Chapter 50
The side effects.
- The planet was abandoned, as you predict - Steelflower said, looking at screen, on which was Nightstorm face. - A station was utterly destroyed... Practically there is nothing there to look.
- Midsummer's not stupid... She perfectly aware, that we send here a larger fleet to finish the job - said the Queen. - For now, we can count on a moment of respite... but we certainly can not afford to ignore the threat, which became the Technicians. So far, both sides rather avoid direct clashes, but the latest incident shows, that Mid will be not longer hide their intentions. She wants power, and she do everything, to achieve it... She gave us this made it clear.
- Therefore, my Blade believes, that you should evacuate Nomatros - said the younger Queen. - Before Midsummer decides to attack... You said, that she has the support of some of the Queens. So if they join forces... The effects can be catastrophic.
Nightstorm smiled slightly.
- Yes, I realize with this, but for now we will refrain from that... I fully trust only a few Queens from the Council... As for the rest... I want to still check carefully if our suspicions are correct... But I agree with your Blade, that we should not be here too long - she said and looked askance at John. - You're young, but very reasonable... Raptor have full right to be proud of you. One day you will be ready to replace him with dignity.
- I think the it's still a very distant times... Milady - replied the young Wraith.
- Maybe... maybe not... With his ability to attract trouble, it is difficult to predict - she said, slightly amused. - Well, it's good, that you did not inherited this trait after him - she said, and again looked at Steelflower. - Probably soon we begin evacuating our base, but it will take some time. Over the millennia, we has accumulated a lot of things, that now can be useful... taking into account the direction of Technicians development... And their new allies... I also hope, that your today's decision is constant and at any time we can count on your support.
A young Queen hesitated at first, but then mastered her emotions. Now there was no turning back. They make way too far, to turn back... Besides, they have a common goal... Common enemy, that threatens both sides. If she now withdraws, the Council will never trust her, how they trust her now. And this trust may in the future lead to a permanent alliance between the Wraith and Atlantis.
It was an opportunity which Teyla Emmagan could not ignore.
- People say, that the common enemy unites - she said with solemnity and pride of the Wraith Queen. - And our common enemy is the Midsummer... Queens, which does not recognize the threat what she posed to all of us, are ignorants and short-sighted .. As I said before: my fleet at any moment is ready for your orders.
- I'm happy to hear it... I only regret, that our paths met just now... I'd rather, that our alliance was initiated not only because of a common threat, but had the fundamentals of mutual trust and respect.
- I also regret it... But now we also have the opportunity to trust each other.
- Yes, it's true - admitted with a slight smile older Queen. - We'll be in touch... And I hope, that you will visit us soon again... This time with your son. I'd love to meet him.
- ... I'll try - said a little confused Steelflower.
Nightstorm hung up and Teyla sighed with clear relief.
- I wonder how you do it - John snorted lightly.
- It's not funny - she chided him gently. - What I had to tell her?
- Theoretically, it could be put him this your hologram - Moonlight suddenly giggled, stepping closer.
So far she stood slightly behind - it was not right, for she had stood right next Steelflower during her conversation with Nightstorm. She is Hive Keeper, but not the Queen. Therefore, she was still more perceived only as a high-ranking officer. And even the Commander not had right to stand on a par with his Queen, during her conversation with another Queen - it was such little nuances from the Wraith world, as Sheppard joked, but for her people extremely important.
- I hope, rather, that it will never come to such meeting - said gravely Steelflower.
- For now, I suggest you focus on maintaining your new position - interjected Starburst. - The Council clearly likes you... or at least some of them. This and so much more, than can count every other young Queen, so let's use it best... My mother was always very careful. It is extremely difficult to gain her trust... and for some reason you did it, if she entrusted you her hive and command of this mission.
- You think so? - she asked uncertain.
- Yes... I have not seen a long time to she refer to someone so... kindly.
- Starburst is right - Mo interjected. - More than once I saw, how my grandmother treats from above younger Queens... Especially those ones, which have about herself too high opinion - she snorted. - To each she can quickly recall his place in the hierarchy... And she really likes you... Believe me, I know what I'm saying... So, if you manage to maintain this situation and not to disappoint her trust, you can pave a pretty good position... And this means increasing the chances of later discussions the Council with Atlantis.
