Todd dialed Atlantis to set up a meeting with the science team. Something had gone wrong with the research and they needed to come to the hive immediately to resolve it. It was imperative for both sides that it be resolved. He had no idea why they bought it, but they did. The team was due to arrive at any minute via puddle jumper. Now, it was all up to Val to save the hive.
Of course, Val was nervous. He had no idea how he was going to do this. She wasn't some wraith worshiper, and while some small part of her lusted after him, it certainly was not enough to keep her here, playing a dangerous game to keep wraith alive. He groaned internally but kept his outward appearance calm and collect.
Todd and Val with a few guards stood waiting for the crew to disembark on the puddle jumper. As the door lowered John stood at the head with Ronan. A few of the other members of the science team and then her. Bethany. She stood in the back fumbling with some equipment. As soon as she heard to door clank on the ground her head shot up. Her obvious discomfort was felt all around. Todd had to admit, her mental presence was over powering. But it would need some work.
"Hello boys, long time no see." Shepard said stepping out followed by a grumpy Ronan, who had a look on his face like his trigger finger was itchy. Val frowned at him as he brushed by with a shoulder check.
"John" Todd purred and gave a slight Todd to the colonel and his team "A pleasure to have you on board as always." It was a lie of course, and all parties knew it. John gave a fake smile and motioned for him to get a move on. Todd ushered them down the hall way.
Bethany followed in the back of the Atlantian team and Val swept in behind her. She frowned heavily and sent threatening thoughts his way. It took everything in him not to laugh aloud which only made her more furious.
"How wonderful to see you again." He whispered in her ear and she shot him a glare.
"I know this is all your doing!" She hissed back at him, just loud enough for him to hear. Todd at the front of the pack smiled slightly, as he felt the friction between the two. He remembered what that was like. Val pretended to look shocked.
"You would accuse me of such?" He asked as innocent as he could, placing a hand on his chest. She shot him another death glare.
"Yes, I would! Now stay as far from me as possible, or I will refuse to work on this project." She threatened and picked up her pace to stand next to one of the other science officers. Val smirked. He did not need her participation on this 'project'.
Todd brought them to a room full of computers where he had cleverly erased much of the data they had worked on getting. Of course, he had it saved somewhere, but this gave the team something to do, a would give Valimor enough time to win over Bethany, hopefully.
"Much of the data was corrupted and lost, we need your help retrieving it." Todd said with a flat voice. Bethany furrowed her eyebrows.
"Corrupted? That is impossible!" She demanded as she pushed past Todd and began to work on one of the computers. Todd raised an eyebrow and glanced at Val.
"I will leave you to it then." He said with a nod and ducked out of the room. This was all on Val now. The survival of the hive, and him finally being accepted as a wraith all depended on him convincing Bethany Evans to stay on the hive with him as their new 'queen'. The pressure was on.
As Todd left the room, John and Ronan took up their positions in the corner whispering to each other and looking over their weapons. The other two science officers began work at the other computers and Bethany was furiously working at her station. Val walked up beside her and watched over her shoulder for a moment. He had to admit, the way she worked with wraith technology was flawless. She knew it inside and out. That could be a huge benefit, or very dangerous for him. She could figure out this whole thing was a sham. After lingering a few minutes, he decided to speak.
"I am sorry things ended…poorly on our last encounter." He said with a genuine apologetic tone. She glanced up at him with narrowed eyes but did not speak. "I may have pushed my boundaries with you." He decided to press, this was the most positive reaction he had gotten from her since her arrival.
"You think?!" She hissed at him then glanced to see if anyone noticed. They hadn't. She shot him a look and went back to work. This was progress. He stepped a bit closer to her, and he felt her blood rush again. She still could not hide those feelings.
"I could not help myself." He whispered leaning over her slightly, close but not touching. A shiver ran up her spine. "You have a very…demanding presence." He added, as if she had some control over him. And she did, but she had no way of dictating it. She had no control over her mental abilities, so Val was running this game. He could feel her presence relax, but she did not respond. Her work slowed slightly as she seemed to almost lean towards him. He hid a grin. This might be easier than he thought.
Well I am back after a few years...not sure if anyone is still following but I swear I am going to do my best to wrap this up for you all! Any comments are welcome. You can review or pm me!