Author's Notes: Thank you ever so much to my beta and best friend, Alauralen. Each chapter I complete leaves me nervous, and she always reassures me. I honestly couldn't do this without her.

Disclaimer: Stargate: Atlantis doesn't belong to me. Unfortunately. I only wish I could claim Todd.

The Distant Journey

Chapter Two

Todd awoke when a knock sounded at the door. He'd decided to attend to his duties after getting Nia's routine established. Being the commander had its perks. Rising, Todd scooped the half-awake woman from the floor, throwing her, the blanket, and the pillow on his bed. It would look odd if he didn't have her sleeping with him after only the second night.

Nia rubbed her eyes. "What—"

"Shhh. Take your dress off." Todd covered her lips with his hand. "It will look strange to have you in my bed fully dressed," he said in response to her shaking her head. "Do you or do you not want to live?"

Grabbing his hand, she shoved it away from her mouth, sighing when the knock sounded again, more insistently. "Fine," she said, pulling the dress over her head and throwing it on the floor. Clad only in her underclothes, she lay back on the pillow and pulled the blanket over herself.

Todd nodded. Grabbing his pants and shoving his feet into them, he opened the door as he was buttoning them. Amyrra stood outside the door, holding a steaming breakfast tray. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of Todd still buttoning his pants while Nia relaxed in the bed. It was obvious her assumption was exactly what he'd intended.

Catching herself in the act of staring, Amyrra bowed her head. "I've brought your slave her morning meal."

"You may set it on the table," he said, moving aside, allowing her entrance. Closing the door behind her, he noticed the woman's eyes cut over, glancing at Nia. Though she tried to hide it, he could tell she wasn't pleased at the sight. If Nia hadn't brought the idea of jealousy to his attention, he'd never have noticed the insignificant action.

Amyrra picked up the empty tray, setting the fresh one in its place. "Shall I gather your laundry while I'm here, Master?" she asked, gaze fixed on Nia's tattered dress.

Todd stared at Nia's dress, considering letting Amyrra take it away. Deciding she'd need the dress one more time to get to the bathing area, he simply walked to his closet, pulling several dirty shirts and pairs of pants out. Amyrra held out her arm, accepting the dirty clothes as if they were holy relics. "Nia requires new clothing after she bathes this morning."

"Yes, Master. I've brought something to take her size with in order to find suitable items." She set the tray on the chair and pulled out a small measuring device, her back to Nia.

"Very well, Amyrra. Nia?" Todd turned his attention to Nia, who was mouthing the word jealous. The urge to laugh rose to Todd's throat, and it was difficult to keep a straight face. Before him was a loyal woman with years of service behind her, yet it was the forced slave he'd known for two days—one who admitted her dislike of the Wraith—that held his greater affection. He liked a challenge, and Nia was a challenge—simple as that.

Nia climbed from the bed, looking slightly disconcerted about standing in her underclothes in front of him. Amyrra turned away and began taking Nia measurements with the device clutched tightly in her hand.

Todd took the opportunity to scrutinize Nia. She was thin with long legs. Her buttocks, covered in white cloth, was slightly rounded, and her stomach firm. Her breasts caught his attention the most, however. They were wrapped in a strapless cloth hooked at the back, but he could see her cleavage clearly. Her breasts were high and round, the perfect size for a complete handful.

Wraith females were fewer in number than males. Being a ranking officer, he had his choice of a mate, but he'd never taken an interest in any of them. If he'd found one with breasts like Nia's, however…

His thoughts were interrupted when Amyrra turned around and picked up the tray from the previous night. Clearing his throat, Todd said, "Be sure to pick up the dinner tray tonight. I don't want another one left overnight again."

"Yes, Master," Amyrra said. "I'll have the clothing ready for your approval after she bathes." Moving carefully with her armful of laundry and the empty tray, Amyrra waved her hand over the door mechanism and exited the room, closing it behind her.

Todd watched as Nia grabbed her dress, quickly slipping it on. "You were staring at me the whole time," she complained as she pulled it down over her legs.

"Yes, I was. I was examining your breasts."

Nia's face flushed, as he knew it would. She self-consciously crossed her arms as she sat in the chair, gazing at the food tray.

