The Specialist
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Stargate: SG-1 › Stargate Atlantis
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
6
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Category:
Stargate: SG-1 › Stargate Atlantis
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
6
Views:
2,071
Reviews:
1
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Stargate Atlantis, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Confession
Title: THE SPECIALIST
Author: Lacenire
Date: 12/13/05
Part:5
Rating: NC-17/ MA
Characters: Ronon/ Morwen (OC)
Archiving: Wraithbait.com
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Word Count: 3383
Disclaimers:
I do not own Ronon or any characters from Stargate Atlantis, he simply inspires me like no other. I do not make money from my stories so please do not sue me.
Summary:
Ronon Dex tries to look up old friends, but is once more captured by the Wraith and taken to a Hive ship where he meets a ghost from his past.
******CONFESSION******
Ronon allowed the three marines to circle him warily as they searched for an opening in his defensive posture. He had taken to joining them in their training rooms and frequently sparred with them as a way to help them hone their hand to hand combat skills, and to work off his own frustrations. It was getting harder and harder to find a challenger, as most of the military had already been soundly beaten by him. It was no coincidence that the others looking on from the sidelines were making quiet bets about how long their teammates would last against the angry tiger in their midst.
Without warning Ronon allowed the burning anger he felt to burst forth as his body uncoiled and he sprang forward at the nearest man. The move, though expected, caught the man somewhat off-guard as Ronon attacked him with a ferocity usually reserved for one’s deadliest enemies. The man had just enough time to duck before a large muscled arm swung around over the spot where his head would have been. The reverse move could not be avoided however, as Ronon slammed his left leg into the marine’s stomach, sending him gasping to his knees.
The other two marines thought to take Ronon down with a combined effort and rushed towards him as he focused on their companion. It was as if Ronon had eyes behind his head as he reversed his direction with a twist of his body that had the first man swinging into empty air and toppling into a body roll as he fell off-balanced by Ronon’s movement. The second marine was able to catch Ronon in a strangle hold as he was twisting his body. The man tried to apply enough pressure to cause Ronon to yield, but instead he felt himself being drawn over Ronon’s head as large hands gripped ‘his’ head and…pulled. Ronon was about to deliver several sound body punches, when his com-unit activated.
“Ronon, come in, over.”
Ronon paused as he heard Sheppard’s voice, debating in his mind whether or not he should answer. Things had become somewhat strained between them after Ronon had accidentally broken Teyla’s arm during a sparring session. Teyla had forgiven him for the act almost immediately, and had even begged Dr Weir to give him another chance, when she seemed determined to have him leave Atlantis. Sheppard however, constantly delivered jibes about his primal nature as if hoping Ronon would attack him in anger so that he could retaliate.
Ronon was saddened by the whole situation, and hated Morwen even more for her role in destroying his trust for people. He truly respected Sheppard and instinctively knew that if anyone in Atlantis could take him, it would be Sheppard. Ronon remembered teasing Sheppard about his unwillingness to fight, but after serving with him, he now knew that while he had the advantage in size, technique and stamina, Sheppard could actually beat him because he was more cunning and an excellent strategist.
“Ronon Dex, come in over!” Sheppard’s voice sounded annoyed the second time around.
“Ronon Dex here.”
Ronon touched his com-unit and signaled to his adversaries that he was done with the activity, much to their relief and the disappointment of the onlookers.
“What is it Sheppard?”
“Grab your gear and meet me and the rest of the team in the Briefing Room in twenty minutes. We have a mission. Sheppard out!”
~At last! A chance to go off-world. I was getting tired of Atlantis and all the rules. I need to really let loose!~
As Ronon headed to the locker room for a quick shower before grabbing his gear, he determinedly suppressed his rising trepidation that he might encounter Morwen on this mission.
It was two months since that fateful night on Belkan, when he had learned that Morwen was a traitor. He was resolute in his intention to execute her, yet each time he went out with the team he secretly hoped he would not meet her.
