Chapter 33
The various reasons - part 1.
Skywalker ducked, and then swung and hit one of the Wraith intro his face.
The blow was enough strong to make this staggered and fell.
Unfortunately, attackers were two and a moment later the colonel landed with a vengeance on the wall. He slumped down, sitting on the floor and gasping for breath. He felt that the impact force crumple his ribs... but he hoped that it was ONLY his impression.
Two Wraith came closer, with a sarcastic smile on their lips.
- You are weak, like a human in whom you have changed - one of them hissed.
- I just getting started - he said, standing up. - Anyway, your friend is not better - he glanced at this one, which he just strike down to the ground.
Wraith growled, angry and jumped suddenly to Skywalker, grabbing him by the throat and pinning to the wall.
- You can be only one thing... freak - he hissed and raised his second hand, ready to feed on him.
- What's going on here? - said suddenly a voice in down the hall, stopping the Wraith at the last minute before placing his claws into the body of the defeated.
John breathed a sigh of relief.
That was close, he thought.
All three of them looked away. In the twilight of corridor has emerged a tall, well-built Wraith with long dreadlocks associated with the back of his head, exposing the rest of the short hair cut. Over his right eye passed wide scar that both sides were decorated with tattoos imitating her. Together it looked as if his face was met with a predator's claws, thought Sheppard. He did not understand, however, why the Wraith had it, since they regenerative system should cope well with the injury... may it is a souvenir after some struggle, he thought.
Two young Wraith immediately stepped back, standing almost at attention. Colonel immediately realized that he must be someone important. He already observed, that the many Wraith, even much older, not younger inspires such awe, like this one here. A bit like in the army, he thought, the higher-ranking officer, the more aroused the respect of ordinary soldiers.
He straightened up so as not to arouse suspicion.
- So? - snapped officer, stopping in front of them. - I asked you a question?
- Nothing, sir - answered meekly one of the Wraith.
- I see this yours: NOTHING - he hissed. - If you bursting with so much energy, I right away help you two fix this... You will run to the tower and back. You have on it... - he thought for a moment - ... a fifteen minutes - he said calmly.
- But it is almost ten... - started second male.
- Move it! - shouted the officer.
Two Wraith jumped up immediately from the place and they ran down the corridor, disappearing quickly around the bend.
Skywalker looked behind them, and then looked at the one who stayed.
The Wraith came closer, standing right in front of him and looking at him intently for a moment.
- You are the Blade of this young Queen, who arrived for a meeting with the Council? - he finally asked calmly.
- Yes... sir, - he said.
He murmured, as if he wondered about something.
- In that case, I suggest you stick to those with whom you flew here, because next time you might not be so lucky... human - he hissed, moving his face into his..
Sheppard gulped and stomach went into his throat. He felt his body pours cold sweat and shiver at the word "human."
Wraith still watching him uncomfortably, although not looked annoyed.
- I do not understand... sir.
- Really? - he said calmly, pulling away from him. - Let me put it differently: I do not know who you are... and I do not want to know... but you're certainly not Skywalker... Because I perfectly knew my great-grandson.
The colonel was not sure whether it is possible in this disguise, but probably pale like a wall, he thought, and his legs almost buckled under him. But the officer just stood there with his hands clasped behind his back, looking him an unpleasant look.
- You are... Raptor? - he groaned and glanced at his tattoo.
Three wounds from the claws... like three claws of a prehistoric predator, thought Sheppard.
- Yes - he hissed, and then threw him last, unpleasant look and moved on.
John looked at him for a moment, not understanding his behavior. If the Wraith know that colonel impersonate under his great-grandson, why he has not delivered him?...
Why did help him with these two?...
- Wait! - he exclaimed, moving behind him.
But the officer did not stop, so he had to catch up with him.
- Why you do not unmask me, if you know that I'm not Skywalker? - he asked.
He had to know. It was just stronger than him. The more he learned about the Wraith and their culture, the more he realized that they are not so, per which he consider them until far... at least not all of them ... that their motives are not always driven by self-interest.
