Stargate Atlantis: The Queen

By Wolfen Moondaughter

I was looking forward to this Alan McCullough-penned ep almost as much as “The Shrine”, and I was not disappointed! It was interesting to see the more forceful side of Todd — he’s usually so easy-going, like he’s constantly bemused. And yet it didn’t seem at all out of character — we’ve seen hints of this more aggressive, authoritative side before. Of course, I’m biased — I adore “teh Hyerdahl”! Todd is easily my fave character outside of McShep, so this ep was a great treat.

I readily admit that, when I was first getting into the series last year, it took me a long while to warm up to Teyla — in fact, she was one of the reasons I didn’t watch the series when it first started. I was very happy with her in this ep, though, both in regards to her characterisation and her overall screentime. Which is funny, since once upon a time I would have been hoping for less of her; now, I’m glad she got a lot, having felt she’d been a little neglected of late. Conversely, I had worried that the boyos wouldn’t be in it much, but they had a fairly firm presence too, without actually stealing the spotlight from Teyla and Todd.

All in all, I am well pleased!

5.8: “The Queen”

We see a jumper pop out of a space ‘Gate. (We also see Joe Flanigan’s name appear on the screen, followed by those of his co-stars, which thoroughly confuses me. It turns out that the network’s decided that the intro was too long; they fear people may change channels during the wait, so they’re showing the stars’ names over the show itself now, instead. Never mind how strong the show’s numbers have been this season; never mind that, despite how supportive viewers have been, they decided to cancel the show anyway in favour of a new show aimed at a younger demographic; now, they see fit to accuse us of having the attention spans of preschoolers. If we would turn off the show that easily, it wouldn’t be doing so very well, now would it? If they had shortened the intro with the intent of packing in an extra thirty seconds of show, rather than more commercial time, I would have been more understanding. Or if I knew this extra commercial time would ensure another season! As it stands, I don’t know y’all, but I loved the music and the visuals of the intros and applaud the people who put it together; if anything would make me change stations during the commercial break, it would be an exceedingly annoying commercial — and I would keep checking back for the show to start! Aaanyway ….) Inside the jumper, we find the usual suspects plus a nervous-seeming Keller. (I’m intrigued!)

McKay mutters that they should have brought back-up; Teyla counters that it’s supposed to be a diplomatic mission, asking what kind of message doing that would send; “A strong one,” McKay replies. Sheppard assures him, pointedly, that they’ll be fine if no one panics. “Easier said than done,” Rodney returns distractedly as he works with the controls. (Hmm, I never really thought about it before, but it’s nice to see that Rodney makes himself useful as a copilot.)

They come upon a hive ship. Keller is awed, and deeply unsettled, by the size, never having seen one in person before. “Ah, you never forget your first,” Rodney remarks offhandedly. (*Snicker* Is that supposed to be double-entendre regarding his budding romance with her?) They receive docking instructions; McKay and Sheppard remark at the lack of a warm reception. (Like the Atlantians would be all that welcoming, were the roles reversed?) They park the ‘jumper, Keller asking what’s next; Rodney says dryly that, if history is any indicator, this is the part where they get double-crossed and made prisoners. (Now, now, that was the time before last. And you weren’t exactly double-crossed or made prisoners then.) Teyla chides him, reminding him that they were invited; but as far as he’s concerned, that’s doesn’t mean anything. There’s a knock on the rear door; as Ronon, Sheppard, and Teyla rise and prepare to meet their hosts, Jennifer looks nervously to Rodney, who gives her a not-at-all reassuring look, then joins the others. Sure enough, when the back of the ‘jumper opens, they find a squad of drones aiming stunners at them. (A la “Be All My Sins Remembered” — déjà vu!)

Todd orders the squad to lower their weapons, apologising but pointing out how one can never be too careful. Welcoming them, he leads them to a room where he introduces them to his second-in-command, then heartily invites them to sit at a table adorned with candles and fruit bowls. (The atmosphere, thanks to the candles, looks warm, and lacks the typical Wraith fog, reinforcing the feeling that Todd is sincere in his hospitality.) Sheppard remarks on the fruit; Todd explains that they picked them on their travels, saying that he thought they would make the discussions more comfortable and adding that he hopes the fruit “prove as delicious as the farmers who grew them.” The remark seems to put Rodney off the food. (Haaaaaaa! A little Wraith humour again, Todd? Very funny, and a good reminder to the Atlantians of just whom they are dealing with.) Sheppard suggests that they just get this over with.

Todd gets the ball rolling, remarking inquisitively that they have a proposal, something about a breakthrough that they’ve had. (Whoa, hold the phone — they proposed this meeting? And yet they were uptight about their reception? They put Todd in irons when he visited them with a proposal — with good reason, to be certain, but why should they have expected any less of him regarding their visit? This speaks very well of him, that he’s offered them free movement, not to mention allowed them to keep their weapons and offered them food!) They introduce Todd to a nervous Keller, who haltingly tells him about Michael; Todd informs her that he knows who Michael is, adding that his people are grateful for the Atlantians’ success against him. Sheppard points out that they didn’t get rid of Michael for Todd and the rest of the Wraith’s sake. (Aww, come on, Shep, can’t you cut Todd a little slack already, especially after he saved Jeannie and his intel helped you find Beckett? Not to mention that he’s helped you in other instances and never betrayed you! Well, I suppose it’s best to be wary, especially since thus far any help Todd has given has been to his own advantage in some way, however vague; still, it makes me a bit sad, given how needlessly friendly he has always been.) Todd grows a little alarmed when Keller informs him that they’ve been working with Michael’s research; Keller explains that they’ve developed a treatment that will make it so that the Wraith need never feed again. Todd exchanges an unsettled glance with his second, who protests that the idea is “absurd”. (It’s funny, I play Todd in an RPG, and I had him approach the Atlantians about using Michael’s research in order to eliminate the need for feeding, as a tactical advantage. It’s interesting to see how on-target I was in one respect, yet how off-target I was in regards to who broached the idea.)

