Stargate New Seasons ~ Atlantis Season 6 ~ Wraith Chronicles ~ Todd's Resurrection

[RogueRanger]

Spoiler:

Astor could sense a bit of sadness in her and he noticed the few tears she shed. He found tears a little strange even though he saw countless tears from some of the humans they held prisioner in the past. He also wasn't sure of how to react to her placing her hand on his shoulder so he gave her one of his rare smiles before speaking telepathically.

~I understand your anger and impatience. I imagine it isn't easy to be in your position.~

He couldn't go back on his word and tell her what he had heard her father and commanders talk about. But perhaps could give her his opinion he thought.

~I do suspect that your father has gone to meet with another party but with who I am not sure. If he were to go see the Lanteans I believe it would be foolish especially while they do hold the one...but that is also not in my place to tell him what I think. We must obey and support his actions and decisions even if we disagree with it.~

{Reese}

She wiped the corner of her eyes, Reese had realised her mistake and covered quickly for it. "Curse these frailties of my lineage, dust seems to affect my eyes badly at times." A lie but a good one, she smiled sheepishly. I imagined something like this to happen with the One being absent so long. I will speak of it no more then. By your leave I will withdraw and find something with which to fill my role aboard the hive for the time being.~ She bowed her head took a backward step, then turned.

Spoiler:

{Rhys}

Rhys suppressed the urge to growl at this short-sighted accusation. Instead he remained calm as he answered, ~With all due respect, you may misjudge the situation. I was called here to help repairing important data circuits, crucial for our computer network that also controls the life support system, so, yes, ship repairs are indeed my business right now. As you so rightly pointed out, I am the Intelligence officer, therefore I offer my in-depth knowledge of computer systems to help. So, unless you have a broader picture of this and know of things outside my horizon, I recommend you trust my judgement as to where I belong at any given time. I will read your report as soon as life support is stable and my service is no longer required here. ~

The mention of the unknown aliens made him nervous, it was very fearsome that they still hadn't gleaned solid intel on the strange race.

She then rounded on Rhys. Her eyes softened just a little but still held that fire. "Such a waste of talent Rhys..." She began in speech then ~you should have told me earlier, I'm not just merely a weapon for you to point and shoot, I still have the Lantean beaming technology to perfect, it would be a boon to our hive if you could divert some of you ministrations in that direction with me. I will trust you on this, what you do. Allow me to aid you and in kind yo can help me finalise my work, does that suit you?~ There was more Reese had to offer on her intelligence scouting, but that could wait until needed, now it seemed was not the time. She leaned against the bulkhead and sent to her drones. ~Stay with the engineers, until I call for you~

[Isolde]

{Second}

Coming off the transporter pad, the Second quickened his pace, heading towards the position of the Security Chief and Reese. If she had caused more disruption... His mouth-hand wept, enzyme creeping the length of his fingers, and he curled them together to hide its gaping maw. Her raw, nervous energy washed over through the normally cool waters of thought, making eddies in the stream. But as he drew closer, he could sense that the ripples had begun to calm, and he gave a soft growl of approval.

Perhaps the infant would become more than a weapon - and that soon, he hoped.

~Reese ~ he barked, as he came close, mentally acknowledging his officers. ~You will come with me. In your father's absence there are tasks that he wished you to undertake ~

As the woman reluctantly came away from the bulkhead, he moved to stand next to *Bullseye* and surveyed the work the Engineers undertook. ~She heals slowly ~ he said, and sighed, the hurt the ship took a wound in his own mind. ~How long before she is able to access hyperspace again? ~

[WraithTech]

{Bullseye}

Bullseye respectfully acknowledged the Second’s approach and stood at attention. He grimly nodded when the Second remarked about the ship being slow to heal.

Within the telepathic network, the technicians shared their latest diagnostic reports with the engineers and they conferred on an answer to the Second’s question.

The hyperspace jump had not been long, which normally meant easily manageable radiation damage. However, as much power as possible was being diverted to the most severely battle-damaged areas of the hull, in order to accelerate growth and healing, and the newly-grown areas would need time to harden enough to resist the radiation of hyperspace travel. The Chief Engineer confirmed it would not be a mere few days of delay.

