The hive shuddered as a barrage from the opposing faction hit them broadside, taking out at least two dart bay doors.
“Return fire,†he roared, closed his eyes and interfaced with the neural network of the semi-sentient intelligence of the ship. “Hyperspace window opening... Firing main engine!â€
He could feel the acceleration despite the inertial dampeners, the thrust from the engines a surge through the material of the hive, the integrity of the hull in question. A risky step, but he had no choice.
“Commander, hull damage is extensive -â€
“We have no time, Sub-commander, to regenerate,†he snarled, and opened his eyes to fix his gaze on the welcoming violet and blue window as it unfolded before them. “We have outstayed our welcome and cannot hope to compete against so many.â€
“Losing atmosphere on two habitation decks, Commander,†the Technician to his left reported.
Barely acknowledging his officer, the Commander locked his fingers in place, demanding a manoeuvre from the hive that could prove their undoing. Gritting his teeth in concentration, under his expert guidance, the hive pitched as gracefully as she could away from a further deadly salvo headed their way, gathering speed despite leaking air.
“Hyperspace window four AU's and closing.†The Third rapped the words out, loud in the silence, as all concentrated on each vital task. “Three... two... one... â€
The Commander gave a low growl of triumph as the ship cleared the theatre, and entered safety. For long moments, he allowed the ship's systems to report to him, and he channelled the information to terminals, sending details of critical repairs to each station and the Chief Engineer. The organic web of the internal network surged, showing him spots where links failed, what systems needed further attention, and his consciousness sped along the fibrous connections, filtering, selecting, changing... stimulating growth.
Satisfied they progressed steadily, if not well, he released the controls, and gestured imperiously to a sub, who answered to the summons smoothly. Stepping from the dais, the Commander locked eyes with the underling, and then headed towards the conference room. His silent command brought his Second and Third hot on his heels.
They filed in silence out of the bridge and he swept past the doors without noticing the brothers that hurried past, or the drones that the Handlers moved along and out of his way. This intolerable situation could not be allowed to continue, and his temper shortened with each step he took. Too many had died, too many brothers lost in the internecine war, and now there was a new and deadly enemy they knew nothing about.
Before him the entrance to the conference room loomed, shrouded in the dimmed light of the hive, as it sought to minimise all energy expenditure. Coming to a halt, he ran his palm across the door entry panel, and they opened with an organic rattle before him. Sweeping into the room beyond, he turned on his heel as soon as they shut, and faced his officers.
“We must contact Atlantis.â€
For a moment the two Wraith stared at their Commander in disbelieve, and then looked at each other, shock clearly written on their faces.
“Why would we wish to consort with food, Commander?†The Second's hot yellow gaze fixed on his superior, full of suspicion, revulsion. “They brought our former leader nothing save problems, and the destruction of at least one hive.â€
“And countless Wraith... †The Third snarled, not bothered that he openly displayed anger. “His alliance -†the word was spat out as if it fouled his mouth - “and the research he began with them proved worthless.â€
This threat to his authority would not be permitted, and the Commander uttered a low growl, capturing the violence threatening between them and exorcised it as a disdainful bark of laughter. “We have no Queen and without his leadership, it is highly unlikely we will maintain the Alliance.†He gestured towards the small screen atop one of the terminals in the room, and moved to it, running his fingers across the membranous surface. “Look.â€
He gestured at the monitor, at the tumbling glyphs falling in accusation. “Without the assistance of these humans, we will fail, as we have lost two more hives to other factions, and the inroads these new, unknown aliens have made on our defences can no longer be tolerated.â€
The two other Wraith glanced swiftly at each other, and the Second tilted his head, reptilian eyes narrow slits as he swiftly read the evidence. The damning information could hardly be clearer, nor could that their losses were unendurable. But still...
“I understand your reluctance to place what remains of our Alliance in direct contact with the Lanteans, but they may know who it is we match ourselves against and what their capabilities are.â€
“They are treacherous,†the Third snapped, hostile still despite the proof before his eyes. “They cannot be trusted, and if we place ourselves at their mercy we are more likely to be destroyed before we reach orbit.â€
“Then we send an emissary,†the Commander hissed, and bared his sharp teeth as he spoke.
“Who?†the Third demanded, earning another hard stare from his Commander.