~How I can I kill her? It would be like killing myself, I couldn’t possibly survive knowing I had been the one to end her life. But what of my people? And what of all those other people she has helped the Wraith to kill? NO! I must not deny my duty! She MUST die!~
**********
“TAKE COVER!“
Colonel Sheppard’s cry seemed redundant, as Ronon and the others in the team had immediately assessed the situation and had dived into the underbrush to avoid detection. They had arrived in the midst of a Wraith attack, and the screeching whine of over-flying Darts was unmistakable.
“Listen up people, we need to make a break for the Gate and dial the Alpha Site before those Darts manage to capture one of us. It’s too late to help these people.”
Sheppard’s orders were expected and it was quickly decided that Lieutenant Cox, Teyla’s temporary replacement, would dial the Gate and then the others would make a dash to it.
As Ronon listened to the plan he scanned the area for threats or fleeing refugees that could be helped before they left. Suddenly he caught sight of movement in a clump of bushes, to the team’s right. It seemed that they were being watched!
~At last, some action!~
“Don’t wait for me!“
With only those words to alert his teammates of his intention, Ronon quickly sprang out of the concealing bushes and ran towards the stalker with his gun set on stun…just in case it was a friend or frightened villager.
“Ronon STOP! you big…SHHIT!”
Sheppard’s frustrated call was ignored as Ronon continued in the direction of the bushes. When the watcher saw him coming the figure withdrew and started to running in the opposite direction…towards the Darts.
~I can’t believe it! Why run to the Wraith?~
Curious now, Ronon ran harder in an attempt to catch up to the individual. As he got closer he realized that the stalker was not a man as he had first thought, he was chasing a woman!
~Could it be…could it be Morwen?~
Ronon fired his gun at the retreating back, but only managed to graze her as she anticipated his action and twisted to one side. Ronon was now convinced that he was chasing Morwen, no other woman he knew could anticipate him like that.
“Morwen STOP!” he cried out to her, hoping she would cease her mad dash towards the Wraith Darts flying over the village.
Regretfully, Ronon fired at her again, this time he made sure to anticipate ‘her’ next move. He caught her squarely on her back, sending her tumbling onto the ground where she remained still.
Ronon approached Morwen warily, knowing her knack for deception, his caution was not needed however since she was out cold. He had not thought what he would do once he had captured her, he did know now that he could not kill her in cold blood as he had Kell.
“So what are you going to do now Big Guy?”
Ronon turned to see Sheppard standing at his side, just like in the old days. It warmed his heart to see him there, after all the strain of the past two months. Not speaking, Ronon bent to scoop Morwen into his arms before sprinting back to the Gate where he jumped through with her in his arms and Sheppard close on his heels.
**********
The room and it’s contents, slowly came into focus as Morwen awoke as if from a deep sleep. She found that she was still quite groggy, and the room seemed unfamiliar and the architecture strange, almost alien. There were no windows and as Morwen’s eyes continued to scan the room she caught sight of the doorway which was covered by some kind of force field.
~A prison then,~ she thought.
It was hard to remember how she got to be in that room. The last thing she remember was being chased by Ronon through the forest on Obelia. It was a surprise to see him after the two months of the anguish she had suffered since they had been together on Belkan. It hurt even now as she thought about what she had been forced to do to her people…to Ronon.
As Morwen continued to try to focus her thoughts and take in her new circumstances, she heard a soft rustling behind her. It took some effort to turn, especially since there was a sharp pain in her back, but finally she was able to see the rest of the room and it’s co-inhabitant…Ronon.
“Why Morwen? Just tell me why.”
Ronon’s impassioned plea stabbed at Morwen’s heart. She found that she could not meet his eyes, and instead she tried to turn around to once more face away from him and the pained expression in his eyes.
“NO…YOU…DON’T! I want an answer, and I want one NOW…or I swear by our Gods, I’ll kill you right now!”
Ronon had grabbed Morwen’s arm, preventing her from turning away. She recognized the beginnings of a consuming rage in his body posture and tone of voice. She didn’t care. She wanted him to kill her, to hurt her. She deserved no better.
“Let go of her Ronon! You’ll open up her back and start her bleeding again.”
