Chapter 9
The rumbling tones of an intense growl of satisfaction echoed in Todd's throat as he stood, eyes closed, head thrown back, feeding hand placed squarely on the chest of one who only minutes before had been a strong young human male. He flexed his hand as it dropped back to his side, waiting for the final intense exhilaration to kick in as the energy surged to every part of his body, renewing and revitalising everything it touched. This was the second human he had taken during this feeding session, a simple precaution to ensure his mind and body were in peak condition to deal with the jobs he wanted to finish as quickly as possible.
Two thoughts flitted through his mind as he looked down at the drained faces of the two husks lying at his feet. The recent discussion with Sheppard about the ethics of feeding and the look in the Atlantean's eyes during those tortuous feedings in the Genii prison. A frown crossed Todd's brow and he shook his head slowly as a clearer understanding began to form in his mind of the unassailable gulf that separated him from the human on this issue and why it would never be bridged. Apart from the fact that he needed energy to sustain his own life and regenerative powers, the mere idea that feeding on humans might be wrong challenged everything that defined his whole sense of identity and his place in the galaxy. It was simply not an issue open to further discussion or consideration.
As he turned to walk back up to the command centre he detected a change in the hive that signalled they had dropped out of hyperspace. He hesitated momentarily, quickly glancing down two adjoining corridors, debating the best way to go. Finally he turned down a familiar route that would take him past one of the large portals that penetrated the outer skin of the hive at irregular intervals. The second in command knew what to do now they had arrived at their destination, and Todd took the time to stop at the portal and look out over the world above which they were settling into orbit.
Believing it was an unnecessary risk to remain near the cold, white world where the humans had been captured, he had brought the hive back to their home world. Once they knew he had Sheppard's team, there was a risk the Atlanteans might send one of their ships to search for him and Todd could see no value in such a needless confrontation. Sheppard's team could not be relinquished so it would inevitably have led to a fight that he would certainly have won and his relationship with Atlantis would have been over.
A smallish planet compared to the other six that made up this particular system, the home world orbited the sun on a path at the outer limits of the narrow band where conditions supported life. Dominated by tones of rust interspersed with patches of green and blue, this stark environment was where the hive hibernated in less troubled times, when wraith were not fragmented by the mistrust of Civil War. While he knew both ship and crew would benefit from an extended stay there, Todd had no intention of landing for even a short period of time. Instead he had come because this was the best, and probably the safest, place in the galaxy to sit unobtrusively while he focused his full attention on settling those problems that dominated his life. An ironic smile cut across his face as he considered the unique path he alone had taken among wraith commanders, not always by choice, that allowed humans to assume such a prominent role in his life.
Taking advantage of this rare opportunity to relax away from his personal quarters, Todd leaned a shoulder against the hive wall and spent some time staring out into the vastness of space just taking in the beauty of the galaxy. A mind sharpened by feeding tended to view issues from a different perspective. So when he turned his mind to the job at hand, he realised he needed to reassess some basic questions that had become blurred with the complexities that had unfolded since he began this quest. What did he really want from this whole process? That question was easy to answer with respect to Kolya – the Genii miscreant had to be punished for torturing him and treating him with such distain.
But with Sheppard things were far more complicated. As usual. Whenever he had dealings with this Atlantean, somehow, things usually seemed to go wrong, well perhaps not wrong, perhaps just less smoothly than he always anticipated before making contact. Of course, it all came down to Sheppard's lack of trust and this was where Todd really wanted to find some answers. Did Sheppard not trust him simply because he was a wraith or was the prison feeding episode also colouring the human's attitudes?
Lifting his hand to play gently with the soft strands of his beard, he considered the other issues between them. Wraith never liked to admit they were wrong, even to themselves, but he reluctantly had to acknowledge he had picked the wrong issue on which to challenge Sheppard's attitudes towards this galaxy and its inhabitants. The Atlanteans' view of their own superiority was still highly unpalatable to him but he now understood the need to use a more subtle approach if he really wanted to challenge it. And there were other considerations he had temporarily lost sight of as his anger towards Sheppard had grown during the meeting in his quarters. Any challenge must be done in a way that did not jeopardise this strange relationship. It had proved to be exceedingly useful in the past and he intended to use to his full advantage in the future, especially as long as the Civil War continued. It had also been wrong to bring Sheppard to his own quarters, to show him some goodwill, something the human had clearly mistaken for weakness. He would not be allowing that to happen again.
