"I don't promise it will work," Ihaar said at the moment we were leaving the Council Hall. "First, it's all based on general phrases. I don't know how the humans did it, but I suspect it's just about replacing the crystals. That doesn't suit us."
"Why?" I asked, noticing out of the corner of my eye how Kaspar Fry and Larrin were finishing their conversation by the activated gate. The man, calm and collected, threw something at the girl as a farewell, after which he left Atlantis, stepping into the event horizon.
"Because manual replacement is very, very bad," the engineer explained. "It will be much better to adapt part of the mechanisms to do the replacement programmatically. There are additional slots in the projector racks, I think we will install additional crystals there. And I can write the program quite quickly while the ship is in hyperspace. But I must warn you – exiting hyperspace will definitely reveal us on the scanners. It will take time to switch. A second or two, but if we are close enough, they will see us."
"The ship is in hibernation," Trebal reminded. "Probably, only passive sensors are working."
"Agreed," Ihaar replied after thinking. "But what if we are wrong? I would advise plotting a course to exit hyperspace at the edge of active scanner perception."
"We don't know the range of the hive ship's scanners," Chaya reminded. "They might be stronger than on the cruisers."
"I am not Ascended," Ihaar spread his hands. "I work with what I have."
"Let's hope we won't need the backup plan for distracting the wraiths," Trebal sighed.
"I doubt it," I said, stopping on the main staircase landing, looking at Larrin's emotionless expression. "I think the Nomads refused us help with their ships."
Chaya, touching her communicator, quickly inquired about the results of the negotiations from the duty technician. Given that communication with the Nomad ships took place from the control room and not through channels secret to us, the answers from Asan and Labrea should be known to the personnel.
"That's right," Chaya reported. "They want to join, but they are a day's journey from Ermen and five from a dead planet. Waiting for them is pointless – the damaged hive ship may have already left orbit by then."
"Even if not, in almost a week, they will restore their ship, and we will face hundreds of awakened wraiths," Trebal added.
"So we can only rely on ourselves," Kirik concluded. "I'll gather a combat group. Are we starting from the same trap planet?"
"Yes," I confirmed. "We have the coordinates of the dead world. Alvar, how many 'arrows' do we have on the laboratory planet?"
"Six," he replied. "But only two have been modified for comfortable use by non-wraiths."
"We only need one," I reminded. "So, we work according to the plan. I'm going to Taranis to pick up 'Ares'. Ihaar, take everything you need and go with me."
"'Hippaphoralkus'..." Trebal began.
"In reserve," I cut the girl off. "'Ares' will be enough to solve the problem fundamentally. You will have some time to fix everything on the starship that we can. As soon as we deal with the damaged hive ship and get the necessary information, we will immediately move to the Scavenger's location. Chaya, direct all available technicians to 'Hippaphoralkus'. We need the old man to be as ready for battle as possible during the time we have in reserve."
"I have already recalled technical teams from all over the city, except for those working with critical systems," the proculucian said seriously.
"I will contact our people on New Athos and take with me everyone we can," Tayla assured.
"'Jumpers' will deliver all necessary equipment and weapons for the fighters to New Athos," I confirmed. "As soon as we are ready, we will carry out the final part synchronously. Ihaar, we will be waiting for you in orbit around Taranis."
"Half an hour and I'm with you," the senior engineer assured, heading towards the control point.
"Kirik," I looked at the former 'fugitive'. "You will take command of the ground group until I join you."
"I will," he promised.
A few seconds later, only I, Trebal, and Chaya remained on the platform.
"Dialing Taranis," the duty technician announced. Larrin, giving me a burning look, moved away from the arrival zone.
"I will brief the technicians," the Dorandan assured me, leaving us. "And... Be careful, okay?"
"Always," the girl leaned in and quickly kissed me. Only the force, passion, and desire put into this kiss showed that Trebal was not as calm as she wanted to seem. "Thank you. If everything works out... the Dorandans will be grateful to you for the rest of their returned days. And I will try to ensure that as few of them as possible refuse to join the new Atlantis."
It was strange that she didn't even try to do it provocatively towards Chaya.
Did they get used to each other, or was the enzyme really pressing on her head?
