Chapter 157 (1/2)

Six hours earlier; M7R-093

Acting on information provided by reluctant informants on the Genii home world, the location of a cell of Genii soldiers who had been loyal to the leaders behind the recent upheavals around Pegasus had been discovered. This information had been provided to Vala Mal Doran, as it greatly aided her undercover mission in this galaxy foreign to her. Her cover was that of an arms dealer and survivor of the defeated world of Sateda. It was this cover that made her a potentially valuable asset to the men she now sat amongst.

Acting out of self preservation, the reluctant informants now loyal to Ladon Radim had passed along the information provided to them to the gone to ground Genii cells. To save their own lives these men would have done anything asked of them. Word of what Vala Mal Doran could provide these last fanatical Genii holdouts from the expanding peace made certain they would arrange a time and place to meet. Reaching out through indirect channels, these men managed to pass word of their desire to purchase arms to Vala. Unknown to the men, the channels they used were now fully under the control of Ladon.

Knowing that meeting the Genii rebels too quickly would spook her prey, Vala had patiently bided her time. Several weeks of waiting had increased their desire to meet her to a fevered pitch. A handful of small arms shipments were provided to cells already captured so that word would spread of the quality and selection Vala could provide. Hearing of this, the currently targeted cell had broken tradecraft and demanded an immediate audience with the woman who could help supply their rebellion.

Sitting in a tavern on the agrarian world, Vala looked over the men seated around her. Rough thugs, like those found in certain corners of the Milky Way she thought. Looking them over closely, she could see their military training shine through in their efficiency of movement and their eyes as they tracked around the tavern and its occupant's. That their eyes constantly fixed on her chest was one thing Vala knew could work heavily in her favor.

”When we requested this meeting we thought it would come much sooner.” Cyrus said in a gruff tone.

”My services are in high demand. A girl's got to do what a girl's got to do.” Vala replied offhandedly.

”On my world when one is summoned they respond immediately.” Cyrus stated.

”Thankfully, we're not on your world. As you are aware, my services were being put to use by some of your associates around the galaxy.” Vala answered absently.

”We've been told as much by our comrades. The quality of your wares is exceptional we're assured. Along with the weaponry, we're also very interested in the Lantean C-4 we know you posses. How is it this came into your possession?” Cyrus asked.

”A fellow Satedan made sure it fell into my hands. Ronon and I go way back on our home world. When he goes off world from Atlantis he smuggles the C-4 out, and I collect it after he and his team depart. It's an arrangement that has served both our interests well.” Vala replied simply.

”How much of this can you provide us with?” Cyrus inquired.

”I can provide as much as you need. Your two friends don't say much do they?” Vala asked while nodding her head at the other two men at the table.