Chapter 40 (1/2)

Lord Protector Planet

Exiting the space gate the jumper hurtled into the atmosphere. The small craft moving with incredible speed quickly passed from the cold void of space into the warm environment of the planet below. Lorne activated the sensors and detected nothing out of the ordinary. From their vantage point in the front seats of the ancient craft Lorne and Woolsey saw the lone tower of the long buried city ship rise in the distance. For a moment both men pondered how such a fate could befall one great city of the ancients yet leave Atlantis untouched. Circling the tower at a distance Lorne found an empty grassy patch near the tower to land.

Exiting their craft Ronon, Zelenka, Woolsey, and Lorne quickly followed the well worn path leading to the tower. Ronon's trained eye scanned for any threat. Zelenka busied himself performing a range of scans with the ancient hand held device. Woolsey steeled himself for the negotiation to come. Lorne simply enjoyed the sunshine certain that everything would work out how they hoped. As they came closer to the structure two royal guards approached the newly arrived visitors.

”State the purpose of your visit” said one of the guards.

”We are here to discuss a matter of great importance with Lady Mara. Please inform her the leader of Atlantis seeks an audience with her” said Woolsey.

One guard quickly retreated towards the tower, with the other standing watch over the new arrivals. Around them farmers went about their daily business. Crops were carted to market, animals were herded, and children played. Lorne was taken with how happy the people appeared. Much had changed in the local inhabitant's world since the first members of the Atlantis expedition had arrived several years before. Mara seemed to be a ruler much more concerned with the welfare of her people, unlike her father and brother. No longer living in fear the people of this world had begun to thrive after the veil of oppression had been lifted.

After several moments the guard returned from the tower and informed the guests that Mara would see them. Quickly they were ushered into the tower. Instead of the more formal reception room they found themselves led to the Lady's private study.

”Please wait here. The Lady will be with you shortly” said the guard then exiting the room.

”Sheppard assures me Mara will be receptive to what we wish to discuss” said Woolsey.

”Sheppard always seems to know the women in this galaxy well” chuckled Lorne.

”Didn't she try to get in his pants” asked Ronon.

At that question Lorne laughed, Zelenka stared even more intently at his hand device, and Woolsey frowned. An uncomfortable silence fell over the room for minutes that seemed like hours to those inside. Unsure of what to say next the men sat quietly until Mara entered the room. The men rose to their feet as the petite blond woman crossed the room and quickly sat down.

”Is Sheppard not among you” she asked.

”Colonel Sheppard now has other duties and could not attend” answered Woolsey.

”He is an amazing man whom I would do much for” stated Mara.

With pursed lips Zelenka glared at Ronon as the large man tired very hard to stifle a laugh.

”We thank you for granting this audience” said Woolsey humbly.

”What is it you seek” Mara asked.

”I have come seeking trade. Perhaps you and I can speak privately while my colleagues tour this structure” suggested Woolsey.