"Listen," I grabbed Chaya by the arm and forced her to stop. She threw me a look filled with pain and anger. "I'll say it again: I'm sorry about your people. But that doesn't mean you should immediately jump headfirst into someone else's ice hole after the bathhouse."
"I don't understand what you mean..."
"I mean that idiots might cut a hole in the ice near the shore, and instead of diving into the water, you'll end up playing mole, trying to dig a burrow with your whole body!"
"Still..."
"You lost your people, I understand. You want to help me find out what happened to Earth. But let's leave the emotions aside for a moment and think about what could go wrong," I suggested.
"It sounds as if you do not want to return to your home planet and help your fellow Earthlings," Sar noted warily.
"Chaya, those are your emotions talking," I said. "My home, if the Ascended are to be believed, is in another universe."
"If they can be believed," she said, her voice trembling.
Well, if I had well-founded doubts, she could have them too.
I think we both realized that the coincidences—her returning to human form followed almost immediately by the culling of the Proculians by the Wraith—were far too convenient.
I can understand a Wraith attack on her world in the timeline I know. Back then, she was Ascended, she came to Atlantis, and Proculus was attacked by the Wraith, forcing the girl to return and protect the planet.
Back then, the Wraith across the galaxy had been awakened. But now, when the Wraith are sleeping... Or are they no longer sleeping, because they found my ship and collectively decided that the good old tasty Lantean lasagna was back on the menu?
Either way, it had only been two days since my return to Atlantis from Sudaria. Too fast for a Hive ship to reach Proculus. Too many coincidences.
"Then I think you understand me," I said. "If what happened on your planet was indeed engineered by them... If you're right, and they intended to use me to provide the city with new energy reserves at the cost of my life, then this whole story starts to smell foul."
"What are you talking about?" Chaya asked.
"Ganos Lal and Melia spoke to me," I admitted. The Proculian's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "According to them, an expedition from Earth was supposed to arrive in the city. But that didn't happen. Something happened in the Milky Way that altered the causal link. It also killed, or neutralized, all the Ascended in that galaxy. And those who went there to investigate. Whatever it is, it is expanding and will eventually, in the foreseeable future, reach the Pegasus Galaxy."
"A weapon against the Ascended?" Sar wondered. "Is that even possible? They are pure energy."
I dug through my memory, looking for the right explanation.
"Energy must have a specific charge. Imagine another charge appearing that can cancel out the existing one? Like two waves that, when they collide, neutralize each other."
"You have a very strange understanding of what Ascension is," Chaya yanked her arm out of my grip.
"Sorry, but no one left me any manuals or guidebooks; I'm using what's in my head," I spread my hands. "But it doesn't change the core of the matter. 'The Others lie.' That was written by you, for you. What is that entry about?"
"I don't know."
"It's about how they can't be trusted. Most likely—not a single word they say. Their own actions indicate that their stories of how they fear the unknown weapon don't align with reality. One of them already committed a rule violation: I am here. They are threatened by an unknown weapon, yet they do nothing to save themselves. Moreover, there is me, but they decided it would be better to kill me and continue preserving Atlantis. Why? If I can help them, it would be more logical not to hinder those who intend to become my allies. Especially since you didn't help or hinder their group of non-interferers in any way."
"It sounds logical, but I do not understand where you are leading."
"What if the Others are lying to us about not knowing what happened in the Milky Way?" I asked. "In my memory, Earth could have been destroyed twenty times over, but it was always saved by a miracle. What if the Ascended know the danger of the passage to Earth? After all, notice that anything could be there—a black hole, an exploded planet, a dead planet, an occupied one, and so on. If the Ascended want to get rid of us, why wouldn't they try to send us into the heart of the fire? We'd have to cross to the other side to scout. And believe me, there is no ZPM on Earth to open the gate back to Atlantis."
"Because if there were, they would have done it already."
The snap of my fingers came naturally.
"Exactly. See, we understand each other. So what shall we do? Risk getting into trouble, or postpone it for now?"
"What do you suggest?" Chaya asked.
"First, I want to remind you that neither your descendants nor mine, nor any friends, are on Earth. That means we're in no hurry. There are only two of us in the city. In a malfunctioning city full of laboratories with various dangerous inventions. We have almost no food except for these loathsome bars. We have no engines; we won't be able to get away if things get really bad. It's the two of us against an entire galaxy swarming with Wraith. I don't think we should rush headlong into fulfilling the Ascended's errands."
