Chapter 76

M2S-998

For thousands of years the planet known in the Atlantis database as M2S-998 had severed as the primary ship building facility of the Wraith. The barren world contained no life, other than the vessels grown there and their associated minders. With no stargate this world possessed very little need for physical security on the ground. High above in orbit the gathered fleet of Wraith vessels more than ensured no harm would come to what grew on the surface below.

Eight hive sh.i.p.s in concert with sixteen cruisers stood sentry between the planet and its sole moon. Wraith ego assured the crews of these vessels that no harm could ever possibly come to the world they guarded. Even during the height of the Lantean Wraith war not once was this planet touched. The thought of any opposing force fighting finding this planet let alone fighting through its security screen was inconceivable. Had Wraith sensors been more sensitive the group of Tauri vessels that had entered the system under cloak two hours before might have been detected.

Taking position four hundred thousand kilometers adjacent of the planet the combined vessels of the Pegasus Group sat. With cloaking fields engaged they were all but undetectable. Ares, Hammond, Daedalus, Sun Tzu, Apollo, and Odyssey were primed and ready for the actions to come. Aboard Ares and Apollo science staffs from Atlantis were busy checking and rechecking the systems and calibrations of the Horizon weapons system aboard both vessels. Nothing would be left to chance.

On the bridge of the Ares impatiently sat Colonel John Sheppard, waiting for the distraction he had arranged for the guarding Wraith vessels. Checking his watch every few moments Sheppard was growing more and more annoyed with each passing second. The communications officer signaled to the Colonel an incoming video message from the Apollo.

"This is Sheppard, go ahead Apollo" stated John.

"Todd was supposed to be here twenty minutes ago. He may have backed out and left us holding the bag" said an agitated Colonel Ellis.

"Maybe he's just stuck in traffic. Look, Todd knows this helps him just as much as it helps us. He'll be here" replied Sheppard.

"Well Colonel I hope for everyone's sake you're right. Our Horizon is checked out and good to go" said Ellis.

"Same here. Once Todd gets here he will follow the script. Once the Wraith engage his forces Ares and Apollo will move in for weapons deployment. Just be patient" replied Sheppard with a wry and somewhat sarcastic smile.

No sooner had the message ended when Sheppard was informed of another incoming subspace message. Nodding his head and waving his hand in the air Sheppard instructed the communications officer to display the incoming message on the holographic display screen. Coming to life the screen was filled with the face of their sometimes ally Todd.

"Ah, John Sheppard. Were you beginning to wonder if I wouldn't show" asked Todd with a trace of sarcasm in his voice.

"I knew you would show Todd, so quit trying to be a comedian. Where exactly are you" asked Sheppard.

"Even now I am approaching. We will be exiting hyperspace in thirty seconds" answered Todd.

"Just stick to your side of the bargain and everyone wins. Draw the fleet away and we'll handle the rest. I mean it Todd" countered Sheppard somewhat sternly.

"I wouldn't dream of doing anything else John Sheppard" replied Todd in a tone that always made Sheppard's skin crawl.

"Yeah that's the part that worries me. Sheppard out" stated Sheppard bring the exchange to an end.

Seconds later sensors aboard the waiting Tauri vessels detected the two large hyperspace vessels opening in the distance. Emerging from the two tears in space could be seen two Hive sh.i.p.s. Seeing the energy readings from the two newly arrived sh.i.p.s confirmed what had been suspected, Todd was committing both of his ZPM powered Hive Sh.i.p.s to the fight.

Onboard the Wraith vessels standing guard over the planet below sensors also detected the two new arrivals. As a group the assorted Hives and cruisers oriented themselves towards the two approaching vessels. Communications screens and Wraith telepathy both came into play with the same message from Todd.

"My brothers, I have come to offer you sanctuary from the rule of the queens you currently serve. It is not my wish to destroy you, only to show you a new path that can be followed. Surrender now and join me. You have one minute to decide" said Todd with an air of superiority.

In reply the assorted Wraith vessels broke into two groups of four hives and eight cruisers. Each of these groups began powering their weapons, deploying darts, and advanced towards the two intruding vessels before them. While this transpired Odyssey, Hammond, Daedalus, and Sun Tzu formed a defensive line of cloaked vessels along the path Ares and Apollo would take towards the planet.

"Sensors are detecting Wraith forces are powering weapons. Todd's sh.i.p.s are doing the same" called out the sensor operator.

"Roger that. Signal Apollo to begin the attack run once all Wraith forces are engaged" ordered Sheppard.