Chapter 2 – Growing Concern
There had been a fresh rain this evening, cooling off the late summer warmth and foretelling of the fast approaching days of early autumnal weather.
The dark granite steps glistened faintly in the lowering light, the late sunlight cutting a sharp pure angle across the open Battalion Square to fall upon the wide shallow steps that exited the Confederation's Government.
All others had long since retired to their homes, some still sleeping underground in the age old cities of the Genii.
However, Ladon Radim was among the many that now lived on the surface of the Genii homeworld, walking out in the open and sleeping with only a constructed roof above his head. It was expected by Cowen that his Government officials live above ground to show their people that this was the future. The Wraith were far from the Confederation's boundaries and the Genii were not to live in fear anymore.
As Ladon stepped down the last step onto Battalion Square, he looked off to the left, across the low landscape of the First City. It was literally, as the name so accurately described, the first city to have been built above ground in many generations. Deep beneath First City, the more ancient Genii capital city was still populated, but all those in power watching over the Confederation now lived above ground. The buildings of Government were central in the city, and Cowen's palace, the Genii Leader's residence, stood among them.
To all who looked on, this appeared to represent all that Cowen believed and dictated. His home, one of the largest and most central of the dwellings, stood high on the hillside of the First City where any attacking Wraith could see it. He lived front and central, showing his confidence and leadership through example to his people.
However, Ladon knew that though Cowen's palace stood in plain sight, Cowen himself lived in the deepest of subbasement levels beneath it.
It was typical of the underhanded behaviour of the Confederation's Leader.
Not for that much longer though.
Ladon returned his attention to his walk home, striding across the perfectly smooth marble slabs of Battalion Square. Everyday Genii battalions marched drills back and forth across this space, the rotation between the battalions strict and precisely followed, regardless of weather or community day. It was all for show, making it clear to any visitors to the Genii homeworld that the Genii were the bastions of military discipline and determination.
This evening a battalion were stood in long silent lines at the far side of the square, their controller barking out strict orders of the drill they were to follow.
Ladon had marched his fair share of drills in his youth, though below ground at that time. All Genii youngsters were required to join the military, but Ladon's focus had transformed into science with early adulthood. Fortunately, his people valued that passion and skill almost as much as military discipline and his skills had been fostered. He had been allowed time away from drills and commands in order to advance Genii technology as fast as was possible.
It had been on the back of that technological skill, coupled with his ability to work with non-Genii scientists within the then newly growing Alliance, that had allowed him to rise up to such high ranks as to sit in the Government.
Cowen, for all his lies and back-handed dealing, saw the value in Ladon's work.
The Genii people, however, were not as valued. Cowen's ever tightening hold on the populace was forging further dissatisfaction with even faster renewal. Just today another riot had broken out in the Second City, and Cowen had responded with his usual blind dictatorship style. A strict curfew had been imposed on all inhabitants of Second City and the gateways shut for inward trade for one standard rotation of the two moons. Several additional battalions had been sent to walk the streets of the city, and its city leaders had been called in to report directly to Government tomorrow.
It would no doubt cause greater trouble to come.
Now across the square, Ladon exited through the narrow intensely guarded passageway out of the Confederation complex out into the lower security areas of the officials' residential housing. Cowen wanted his officials living close and properly above ground, unlike himself.
Ladon reached his home within seconds and climbed the two steps up to the narrow front doorway. He lifted his hand to the palm sensor, of his own design, only to see a crack off darkness along the frame. The door was already open.
Assured that he had closed the door securely after the mid meal, he prepared himself for who might be inside.
Knowing who had sent them was obvious enough.
He pushed open the door gently, his hand resting on the butt of his sidearm. He rarely used the weapon, but was expected to wear it at all times.
The door swung open unhindered and Ladon stepped inside, triggering the internal lights as he did so.
Nothing stirred.
He closed the door securely behind him, pressing a thumb to the underside of the lock to send out the call, and then moved through the short hallway to the two open doorways, one of which led to his study, the other to his small kitchen. Despite the obvious space available in living above ground, the natural habit to live in darkened smaller spaces continued. Ladon wondered if Cowen's palace was the same inside.