After seeing off the commander of 'Hippaphoralkus' with my gaze, Sar said:
"I will also join her request not to take unnecessary risks," she looked me straight in the eye. "I understand why you are doing this... Half of the hive ship's crew is a lot of donors for Koschei."
"We need people, Chaya," I said. "I literally feel that soon we won't have time to hide who we are. If the Scavenger reaches the Lantian power source..."
"It's not ZPM," Chaya reminded. "It's just a powerful generator, nothing more. It won't give him a super-hive even one percent of the ZPM's power. Four of the latest 'Ares' super-reactors don't develop such power, and they contain colossal volumes of super-purified naquadah."
"And at the same time, we don't know what exactly is in the ruins of the Ancient settlement on Talus," I shook my head. "Styx isn't just exploring this planet from top to bottom for no reason. Wraith scanners are worse than ours. And, apparently, he doesn't know where to look for the energy source."
"You said that even Lantian scanners detected the energy source on the planet only in close proximity to it. So it will be even more difficult for the wraiths."
"Unless they use the help of someone from the humans who know about the Second Childhood and the Talus Sanctuary. Then it will be quite easy for the wraiths to reach the energy source. And we don't know exactly what kind of source was in the Sanctuary. Not ZPM, but that's not certain. Even a powerful generator that is still functioning can help this bastard."
"Yes, that could be," Chaya smiled nervously. "I believe we will succeed. And I will do my best to make it so."
"You are a smart one," I pulled the girl to me and kissed her. After all, who should I be shy about? We don't have a semi-military expedition where the rules of not having relationships with colleagues, subordinates, and commanders apply. We have a militarized civilian society of Lantians. And Lantians didn't have special rules about this. Even if they did, I don't care about them.
Atlantis already knows or guesses perfectly well about our relationship, so I don't see the point of hiding in corners like children. But there's no need to be exhibitionist either.
Kavush burst out of the gate just as our lips parted. The girl pressed against me, then gently pulled away and headed towards the control room.
"The hyper-tunnel to Taranis is established," the duty technician announced. He stood on the balcony above the control room above the arrival zone next to a guard. Both pretended that the scenes they witnessed clearly did not happen. Or at least are not something unusual for Atlantis. "Outpost from Taranis received our recognition codes, sent its own. The transition is safe, the shield on the other side is lowered. Have a good trip, Mikhail."
Saluting the technician jokingly, I approached the stargate.
"I won't kiss or hug you," Larrin declared, positioning herself to my right.
"I didn't ask you to."
We stepped through the gate.
And three seconds later, which did not exist for us in the real world, we emerged through thousands of light-years, stepping onto the white stone-paved platform around the Taranian stargate.
"Actually, I really want to break something of yours," Larrin informed me, looking at me.
Well... I think I even understand why.
"The Nomads won't be able to participate in our attack, will they?" I asked. "But why do you want to beat me?"
We walked along the cobblestones towards the main gate of the outpost.
"You negotiated with Asan behind my back," Larrin said. "And thereby agreed with him that Fry the scout would be the representative of the Nomads in Atlantis. The link between my people and Ermen. You actually took my role without asking me. Believe me, a broken nose for such a 'surprise' would have been a merciful manifestation of my anger."
"So that's the problem," I nodded. "Will you figure out why I made that decision yourself, or should I explain?"
"The latter," we entered the complex, passing a couple of Athosian guards. "Just don't press my head with your lectures like Chaya does."
"You're welcome," I shrugged as we walked down the corridor towards the dispatcher's office. "You can't be a servant to two masters. The interests of the Nomads and Atlantis may not coincide to some extent. And I don't want to think that my person will make the wrong choice at a tense moment.
"Your person?" Larrin spat out her question through clenched teeth.
"And who else are you, considering you entered the service of Atlantis?" I asked. "You command our warship..."
"I pretend to command," Larrin corrected. "Trebal commands hers and can mentally control it, but me and 'Ares'... Our situation is like estranged partners who hate each other and are ready to make sarcastic jokes about the mistakes of their ex when they meet. And only because one is stronger than the other, the meeting doesn't turn into a fight with knocked-out teeth."