“Someone they have had dealings with before,†the Commander said, and in the half-light, three sickle tattoos showed under his right eye, stark against his skin. “Me.â€
“Unacceptable!†thundered the Second, and braced himself as the mental grip of his superior tightened about his thoughts. “Your leadership is key without the Ancient One, as you alone carry the banner he once swore to uphold.â€
“That cannot be helped,†the Commander growled, and narrowed his eyes as sweat beaded his officer’s brow, pain creasing his brow. “Now we have need of assistance, and as we can offer aid to the Lanteans that will assist them in their battle -â€
“How might we aid these Lanteans?†the Third interrupted, willing to press his point and risk his Commander’s ire despite the clear agony that showed on his brother’s face. “What is it we have that we could offer?â€
“Much.â€
Kenny released the Second, and that one took a rasping breath as the pain ceased, hanging his silver head for a moment. He gestured briefly at the larger monitor set against the hull of the hive, and brought up a likeness of a Queen they all recognised. She stared out of the screen, raven-haired, and golden eyed, proud, her demeanour belonging to one whose lineage could not be doubted.
“To bring this Queen to us once more -†Kenny said, and for a moment his taloned finger touched the face of Teyla - “we must take to Atlantis the co-ordinates for a source of power.â€
“Zero-point-modules...†the Third said, a second faster than his fellow officer, whose green-gold eyes had widened. Kenny's third-in-command let out a low rumble, and met his Commander's eyes. “This could prove dangerous, and we may not succeed in persuading them to allow her to be a figurehead.â€
Swift on his heels, the Second said, “The Old One left you with this knowledge, only to be put to use wisely. I cannot suppose this was what he had in mind.†He scrutinised the Queen whose image stared back at him with haughty disdain. “As for this one rejoining us...†White hair drifted across his leather armour as his head shook from side to side. “It was a ruse many believed, Commander, but I do not think they would do so again.â€
Huffing a sigh, Kenny shrugged, willing now to be patient, as his officers attention had been fixed on a possible answer to their dilemma. For him, the solution, though no solution at all, was simple. Only with the Lanteans could they hope to maintain their Alliance, and for that they had to offer something in return, which could only be a ZPM. The decision he'd reached, with a great deal of difficulty, sat like lead in his guts, but he saw no choice but to take the road laid out before him. Loath to approach Atlantis with no bargaining chip, Kenny knew asking for Teyla to take up the challenge of Primary again might be a step too far for the humans to swallow, but he had to try. And he would not give up the ZPM's location without something in return for that information, and offering his crew as subjects for experimentation would never happen.
Not as long as he was Commander of the fleet and Alliance, depleted though it now was.
A growl rumbled through his frame, and he turned back towards his officers, definite about his decision. “This is not open for discussion. I will take a dart to Atlantis when we are within range.â€
“But if they will not see you, Commander?†his Second insisted.
Kenny shrugged, and looked to the distance, suddenly weary. “Then we will have lost nothing, and you will make another attempt to contact the humans of Atlantis.â€
The two officers exchanged looks, and then, together, they gave a slight bow. Kenny could see they were not happy, that this step tasted rank.
“It will be done,†the Second acquiesced.
“I will prepare a dart and you will begin broadcasting this message as soon as we are within distance.†His fingers sped across the terminal, bringing up the data he wanted transmitted, and he made a few rapid adjustments to the algorithms. It would not do if they could not recognise them for what they were. Satisfied, Kenny began to head towards the exit, his leather coat skirts flurrying around his ankles, and halted, looking back over his shoulder. “Do not come within range of Atlantis until I signal you. One less hive in the Alliance is not my aim.â€
“Yes, Commander,†they replied.
Sweeping out into the hall beyond, Kenny made for the dart bay, his booted feet echoing as they hit the floor, and he considered his choices again. None of them good, he had made a decision based on worst case scenario; it didn't mean he had to like it.
Two further jumps would bring him close enough to their would be ally, and oft-time Nemesis, and then the message to Sheppard would go out.
((OOC. We may begin and Welcome to Todd's new home. All Wraithy posts may commence, but until Todd is actaully here with you, I would suggest a little background discussion amongst your fellow Wraith on how you feel about aligning with Atlantis once again))
Melanie
Isolde will the be the GM for the Wraith Chronicles, any questions you can ask her or me if it's something related to the game overall, or how to join
Most of all, have fun
Extremely cool Introduction written by Isolde....thank you Issy
“Return fire,†he roared, closed his eyes and interfaced with the neural network of the semi-sentient intelligence of the ship. “Hyperspace window opening... Firing main engine!â€
He could feel the acceleration despite the inertial dampeners, the thrust from the engines a surge through the material of the hive, the integrity of the hull in question. A risky step, but he had no choice.