"What, excuse me?" the girl was taken aback. "You... you said yourself they gave you a task."
"Yes, and thanks to you, I know they tried to drown me to suit some plans of theirs," I reminded her. "Do you think that increases my desire to complete their task quickly?"
"But... the threat, you said so yourself."
"The threat is to the Ascended, not to us," I reminded her. "At least, I hope so. Therefore, once we become stronger, repair the city, or perhaps find Ancient starships like an Aurora-class or something similar, we will undoubtedly head to the Milky Way. And try to understand how bad things are there. Or, conversely, how good. But not now, when we don't even have the means to leave this planet. Don't you think it would be quite foolish to head to another galaxy as a pair when we have no resources and no guarantee of returning?"
Sar seemed somewhat embarrassed.
"Yes, you are likely right," she said. "I... I grew up in a time when Lantean orders were not questioned. And... the destruction of my people has affected me more than I thought. I wanted to complete the mission of the Ascended you spoke of quickly, so that... perhaps..."
"You thought they would help save your people?" I clarified.
"Yes," the girl said, embarrassed. "Perhaps I think too well of them. After all that has happened..."
She didn't finish, but it became clear she had her own skeletons in the closet. Then again, who didn't?
"A perfectly understandable desire," I said. "I have it easier in that regard. This isn't my universe; I have nothing to hold onto here except what I have here and now. It just so happened that Atlantis became my home. A beautiful, desirable home. But I have no wish to risk it for the sake of some accidents that might occur due to haste and a desire to serve the Ancients. No offense, guys," I tilted my head back as if hoping the control room ceiling would part and the Ascended, floating on clouds, would listen to my words with interest, "but I have a whole baggage of knowledge and painful experience in matters done in haste. I will undoubtedly visit the neighboring galaxy, but later. You wait there for a couple of... mmm, years, maybe centuries. and I will definitely solve your problems. Don't worry, I won't ditch you like you ditched me."
Chaya looked at what I was doing with curiosity, then, unable to contain herself, burst out laughing.
"Do you truly believe they are invisibly present here, eavesdropping on us?" she asked.
"Better safe than sorry," I shrugged. "In any case," I spread my arms wide, "as you can see, I haven't been struck by lightning, haven't turned into photoplasma, haven't dissolved into atoms..."
An awkward silence followed.
To be honest, I wasn't sure the Pegasus Ascended wouldn't react, but... they have a policy of strict non-interference, don't they?
Nothing happened.
Exactly as I had hoped.
I think if I had flatly refused to do what they wanted, there would have been those willing, or "fall guys," who would have come into the human world to make me understand I was wrong. Those explanations would likely have been lethal.
But we have what we have.
Since the Ancients decided they could play with me, why shouldn't I do the same?
Truly, I have no grievances against the local Earth, but no reverent awe either. Yes, the heroes of the series that introduced me to this universe live there (possibly). But... so what? Am I supposed to dissolve into primordial soup on the deck right now, prostrating myself before them? For what? They are nothing to me. They didn't save my life. I am neither friend, nor kin, nor brother to them. Consequently, I have no intention of rushing to Earth's aid without preparing for the possibility that everything in the Milky Way is very bad. Especially when the words of the Ascended shouldn't be trusted.
Specifically, just like Chaya herself.
I need to be on guard but not let my paranoia decide for me.
One way or another, either the Ancients will give me a good drubbing for such self-will, or they will be satisfied that I promised to fulfill the promise someday and find out what happened.
I don't want to rush the latter at the very least because... if some anomaly occurred thanks to which I appeared here—say, a time loop or something similar—then... why would I fix it? So that I don't appear here? No thanks, I like it here. I risked my life to bring this city back to life, so, no offense, but this is my city. And I will decide how to live here and what to do. In the latter case, preferably doing as little stupid shit as possible so as not to create enemies for myself.
I suspect they will appear quite naturally anyway.
"Well," Chaya, apparently also expecting a reaction from the Ancients, seemed satisfied by its absence. "Since you are demonstrating a leadership position in every way, let it be so. You seem to have more knowledge of this time than I do. On my part, I promise to help you in any way I can. I am quite well-versed in Lantean technology, so... I will be of some use."