The kitchen looked dark and empty, so Ladon entered his study instead.
He didn't bother to try to turn on the lights, knowing the routine of such visits. Whoever had been sent to talk with him would have disabled all technology in the room. He moved further into the darkened room, the one small window allowing in the advancing orange tinge of sunset, which fell over thick shadows and still furniture.
A boot touched against the hard floor and a face leant forward into the orange light.
"Radim," the man greeted. He was eating a kita fruit, no doubt taken from Ladon's kitchen.
"Pranos," Ladon greeted in return.
Kolya had sent one of his favoured men for this visit, which meant this was either going to be a less than agreeable conversation or it was a strategically vital one. Either option worried Ladon, but he was used to Kolya's ways. He had been one of his men after all. One of the chosen few to be in Kolya's elite team, most of whom had either been killed or captured during the ill fated infiltration of Atlantis over two years ago. Ladon had managed to escape with the remaining few survivors, and had tended to Kolya after he had been shot during the escape. Cowen's 'appreciation' for the failed mission, that he himself had secretly ordered, had not been pleasant. It had been a risky time for Ladon – to remain valuable and innocent to Cowen, despite having actually assisted Kolya in his subsequent escape. Pranos had fled with Kolya, loyal to a sharp fault, choosing excommunication over his people.
"Please sit," Pranos suggested waving a hand towards Ladon's own desk at the far side of the small room.
It was a typical Kolya-style manipulation, Pranos trying to play the part of his hero, acting in control of Ladon's own home.
It was a weak and pathetic display, but Ladon was good at hiding his emotions and thoughts. If he were not, he would have been long dead.
"It has been a long time since you walked on Genii soil, has it not, Pranos?" Ladon asked as he moved through the shaft of deep orange light. Sliding in behind his father's old desk and into his own worn comfortable chair, Ladon felt his confidence settle further into place.
"I visit when I wish," Pranos lied. Ladon had contacts everywhere, including the majority of the surveillance guards who watched all the video feeds from the Portal and therefore knew all who entered or left the Five Cities of the Genii homeworld. If Pranos had been here before, Ladon would have been informed. No doubt the report of Pranos' arrival was already being passed to Tyrus. Tyrus would likely be on his way here now as a result.
"And what do you think of the latest additions to our new grand cities?" Ladon asked offhandedly.
Pranos glanced away into the limited view through the sunset light and shrugged. "I have no concern about such things."
"No?" Ladon asked. A small faint light flashed slowly on the hidden edge of his desk. His backup had arrived, but would remain unseen for now. "It will be your home again soon."
Pranos settled back into his chair within the shadows. "That day has been delayed by the treaty. Kolya is displeased."
Ladon shifted his shoulders against the high back of his chair; they ached faintly from his day's work. "The Non-Aggression Treaty with Atlantis will not stand in our way."
"The plan was not to help Cowen," Pranos argued.
"The plan has always been to help our people," Ladon pointed out. "The treaty gives Cowen confidence, and so he'll not be so watchful. Unlike Atlantis after the attempt on Major Sheppard's life."
Pranos glanced aside to the window again. "Do not concern yourself with Major Sheppard."
Ladon frowned, leaning forward. "Assassinating him will do nothing for the Genii. Rumours of Kolya's survival are now spreading-"
"And already additional support is forming," Pranos interrupted with a self satisfied smile.
"To plague the cities with riots and anger? This is not what we had planned."
"Cowen must fall," Pranos insisted.
"He will," Ladon insisted in turn. "As we agreed; off world where the damage will be minimal to the Genii and our reputation within the Alliance."
"The Genii are all that matter, the Alliance will follow in time."
Yes, Ladon had no doubt that once Kolya had set himself in power of the Genii that he would look next to controlling the Alliance.
"The treaty does not matter, Cowen condemns himself in the eyes of our people every single day," Ladon replied instead.
"So you say," Pranos responded. "Kolya remains disappointed, Radim. Perhaps he might even wonder if you are still loyal to the campaign."