He shifted his attention down to the world they were now orbiting and felt the auras of the hive begin to change in response to being so close to its home world. Closing his eyes he allowed these auras to envelope him, drawing in their unique nourishment that complemented the energy he had just taken from feeding. Finally he turned, his mind made up on a course of action that took him away from the control centre and back down towards the cells.
x-X-00-X-x
"We've dropped out of hyperspace." McKay was standing like a sentry near the door and looked around to see if anyone else had noticed the subtle changes to the sound and motion of the hive. "I guess it'd be too much to hope that we're over Atlantis. Hey, d'you think he's bothered to tell them where we are?"
A wry smile flitted cross Sheppard's face. "If Todd's in the same mood he was when I last saw him, we're most likely in some part of the galaxy as far away from Atlantis as he can get." He felt in much better spirits after more food had arrived and Todd's healer, Merriell, had re-dressed the wound on his head.
"So what'd you say to piss him off even more? And why didn't you tell us about it before?" Ronon had barely spoken since Sheppard returned to the cell and the accusatory tone of his voice indicated he was still annoyed their release had not yet been secured. Again he had flatly refused to accept any help from the healer for either the broken hand or the probable concussion despite the advice of his companions.
"We had a disagreement over the rights and wrongs of feeding on humans. I don't know how it happened but it did. Happy?" Sheppard looked across to where Ronon sat with his back against a wall but had no intention of waiting for a reply. Instead he directed his attention to Teyla. "Look, I thought about what you said, you know, offering to help Todd. I ... we need to be part of this rather than see it as some sort of contest. And if that means making some minor concessions to get out of this cell, then that's just what I'm goin' to do."
"You can't be serious. You're really considering letting him feed on Kolya?" McKay had suffered at the renegade's hands during the unsuccessful attempt to seize Atlantis but he still balked at the thought of letting him suffer such a fate.
Sheppard felt a brief surge of annoyance. If only people would listen properly to what he said. "No, listen to me Rodney. I said 'some minor concessions' and that's exactly what I mean. But..." He lifted his hand to briefly scratch his head. "...we do need to look at the whole picture realistically. Even if I make sure I'm there with Todd when the time finally comes, I might not be able to do anything to stop him going through with his planned execution."
Deep, but largely humourless, laughter reverberated around the cell. "A wise decision, John Sheppard. I would hate to see such a long and mutually beneficial partnership destroyed over such a minor issue." The voice was practically purring. "And yes Doctor McKay, Atlantis is well aware you are in my safe-keeping."
"How long've you been standing there?" Sheppard was annoyed about their lack of attention. The idea of being caught unawares by a wraith, especially this one, challenged his personal and professional pride.
The laughter was replaced by a self-satisfied smirk as Todd moved into view. "Long enough to know that you've finally agreed to my course of action when we capture this Genii." Sheppard opened his mouth to challenge this interpretation but Todd clearly had no intention of allowing that to happen. "I am pleased to see you have decided to offer your assistance. I came here with the express purpose of offering you just such an opportunity."
"Really? What d'you want us to do?" Sheppard's voice was tinged with suspicion. Based on experience, he knew there was usually a vast gap between Todd's interpretation of 'assistance' and his own. And he was willing to bet odds on he would not be given all the facts on which to base his decision.
"Nothing too difficult. I believe the Athosian can tell me which of the Genii prisoners can provide me with the most information about what their commander will do now."
"Wait just a minute, we only saw them for a short time."
Todd tilted his head and the mocking expression that crossed his face was also reflected in his voice. "No, that is not quite true is it? One of the humans from that world who watched your capture kindly told me what happened. I believe you only saw them for a very short time before you fell to them." He signalled one of the drones to open the door and walked, his gaze focused knowingly on Teyla. "You, on the other hand, watched them as you waited for Colonel Sheppard."
"Which means they know exactly who we are. Do you really think they're going to open up to us and share their little survival tips?" Sheppard asked, determined not to put Teyla into harm's way.
Todd totally ignored his intrusion as his eyes remained fixed on Teyla, his voice softly persuasive. "You looked into their minds searching for weaknesses you could manipulate. Those minds are now full of fear that cloaks the information I need to hunt down their leader. I want your help."