- Until she not find out who I really am - she said reluctantly.
- If you succeed realize your plan for alliance... maybe it's not will be such important later.
- There is still the IOA. Maybe they did not like, that we make such decisions without consulting them - Teyla said.
- IOA orders us make possibly good contact with the Council - said calmly Skywalker. - And you just do it... In truth, pretending to be the Wraith Queen... but you do it... So, if something they do not like, they let themselves takes their ass here, and try to negotiate.
- I am afraid, that these negotiations would be not take too long - again snorted a young female. - They quickly lead to fury even such an oasis of peace, as Clearsky.
- In this I agree with you one hundred percent - said John.
- It's true - nodded Emmagan, with slight amusement and sighed heavily. - All right. We still let's play in this game... Besides, we come too far, to now withdraw from it... I just hope, that your grandmother on finish, show the same understanding, as so far, and understand the reasons why we do it - she added with a note of sadness , looking at Mo. - I did not think would ever say this, but I'm starting to feel guilty that we cheat her.
- I also do not like it, but we have no other option... I you said: we come too far, to back out now... But like you, I also have hope, that after all, my grandmother would understand our motives... And despite everything not lose trust to us.
This thought Moonlight from the beginning push away from herself, trying to focus on their plan, not on consequences. But now, the more progressed a turn of events, the more this thought returned to her... And with her the remorse. She did not want to think what would happen if Nightstorm learned, that her own granddaughter, the blood of her blood, in which she always pinned so much hope, plotting behind her back with humans... with New Lanteans.
After all she, even when she found out, that Mo is Protheu, never turned away from her. And have never treated her as someone inferior. The fact, that sometimes she was raw and rough, but it was her role as one of The Oldest, and as one of the Grey Council. And as repay her for this her own granddaughter? She helping humans to infiltrate the ranks of the Wraith...
Moonlight preferred not to think about the disappointment, that she could see in the eyes of Nightstorm, when the truth finally comes out... And some day finally will come.
She would have preferred it a hundred times to accept the most raw punishment... than see in the eyes of her grandmother a disappointment.
.
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Standing on the bridge of her hive, Moonlight looked at the main screen where showing for her view from the outside. Steelflower fleet leaving just a distant orbit of Draconis, disappearing inside the windows of hyperspace. Moments later, the same maneuver performed Daedalus and now only their ship were still in place.
- Where are we going? - asked Stardrift.
- I do not know - she said. - Wherever... You choose - she said and turned on her heel, walked toward the exit.
- The Protocol requires, that you ordered ceremony take over command by you on the Invention, as officially recognized by the Council Hive Keeper - he pointed calmly, almost without looking at her.
She stopped at the threshold of the door, which was slid in front of her.
- Yes, I know... But I do not have now forces on this - she said. - I'm really tired... Maybe tomorrow.
- I understand... I just remind you - he said, and looked up, staring straight at her. - I know, that you will not be happy with that, but a large part of the crew treat your new position, as assigned to us by the Council a new Queen... They are enjoy, that it's you, but they will also expect, that your behavior will be adequate for your new role.
- Yes, I know it well - she murmured reluctantly. - And that is what I feared, when was started mention about the "Temporary Queen" or Hive Keeper.
- You are a Wraith female... not human, so this state of affairs should not surprise you.
- It does not surprise me. As I said, I expected such reaction... I just do not feel, that I can handle this.
- And as I said, you're a Wraith female, not a human, and if not your... otherness, this state of affairs would have occurred long ago.
His voice was neither mocking, nor accusing her of a lack of respect for the traditions and values of her own people. Stardrift spoke very calmly, without much emphasis to the words, who he spoke.
- It's true... But according to my father's story, if not the Great War, this state of affairs would never have had the place - she said.
First Navigator did not answer immediately. He stared at her for a moment, then smiled slightly.
- That's true... But this is a ancient times - he almost muttered, and went back to reading the data on his monitor.
Mo the last time looked at him, and then left the bridge, moving down the corridor toward the nearest transporter. She was tired and wanted to rest.
