"Get back." Cally warned the soldiers as they appeared, pointing the staff at the mage she held 'captive'. The soldiers looked to Darien, who'd masked his face with expressions of worry, hate, anger, and frustration.
Darien looked into Cally's eyes, a flicker of hope she knew only she could see flickering in his eyes. "She won't do it. She's too soft. Stay where you are."
"Do you really want to test that theory?" Cally kneed Sari in the mage's stomach. Sari let out a screech of pain. "The Emperor would not be pleased if you let a mage die, Darien."
Darien spat at her feet. "You know nothing of our Emperor, Lorenian. Do not speak ill of him."
"You're not in a position to make demands, Doren. With a flick of this staff and two simple words your precious lady mage will bother Lorena no more." Cally replied calmly. "I suggest you do as I say. First, have your soldiers – Achnid and Wraith – drop their weapons. Then show me to the nearest Portal and let me go."
"Mage Doren," a soldier spoke up, "Is one Lorenian prisoner worth the life of a Mage?"
"Quiet, Serbenti." Darien ordered. "No one speak but for me." He pretended to ponder the whole deal Cally was presenting, though in his mind he knew what he would say. After a minute or so, Darien asked, "If I agree to this, will you let Sari go?"
"Is that her name?" Cally replied, pretending not to know. "Pretty name for an Achnid."
"Answer the question, Cally." Darien was 'losing patience'.
"Yes. I'd let her go if you agree to the terms. After I leave." Cally clarified.
"Drop your weapons," Darien ordered his men. Then to Cally he said, "Follow me. I will show you to the Portal. No one follow us." He added for his men's benefit. He led Cally and Sari out of the Wraith ship and all the way to the Portal without any further problems. It took them nearly an hour to reach the Portal from the hive ship on foot. As soon as they saw that the Portal was unguarded, Cally let Sari go so she could dial the Portal for Lorena.
Darien turned to Sari. "Be safe, love."
Sari stepped forward towards him and placed her lips on his. "And you, Mage Doren. May Merlin guide us together again in this lifetime."
Darien recognized the Lorenian farewell. "Sooner rather than later." The Portal was now fully powered and ready for use. He turned to Cally. "Take care of her. The deal's off if she's harmed in any way."
Cally nodded. "I'll do my best, Darien. Be careful, will you?"
"Go." Darien said, though he was surprised by Cally's comment. Why would she worry about his safety? He'd betrayed her to the Achnids, which could have cost Cally her life. "Time is not on our side." Darien watched until Sari and Cally were safely through the Portal before turning himself and Apparating back to the hive ship.
Sirius was standing on the balcony just off the control room that overlooked the City of Atlantis. He was pensive, thinking of his comrades that had been captured by the Achnids. He hoped beyond hope that they were still alive.
The meeting had gone better than he'd expected after they talked for awhile about how Sirius and Hermione ended up in the Pegasus galaxy. It'd taken only an hour to tell the story, then another hour to decide who was going to do what in the upcoming raid of the Achnid base. It appeared the Lanteans had ships fast enough to get to the base quick enough for the battle. They were Ancient ships, and thus needed a bit of a tune-up, but they'd be formidable once all was said and done. They'd also fly Icetower and Northtower, if they could get the cities together in time. Atlantis would serve as the base for all of the people who wouldn't be fighting in the battle, Brotherworlder and Lorenian alike.
The Lorenians would be providing ground soldiers, as many as could be spared. It would be interesting to see how the other Preliums reacted to that, but once they found out that Sirius was the Protector and the others were Brotherworlders they'd fall in line. Sirius was to lead the Bernien forces, since he knew what they would fight like. Harry would be helping him, and he'd be working with Hermione's team and SG-1 to prepare them for what they'd face in the battle. That way, John could explain to his soldiers (and Cameron to his) what they could expect from their enemies without having Harry expose his true nature to more people.
Right now, Sirius was waiting for Marcus, Kleit, and Hermione. The four of them would be leaving for Lorena soon, to talk the Preliums into providing the ground support they needed for the battle. Hermione was there as a representative of the Brotherworlders. Maggie would stay behind on Atlantis to see if magic could possibly help strengthen any of the technology the Lanteans used.
As Sirius looked at the beautiful city, he thought of his comrades, Machien and Cally, who were still captives of the Achnids. Sirius felt so guilty that he'd suspected Machien would betray the Lorenians. He hoped he got the chance to make it up to him, and he hoped that chance came sooner rather than later.
Sirius was incredibly worried about his teammates. The head Bernien squad was so close they were like family – the first true family Sirius had had since his Marauder days. They did everything together; from eating meals and watching plays at the theatre to chasing each other in their Animagus forms and fighting evil aliens. Oh, he could train a new team if he needed to, but they'd never replace the camaraderie and friendship that he'd had with Machien, Cally, Darien, and Kleit.