Sheppard glanced across at Teyla who just nodded her head realising they had little choice but to agree to this request. But he still found it difficult to acquiesce without some sort of negotiation.
"Okay, supposing we can help, which I doubt, if we do this, if we identify someone to help you, I want a promise you won't turn around and feed on him. Otherwise no deal."
Todd's eyes narrowed as he turned to look at Sheppard, tilting his head back thoughtfully. When he finally spoke no trace remained of his previous persuasive tones. "Why do you assume I would feed on one who has been useful to me Sheppard? Have you learnt so little about me while we've worked together?"
"You're a wraith. Can't see that there's too much to learn."
"Hmmm. Perhaps that is the most significant difference between us." Todd's reply was accompanied by a scornful look and a dismissive grunt.
Sheppard briefly considered telling the Wraith a few home truths about what he considered were the biggest differences between them but realised he would just be wasting his time.
Instead he just watched as Todd turned his attention back to Teyla. "I am not in the habit of offering promises to humans. If you find someone who meets my requirements, he will be given an opportunity to save his own life. The choice will be his. This is the only undertaking I will give you."
"I will help you." The sound of Teyla's voice took Sheppard by surprise but the look on her face clearly showed her belief that it must be her decision, not his.
McKay had been remarkably quiet during these verbal exchanges but glancing at the three of them he saw no role for himself in this plan. "And what about me ... and Ronon? You just going to leave us here in this cell?"
Todd turned to look questioningly at the scientist. "That was my intention. I do not see how you can be of any value in this situation?"
"Of course I'm valuable. You must have something round the hive I could help with?" Some of his bravado started to melt away under Todd's intense scrutiny. "I've had some experience solving problems with hive systems you know."
Todd fixed the scientist with a long intense stare that indicated he was trying to unearth any hint of subterfuge. Finally he grunted dismissively. "Very well."
"What about Ronon? He comes with us." Sheppard stated forcefully.
He was again struck by the different persona Todd projected here to the one he assumed on Atlantis and was uncomfortable about leaving Ronon alone.
The deep growl that accompanied the response to this question confirmed there might be some basis for this concern. "The Satedan remains here."
Ronon finally got to his feet but was met by the raised stunners of several faceless warriors programmed to deal with any threat to their commander.
As Todd slowly looked Ronon up an down, his face twisted into an ugly sneer and his voice was full of menace. "Or perhaps I can find some use for you ... Runner."
As Ronon let out his own growl, Sheppard moved quickly to try to defuse the situation by placing himself between the two antagonists. But he was just not quick enough and the Satedan fell to several bursts of numbing energy from the stunners.
"You didn't have to do that," he declared, but the objection was half-hearted. At least Ronon was temporarily out of action and part of him was relieved he would not have to try to keep these two apart.
"No? Well it's done." Todd strode out of the cell and the drones' raised stunners gave the Atlanteans little choice but to leave their fallen comrade behind.
As their path wound through the hive's darkened corridors, Sheppard was again consumed by a sense of apprehension. Todd seemed to have calmed down after their last confrontation but the brush with Ronon appeared to have put him into an even worse frame of mind. Sheppard sighed. Things really were much easier to manage on Atlantis when he could just threaten and walk away. Kind of like Todd was doing with them right now.
x-X-00-X-x
They stood outside the large area where the fruits of a culling were penned briefly before being taken to the storage cocoons or, if the need existed for more worshippers to serve the hive, to the place where they would undergo the conversion process. McKay had been left in a laboratory under the care of one of the hive's scientists, a situation he seemed to find less that comfortable but Todd had neither the time nor the inclination to find out why.
He now looked down at the Athosian female and was again struck by the strength of her telepathic abilities. He fleetingly wondered if Sheppard viewed Athosian society and its quaint traditions with the same arrogance he displayed towards wraith.
Turning his mind back to the job at hand, he explained why finding the Genii rebel again would not be as easy as just locating the world that played host to his base camp. "As I have already mentioned, Kolya escaped through the stargate and no doubt returned to his base. I watched him as he went and so I know he saw me. What I do not know is whether he recognised me and that will be the key to what he does next."
Sheppard understood immediately and nodded in agreement. "Right. If he doesn't remember you, he'll assume we're now in the hands of some unknown wraith ready to be packed away for future use and will feel safe staying where he is. If he did recognise you it probably won't take him long to put two and two together, realise the culling wasn't a coincidence and start looking at some sort of back-up plan."