Keller goes on to explain that the Wraith’s bodies already have the organs needed to digest food (as was hinted in “Condemned”, by the Wraith commander who liked food, and confirmed in “Instinct”, with Jewel Staite’s other character in the franchise, the Wraith girl Elia). Sheppard tosses Todd a fruit, telling him to try it; Todd catches it in his feeding hand, in a way that allows us to get a good look at the red line down his palm (aka, the “handgina”, which, alas, doesn’t speak like the mouth in Vampire Hunter D’s palm). Without obliging, Todd points out, slightly irritated, that the fruit might give him a moment’s pleasure but won’t sustain him, and sets the fruit down pointedly. “But that can change — at least, in theory,” Keller says. Todd’s second asks, sounding more hostile, why they should even want that. John points out that they wouldn’t need to go through the trouble of culling anymore, Teyla adding that it would give them an advantage over other hives. (Which, funnily enough, was exactly the reasoning I had my Todd give when he was trying to talk the Atlantians into sharing the research.) “Not to mention I could stop waiting for the chance to kill you — in theory,” John finishes. (I’m torn between being disappointed at the hostility of that remark and pleased that it can also be construed as saying that they might become friends, rather than reluctant allies, if this works.)

Todd’s second points out that the way they feed now is what gives the Wraith their strength and longevity. (I’m surprised they really care so much about these points, considering that they seem pretty ready to throw their lives away for the hive, and that they likewise seem unconcerned with the lives of other individual Wraith. If this plan would ensure the ultimate longevity of the hive as a whole, what matters the individual life spans?) Keller admits that she’s not sure how the new process would affect those abilities, but suggests that they may retain them, “although possibly in a diminished form.” “Possibly?” Todd asks, decidedly unenthusiastic. Keller explains that there’s no way to know until they test it on a live subject. (So capture an enemy Wraith and test it already! Besides, would Michael have been so keen to rid his hybrids of the need to feed if it meant they would be substantially weaker than the Wraith? I wouldn’t think so. Also, consider the fact that the iratus bug probably had regenerative abilities like all bugs, which had nothing to do with draining actual lifeforce; they fed on just blood, right? So just make sure the Wraith are well-stocked in beef bullion ….)

Todd just stares at Keller, slack-jawed. (That scene’s dying for a caption, something like a thought-balloon that reads “These humans are freakin’ nuts!”) McKay (who had been watching the exchange with an expression that reminds me, adorably, of an inquisitive-but-slightly-fearful child listening in on an adult conversation — an expression I think he wears a lot during discussions that it seems he can’t really contribute to) gets a bit smug as he points out that Michael’s drug might still be out there, so Todd’s people are taking a risk every time they feed. (Glad to see him lose his apprehension, but, as a poster pointed out on Mallozzi’s blog, what happened to the research that they offered Todd in exchange for the intel for finding Teyla? I guess Todd wasn’t able to develop a cure from it? I’d hate to think they’d short-changed him — it wasn’t his fault Teyla wasn’t there ….) Sheppard then gives the best argument: the Wraith are low on food, and this is their chance to do something about the problem. Todd still looks shocked, saying nothing. (The scene is very good exposition, on the whole — it entertainingly explains what the Atlantians’ intentions are, as well as effectively explores why the Wraith might be interested and why they might be reluctant, in a very natural-sounding conversation ….)

As they wait for Todd to discuss things in private with his second. Ronon complains about them being there in the first place. (This situation is, after all, very similar to the circumstances under which they meddled with Michael. The key difference here being that they’re giving the Wraith a choice in the matter this time. Not to mention how last time what they offered was a weapon, while what they offer now is decidedly not one.) McKay protests that it seems to be going well, to which Sheppard unenthusiastically agrees; John is unsettled by the fact that Todd’s not putting up resistance to the idea, though, feeling that Todd intends to say yes. Teyla asks why Todd shouldn’t, saying, “It is a reasonable offer.” Ronon cuts the musing short, arguing that they should be trying to kill them, not fix them. (It amuses me to see Ronon all gung-ho to kill Todd — oh Ronon, if you only knew ….) McKay points out that they’ve been trying to kill the Wraith for four years, Teyla adding that they aren’t doing what they’re proposing to help the Wraith anyway. (Which is a nod to the fact that Carson was trying to “help” the Wraith. Me, I was always confused as to how making them human was his answer to relieving them of their “unnatural state — shouldn’t he have been trying to make them bugs again, then? Ah, well, I digress ….) John’s still on his original train of though, saying that something’s happening that the Wraith aren’t telling them, to which Ronon remarks, “Big surprise!” (Like you guys haven’t kept things from Todd or planned to double-cross him!)

Todd returns, prompting Ronon to charge up his weapon. Pausing, Todd apologises, asking if he’s disturbing them (and seems genuine about asking, not sarcastic). Sheppard tells him to come in (thankfully not in a tone that suggests he feels like he owns the place, but rather in a more chagrined, gracious one), and Todd does, saying that he’s considered their offer. Sheppard remarks that that was fast; Todd ignores this observation, saying that he feels the idea has merit, if they can make it work. (Without significantly diminishing your abilities, you mean?) Keller assures him that it will. (But not that it won’t diminish their abilities, right?) Todd points out that changing his hive alone would be pointless — it would have little benefit to the humans, and would make his hive pariahs (as we saw with Michael). McKay points out that Todd claimed to be working with a group of hives; Todd assures him that he does, but adds the caveat that he may have exaggerated his position among them. Exchanging a dejected look with McKay (*squee*), Sheppard realises, unhappily, that Todd means that “he doesn’t have the clout.” “Then he’s no good to us,” Ronon evilly and gleefully announces. (No not only would they not be going through with a plan he doesn’t approve of, but he probably figures he can just kill Todd now ….)

Todd tells them, smoothly, “There’s only one you need to convince.” (I flash back to his Highlander reference in “The Kindred, Part 1″.) He explains that, if they con convince the head queen of the alliance, the Primary, the rest of the hives will “fall in line”; the problem is that she won’t listen to anyone but another queen, and his, as Teyla reminds us, was killed in battle in the skies above Atlantis (in “The Seer”). He then reveals that the Primary doesn’t know that his queen is dead; John is astonished and impressed that Todd has been bluffing the Primary and the rest of the alliance all this time. (Which brings up all sorts of interesting questions. For one, seeing as his entire hive was destroyed, along with his queen, where did he get this hive, that he has now? Did he have other cruisers loyal to his queen, and they built a new hive? Do they not need queens to make hive ships? Did they steal a hive? When he lost his hive, he seemed crushed — could it be that he wasn’t mourning the loss of his command, or even his people, but that queen? Did he serve her? Or was she a pawn that he controlled as the power behind the throne?) Todd points out that he wouldn’t have maintained his position otherwise, but for what they propose, a face-to-face meeting with the Primary is in order; therefore, there’s only one person who can help him pull this off: Teyla. (And as much as I’d love to believe Todd is all for their plan, I have a sneaking suspicion at this moment that this was the whole reason he agreed to this talk; he needs to “prove” to the Wraith that his hive still has a queen, probably having gone on for too long without such contact.)

