Chapter 225 (1/2)

Atlantis

As each jumper returned, it entered the gate room and came to an immediate halt. From there, each jumper rose through the now open ceiling into the jumper bay above. Once coming to rest, each jumper opened its rear ramp and the outpouring of evacuees began. Exiting the jumper, each new arrival was catalogued by Atlantis's artificial intelligence system. This cataloging included a complete genetic indexing, facial and body mapping, and a scan for contagions.

Meeting the evacuees was a large medical team. As none of the evacuees was injured, no treatment was needed. From there, the motley group of individuals was led out of the jumper bay. Many of the two hundred were taken for a hot mean, and shown quarters to rest. Slowly, a majority dispersed across the city, carrying burlap bags filled with the possessions they had brought with them.

After the return of Lorne and his Look Out flight of four jumpers, the man known as Cato was located. Asking the man to accompany him, Lorne and Cato leisurely made their way to the conference room near the control center. Passing through the open doors, Lorne ushered Cato to his seat, before taking a seat of his own. Seated around the table were Richard Woolsey, Teyla, and Carson Beckett. Not wasting time, Woolsey jumped into discussion.

”Let me begin by saying that I think I speak for us all when I say what happened to your world is an atrocity beyond measure.” Woolsey began.

”Cato, I am Teyla of Athos. Welcome to Atlantis.” Teyla said kindly.

”Thank you for coming to our aide. Your kind words about Manaria are appreciated, but misplaced.” Cato replied.

”Misplaced how exactly?” Woolsey asked.

”Manaria was not our world.” Cato explained.

”Then where is it you come from exactly?” Beckett asked.

”We are refugees from many worlds. For many months, we have run from world to world seeking to escape the Wraith.” Cato replied.

”You are not alone. In the past, we have encountered groups doing much the same thing. You will be safe here.” Teyla said soothingly.

”We are more than happy to help your people find a suitable home. I do have one question though.” Woolsey said.

”Please, ask your question. I will answer to the best of my ability.” Cato replied.

”I'm told that none of your party required medical attention. How is it you escaped what appears to be an event that left no other human life on Manaria?” Woolsey asked delicately.

”A higher power was watching over my group.” Cato replied simply.

Before Woolsey could formulate a reply, a commotion was heard outside the closed doors of the conference room. Rising from his seat, Lorne makes his way to the opening doors. As the doors open fully, a scream is heard from the control room. Going for his pistol, Lorne is hit in the chest with an energy bolt, falling unconscious to the floor. Seconds later, two men armed with Wraith energy pistols enter the room. On Cato's face for all to see is a content smile.

Rising from his seat, Cato walks over to the prone figure of Lorne. Removing the unconscious mans pistol from his holster, Cato turns to look directly at Woolsey. Teyla and Beckett remain motionless in their seats, unsure of what was happening.

”Now that I have your full attention, I have a question for you. Who is in command here?” Cato asks innocently.

”I am the commander here.” Woolsey answers in a shaken voice.

Leveling the pistol at Woolsey, Cato squeezes the trigger. In an explosion of noise, the pistol fires a single round. Impacting his shoulder, Woolsey crumples from his chair to the floor beneath him. His hand gripping the wounded shoulder, blood runs over his hand.

”What have you done?” Beckett demands in a frightened voice.

”Speak again and you will join him. Now, I will ask my question again. Who is in command here?” Cato asks in a voice dripping with contempt.