"You've never undressed in front of anyone before, have you?" She stiffened with his words, her blush deepening.

"I have," she said. Her words were clipped, and he automatically knew she didn't mean a man.

"Your mother and your best friend don't count," he said. "You've never been seen by a man."

She stood up suddenly, scowling at him darkly. "What part of the word virgin do you need me to explain to you? Had a man seen me naked, it would have been because it was leading to more. Unfortunately for me, no man was ever interested in me, so here I am, twenty-five years old and still an unmarried virgin!"

Her chest heaved with her tirade. Nia fell back into the chair, dropping her face in her hands, breathing loudly. Though he couldn't see, he knew tears were falling down her cheeks. He felt guilty for pushing her into an explanation of her virginity. It hadn't been his intent, but he was the reason for her outburst.

"I'm sorry, Nia. I didn't mean to bring up past hurts. That wasn't my intention."

"Then what was your intention? To embarrass me for your own enjoyment? I can tell you now, that's getting old already. I know I'm not much to look at, but you don't have to be so hurtful." Her voice was muffled through her hands, but he heard her words clearly.

Not much to look at? From what he'd gleaned of human men, he was sure they'd consider Nia pretty. He wasn't even human, but he admitted to being attracted. Though her facial features were different, the exterior of a human female and a Wraith female were very similar.

"Nia, you're a lovely woman. I don't understand why you would think men weren't interested in you." Perhaps they avoided her due to the sheer exasperation of dealing with her. However, it was probably best not to tell her that now.

She didn't look up. "Oh, a compliment now. You don't have to lie to make me feel better."

Todd wasn't sure how to handle insecurity. Wraith females were anything but uncertain. "Nia, I'm not lying to you. Even a Wraith can see it. Why do you think Veritus wanted you?"

Nia finally looked up. Her eyes were red, and her face was wet. "Thinking about him doesn't exactly boost my confidence, you know. From what you've said, he simply wanted to use me for a while, followed by beating me to death."

Veritus wasn't the best example to use. "You've learned to trust me, so trust me when I say you are an attractive woman. Now stop crying and eat. I'll take you to bathe when you're finished."

--

Todd's abrupt end to the conversation did little to comfort Nia. Did he honestly think a Wraith's opinion of her looks would soothe her? It was apparent he thought the issue resolved, and it struck her that human men and Wraith were similar. They expected things to be done with just because they didn't want to talk about it further.

It was disconcerting to think of humans and Wraith being similar in any way, but Todd had maintained since they met that the two species were more alike than either was willing to admit. Nia was daily being forced to admit he might be right.

She did manage to quell her tears, but it was hard to swallow her food. Todd was blunt and didn't have a problem saying exactly what he wanted to. As he'd looked over her scantly clad body, she'd felt small and helpless. It served to make her realize if he wanted more from her there was very little she could do to stop it. He'd said she had learned to trust him, but had she? She still struggled with the thought that he was simply the lesser of the evils.

Thrusting such thoughts away, Nia forced the rest of her food down, thinking about how nice a bath would be. Her hair felt nasty, and she couldn't wait for a good scrubbing—even if it was on a Wraith hive ship. Pushing her plate back, Nia said, "I'm ready."

Todd nodded, pulling on a clean shirt and his jacket. Nia waited impatiently as he buttoned the jacket slowly, examining himself in the closet mirror before turning around. The Wraith was more vain than any human she'd ever met. Finally he walked to the door. "Well, are you ready?" he asked as if he'd been the one waiting all that time.

The anticipation of her bath overrode any annoyance with his attitude, which distinctly reminded of her brother at times.

Todd opened the door, and she followed him into the hallway. The door slid shut behind her, and she suddenly felt completely vulnerable. Wraith filled the hallway, some followed by humans. Few took notice of her, but those who did terrified her. Without thinking about it, she moved closer to Todd. His hand briefly touched her arm before he moved down the hall.

She hastened to keep close to him, feeling more exposed than ever before. She doubted if she'd been completely naked in front of Todd she'd have felt as threatened as she did in the hall.

The ship was unlike anything she'd ever seen. Where it had been dark in the holding pen, it was light here. The walls pulsated as though alive. Numerous doors lined either side of the hall, and she suddenly realized why there were so many Wraith here. These were their living quarters when they weren't in hibernation. It made sense, yet she'd never considered it.

