nodded again.
- Wait! - someone shouted from the back. Larrin looked in his direction. - Just came a message from the Council - said one of the controllers. - We have to release the Wraith.
Travellers woman pursed her lips, clearly angry and looked at the colonel, who smiled triumphantly.
- You can fly - she grunted and hung up.
- I'm sorry. I spoil your... relationship - Moonlight said on the back.
- Nothing happened - he almost muttered. - And so they never were good - he said, and began to pick address of Atlantis.
Once the gate have stabilized, Sheppard introduced a jumper in the wormhole.
In the gate room on Atlantis was already waiting for them Jennifer, standing on the stairs and giving hand to know, that they put the jumper for the floor. The colonel made her command, as surprised as the rest of his team.
Before the hatch dropped down, Keller was already at the gates.
- We have a problem - she said. - The big problem... Wraith Council sent to Todd a messenger for Teyla - she looked at the woman. - He wants to talk to you personally. Todd lied, that you are in another hive on inspections, but and so we do not have much time.
- The operation will take many hours - said Emmagan, leaving the jumper with the others.
- I know - she said, and she looked on McKay. - Rodney, what with this device? This... personal camouflage?
- Personal hologram - corrected her man and snapped his fingers. - I was just to suggest, that we can used them this time.
- What are you talking about? - John asked. - What personal hologram?
McKay smiled triumphantly.-
The real technology miracle... You let stand jumper and come to my lab. I'll show you - he said and walked hurriedly toward the hallway.
The others looked on Jennifer.
- It's a long story - she said, shaking her head slightly. - Rodney explain you everything. I'm just a doctor - she said, and followed in the same direction as the scientist.
- Go on, I'll be right there - said Sheppard, gesture of his head pointing for Jennifer, then he returned to the jumper.
As soon as the other three walked away from the machine, John closed the hatch and turned toward the top to fly into the hangar. Then, he quickly went to the nearest transporter.
Going into the lab, he saw McKay opens a small metal box with an expression like he was opens the treasure chest. Then he turned it toward the other. On the black pad lay ten small, silvery disks. Their surface glistening hues of opal.
Rodney took one in his fingers, showing other device with a broad smile.
- Here is a personal hologram - he said solemnly. - Whoever built it, is the true genius of nanotechnology.
- So it's not your work? - John asked.
- No… I got it from Kate when she was here last time... and she's from HER people - he said. - She said that it may be useful to us if Teyla had to continue to play the Queen.
- This woman starts to scare me - he said the colonel. - So, this device built these... Nu 'Ada, or how they called... How it is to help us?
- Ha! And here lies the all beauty... I'll show you - said triumphantly McKay and put a small disk, tapping out commands on his computer.
Then he connected the interface to the box, turning a laptop screen to the other. It was seen on the computer simulation his figure.
- As I said before, is a masterpiece of nanotechnology - added after a moment. - More interestingly, this is semi-organic nanotechnology... It attaches to on neck, at the base of the skull, and then are creates a microscopic grid of whole body, which connects to the nervous system. When you turn it on... - he pressed the enter key on the keyboard laptop. - Voila! - he said, and his face on the monitor began to change, transforming from human to... Wraith.
He looked at the other with a broad smile of satisfaction... and they in disbelief at the picture.
- Are you kidding? It works? - Sheppard asked incredulously.
- Of course it works. I tested it already... Look - he said, as usual, confident and stuck one of the discs to his neck.
For a moment it seemed to them, that his face covered lightly shimmering thread... and then his skin began to be dyed to olive green. His hair turned white, and the bones above the eyes more convex, forming on his forehead so characteristic of the Wraith pattern in the shape of an extended "V". Also his cheekbones became more prominent, and the cheeks slightly sunken. On both sides of the extended nose were cheek pits.
The scientist raised his hands and shook them. They were the same color as the face and fingers ended in claws.
- Cool, right? - he threw delighted, slightly husky voice. - What you hear is even able to modulate a voice. This must be only taken into account in the program... The moment of creation of neuro-netting on the body is a little unpleasant... like itching, but then you did not feel it. You also not feel the hologram, so you does not feel any discomfort… caused change the appearance.
Colonel slowly touched his face.
- I feel all the... bulge - he noted.
- And this is great. The hologram is tangible.
Moonlight came closer.
