Chapter 51
The past versus the future.
"…Another explosion shook the whole hive.
Skyfall swayed on his feet, looking around. A small freighter started just from a nearby platform. Already was them only a few... It's a good, he thought, evacuation ends.
He looked at Bluemoon. She stood right next to the ramp leading to the interior of the ship, looking around anxiously. Around still was hear the sounds of explosions, both internal and those on the outside.
In an emergency, a crew must above all protect the Queen and if necessary, allow her to escape... but she never adhere to this rule. She always remained at the end of the hive, all the time directing her crew.
"A captain should go down with his ship" she always said old, human proverb.
Sometimes he was angry at her for this stubbornness .. but on the other hand, among other things, precisely for that he loved her.
- We are ready - he said to her.
She looked at him.
- Is everyone was evacuated? - she asked with concern.
- From what we know, yes, My Queen - said, standing next to her Firedust.
She did not answer, still staring out in front of her, as if she eagerly was waiting in the arrival of someone.
- My Queen, we have to fly out - urged her Skyfall.
- Yes, I'm coming - she almost muttered and entered the transport vessel gangplank.
The Commander wanted to follow her, but he stopped and turned. Through the main inlet to the hangar, infiltrated just a dozen luminous missiles. His eyes widened at the sight of them. He knew perfectly well what they are - Lanteans battle drones... Cursed Lunaris have at their disposal Lanteans drones, he growled in his mind, looking like missiles scatter in all directions. And then throughout the hangar began to explode all control panels and power lines.
One of the drone struck straight in the place, where the platform was connected with the rest of the band bridges and platforms, crossing hangar at many levels. Organic structure began to crumble and break, and standing on her small ship, leaned with her to the side and began to slide in down.
The Commander widened his eyes and jumped up.
- Blue! - he shouted, extending his hand to his Queen.
But it was too late. Standing on the transporter vessel ramp, she began to fall down with him.
She turned again and looked at him... and then her long, white hair enfolded her face and fluttered like the wind, along with a long blue dress.
He fell on the floor, still holding out his hand to catch her... but she was already too far away. Beyond his reach.
- Blue - he whispered, looking like now she pulled her hand in his direction.
And then he furrowed his eyebrows slightly, looking on falling female... She was not that same person, which he saw a moment before. Instead blue dress she was wearing a black uniform, and her face surrounded long, dark hair.
- Skall! - she cried... but it was not voice of Bluemoon.
- Mo - he whispered in disbelief. - Mo! - he cried again when she vanished in a cloud of numerous explosions piercing the bottom of the hangar... "
.
…He opened his eyes suddenly and looked around... to breathe with a sigh of relief.
It was just a dream, he thought. She not died. She was still lying next to him, although he was not able to save her.
He turned to the side, watching her as sleeping.
She was so calm... and delicate. As if all these horrors never not befallen her.
He pushed a strand of hair from her face and kissed her gently on the shoulder... again and again... She slowly opened her eyes... and smiled brightly at him.
He loved when she did it. This one smile was always able to crush even the largest his anger... although he always tried hard not to show up this. Not leave the cover, that she accidentally did not recognize his true feelings. Feelings, that grew in him from the years... and which, he even did not know, when they appeared.
- Good morning - she said, and kissed him.
- You sleep well? - he asked.
She winced a little mouth.
- In fact... not really. You terribly fidgeting - she scoffed.
- Well... This is shameful behavior from my side - he said, sliding hand down her back, to pull her at the end to himself. - Do you think I can somehow compensate you for these disadvantages?
- I do not know... But surely you'll need a good try... I think I have a few bruises.
- Really?... Show me where? - he said, and kissed her.
She grinned, amused.
- I'm afraid it everywhere.
- In that case, a lot of work ahead of me - he sighed heavily.
- Oh yes - now she scoffed lightly.
He growled softly with satisfaction and pulled her closer to him, when she kissed him passionately. Her lips were soft and sweet, and her skin smooth as silk.
He desire her the most in the world... and now she was all his, he thought.
Only his...
The insistent sound from the communicator made, that he growled again, but this time angrily, looking in the direction of his desk and built-in it control panel.
