Sky Trek: Children of the Night

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One Day Earlier ...

“Commander!” Worf shouted, watching as Riker collapsed onto the warpgate’s platform.

He didn’t have much time to stare, however, before his opponent was on him once again. One after another Teyla flung her battle sticks at him, and over and over, he twirled his staff back and forth to counter them. After what seemed like an eternity, Worf finally saw an opening, smacking the butt end of his spear into the Thestral’s chest.

“OOF!” She reeled backwards, trying to stabilize herself, and was barely able to block the next blow: this time the blade end of the Klingon’s spear. “You f-fight well," she wheezed. “However, you are not fighting for your home!”

With that, she seemed to energize herself. With renewed vigor, she twirled about for a 360 degree strike, using her left wing for extra momentum. Worf was able to parry again, but her two combat sticks hit his spear’s pole with such force even he couldn’t compensate. He felt his legs buckle ever so slightly, almost falling over. Instead of collapsing, however, he stumbled backwards, and the two duelists began circling each other.

"You have an honorable goal," Worf admitted, just now beginning to pant. "Even if your understanding of the Federation leaves much to be desired. You did not need to kill my companions."

"Kill?" Teyla laughed. "You project unto us too much."

Before Worf could respond, she lunged at him again, launching another flurry of rapid strikes.

“So, you did want hostages, then!” Worf managed, continuing to, with some effort, block her blows. “I take it back, you are not so honorable after all!”

“It is dishonorable, but you are forcing our hand!” Teyla cried. “We did not wish to walk this path!” With a battle cry, she ducked low and stuck out her legs. Maneuvering her body with her hands and wings, she attempted to sweep Worf’s own legs out from under him ...

“Don’t speak as if you have no choice!” Worf growled, leaping into the air, dodging the sweep, and cascading his spear downward for a tremendous horse cut. Instead of parrying, however, Teyla merely jutted to the left with the help of her wings, dodging it completely. Worf’s spear slammed into the grass, almost embedding itself in it…

“Your arrogance extends beyond your words, it seems,” Teyla chided.

Worf’s eyes widened as she swung her sticks horizontally, nearly clipping his shoulder. Fortunately, he was able to right his spear just in time, blocking her strike once again. Thus, their dance continued, with split-second thrusts and split-second blocks, their weapons moving faster than the untrained eye could see.

As Worf tried to counter her rhythm, he noticed Ronon drawing closer and closer, and began continuously moving to keep Teyla between him and himself. At this rate, it would only be a matter of time, however. He had to end this fight and--

Worf’s eyes suddenly widened. His last horizontal swing was countered by Teyla quickly ducking - a critical error on his part. He saw Ronon grin; he had a clear shot at him, and it didn’t take long for him to take it.

“RAAAAAUGH!.!.! ” Worf roared as electricity surged through him. Unlike his companions, he wasn’t mercifully knocked unconscious. His hardy Klingon body was allowing him to take the full force of it wide awake. He backed away from Teyla, forced to kneel. However, it wasn’t long before he realized he could no longer move.

Yet despite having the opportunity, instead of attacking him, Teyla looked to Ronon.

“Not surprised,” he said, almost casually. “Orcs are sturdy - Klingon varieties especially. I could--”

“No, we don’t know if that will kill him,” Teyla said, moving over to Tasha’s body, picking her up, and throwing her over her shoulder. “We have who we need. Grab the other and let’s go.”

“He’s gonna tell the rest of em’, you know,” Ronon said, picking up Riker. "Let me call for backup so we can--"

“They will be finding out slightly sooner, that’s all,” Teyla noted, before turning to a still stunned Worf. "In fact, why don't you relay the message, Klingon? Contact someone with authority - let them know that until your Federation leaves this island, your friends will remain in our custody."

"Or worse," Ronon growled. "And if they don't care about their people, maybe they'll care about their stuff. Better guard your toys carefully, cus' anything we can smash we will smash."

And with one last pair of ice-cold glares, the two of them and their captives disappeared into the woods.

--

Present...

Inside the radio room of Farpoint's command center, Worf sat solemnly next to the main transmitter, trying his best to describe what happened.

"... and that was all they said to me."

"So they're trying to force our hand through hostages," Picard’s voice crackled.