Hearing the doors slide open, Sirius turned. It was Hermione, with her hair combed and pulled back into a ponytail. She was wearing a grey muggle business dress and high heels. Why women from Earth insisted on wearing heels, Sirius would never understand. He grinned at her. "You do realize that there're all sorts of stairs in the Prelium Courthouse, right?" The Courthouse was a spiral tower, and the main courtroom – where all the Preliums met during session – was on the top floor. One had to climb nearly two hundred steps in a spiral staircase before one reached the courtroom. Then there was another flight to get to the viewing gallery.
"Stairs?" Hermione asked weakly, glancing down at her shoes.
"Yes, stairs." Sirius confirmed. "Around two hundred of them. And they don't let you Apparate into the courtroom unless you're one of the Preliums. You may want to change your shoes."
Hermione shook her head. "Nothing else would go well with the outfit. I'll have to take them off when we get to the stairs and carry them up."
Sirius shrugged. "Suit yourself. How close are we to leaving?"
"Nearly there. I think Marcus was giving Maggie last minute instructions. Don't do magic on anything without fully delving into all possible outcomes, don't touch anything she doesn't recognize unless its function is explained to her, that sort of thing." Hermione smirked. "They're a cute couple."
Sirius nodded, smirking back at her. "That they are." He decided that now wasn't the time to ask about Hermione and Ronon. They would be leaving soon, and Hermione had enough on her mind with the coming negotiations that she didn't need to think about who Ronon may or may not have feelings for.
Within the next five minutes, Sirius and Hermione were called back to the 'Gateroom. Carter gave the order to start dialing Lorena, and the sergeant at the controls punched in the first of the seven-symbol address. But he was unable to go any further – someone was dialing in. "Raise the shields!" Carter ordered the sergeant, who complied immediately.
"Wait!" Sirius shouted up to them. He was watching the address as it appeared. "It's Lorena. Lower them; they don't know about your protections."
Carter looked at the address – now locking into place on the final symbol – and nodded to the sergeant, saying "Do as he says." The shields were lowered, and two people stepped through the 'gate before it disengaged itself.
Sirius, Marcus, and Kleit immediately raised their wands against the two newcomers. One of them was wearing an Achnid mage's robe. The other appeared as one of their captured comrades. Marcus spoke first. "Who are you?"
The one on the right answered. "It's me, Marcus."
"Tell us something only Cally would know." Sirius demanded, remembering how the Order used to confirm someone's identity.
"Darien betrayed us. Machien is still captured – only I was able to get away." Cally said. Seeing that they were still not convinced, she continued. "Your Patronus form, Marcus, is an eagle, and Maggie's is a fox."
"Darien could have told you any of that." Kleit informed her. "What happened when I visited your family in Zard?" He knew that only she and he were aware that the trip had even happened. Sirius and Machien were shooting glances at him questioningly.
"My mother thought I'd finally decided to settle down." Cally answered with a smile. "My father was about ready to kill you the moment you stepped through the door. They calmed when we explained that neither of us had any intention of settling down with the other."
"What did your brothers think of my Patronus?" Kleit asked, sure only Cally would know the answer to the question.
"They thought it was right funny." Cally said, and then she remembered their exact words. "Elliot said that it was 'strange a Bernien would have so boring a personality that he'd have a duck Patronus'. Ortan was confused as to how someone so cool could have such a stupid form."
Kleit nodded, smiling at the memory. Her brothers were still at Brooklan, a Sorcien and Harien, respectively. They were identical in appearance and age, but not in brains and personality. Elliot was more studious and quiet, Ortan more rambunctious and adventurous. Cally was the oldest child in her family. "It's her. Only she would know what had happened there."
"Then who's the Mage with you, Cally?" Sirius asked, lowering his wand.
"Her name's Sari." Cally said. "She's a Water Mage."
"Sorry to interrupt," Hermione said after a long silence. "But I'm sure I speak for everyone else in the room when I ask what the bloody hell is going on?"
"This is Cally Derv, one of the two Berniens captured by the Achnids." Sirius explained to her. "As to what's going on, I'd like to know the same thing." He turned to Carter. "Can we use the conference room again?"
Carter nodded. "Yeah. I'll collect the others."
"We we will begin while you do." Marcus said, following Hermione up the steps and back to the conference room. The others were close behind them. Once everyone was seated, he turned to Cally. "Why don't you explain exactly what happened, and why you have an Achnid Water Mage with you."
Cally nodded. "Well, I escaped using Maggie's research in the field of wandless magic."