Back in Atlantis, in Sheppard’s quarters, John and Teyla debate the situation. John’s clearly unenthusiastic about the plan. Teyla assures him that Keller says “the procedure is completely reversible and will have no lasting ill effects.” He remarks that even if the Wraith stop feeding, that doesn’t mean they’ll become friends, particularly as they have a technological advantage; Teyla realises that he fears they will just make slaves of the humans instead, and he points out that it had happened in his own galaxy. (Ooh, with the Goa’uld! That hadn’t even occurred to me. He has a point, though: they’d need someone to gather and farm for them, after all. But were I one of their potential victims, I think I’d prefer farming and giving a tithe of fruit to being drained of life ….) Annoyed, Teyla remarks that he didn’t voice this objection before. He points out that no one was asking her to risk her life before, either. (Ah, okay, so when there was no risk involved it was worth a shot, but the potential gain, in his eyes, is no longer worth the risk, now that the stakes have risen.) She points out that, with her DNA, she’s the only one who can do this and not be detected by the Queen. As far as he’s concerned, that doesn’t matter: why not let the Wraith kill each other off first? She counters that the war could end at any time, or Todd’s hive could be destroyed, and they’d lose any chance they have, with Wraith life going back to the way it was before the war. If their plan can save even a few of the people who will be culled soon, it’s worth it to Teyla, for her son’s sake if not her own. (Another great bit of veiled exposition/lantern-hanging, exploring the “whys” and “why not”s and coming up with sound reasoning, as far as I’m concerned, for the why. Also a nice bit of interplay between these two good friends, and great exploration of the core of their characters! I love how pleading John got ….) Amelia then radios the unhappy Sheppard, announcing Todd’s arrival.

In the infirmary, Keller and Teyla get ready for the procedure. Keller apologises, feeling like her research has forced Teyla into this. Teyla assures her that she has not been pressured, adding that Keller needs to remember how her research will save many lives. (A perfect example of how Teyla’s so good at putting people’s minds at ease — as well as great set-up to illustrate, by contrast, how vey not at ease she is herself, later!) On his way to the infirmary himself (escorted, but not in chains this time), Todd is stopped by Ronon. “Can I help you?” Todd asks. (*Snicker* So polite!) Ronon warns that, should anything happen to Teyla, there won’t be anywhere in the universe that Todd can hide. “Is that all?” Todd asks with a small nod, bemused. Ronon grins malevolently and moved out of Todd’s way. “Right,” Todd says flippantly, resuming his course. He strides confidently into the infirmary, asking cheerfully how his patient is. Keller assures him that Teyla is fine, and he heads over to a pair of computers, giving an enthusiastic, “Let’s get started!” Keller assures Teyla that Todd is just there as an advisor; she’s the one performing the surgery. (Surgery? This confuses me — I assumed it would be a matter of transforming her, genetically, similarly to the way John was in “Conversion”, or even as Michael was when Carson first altered him. Is this cosmetic surgery, then? How in the world do they give her that vein-y look and such, as Wraith have? I would have thought, if a retrovirus wasn’t doable, prosthetics would be the way to go ….)

We see Keller work with Todd over a period of time. The boyos are overhead in the observation deck, Rodney turning away, unable to watch, while Sheppard and Ronon look grimly on. (at least until Ronon looks at McKay — I wonder if he’s annoyed at McKay for abandoning the post or worried for how he’s taking it?) A little later, waiting in a lounge, Rodney whinges, wanting to know when they’ll get to see Teyla. Sheppard tells him to relax. “I can’t! I’ve had like three cups of coffee; I’m completely wired!” (Only three?) “Really? I hadn’t noticed …” Ronon deadpans. (*Snicker*) Keller lets them know they can see her; Sheppard hesitantly leads the way. The boys are unsettled to find Teyla with her new Wraith features — and voice. Personally, it’s her new cleft chin that’s getting to me the most. Luttrell doesn’t have but the very, very faintest hint of one, so why did they do that?)

On his hive ship, Todd tells Teyla to assume her throne — then basically rips her a new one for not being confident enough. (Ohmygods, he’s channeling Colin Mochrie from the “Hollywood Director” segments of Whose Line is it Anyway! It’s very intriguing to see him get so pissy! And it’s a change of pace to see Teyla so disconcerted — although, like she said, it’s certainly understandable for her to be so.) He warns that if she can’t be believable, she’ll get them both killed, saying that the Primary will sense her apprehension. “Well, given the circumstances …” Teyla starts to point out. “It may be understandable, but it is not acceptable!” he snaps. (A distinction few people ever make or seem to grasp — I like him even more for it!) Warning her that she must never show weakness, he orders her to try again. (This reminds me a little bit of that scene in Pretty Woman, where Barney is trying to instruct Vivian on how to use the cutlery. Although Barney was much nicer and patient there than Todd is being here.)

The boys are left waiting again, with Rodney asking how long it’s going to take. (Déjà vu — again!) Sheppard chide that it will take as long as it takes until Todd’s satisfied that Teyla can pass as a queen — and as far as John’s concerned, he’d rather they take their time. Rodney says she’s already too convincing and it creeps him out. (Yeah, especially considering how up-close and personal he got to that one Wraith queen in “Spoils of War”! By the way, I love the screens running Wraith computer stuff in the background — pretty!) John insists that she’s still Teyla; Ronon suggests that that’s the problem. (Good insight from Ronon once again — save that Teyla has held her own against two queens already! I say she’s got the strength to pull it off because she is herself; it’s not something she must struggle to do in spite of being herself.) Sheppard says he’s not any happier about it than they are, but reminds them that Todd’s own life is at risk; he doesn’t think Todd would go through with it if he didn’t think it could be pulled off. (Except that Todd doesn’t seem all that terribly concerned about his own life half the time — for all we know, the Primary could have warned him that he’s a dead commander if he doesn’t produce his queen. He could figure he’s screwed anyway if he doesn’t try this, so it’s worth a shot ….)