Moonlight put her hand on his cheek, to turn his face back to her direction.
- Leave it. They stop for a moment - she said gently.
- Believe me, they will not stop... I know something about this - he said dissatisfied.
This time she glanced in the direction of the panel, and suddenly the sound stopped, when she sent a telepathic message to the ship's systems to turn it off.
- You see? They stopped - she smiled, glancing back at him.
- It will not help - has not changed his tone of voice. - Soon they come here.
- Whence such conclusion?
- Because you always do like that - he said with a slight irony. - And the rest took this annoying habit from you.
- Oh - she said, wincing a little mouth.
This time she could not deny or try to argue with him. He was absolutely right.
She shrugged her shoulders slightly.
- So, at most they will come... And by that time we still have a moment of peace - she said and kissed him.
- If they come here, they see you - he noted.
She looked at him closely, and on her face appeared slightly mischievous grin.
- Have you ashamed of me, Skyfall, son of Sunrise? - she asked suspiciously.
He smiled, looking straight at her big, green eyes.
- Never, Moonlight, daughter of Nightwind - he said with seriousness and kissed her passionately.
.
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Whiteraven stood alone on the beach, staring at a double full moon and twinkling gently in the background a small nebula.
Every year, during the summer solstice, pale blue shields of two moons and jagged cloud with a slight yellow and green color, appeared on a few days in the night sky. It was a delightful, almost magical sight. Almost like a fairy tale, she thought, although she had seen him a thousand times.
But her life was not a fairy tale... not in the last ten thousand years. Sometimes she would give everything to be able to go back to carefree childhood on Patria, when their biggest worry was, whether this time parents also get caught them on pranks?...
She smiled slightly at the memory of those days. So distant... So unrealistic in the face of current reality, she thought sadly. She was carrying her burden for a long time, but she always understood its seriousness... and her duty. Even if sometimes she longed to get away from it all... As farthest away from here. Somewhere, when someone will free her from that burden... Somewhere, where there is peace and where she will be feel safely and happy... Like long time ago, among the flowery hills and blue lake The Old Valley.
- Again you sigh to the stars? - spoke up suddenly from behind a familiar voice.
She almost jumped on this sound, suddenly torn from her thoughts and memories. She turned, surprised at first by the presence of the Wraith, but then she smiled to him gently.
- Tracker... I did not notice when you came.
- I can see - he almost snorted lightly. - I'm standing here for some time.
- I'm sorry... I was thoughtful.
- It I also noticed - he said slightly amused and went to her closer, putting a gentle hand on her cheek and stroking his thumb. - Everything is all right? You look worried.
She smiled slightly, putting her hand on his.
- I'm just tired... very tired... this all.
- As we all - he tried to comfort her. - More and more I hear whispers about returning to our former life...
- But for now, we still can not. Not until Midsummer... goes crazy somewhere out there... We have created a monster, Shad, and now we have to stop her... before it's will be too late.
- Yes... I know - he muttered, and he left his hand. - It is in this case I came. The rest of the Council already know... You do not answered to the call...
- I had to be alone...
- But and so it was not hard to find you - he joked and looked in the direction of a light-polluted moons glow horizon. - You always come here during the summer solstice.
- This view reminds me of the Eye of the Ancestors during the summer solstice on Patria - she said bitterly and also turned her head for a moment.
- What's your news? - she asked finally, looking at him again.
- Both of our sources have confirmed independently, that Midsummer is preparing to counterattack - he told her reluctantly. - For now she pick up after the last defeat, but the destruction her base on the Draconis further enraged her. This, what she has found on Vallen, may enough her to defeat us - he said and looked straight in her eyes. - Alone we can not make her defeat - he said ominously.
- I was afraid of this - she almost whispered anxiously. - I think that everyone feared of this.
- Therefore alliance with New Lanteans may be more necessary than we thought so far... The Oldest understood this, but younger...
- Part definitely... Like Alabaster or Moonlight... Even Ruby. Her mother confided her enough before her death… But the rest - she said. - Wraith will be divided again... But this time, this division could end in tragedy for all of us - she said reluctantly, and she looked up at the night sky. - That's why I still have hope, that THEY finally appears... and it as soon as possible.