Ladon sat back in his chair, the obvious and tiresome routine with Kolya's intermediaries was always a problem. They envied Ladon's position, thinking him the chosen of Kolya's inner circle. Ladon was perfectly placed for Kolya, manipulating Government gently as needed, a scientist not a military leader and so seen as less of a threat, even while he secretly relayed information back to Kolya. Once the day came to topple Cowen publically, it would be Ladon's face they would see, and he would then announce the true fate of Kolya, previously believed dead, but to be seen as having been exiled by the evil Cowen. The people would embrace Kolya's return as the powerful military leader he had previously been, and Ladon would graciously step aside for Kolya to take the lead position of the Genii in the times of strife that their people faced. However, it had never been in Ladon's plans to have seen that strife manufactured and perpetrated by Kolya himself. The sooner Cowen was removed the sooner that damage could end.
"I have always served Kolya loyally," Ladon replied, ensuring his expression insistent. "It is better that we put forward for the day now, remove Cowen and Kolya can return."
"There are still concerns to be dealt with," Pranos replied cryptically.
"What is more concerning than raising our people up to their highest? The Wraith battle on, despite the Fleet and Elite's work, now is not the time to weaken the Genii."
"The plan is in action, the time will come, Radim. Until then, you are to do better at limiting Cowen's reach. Tighten the laws further."
Ladon sighed lightly. "What is Kolya's new timescale?"
"That is not for you to know yet," Pranos replied, suggesting to Ladon that the man didn't know himself.
"And if there are more riots?" Ladon asked. "If our people storm Government?"
"Then the day of Kolya's return will arrive quicker," Pranos smiled. "And you will be all the happier. Will you not?" He added with suspicious smugness as he stood up, leaving the sticky remains of the kita fruit on the floor by his boot.
"And if I am killed in the riots?" Ladon asked out of curiosity and to ensure that such concern would get back to Kolya.
"Then you will be remembered, as will your family," Pranos with some weight as he moved away through the new darkness of night. "Your sister, for example, and your lover. Does Tyrus know that you bed his daughter, Sora?"
Ladon didn't reply to that as he watched Pranos smile again.
"Know your place, Radim, and follow Kolya's lead. After all, once Kolya rules the Genii, you will have all you could ever wish for."
And with that, Pranos walked out of the study with apparent confidence, despite being a wanted man on the watch lists. Of course Ladon had ensured that no one among the guards would actually report Pranos' presence, or the other men and women working for Kolya, but officially Pranos should still be concerned. One of Cowen's loyalists might recognise him.
Ladon waited for the sound of his own front door opening and closing behind Pranos, and for silence to fall.
He inhaled thoughtfully as he rested deeper into his chair.
A soft creek was the only announcement that Hulte had entered the study.
"How much did you hear?" Ladon asked.
"Most of it," Hulte replied as he tapped on a pad, scanning the study for any concealed devices that Pranos might have left behind. He would have already checked the rest of Ladon's small home.
Ladon nodded as he rested an elbow on the arm of his chair and rested his chin against his fingers. "Kolya has other plans in place," he summarised thoughtfully into the darkness.
"Obviously," Hulte agreed as he sat down in the chair Pranos had just vacated. "The attempt on Major Sheppard was a foolish move."
Ladon nodded.
"One that implies Kolya's focus is drifting."
Ladon nodded again.
"As it did with Iketani and the Quantum," Hulte summarised.
Ladon nodded. The spread of Quantum and other drugs among their own people was a concern, but especially so as they knew from a particular source that Kolya himself was behind the push. That had not been part of the original plan either.
"He could try again," Hulte stated.
Ladon looked at Hulte through the shadows. The ambassador was a direct and clever man, focused on the benefit of his people, as was Ladon. The problem was that Kolya appeared to have other motives now driving his plans.
He frowned at Hulte, seeking his meaning. "To assassinate Sheppard?"
Hulte nodded. "Most likely in Alliance territory now, to weaken the treaty. Perhaps even at the Athosian Political Wedding, as Leader Torren will no doubt invite Atlantis representatives."