Dr Beckett had come into the cell and unceremoniously pushed Ronon away while he bent to examine Morwen’s back. Ronon stood glaring at her as she defiantly refused to look at him, even though she felt his fury clear across the room. As Dr Beckett continued his examination, Morwen gratefully heard Ronon stalk out of the room, roughly pushing aside the guards as he went.
“You know lassie…you’re going to have to talk to him sometime, preferably sooner, rather than later.”
Dr Beckett spoke his words quietly and gently patted Morwen’s arm in empathy. He had heard about the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Ronon and Morwen, and like everyone else, he had judged her as being guilty of treason. Now, after seeing her unconscious on his operating table, he could not perceive any evilness about her and was curious to find out why she had performed those wicked deeds.
Morwen focused on Dr Beckett as he uttered his advice and gently patted her arm. He seemed kindly and well intentioned, and reminded Morwen of her long dead father. It had been so long since she had been able to confide in anyone, that contrary to her resolve, Morwen found herself pouring out the whole story to Dr Beckett.
The tears which came slowly at first, were no more than an annoyance to be swiped away. As the story progressed however, and Morwen was encouraged to tell all, she found herself sobbing uncontrollably. Dr Beckett listening in alarm and concern, found himself having to hold her, to provide the comforting that she so desperately needed.
“Listen lassie, you have to tell Ronon exactly what you told me.”
“NO! I’ve already lost too much, I can’t risk losing him again! Please don‘t tell him what I told you!”
Morwen impassioned plea was very moving and Dr Beckett found himself considering her words carefully before giving his reply.
“Morwen, I can’t see how you could avoid telling Ronon. He has vowed to execute you for treason. I think the only reason he hasn’t as yet is because he still loves you and wants to believe that you have a valid reason for betraying your people. You have to tell him. If you don’t, then I am going to tell him. This thing is bigger than you and him, it has implications for all of us.”
“You don’t understand Doctor, even if I tell him I still can’t stay here. I have a tracking device in my back, and if I don’t return soon the Wraith will come looking for me or worse.”
“On that note, you can rest easy, because the tracker has been removed and destroyed.”
Dr Beckett expected Morwen to be pleased that she was now free of the tracking device, instead she flew into a rage.
“Put it back! Oh Gods please don’t them have realized it’s gone! YOU HAVE TO PUT IT BACK NOW!”
Morwen’s hysterical crying and fighting against her restraints, caused the guards outside the cell to enter to help Dr Beckett restrain her. The three men still could not stop her from pulling at her bindings so much that her arms were soon rubbed raw. In the end, Dr Beckett had to inject her with a sedative which soon had her in a fitful sleep.
**********
Ronon stood outside Morwen’s cell debating whether or not he should enter. Dr Beckett had told him that Morwen had been given a sedative, but should reawaken at this time and would be ready to tell him her story. Apparently she had confided in Dr Beckett, who had insisted that Ronon needed to hear what she had to say before passing judgment.
~I trust Dr Beckett, but what could Morwen say to change the outcome? She has more or less admitted to betraying our People, it’s out of my hands. Morwen is going to be executed, if not by me, then by another Satedan.~
Shaking his head in resignation, Ronon signaled to the guards that they should deactivate the force shield so that he could enter the cell.
Morwen sat staring at the doorway and so knew when Ronon arrived. She had been expecting him, since Dr Beckett had returned to inform her of what he had told Ronon, and to let her know to expect a visit. She was resigned to having to involve Ronon, there was no other way, now that the tracker had been removed.
“I understand that you are now ready to explain your actions?”
Ronon’s coldly uttered question cut Morwen to the core and made what she had to say even more difficult. He had remained standing a short distance away awaiting her answer, as if to symbolize the emotional distance that now existed between them.
“Yes, I have no choice now. I suggest that you pull up a chair, this tale is not an easy one and quite likely you will be shocked by what I reveal.”
“After finding out that you’re a traitor, there is absolutely nothing that you could say that will shock me more. NOW GET ON WITH IT!”
Morwen stared at the tall, angry man in front of her. He was quite rightly furious at her for destroying his dreams for them. She had taken away their present, what he didn’t know as yet was that she was protecting their future. Sighing in resignation, she began:
“The Wraith have been experimenting on us…they have been experimenting on Satedans.”