"Exactly. Which is why we need to be more creative in how we resume this chase." Todd deliberately used 'we' rather than 'I' and watched to see if Sheppard reacted. "These are some of the renegade's best warriors which means they will not give up their secrets easily. Obviously they all know the location of their current base. I want to know who will give up any information about these alternative plans with the least resistance."
"It might not be that easy. If any of these men know all his plans he'll assume that you'll get the information out of them and look for yet another alternative.
Sheppard's little habit of pointing out what he already knew was starting to grate with Todd and an element of irritation coloured his dismissive response. "Again, I am well aware of this, John Sheppard, and have already alerted my agents to begin gathering intelligence. But I am not of a mind to just sit and wait."
In turn, the tone of Todd's comments grated on Sheppard. "So you need our help to weed out who'll be most likely to betray Kolya? I'd thought you'd have your own unique ways of getting information out of your enemies."
While ignoring the sarcasm, Todd could not resist a dig at Sheppard's own leadership qualities. "I believe that a good commander tailors his methods to suit the situation. Perhaps you disagree?"
"Have you two quite finished?" Teyla's strong voice cut across the growing animosity and Todd turned his attention to her before Sheppard could come back with an answer.
"I have not identified their leader but he is not the one I want. From my experience such men will retain their loyalty even if it costs them their own lives. I want the weakest link in the chain of command."
"Hang on." Sheppard realised they had not talked about how Teyla would actually get this information. "How do you plan to do this?"
"Do not concern yourself Sheppard, my second in command will accompany the Athosian. She will not be in danger." A tall wraith they had not seen before stepped forward from the shadows with a slight smile on his face. Again Todd turned his attention to Teyla. "I have no doubt you possess the skills to do this, otherwise I would not be wasting my time."
Teyla showed her understanding of what Todd required with a quick nod of her head and an equally quick smile of reassurance towards Sheppard before moving to follow the young underling.
Sheppard was still not comfortable with this whole exercise but knew, yet again, that he was in no position to argue. He was starting to get tired of this lack of control over what he was expected to do and behave and made no effort to hide his frustration. He turned to find Todd looking down with the type of superior manner he had come to associate with other wraith.
"So, Sheppard, you're finding this feeling of helplessness and lack of control unpleasant? Imagine how much more unpleasant it would be if I was constantly threatening to kill you if you didn't cooperate." The voice took on an edge of sharpness. "But there is one thing you can control. Keep the Satedan in his place or I will take steps to neutralise the problem."
x-X-00-X-x
As they strode back to the control centre together, the second in command could feel his commander was relatively pleased with the information they had just obtained but was doubtful about its exact value. The lieutenant had harboured some serious doubts himself. Not about the quality of the information, but about his leader's decision to allow the Atlantean prisoners to help with the process of identifying a suitable Genii prisoner to interrogate. To him, humans were humans no matter where they came from or how useful they had proven themselves to be, but the commander had different ideas that, the second had to admit, had produced results on this occasion.
He had been pleasantly surprised by the Athosian female within whom he could sense some wraith blood. She had done her work well and, in his opinion, would be a useful addition to the hive's permanent contingent of humans. The one she had identified was exactly the type of personality they needed. While in the trust of his Genii commander, he nevertheless carried a grudge that his experience was not given more credence and other followers, men he judged less efficient and trustworthy, had been raised to positions above him. The second had seen this problem arise among wraith, particularly during this Civil War, and he knew it meant this individual's ultimate concern was for his own life rather than the safety of the collective to which he belonged.
The interrogation had been informative. Standing in the background, watching his superior at work, the second saw the thousands of years of experience that were guiding this particular interrogation. The Genii was taken to the same room where prisoners, usually prospective worshippers, were interrogated by a senior member of the hive. Rather than standing over this prisoner as was the usual practice, the commander had sat opposite looking relaxed as he examined the mind before him. He had known exactly the right approach to take with his questioning and things went exactly the way he had wanted. Certainly, there was some initial resistance to be overcome, and the lieutenant doubted he would have had as much patience as his commander demonstrated. But eventually the soldier saw the wisdom of exchanging his information for a chance to continue his life serving a new master who, despite being a wraith, seemed far more understanding of the soldier's value and qualities than the rebel leader he had given up a comfortable life to follow.