“Commander, hull damage is extensive -â€
“We have no time, Sub-commander, to regenerate,†he snarled, and opened his eyes to fix his gaze on the welcoming violet and blue window as it unfolded before them. “We have outstayed our welcome and cannot hope to compete against so many.â€
“Losing atmosphere on two habitation decks, Commander,†the Technician to his left reported.
Barely acknowledging his officer, the Commander locked his fingers in place, demanding a manoeuvre from the hive that could prove their undoing. Gritting his teeth in concentration, under his expert guidance, the hive pitched as gracefully as she could away from a further deadly salvo headed their way, gathering speed despite leaking air.
“Hyperspace window four AU's and closing.†The Third rapped the words out, loud in the silence, as all concentrated on each vital task. “Three... two... one... â€
The Commander gave a low growl of triumph as the ship cleared the theatre, and entered safety. For long moments, he allowed the ship's systems to report to him, and he channelled the information to terminals, sending details of critical repairs to each station and the Chief Engineer. The organic web of the internal network surged, showing him spots where links failed, what systems needed further attention, and his consciousness sped along the fibrous connections, filtering, selecting, changing... stimulating growth.
Satisfied they progressed steadily, if not well, he released the controls, and gestured imperiously to a sub, who answered to the summons smoothly. Stepping from the dais, the Commander locked eyes with the underling, and then headed towards the conference room. His silent command brought his Second and Third hot on his heels.
They filed in silence out of the bridge and he swept past the doors without noticing the brothers that hurried past, or the drones that the Handlers moved along and out of his way. This intolerable situation could not be allowed to continue, and his temper shortened with each step he took. Too many had died, too many brothers lost in the internecine war, and now there was a new and deadly enemy they knew nothing about.
Before him the entrance to the conference room loomed, shrouded in the dimmed light of the hive, as it sought to minimise all energy expenditure. Coming to a halt, he ran his palm across the door entry panel, and they opened with an organic rattle before him. Sweeping into the room beyond, he turned on his heel as soon as they shut, and faced his officers.
“We must contact Atlantis.â€
For a moment the two Wraith stared at their Commander in disbelieve, and then looked at each other, shock clearly written on their faces.
“Why would we wish to consort with food, Commander?†The Second's hot yellow gaze fixed on his superior, full of suspicion, revulsion. “They brought our former leader nothing save problems, and the destruction of at least one hive.â€
“And countless Wraith... †The Third snarled, not bothered that he openly displayed anger. “His alliance -†the word was spat out as if it fouled his mouth - “and the research he began with them proved worthless.â€
This threat to his authority would not be permitted, and the Commander uttered a low growl, capturing the violence threatening between them and exorcised it as a disdainful bark of laughter. “We have no Queen and without his leadership, it is highly unlikely we will maintain the Alliance.†He gestured towards the small screen atop one of the terminals in the room, and moved to it, running his fingers across the membranous surface. “Look.â€
He gestured at the monitor, at the tumbling glyphs falling in accusation. “Without the assistance of these humans, we will fail, as we have lost two more hives to other factions, and the inroads these new, unknown aliens have made on our defences can no longer be tolerated.â€
The two other Wraith glanced swiftly at each other, and the Second tilted his head, reptilian eyes narrow slits as he swiftly read the evidence. The damning information could hardly be clearer, nor could that their losses were unendurable. But still...
“I understand your reluctance to place what remains of our Alliance in direct contact with the Lanteans, but they may know who it is we match ourselves against and what their capabilities are.â€
“They are treacherous,†the Third snapped, hostile still despite the proof before his eyes. “They cannot be trusted, and if we place ourselves at their mercy we are more likely to be destroyed before we reach orbit.â€
“Then we send an emissary,†the Commander hissed, and bared his sharp teeth as he spoke.
“Who?†the Third demanded, earning another hard stare from his Commander.