Todd comes in, and we learn that Teyla is resting. (Etiquette and poise lessons are hard work — just ask Anya, from Anastasia!) Todd informs them that the Primary has instructed them to go meet her. Rodney asks what the plan is; Todd says that, when they see the Primary, “Teyla will put forth my proposal”. McKay makes a snide comment about to Todd referring to the proposal as his own. “Believe me, the less the Primary knows about my dealings with the humans of Atlantis, the better,” Todd replies. (Why? She had to know you were dealing with humans when you teamed up with the Atlantians and the Travelers against the Replicators!) Sheppard worries that the Queen may not buy the proposal if she doesn’t know about the Atlantian’s involvement, to which Todd diplomatically explains that the alliance has had some recent setbacks. Ronon realises, with a grin, that Todd means they’re getting their asses kicked. Agreeing readily, Todd approaches Ronon, say that the one thing stronger than the Primary’s pride “is her instinct for survival.” His lip curls faintly. (I think he likes Ronon, after a fashion, appreciating his spunky attitude. Hell, they all seem fond of him, save Michael ….)

Todd’s hive arrives at the rendezvous. Todd, Teyla, and the second stand together, the second at a console. Todd tells Teyla, encouragingly, not to be nervous; she unconvincingly says she’s not. Not looking thrilled, Todd nods at the second, who then activates a viewscreen. We see the Primary. (Whoa, it’s not Andee Frizzell, who is usually the Wraith queens! According to IMDB, it’s Apollonia Vanova, who also apparently had a bit part on SG-1, as a Russian weapons officer. This queen totally makes me think of the Wicked Witch of the West, in the MGM Wizard of Oz film, too.) The Primary snootily remarks that many in her crew were starting to believe Teyla (well, the queen she’s portraying) didn’t even exist. Teyla says she wants the Primary to point them out to her, so that she “may remove all doubt from their minds.” The Primary assures her that such will not be necessary anymore, they says, invitingly, for Teyla to come over, adding with some slight menace (which comes across mostly as just catty) that Teyla should not make her wait again. (She makes me think of a leader among high school popular girls, one who is inexplicably impressed by the new girl and, while wanting her to join the group, also wants the newcomer to be clear of her lower status and that she’s on probation. Well, I suppose in some ways, that’s exactly the case ….) After the Primary signs off, Todd remarks to Teyla that the Primary likes her. Teyla is surprised by this, but Todd assures her that that “was as warm a reception as we might expect.” (Something in his tone and he way he looks at Teyla makes me think Todd’s somewhat fond of Teyla himself. I’m not sure if I would say in that way — I’m not even sure if any Wraith like each other that way, given their insect-like qualities — but it’s here that I start to wonder if Todd would perhaps like this arrangement to be permanent after all, like he really is grooming her to be queen.)

Teyla updates our boys. Sheppard tries to give her a chance to back out, but she won’t take it, determined to see it through. Rodney assures her that if something should go wrong, they’re right there. (Awwww. Besides being sweet, his tone is oddly confident for him. I like that he’s showing so much concern for her here; looking back at old episodes in repeats, it’s wonderful to see how far he’s come emotionally; he used to be soooo detached ….) Sheppard insists, with his typical denial, that nothing will go wrong. Rodney starts to say of course nothing will, but if it does …. “Rodney,” Sheppard says, chidingly (though not angrily, as he might have in the past). “Which it won’t,” Rodney amends. (*Snicker* Awww, those two ….) She gets a pensive look; Ronon steps forward and tells her, in a tone that says they have her back and she shouldn’t worry, to just be careful. Still looking uncertain, she nods and leaves. (Yup, for an ep I worried would be all Teyla, this ep has a lot of fantastic team interaction, exactly the sort of stuff I was looking most forward to this season!)

Todd and Teyla take a shuttle over, and are greeted by a bald commander and a big squad of drones. (Note that this ship is all foggy.) Baldy greets them, “Welcome to my ship.” (His ship?) Teyla asks, impatiently, where his queen is. Baldy assures her that she will meet the Primary “in time” — then gives the order for the ship to jump to hyperspace! Todd protests that this wasn’t part of their agreement; Baldy retorts that they couldn’t expect them to conduct the talks within weapons-range of their hive. (Um, with Teyla on board; why would her hive open fire on you? If they were going to do that, wouldn’t they have done it while she was still with them?) Looking hurt and baffled, Todd points out that they are apart of the same alliance, asking if Baldy doesn’t trust them. (Proof of Todd’s having honour, I think — he seems genuinely disappointed at this betrayal.) Baldy, seeming a little apologetic, says tat he makes it a practice not to trust anyone he doesn’t know, adding that this is what his queen wanted. (He’s the Fox Mulder of the Wraith!) Teyla gives him a dirty look, and he beckons them to follow him, adding a please. (He’s polite, too! So the Wraith culture is very courtly, all prim and proper behavior masking back-stabbing, it seems ….) Teyla gives Todd a wary look, and he bows. (I wonder if the bow is meant to be an assurance that she should indeed follow Baldy as much as the required deference to his Queen? Or maybe even a reminder that she should go first?) Baldy’s hive jumps.

In Todd’s hive, the boyos confront the second, demanding to know what’s happening. He tells them about the other ship jumping. While McKay is flabbergasted, Sheppard points out that this wasn’t supposed to happen; the second agrees. (This seems to throw Sheppard and Rodney, who probably expected to learn now that Todd had in deed betrayed them.) Ronon ask where the ship went; the second doesn’t know. Ronon insists that the second is lying, drawing his blaster. The drones surround them with raised stunners; Rodney nervously calls out Ronon’s name. The second reiterates that he knows nothing about what has happened. Sheppard says Ronon’s name, quietly; Ronon reluctantly lowers his gun. (Oooh, beautiful example of how Ronon defers to Sheppard even over his own instincts! He’s so very like a dog in some respects!) The second remarks that they will just have to trust each other, clearly no happier about it than they are, yet as gracious as Todd.