They were almost back at their destination when the second was roused from these thoughts by the commander's mind connecting with his.
=That one could be a useful agent if he's trained correctly. I will leave that job in your hands.=
The lieutenant automatically bowed his head even though they were walking side by side and the commander would not see this gesture. =Indeed. So we now have the coordinates of the rebel base plus two other worlds that these humans think are safe.=
=Hmmm,= the commander seemed distracted. =As I explained it may eventuate that none of this information is of any use to us. Take us to the main base first. Even if they are gone we can still learn something about how many followers this Genii commander retains. And there are other things that can be done on this world.=
=And the humans from Atlantis. What do you wish done with them?=
A risky question but the second decided that the right outcome would more than justify the risk. Just as he expected, the commander stopped, clearly displeased that his lieutenant has chosen to touch on a subject he had already been warned away from.
=Were you not told they are not your concern? Why do you try my patience by asking about them again?=
The second assumed a submissive pose with his head and shoulders bowed. The confidence he had felt had been diluted somewhat by the wave of displeasure that continued to wash against his mind. He chose his response very carefully.
=Forgive me Commander. There are some on the hive who recognise the Runner. They know of his reputation and would welcome an opportunity to test themselves against him.=
=Ahhh.= Glancing up the lieutenant knew the risk had been successful. Never before had he seen his commander's demeanour change so quickly as a smile spread across the sculpted green face. =Indeed, as would I.=
=Shall I arrange for a tracking device to be implanted?=
The smile disappeared as quickly as it had appeared and the second caught a brief glimpse of the conflict in the commander's mind. Finally his reply was delivered with a significant sense of disappointment. =No, these Atlanteans and their technology have been very useful to us. Unfortunately, I will not jeopardise access to that resource, at least not until this Civil War is settled.= The commander sighed reinforcing the reluctance behind his decision. =Just take us to this rebel world.=
x-X-00-X-x
Kolya's state of mind had bounced back quickly from the abyss into which it had fallen immediately after his return home. Realising it was time for action rather than feeling sorry for himself, he had moved to abandon their base quickly and brought the remnants of his force to the Genii outpost he had used to feed the false intelligence to the Atlanteans. He had chosen this destination rather than one of his back-up bases which he knew would be compromised once the wraith got to work on the followers they had culled. He knew this was one of the biggest chances he had taken since disappearing underground three years ago but he risked coming here because he knew most of the villagers held some level of sympathy for his cause. It was also unlikely that the Atlanteans would return.
But as he walked across the village square to the communal hall, he was all too aware of the looks cast in his direction. Looks that did not really speak of support and a willingness to risk their village in the name of his campaign. Instead they radiated suspicion and distrust, emotions he was not used to dealing with in such close proximity, emotions that planted a seed of doubt that perhaps his isolation from legitimate Genii society may have some unintended consequences.
The double doors to the communal hall swung open as he walked up the steps confirming his thought that he was being watched from here too. The hall was like many he had visited, not just in Genii settlements, the only thing that ever varied was the size which always matched the size of the local community. A long table, with five chairs lined up on one side, sits at one end of the hall facing several rows of similar hard wooden chairs. This was a space for community business and scant attention is paid to comfort. Two men and a woman, the village councillors, sat at the table. All were about Kolya's age but he had only met two of them before, the two who were instrumental in the subterfuge against the Atlanteans. He nodded to them in turn as he walked toward the table casting his eyes quickly over the two empty chairs.
"Thank you for allowing me to come to your village," he said graciously. This situation required diplomacy, tact and no small degree of humility. "We have been placed in a position of some difficulty, I believe our security has been compromised."
The oldest man, the one Kolya did not know, took the initiative to reply. "We have already heard about your situation, one of your own making I believe." The elder raised his eyebrows in a questioning way but did not wait for a reply. "We helped you before against the better judgement of some. You know that two of our council members were taken by the wraith, was that also related to your difficulties?"
"The wraith, or rather one particular wraith, maybe involved. I am sorry about the loss of your fellow councillors and if there was anything I could do to help, I would. All I ask is for somewhere to lay low with my men for a short while until I can make more permanent arrangements. We would be able to leave quickly if needed. Are you prepared to help me?"
The three councillors exchanged uncomfortable looks before the elder again answered. "There are some disused cottages up in the hills. They are used by trappers during the fur season so they are basic at best but you will not be disturbed."