"Yes, there is a difference between you and Trebal, in your command style," I agreed. "But one way or another, you are the first person on the bridge of 'Ares'. And this ship acts in our interests. And at our will, it will help the Nomads. But not the other way around."
"It sounds like you're keeping me as a pet just because you need to."
"It was necessary so that the Nomads wouldn't consider themselves in the service of Atlantis," I said. "One of them is in our service, and not as a governess, but as the commander of the most powerful ship of all that the Ancients built. This means a lot for our alliance with the Nomads. And the fact that you cannot dictate your will to them... This is a side effect. You said you were ready for anything to help your people. And no one forced you to say it."
"And what would have happened if the genetic therapy hadn't worked?" Larrin asked. "It didn't work on my other people."
"I don't need others," I said. "You were the face of the Nomads. The one who gave them a new place to live. Who ensured the influx of technology to Ermen. And you're angry in vain. Yes, you are not the sole leader of your people on Ermen, Asan and Labrea, as well as a couple of guys have formed something like a government. And yes, you have a place there. But you are in our service. And in that government, you represent Atlantis. Just as Kaspar represents the Nomads in Atlantis."
We were silent for about ten minutes. During this time, I looked into the dispatcher's office, received confirmation that 'Ares' was sufficiently repaired and ready for flight, that its reactors were delivering maximum power, and also received exhaustive data on the number of shells in the ship's arsenal.
Ships of the 'Aurora' and 'Hippaphoralkus' type had a thousand shells each in their arsenal. The first and second generations of battleships differed insignificantly... But on ships of the 'Tria' type, representing the third generation, the arsenal consisted of three thousand self-guided Ancient projectiles.
'Ares', unique, had a reserve of five thousand shells. And yes, 'Atlantis' required the same amount to fully equip each of the three launch platforms. Fifteen thousand self-guided shells – that's the size of the city's arsenal. I understand why the Lantians could easily destroy waves of wraith fleets with such a number of ammunition.
If the arsenals are full, then it's simply magnificent. Considering that thousands are not needed to destroy a wraith ship, but only a few dozen (if all hit the target), at most a hundred (not for starships like a super-hive, of course), then you can fight back for years.
Of course, when you can get shells in unlimited quantities.
Only we have big problems with this.
At the time of 'Ares' discovery, it had slightly more than three thousand shells – the battle in which it participated was very hot. But even such an amount was enough for us to distribute them between both battleships and the city, taking into account the needs and reserves of 'Hippaphoralkus'. Almost three hundred shells were also available for it.
And 'Hippaphoralkus' and 'Ares' have pulse cannons, which are also formidable weapons. First of all, they should be used in battle. Shells are an extreme measure.
Because we have them regrettably few.
Atlantis itself has no weapons other than them. And, until we find where to get more, the city is vulnerable. Moreover – the firepower of both ships and the city depended even not on the number of shells and energy reserves.
And from the operator sitting in the chair. The better he is, the stronger his Ancient gene, the more developed his brain – the more projectiles can be fired at the target and achieve results. Because each of them requires a part of one's attention to control. The Dorandans, for example, cannot even launch all twelve projectiles at once on the "jumpers."
I can, but in theory. Testing my abilities with a limited amount of weapons is not the best idea.
Although we are working on providing the city with pulse cannons using the Dorandan gun platform of Project "Arcturus." But the process is long, immensely complex, considering the interference with the main power system of the city-ship, and painstaking.
"It would be easier to tie everything to me," Larine said when we were already on board the "Ares."
The interior of the ship differed from that of Atlantis, "Aurora," or "Hippaphoralkus." I would even say that the latter had much in common with each other's interiors. The same lighting solutions, for example. Many spotlights on walls, corners, ceilings...
On "Ares," everything is different. Yes, they didn't abandon the Lantian lights in the form of glowing crystals connected into one vertical or horizontal panel, of course, but the large lighting lamps in the corridors and rooms were incredibly pleasing.
At least because they were much more efficient. And all this characteristic Lantian twilight from spot lighting devices is not in favor here.
Corridors of "Ares"
I found the interior of "Ares" to be more reminiscent of what I saw in the series on the planet Asuran. It seemed Lantian, but much more... Grotesque, perhaps.
"You just wanted to be a big and main leader through your sacrifice, and in the end, you became one of the rulers," I objected.
