Chapter 12: Allies
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC.
Rate and Review :)
The Helios dropped out a fair distance from Lantea, just out of Wraith sensor range in preparation for the arrival of the Hive Ship that they discovered three weeks ago. Loros made sure that the EM field had plenty of time to charge and he charged his shields to maximum upon dropping out. He also had the pulse guns on stand-by. All in all, they were prepared.
"Colonel Caldwell, are you in position?" Elizabeth asks on the open channel.
"Affirmative. We're out of scanning range and ready to jump into position on your go-ahead" Caldwell replied.
"Excellent" Weir said quickly.
"Just for the record, I still think that we should be in orbit around Atlantis, ready to open up on that hive ship the second it comes out of hyperspace" Caldwell suggested and Loros agreed. They would not be able to contact any others with their EM field.
"It's just one Hive, Colonel, which suggests they may just be checking up on us. There's no need to confirm our presence if we don't have to. Just stand by" Elizabeth said.
"Standing by"
"Loros?" she asked.
"We too are in position. The EM field is sufficiently charged so there should be no delay upon it's activation. Pulse guns are charged and ready and we are set to jump to position the moment there is a problem" Loros confirmed.
"What about the Adea?" Elizabeth asked.
"Unfortunately, Aita could not spare the Adea. It is currently been used for orbital defence of the Sanctuárium in the event that the Wraith launch an attack" Loros explained with a small frown.
"Understood. Colonel Sheppard, how goes it on your end?"
The Orion, which had mostly been repaired was now active and also in space. They had, however had a massive problem with power transfer between shields to drones, a more complicated problem than the problem the Helios had with the pulse weapons over a year ago. It was giving everyone working on the ship a massive headache to say the least.
"Well, we're out of sensor range and all that, but whether or not we're ready to fight is a whole other story" John said over the radio. He was the acting Captain for the time been.
"Getting this ship up and running in under a month was a miracle" Rodney chipped in.
"Do we start the beatification now or later?" John asked sarcastically.
"Rodney, if the Hive opens up on us, I want Orion's drones" Elizabeth said.
"Which means we're going to need the hyperdrive to get into position" John explained to the usually irate scientist.
"Which means we'll need shields, which means you want everything!" Rodney said impatiently.
"I like everything. Can we do it or not?"
"Well don't get up!" Rodney began. "Shields, yes. Jump into position, maybe. Release the drones? Probably not" Rodney said and beneath his eyelids, Loros rolled his eyes.
"Well it's pointless to get into position if we can't fire" John said.
"Let's talk about this for a really long time, that'll help for sure" Rodney said sarcastically.
"Rodney is doing everything inhumanly possible to be ready" John said and Loros had a small amused smile. Suddenly there was a beeping and one of the crew members spoke to him as the ship also gave a sensor reading.
"I'm picking up a hyperspace window opening" the crew member said.
"Atlantis, report?" Caldwell asked after a few moments of tense silence.
"It's going into geosynchronous orbit. Hasn't armed any of it's weapons" Chuck reported over the open channel. The Hive could be seen slowing to a stop from their place. Loros prepared all of the mental commands that he would need, jump, shield and then fire, if necessary.
"If they do, I want you to switch from cloak to shield as quickly as possible, don't wait for my order" Elizabeth said.
"You could be a little more chatty, Elizabeth" John said.
"I'm sorry, just waiting for them to make the next move" Elizabeth said.
"Transmitting a signal. Audio only" Chuck said.
"Put it on speaker" Elizabeth ordered.
"We know you are there. We mean you no harm. Please respond" a Wraith voice said and Loros' eyes opened in shock, chair lurching forward slightly. The crewmembers looked to him in concern of what they were hearing and it began repeating. "We mean you no harm. There is no point in hiding, Doctor Weir. We know you are there. We mean you no harm. Please respond" the voice said again.
"Is that who I think it is?" John asked after a moment.
"He's addressing me by name. I think we can assume it's Michael" Weir said.
"Elizabeth. We cannot respond to him what so ever. The moment we do, we will reveal ourselves and their weapons will not miss" Loros said immediately and he was backed by both Caldwell and Sheppard.
"Why not?" she asked and Loros raised a brow.
"Where do you want us to start?" Caldwell said in response.
"I think we can safely say our cover is blown" Elizabeth said.
"I wouldn't jump to that conclusion" Caldwell replied.
The communications went quiet for a moment and Loros observed the larger vessel moving slowly around the planet. Even when it's weapons weren't powered up, it still looked to menacing to be a simple transport ship. Loros glared at ship, hoping that it would just burst into flames before they could send out any transmission, but alas, it was not to be.
"I recommend you open a secure channel to the hive via the Daedalus. That way they won't be able to pinpoint Atlantis' position" Rodney broke the silence.
"And we can always turn the shield on" Elizabeth said.
"I believe we have enough combined firepower to take out single Hive if we need to" John said and Loros hoped he was right, but a single Hive would be the least of their problems if the one currently in orbit picked them up on sensors.