Another look passed between the three and Kolya understood that this agreement had only been reached after some significant intervention by his advocates.
"Thank you. We will not disturb you or cause any problems."
"If Ladon Radim's men come looking for you, we will not lie to them. We will not actively support your cause but neither will we deliberately betray you."
What they were actually saying was that they would not be branded as traitors to Ladon's regime in order to protect his cause. Kolya was not surprised and wondered how many other supporters through the galaxy now felt the same. Genii were not particularly forgiving of failure and, while he was loathe to admit it, many who heard what had happened over the past few days would view his cause as lost and seek to cement their places with Ladon.
"We will keep our part of the bargain and remain out of sight. I ask only that we be allowed access to the stargate in order to search for a new permanent location."
"Very well. I will arrange for some guides to accompany you and act as guides until your men are familiar with the paths down to the village." The elder looked down at his hands resting on the table. "I wish things could be different but we are not prepared to endanger this village further."
Kolya stood to leave, he had all the concessions he was likely to get and there was little more to be achieved from this meeting. "I understand."
x-X-00-X-x
It was just after dawn as the commander's shuttle wove its way down the valley, past the stargate and its little wooden guard hut to finally land outside the settlement. Five passengers, the four Atlanteans and Todd, stepped down to join a dozen or so drones and three other officers, including the one who had overseen the prisoners' initial transfer to the hive. It had only been a short journey from the hive but an air of relief to be at their destination was evident from the speed with which the passengers left the shuttle. The atmosphere in the craft had been stifling, partly because it was carrying more passengers than it was designed for, but mostly because of the overt animosity that flowed between the two largest occupants.
Immediately the hive had arrived in orbit Todd had initiated the usual pre-cull precaution of jamming the stargate to prevent escape once their presence was detected. The process also pinpointed the location of the gate and four darts were then sent down to scan the surface and find the human settlement. They found the abandoned mining settlement quickly but no sign of human life.
Once the little party had their bearings, no one looked particularly happy to be there. It was not as cold as the last world they had stepped foot on but a light fog covered the landscape and the ground was muddy underfoot, evidence of several days of rain. Todd stared down at boots that were already caked in mud. He disliked damp weather and he disliked getting his boots dirty even more. It had never been clear to him why humans chose to live in such inhospitable environments.
Several drones moved discreetly to separate Sheppard from the other three Atlanteans, who were then herded in the direction of the track to the gate. It took Sheppard a few seconds to realise what was happening but when he tried to join them his path was blocked by another large drone.
"Your friends are returning to Atlantis," Todd stated firmly, making it clear there was no scope for discussion.
Sheppard opened his mouth to disagree but, as he looked at his team, he realised he actually agreed with Todd's decision. So he merely nodded his head, while the look on his face tried to tell them to just go quietly. Of course they would not want to leave him behind but, in truth, part of him was relieved that the obligation they had assumed to help him was effectively cancelled. He had not ask them to come and things certainly had not gone the way he would have liked.
"No, we will not leave Colonel Sheppard until this job is done." Teyla's face reflected her annoyance at having this decision made unilaterally without her input.
"I admire your commitment, but I know Doctor McKay is relieved to be going." Todd looked knowingly down at the scientist who at least had the humility to look slightly embarrassed.
"What? Look it's been made clear to me that I add very little value to this little venture." McKay frowned at Todd before turning to address Teyla and Ronan. "And you two haven't exactly had the chance to cover yourselves in glory."
"That does not mean we should simply run home when the first opportunity arises Rodney. I will not leave Colonel Sheppard." Teyla looked to Sheppard for support but he just shook his head and remained silent.
"Enough!" Todd's voice reflected his increasing irritation. "This is not open to negotiation. I am no longer prepared to take responsibility for you."
The absurdity of this last statement finally motivated Sheppard to speak. "What? Who made you responsible for us?"
The speed with which Todd turned to confront his Atlantean counterpart took everyone by surprise. "Come now Sheppard, if any of them are killed or injured you will not hesitate to lay the blame at my feet."
Sheppard raised his eyebrows and nodded slowly in agreement. "Yeah, you're probably right but that won't happen," he argued but his voice lacked any commitment to the idea of them staying.
"No, it won't." Todd's reply was slow and deliberate as he emphasised each word.