Baldy leads Todd and Teyla to the throne room, announces that the Primary will be with them shortly, and leaves. Teyla whirls on Todd, who assures her that he had no idea this would happen, but if the Primary wanted them dead she would have had them killed already. (I believe him, but is it really wise for you two to discuss this now?) “And if she begins to suspect? We are trapped on this ship!” Teyla snaps. Todd insists, soothingly, that they just need to stick to the plan, and everything will be fine. The Primary arrives, and is immediately snippy about Todd’s presence. (Now she looks like Buffy’s Drusilla to me — I think it’s the hair and her outfit.) Todd bows and backs away. The Primary gets up in Teyla’s face as Teyla explains that she thought he would be useful, seeing as he’d been the one the Primary had dealt with until now. The Primary snaps that’s he doesn’t like surprises. Teyla tartly points out that she doesn’t either, but the Primary surprised her with taking the ship into hyperspace. (See, Teyla? It’s not so hard!) The Primary suggests that Teyla might have done the same in her shoes (and for that moment, the Primary is actually sympathetic. Also, nice foreshadowing of Teyla’s taking over!) After a moment, Teyla accepts it. Mostly mollified, the Primary suggests that they sit — when Todd suddenly draws a knife and stabs it into the Primary’s neck, killing her! (Whoa, I wasn’t expecting hat!! It’s kind of too bad, too; I was intrigued by the Primary!) The Primary taps a pendant around her neck as she dies, sounding the alarm.

Todd presses the murder weapon into Teyla’s shocked hand, apologising for how things must be. He then gives a reluctant Teyla the 411 on Wraith culture: this is the typical means by which power changes hands. The crew might not be happy about it, but they don’t like to be without a Queen. They will take Teyla’s killing the Primary as a sign that said Primary was growing weak and therefore deserved to be deposed, and accept Teyla as their new queen — unless they don’t find Teyla to be a capable queen herself, in which case they will kill them both. Baldy and his drones arrive, and Teyla announces that she has taken what is rightfully hers. Baldy and the others threaten her for what she has done, Baldy in grief for the loss of his queen, but she remains steadfast, saying they are better off with her than the former queen. Todd steps in front of her and belittles Baldy; she grabs Todd, drives him to his knees (no small feat considering how much he towers over her), and holds the knife to his throat, berating him for speaking for her. Her action convinces the others (partially, I think, because it genuinely surprised Todd): when she orders him to drop the ship out of hyperspace and run a diagnostic so she can know the condition of her new flagship, then also orders the body of the former Primary (which she calls a “thing”) taken out of her sight, Baldy tells her, “Yes, my queen.”

The hive drops out of hyperspace. Todd comes into the throne room, which is empty save for Teyla, and informs her that the crew has been fooled. She lays into him for risking their lives. He insists that he had no choice, that the Primary wasn’t going to accept their proposal; she doesn’t appreciate that he killed the Primary nor that he made her take the blame. Todd points out that if they’d known he had done it, they would have killed him and captured her, which was not the desired outcome. (Interesting that males cannot assume power, no matter if they are strong enough to kill a queen, and are treated as a lower order despite being powerful leaders when the queen is not present. And yet they have the power to decide if a queen is worthy and execute her for failure t meet standards, in a bizarre sort of checks and balances. This peek into Wraith culture is fascinating!) Todd goes on to remind her that Wraith culture is different from that of humans. (And how wonderful that he is insightful enough to understand this and respect the fact!)

He tells her that it was important for her to claim ownership of the act. She insists that he should have told her of his intention to make her Queen; he says (in what I perceive to be regretful tones) that he didn’t think she would have gone through with it, and she agrees, calling his plan foolish and reckless. He explains that most Wraith are not comfortable living without a queen, and insists that that he was certain that they would not be able to resist her. “Most of them?” she asks, incredulous. (She’s probably wondering what would happen if there were some who didn’t feel they needed a Queen. Me, I’m wondering if Todd is an exception, or does he want a queen too? I’m thinking the former, but we can’t really be sure, can we?) He assures her that they achieved what they’d set out to do: she’s now the Primary, so they can implement Keller’s plan. (But will they? I want to believe they will, given his honourable track record, but will Todd really follow through, or is he only saying so to mollify Teyla now? Todd very much strikes me as the type who will do whatever is necessary to reach an end result that he perceives as right, a sort of ends justify the means sort of guy, but with good intentions. Like he’ll be honourable if the situation allows, but wouldn’t allow the desire to be honourable interfere with getting the job done ….) Teyla figures he doesn’t need her anymore, then, and wants to leave, ordering him to take her back to his ship in a tone that makes her sound like a true queen. Sounding like he’s losing patience a little, he says that she must wait until order is restored, but then, yes, she can go. (I hope this isn’t a ruse on his part, that he isn’t thinking of making this job permanent for her somehow by making more excuses for her to stick around. And I hope that he’s thinking of killing her when she’s done, and pretending she’s still alive too! At any rat, it makes me nervous that these two are speaking so loudly and freely, even if the room is empty).

Back in the other hive, Ronon still thinks this was all a set-up; Sheppard insist that Kenny seemed surprised when it went down. “Kenny?” McKay asks, confused; Sheppard, of course, has named the second in command. While Mckay starts griping about the name and how they should pick them together (*snicker* foucs, Rodney), Ronon and Sheppard continue the conversation seriously, Ronon suggesting Kenny simply wasn’t in on it, while Sheppard counters that Todd could have taken Teyla prisoner from the beginning if he were in on it, so that doesn’t add up. (Except that she wouldn’t be terribly useful if she felt she were a prisoner. I think the bigger clue in Todd’s defence is that you’d all be in the brig right now, or dead, if this had been a trap set by Todd. Why would he have left Kenny out of the loop?) Ronon asks what they’re going to do; McKay chimes in that they need to get to get off the ship, so as to not still be surrounded by Wraith. (Okay, I can agree with that — while I think the Wraith have no harmful intentions towards them at the moment, that could change for any multitude of reasons in the blink of an eye. Just because the sharks aren’t in a frenzy right now doesn’t mean you wanna stay in the thick of them if you can help it.) Sheppard points out that all they have is the jumper (heh, guess he’s not keen on trying to take the hive over *wink*) and asks where McKay wants to go. Rodney suggests they find a ‘Gate and get back to Atlantis, resuming the search for Teyla from there; Sheppard asks how. (And isn’t that a depressing thought, having to look for Teyla all over again?) McKay admits he hasn’t thought that out yet. Before they can discuss their options further, though, Kenny arrives, Rodney noticing and indicating with body language that they have company. (Wow, Rodney actually paid attention and shut up for once! *Snicker*) “We have something,” Kenny tells them.