After a lengthy conversation with Michael, which, much to the shock of the Lantean, involved an alliance between his faction and the expedition, they were meeting in the Conference Room to talk about their options. Elizabeth looked at him intently and he knew that she was aware how this will have an impact on him.
"You've been very quiet" she said, concerned. "What do you think?" she asked.
"Elizabeth, asking me that is rather redundant. We are talking about creating an alliance, however temporary, with the race that contributed to the deaths of many of my people, the near destruction of this city, the deaths of countless others in the galaxy"
"Yet you agreed when we used the retrovirus?"
"I was under the assumption that we had perfected the retrovirus and so I placed my full trust in it's potential success. Admittedly there were some reservations, and now we can see why. However, and I do not mean to sound offensive when I say this, the decision has already been made, so I shall once more follow this course of action" he said and John frowned. "If you will excuse me" he said, sounding very cold and distant. He stood and left the room, Teyla and John sharing a look of concern between them. They in turn asked to be excused.
"Where has he gone?" Teyla asked and John thought for a moment.
"I know where" he said and she followed him into a transporter.
"I am not familiar with this area of the city" Teyla said as they walked through the empty corridors.
"A while ago, Loros showed me a concealed viewing platform, a place that was used for reflection or for peace. It's sort of become our spot" John said as it came into view.
"The city did warn me that you were searching" Loros said as they stood in the doorway.
"She will never let me get away with anything ever again, will she?" he asked and the Lantean gave a small chuckle. "You really think that we're making a big mistake?" he asked and Loros turned to him, face serious, though concerned.
"The last time my people tried to negotiate with the Wraith, we lost some of our most powerful ships and ZPM's which in turn gave rise to many more of them. I do not, and will never in my life, place full trust in the very race that tried to kill me. However, I will cooperate" Loros said.
The Wraith transport landed and the delegation walked through. Loros looked positively ill at the thought of working with the Wraith and he couldn't help the death glare on his face the moment the Wraith queen walked into the Gateroom and Michael as well for that matter. It deepened further when she looked at him and smirked, sharp teeth bared at him. He followed them up to Elizabeth's office, John's hand firmly on his and squeezing gently.
"My people are willing to work with some of your scientists, but no more than three Wraith will be allowed on this base at any given time" Elizabeth said to the queen who listened intently.
"You'll be subjected to extensive searches that we'll perform at random intervals. If any harmful weapons or materials are found on your your fellow Wraith, we'll consider it an act of aggression and immediately destroy your ship" John said.
"We are also monitoring all of your transmissions..." Elizabeth was interrupted.
"All we want is the retrovirus. It is the key to ending a civil war that could go on for centuries. Impose whatever conditions you wish. Let us begin" she said and that scowl never left his face.
"What will happen once you disseminate the weapon?" Elizabeth asked.
"We shall continue on to the next Hive" she answered simply.
"And upon completion of that?" Loros asked coldly and she smirked at him once more.
"We will continue until we have conquered all of our enemies" she said and he raised a critical brow at her.
"And you think our retrovirus can do all that?"
"Yes"
"The one that we're freely handing over to you" John said pointedly and her eyes flashed in barely visible understanding at the terms of their deal.
"I see. Your people will not be harmed. Such is the nature of our agreement"
"And what about all the other humans on the other worlds? Any chance you'll stop feeding on them?" Elizabeth asked and Loros listened intently to this. The peace offered by this deal would allow his remaining brethren a chance to rebuild, repopulate and then re-secure the galaxy. Perhaps this deal could be for the best.
"Your retrovirus will allow us to feed off enemy Wraith. There will come a time, however, when our enemy will be vanquished"
"At which point you'll return to killing ordinary folks the old fashioned way" John pointed out.
"That will take far longer than your short lifetime" she reassured, yes actually reassured.
"Let's just say I'm worried about my grand kids" John said and Loros allowed amusement inside but outside he kept a steely exterior, the likes of which were concerning Elizabeth and John, and no doubt amusing the queen in front of him. She turned to look at him.
"The technology of your city, the technology you allow the humans to control, is far superior to that of our own. Yet we brought your measly kind to their knees, why?" she asked and he actually snarled.
"Stay your forked tongue! Lest I physically remove it!" he snarled out and she in turn hissed.
"Such strength. It has been so long since I have fed on your kind" she said.
"You no longer hold that power over me, Monstruitas! You succeeded in driving us out because you used our technology to increase your numbers!" his voice was cold, scarily cold. Elizabeth and John didn't dare interrupt, as much as they thought it necessary.
"Numbers that will be diminished by your retrovirus. Balance will be restored. I believe that is as much either of us can ask for?" she asked and he narrowed his eyes once more. "Perhaps some of your kind have survived" she began to taunt.
"Conclude!" he shouted in Ancient with finality and he stormed out and using his gene, began to dial the Gate.
"Where is he going?" Elizabeth asked and Chuck looked up.
"He's locked me out of the address reading program, the Stargate itself is hiding the chevrons!" he shouted back.