"Even more than you think," I smiled. Unable to help myself, I let my gaze sweep over her figure. Average height, slender, with "front and back nineties" that weren't overly prominent.
Not that I was staring at her... Oh, who am I kidding, I was staring. A lovely girl. Yes, she's older than I've been alive since I was a twinkle in my father's eye, but...
The past is done. I won't return to my universe; Marina can't be brought here...
What a fool! I could have at least asked the Voice to do it! But I didn't even think about it. Perhaps Marina was right when, during our arguments, she called me an utter egoist who adapts to circumstances that only benefit me. I didn't even have a thought in my head about bringing her with me... Why? Who knows...
At the moment, Chaya Sar is the only female representative in my company. So why not make the girl feel good by showing some attention? Within reasonable limits, of course.
I think she could use a bit more attention from a human. Support isn't exactly my strongest suit, but... it's what we have.
Chaya looked at me with suspicion and distrust. My gaze must have been too lingering.
"Don't worry," I assured her. "Office romances aren't my thing."
"Nor mine," she said quickly. "I think we should get back to work."
"Fully agree," I nodded. "And I have something in mind."
"Meaning?" she asked.
"I know a little planet where a soldier is bored, one who really, really dislikes the Wraith," I smiled. "And the locals are very, very friendly toward the Ancients."
"I am not sure that after everything, you and I can be considered Ancients," Chaya shook her head.
"And who's going to stop us?" I spread my hands. "We're not sending them to war; we just want to make acquaintances. Only... we should look for what we can offer the natives in exchange for food... Preferably not something that, at the first capture of the Athosians by the Wraith, would give away Lantean technology."
"A challenge, indeed," Chaya wrinkled her brow.
* * *
"I will be the one speaking with them. Otherwise, I'm afraid the locals won't be able to take you seriously."
"Whatever made you think that?"
"Your outfit..."
"This is a light armored suit for infantry, an experimental development that never went into production," the girl explained. "It is designed to dissipate impact energy without harming the armor's wearer. What could be wrong with it?"
"Let's just say it makes one look anywhere but at the eyes."
Chaya, walking beside me, nearly stumbled as she stepped over a fallen log. Only by grabbing the girl by the waist and pulling her close did I save the Proculian from leaving an imprint of her face on the autumn leaves and the rain-soaked tropical path.
The girl gave me an unkind look.
"I do not understand your sarcasm, Mikhail."
"And I understand where Anubis got the technology for creating the armor of the Kull warriors," I sighed.
"Excuse me?"
"I forgive you," I smiled.
"Actually, you're wearing the same armored suit..." The girl narrowed her eyes but decided not to finish the sentence, continuing along the path. "You're always joking. Trying to distract me from thoughts of my people?"
"I'm doing everything in my power," I had to admit. In truth, I was trying to look at her back as little as possible. It just so happened there were only two suits, and I definitely wouldn't have fit into the one she took—it was small even for Chaya. Mine, however, was fine, even comfortable.
Except that, unlike Chaya, I also had an Ancient pulse blaster and a personal shield attached under the glossy plastic-like plates of the breastplate.
And in the backpack on my back...
I... remembered something.
Anubis's Kull warrior. Frame from the series.
Kull warriors were the development of a semi-ascended Goa'uld named Anubis. Due to a blunder by Oma Desala, an Ascended, he gained access to much of the knowledge of the Ancients and the Ascended. And he successfully applied it in practice. Kull warriors were the fruit of an experiment intended to be the elite of his army.
The mutants, clad in impenetrable armor, caused a great deal of harm in the known events. And I always had questions about where Anubis got the technology to create such excellent armor that protected against any damage. As it turns out—Lantean development.
Though... truthfully, comparing Chaya's outfit with a Kull warrior's outfit, I had doubts about which one was more decent. At least Anubis made sure the under-armor suit was cloth, not glistening latex. Honestly, it was both tempting and risky to ask Sar which military sex shop she found this outfit in...
Chaya's experimental light armored suit. And yes, this is a frame from "Blade II". I'm shocked myself that actress Leonor Varela (Chaya Sar) played in it.
I think it's time to start exploring the labs of Atlantis. Surely there's more than just something extraordinarily lethal there. Although... I remember a couple of those inventions and... I really don't want to encounter various nanoviruses that kill everyone except carriers of the ATA Gene, different energy entities that feed on electricity, including human electricity... And so on and so forth...