- Awesome... I've never seen anything like this... These Nu'Ada must be extremely advanced society... Maybe even more than Lanteans - she said.
- You not heard about them? - asked Teyla.
- No, never.
- They come from this world. They built a station, which moved Rodney and Kate to her dimension. Apparently it was just before the war... You really never hear about them? Your grandmother seemed to know who they are... or rather, who they were - she improved herself.
- I never heard of them - Mo calmly assured. - But I may try inquire my grandmother... although she very reluctant tells about the times before the war... I got the impression, that she preferred to forget about that period of life.
- Maybe then it Wraith were prosecuted and not pursuers - Ronon snorted.
The female looked at him calmly.
- This is possible... Most of what I know about those times, comes from the verbal messages. There is no record of them in our archives... as if our history began with the outbreak of war… This is because of the destruction of our home planet ... Therefore in the database is, for example, just mention, that the First Wraith showed up about a thousand years earlier, and there were very few. They are divided into so-called Two Hatching. First numbered 28 individuals, eight females and twenty males. The Second Hatching was much bigger, because 173 individuals. All cared for First Parents, appointed to this by Avatars... Guardians of Life.
- Speaking of which. What do you know about these Avatars? - John asked. - Harrigan not much talked us about them.
- Also not much. This are ancient species, ascended, as now Lanteans... According to legend, they travel to the various galaxies in search of unique forms of life, which in time will be able to ascending and join to their ranks... When I was little, my grandmother told me, that a long time ago, in the beginnings of the history of Lanteans, they also Avatars have preserved from destruction, giving them a second chance.
- So, these Avatars believed, that the Wraith are able to ascending? - said a voice behind them suddenly Daniel Jackson.
The others looked at him.
- Looks like it - Mo admitted. - But I not heard, that any of us ascending - she added with a slight amusement.
- Fortunately - muttered the colonel. - We do not need another Ori.
Moonlight did not comment on his comments about the direction, which according to him, chose to Wraith after ascended.
- If those Avatars are ascended, Ancients certainly know about them - he said, more to himself. - Perhaps the ancestors of Kate Harrigan also ascended, before the war, like those, who were sent to her dimension? Therefore there is nowhere any mention of Nu'Ada... That would explain a lot.
- For example, the ability to Kate? - asked Teyla.
- Yes - he admitted. - She's like the Rodney after the action of that Ancient device... It occurred to me to mind, that Nu'Ada could be exposed to just such a device. Thus, their genius... an example of which is this device - he pointed at McKay - and faster, than Lanteans, ascending... Maybe even ascended was their escape from the fate, what befell other people, when the war broke out?
- Well, this we already never know - summed Rodney calmly.
- Maybe... But maybe Harrigan knows something about this?
The scientist sighed.
- How many times I have told you, that I do not know where she is - he said, slightly annoyed. - She not contact with us for over two months... Since she was here with Vi and helped Jennifer and Carson with retrovirus.
Jackson smiled, amused.
- What? - Rodney muttered, resigned.
- You look funny as the Wraith - he noted.
- Thanks - muttered the man, and again began to take on a human appearance.
- It is possible that Doctor Jackson is right - Mo interjected . - Uncle believes, that this woman is Avatar. He mentioned, that during the war he met one of them... And if this Kate is a descendant of Nu'Ada, who were taken to another dimension, and there they ascended, now I understand why my uncle thinks so .
- It might be a good clue - said Daniel .
- You explain this yourself later - Sheppard interrupted. - Now more interested me this device - he pointed to a silver box. - You say it enough?
- Yes. Teyla will no longer have to undergo more surgery - said McKay. - She's at any moment can turn on or off device... It is started telepathically. Therefore this is connects with the nervous system, and more specifically to the core - he explained. - Fortunately, there is so designed, that it does not need to have telepathic abilities, as Teyla and Wraith.
- You have nine of them - the colonel noted.
- Yes. Kate mentioned, that they work better, when they have uploaded only one image. Therefore in any case she gave me all that she got ... She thought, that to us it can be more useful - he glanced at Teyla. - She gave me a scanner, which allows to see how a person will be look after the change and add possible amendments - he said and reached for the small, flat device, directing on John.
The yellowish beam moved down his body, and at the same time on the laptop screen appeared to slow the human figure. Then McKay introduced several commands to the computer and after a while all eyes appeared Sheppard... as Wraith.
The scientist looked at his friend with a grin.