"You have pissed off the wrong person" John said as he jogged out and he ran out of the office and through the wormhole just before it disengaged. Elizabeth sighed, angry at the queen and concerned for Loros. His anger, despite rarely seen, is enough to scare her, and she had a really strong stomach since living here, however, she reigned in her emotions. John could get through to him.
The Sanctuárium was similar to the Taranis outpost in that it was built into a mountain but on the neighbouring plateau a large tower, the size of the Control Tower, was surrounded by three smaller towers with lightning rod towers. There were several others scattered around in small groups, all with solar panels on them. Loros raised a brow in his anger, knowing it wasn't like that before. Aita walked down towards him with a wide smile, and Loros saw him looking behind him. He turned and widened his eyes.
"John?! How?!" he asked.
"You shut down the Gate a little to late" he said and Loros sighed.
"And to think, you had been working on that ability whenever you needed some time alone" Aita said and he approached John. "So you are the Terran that my dear friend is besotted with" he said and Sheppard gave a small smile.
"You can call me John" he said and Aita bowed slightly in respect.
"It is an honour to meet one of our descendants" he said.
"More like it's an honour to meet you. We've dreamt of meeting you" John said and Aita chuckled but then he frowned. "Something is agitating you, Loros. Is all well?" Aita asked and Loros sighed whilst John raised a brow.
"How could you tell?" John asked.
"Lanteans are born with personal abilities. Loros has immense control over the city, his gene being one of the strongest. The city in turn has a special relationship with him. I have empathic abilities, I can detect every persons emotions. I can also sense that Loros is not willing to speak about it. John, could you please explain?" Aita asked.
"A Wraith ship knew we were still around and came to make a deal with us. We have to provide our side of the deal or they will reveal the location. Needless to say, the queen that was making the deal was a little... snippy" he said, choosing his words carefully.
"You are aware of the risks?" Aita asked and John nodded. "Then we can only hope that this little arrangement goes as intended, because if you are betrayed, then Atlantis will be lost" he said rather grimly. "However, know this. Your people will have a home with us if they turn on you" he said and John nodded, before turning to the Lantean.
"You coming back with me?" he asked and Loros shook his head.
"I cannot. Please do not think negatively of me..." he is cut off as John holds him close.
"I understand. But if we need you, will you come back?" he asked and Loros nodded.
"We are the guardians of the city, John. It would be wrong if I did not. I am merely a wormhole away from you. I advise not sending out the Orion. Focus on her repairs" he said and John gave a nod. Using his gene, he activated the Stargate and sent through his personal genetic marker as the IDC and John stepped through with a final smile over his shoulder.
"May our Ascended brethren watch over them" Aita said by his side.
"If they did, they would have stepped in now" he said bitterly. "It is up to us now"
Dressed back in Lantean clothing consisting of a white sleeveless v-neck made of a soft material and grey loose trousers made of similar material. Quarters had been laid aside for him for his stay and additional housing in the new towers had been made for the Terrans if their deal went south. He walked into the main control room to see Aita there.
"You have truly begun rebuilding our empire" Loros said and Aita turned around.
"We need a new permanent home. We began reconstruction as soon as we arrived" he explained.
Aita had explained that the outpost was one of their regeneration projects. An actual back up to the Atlantis in the event of it's destruction, and it served as a refuge to the surviving humans of the many worlds. Hence all the new towers that sprung up. He and the remaining Lanteans had worked to build a city for both their people and the humans that they saved. The Stargate began to dial then and the two Lanteans analysed the symbols, deducing that it was coming from Atlantis. Elizabeth then stepped through, looking around with wonder on her face for a moment before becoming serious. He headed out with Aita and met her in the Gate courtyard.
"Elizabeth, is everything well?" he asked and she shook her head.
"You were right not to trust them" she said simply and his eyes shot open.
"Elizabeth? What happened?"
"During our first test run of the retrovirus, our Hive was attacked and we were asked to devise a better delivery method. We did and the Daedalus was sent out to assist them for the next trial but the ship was ambushed. Before that they sent us an encyclopedia on their ships and in it was a virus that downloaded to pieces of information"
"And they were?" Aita asked, concerned.
"The Aurora mission reports and the location of all planets in our database" she said and they both looked shock. "Loros, they're headed to Earth" she said and he steeled his resolve.
"Aita, can you spare the Adea to head to Earth to provide protection?" he asked and Aita nodded.
"Of course. Loros, do be careful my old friend"
"Loros, there's something else. John was sent out in the 302's to delay the Hives and..." she said and he closed his eyes in despair but did not break. "I'm sorry" she said and he looked up at her.
"Now is not the time to mourn the fallen. We can do so once we have taken our revenge on them. I will not let them claim Earth like they did this galaxy and I will not let Johns sacrifice be in vain. Let us be going" he said.
His anger from the previous day was reignited now that the Wraith have betrayed them and they have taken his most cared for. He will bring the retribution of Atlantis and it's people down upon them for what they have done.
Monstruitas: Monstrosity
Conclude in Latin: Shut up