Raptor did not answer immediately... He did not even look at him.
- If I do it, I will convict to die a few Wraith, which I know their whole life, and whose friendship I value above all else - he finally said calmly. - And a few others I will cover a disgrace... I would not want this... In this case, the cost far exceeds the target.
John not answered, surprised at what he heard. He never would have expected such behavior after the Wraith. Not in the light of his previous knowledge about them... But his knowledge of the breed in recent times increased greatly. And with it came a lot of things that surprised him... And it very much.
- Goal is not always justify the means - he said finally.
- Exactly - he admitted calmly and suddenly smiled a little corner of his mouth. - This is not what you was expected of Wraith, is not it? - he asked and looked at him.
- No - said the colonel.
- We are more alike than you think - he said mysteriously. - But just like you, many for us is difficult to admit it... human. Ten thousand years habits to a certain state of things do his task.
- And what if this state of affairs would suddenly changed? - he asked cautiously.
Raptor raised his eyebrow.
- Some from us would probably will be adapted... others do not... As always - he said calmly. - Only the laws of nature are immutable... or you customize to them, or you die... Besides, nothing lasts forever. I realized this very painfully over thousand years ago.
- I do not understand.
Raptor smiled mysteriously, and his answer was even more mysterious.
- One day you'll understand, human... One day you'll understand.
Sheppard looked at him in surprise, frowning.
- Last often hear it - he said, and suddenly grabbed his arm, forcing him to stop. - I'm sorry, that I impersonate under your great-grandson... but I had to do it. To be able to protect a person who is very important to me... like family.
- I understand it better than you think - said Raptor. - For the same reason I will not reveal your identity... John Sheppard - he hissed through his teeth, his name with a certain amount of satisfaction.
The colonel's eyes widened at the sound of his words, clearly amused the Wraith.
You unfortunate chose the person, under which you impersonate... but I guess it was because of a hurry - he added, looked at him more closely. - The last time I've seen this technology before the war... although I wonder how you managed to increase your strength and awaken the parts of the brain responsible for telepathy?
- A stimulant on based on your enzyme that inject people just before the feeding on - he explained. - You met already with the technology Nu'Ada? - he asked.
The Wraith smiled strangely.
- I have over eleven thousand years, colonel. I am one of the First. Before the Great War I saw things which did not even dream of most of the Wraith - he said, and moved on. - Come, I'll take you to the rest... I think they are looking for you... Skywalker - he snorted lightly.
When they arrived, the door slid open, revealing a large room... full of Wraith.
Sheppard thought, that perhaps he had never seen so many of them in one place.
It was a little scary.
Big room had an irregular shape and standing at doors saw only a part of it, but it was immediately obvious, that it is much greater. The colonel looked up quickly and thought it reminded him of Earth... reading room - yes, it was probably a good comparison.
In many niches on the side walls became a book and a few things that probably were ornaments. He saw there an old, wooden sculpture and vase, made of glass and metal. With numerous tables stand or sat discussing Wraith - for voice and telepathically - or playing games. And in back of the room, ahead the oval, organic structure, of several of them discussed about projected hologram by device. At the end of the room were large windows, behind which had a view of the ocean and blue sun slowly setting down.
The whole illuminate many lamps placed in both columns, walls, as well as those that were the ceiling structure.
Several Wraith glanced at the newcomers, but without interesting, after which they returned to their classes.
- This way - threw Raptor and he pull John behind him.
They walked down the back side corridor, winding irregularly somewhere on. Its walls were full of books and objects collected probably for millennia on conquered planets, thought John. From time to time they passed another crossing, showing the long room. Here also happened under shear few tables with chairs and benches.
Passing another slight bow, at the far end of the hall saw a familiar group of Wraith.
Dressed in a black-and-green coat young female propped up at the waist, was clearly bad, but at this distance he were not yet able to hear what they say.
- What you mean: you lost him? - Moonlight snapped furiously. - You had to watch him.