Bullseye did not waste the Second’s time with these details and delivered the concise answer that was asked of him. ~It will take a minimum of seven standard days.~

[RogueRanger]

Reese looked up in mild surprise, the Second only paid any attention to her when he wanted either an assination, a culling survey or some advanced knowledge on Lantean teachnology they had managed to acquire or all three usually within a set time frame merely to see if she could do it, which he knew well she could. She moved toward him with the grace of a Magwan cat, slowly and purred. ~And that would be? The last tasks Father had me do in 'his' absence, ended up with my dart stuck in middle of a battle between the Abonimantion and the Lantean fleet. I hopefully ask this will not be so again~

((OOC Abonimantion= Michael.....))

[Leeta]

Spoiler:

{Reese}

She wiped the corner of her eyes, Reese had realised her mistake and covered quickly for it. "Curse these frailties of my lineage, dust seems to affect my eyes badly at times." A lie but a good one, she smiled sheepishly. I imagined something like this to happen with the One being absent so long. I will speak of it no more then. By your leave I will withdraw and find something with which to fill my role aboard the hive for the time being.~ She bowed her head took a backward step, then turned.

Astor couldn't help but give a slight wraithy smile when Reese tried to explain that her small tears were the result of dust. He pretended to believe Reese's explanation and gave her a brief word of advice telepathically before she turned her attention to Rhys.

~Do not forget Reese that most Wraith view tears as a weakness even if they are caused by dust. If you were speaking to another Wraith on this hive he may have not taken so kindly to them.~

Astor turned and walked away while telepathically ordering his drones to return with him back to the security area. He found human emotions funny and curious at the same time especially from someone like Reese as she obviously wasn't like other humans he had encountered.

Astor then shifted his thoughts to his work as he had much needed work to be done and hoped that he would be able to complete them before he would be needed again.

[Draco-Stellaris]

{Reese}

Spoiler:

She then rounded on Rhys. Her eyes softened just a little but still held that fire. "Such a waste of talent Rhys..." She began in speech then ~you should have told me earlier, I'm not just merely a weapon for you to point and shoot, I still have the Lantean beaming technology to perfect, it would be a boon to our hive if you could divert some of you ministrations in that direction with me. I will trust you on this, what you do. Allow me to aid you and in kind yo can help me finalise my work, does that suit you?~ There was more Reese had to offer on her intelligence scouting, but that could wait until needed, now it seemed was not the time. She leaned against the bulkhead and sent to her drones. ~Stay with the engineers, until I call for you~

{Rhys}

Rhys's annoyance at her former aggressive outburst subsided somewhat as she mentioned the beaming technology. He had almost forgotten about that project; it would indeed be of value to be able to beam persons and objects through solid walls and enormous distances, as Wraith beaming technology was limited in its uses.

Still attentive and wary, he eyed her, one corner of his mouth twitching upwards to reveal a couple of pointed teeth. ~Very well. I will give you whatever expertise I can give for finalising your project. We will talk about that later. ~

As the Second arrived Rhys stood to attention and sent out a telepathic greeting. Feeling that he wasn't required here anymore he went back into the adjacent room to see what progress the technicians had made.

[WraithTech]

<Lower Levels>

{Handler}

The Handler chuckled to himself after the masked warrior left with the worshipper population and vacancy report. There were some missing field intelligence worshippers on various planets, most notably over the Genii homeworld and outposts. That left some important vacancies. He chuckled because, although newer to this hive, Rhys already had a reputation for enjoying his job, especially the converting duties. Well, why not? What was the point in living a long life if one didn’t enjoy it?

[Isolde]

Reese looked up in mild surprise, the Second only paid any attention to her when he wanted either an assination, a culling survey or some advanced knowledge on Lantean teachnology they had managed to acquire or all three usually within a set time frame merely to see if she could do it, which he knew well she could. She moved toward him with the grace of a Magwan cat, slowly and purred. ~And that would be? The last tasks Father had me do in 'his' absence, ended up with my dart stuck in middle of a battle between the Abonimantion and the Lantean fleet. I hopefully ask this will not be so again~

((OOC Abonimantion= Michael.....))