- As we all... birdie - he said, and kissed her gently on the head, covering his shoulders. - As we all...
She snuggled into him. She felt safe in his arms, and now she needed this.
.
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Richard Woolsey and Steven Caldwell as usual, led a lively discussion, this time about the recent events. And although their opinions often differ from each other, because of the two different points of view, two different sides, IOA and SG Command, today, in this one thing, they were surprisingly unanimous: position, what succeeded in such a short time achieve Teyla Emmagan in the world of Wraith, could not be wasted. It was necessary to best use the current state of things... until the Wraith Grey Council still manifested any interest in working with the New Lanteans.
In addition, the information gained about the Technicians indicate, that both sides may be soon forced into an alliance, to defeat threatening them common enemy. Without a Council fleet, earthly ships will never overcome Midsummer and her new allies... And without New Lanteans technology, Wraith fleet sooner or later also will fail. They had the perfect example during the battle above the Draconis. Wraith cruisers almost fell like flies, and hiveships could barely resisted. If not order issued by Nightstorm to retreat, soon after they all left to just space debris.
Even Daedalus barely escaped alive from the skirmish with Asgard ship... at least so claimed Caldwell, because major Marx thought, that probably only miracle they managed to avoid the destruction of the main engines.
Therefore now both leaders were unanimous: if Wraith Council and Atlantis will not cooperate as a allies to jointly confront with the Technicians... the end both sides can be miserable as a result.
The only question is: whether the Grey Council also understands that... or more specifically, whether they admit to the fact, that after recent events, collaboration with New Lanteans may be necessary.
- …Nightstorm seems to be reasonable - continued the colonel. - Mo mentioned, that their... Main Queen, Whiteraven, is very similar to her grandmother in this regard... Anyway, The Oldest in general seem to have a more rational approach to the many issues, than the Wraith which we met so far... no offense - he added , looking at the present at the meeting Todd. - I do not had you on mind.
- I did not feel offended with that saying, colonel Coldwell - said calmly Starburst. - I do not pick up this personally... But I agree with you on the issue of perceiving the problem by The Oldest... Although I admit, that I was also very surprised. So far, they gave the impression, as if their stance was completely the opposite.
- Perhaps as... Major Wraith Command, they had give such an impression, to maintain order and unity among you - Teal'c observed. - Tracker mentioned, that some Wraith are closer to the views of Midsummer, but still support the Council, because they believe in their advantage. The sudden change in the approach to the problem, could be cause unnecessary confusion.
- Yes... It's very possible explanation - he admitted. - But still... The Oldest always treated our worshippers better, and each other... a bit differently, than younger generations, but officially, they always firmly adhere to our rules.
- Teyla believes, that their approach can be related to the fact, that before the Great War the people and the Wraith apparently co-existed side by side without any problems - Sheppard interjected. - Raptor hinted, that what they are now, it is the result of the conflict - he said.
Although his thoughts wandered elsewhere, however, from time to time he listening the discussion. Besides, both teams, his and Mitchell's, from the beginning of the meeting seemed to be immersed in their own thoughts. This what they learned in the last few days, has introduced a complete confusion in their minds. Because for those few days they learned about the Wraith more, than the last six years... But the information, that you know, have produced far more questions than answers.
- Yes... It was also surprising to me information - now Starburst muttered, as if slightly disgusted.
- Carson suspected use of a retrovirus - Jennifer said.
- Perhaps someone tried... "heal" the entire population at the same time - said Becket. - That would fit the story of the attack on the Wraith home world - he said. - With very enigmatic story from Max, we know, that Nu'Ada created a retrovirus to individuals persons, based on their own DNA. And they created a feeding device... probably similar to that which has built Kate...
- Probably information about the device she drew from genetic memory her ancestral - Samantha added.
- I think so - he said. - But back to the question: as I said, I suppose, that someone wanted to make a mass... dewraithisation... but made a mistake, and the effect could be quite the opposite.
- What's that? - asked Woolsey.