“Someone they have had dealings with before,†the Commander said, and in the half-light, three sickle tattoos showed under his right eye, stark against his skin. “Me.â€
“Unacceptable!†thundered the Second, and braced himself as the mental grip of his superior tightened about his thoughts. “Your leadership is key without the Ancient One, as you alone carry the banner he once swore to uphold.â€
“That cannot be helped,†the Commander growled, and narrowed his eyes as sweat beaded his officer’s brow, pain creasing his brow. “Now we have need of assistance, and as we can offer aid to the Lanteans that will assist them in their battle -â€
“How might we aid these Lanteans?†the Third interrupted, willing to press his point and risk his Commander’s ire despite the clear agony that showed on his brother’s face. “What is it we have that we could offer?â€
“Much.â€
Kenny released the Second, and that one took a rasping breath as the pain ceased, hanging his silver head for a moment. He gestured briefly at the larger monitor set against the hull of the hive, and brought up a likeness of a Queen they all recognised. She stared out of the screen, raven-haired, and golden eyed, proud, her demeanour belonging to one whose lineage could not be doubted.
“To bring this Queen to us once more -†Kenny said, and for a moment his taloned finger touched the face of Teyla - “we must take to Atlantis the co-ordinates for a source of power.â€
“Zero-point-modules...†the Third said, a second faster than his fellow officer, whose green-gold eyes had widened. Kenny's third-in-command let out a low rumble, and met his Commander's eyes. “This could prove dangerous, and we may not succeed in persuading them to allow her to be a figurehead.â€
Swift on his heels, the Second said, “The Old One left you with this knowledge, only to be put to use wisely. I cannot suppose this was what he had in mind.†He scrutinised the Queen whose image stared back at him with haughty disdain. “As for this one rejoining us...†White hair drifted across his leather armour as his head shook from side to side. “It was a ruse many believed, Commander, but I do not think they would do so again.â€
Huffing a sigh, Kenny shrugged, willing now to be patient, as his officers attention had been fixed on a possible answer to their dilemma. For him, the solution, though no solution at all, was simple. Only with the Lanteans could they hope to maintain their Alliance, and for that they had to offer something in return, which could only be a ZPM. The decision he'd reached, with a great deal of difficulty, sat like lead in his guts, but he saw no choice but to take the road laid out before him. Loath to approach Atlantis with no bargaining chip, Kenny knew asking for Teyla to take up the challenge of Primary again might be a step too far for the humans to swallow, but he had to try. And he would not give up the ZPM's location without something in return for that information, and offering his crew as subjects for experimentation would never happen.
Not as long as he was Commander of the fleet and Alliance, depleted though it now was.
A growl rumbled through his frame, and he turned back towards his officers, definite about his decision. “This is not open for discussion. I will take a dart to Atlantis when we are within range.â€
“But if they will not see you, Commander?†his Second insisted.
Kenny shrugged, and looked to the distance, suddenly weary. “Then we will have lost nothing, and you will make another attempt to contact the humans of Atlantis.â€
The two officers exchanged looks, and then, together, they gave a slight bow. Kenny could see they were not happy, that this step tasted rank.
“It will be done,†the Second acquiesced.
“I will prepare a dart and you will begin broadcasting this message as soon as we are within distance.†His fingers sped across the terminal, bringing up the data he wanted transmitted, and he made a few rapid adjustments to the algorithms. It would not do if they could not recognise them for what they were. Satisfied, Kenny began to head towards the exit, his leather coat skirts flurrying around his ankles, and halted, looking back over his shoulder. “Do not come within range of Atlantis until I signal you. One less hive in the Alliance is not my aim.â€
“Yes, Commander,†they replied.
Sweeping out into the hall beyond, Kenny made for the dart bay, his booted feet echoing as they hit the floor, and he considered his choices again. None of them good, he had made a decision based on worst case scenario; it didn't mean he had to like it.
Two further jumps would bring him close enough to their would be ally, and oft-time Nemesis, and then the message to Sheppard would go out.
((OOC. We may begin and Welcome to Todd's new home. All Wraithy posts may commence, but until Todd is actaully here with you, I would suggest a little background discussion amongst your fellow Wraith on how you feel about aligning with Atlantis once again))
Melanie
Isolde will the be the GM for the Wraith Chronicles, any questions you can ask her or me if it's something related to the game overall, or how to join
Most of all, have fun
Extremely cool Introduction written by Isolde....thank you Issy
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