A single Wraith smiled nastily at her, growling slightly as she passed. Picking up her pace, she moved right into the back of Todd, gripping his sleeve in her hand. He didn't look back at her, but he didn't shake her away either. She was breathing hard and was beginning to feel dizzy by the time Todd slowed, maneuvering into a wide, open door. Turning right, he led Nia into a large, steam-filled room.

Her eyes nearly popped from their sockets as she took in the number of nude human women in the room. A few looked up, but none seemed perturbed at the sight of Todd. In fact, a few of them seemed pleased.

Amyrra materialized from the steam, fully clothed. "Master," she said, "I have everything prepared."

"Good. You may begin. Nia, follow Amyrra."

Nia almost cringed at the sweet smile Amyrra gave her. Glancing up at Todd, she steeled herself and followed the unpleasant woman. She was glad when Amyrra directed her into a bathtub in the corner and turned to leave. At least she would have a little bit of privacy.

The bath was more luxurious than she'd been fantasizing. As she scrubbed the dirt from her body, she could almost imagine she was home and her family would be waiting for her when she was finished. Her mother would have lunch ready soon, and her father and brother would be home from the fields any minute.

She toweled off slowly, the scent of her mother's best stew and fresh baked bread in her nostrils. The illusion was shattered when she reached for her underclothes and dress. They were gone. She hurried around the corner desperately searching for her things. A cold laugh hit her suddenly as Amyrra stepped toward her.

"They are not here, Slave. The last ties you have to anything familiar are gone." She smiled and leaned forward, dropping her voice. "I told you that you would regret opening your mouth." Stepping back, she more loudly said, "Follow me."

Tears stung Nia's eyes as she wrapped a towel around her body. She should have known Amyrra wouldn't forget her threats. Having no other choice, Nia followed the hateful woman. Amyrra walked out the door to the bathing room, causing Nia to pause. She was taking her out in the halls wearing only a towel?

"Aren't you coming?" Amyrra asked, sweetness dripping from her voice. Only the malicious gleam in her eyes gave her away.

Refusing to allow Amyrra the satisfaction of seeing her discomfort, she stepped into the hall, head held high. Thankfully, there were few Wraith in the narrow corridor, none of whom spared her a second glance. Amyrra's gleam of amusement diminished slightly. Nia smiled at her calmly.

Amyrra's gaze grew icy. Obviously unwilling to cause a scene that might impact her negatively, she simply turned to lead the way. Thankfully, it was only a short distance down the hall.

Nia entered behind Amyrra, eyes falling on several piles of clothes. She might have smiled if she hadn't caught sight of Todd sitting just around the corner of the doorway.

"I've picked several items," Todd said, pointing to a small pile. "You may try on my selections to be sure they fit now."

"Now?" she asked, sudden apprehension gripping her. "Here?"

"Yes, now and here. I don't have time to pick through things more than once if my selections don't fit you properly." He waved his hand at the pile he'd decided on. "There are some underclothes in the pile somewhere. Give Amyrra the towel."

Nia's heart froze. "I could keep it around me until I have the underclothes picked out," she said slowly.

"Nonsense," Todd said, dismissing her idea. "Amyrra has seen naked women before. You don't need to worry about her." He smiled widely, obviously enjoying himself immensely.

Nia paused for a moment, considering telling Todd to leave. Her mouth was open to say as much when it hit her that Amyrra would realize something strange was going on. It wouldn't take much for her to figure out the true nature of the relationship she had with Todd. Without looking at Todd, she took a deep breath and handed the towel to Amyrra.

As she sifted through the pile looking for the underclothes, she could feel Todd's eyes on her. She found a pair of panties and a wrap for her breasts and put them on as quickly as possible. It had crossed her mind Todd may have picked out items he knew wouldn't fit her properly, knowing how he enjoyed seeing her discomfort. He proved not to be completely heartless as the items fit well.

She selected a blue dress with silver lining and slipped it over her head. It was a perfect fit. However, it was rather low-cut, blatantly displaying her breasts. Turning around, she faced Todd, working hard to keep her face neutral.

