Borealis (Stargate Atlantis FF)

Chapter 6 New power in the galaxy

Something stronger was a very good idea. Seeing the destroyed fleet of Wraith ships was not really easy to get used to.

"So, what's the story with the fleet" asked John when Larrin finally joined them at the table.

"We were ferrying people to this planet for a few days since one of our own was culled lately and it was a perfect planet for us to settle. Far from major wraith paths, without a gate to find us, with a perfect land and all. And then a Wraith hive showed up."

"You said there were seven hives..." Interjected Rodney impatiently.

"It was about a month ago." Said Larrin. Then she continued her story. "We were saved by an unknown spaceship. It sent a message first to the wraith then after the hive fired on it it destroyed the hive in three shots."

"Wow?" said Rodney.

"Furthermore the ship docked us, sent three of their engineers to help us with the systems, gave us this modified jumper you had the pleasure to fly AND offered us protection."

"Like from the Wraith?" Asked Ronon seeming interested in the topic for the first time.

"You can see the result of the 'protection' on your own." Commented Larrin. "We were given a device to be inserted in our navigation console in case the Wraith came and threatened us here. So as soon as we noticed the fleet we did as asked and two minutes after that the Borealis came."

"Borealis?" Asked Teyla.

"That's the name of a ship." The Traveler explained. "She's huge and powerful and definitely Ancient tech."

"And by huge you mean..." started John.

"Huge. It's like it was designed to dock smaller ships, just like this one." Replied Larrin with a serious face. "It's a power to be feared."

"And you're saying that what was once a small Wraith fleet became what we just saw." John wanted to straighten it up. "That a single ship did that."

"Yes."

"Were they threatening you" asked Teyla, "or demanding something from you for their protection?"

"No. They just ask the protected peoples to consider giving up some of the supplies to help in keeping the crew of Borealis alive."

"Wait. Peoples? As in more than you?" Asked Ronon.

"We know of at least three planets under their protection." Answered Larrin truthfully. "And not one of them was made to relinquish food. They do it voluntarily. Sometimes Borealis does not take the offerings."

"Like they're not good enough?" Ronon again. "Creepy."

"No, not like that." Countered Larrin. "They do not take when there is not much food for the population or when they have enough for themselves."

"How do you know that?" Asked Teyla. "Maybe they just say that?"

"My sister is there, she knows what is happening inside."

"You mean you have a spy?" Asked Rodney.

"No. It's another thing that characterizes Borealis. They request at least one person from each place they protect to be some kind of liaison. At first I thought it was to ensure our submission but after three weeks and Lanis' visit I changed my mind about it."

"Don't tell me" grumbled McKay. "Your sister looks like you, doesn't she..."

"She is fifteen. Last time I spoke to her she was about to take position as one of the officers on the bridge of Borealis. And she was very happy."