"Wandless magic?" Hermione questioned. "Isn't that impossible?" She knew it was on Earth, unless recent studies had been done to prove her wrong.
"On Earth it is, Hermione." Sirius confirmed. "But Lorena is far more advanced in magic than Earth is. Wandless magic is possible, if you know what you're doing. Maggie discovered the technique a year or so ago. And our spells are more powerful, too."
"Why?" Hermione asked. She hadn't missed Sirius's diction. He referred to himself as a Lorenian, not someone from Earth. It was an interesting
"Probably has something to do with the fact that all people on Lorena know about magic. We're not confined by secrecy laws." Sirius answered. "But that's a topic Maggie would know more about." He turned back to Cally, who was staring at Hermione with newfound respect.
Cally's jaw was slack. "You're from Earth? You're a Brotherworlder?"
"That is a conversation we should have away from prying ears." Kleit said, looking at Sari, who'd remained silent this entire time.
Cally nodded, glancing at Sari too. "As I was saying, I escaped from my cocoon. Not long after that, Darien and his soldiers started heading down the hall towards my cocoon. Figuring they'd lead me to the Portal sooner or later, I followed them, hiding in the shadows as I went. When he found out I was missing, he ordered the soldiers to search for me. That's when Sari appeared.
"Through the course of the conversation, I discovered that Sari and Darien are lovers. Their relationship, though, was banned by the Emperor, who sees Sari as one of 'his' women." This information gained Sari sympathetic looks from those in the room, and Cally continued as the Brotherworlders started filing in from wherever they were working before. "Darien's Patronus has changed forms to that of an alley cat."
"What?" Sirius said, shocked, looking from Cally to Sari. He sunk back into his chair. "So he must really love you, then, Mage." He addressed Sari. "Interesting."
Sari stared at him, waiting for the nine newcomers to enter the room before she answered. "It may be something you don't understand, Calhoun, but love is more powerful than allegiance to anything. Darien would go to the ends of the galaxy and beyond for me, as I would for him."
"Which is how I escaped." Cally said, breaking off a fight she knew was coming. Sirius seemed about ready to jump down Sari's throat. "Darien agreed to try and get Sari to Lorena; it was getting dangerous for her to remain by the Emperor's side." As she spoke, Hermione was passing the notes she'd taken so far down to her team members, SG-1, and their two CO's. Cally glanced at her before she continued. "When he said he'd attempt to flee the Empire, I stepped out of the shadows and offered them a deal."
"What deal?" Marcus asked slowly. "We don't normally make deals with traitors."
Cally nodded. "I realize that. Here's what I agreed to. Sari would be safe on Lorena, and they'd be free to continue their relationship, as long as Darien served as a spy for us. He'll probably work as a double agent of sorts, just to keep his trust with the Emperor and the Wraith queen. I also bartered for my freedom in the process."
"Why not Machien's freedom, too?" Kleit asked. "Why didn't you free him?"
"It would have looked suspicious," Sari answered for her. "Machien was awaiting a visit to the Queen. To have him going missing just as he was called to visit her would be dangerous. Only a few know where his cell is, and Darien is one of the few."
"How high up is this guy?" Jack asked becoming the first muggle to speak. "Would he even be worth the trouble?"
Sari's eyes turned on him, glaring fiercely. "Snake Mage Doren is one of our highest officers. He's third only to the Emperor and the Wraith Queen. All Achnid Simple Ones and Wraith soldiers must follow his every command, on pain of death."
"Then he is the Achnid First Prime." Teal'c deduced, earning confused looks from the Lorenians and Achnid in the room. The Lanteans and Brotherworlders were nodding in agreement.
"The First Prime is basically the general of an army." Daniel explained to the others. "Except that comes with the powers … she just described." Daniel motioned towards Sari, not sure what her name was. He'd missed the introductions, and Hermione's notes hadn't reached him yet.
"Then yes, Darien is our First Prime." Sari agreed. "We are no fans of Lorena, but we will do whatever is necessary to be together."
"So romantic," Valla sighed mockingly. "It'll never work out," she added in a stage whisper. Daniel elbowed her ribs as everyone else but Sari and the Lorenians were sniggering behind their hand. "Will you quit doing that, Daniel? My comment hardly warranted such brutish actions."
"Shut it, Valla." Cameron ordered. "So what now?"
"Darien will probably make a show of contacting us to exchange prisoners." Sari said. "You can discuss the details of the arrangement with him." She looked around the group. "What exactly is this place?"
Marcus looked at Carter, who waved her approval. "This is the City of the Ancestors, the City of Atlantis."