"And it pisses you off."
"As well as the fact that I know less about my people's intentions than you do," Larine confirmed.
"I don't like being written off, Mikhail. And I don't like playing games behind my back that I don't like."
"Try role-playing," I suggested.
"It has helped thousands, no, even millions of people on Earth to come to an agreement and look at the world from a different angle."
"I understand that it's irony, but I don't fully understand its essence," Larine mumbled.
"In any case, I don't like being a substitute player. Not where I gave up everything to help people."
"Not only you," I reminded her as we approached the doors leading to the bridge.
"Asan and Labrea did, if not less than you, then not much less. And they also have the right to make decisions."
"Katana is not a leader," Larine shook her head.
"She is strong, strong-willed, but yielding. Asan will simply crush her. As well as most of the new government."
"It's curious that you wanted to do the same thing," I chuckled as we entered the bridge.
A couple of Ancients from the "Aurora's" deck crew had been part of the "Ares" crew for a long time, and therefore, having been notified that we were about to take off, were already conducting pre-flight preparations.
"Control tower, this is 'Ares'," one of the technicians touched the communication panel.
"We are ready for takeoff. Clear the personnel from the launch zone."
"No personnel in the hangar, security systems activated, doors closed," they reported from the control tower.
"Open the hangar, disconnect external power, and be ready to disconnect the magnetic anchors when we launch," I ordered.
"'Ares', instructions received," came from the intercom.
"Two-minute readiness. Hangar roof opening, external power diverted, magnetic anchors disconnected according to protocol."
The starships were not just in the dock on a specially equipped platform and landing supports. Their hulls, to avoid unforeseen circumstances, rested in magnetic clamps controlled from the outpost's control tower.
Well, and external power... It's a very good thing - it saves reactor resources by getting energy for repairs and parking from a geothermal generator.
It's a pity that it won't be possible to power "Hippaphoralkus" like that for its modernization. We'd cause a supervolcano eruption faster than we could use the modernization plans using the chair and geothermal energy of Taranis.
It's a shame we don't live in a fairy tale.
"We haven't finished this conversation, Mikhail," Larine said stubbornly as I climbed into the command chair.
"You can point your 'frequency scanner' at me like last time, but it won't change the essence," I assured her.
"You are one of us. And, in fact, the longer you serve Atlantis, the more your people will wonder: 'Hasn't their leader defected?'. It happened with Teyla and led to the division of society. We learned from the past. I don't think you would be happy that the Nomads you saved started dividing into camps. You have a unified society, a government, which you are part of. Your role is clearly defined. And no one will say that you are working to the detriment of the Nomads in the interests of Atlantis. Because there is a government that can challenge your initiative, your decision. There is Kaspar, who not only conveys the government's words but also hears you in our meetings. He knows what you are asking for your people. And the Nomads see that they are getting almost everything you ask for. And you are not branded a traitor, but seen as a thread that connects us all. So, answer, Larine. What exactly pisses you off - that you are one of us, or that you are not the sole leader of the Nomads?"
"You piss me off," the girl said without thinking.
"I am not a puppet that can be decided for. If you wanted to help me and the Nomads in this way, you should have warned me and gotten my consent."
"We don't have democracy, Larine," I reminded her, turning the chair so we could see each other's faces.
"You are one of the leaders of the Nomads, but that's on Ermen. For Atlantis, you are the commander of 'Ares' appointed by me. If you wish to redo this, if you don't want to serve me, then you should talk to your people. I will gladly relieve you of such a burden. But, in exchange for everything we have given you for your service. This is a final decision and is not subject to appeal. The decision must be made now."
"You know I won't refuse to help my people," Larine said gloomily.
"I know," I agreed.
"That's why I set the condition this way. So? Shall we bury the hatchet and continue working? Or do you wish to disembark before we take off?"
"I'm with you," Larine threw out, approaching the control panel and pressing a few buttons.
"And yes, for the future. If I'm commanding 'Ares', don't interfere with negotiations with the control tower."
"I can give up my seat," I grinned, leaning back and closing my eyes.
"Launching secondary generators. Inertia dampeners activated. Main power unit launch and engine warm-up initiated. We are ready for takeoff."