“The Primary’s hive has dropped out of hyperspace,” Kenny tells them, showing them Todd’s transmitter signal. (Man, he’s getting good use out of that thing! Seriously, has he studied Pavlov? ‘Cause every time he activates that thing, the Atlantians come running ….) Kenney reveals that the hive is in empty space by a nebula; McKay wonders what they’re doing out there, but Sheppard doesn’t care, just wanting to go after them. (What perfect examples of their respective personalities!) Kenney informs them that he’s already plotted the course, but warns that their unannounced arrival will arouse suspicion. Sheppard says they’ll worry about that later, as the transmitter is the closest thing they have to a distress signal. (Of course, in this instance, it’s more like Todd’s hailed a taxi, as Teyla can simply tell her new crew that she wishes to return to her ship. Then again, he might have set the thing off the moment they were taken into hyperspace, but the hive he’s in might have picked up on that and gotten suspicious.) They jump to hyperspace.

Baldy approaches a whispering Teyla and Todd, apologising for intruding and trying to hand her a datapad, saying that they’ve “received an urgent report”. (Which of course she wouldn’t be able to read — perhaps she ought to make rectifying that her next task). Todd pushes at the pad, asking if Baldy intends to make her read it. Nonplussed but chastised, Baldy apologises and reveals that an enemy hive has been spotted above one of their feeding grounds. “Have you tried to contact them?” Todd asks, incredulous, as if wondering why he would bother her over it. (He’s doing a great job of intervening for Teyla without it looking like he’s intervening; rather, as this new Primary’s right-hand man, he’s putting the former one in his place.) Baldy says that the other hive will not respond to their hails. Teyla tells him to dispatch the closest hive to investigate; he informs her that they are the closest hive. She insists that they must remain where they are, prompting a perplexed and suspicious look from Baldy. Todd suggests to his queen that they discuss this in private. (Ooh, big risk there, but I don’t see as Todd has any choice.) Rolling her eyes, she orders Baldy to lave them. He does, but when the doors close behind him, we see that the gears are turning in his shiny head. Back in the throne room, Todd says they must investigate, else the crew will perceive it as weakness and not understand. “Then let them be confused!” she snaps. “Spoken like a true queen,” he says, grinning, before warning that if she makes the crew suspicious or seems irrational, she will lose them. Teyla asks about his ship, pointing out that it’s on its way; he explains that they will learn of this hive’s new location when they arrive. (Besides, now that they aren’t captives of the old Primary, what difference does it make? It’s not like they can’t hail them and meet up with them later!) Resigned, she tells him to tell the bridge to set a new course.

Meanwhile, the boys make rescue plans (sans Kenny). Sheppard remarks that Kenny’s right: the other hive will sense them as soon as they drop out of hyperspace. Ronon suggests that they drop out early and make the journey the rest of the way by ‘jumper. (For a moment, I think that won’t help, as the other hive should still be able to sense them from a distance, but then I realise the point is that they won’t be close enough for the other hive to open fire.) Sheppard counters that that would take too long (they could jump away again, after all), saying what they need is a diversion. McKay asks what kind; Ronon asks if Sheppard is thinking what he’s thinking. Sheppard remarks that he doesn’t think they can rely on Kenny to give the order. “We don’t give him a choice,” Ronon replies. McKay is lost for a moment. (*Snicker* It’s nice to see him be the one in the dark for a change, instead of Ronon. Well, strategy’s not his bag.) Then he realises what they’re talking about: having this hive fire on the other. He’s not keen on the idea, worrying that both ships would be destroyed. Sheppard says they’ll just have to get Teyla off the ship before that happens. He concedes that it’s risky, but the point is the longer they take, the less likely they will be to save her. (And no matter what Teyla might want, mission-wise, John will not lose her again. It’s both admirable of him and selfish … I love his flustered tone here, and the familiar way with how he addresses Rodney – another example of how far they’ve come along/gotten relaxed around each other. John cares more about Rodney’s opinion/perception these days, rather than just giving orders and that’s that.)

The Primary’s hive drops out of hyperspace. As they make their way to the bridge, Todd advises Teyla on how she should handle the situation, saying essentially that the other hive may act tough, but they really won’t want a fight any more than their own hive does. When they get to the bridge, though, Teyla shocks everyone by telling Baldy to ignore the other hive’s hails and fire on them, saying that they provoked an attack by encroaching on their territory. When Todd asks her, in undertones, what she’s doing, particularly after he told her to talk to them, she points out that he also told her to not show weakness. (Hooo, bet you’re regretting this plan now, Todd! Truthfully, I have to wonder if she’s lost it — she’ll negate the whole point of the mission if she gets them killed!) The enemy hive fires back. She orders the darts deployed, over Baldy’s misgivings, insisting that they must stand firm. Disturbed, Todd accuses her (and I worry about him being overheard), of doing it on purpose, to kill Wraith. (He seems genuinely upset by the prospect, which makes him all the more endearing to me; he does seem to genuinely care about his race, and would prefer to make peace when possible, it seems.) The battle rages on for a few moments. (It’s a cool fight!) Baldy announces that half of their first wave has been destroyed; Teyla counters that the rest are now too close to be fired upon by the enemy hive, freeing them to fire on the hive at will. Baldy protests that the other hive could launch their own darts to intercept. She insists that that will take time, adding that, with any luck, they’ve them off-guard. Todd looks sickened.

