Chapter 87

M7N-549

Three hours into the exploration of M7N-549 the Borealis reconnaissance team had little to show for their efforts. The indigenous population of the world was composed of nomadic tribes similar to the plains Indians found on Earth at one time. It was found that the tribes were insular in nature, shunning attempts of first contact. It was hoped that other discoveries would be possible.

"This is kind of reminding me of Dancing with Wolves" said Greer.

"I never figured you for the Kevin Costner movie type" laughed Lt. Scott.

"If you build it they will come" said Greer before laughing hysterically.

"I don't know about you guys but I'm hot. I recommend we head back to the jumper and do an aerial recon and see if we can find anything with the sensors" suggested Brody.

"I'm in agreement with him" chimed in Sergeant West.

"Ok, let's double time it back to the jumper and we'll see what we can find" replied Scott.

Making quick time to the jumper the team quickly embarked and began a detailed aerial survey of the world below them. In the search for more information on worlds visited a standing practice of equipping each team with a jumper had been instituted by Doctor Jackson.

"According to the sensors this entire world is very much like the state of Kansas. Flat, great for crops like grain, and not heavily populated. I'm also detecting large herds of something similar to buffalo down there" stated Brody.

"Dances with wolves man, I'm telling ya" repeated Greer.

"Yeah we got that part Greer, thanks. Any energy signatures, structures, anything at all" asked Scott.

"I'm picking up structures one hundred miles to the north. Transferring coordinates to the nav now" replied Brody.

In short time the Jumper covered the distance. Magnifying the scenery below on the view screen the team saw before them stone ruins. At one point long ago it appeared that the ruins had been a major city similar to what one might find in ancient Greece. Pillars everywhere, a crumbled acropolis, and what seemed to be a toppled city wall were all that remained.

"No energy readings and nothing down there" confidently stated Brody.

"Ok I'll set her down and we'll go take a look. Doctor Jackson wants as much photographic doc.u.mentation as possible" replied Scott.

After a quick low level pass by the jumper they began their decent, touching down in an opening near the acropolis. Grabbing their weapons the team quickly dismounted from within the jumper, ready to begin their survey of the area.

"I'm thinking we start with the large structure there, catalog any writing that might be present, and then we'll finish off with video from the jumper of the site" suggested Brody.

"That sounds like a good idea. I don't like how exposed we are here Sir" interjected Greer.

"Yeah, let's do it that way. Better safe than sorry" agreed Scott.

"Why do you think they abandoned this place" asked West.

"Civilizations rise and fall. Maybe the Wraith culled them and for their own safety they became nomads" replied Brody.

"Whatever happened really tore this place up" added Greer.

"From the looks of things I'm thinking weapons fire destroyed most of this place. Age doesn't do this" stated West.

Entering what was the largest building that remained standing the team noticed badly faded paintings upon the stone walls. Beneath each scene was what appeared to be writing in a language none of them could hope to comprehend. Despite being faded from age and neglect the scenes depicted were clearly visible. Charring of sections of the paint was also noted. Thirty minutes into photographing everything in the ruined structure a high pitch growl was heard as it blazed overhead. Hearing this the four men froze in their tracks.

"Is that what I think it is" asked West.

"If you think it's a Wraith dart then yes it is" replied Brody.

"Crap, ok everybody let's move! Back to the jumper" shouted Scott.

"That might not be the best idea. If they flew right overhead they know we're here and the jumper isn't cloaked" reminded Greer.

"Sir, take Brody to the jumper and we'll cover you" replied West.

In a flash Scott and Brody ran to the entrance of the building. Looking out the entryway and seeing nothing between them and the jumper the two men sprinted towards the craft. Twenty yards before reaching the jumper energy based weapons fire erupted around them. Charging ahead at full speed the two men boarded their transport while sealing the rear ramp. Seeing this from the building West and Greer ran towards the opposite end of the structure for a rear exit. Finding one they began stealthily easing towards a vantage point at the corner of the building between them and those firing upon their teammates.

"Wraith, I count four. You stay here and lay down suppressing fire if they fire on either of us. I'll move forward for a better firing position" ordered Greer.

"Roger that" replied West.

Quietly creeping forward in a crouch with his weapon at the ready Greer advanced. Coming to a pile of ruble taller than he was Greer climbed the pile of stone blocks, laid in a prone position, and took aim on the closest of the four Wraith warriors near him. While this transpired Scott cloaked the jumper and got airborne at Greer's urging.

"West, I'm targeting the inner most Wraith in the line. Wait for my shot then fire at will on targets of opportunity" ordered Greer into his radio earpiece.

"Give me twenty seconds, I've got a better sight picture from the front of the building" replied West.

"Roger that, hurry" acknowledged Greer.

Moving as quickly as silent movement allowed West covered the distance in a less than thirty seconds. Adrenaline coursed through his veins as he lifted his rifle, bringing the sight picture to bear on an approaching Wraith. Forgetting his training and the need to notify Greer that he was in position the young soldier opened fire on the approaching figure with a zeal approaching bloodl.u.s.t. Seeing his rounds impact he continued to fire.