“WHAT! Why? Why experiment on us?”
Morwen ignored Ronon’s outburst and continued as if he hadn’t spoken.
“Seven years ago, when they launched a culling expedition to Sateda, they captured many of our People, including yourself. When they attempted to feed on the captives, they discovered that while many of our People were susceptible to the special enzyme that they secrete during feeding, many more still, were resistant to the actually feeding activity. They could not draw out our life-forces to sustain their own lives.
At first it was thought to be a fluke, a mutation present in a few, like yourself. These individuals were released as Runners, since it was found that the natural stamina of a Satedan was enhanced by the feeding enzyme. When I saw you in action on the Hive ship, I noticed that you were stronger and faster than before. That is because of the feeding enzyme.
As they captured more and more of our People, they discovered that their inability to feed on us was not a fluke confined to a few individuals. They had found that fully eighty five to ninety percent of the Satedan population was immune to the Wraith! They panicked. They planned and eventually launched an all out attack on Sateda. They tried to wipe us out! They almost succeeded.
They saw us and our genetic anomaly as a threat. Imagine if we were to freely mate among the human populations of Pegasus Galaxy. We would pass on our resistant genes to our offspring. It would spell the end of the Wraith, as their food supply would diminish even more than in recent times. They would eventually starve to death!
About three years ago the Wraith decided to try another tactic to control the spread of our special gene. They realized that it was impossible to completely annihilate an entire People. A few will always escape and survive, to once more increase in numbers. That is when they started to experiment on us, they have been trying to identify the mutant genes and locate the specific chromosomes that contain these genes. I believe they eventually want to subject us, and the other Peoples of the Pegasus Galaxy to some sort of gene therapy, to eliminate the offending genes.”
“So, you have been supplying the Wraith with human test subjects. Is this supposed to save you from execution? It only confirms your guilt and collaboration with the Wraith!”
Ronon was furious. He could not grasp the idea that Morwen had been helping the Wraith to bring about the demise of not just Satedans, but all mankind.
“Listen Ronon, please listen…I told you what I did to give a little background knowledge and to show you that things are not as simple as you thought. I’m going to tell you now my reasons for helping the Wraith.“
“I actually have about two thousand reasons for what I’ve done.” Morwen waited for her statement to sink in.
“What do you mean Morwen? How can you have two thousand reasons?” Ronon’s puzzled look would almost be comical, if the situation was not so dire.
“Ronon, when the Wraith launched their major attack against Sateda, they took almost everyone. From the oldest man to youngest babe in arms. Everyone was tested, and those who could not be fed upon were put to death instantly. The others were placed in stasis to supply the Wraith on an ongoing basis.
One Wraith scientist who was respected, came up with the idea to conduct experiment on some of the captives with the mutant gene. Thousands died during the experimentation, as the Wraith were callous in their treatment of them. It was discovered that the best test subjects for the gene therapy were infants and in particular young children. As a result, about two thousand children have been planted on a planet of unknown location, and different drugs are routinely tested on them to see if there has been any progress in finding a way to eliminate the mutant genes.
I was captured by the Wraith about three years ago, and when it was discovered that I had Specialist training, the Wraith made a deal with me. They told me what they had been up to and gave me a choice. I could either help them discover new Satedan settlements or watch the children held on that secret planet die one by one. I refused, and just for amusement, they killed twenty children, some of whom I had known since their birth. Two of them…my own nieces.
I had no choice but to agree to their terms, and thus I became a Wraith collaborator. I was implanted with a tracking device and told if it was ever removed they would know and twenty children would be killed every day that I remained missing. Every time I’m ‘planted’ among Wraith captives my sole mission is to discover if there are any Satedans and get them to take me to a settlement.
That’s why I didn’t want to go with you, I wanted you to tell me where the settlement was so I could go on my own. I was only able to keep you alive by telling the Wraith that you knew where Satedan settlements were. That’s why I knew the way off the Hive ship, and it was so easy to get off. It was all a plan.”