((OOC - Careful you don't Mary-Sue this gal, Mel. ))

<Second>

Ignoring the comments the human female made, the Second's attention fixed on the damage the hive had sustained. Running his fingers through his goatee, he narrowed his eyes in speculation. Seven days was far too long... Ill at ease, too close to Atlantis and her weaponry for comfort, his spinal ridges itched with gloomy premonition. He wanted to be wrong, but previous encounters with humans left him certain they would sooner kill them than look at them. Not that he could apportion blame, but diplomacy was more in the style of the Old One who'd led them to this position.

~Is there no other way to speed the healing? ~ he asked, conscious Reece's patience was thinning to a slim wire, and amused despite it. She could attempt her blandishments, but he was immune to such nonsense. ~Once, in the old days, exposure to a solar wind could assist with such damage. Is it possible again? ~

Deciding to answer her, he tilted his head, and examined her, golden eyes hard. "We will use speech, Reece, and you will attend to the Worshippers that have come back to the hive with vital information." Drawing himself up to his full seven feet, he stared down at her. "The information requires careful retrieval. Do not disapoint him who is your father."

Summarily dismissing her, the Second waited on an answer from the engineer.

[WraithTech]

{Bullseye}

At the mention of the old days, Bullseye wondered just how much knowledge was lost to the Wraith before he ever came into existence, especially before the great Lantean-Wraith War. Being over 10,000 years old, *Todd* might have been able to confirm or deny the potential solution, but that one was not here.

The engineers telepathically conferred, considering that ultraviolet radiation just may speed the hardening of the biopolymer growth. However, the Chief Engineer was reluctant to expend much flight power or risk another hyperspace jump to find out.

Looping a bridge technician into the conversation, Bullseye obtained potentially favorable flight path information. The Chief Engineer declared it was worth a try.

After the Second turned back to Bullseye, he replied. ~It may be possible. The Bridge technician has located a sun for us, within a few standard hours of regular, non-hyperspace flying time.~

[RogueRanger]

Spoiler:

Astor couldn't help but give a slight wraithy smile when Reese tried to explain that her small tears were the result of dust. He pretended to believe Reese's explanation and gave her a brief word of advice telepathically before she turned her attention to Rhys.

~Do not forget Reese that most Wraith view tears as a weakness even if they are caused by dust. If you were speaking to another Wraith on this hive he may have not taken so kindly to them.~

Astor turned and walked away while telepathically ordering his drones to return with him back to the security area. He found human emotions funny and curious at the same time especially from someone like Reese as she obviously wasn't like other humans he had encountered.

Astor then shifted his thoughts to his work as he had much needed work to be done and hoped that he would be able to complete them before he would be needed again.

With second now in her focus, Reese bowed her head simply to Astor. He could have scolded her far worse and she was lucky in that. ~Thank you Astor, you give sage advice to a child such as I. The lesson is upon my heart.~ But yet she'd not finished, Rhys still had to be convinced her moodiness was simply a one off..for now.

Spoiler:

{Rhys}

Rhys's annoyance at her former aggressive outburst subsided somewhat as she mentioned the beaming technology. He had almost forgotten about that project; it would indeed be of value to be able to beam persons and objects through solid walls and enormous distances, as Wraith beaming technology was limited in its uses.

Still attentive and wary, he eyed her, one corner of his mouth twitching upwards to reveal a couple of pointed teeth. ~Very well. I will give you whatever expertise I can give for finalising your project. We will talk about that later. ~

As the Second arrived Rhys stood to attention and sent out a telepathic greeting. Feeling that he wasn't required here anymore he went back into the adjacent room to see what progress the technicians had made.