- I told him to wait on the terrace... and when I came back, he was gone - Skyfall tried to defend himself, taking his pride, Commander pose, but he quickly softened by the unpleasant look of a young female.
She wanted to say something, when suddenly noticed two upcoming Wraith.
At the sight of them, her eyes widened and she turned pale. Her legs buckled under her and she held the chair in order not to lose balance.
- On the Mother Iratus - she whispered with horror.
Two Commanders looked at her, disoriented... and then turned in the direction you looked.
Their reaction was the same as her...
Both of them have seen already imagined they end... full of torment.
- We're dead - whispered Starburst trying quickly devise a plan.
But his mind was too possessed by fear, and thoughts tangled like mad.
- What happened? - whispered concerned about Teyla, also looking at the colonel, walking peacefully in the company of a Wraith.
But no one could answer her.
Raptor and Skywalker came to them.
- You all look like you was seen a ghost - said sarcastically older Wraith and looked at the young female. - Moonlight, my child. Good to see you again - he said calmly and kissed her on the forehead tort, like a father. - You neglecting us from the death of your mother.
But she did not answer.
She was not able to.
Her throat was dry completely and none sound would not get out of his depth.
In her head was still spinning, and her heart was pounding like crazy... with fear.
Also tried to come up with something... but in vain. She was too scared.
But the Wraith just smiled gently.
- You calm down, or you come down here on heart attack - he joked. - If I wanted to tell your little trick, you would long ago have arrested.
Only now Teyla understood who is this Wraith... and at the same time the stomach approached her throat. A heart was pounding like crazy.
Mo still looked at him restless eyes... but she still was not able to say anything.
Her thoughts were all the rage.
- Because that would mean your death - he said, still calmly, glancing at Skyfall, like he was respond for his thoughts, which none of them were not able said on aloud. - Yours and probably many others... and a disgrace to the Council - he added. - In the words of colonel: the purpose not always justifies the means... And I believe that you had a very serious reason to do it - he looked at the Mo and put his hand briefly to her cheek, and then looked at Steelflower. - A friend, who risks his own life to protect you, is the most precious treasure... Milady.
- I know - she almost whispered. - ...Thank you - she said, and put her left hand on her heart, and pulled second slightly in his direction. - My life belongs to you - she said and nodded her head slightly.
Wraith smiled at these gesture. Rarely seen it anymore. Old Code has long ago vanished into the abyss of oblivion. So, the view of new person who could appreciate the old ways, rejoiced his heart.
He nodded his head slightly.
- You just not waste this opportunity... because the second such can never happen again - he said. - At this moment the Council is again strong. Most of the Wraith should listen to them... even if the orders not will be clear to them and denied the logic... But this state of affairs can not last long. Technicians are on the rise... And their views are closer to the majority of the Wraith, than you thinks.
- Raptor think they can attack - said Sheppard.
- Not just me. Most Oldest afraid of it... and the others have only rest of the fillings, that does not happen... That the Midsummer finally recover her senses.
- What does she actually want? - Mo said.
Everything little by little. She has many different reasons for doing what she does... She believes, that humans should be enslaved and controlled. Otherwise grow in strength and destroy us ... Just like they tried to do it ten thousand years ago ... and like trying to do it now - he looked pointedly at the colonel. - This why she will not rest until I defeat all who stand in her way. Regardless of whether they are human or Wraiths ... and she has for this far better resources than we do.
- What's that? - asked Skyfall.
- Better ships, better weapons... You see, most of our knowledge and technology was lost with the destruction of the Patria. This what we now have, is just a fraction thereof... And from the reports our scouts shows, that Midsummer regained in some way part of this knowledge.
- And why is it such a threat? - said Sheppard.
- Because improper knowledge in the wrong hands is always a big threat - said Raptor. - I have seen the whole planet destroyed, because its inhabitants get to technology, which surpassed their... For some things you need to grow up - he added mysteriously.
- I guess, that this knowledge, which you mention, is a weapon - put in a Starburst.
- Not only. Also, the power source like ZPM... If Midsummer scientists combine this technology with our... we can all be in serious trouble.