Before Nightstorm sent them back to Draconis, she managed to take only a quick shower and change clothes, but now she dreamed of a hot bath and her own bed. About long, decent sleep... although since their escape from the Midsummer base, her mind still was absorbed by distracting her thought.
Stopping in small chamber of transporter, she hesitated.
At first, she wanted to go to her quarters, but then she changed her mind, returning again to thoughts of what happened at the Draconis... To that, what she found out there during the convey the Gift of the Life to Skyfall. Then, she strongly tried to prevent such situation, but initially his mind was so weak, that stood in front of her open... like open book, so far banned, now tempting this, what is hiding inside. In the short time she had access to all the knowledge, to all the memories and to all the emotions... and innate curiosity after all pushed her in the direction, whom she later be ashamed: to knowledge these informations... to the knowledge Commander from this site, from which normally she probably could never have get to know him: to know, what made him strong... and what was his weakness. To the knowledge of his memories, dreams, and various emotions. A whole lot of emotions, about which she would never have thought that they could lug him... not this Wraith, which she knew him... What he allowed others to know.
Therefore now, when emotions finally fallen, and she had the opportunity to clarify this matter, she hesitated before choosing the destination and suddenly she decided to change them. The transporter beam moved her to the level of the officers' quarters. And when the door of small chamber opened again in front of her, she took a deep breath... and she stay in place. It will be a difficult conversation, she thought. Perhaps the most difficult that so far she came to carry out with the Commander.
So, she stood still for a moment in the place, and finally she went down a long corridor.
Stopping in front of the Skyfall lodging door, she sent a telepathic message to opened them... but she received no response.
So, she repeated... but with the same result.
She huffed under her breath, annoyed and touched the control panel in wall, stubbornly pressing the bell. But the door still stubbornly remained closed.
She swore under her breath.
- You don't know me, if you think, that this stop me - she growled and pushed the button, that caused the unveiling located under organic cover the control crystals.
She turned two of them and then door slid open.
She smiled triumphantly and went inside.
Wraith sat calmly at his desk, staring at a computer screen.
- No one taught you, that if someone do not open you, it means, that he does not want to talk to you? - he grumbled, not even glancing at her.
These words immediately crushed her entire peaceful approach. She wanted to do this as far as calmly, but if he's playing in this way - she thought, annoyed and walked over to him, leaning one hand on the chair, and the other on the desk. She looked at him, angry, even though he stubbornly tried to ignore her.
His face still graced the scar left by the claw of dracon. She wondered why he retains it. After all he was able successfully to heal it... and finally she concluded, that maybe it is a kind of souvenirs. As in the case of the Raptor.
- Why you not tell me? - she huffed.
- About what? - he mumbled.
- About your feelings, old, stupid Wraith.
He sighed heavily, staring at the monitor.
- Maybe it's because I'm old, stupid Wraith, who at all allowed himself to such feelings.
She did not answer right away. She straightened up in him, first, looking at him calmly for a moment.
- You should have told me - she said at last, more calmly.
- Why? - he snorted and looked at her. - To do with myself even bigger fool?... Council appoint me as your Keeper, and your mother as your Blade... Your father I swore, that I'll take care on you as my own daughter... That's what I feel should never to happen - he growled.
- You should have told me... - she repeated this same, gentle voice, as before, and suddenly she kissed him on the lips, gently putting her hand on his face.
Still sitting in his chair, totally confused Commander felt, like wave of heat overwhelmed his body rapidly, and with it speeds up his heart.
He even do not flinch. He just sat there, paralyzed, completely surprised by her behavior.
- ...Even if because of it - she added after a moment, slowly taking her lips from his and straightening up.
But he just stared at her, stunned, unable to utter a word.
She seemed to be embarrassed his gaze. She pulled away and turned quickly on her heel, heading towards the exit. She came here with a completely different attitude and a different intention... And now she's made a fool of herself, as usual react under the influence of time and emotion.
A hand stopped her from opening the door on manual control panel... big and strong hand, gently covering her, small and petite.
- Please do not go - he almost whispered over her.
She could feel his presence, and she almost feel the touch of his body... almost, because even though he was so close to her, it still split them a space. A slight... but still.