“Ronon…I don’t care what becomes of me, but you have to convince these people here to help you to find those children. YOU HAVE TO SAVE THEM!”
Author: Lacenire
Date: 12/13/05
Part:5
Rating: NC-17/ MA
Characters: Ronon/ Morwen (OC)
Archiving: Wraithbait.com
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
Word Count: 3383
Disclaimers:
I do not own Ronon or any characters from Stargate Atlantis, he simply inspires me like no other. I do not make money from my stories so please do not sue me.
Summary:
Ronon Dex tries to look up old friends, but is once more captured by the Wraith and taken to a Hive ship where he meets a ghost from his past.
******CONFESSION******
Ronon allowed the three marines to circle him warily as they searched for an opening in his defensive posture. He had taken to joining them in their training rooms and frequently sparred with them as a way to help them hone their hand to hand combat skills, and to work off his own frustrations. It was getting harder and harder to find a challenger, as most of the military had already been soundly beaten by him. It was no coincidence that the others looking on from the sidelines were making quiet bets about how long their teammates would last against the angry tiger in their midst.
Without warning Ronon allowed the burning anger he felt to burst forth as his body uncoiled and he sprang forward at the nearest man. The move, though expected, caught the man somewhat off-guard as Ronon attacked him with a ferocity usually reserved for one’s deadliest enemies. The man had just enough time to duck before a large muscled arm swung around over the spot where his head would have been. The reverse move could not be avoided however, as Ronon slammed his left leg into the marine’s stomach, sending him gasping to his knees.
The other two marines thought to take Ronon down with a combined effort and rushed towards him as he focused on their companion. It was as if Ronon had eyes behind his head as he reversed his direction with a twist of his body that had the first man swinging into empty air and toppling into a body roll as he fell off-balanced by Ronon’s movement. The second marine was able to catch Ronon in a strangle hold as he was twisting his body. The man tried to apply enough pressure to cause Ronon to yield, but instead he felt himself being drawn over Ronon’s head as large hands gripped ‘his’ head and…pulled. Ronon was about to deliver several sound body punches, when his com-unit activated.
“Ronon, come in, over.”
Ronon paused as he heard Sheppard’s voice, debating in his mind whether or not he should answer. Things had become somewhat strained between them after Ronon had accidentally broken Teyla’s arm during a sparring session. Teyla had forgiven him for the act almost immediately, and had even begged Dr Weir to give him another chance, when she seemed determined to have him leave Atlantis. Sheppard however, constantly delivered jibes about his primal nature as if hoping Ronon would attack him in anger so that he could retaliate.
Ronon was saddened by the whole situation, and hated Morwen even more for her role in destroying his trust for people. He truly respected Sheppard and instinctively knew that if anyone in Atlantis could take him, it would be Sheppard. Ronon remembered teasing Sheppard about his unwillingness to fight, but after serving with him, he now knew that while he had the advantage in size, technique and stamina, Sheppard could actually beat him because he was more cunning and an excellent strategist.
“Ronon Dex, come in over!” Sheppard’s voice sounded annoyed the second time around.
“Ronon Dex here.”
Ronon touched his com-unit and signaled to his adversaries that he was done with the activity, much to their relief and the disappointment of the onlookers.
“What is it Sheppard?”
“Grab your gear and meet me and the rest of the team in the Briefing Room in twenty minutes. We have a mission. Sheppard out!”
~At last! A chance to go off-world. I was getting tired of Atlantis and all the rules. I need to really let loose!~
As Ronon headed to the locker room for a quick shower before grabbing his gear, he determinedly suppressed his rising trepidation that he might encounter Morwen on this mission.
It was two months since that fateful night on Belkan, when he had learned that Morwen was a traitor. He was resolute in his intention to execute her, yet each time he went out with the team he secretly hoped he would not meet her.
~How I can I kill her? It would be like killing myself, I couldn’t possibly survive knowing I had been the one to end her life. But what of my people? And what of all those other people she has helped the Wraith to kill? NO! I must not deny my duty! She MUST die!~
**********
“TAKE COVER!“
Colonel Sheppard’s cry seemed redundant, as Ronon and the others in the team had immediately assessed the situation and had dived into the underbrush to avoid detection. They had arrived in the midst of a Wraith attack, and the screeching whine of over-flying Darts was unmistakable.