- This is me? As the Wraith? - asked the officer, pointing to the screen.
- Yes - Rodney replied proudly.
Moonlight came closer and smiled slightly.
- Pretty good - she joked.
But he ignored her comment. In his mind whirled completely different thoughts.
- I'm going with you - he said suddenly. Mo looked at him. - At the meeting with the Council - he explained. - If this device turns me into a Wraith without having to pass surgery, I'm going with you. This time I will not leave Teyla at the mercy of Todd... You thing to me some biography - he applying pressure waved at her.
- This is not so simple - she said calmly. - Teyla have Wraith genes, what give her a better… cover. You do not have them. How do you want to present yourself to others? How you want to answer them on telepathic messages?... Teyla can it. You not... This is not a good idea, John… Besides, and so you can not go with her to the Council Chamber.
- But I could be close - he insisted on his idea.
- And how it helps in case of trouble?
- I'll be worry about this on the place.
- Mo have right - granted Emmagan. - It's dangerous...
- She thing something - Sheppard said firmly. - That's what she's here.
- Like what? - snorted female. - As a man you could be deaf... but as the Wraith. There is no Wraith without telepathic abilities... Unless you change him in human. And then...
She did not finish, wondering for a moment on something.
- What? - interested in the colonel.
Moonlight smiled at him.
- But I think I have an idea how to get out of this - she said.
- You see. I told you that she think something - threw satisfied John. - Conspiring are specialization of the Wraith.
The female looked at him grimly, but she said nothing. This time Sheppard smiled wide.
.
.
Small cargo ship settled on one of the platforms and when the hatch dropped down, into the hold of two soldiers appeared, and behind them Steelflower in the company of two young Wraith: female and male.
Starburst looked at them surprised. In truth, at the request of Mo he sent on Atlantis Wraith ship to the Teyla brought on hive, as if she had just returned from an inspection... but otherwise the pilot and two soldiers there was no one else.
So who is the one who accompany them?
He calmed down quickly. He could not prove nervousness or surprise. Next to him stood Trucker, with attention looking at young Queen.
The soldiers left on the sides, revealing Emmagan.
- My Queen - bowed formally Starburst. - This is the envoy of the Council, of which I told you - he added, pointing to the other Wraith.
- Yes, I see - she almost growled and looked proudly at the male.
- Milady - bowed formally as Tracker and introduced himself to her... telepathically.
She nodded slightly. However, unlike him, she does not have to comply with the same. What else, if she was a male, but as a Queen she could settle only on behalf of: Steelflower... which he already knew.
- Can I ask for an audience? - he added.
- Later... I need to freshen up - she said a little stiffly and glanced at her accompanied by another female. - Mo, Please, come with me - she said softly.
Two older Wraith bowed, giving the Queen of the way. Teyla led the way, and after her two young Wraith.
Starburst looked behind them and went quickly.
- My Queen... may I have a moment to talk? - he asked.
Steelflower looked at him with a slight expression of annoyance on her face.
- If you absolutely have to - she sighed heavily.
- Thank you, My Queen - he said, and went with them to the transporter.
Beam moved them to the level of the royal chambers.
Here there was not a door, that separated them from the corridor, so they immediately saw in the distance the entrance to the quarters of the Queen.
Commander immediately ahead of them.
- Who is it? - he snapped, gesturing head pointing to a young male.
All three looked at each other, then smiled at him, which totally confused him.
- I guess this works, if he not recognized me - said with satisfaction John.
Starburst watched him carefully for a moment, frowning.
- Sheppard? - he asked finally with incredulously. - ...But how?
The man grinned again, showing his sharp teeth.
- Surprise - said colonel, clearly amused by the whole situation.
- McKay gave them a device, which creates a very realistic hologram... look - explained Mo and touched a finger ridges on the forehead Sheppard. - Dr. McKay said, that the device covers the entire body micro-grids, that can even change the smell.
- I smell like the Wraith? - interested in the colonel.
- Yes. Wraith have a different smell than humans, because they do not sweat as much as much as you - she explained, looking at him. - It makes you even more credible... Unfortunately, the only drawback is the lack of telepathic abilities with John - she said, moving look at her uncle. - That's why he will always have to be with one of us, so we can, if necessary, react when someone tries to connect with him.
Older Wraith smirked to the man.