"You believe Kolya is focused on revenge for his injury during the siege of Atlantis?"
"All of this is about revenge," Hulte responded.
"It was supposed to be about removing a weak leader and replacing him with-"
"You," Hulte interrupted.
Ladon glanced to the dark window. It was obvious enough to him that Hulte and the other supporters saw him as a weaker, more easily manipulated leader than Kolya would ever be. Kolya would be able to guide the Genii back to full strength and stability of character, but beyond that he would be a liability. A leader who wished to rule the entire Alliance was not what the Confederation needed. If the Alliance were to collapse, as Kolya himself almost appeared at times to be trying to force, then the Confederation needed to be as self-sufficient and strong as possible. Kolya could help bring about that strength with his reputation and Cowen's fall, but not much else. He would be as politically wise as a bullock.
"Pranos didn't say anything about the Political Marriage," Ladon considered.
"An alliance between the Genii and the Athosians is harmless enough, they will never compromise Government, and an alliance with the Elite, even fleeting, could be highly beneficial, even to Kolya," Hulte concluded.
"Does General Maloo have any allegiance to Kolya?" Ladon asked Hulte. Maloo was the most respected and powerful of Genii military officials who would be putting himself forward as a suitor for the Political Marriage. Maloo's long and highly successful military career made him more than acceptable to an Elite warrior to be considered for Political Marriage.
"None."
"Are you sure?" Ladon pushed.
"Perfectly," Hulte insisted calmly.
Hulte knew Maloo well. The two military men had fought together for many years, and Ladon did trust Hulte to a point.
"Maloo's interests are in warfare and the stability of our people, nothing more," Hulte added.
"Not also for fame for bedding an infamous Elite warrior?" Ladon pressed.
Hulte frowned. "The marriage will ensure Maloo a secure status, regardless as to who rules the Genii. That is the stability he wishes and will gain."
"How far along are the negotiations against the other suitors?" Ladon asked.
"Few now remain in the way. Maloo will be the final man standing at the Offering Ceremony on Athos," Hulte insisted.
"Such increased trade and agreement with other worlds will be seen as Cowen's work," Ladon considered.
"Kolya will want the marriage to go through," Hulte argued. "It benefits the Genii to be so closely associated with the Elite. He could not have predicted this chance for a contract with them. Whatever happens in the future, the marriage contract will mean that the Elite will side with the Genii, as will Athos and all her many trading partners."
Ladon nodded. It was the entire point of the exercise, as well as the many trades and ties formed by pushing aside all other offers to the Political Marriage from across the Alliance. The current strife in the Confederation could easily be repaired with Cowen's downfall and these new ties would strengthen the Genii beyond that time. Allied worlds would submit assistance, new ambassadors, and offerings of friendship to the new leader of the Genii Confederation, especially if the Genii had a political contract with the Elite.
"Then why do you suspect he will make an attempt on Sheppard again in such a political setting?"
Hulte blinked slowly. "Revenge, and to make a point for the future."
"He couldn't be that foolish to undermine our relationship with Athos and all her trading partners by the Genii being seen once again to be targeting Atlantis and Sheppard? If Sheppard is assassinated at the wedding, we would risk not only insulting the Elite themselves, but also lose all the marriage will bring us," Ladon rationalised.
"To be sure, we need to include Maloo in this," Hulte replied. "We can then assure Kolya that we are in control and that the marriage must go through unimpeded."
Ladon paused. Was Hulte only looking to secure his and Maloo's position and nothing more? Were they perhaps planning to take Ladon's position? Would Kolya appreciate them more for the high status military men that they were?
"Perhaps we should," Ladon considered out loud.
"I will arrange a meeting with Maloo," Hulte concluded with a nod.
"Good," Ladon replied as he heard his front door open once more. It was Tyrus and Sora, their boot falls distinctive across his thin carpeted hallway.
He frowned faintly as he recalled some of Pranos' words. How had Kolya found out about Sora?
It implied that Kolya retained ears and eyes in First City that Ladon did not know about, and that worried him.
It seemed that with each passing day there was only more to worry about.
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TBC