“Listen up people, we need to make a break for the Gate and dial the Alpha Site before those Darts manage to capture one of us. It’s too late to help these people.”
Sheppard’s orders were expected and it was quickly decided that Lieutenant Cox, Teyla’s temporary replacement, would dial the Gate and then the others would make a dash to it.
As Ronon listened to the plan he scanned the area for threats or fleeing refugees that could be helped before they left. Suddenly he caught sight of movement in a clump of bushes, to the team’s right. It seemed that they were being watched!
~At last, some action!~
“Don’t wait for me!“
With only those words to alert his teammates of his intention, Ronon quickly sprang out of the concealing bushes and ran towards the stalker with his gun set on stun…just in case it was a friend or frightened villager.
“Ronon STOP! you big…SHHIT!”
Sheppard’s frustrated call was ignored as Ronon continued in the direction of the bushes. When the watcher saw him coming the figure withdrew and started to running in the opposite direction…towards the Darts.
~I can’t believe it! Why run to the Wraith?~
Curious now, Ronon ran harder in an attempt to catch up to the individual. As he got closer he realized that the stalker was not a man as he had first thought, he was chasing a woman!
~Could it be…could it be Morwen?~
Ronon fired his gun at the retreating back, but only managed to graze her as she anticipated his action and twisted to one side. Ronon was now convinced that he was chasing Morwen, no other woman he knew could anticipate him like that.
“Morwen STOP!” he cried out to her, hoping she would cease her mad dash towards the Wraith Darts flying over the village.
Regretfully, Ronon fired at her again, this time he made sure to anticipate ‘her’ next move. He caught her squarely on her back, sending her tumbling onto the ground where she remained still.
Ronon approached Morwen warily, knowing her knack for deception, his caution was not needed however since she was out cold. He had not thought what he would do once he had captured her, he did know now that he could not kill her in cold blood as he had Kell.
“So what are you going to do now Big Guy?”
Ronon turned to see Sheppard standing at his side, just like in the old days. It warmed his heart to see him there, after all the strain of the past two months. Not speaking, Ronon bent to scoop Morwen into his arms before sprinting back to the Gate where he jumped through with her in his arms and Sheppard close on his heels.
**********
The room and it’s contents, slowly came into focus as Morwen awoke as if from a deep sleep. She found that she was still quite groggy, and the room seemed unfamiliar and the architecture strange, almost alien. There were no windows and as Morwen’s eyes continued to scan the room she caught sight of the doorway which was covered by some kind of force field.
~A prison then,~ she thought.
It was hard to remember how she got to be in that room. The last thing she remember was being chased by Ronon through the forest on Obelia. It was a surprise to see him after the two months of the anguish she had suffered since they had been together on Belkan. It hurt even now as she thought about what she had been forced to do to her people…to Ronon.
As Morwen continued to try to focus her thoughts and take in her new circumstances, she heard a soft rustling behind her. It took some effort to turn, especially since there was a sharp pain in her back, but finally she was able to see the rest of the room and it’s co-inhabitant…Ronon.
“Why Morwen? Just tell me why.”
Ronon’s impassioned plea stabbed at Morwen’s heart. She found that she could not meet his eyes, and instead she tried to turn around to once more face away from him and the pained expression in his eyes.
“NO…YOU…DON’T! I want an answer, and I want one NOW…or I swear by our Gods, I’ll kill you right now!”
Ronon had grabbed Morwen’s arm, preventing her from turning away. She recognized the beginnings of a consuming rage in his body posture and tone of voice. She didn’t care. She wanted him to kill her, to hurt her. She deserved no better.
“Let go of her Ronon! You’ll open up her back and start her bleeding again.”
Dr Beckett had come into the cell and unceremoniously pushed Ronon away while he bent to examine Morwen’s back. Ronon stood glaring at her as she defiantly refused to look at him, even though she felt his fury clear across the room. As Dr Beckett continued his examination, Morwen gratefully heard Ronon stalk out of the room, roughly pushing aside the guards as he went.