- So, you finally attain of thy and you managed to… infiltrate us - he said. - Certainly you are very satisfied because of that?
- You do not know how much... Starburst - he added with evident satisfaction and grinned again. The Commander barked a warning under his breath, but he completely ignored it. - I always wondered if these yours tattoos mean something - said Sheppard, still amused. - Now I know, that sometimes yes.
The Wraith was clearly unhappy with the whole situation... as opposed to the Moonlight, which seemed to be equally amused at colonel all this masquerade.
- At first, I too was against it, but he insisted - she explained calmly. - I gave him the identity of the Skywalker... which is funny in a way, because on Earth was the name of a certain fictional character - she giggled - ... but never mind. I'll tell you later...
- When you had time to watch Star Wars? - colonel interrupted surprised.
- I do not need as much sleep as humans, so I need something to do, when you sleep - she said and smiled widely, then again looked at her uncle. - In any case, John will be playing the role of Blade a young Steelflower, which will allow us to take him to a meeting with the Council.
- Skywalker died in the hive of your mother? - Commander asked, already more calm.
- Yes... That's why it's a good cover for John... Besides family hive Skywalker was destroyed when the whole armada was coming towards Atlantis, so there is a small risk, that we will meet someone who knew him... I thought of, that Skywalker was saved along with Skyrim and Hightower after the New Lanteans changed them in humans. That's why he still has gaps in memory... Rima took him to my hive, because only there they could be safe as changed... So he met Steelflower, who proposed to him to be her Blade... a little sentimental reasons, because due to a retrovirus he is a… freak, like she because of the ten years he spent with the human.
Starburst looked at her niece with a slight amusement.
- Sometimes it scares me how easily you make up all these stories - he said.
- Not just you - said Sheppard.
Commander nodded slowly, reassured.
- All right. So be it... And so we already get stuck in this... One more lie will do to us the difference - muttered and walked this transporter. - You get ready. I'll tell the Tracker, that you meet with him for half an hour - he added, and then the beam took him.
- Where did you take these names? - said Sheppard.
Moonlight looked at him and smiled mysteriously.
- From the Great Book of Names written by First Wraith - she snorted and walked off.
Colonel frowned.
- Are you kidding me now, right? - he asked, following her.
But she just looked at him over her shoulder with the same sneer as before.
- Do not be such... And so I now stuck in it, so you can tell me?
- Give them to us Vocator.
- Yeah, I've heard it - he reminded her. - But where did it come from?
- It is a kind of... clairvoyant. When born Wraith, Vocator comes to look at his future... Our names are related to our personality traits or major events in our lives... Sometimes both things at once.
- And where did the your name? Moonlight?
The female stopped at the door of the Queen's chambers and opened it. Then she looked straight into the eyes of a man, with a focus... and showed him the picture.
- It was your father? - he asked gravely.
What he saw, was sad: Mo sitting on the ground and holding in the arms of her father's mutilated body.
Around her raged chaos and destruction, and above her hovered a full moon.
- Yes... That's why the Wraith did not present itself. Verbal saying our name tells you nothing about ourselves - she explained calmly. - When I present myself, it is as if I'm in one thoughts revealed the meaning of my name, introduced my family tree, and even social position and the hive, where I live... For you, as a human being, but it will be just one big noise. The human mind is unable to process the received information... unless you're like Teyla. Message is too fast, and slow explanation would be as verbal communication of such information. What passes for us with the purpose... If I were to tell to you in words the meaning of my name, it would seem more or less: .. the fury mourning her loss in the full light of the moon... Hence the Moonlight.
- I think I understand - he said calmly, still analyzing her words. - Your names have a much deeper meaning than human. They tell others who you are. Your story.
- ... Yes - she nodded her head slightly and walked into the room where she was Teyla.
- And Steelflower? What does it mean? - he asked.
Mo smiled slightly.
- ... Delicate like a flower, dancing with a silver blade - she explained. - This concerns the time, when Teyla fighting the Primary Commander.
- But Teyla took Steelflower identity - he pointed out. - How come Vocator gave it the little Wraith?
- Do not ask me. I'm not Vocator... Apparently in his visions it was somehow... connected.
- A Todd name? - he threw suddenly and smiled broadly.
The female shook her head in amusement.
- A child born in a burst of star... My uncle was born in the moment when the exploded sun our home planet... It was right at the beginning of the Great War.