- Well, given how difficult it is to create a retrovirus for the entire population of the Wraith, which do not cause side effects - he said, glancing at Keller - Jennifer came to the conclusion that... dewraithisation could only strengthen Iratus genes in the DNA of the Wraith, and thus hinder their mass conversion to the less dangerous form.
- Mo mentioned, that The Oldest from long been repeated to her, that she is very similar to her great-grandmother - said Jenifer. - And considering her appearance and the fact, that she does need to feed on humans, as well as new information, we draw theory, that before the Great War, Wraith DNA could be more similar to the Mo DNA, which is more balanced. However, the use of retrovirus instead of help, made things worse and Iratus genes become dominant... We think even, that Mo and others Protheu is nothing more, than a kind of natural... genetic regression.
- You suggesting, that Mo is what could be the Wraith before the Great War? - Daniel asked, surprised.
- Yes... Those subjected to transformation by Nu'Ada - Carson said calmly. - While we believe, that there is a possibility, that this process could also occur naturally. Which was shown by the case of Mo... I do not want to eject the too far-reaching theory, but there is a possibility, that some of the Wraith before the war did not undergo transformation in the form which we know now.
- And perhaps in time the entire population of the Wraith would be like Mo - Keller finished.
- Tracker admitted in the conversation, that after the outbreak of the Great War, they tried to create a retrovirus capable of transformation of the whole population - reminded Starburst. - Maybe then, they still wanted to resolve the conflict less bloody and voluntarily subject them all of conversion.
- Somebody had to a pretty well tread on yours toes, if you abandoned this idea - almost snorted Mitchell.
- Probably the destruction of their planet had the significant part - Teal'c said
- Yeah... I'd be also pissed off, if anyone, despite the willingness to cooperate, and so blew up the Earth.
- Patria was destroyed to hide evidence of what was done - said suddenly from the end of the room Rodney.
So far, the scientist was silent, not very carefully listening those all conversations. His mind still wandering around talking with The Oldest about what did to him Midsummer... and more specifically, about the information, that the reversal of this process may not be so simple.
Other gathered in the room, looked at him with interest.
- Why such suppositions? - said Caldwell.
- So said Firesky... Midsummer daughter - he explained.
- Even if... then what? - Ronon grunted. - Wraith of ten thousand years destroy worlds of human .
McKay looked at him. His eyes were sharp and unpleasant cold. Completely not similar to the scientist. Dex until flinched. For a moment he felt uneasy. It looked as if, cowardly mostly so far Rodney, wanted to throw at him. But the man remained in place, looking at him with anger.
- Before the Great War on the Wraith planet, from the generations lived millions of people and thousands of Lanteans... Until, when one night someone decided to make... dewraithisation, as Carson put it... And in this one night was killed those millions of people and thousands of Lanteans, bleeding to death, like by ebola virus... And with them half the population of the Wraith... Then, in order to cover the traces of the crime, was adjusted to the explosion their sun... And when that did not work, those who survivors, were chased across the galaxy, and those who tried to help them, were intimidation... Meanwhile, Lanteans were sitting comfortably on Atlantis, and they did not even reacted on this mass extermination... You wondered, that at the end the Wraith took revenge?... Because I do not.
For a moment there was dead silence. No one even tried to speak. Nobody knew what to say on the words of Rodney McKay. And scientist just keeps staring steadfastly only on one person - at Ronon.
- Told you that this crazy Queen? - snorted finally ex-runner.
- No... Nightstorm - he said calmly and stood up from his chair. - She was about five years old when it happened... and she was that night on the planet. She watched as those, who she knew the whole life, bled in slow agony, begging to someone just kill them... And in one, unfortunately I agree with Midsummer. Since people were able one time to such crime... they are able to do it again .. In the earth's history we have plenty of such examples - he said grimly, and again he looked straight at Ronon. - I does not justify the Wraith for what they are doing for ten thousand years. I just beginning to understand their motives... Anyway, lately, to my own surprise I discovered, that not all of them have to be our enemies... As from long time I know, that not all people are our friends... We should therefore take this into consideration, when planning further our future in this galaxy... and not repeat the mistakes from the past - he said, then walked out of the room.
Gathered in the room were looking for him, even when a numerous wings of the door, closed behind him, again forming a single wall.