Chapter 209 (1/2)

Wraith Orbital Outpost

In the throne room of the orbital outpost, a new occupant now resided in the seat of power of the Wraith. An amused expression on his face, the Harbinger sat as the now humbled Primary briefed her new leader on the recent ambush by the Tauri and Asgard vessels. His amus.e.m.e.nt enraged her, but she was too fearful of him to let it show.

”These constant losing skirmishes if allowed to continue will greatly diminish our fleet strength.” Primary explained.

”Our? I believe you mean my fleet strength, don't you?” Harbinger asked lightly.

”Yes my Lord.” Primary replied in a frightened whisper.

”Do go on with whatever point you were trying badly to convey.” Harbinger replied with a fiendish grin.

”I see only one way to prevent these constant attacks upon us. As we did ten thousand years ago, we must gather our strength in full and lay siege to Atlantis. Only then will we be free to navigate the galaxy without fear of ambush.” Primary explained.

”Perhaps you simply misspoke, but I see many flaws in your statement. You began with I see. By now, you should be aware of the fact that what you see or think matters little. You followed this with as we did. That again is a mistake. Did you conceive or even lead the siege? No, you did not. Our strength? You press the limits of my good will towards you. Look around you. Everything you cast your eyes upon exists to serve my will. Once the Tauri nuisance it dealt with, then I will be free to navigate the galaxy, but you will only do so as my pet.” Harbinger said in low and venomous tones.

”What is your command my Lord?” Primary asked with newfound difference in her voice.

”What you propose is far from the answer. I have come to expect such shortsightedness from you, so I am not surprised in the least. To gather the fleet and lay siege to Atlantis would only mean the destruction of much of my fleet. Have you forgotten the enemy vessels that patrol Pegasus? They would quickly run to the defense of the city. Instead, we must take our enemies tactics as our own. After all, they worked very well against you, did they not?” Harbinger asked lightly.

”They did my Lord, forgive my insolence. What have you in mind?” Primary asked with a hint of desperation in her voice.

”If you can find your way to not tempt me to drain your body of all life, you will soon see. Now leave me!” Harbinger ordered.

Retreating from the throne room quickly, Primary made her exit. Fear of his threat to drain her of life turned quickened her pace to that of a panicked scurry. Entering the throne room in her wake, a group of three hand picked Wraith commanders arrived before their leader. Two stood before Harbinger, while the third waited ten feet behind. The two commanders standing before the throne quickly dropped to one knee, with their heads bowed respectfully. Seeing this, Harbinger was pleased.

”Rise.” Harbinger said simply.