- You can stop her, before that happens? - asked Steelflower.
- We believe, that as yet anyway. But you have to hurry... And we need for this large and strong fleet... That's why the Council invited you. Mo crew deal with new technologies from years... and you, Milady, have now three hiveships improved by a human female... I looked through some of the changes, that she introduced, and I have to admit, that her knowledge is really impressive.
- I was wondering when the rest of the Wraiths will begin interest this - muttered John.
- Unfortunately, we have no contact with her for nearly two months - said Starburst. - Cargo ship, which she was flying along with the Wildfire, came across a battle of two hiveships. We only know, that they jumped into hyperspace... but then they just disappear... And in light of what you say, I'm starting to wonder if this sudden surge of… knowledge Technicians, not called by chance : Katherine Harrigan.
- Do you think they caught her? - alarmed Teyla.
- This is a very likely scenario - he said ominously.
- Kate said, that she has a genetic memory of Nu'Ada technology and Lanteans, because they were her ancestors... If the Queen forced her to work...
She did not finish. The thought was too sinister... too scary, what this crazy Wraith Queen could do with that knowledge. With such technology.
- Although Midsummer gained this knowledge, it is still not fully control it - said the Raptor. - If it were attacked by already... But it's only a matter of time before this happens... That's why we need to be faster. We must destroy the base and the information gathered there... And as I said, for this you need strong fleet, which the Council already has. Civil War seriously infringed the order that prevailed before your appearance of this galaxy.
- But having access to the changes which was able to introduce Kate to my hive...
- We can also introduce them to the other... but this requires your consent, Milady. Required by the Code, which we introduced before the Great War... Therefore, the Council will not risk a conflict with you to get this information by force. Because even if you do not you share your knowledge with others, you're still a valuable ally...
He wanted to add something, but stopped short, seeing a familiar figure walking by corridor - the young Queen in the long and straight, dark-crimson dress, seemed to gliding rather than go in their direction.
She was tall and slender, with long, fiery hair falling on small arms, highlighting its bright, barely olive complexion.
Moonlight turned as the first, sensing her presence from afar and smiled at the sight of her, a little surprised.
Steelflower and the others looked in the same direction.
Emmagan recognized the approaching female. Mo very accurately described Alabaster, a daughter Starburst and Snowflake... like a bright, decorative stone, both hard and malleable, giving the form.
She was one of the youngest of the Queens, but from a childhood she was very curious and smart. Moonlight says, that if she was not the role of the Queen, she probably would be a scientist... likely in any of the fields of biology and medicine: science has always been her passion, Mo claimed.
- Alabaster?... What are you doing here? - said surprised young female.
The Queen stopped in front of her with a beaming smile.
- I wanted to finally meet the new Queen of my father - she said politely, nodded first a little in the direction of Teyla, and then glancing at the Starburst.
Sheppard barely mastered his surprise at her words.
- I also look forward to this meeting - said Steelflower. - Mo told me a many about you... Unlike your father - she added sarcastically, glancing sideways at the Commander.
This remark seemed to her place in this situation... and a bit amused Alabaster.
- Yes, it's quite similar to him - she acknowledged and back looked at Moonlight. - And besides, I wanted to congratulate you first, my dear - she added. - I can not wait to get face look Nightflower when she finds out - she giggled.
- When she'll finds out what? - Mo asked, confused.
The Queen looked at the Raptor, and the others followed in her footsteps.
- You did not tell her?
- There was no way - he said. - That's why it's still unofficial information.
- Do anyone can tell me what the hell are you talking about? - threw female, looking once Alabaster, and once an officer Wraith.
Raptor looked to the young Queen, who grinned and grabbed Mo's hands, excited.
- I learned from Firerain that the Council wants to admit you a statute of the Queen - she said, delighted. - For some small conditions, but the Queen... Is not it wonderful?
But Moonlight does not seem to be delighted with the news. On the contrary, her face contorted in a grimace of disbelief and again looked at the Raptor.
- Are you kidding me? - she asked.