The other hive drops out of hyperspace at the Primary hive’s former location. Kenny announces that the Primary hive has moved on to one of the feeding grounds; Ronon asks what for. (My first guess would have been feeding — I would have been wrong, but it seems the most obvious reason, negating the need to even ask such a question, Ronon!) “I don’t know, I’m not on the ship,” Kenney points out reasonably, with a touch of frustration. (He reminds me of O’Neill in “The Return, Part 2″, when Woolsey kept asking him all these questions about what’s going on outside of their location, and O’Neill points out that, having been with Woolsey the whole time, he couldn’t possibly know any more than him.) Kenny adds that, were he to guess, he’d say they were going to cull. (See, he agrees with me!) The boyos discuss what to do — they want to go after the other hive, but worry that they’ll lose them if that hive jumps into hyperspace again, as Todd’s transmitter signal will be lost in hyperspace. Saying that they need to stop playing catch-up, Sheppard asks if there’s a Stargate on the planet (I assume he means the feeding ground). Kenny confirms it; Sheppard tells Kenny to drop them off, saying they’ll get there faster in the ‘jumper. (Smart! … I assume he means for Kenny to take them to a ‘Gate, seeing as they’re supposed to be by nothing but a nebula at the moment.) Kenny asks how Sheppard intends on getting aboard, but Sheppard tells him not to worry about it. (So is it that he doesn’t have a plan or that he simply doesn’t want to tell Kenny about the cloaking device, which I would have thought the Wraith already knew about?)

On the bridge of the Primary hive, Baldy reports that the other hive has deployed its darts, outnumbering their own — if they don’t recall them, they will be destroyed. Teyla snaps that their sacrifice will be remembered when their alliance rules the galaxy. The ship is rocked by a hit; they’ve lost the main weapons array. “Keep firing all other batteries!” Teyla orders. (She seems to be reaching here — I feel like her ploy is spiraling out of her control, which was tenuous in the first place.)

When our boys arrive in the ‘jumper, they are surprised to find two hives fighting. (Funny, Kenny didn’t mention that — I guess they were too far to pick up anything but Todd’s transmitter?) Rodney reports that the Primary hive has lost weapons. Ronon says they have to do something. (To keep Teyla from getting killed, of course, but it just strikes me as funny, him wanting to rush in to the aide of a hive ship.) Rodney mentions having been working on making Asgard beams for the ‘jumpers. Sheppard’s excited, until Rodney dashes his hopes, revealing that they haven’t actually gotten them made yet. Annoyed, Sheppard asks why he brought it up, then; Rodney admits he was just thinking they would be great for a situation like this. (Sorry, but I have to do it: *ROFL!!* I couldn’t blame Sheppard if he decided to smack Rodney upside the head then, but instead he just moves on — good for him.) Sheppard tells them to hold on, saying he’s “going to tip the scales a little bit.” He flies them up to the enemy hive and, to Rodney’s horror, decloaks, firing on the ship. Between his choice shots and fire from the alliance darts, the hive is destroyed. (Gotta love those Star Wars sort of maneuvers! Not to mention the fact that the special effects here are better than in most movies — it’s a really fantastic space battle!)

Baldy is astonished, reporting that the other hive has been destroyed. Todd praises Teyla, bowing. She, in turn, reprimands Baldy for questioning her tactics, then spins on her heel and hurries off the bridge. Todd gives Baldy a pointed look and follows after her, walking more casually. Still stunned (and, methinks, suspicious), Baldy orders the darts recalled. Having recloaked, John follows the darts into the docking bay of the Primary hive.

Now aboard the hive, the guys look for Teyla, but a frustrated McKay can’t really tell where they are, thinking they (the rescue team) are on the wrong level, and complains that the transmitter signal keeps moving. Sheppard sees this as a good sign — it means Todd is alive. Ronon points out that that doesn’t tell them anything about Teyla. McKay finally points them in a direction, albeit uncertainly. A few moments later, they, surreptitiously, discover the way blocked by drones. Sheppard says they’ll have to circle back. “Oh great, I have to figure this out all over again?” McKay, understandably, whinges. As they start to move, Ronon ducks back, saying there’s a patrol coming. Slightly panicked, McKay asks what they’re going to do; Sheppard says they’ve got no choice. Groaning piteously, McKay resigns himself to the fight. They open fire on the drones in both directions, Rodney crouching so that he can half-hide behind Ronon as he fires his handgun. Hey, he’s a damn good shot, too, especially considering how he’s squinting!) The drones in the immediate area taken care of, the guys wonder where to go when another approaching squad makes their decision for them; they go back the way they came. Unfortunately, it’s not long before they run into more drones and are eventually stunned 9with it, of course, taking several shots to get Ronon down). Baldy walks into view and tells his men to inform their queen of the intruders.

Rodney stands at the door to a cell, looking at the bars with a forlorn here we go again expression, asking “Now what?” (See, now, that other hive ship wasn’t so bad to be on after all, was it?) “Well, if I had to guess, I’d say we’ll be taken in front of the Queen who will demand answers and threaten to feed on us — at which time … I hope to have a plan to get us out of here,” John replies. (Haaaa! Great line, and fantastic delivery!) A door near the cell opens: it’s Teyla. Rodney says as much, prompting John to remind him to be quiet (so as to not tip off the Wraith as to who she is). Teyla orders a couple of drones to leave, and approaches the boyos. Addressing them each by name, she says she’s glad to see them but they shouldn’t have come after her. (She’s right, to an extent, but if they hadn’t come through the ‘Gate for her, she’d be floating in space as tiny particles right now, so we have to thank Sheppard somewhat for his stubbornness.) She warns them not to try to escape, assuring them that they are safe, as she is now the queen. Sheppard insists that they have a ‘jumper, so they can all go now, and is shocked when Teyla refuses. She explains that if, she stays long enough to solidify her position, it will ensure that the alliance accepts the treatment — otherwise, their efforts will have been for nothing. (Glad to see she’s come around on Todd’s plan — much like she expected Todd to do with theirs, as it makes sense.) Sheppard says he agrees to her plan — for now. As she walks away, we see that Baldy has been listening, from the shadows. (Just as I feared would eventually haoppen!)