~We shall do fine works Rhys, I know that the code is at my finger tips and with your help we'll have what we need. By your leave.~ She returned her attention to Second

<Second>

Spoiler:

Ignoring the comments the human female made, the Second's attention fixed on the damage the hive had sustained. Running his fingers through his goatee, he narrowed his eyes in speculation. Seven days was far too long... Ill at ease, too close to Atlantis and her weaponry for comfort, his spinal ridges itched with gloomy premonition. He wanted to be wrong, but previous encounters with humans left him certain they would sooner kill them than look at them. Not that he could apportion blame, but diplomacy was more in the style of the Old One who'd led them to this position.

~Is there no other way to speed the healing? ~ he asked, conscious Reece's patience was thinning to a slim wire, and amused despite it. She could attempt her blandishments, but he was immune to such nonsense. ~Once, in the old days, exposure to a solar wind could assist with such damage. Is it possible again? ~

Deciding to answer her, he tilted his head, and examined her, golden eyes hard. "We will use speech, Reece, and you will attend to the Worshippers that have come back to the hive with vital information." Drawing himself up to his full seven feet, he stared down at her. "The information requires careful retrieval. Do not disapoint him who is your father."

Summarily dismissing her, the Second waited on an answer from the engineer.

She looked up at him, a full span above her head, she would have used a Worshipper to stand on if one were nearby. "It may prove provident, if the information I have gathered and these 'followers' are willing to part with theirs, a source of this foul intrusion may well be found. Is there anything specific they may reveal Second?" She spoke to him a little more respectfully now, her mood had calmed and she felt as light a as breeze over still waters.

[Draco-Stellaris]

{Rhys}

Spoiler:

But yet she'd not finished, Rhys still had to be convinced her moodiness was simply a one off..for now.~We shall do fine works Rhys, I know that the code is at my finger tips and with your help we'll have what we need. By your leave.~ She returned her attention to Second

The Lantean beaming technology was an alluring aim. Reese apaprently knew how to bait him, yet he remained wary. Surely she had exaggerated her skills – she could not have gotten far with her reseach by now. He was certain he would still have to do the main coding work. What could a warrior like her know about such complex algorithms? He was ready to forget about her bad behaviour for this time, as long as she was of use to the hive.

{Handler}

Spoiler:

The Handler chuckled to himself after the masked warrior left with the worshipper population and vacancy report. There were some missing field intelligence worshippers on various planets, most notably over the Genii homeworld and outposts. That left some important vacancies. He chuckled because, although newer to this hive, Rhys already had a reputation for enjoying his job, especially the converting duties. Well, why not? What was the point in living a long life if one didn’t enjoy it?

While he was giving the last orders to the computer technicians, a drone approached him and handed him a report, together with the telepathically transmitted image of the Handler and the message to get back to the Handler as soon as possible. Switching the small data tablet on and reading the report, a smile came to Rhys's lips. Selecting and converting worshippers was an entertaining pastime; he would take the first opportunity to head to the holding cells where the pre-selected humans were kept who be sorted into worshippers or food.

For now he would have to go back to his office though, and at least skim over Reese's report. Who knows what she may have found out?

[Isolde]

{Second}

~Excellent ~ the Second responded to *Bullseye*, and reached to take Reece's arm as he added, ~ we will proceed immediately. ~ The order winged out into the bubbling thoughts of the hive, lodging with Third. The thrum of the hive's engines coming back online resonated through the floor.

Propelling Reece along, the Second began to head towards the interrogation cells, pausing once to release the young woman, and beckoned her to follow him. "We have recently taken back into our fold one thought lost to us, child, who has been gone for a full year." He didn't slow his stride as he walked, expecting the human to keep pace. "Your father needs you to extract the memories he has of being with the Genii, and to do it carefully." Golden eyes slid a look to Reece. "He is a valuable commodity, and he is required to live -" shark teeth showed in a faint smile - "which I'm certain is not totally beyond your skills?"

[RogueRanger]

{Reese}

Her head spun upwards and around, Reese stopped midstride, loosening Second's iron grip on her arm. "He? A male?" She said hotly as they neared the cells. ~The Wheel turns as it weaves, Second~ Her look became predatory. ~I have...certain skills, in private, beyond the listening of my thoughts, much information can be subtly extracted in pillow talk. Show him to me~ She stretched her mind mentally and showed Second images of her last encounter with a male, a Wraith Leader of an opposing hive, eh gave up much to her wiles before her blade took his life.