"Let's just go." Ronon's gravelly voice cut through the early morning stillness. Teyla turned to challenge him but he just shrugged his shoulders and continued to glare at everyone. "What? It makes sense. Sheppard'll be fine."
Todd grunted. "Finally we agree on something." A quick smile flashed across his face as he turned to walk to the village effectively ending the conversation.
The drones moved again to start herding the three Atlanteans away along the track under the watchful eye of one of the wraith officers. Sheppard watched as his team disappeared round a bend. The sense of apprehension that had been his shadow since they arrived on the hive, lifted to some degree. Despite his overall lack of trust in Todd, he was certain the wraith would not harm him physically. He looked up at the sky. Light rain was just starting to fall, so pulling his jacket collar up, he turned and strode quickly to catch up with the unusual companion who was just disappearing round another bend.
As they walked together in silence, he glanced across at Todd's emotionless face and, not for the first time, wished he could get some insights into what he knew was a complex and wily mind. For some reason, Carter's words to him back on Atlantis jumped into his mind. Just because things were different in this galaxy, they were not necessarily wrong. She was probably right. He had always glossed over the differences that he had faced here, partially because they had often been too difficult or too shocking to understand, but also because the human societies they had encountered in Pegasus were so different to anything back on earth.
So should he be looking at his differences with Todd this way, especially this issue of how to deal with Kolya when they finally found him. He could never agree with the idea that feeding on humans was acceptable but, perhaps rather than just telling Todd his proposed punishment was wrong, he needed to convince the wraith that other options could be just as effective. It might just work. Todd commanded a crew of thousands so he must have some understanding of the concept of making the punishment fit the crime.
Their little entourage stopped and Sheppard realised that while he had been distracted by his thoughts, they had arrived at the centre of a village. Turning to look back the way they had come and then surveying the square where they stood, he saw that while many buildings were in disrepair, some had been made fit for habitation.
A tall wraith with an intricate tattoo swirling its way down the right side of his face bowed to his commander. Sheppard had never seen him before and wondered what position he held on the hive.
"What have you found?"
The wraith looked surprised. He had obviously expected his commander to communicate telepathically and he glanced over at Sheppard, confusion over why this human should be included in this conversation clearly written on his face.
He looked back at Todd, who just nodded, before speaking with the standard wraith deep, multi-layered voice. "Commander, we have searched all the buildings that look to have been used but all are now empty of human inhabitants. Some are completely empty, some still contain clothing and other possessions."
"They'd belong to the ones you've captured." Spurred by the wraith's dismissive attitude, Sheppard felt a need to insinuate himself into the conversation.
But his intervention was totally ignored as the underling continued his report. "Most of the village is in disrepair. It looks as if about thirty to forty humans lived here." He turned and pointed towards the tavern. "That large building was obviously some sort of meeting place. There is another large building on the other side of the settlement that appears to have been used for storage."
"Collect anything of value from the personal belongings that remain." Sheppard's distaste over such behaviour must have shown because Todd offered a rare explanation. "Do not look so shocked Sheppard. Their owners have no further use for such items and my agents use them to trade and as bribes to gain information." He turned his attention back to the male. "Go back and make a complete search through this store but do it carefully, they may have rigged some type of trap. Sheppard, we will look at this meeting place."
"It's a tavern, they'd have come here to talk, eat, drink ... you know, all the sorts of things that humans do together."
His advice was met with a grunt.
-o-o-o-o-
As the tavern door swung open, Sheppard was struck by the unique smell he had found in so many similar places, not just in this galaxy. The strong mix of stale food, even staler liquor and human sweat. It was met with a loud grunt of disgust from Todd, and Sheppard could tell from the look on his companion's face that his heightened sensory powers found the odours overpowering and extremely offensive.
Walking behind the bar, Sheppard spotted a keg of ale sitting on a stool in a corner while several bottles of a strong liquor he had tasted on visits to other Genii settlements stood on the wall shelves. About a dozen dirty glasses sat on the counter, the dregs in the bottom not yet dry, indicating they had been used in the last couple of days.
Opening a door, he found himself in a clean but modestly equipped kitchen where food had obviously been prepared until recently. A significant quantity of supplies, bread, fruit, spices, vegetables and several dead birds, some without feathers, confirmed the speed of the inhabitants' departure. Walking back into the main bar area he took in the whole room. Todd was standing by the large fire place, stirring the ashes with the toe of his boot.
