STARGATE ATLANTIS: The Furies (Book 4 in the Legacy series) Read Online Free Page A

Ember replied.
    “Yes. But it will be some time.” He turned about in a swirl of leathers. “I must return to our ship. Say that I have urgent business, for I do.”
    “What do you go to do?” Ember asked.
    Guide shook his head. “If you do not know, it cannot lie uppermost in your mind. Stay your thoughts, Ember. And know I will manage.”
    “I do,” Ember said, and there was no doubt in his eyes.
     
    “Colonel Carter.” Todd’s face was slightly distorted by the poor transmission, but she thought he was taken aback. “What an unexpected surprise.”
    “It’s nice to see you too,” Sam said, leaning over Zelenka’s shoulder to the camera above the viewscreen in the control room.
    “I do not see Colonel Sheppard with you,” Todd said.
    “He’s busy at the moment,” Sam said pleasantly. “I’m afraid you’re stuck with me.” It had occurred to her that Todd always seemed more cooperative with her than with some — maybe because of the battle with the Replicators. If so, she was ready to take whatever advantage it gave her.
    “You mean he is missing and the prisoner of a certain hive,” Todd said. “I would like to know what you would give for your consort’s safe return.”
    Zelenka started to say something, and Sam put her hand on his shoulder, hopefully out of range of the camera. “Sorry. I don’t know what you mean.”
    “You do know what I mean, Colonel Carter,” Todd said. “And I am prepared to tell you where Sheppard is while it is still possible for you to recover him. If you hesitate, he will be in Queen Death’s hands.”
    “And then she’ll know you’re double dealing,” Sam said with a cheerful smile. “So I don’t think I’ll need to give you anything for the information.”
    She thought that he would hiss and spark, but instead Todd smiled. “What have you done with Woolsey, Colonel Carter?”
    “He’s on Earth right now,” Sam said truthfully. “Tending to some business. Like I said, you’re stuck with me.”
    “Indeed I am,” Todd said, and bowed his head slightly with what she thought was an expression of amusement. “Then I will tell you that he is the prisoner of a very young Queen named Waterlight, aboard her hive ship at these coordinates. Waterlight is not yet a member of Queen Death’s alliance, but she hopes to be so. She will trade Sheppard to Queen Death for favorable terms. Mind you, I do not think it is an alliance she wants, but these are difficult times. We must all make what compromises we can.”
    Teyla hurried into the control room and stopped, but not far enough back.
    Todd could apparently see her on camera, for he nodded pleasantly in her direction. “I see the Young Queen is with you still, Colonel Carter.”
    “Teyla’s a valuable part of the team,” Sam said, not certain what that was about.
    “Indeed,” Todd said, grinning wolfishly. “You choose your proxies well. But you must act quickly. Once Sheppard is in the hands of Queen Death’s men, there will be nothing you can do.” He cut the transmission, and it dissolved into a burst of static.
    Sam let out a long breath, suddenly aware that her hand was still on Zelenka’s shoulder. Her eyes met Teyla’s. “Not good,” she said.
    “I did not hear the beginning,” Teyla said.
    “I’ll recap.” Sam glanced along the control panels at Airman Salawi in the far seat. “Airman, will you ask Doctors Beckett and Keller to join us in the conference room? Also Colonel Hocken, Ronon, and of course you, Dr. Zelenka?”
    “Of course,” Radek said, getting to his feet. “This is very interesting.” He pushed his glasses back up on his nose. “Are we to recall the
Daedalus
?”
    “That’s one of the things we need to talk about,” Sam said.
     
    Theoretically, Radek was in charge, Teyla thought. But he took his usual seat along the side of the conference room table, looking at Sam expectantly. Old habits were hard to break, and she had been in charge here once. She