[WraithTech]

{Bullseye}

<Dart Bay>

Bullseye checked over the work of the young technician, nodded in approval, and closed the hive wall again. With the dart bay doors fully repaired, he rounded up the nearby technicians and engineers to join the Chief Engineer at the hull.

With any luck, the old solar wind theory would prove to be true and he could sooner direct his attention to what he enjoyed the most: the creation and repair of darts and weapons. He especially looked forward to testing and calibrating stages.

As the Second and Reese walked their separate way, Bullseye sent gratitude to Rhys and Astor for helping to diffuse the unpredictable and unprovoked situation with the Commander’s Child.

[Leeta]

Astor received Bullseye message and sent back his thanks to Bullseye for his gratitude but also to let him know that it wasn't necessary for it was part of Astor's duty to help keep things in order and make sure there was no disruption within the hive. Another of Astor's duties was to keep a daily count of the humans in the holding cells. It was repetitive and he wanted it get it done as soon as possible. He summoned one of the drones to accompany him in the count.

As they entered the holding cell area the smell of fear and anger became strong. Astor paused for a moment to take in the aroma before proceeding. He particulary enjoyed humans who smelled of defiance as it give them...a special kind of flavour.

Astor and his drone proceeded to stand in front of each cell counting each prisoner and making sure none had somehow escaped. He knew all too well that humans if determined would find a way to escape and wreck havoc on the hive ship. He would also find himself in trouble if one were to escape.

As he was made his way to each cell some of the humans would cower as he looked upon them and others would stare right at him. Some of them were even bold enough to try and have a few words with him but he ignored their talks. He didn't feel the need to associate himself with his potential food just yet incase they would be rejected as worshippers.

Perhaps I will help Rhys in determining who would make a good worshipper later. He thought to himself. He was finding himself thinking about feeding but then quickly ignored the thought. I am fine for now.

He wondered how many of this group would become worshippers and how many would become a delicious meal later.

[Draco-Stellaris]

{Rhys}

Rhys acknowledged Bullseye's gratitude and thought to himself it had been a good idea to intervene. He hadn't been with this hive for long and he still sought new alliances among the crew.

After seeing to his reguar work in his office and making sure all essential things were dealt with, he decided he had earned himself a reward for all the stress he's had today. It was time to examine the new worshipper material.

<Holding Cells>

Upon stepping out of the transporter, Rhys was mildly surprised to see Astor who seemed to be occupied with the daily assessment of the humans. Rhys nodded a greeting to Astor.
~May I ask for your help, Astor? I can see you have already examined the humans, are there individuals that caught your eye as potential worshippers? ~

Rhys swept a glance along the cells. Nothing spectacular to see. Just the ordinary mix of humans, some scared, some furiously glaring and some trying to get their attention. Checking back with the list he'd gotten from the Handler, he saw they needed a couple of every type: the talkative ones were often good spies but you had to make sure they didn't double-cross you – they were to be selected with great care. The warrior-type made good field operatives. Even the scared humans could have uses if treated appropriately.

[WraithTech]

<Holding Cells>

{Lerl, Haeda, Reodalis: NPCs for conversion or meals as Rhys and Astor see fit!}

Haeda stared coldly at the two Wraith in front of her and tilted her head in a way that exposed the torn hole in her earlobe - the result of a vicious fight inside the jail she had escaped when one of the walls toppled during the cull. She had only been sent to prison because she had been framed. She was angry to have been snapped up by the culling beam after such a short period of freedom.

Lerl’s opportunistic eyes swept the room for yet another wallet to steal. With any luck, he would be chosen as a worshipper and could benefit from the job, but he immediately disapproved of this hive’s human resource management. There were no children and only a few women in the room. Few women meant not much jewelry, if any, for him to take.

Reodalis mopped the sweat off of his brow and stepped forward with a tremor that had nothing to do with fear. He had been a forcefully-converted field operative Wraith worshipper from a fallen hive and was looking for a new hive to serve… and get a fresh fix of Wraith enzyme.