He looked up and smiled wryly. "Well, I believe it is probably safe to assume that Kolya recognised me."
"You know I think you're probably right. So what now?" Sheppard walked over to one of the windows still filled with glass, moved the curtain and saw that the rain had set in. "You guys don't seem to like the rain much so I suppose you'll want to wait in here 'til your lackey has finished looking over the place?"
A smug grin appeared on Todd's face as he sat down on a bench under one of the tavern's other small windows. "Ahhh, so finally you are in a position where you have no choice but to trust me."
Moving back behind the bar, Sheppard watched Todd's face but could not see any signs of mockery.
"One of the first things I had to do when I arrived in this galaxy was shoot my commanding officer. He was being fed on by a wraith queen and I did it to save him from an agonising death." He poured himself a glass of the Genii liquor and went around the bar to sit opposite Todd. "That's not a good basis to build trust on."
Todd nodded his head, his mood becoming more serious. "I can understand that would be difficult. But did you not see a different side of my race when we worked together to escape from that prison?"
"No, you worked with me to save your own life. And every time you've approached us for help since then, you've been motivated by the benefits that will flow to you and your hive."
Todd shrugged his shoulders. "Of course. But you have benefitted too."
"Yeah but that's never been your aim. You've never been motivated by a desire to help the human race."
"No more than you would ever be persuaded to actively help wraith if such action did not also benefit your race." Again a look of irony touched Todd's face. "But my motivation is not important here Sheppard. Your treatment of me since the time we escaped has not reflected the trust I put in you every time I come to you with a proposal that always benefitted both our races." Todd looked down at his hands as he spoke and his voice carried a tone that Sheppard might have described as wistful if he did not know this crafty wraith better.
He was not going to be fooled. "The fact that you trust me doesn't qualify you for any special treatment. The bottom line is you'd feed on me just as you would any other human if the need arose."
Todd looked up, eyes narrowing as he looked straight into Sheppard's eyes. "I see. I wondered if the experience of being fed upon was driving your attitude towards me. So your lack of trust is based on a fear that I will feed on you again?"
Sheppard realised this was the opportunity he had been wanting to make sure Todd knew how he felt about being fed upon. An opportunity he was not going to let pass. "It was more than just the pain. You have no idea what that experience was like for me. To feel your life being stolen and to be totally unable to do anything to stop the process. Don't forget I had no idea that you'd eventually return what you'd taken and don't for one minute think that makes up for what you did in the first place."
"It was not my decision to feed on you, although I admit I would have taken all your life and cast you aside without a second thought if I had been given the chance. I took your life to the point of death because it was my assessment that I had the best chance of defeating our enemies. I returned it because I had developed a sense of respect for your courage and your unerring belief that you would escape. But that is in the past. You are still alive and I do not understand why you still feel so strongly about something you cannot change."
"Because I can still close my eyes and see your face as you took my life. I still carry the physical scars and still feel the pain. Trust me it's not something you can forget or get over in a hurry." Sheppard stood and walked back to the window he had looked out of before. This process of describing his feelings was proving far more emotionally draining than he had anticipated.
Todd watched him and closed his eyes as he bore the full brunt of the Atlantean's newly released emotion. "I am not sorry for what I did Sheppard because neither of us would be alive now if I had not acted as I did. But you have made me aware of how my actions have affected you."
Turning back, Sheppard understood this was the closest thing he would ever get to an apology. He took a deep breath. Just expressing his feelings to Todd had started to release him from the endless circle of emotions he had felt since they had escaped together. He looked at the wraith and suspected that opening up his thoughts and feelings had made him an open book that could be read with very little effort.
"What we need to do now, Sheppard, is find a way to move on from the past and finally finish with this Genii."
Sheppard nodded in agreement but waited to see what Todd had in mind before putting forward his own views of what they should do next.
"My agents are gathering intelligence again but we must accept that Kolya now knows he is being hunted and will be very careful. We can spend time searching this galaxy from one end to the other and come up with nothing." Todd tilted his head to one side slightly and the softer, more persuasive tone of his voice indicated he was about to suggest something that may not immediately meet with Sheppard's agreement. "Or we can be a little more creative. I believe we should return to this world where we were imprisoned, where this whole sad saga began."