Sari's eyes bulged. Even she, an Achnid, had reverence for Merlin and the other Ancestors; for they helped the Achnids learn magic as well. Achnids, however, held more faith in Morgana than Merlin, and were more focused on elemental magic than their Lorenian counterparts. "Then these people," she motioned towards the non-Lorenians in the room, "are the descendants of the Ancestors?"
"How do we know we can trust you with this information?" Sirius asked gravely. "We don't trust Darien anymore, except the fact that he loves you and he won't jeopardize that. But all we have is your word that you won't give any of this information to your superiors."
Sari rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Calhoun, one would expect that the leader of the Berniens would know what Unbreakable Vows were. If it were worded right, I'd swear an oath to you if you'd wish."
"What's an Unbreakable Vow?" Carter asked.
"It's an oath, essentially. When a witch or wizard swears an Unbreakable Vow, they have to do as they've sworn, or else they'll lose their magic, possibly even their life." Said Hermione as she smirked at Sirius – she'd thought of the same thing when he asked his question. "Perhaps this… you swear on your life and magic that you'll not tell anyone – Achnid, Wraith or Lorenian – of what you discuss in secret with the people gathered here now unless Marcus or Sir-Certus allow you to do so. Would that be a fair Oath, Sari?"
"Isn't a little severe to expect someone to accept the consequences of not fulfilling that Oath?" Daniel asked, concerned for Sari. He didn't know the woman, but his compassion kicked in and spoke for him.
"It does seem a bit harsh," John agreed.
"It isn't." Harry said. "The Oath warns you if you're close to breaking it. It's part of the magic of the thing. Only a fool wouldn't know the warning when he felt it."
"Indeed." Teal'c said stoically. "You speak as if you've had personal experience."
"All Aurors have to take an Unbreakable Vow before they're allowed to join the Force." Harry explained. "It's part of keeping what we do a secret from the general Wizarding population." Sirius was nodding nearby, happy to hear Harry had chosen the career choice James had. He looked uncomfortable for a second. "Whenever I get too close to divulging Auror secrets, my magic tightens around my wand arm. It feels like someone's placed a vice grip on my arm."
"So it's safe, then." Carter asked. "It's not really that big of a risk."
"No, it's definitely not safe," Kleit disagreed. "It's still a risk one takes, but it's a sure win of proving dedication to a plan or loyalty to a group."
"Shall I begin?" Sari asked, impatient. She just wanted to get this over with. "Or will we talk all afternoon?"
"Some of us did have other things they needed to do." Rodney added superiorly.
Sari nodded once towards him. "Ventrius, if you will, I'll swear my Oath to you, with Calhoun as our witness?"
Marcus stood, as did Certus, and the two got into the positions that'd been requested of them. Sari grasped Marcus's arm, and Marcus grasped Sari's arm. Raising his wand over the two, Sirius waited until the gold tendrils appeared, stringing the Lorenian and the Achnid's arms together. "Do you, Water Mage Sari, swear on your life and magic that you will never speak of secrets told to you by a Lorenian or one of their allies in confidence to another Achnid or a Wraith, unless the Lorenian or their ally says that you can?"
"I do." Sari spoke, and the tendrils flashed once before disappearing as Sirius lowered his wand. "Will that suffice, Ventrius?" Sari asked, taking her hand off of his arm.
He nodded once. "It will." Turning to Carter and O'Neill, he said, "She is trustworthy now."
"Then with Hermione's help you and your people should be able to fill the two in." Carter said, standing.
"They will be going back to Lorena with you."
"Certainly, Colonel." Marcus agreed easily. He noted that she hadn't meant the last statement as a question, or a condition. Marcus couldn't blame her for wanting the two off of her base. He knew if he were her he wouldn't want someone who'd worked for the Wraith in an Ancestral City, especially when he hadn't cleared it first. "We shall depart immediately."
"Have fun," John said to Hermione as she followed the Lorenian delegation out of the room.
Hermione smirked at him. "Don't blow anything up while I'm gone." She'd read enough of his file to know that he had a habit of blowing things up. "I still haven't had a chance to see everything yet."
"Hey, it's not my fault Rodney blows everything up!" John said, pretending to be hurt.
"Oh sure, blame it all on me." Rodney grumbled.
"The story of my life," Daniel intoned, smiling sympathetically at Rodney.
"Come on, Hermione, we haven't got all day." Sirius said from outside the conference room.
"Duty calls." Hermione said, waving a farewell to her team and SG-1. Within seconds, the 'gate was dialed and she was stepping through to Lorena.
A/N: Bet you're surprised to see an update this quick! Well, folks, I hope to finish this in the next couple of weeks. I'm taking 17 units this semester (15's the norm) so I'll be quite busy once school gets back and probably won't be writing much. Don't want to leave all my lovely readers with a cliffie or something, though, so I'll do my best to get the rest of this posted before then.