As Reodalis was about to speak to Rhys and Astor, Haeda felt Lerl’s hands searching her pockets. She punched him—hard. The other captured humans backed away as fight ensued between the two.

[Isolde]

{Reese}

Her head spun upwards and around, Reese stopped midstride, loosening Second's iron grip on her arm. "He? A male?" She said hotly as they neared the cells. ~The Wheel turns as it weaves, Second~ Her look became predatory. ~I have...certain skills, in private, beyond the listening of my thoughts, much information can be subtly extracted in pillow talk. Show him to me~ She stretched her mind mentally and showed Second images of her last encounter with a male, a Wraith Leader of an opposing hive, eh gave up much to her wiles before her blade took his life.

{Second}

Eyeing her consideringly, the Wraith grunted, and shook his head. "I do not believe you would find this human to be to your... ah... particular taste, my dear. Or, indeed, he you." He continued for a few more steps, drawing to a halt before the transporter platform, and waited until she stood at his side. "What he requires is a more delicate touch."

The woman bridled, her yellow eyes narrow with annoyance, and he felt the touch of her mind against his own. Clamping down his barriers, the Second chuckled as she railed at him, and stepped onto the platform. "If you feel you are unable to execute such a task, it would be my pleasure to mention it to the Commander."

[Leeta]

{Rhys}

Spoiler:

Rhys acknowledged Bullseye's gratitude and thought to himself it had been a good idea to intervene. He hadn't been with this hive for long and he still sought new alliances among the crew.

After seeing to his reguar work in his office and making sure all essential things were dealt with, he decided he had earned himself a reward for all the stress he's had today. It was time to examine the new worshipper material.

<Holding Cells>

Upon stepping out of the transporter, Rhys was mildly surprised to see Astor who seemed to be occupied with the daily assessment of the humans. Rhys nodded a greeting to Astor.
~May I ask for your help, Astor? I can see you have already examined the humans, are there individuals that caught your eye as potential worshippers? ~

Rhys swept a glance along the cells. Nothing spectacular to see. Just the ordinary mix of humans, some scared, some furiously glaring and some trying to get their attention. Checking back with the list he'd gotten from the Handler, he saw they needed a couple of every type: the talkative ones were often good spies but you had to make sure they didn't double-cross you – they were to be selected with great care. The warrior-type made good field operatives. Even the scared humans could have uses if treated appropriately.

Astor greeted Rhys as he entered the holding cell area. ~There a few I believe that may be good candidates. Of course you may find some more humans as good candidates since you are more experienced in determining who would make a valuable worshipper than I am.~

~This human female...~ Astor said looking towards Haeda. She stared right into his eyes with no fear. ~I notice she has scars on her body. Perhaps she could be of good use as some type of field opt worshipper. We don't seem to have many human females of that kind. It could be an advantage for us.~

Astor gazed over to the human Lerl. He noticed Lerl's eyes had been moving back and forth. ~This human is acting a little peculiar.~ Lerl didn't seem to take notice of Astor's stare as he was busy looking at the other prisioners in the cell with him.

Astor briefly glared over to the male human Reodalis. ~ I'm not sure about this one. He is weak.~ Reodalis quickly went up to Astor and Rhys holding onto the prision bars. Reodalis was trembling and sweating as he began to make his plea to Astor and Rhys hoping one of them would listen but he was interrupted as a fight broke out from behind him.

At that moment everyone's attention turned to Haeda and Lerl as they started to fight in the cell. Astor shook his head in disbelief and ordered more drones to come quickly as possible. A few of the drones had come in with their stunners raised at the two fighting humans. As Haeda had Lerl against the wall by the neck she looked over and noticed the drones who had their weapons pointed at them both.

'Release him.' Astor spoke with annoyance in his voice.

Haeda glared at the wraith in front of her. 'Heh. This man means nothing to me and if I kill him right now that would mean one less snack for you guys.' She said with a smirk as she tightened her hands around Lerl's neck. Astor looked over to Rhys with a wraithy smile.