- Why? - she asked softly.
His hand slid down by her body, and he turned her slowly in front of him, pulling to him closer. Now nothing separated them. This time she felt the touch of his body.
She looked up, straight into his yellow eyes... embarrassed like never before. She felt, like on her whole body runs thrill of excitement, and her heart starts to beat faster, when he pulled his face to her... And probably, for the first time, she blushed up by him.
- Even if because of it… - he said finally, stroking his thumb her cheek, and then kissed her.
First, calmly. Gently.
Then again. Tighter. Passionately.
.
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Room doors slid open, letting in a wide streak of light from the corridor.
Jennifer went inside, standing on the doorstep. The whole room was plunged in semi-darkness, illuminated only by coming through the big window the rays of the setting sun.
She looked in that direction, for sitting by the open window, a lone figure. Delicate curtains fluttered in the light breeze, surrounding a man like a misty veil.
- Rodney? - she asked with concern, stepping closer. - What happened? Why are you sitting in the dark?
Since the four teams returned from Draconis, and she learned what had done to him Queen of Technicians, she could not stop thinking about it. She could not focus on anything else, still wondering what the scientist doing now... where his thoughts wander.
When a few days ago the teleporter on Daedalus moved them straight to the gate room, and she saw him standing on the sidelines, she immediately knew, that something was wrong. Her first thought was: he is hurt. He always could hysterical about his condition, even when in his fingers dig only a small sliver, but this time he just stood there and looked around uncertainty. He seemed to be withdrawn... as if he lost... like small, frightened child.
She quickly instruct paramedics, to they escorted to the infirmary injured soldiers as a result of electrical discharges in the jumper, and she went to him. Then he looked at her and smiled slightly... like now... but it was all his reaction to her.
- In your place I'd watch of him now - suddenly Ronon snorted when she anxiously went to Rodney. - Now he is Wraith.
Keller looked at him, confused, frowning.
- Ronon, it's not funny - rebuked him sternly Teyla, paying attention to other people gathered in the hall.
- What Wraith?... What are you talking about? - Jennifer slowly began to panic, looking at them and waiting for an explanation.
- Will you tell her? - interjected calmly Woolsey, coming to them.
Before they flew again on the Draconis, they contacted with Atlantis, to tell them briefly about the progress of the situation. Then Richard decided, that too early informing Keller about the state of McKay will be not a good idea.
Emmagan nodded her head and looked at her friend.
- Midsummer... Technicians Queen - Athozian began, trying to speak slowly and calmly - gave Rodney a substance... kind of hallucinogen, through which, using telepathy, she persuaded him, that he was changed, under the influence of the retrovirus in the Wraith...
- I think the it's something like a subliminal message - added Samantha. - But from conversations with Nightstorm I conclude, that this process is much more durable... Therefore, it may be much harder to neutralize it - she said reluctantly. - Nightstorm says, that it is a very old substance known to them even before the Great War... Then used it spies to become more reliable... But soon it was banned due to dangers, that were associated with its use - explained Carter. - Since then, she had not heard, that someone was applied it. Technicians had to find its formula, but they do not know this substance precisely, and they has used it too hastily. Therefore Midsummer made a mistake: she used its too much.
- Why you tell me about it until now! - she said, looking reproachfully at Woolsey.
- I did not want to stress you prematurely...
- Stress me?
- I asked him about it - Rodney interjected calmly, grabbing her gently by the arm. She looked at him. - You have a lot lately on your mind. I did not want you to worry unnecessarily, before the case will not be clear until the end - he assured her.
- Meridith McKay, do you think, that your problems are less important to me, than my own? - she asked sternly, folding his arms across her chest.
They were together long enough to Rodney very well knew, that if Jenn uses his first name only, she was a really angry.
- Of course not - he started to explain. - But you're always worried about everyone... and that's why I asked Richard to not tell you anything for now - he said, brushing a lock of her hair on the side. - You have a lot of work. I did not want to worry you prematurely... We thought, that however, it can may be relatively easy to unscrew this.
Jennifer calmed down, and on her lips even showed a slight smile.
- What exactly said this Queen? - she asked calmly. - What it have effects on Rodney?