--

Todd watched Nia warring with herself before she finally made the decision to hand the towel to Amyrra without comment. He had to respect the restraint and sense she showed. He knew how Amyrra felt about her, and Nia apparently remembered as well.

She stood before him completely unadorned for a moment before turning to the pile. He admired her silently. Despite walking into the bathing room as if he'd done it before, he didn't often see human females in the nude. She looked exotic, and he felt an unexpected surge of desire roll through him.

She turned around after donning the first dress. The look on her face was carefully controlled, but he knew she wasn't pleased. "It seems to fit perfectly," he said.

"It does fit," she began, "but it seems slightly low-cut in the front."

"It's the latest style, I'm told." Unable to resist, he winked at her.

Nia took a deep breath. "I'm not sure the style really suits me."

Todd leaned back in the chair. "Nonsense. You look lovely. Try on the next one."

His desire for her grew as she tried on each dress. He had begun to feel the affects of it acutely by the time she finally tried on the last dress. He had to employ his most stoic reserve in order to banish the visual confirmation of his hunger. He cleared his throat, standing slowly. "Amyrra, gather the rest of the clothes and bring them to my room."

Nia hadn't said a word after the first dress. The pale yellow color of the final dress suited her well, and the plunging neckline suited him. Arriving at his room, he entered behind Amyrra and Nia. Amyrra hung each item in the closet while Nia perched on the edge of the chair.

"I'm done, Master. Is there anything else I can do to serve you?" At the shake of his head, Amyrra exited the room.

As soon as the door slid shut behind her, Nia stood. "You."

Todd looked at her with all the innocence he could muster. "Yes?"

"You had her destroy my dress while I was taking a bath." The neutrality of her face was disconcerting. Nia didn't have the best temper, so for her to be showing no more emotion than she was definitely left room for concern.

"I had nothing to do with that," he said. "I never ordered her to dispose of your dress as you bathed." He knew this was all just an opener to the larger argument to come. It was likely to be a spectacular event, if the heaving of her chest, thrusting her breasts to attention, was any indication.

"Well, you didn't seem concerned when I showed up in a towel. And you certainly didn't have a problem ordering me to give it to that woman." She was doing an admirable job of keeping calm, but her voice had begun to rise slightly as she emphasized the word ordering.

"It wasn't as if I could offer you privacy. Amyrra expected me to stay." Todd waved his hand dismissively. "And in case you've forgotten, you are supposed to be my sexual slave." His loins stirred with the words, catching him by surprise again. He might be willing to admit noticing a comely human woman when he saw one, but the sexual desire was not something he'd expected. He swallowed reflexively, struggling to control his urges.

"Oh, what an excuse." Nia took a step toward him angrily. "You orchestrated the entire scenario. You enjoyed yourself!"

Todd smiled, unable to help himself. "I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it."

Nia took another step toward him and raised her hand, smacking him so hard his head rocked back. He caught his balance, dropping into an instinctive, defensive crouch, growling at her. The anger on her face turned to fear instantly.

For each step forward he took, she moved back. His low, animalistic growls of anger filled the room. He'd taken a big risk in saving her, and he wasn't going to allow her to treat him with such disrespect.

"I… I'm sorry." Her words were barely audible and laden with horror. "Todd—"

"Stop." She did as he commanded immediately.

She came to a halt, backed up against the bed. Todd grabbed her arms, forcing himself not to grip her as tightly as instinct demanded. Pushing her back on the bed, he crawled over her.

"Would you rather I forced you to do my bidding as any other Wraith would do?" he asked as he breathed in her panic. He exhaled warm air as he raised his face from the base of her throat to her chin. "Would you rather I take what is rightfully mine to take?" He raised his head, looking her in the eyes. "How do you think it would feel if I were to truly treat you as a slave?" He lowered his lips to her neck, feeling her blood pulsating under her skin.

Every instinct in his body heightened as he fought to maintain control of himself. The scent of her fear invaded his predatory inclinations, and he nearly gave in to his base desire to dominate her completely. It took every ounce of strength he possessed to let go of her arms and rise from the bed.

The gasps of Nia's terror assaulted his ears. He gazed at the frozen woman silently, breathing deeply, calming the beast within. As it shrank into the base of his being, he regained total command of his mind once more. Staring at her for a moment more, he turned on his heel and marched out the door.