“You know lassie…you’re going to have to talk to him sometime, preferably sooner, rather than later.”
Dr Beckett spoke his words quietly and gently patted Morwen’s arm in empathy. He had heard about the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Ronon and Morwen, and like everyone else, he had judged her as being guilty of treason. Now, after seeing her unconscious on his operating table, he could not perceive any evilness about her and was curious to find out why she had performed those wicked deeds.
Morwen focused on Dr Beckett as he uttered his advice and gently patted her arm. He seemed kindly and well intentioned, and reminded Morwen of her long dead father. It had been so long since she had been able to confide in anyone, that contrary to her resolve, Morwen found herself pouring out the whole story to Dr Beckett.
The tears which came slowly at first, were no more than an annoyance to be swiped away. As the story progressed however, and Morwen was encouraged to tell all, she found herself sobbing uncontrollably. Dr Beckett listening in alarm and concern, found himself having to hold her, to provide the comforting that she so desperately needed.
“Listen lassie, you have to tell Ronon exactly what you told me.”
“NO! I’ve already lost too much, I can’t risk losing him again! Please don‘t tell him what I told you!”
Morwen impassioned plea was very moving and Dr Beckett found himself considering her words carefully before giving his reply.
“Morwen, I can’t see how you could avoid telling Ronon. He has vowed to execute you for treason. I think the only reason he hasn’t as yet is because he still loves you and wants to believe that you have a valid reason for betraying your people. You have to tell him. If you don’t, then I am going to tell him. This thing is bigger than you and him, it has implications for all of us.”
“You don’t understand Doctor, even if I tell him I still can’t stay here. I have a tracking device in my back, and if I don’t return soon the Wraith will come looking for me or worse.”
“On that note, you can rest easy, because the tracker has been removed and destroyed.”
Dr Beckett expected Morwen to be pleased that she was now free of the tracking device, instead she flew into a rage.
“Put it back! Oh Gods please don’t them have realized it’s gone! YOU HAVE TO PUT IT BACK NOW!”
Morwen’s hysterical crying and fighting against her restraints, caused the guards outside the cell to enter to help Dr Beckett restrain her. The three men still could not stop her from pulling at her bindings so much that her arms were soon rubbed raw. In the end, Dr Beckett had to inject her with a sedative which soon had her in a fitful sleep.
**********
Ronon stood outside Morwen’s cell debating whether or not he should enter. Dr Beckett had told him that Morwen had been given a sedative, but should reawaken at this time and would be ready to tell him her story. Apparently she had confided in Dr Beckett, who had insisted that Ronon needed to hear what she had to say before passing judgment.
~I trust Dr Beckett, but what could Morwen say to change the outcome? She has more or less admitted to betraying our People, it’s out of my hands. Morwen is going to be executed, if not by me, then by another Satedan.~
Shaking his head in resignation, Ronon signaled to the guards that they should deactivate the force shield so that he could enter the cell.
Morwen sat staring at the doorway and so knew when Ronon arrived. She had been expecting him, since Dr Beckett had returned to inform her of what he had told Ronon, and to let her know to expect a visit. She was resigned to having to involve Ronon, there was no other way, now that the tracker had been removed.
“I understand that you are now ready to explain your actions?”
Ronon’s coldly uttered question cut Morwen to the core and made what she had to say even more difficult. He had remained standing a short distance away awaiting her answer, as if to symbolize the emotional distance that now existed between them.
“Yes, I have no choice now. I suggest that you pull up a chair, this tale is not an easy one and quite likely you will be shocked by what I reveal.”
“After finding out that you’re a traitor, there is absolutely nothing that you could say that will shock me more. NOW GET ON WITH IT!”
Morwen stared at the tall, angry man in front of her. He was quite rightly furious at her for destroying his dreams for them. She had taken away their present, what he didn’t know as yet was that she was protecting their future. Sighing in resignation, she began:
“The Wraith have been experimenting on us…they have been experimenting on Satedans.”