We reached Athos without the slightest trouble, encountering no one at the gate. The Puddle Jumper, surrounding itself with a cloaking field, soared into the sky to assess the situation. We found the local settlement without much effort. We had to fiddle around to find a place for "parking." Halfway from the gate to the settlement was a decent clearing where our ship could easily wait for our return under cloak. No need for just anyone to see a Lantean ship here.
The Athosian settlement reminded me most of a nomadic camp. Something between travel tents and yurts on wooden bases. And quite a significant number of them.
In the streets were hearths for cooking, and men and women sat by their dwellings, going about their business. And while I mostly didn't care about that, Chaya was examining the Athosians with great interest.
And they were staring at us with all their eyes.
I think our appearance set us apart quite strongly from their usual visitors.
"Good day to you," stopping at the entrance to the largest "yurt" in the middle of a trampled patch of clearing turned into something like a square, I looked around. The locals gathered around us, not pointing fingers but quietly discussing. "A few days ago, a man named Alvar arrived here. I'd like to meet with him—he promised to stay with you for three days and the time isn't up yet."
"And who might you be?" a voice came from the crowd. "What's your name?"
"I don't have a name; people just call me 'Hey, you!'"
Time to diversify the idiom dictionary of the Pegasus Galaxy society.
Unlike Chaya, the locals liked the joke. The Proculian isn't particularly smiley in general. But emotions occasionally burst out of her, so there's a suspicion that her "iron lady" persona is just a front. Just as I'm "watching" her, she isn't wasting time either.
"We will not harm any of you," she said. "We are simply looking for a friend."
The flap of the main yurt was pushed back and a familiar being appeared.
"I wouldn't say Misha and I are friends," Alvar stated. "But we chased some Wraith together."
"And I also made your life easier," I had to remind him. Knowing how Runners are treated in the galaxy—some pity them, while others try to kill them or, at best, escort them out—I decided not to advertise that fact. "And I promised to come and talk."
"Right," Jensen smirked. "Will you introduce me to your friend?"
He nodded toward Chaya.
I responded with the same gesture, but toward the chestnut-haired young woman I knew so well from the series, who was standing next to the Runner.
"First, you introduce me to your acquaintance. Something tells me she can speak for everyone present here."
"I am Teyla Emmagan, daughter of Tagan," the Athosian leader took a step forward, studying us without embarrassment.
Teyla Emmagan.
"Mikhail," I introduced myself and pointed to my companion. "And this lovely lady is Chaya."
"Mikhail?" Jensen was surprised. "I suppose 'Misha' is a diminutive? Or made up?"
"It's a secret name revealed only to friends," I said, clouding the issue. "After all, we fought against the Wraith together. That's worth something. I hope you haven't blabbed my secret name to everyone around? Otherwise, I'll have to become friends with everyone at once. It would be awkward otherwise."
Laughter was heard among the Athosians.
Well, what do you know, my jokes are a hit here.
"Fighting side by side against the Wraith is worth much," Teyla said, making an inviting gesture inside. "Alvar told us about you. Although," she measured Chaya with an attentive look, "he said you would come alone."
"Well, I couldn't leave a lovely girl without a walk in the fresh air in the company of good people," the smile on my face elicited a matching one from Teyla, a smirk from Jensen, and a bewildered-angry expression from Chaya. "Besides, as I've heard, you have tea that is amazing in taste and vigor."
"Yes, but we drink it before dawn," Teyla exchanged a glance with Alvar. "And it is already noon."
"On the other hand, one can always adjust the clock hand, can't one?" the former Runner quipped, eyeing my companion.
"I don't like him," Sar whispered.
"You're not supposed to," I replied. "He's a soldier, a pilot, an opponent of the Wraith, not a fashion model."
"These people also do not give the impression of being developed enough to master advanced technologies," Chaya said in a whisper when we were already at the entrance.
"Oh, believe me, they'll have something to surprise you with," I smirked.
One way or another, we went inside the main yurt. In the center stood a large wooden table with food and the aromatic contents of simple mugs. Teyla, with a restrained introduction of us to the Athosians present inside, indicated for us to take seats next to her.
To her left, a bit further from the Runner, who was sitting right there. It seemed he had some influence among the locals, seeing as by the rules of simple civilizations he was sitting so close to the leader.
Well, time to start getting to know the locals.