~I think this one would definately make an excellent worshipper for you to convert.~

[Draco-Stellaris]

Spoiler:

Astor greeted Rhys as he entered the holding cell area. ~There a few I believe that may be good candidates. Of course you may find some more humans as good candidates since you are more experienced in determining who would make a valuable worshipper than I am.~

~This human female...~ Astor said looking towards Haeda. She stared right into his eyes with no fear. ~I notice she has scars on her body. Perhaps she could be of good use as some type of field opt worshipper. We don't seem to have many human females of that kind. It could be an advantage for us.~

Astor gazed over to the human Lerl. He noticed Lerl's eyes had been moving back and forth. ~This human is acting a little peculiar.~ Lerl didn't seem to take notice of Astor's stare as he was busy looking at the other prisioners in the cell with him.

Astor briefly glared over to the male human Reodalis. ~ I'm not sure about this one. He is weak.~ Reodalis quickly went up to Astor and Rhys holding onto the prision bars. Reodalis was trembling and sweating as he began to make his plea to Astor and Rhys hoping one of them would listen but he was interrupted as a fight broke out from behind him.

At that moment everyone's attention turned to Haeda and Lerl as they started to fight in the cell. Astor shook his head in disbelief and ordered more drones to come quickly as possible. A few of the drones had come in with their stunners raised at the two fighting humans. As Haeda had Lerl against the wall by the neck she looked over and noticed the drones who had their weapons pointed at them both.

'Release him.' Astor spoke with annoyance in his voice.

Haeda glared at the wraith in front of her. 'Heh. This man means nothing to me and if I kill him right now that would mean one less snack for you guys.' She said with a smirk as she tightened her hands around Lerl's neck. Astor looked over to Rhys with a wraithy smile.

~I think this one would definately make an excellent worshipper for you to convert.~

{Rhys} {Lerl, Haeda, Reodalis} - NPC

Rhys looked at the humans Astor had indicated more closely. The woman seemed rebellious and she glared at him as she noticed he was watching her. He replied to Astor, ~Indeed, this one is tough. She may be worth considering. That one however, ~ he glanced at Lerl, ~is a bit too nervous for my taste. Humans like him tend to annoy me. ~

As Reodalis tried to get the Wraiths' attention Rhys pointedly ignored him. ~This one reeks of reglect and sickness.~ Tasting the air with his sensitive nostrils, Rhys instantly recognised that smell - it was the stench of an addict. Someone had turned this human loose. Whether he had failed or whether his hive was lost would be to investigated. ~Maybe this one can give us information from his last hive.~

With interest Rhys observed the sudden commotion as the fight broke loose. As Haeda had Lerl in her deadly grip, Rhys smiled. ~I agree, the female will be… entertaining. ~

Slowly he opened the cell door and sauntered in, ignoring Reodalis once more who took the opportunity to step forward, stuttering pleas. The drones stood by at Rhys's telepathic order, ready to shoot, as he walked towards Haeda.

"Release him," Rhys repeated Astor's order.

"Won't. I wasn't joking, I will kill him," she snarled. "I'm not afraid of you."

Lerl gave a strangled noise, clinging to Haeda's arms, trying to loosen her grip. "Hey, you better listen to the friendly Wraith here, he only wants to calm us down. Don't you, Mr Wraith?" He gave a shifty smirk, aiming to be be both clever and trustworthy.

Rhys kept his gaze fixed on Haeda's eyes. Hazel, he noted. She simply stared back, unblinking as- too fast for a human eye to follow Rhys drew back his feeding hand and slammed it onto Lerl's chest. Haeda was thrown back by surprise and the force of the impact.

Giving a meek cry, Lerl crumpled to a withered husk and died. Dropping the dead body, Rhys focused on Haeda again.

"You are not in any position to deny us a 'snack'."

Haeda narrowed her eyes and spat on the floor before Rhys, then shutting her mouth tightly.

With a grin Rhys turned and left the cell, ordering the drones to bring Haeda and Reodalis into another cell, reserved for the selected few who became worshippers.

~Your estimation of this human was very good. You have an eye for worshipper material. Do you have any experience with conversion?~

((OOC: Sorry about the monster post, the plot bunny ran off with me. ))