“WHAT! Why? Why experiment on us?”
Morwen ignored Ronon’s outburst and continued as if he hadn’t spoken.
“Seven years ago, when they launched a culling expedition to Sateda, they captured many of our People, including yourself. When they attempted to feed on the captives, they discovered that while many of our People were susceptible to the special enzyme that they secrete during feeding, many more still, were resistant to the actually feeding activity. They could not draw out our life-forces to sustain their own lives.
At first it was thought to be a fluke, a mutation present in a few, like yourself. These individuals were released as Runners, since it was found that the natural stamina of a Satedan was enhanced by the feeding enzyme. When I saw you in action on the Hive ship, I noticed that you were stronger and faster than before. That is because of the feeding enzyme.
As they captured more and more of our People, they discovered that their inability to feed on us was not a fluke confined to a few individuals. They had found that fully eighty five to ninety percent of the Satedan population was immune to the Wraith! They panicked. They planned and eventually launched an all out attack on Sateda. They tried to wipe us out! They almost succeeded.
They saw us and our genetic anomaly as a threat. Imagine if we were to freely mate among the human populations of Pegasus Galaxy. We would pass on our resistant genes to our offspring. It would spell the end of the Wraith, as their food supply would diminish even more than in recent times. They would eventually starve to death!
About three years ago the Wraith decided to try another tactic to control the spread of our special gene. They realized that it was impossible to completely annihilate an entire People. A few will always escape and survive, to once more increase in numbers. That is when they started to experiment on us, they have been trying to identify the mutant genes and locate the specific chromosomes that contain these genes. I believe they eventually want to subject us, and the other Peoples of the Pegasus Galaxy to some sort of gene therapy, to eliminate the offending genes.”
“So, you have been supplying the Wraith with human test subjects. Is this supposed to save you from execution? It only confirms your guilt and collaboration with the Wraith!”
Ronon was furious. He could not grasp the idea that Morwen had been helping the Wraith to bring about the demise of not just Satedans, but all mankind.
“Listen Ronon, please listen…I told you what I did to give a little background knowledge and to show you that things are not as simple as you thought. I’m going to tell you now my reasons for helping the Wraith.“
“I actually have about two thousand reasons for what I’ve done.” Morwen waited for her statement to sink in.
“What do you mean Morwen? How can you have two thousand reasons?” Ronon’s puzzled look would almost be comical, if the situation was not so dire.
“Ronon, when the Wraith launched their major attack against Sateda, they took almost everyone. From the oldest man to youngest babe in arms. Everyone was tested, and those who could not be fed upon were put to death instantly. The others were placed in stasis to supply the Wraith on an ongoing basis.
One Wraith scientist who was respected, came up with the idea to conduct experiment on some of the captives with the mutant gene. Thousands died during the experimentation, as the Wraith were callous in their treatment of them. It was discovered that the best test subjects for the gene therapy were infants and in particular young children. As a result, about two thousand children have been planted on a planet of unknown location, and different drugs are routinely tested on them to see if there has been any progress in finding a way to eliminate the mutant genes.
I was captured by the Wraith about three years ago, and when it was discovered that I had Specialist training, the Wraith made a deal with me. They told me what they had been up to and gave me a choice. I could either help them discover new Satedan settlements or watch the children held on that secret planet die one by one. I refused, and just for amusement, they killed twenty children, some of whom I had known since their birth. Two of them…my own nieces.
I had no choice but to agree to their terms, and thus I became a Wraith collaborator. I was implanted with a tracking device and told if it was ever removed they would know and twenty children would be killed every day that I remained missing. Every time I’m ‘planted’ among Wraith captives my sole mission is to discover if there are any Satedans and get them to take me to a settlement.
That’s why I didn’t want to go with you, I wanted you to tell me where the settlement was so I could go on my own. I was only able to keep you alive by telling the Wraith that you knew where Satedan settlements were. That’s why I knew the way off the Hive ship, and it was so easy to get off. It was all a plan.”
“Ronon…I don’t care what becomes of me, but you have to convince these people here to help you to find those children. YOU HAVE TO SAVE THEM!”