McKay called a meeting of AG 1 in Elizabeth's office, Cordelia as her assistant, was also there.
"We got a message from a people calling themselves the Tarani. They claim they have a gift for us from Lex and Cor. What are your Ascended doubles up to now?!" McKay wanted to know.
"I haven't the foggiest idea." Xander said. "It isn't like we've even seen them."
"I'd like to see them." Cordelia said. "But they haven't shown their faces around us."
"Whatever this gift is, I think we should go see it, don't you?" Elizabeth asked.
"I'm up for it." Sheppard said.
"There's more, Elizabeth." McKay said. "They identified you by name and asked that you come along, since you can make decisions for Earth."
"Who said I should come along, the Tarani or Lex and Cor?"
"According to the Tarani, Lex and Cor did."
"This might be a trap, Elizabeth." Sheppard said, he'd recently taken to calling her that. Progress, as far as Xander was concerned.
"It's possible and caution is warranted, but whatever this gift is, it might be worth the risk. Shall we go?"
Everyone agreed and Elizabeth said. "Cordelia, you're in charge while we're gone. We'll check in every hour. Keep AG 3 on stand by."
Cordelia nodded and AG 1 went to prepare for their off world trip.
McKay was almost visibly drooling over one of the women in the welcoming party. She was a very attractive woman, so maybe he could be forgiven. Xander was just grateful he'd begun the depheromoning treatment Beckett had come up with. Finally having an explanation for why he kept getting hit on by vampires, demons, women and aliens and having a solution relieved him no end.
One of the men stepped forward and introduced himself.
"I am Chancellor Lycus, welcome to Taranis. A year ago, two glowing balls of light appeared before me. They introduced themselves as Lex and Cor. They said that they had been Ascended by the Ancestors and now watch over this galaxy, trying to help wherever they can. They told me the Wraith had been awaken accidentally by people visiting from another galaxy, from a world known as Earth. They said you would take up the fight against the Wraith and that there was something on our planet that could help you. They directed me to a place we had never known was there. They also told me, that our main city, the one we are currently in, sits within the caldera of a supervolcano, something we had not known. They told us, the Ancestors used the geothermal energy of the supervolcano to power a shield that could protect our entire world from the Wraith, but we must only use it if they attack or we could over excite the supervolcano and it could explode, destroying our entire world. We haven't been attacked, so we haven't had to use it. They told us, to wait one year, from the date of their visit, to contact you. At that time, you would be in a position to make use of their gift."
"And what is this gift?" Elizabeth asked."
"If you'll come with me, I'll show you."
"Very well. Lead the way."
Chancellor Lycus lead them to what turned out be a hanger bay, with an Ancient warship in it. AG 1 and Elizabeth were all jaw dropped at the site.
"Lex told us, near the end of the Wraith War, he and Cor began repairs on it. They died before they could finish it. They said, you'd be able to finish it. They also said the Ancients had a name for it, but it was a ridiculous name. They said one among you knows the myths and folklore of your world and will understand the name they have given it."
"That would be me, Captain Alexander Harris." Xander said. "What's the name they chose?"
"The Wraith Slayer."
Xander felt lightheaded and fought an urge to laugh uncontrollably.
"The Slayer is a story, ancient, one of the oldest on our world. Of a young girl chosen by the gods to battle horrifying monsters known as vampires. Creatures of darkness, that shun the light of the sun. They feed on the life, the very blood of their victims. Sometimes, they make new vampires by feeding their own blood to a victim. We've been calling the Wraith, space vampires, because they drain the life from their victims, much like the vampires of the story do. The girl, known as the Slayer, is granted powers by the gods to aid her in her fight. Strength beyond mortal man, dreams from the Slayers that came before her, to teach her the methods of combat they learned and the ability to sense the creatures she would battle. The Wraith Slayer is an appropriate name, because we will use this ship to fight monsters, just like the Slayer uses her gifts to fight monsters."
"It does sound like an appropriate name." Elizabeth agreed.
"This is our Chief scientist, Norena, she's spent a great deal of time studying the Ancestors technology, including the ship. She can show you where the repairs Lex and Cor did are and what still needs to be repaired. Dr. Weir, will Earth except this gift from Lex and Cor? Be aware, they also said, it belongs in this galaxy, defending the people here. They said if you doubt my word, then one of their number will confirm it."
"It's not that I doubt you, Chancellor, it's that our leaders will want to know why."
And a voice said. "Because these are the people in need. And you owe them. Awaking the Wraith was an accident. You didn't know they existed and were trying to help people in need. But it is the people of this galaxy that are suffering because of that." A man appeared before them. "I am Janus. I was a scientist in Atlantis. Lex and Cor were and are my friends. Please use this gift to protect the people of this galaxy." And he disappeared as quickly as he had appeared.
'Wow' was pretty much the universal thought in the minds of AG 1 and Elizabeth Weir at that moment.