- I not. It's true - he said calmly, slightly amused. - Because of... as you have defined it nicely: deficit of the Queens... Council recently considered such a possibility... As I mentioned, we need a fleet to oppose the Technicians. And you're a good tactician, like your father, so the Council considered that for yours higher authority would be better, if they acknowledge you the statute of Queen... But under certain conditions, as mentioned Alabaster.
- Cool - she mumbled, resigned, what amused both.
- I told you that she would be happy... in this way - Alabaster giggled.
- Congratulations... My Queen - Skyfall snorted and bowed formally.
But she was not in the mood for jokes, throwing him a grim look.
- It's not funny - she said. - I did not ask for it. I like the statute... ordinary Wraith.
- But for now you'll have more capabilities - said Sheppard.
This time she looked uncomfortably at him.
- They will be watch me on every step, and by the rest of my life I can not will be touch any repairs - interrupted a gloomy tone of voice. - Because this is not proper for the Queen - she added sarcastically. - For me, it's like closing the cage... You might as well shoot me now - she snapped to the Raptor.
- Do not get hysterical, dear - Alabaster said cheerfully, but the female just looked at her grimly, what amused her even more. - Who knows, you may enter the new trends... And you will little starter all these... old ladies - she giggled again.
- But like said Skywalker: now you'll have more opportunities - pointed Starburst.
Moonlight looked at him, calming down. She knew what he meant: a retrovirus and cooperation with Atlantis.
- Yes... maybe - she muttered calmly. - But that was not my life plan - she became sad and walked past Alabaster, moving down the corridor.
She had no desire to talk about it any longer. At the moment, she want to be alone.
She was angry. She knew that if the Grey Council actually announce her a Queen, her whole life has to change. She will be no longer able to do many those things, that always gave her so much joy.
Now she can not will be argue with the other, who is right - it's her word will be the most important and no one will be able to resist him. No one, except another Queen...
And she will not be able to fool around with friends. Queens so do not act... Queens are serious... and do not have best friends.
The others looked by her.
- She take it worse, than I thought - Alabaster said with concern in her voice. - I knew that she would not be happy... but I did not think, that it so depress her.
- Too long she was this who she is now - said Starburst. - You do not know any other life, than being the Queen... She not knows other life than being ordinary Wraith, who carries out the orders of the Queen... and even other Wraith - he glanced at Skyfall.
- Yeees - said the Raptor. - I think about this little detail Council forget, taking its decision... They want to do with her someone, who she not wants to be - he said, and suddenly snorted slightly, grimacing a little mouth. - I think she's more like her great-grandmother, than I thought.
- Firerain told me once that First Mother was just like Mo - Alabaster said.
Wraith officer smiled.
- First Mother would have been angry, if you was called her so - he snorted. - And even more, when you was called her the Queen - explained amused Raptor, and then he a little serious. - ... But those were different times - he said with nostalgia. - Then there was a division between Queens and the rest of the Wraiths. We all lived on the Patria, and we all to the same rules... The division of roles, which you know, came much later, and was forced by situation... when we had to move on the hiveships...
- The Great War? - she said.
It was more a statement than a question. She knew it from the history... and from the stories her grandmother.
- Yes... The Great War - he almost muttered and glanced in the direction in which gone Moonlight. - So, I'm not sure until the end, whether the granting her of the status of the Queen is a good idea.
- She get used - said grimly Skyfall. - ... Like we all... It takes a little time to come to terms with this in mind.
- Her or you? - remarked sarcastically Raptor.
But the officer was not in the mood for jokes.
To him, this unexpected... appointment of a young female also was not on hand. For the last two hundred years he overmuch accustomed to treat her like any other member of the crew the hive. To taking her on scouting, instructing on various issues, whether the joint tours, which are a continuation of their little tradition started by Icestorm...
Although he rarely show it, he liked these tours.
And wrangled with her about different things repeatedly amused him.
But now, when she indeed has to be the Queen... Well, such things have simply not befitting.
They will be unacceptable.
- For all of us - he said.
.