Teyla finds Baldy in her quarters; she acts appropriately wary and affronted, and he explains that he let himself in, needing to talk to her in private. She demands he leave her alone, but he refuses, saying she is not his queen. She maintains her queenly charade, even after he says he saw her talking to the Atlantians, trying to play it off like she was interrogating the prisoners. He says he could hear what was said, and knows she is familiar with them, wondering how such a thing is possible, adding that he’d been suspicious of her from the start. He accuses her of “committing treachery after treachery”, saying he failed to defend his ship. (Which explains why he didn’t just accept that she has an alliance with the humans, seeing as she is now the Primary — he feels she does not have his ship’s best interests at heart, seeing as she sent all those dart pilots to their deaths, and seems to have won the battle with non-wraith help.) He draws his sword and attacks. She manages to get a strike in with the knife Todd had killed the Primary with, but is then knocked aside. (Well, at least she held her own, virtually unarmed, for a moment. I’m betting she doesn’t have the Wraith super-strength, either.) He makes a pretty little speech as he hold the sword to her throat (similarly to how she held a knife to Todd, earlier); the distraction allows Todd to stun, then kill him. (The neck-breaking is really unconvincing, but I’m glad — scenes that that always freak me out.) Teyla thanks Todd.

As they make their way down a corridor, Todd informs her that his hive has arrived, and that he’s ordered the Atlantians moved to it. (What about the cloaked ‘jumper??) She asks when she will join them. “As soon as this is all over,” Todd assures her. (I’m a little creeped out by that — it sounds ominous, like he plans to kill her!) Next we see them, Teyla is addressing a crowd of Wraith, explaining that she is returning to her own hive, but adding that this hive is under her protection. She goes on to say that she is leaving Todd behind, and they are to treat his word as her own. Satisfied that they will obey, she orders Todd to escort her to her transport. She hurries through the opening made in the ranks of the drones. (She should have walked slower, more confidently, methinks.) Alone again, Todd compliments her, saying that he believes all the crew’s suspicions to have been allayed. She forcefully reminds him of why she did all this: “to disseminate Dr Keller’s treatment to as many Wraith as possible.” “Of course … although I think it might be wise to let matters settle for a bit, first,” he suggests. (Yeah, it sounds like he has no intention of following through Still, it does make sense to wait a bit, so hopefully he’s not planning to go back on his word.) She asks, testily, how much time he’s talking; he assures her not long. “You’re not planning on going back on our agreement, are you?” she asks, eyes narrowed. He tries to mollify her, saying offhandedly that he just thinks that pressing such a radical agenda so soon after a change in command might “invite unwanted questions.” “Fine,” she agrees, adding as he turns away, thinking the discussion over, that he should keep in mind that she is still the hive’s queen, threatening to have him removed if he steps out of line. “Permanently.” She leaves him standing there, flexing his hands. (In fury? Hard to tell. I don’t think it was wise of Teyla to have taunted him — he could have just kill her right then, in that empty hall, and the other Wraith would have been none the wiser! I think it speaks well of him that he didn’t do just that …. Now, if he doesn’t want to worry about Teyla revealing the truth, now that she’s out of reach, he kind of has to seriously consider the treatment, doesn’t he? Besides, they could always test it on enemy Wraith first, so his hive wouldn’t be at risk, so he should be all for the possibility of ridding himself of a weakness with none of the risk ….)

Back in Atlantis, John, accompanied by Keller, visits Teyla in the infirmary, teasing her about her return to looking normal. Teyla tells Keller that she’s better — still sore, but for the most part “it’s gone.” Keller takes her leave, telling Teyla to make sure John doesn’t give her a hard time; John scowls in a Who, me? way as she goes. (Cute. *Grin*) Not satisfied with Teyla’s earlier answer, John asks if she’s okay, “No lingering desires to feed on anything?” “Only on solid food,” she assures him, not happy with the “blended concoctions” Keller has been giving her. Sheppard points out that it’s only been two weeks, suggesting she give it some time. (If it was indeed cosmetic surgery that Keller performed, I’m surprised it was so easy to alter Teyla back again, even if it did take two weeks. Why are there no cuts on her face?) John then hesitantly and awkwardly praises her for what she did. Shrugging it off, she asks if they’ve heard from Todd; Sheppard says not really, but that they’re supposed to talk to him about the treatment in a couple of weeks. (I wonder if they have to use Kenny as an intermediary, so the new hive doesn’t learn that he’s been consorting with humans?) Sheppard adds that Todd has supposedly “solidified his position as ‘leader’ of the alliance.” Teyla gets thoughtful, saying it strikes her as odd that Todd has become the leader of the entire alliance; Sheppard asks if she thinks that was his plan all along, and she confirms she has considered it. John says even so, he thinks they’re better off. (Good! I’m glad to hear him say that! I’m fairly sure Teyla and John are right, that the whole reason Todd had agreed to that meeting in the beginning in the first place was because he wanted Teyla’s aid in taking control of the alliance. I hope he is considering the treatment, though, for the reasons I mentioned earlier ….) John tells her to rest, saying that he’ll come back to check on her, and leaves. She looks thoughtfully at her palm — the one that would have been her feeding hand. (Just how far did she get altered, I wonder? Also, to put Todd in line, she’d have to go through an awful lot of trouble, getting turned into the queen again — perhaps Todd doesn’t think she’d find it worth the trouble ….)

I’m relieved that Todd didn’t pull some sort of uber-betrayal — based on something Mallozzi had said a while back, Joe, I was half afraid the Atlantians would end up enemies with Todd by the end! Also, while part of me is glad Kenny lived, I’m disappointed that we never got to see Rodney shout “Oh my god, they killed Kenny!”, with either Todd or even Sheppard saying “You bastards!” Maybe next time. At any rate, I’d give this ep a “10″, as I would to “Broken Ties”. “The Shrine”, of course, gets an “11″. I’d give “Search and Rescue” a “9″, and “Daedalus Variations” an “8″. Granted, I would only give “Whispers” a “7″, and “The Seed” and “Ghost in the Machine” each a “6″, but still, that’s a pretty strong season thus far, overall!

If you live in the LA area and are as passionate about saving the show as I am, please consider attending one of the SOSGA rallies. Go here for more info. Come on, if Seventh Heaven could get an eleventh season at the last possible moment after it’s cancellation, SGA should be able to get a sixth!!

See you all next week, for “Tracker”! Yay for Ronon/Rodney bonding!

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Wolfen Moondaughter is on the editorial board for the comics industry webzine Sequential Tart, for which she has written since late 2001. She’s an artist, too, having done spot illustrations for Dragonlance, among other things. In her spare time, she’s a rabid fanficcer/fanartist. See more of her work at her site, Wolfen’s Webworld.

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