At first they all remained silent, looking only at each other, as if each was afraid to tell a woman the truth.
- Well... Nightstorm fears, that in this situation the reversal of this process can be long and difficult... She have to do it slowly and gradually, with breaks, to his body and mind avoid getting too large shock - finally said Teyla. - Informations, which Midsummer implanted Rodney, are hidden deep in his subconscious and hasty or improper operation may cause irreversible effects.
- How long is this process?
Again they glanced at each other.
- ... They did not know - said with a slight hesitation Sam.
- Days, weeks?
- ... I'm afraid I even a months - Teyla said sympathetically.
- Months! - said Jenifer. - You were not just two days. How long could it take process the implantation this information? A few hours?... And you're talking about months?!
- Yes, it's true - she admitted. - But, as think Wraith, Midsummer committed a serious mistake, which results in a difficulty in reversing everything... She cared only for forcing Rodney to cooperation. She was not interested it what will be with him later.
- That's why I did not want you to worry prematurely - Rodney said, stroking her arm.
She looked at him with concern. She with barely refrained from showing what she really feel: she was crack by what she heard... And she wanted to cry.
- Is the Wraith know how to unscrew it? - she asked after a moment.
- Yes... But Nightstorm believes, that this will need to do one of them - said McKay. - Someone with a enough strong mind... and most of all, the relevant know how to do it, and properly carry out the process.
- They'll do it? - she asked alarmed.
- ...Yes... but... - he said, and hesitated before finishing the sentence.
- But what? - she want to know the truth. - Rodney, tell me. What is the catch?
- I'll have to fly on their planet - he finished.
- On the planet of Grey Council?!... It's dangerous... And if during the session, they discover what we do?...
And what we planning to do? - she again began to panic slightly, glancing at the others.
- That's a risk we have to take - said silent so far Sheppard. - Only The Oldest are knowledgeable about this process... and knowledge needed for the reversal... I hate to say this, but I'm afraid, that we have no other choice.
- Rodney already now barely takes solid food - Carter added. - To survive, he will require feeding, as the Wraith... Nightstorm very briefly explained to me what is it, what did Midsummer... but It follows that telepathic subliminal message is much more effective and longer lasting than the methods that we know... Therefore, much difficult to neutralize... and give him substance, had further enhance the effect. I think, it is because Midsummer had to hurry... Rodney thinks, that passed at least a month of their arrival on the Draconis.
- I still fell, despite all the explanations, that so much time has passed - said the scientist. - It's like my mind received all this information... but I still deep down do not believe in it. I believe in what Mid persuaded me.
Jennifer did not answer anything. She did not know what to say... and no one knew what to say to her, to comfort her...
And now she did not know how to comfort a man she loved.
She sat down beside him on the edge of the bed, and gently rested her cheek on his shoulder.
- Are you okay? - she asked quietly, and immediately added: - I know, that you probably have had enough of this question, but...
- You are worried about me... I know - he said calmly, smiling a little tighter and kissed her on the forehead. - I feel tired... Maybe my body finally release everything - he said, and looked in the direction of the setting sun.
- Maybe you try to take a nap? - she proposed.
- No... I do not feel sleepy... I just feel ... physically tired - he explained, and again glanced at her. - They already fly, right?
- So... How do you know? - she asked.
He smiled slightly.
- It's funny, but it seems to me, that I sense they presence - he said. - Maybe this substance has similar effects as that, which gave us Kate, along with holograms... Anyway, I noticed a lot of other things... Dazzle me brighter light. I have a feeling, that I hear better... And I do not want anything to eat.
- Yes, it's really scary - she scoffed, trying to cheer him up, which even ended up the little success.
- Do not make fun of me... human - she gibe in the same tone.
She sat up to look straight at him.
- But you still have blue eyes... and without vertical pupils - she said.
- You would rather yellow? - he asked with a note of irony, slightly frowning.
She narrowed eyes slightly.
- Nah... I like the color of your eyes - she said, and kissed him gently on the lips.
He turned face to her, and took her face in his hands, to kiss her harder... and suddenly he froze.
- What happened? - asked after a moment of confused Jennifer.
- I think they are already here - he said, glancing toward the window.