"Yes, sir,” Worf grumbled. "It is my fault, captain. If not for my failure, we would never be in this position. I take full responsibility for what has happened."

"I do not accept that, Mr. Worf."

Worf grimaced at that. The captain’s words hit harder than Teyla’s battle sticks. "I understand, sir. The dishonor goes beyond a simple reprimand."

"No, I mean it is not your responsibility," Picard said, surprising Worf. "Speak to me later, but for now, I need you to look forward, not backwards. We will be arriving in Farpoint within the hour, and your insight will be invaluable to handling this situation. Will you be ready to lend a hand?"

Worf perked up ever so slightly. "Gladly, sir.”

"Good. I look forward to meeting you in person, Lieutenant. Picard out."

At that, the stoic warrior couldn’t help but shake his head in bafflement.

--

“Thestrals,” Picard said, pacing the Enterprise’s bridge in bewilderment. “Why on Hyporia would they be doing this?”

“I wasn’t even sure Threstrals were a real thing until today,” Deanna said. “I thought they were just stories…”

“Bedtime stories,” Picard said, making a ponderous expression. “Used to scare children. ‘Do your chores or the Threstrals will take you away’. That sort of thing.”

“So even in human lands they are feared...” Luna said sadly. Her eyes seemed distant - as if looking into another time.

“Lieutenant?” Picard said.

“My apologies,,” Luna said, seemingly snapping herself out of it. “Hearing of them brought back… old memories. Very old.”

Picard gave her a curious yet stern look. "Princess Luna--"

"Please don't," she said coldly. "That title has meant nothing for cycles."

"Very well," Picard said patiently. "I do know of your history, however. Your people's history, that is.”

“Oh do you?” Luna said, agitation starting to fill her tone.

“Captain, careful,” Deanna cautioned.

Picard, however, continued unabated. “During the civil war, the Threstrals fought on the side of the Nightmare entity, yes?”

“Do not go there, captain,” Luna said, her agitation giving way to anger. “Do not go there.”

“I only bring it up for reference,” Picard said. “From what I understand-”

"Thou should'st not presume to understand anything, human!" Luna finally snapped, and to the horror of the bridge crew, her eyes seemed to flicker a pure black for an instant. Picard, however, was unphased, as he rose from his chair to face the former ruler. Before he could respond, however, she continued with: “Most few among my own people wot sooth, let alone thyself!”

The bridge was tense as Picard and Luna faced each other down.

“Captain,” Charlie said in an uncharacteristically serious tone. “Should I call security?”

Picard shook his head, not taking his gaze off Luna. “That will not be necessary, ensign.”

“Yo, can someone translate what the five hells she just said for me?!” Victor said.

“It’s an older type of common, not used for many years,” Picard noted, his voice still a tranquil breeze in the storm. “Nearly a thousand, I believe.”

Luna continued to glare at him.

“Much can be lost in a thousand years,” Picard continued. “Much more can be warped by myth and legend, isn’t that right? History is malleable and not often accurate. And even when it is, it’s often missing a crucial bit of nuance.”

Her glare turned uncertain.

“And that is why I simply wish what insights you may have to offer,” Picard finally finished.

To perhaps even her own disbelief, her eyes suddenly widened. For the first time since he had met her, she seemed taken aback. Slowly, but surely, she began to relax, moving back to her post. “I… I’m sorry, captain. For my outburst.”

“Perfectly understandable,” Picard said. “You must understand, though, that I have a rare opportunity here to gain counsel from someone who saw ancient history first hand. That counsel could be invaluable to diffusing this situation. So I ask again: is there anything you know that could help?”

Luna slowly shook her head. “I don’t know much of modern Thestral culture. All I can tell you is that in the past, they were often misjudged simply for what they were. It’s possible that that mere fact has turned them bitter over the years. Perhaps they’re not who they were. I don’t know. I don’t really know anything anymore… not since--”

“Hey, hey,” Princess Leia comforted, putting a hand on her shoulder. “It’s fine. I don’t know the whole story, but it’s been a wild ride recently, hasn’t it?”

“That’s no excuse,” Luna said, dejected. “My behavior was completely unprofessional.”

“Hah!” Leia laughed. “Unprofessional? You think you’re the first person to blow up on Picard in public?”

Picard threw her a blank look.

“Waaaaait a minute,” Charlie suddenly said, her voice rising in jubilance. “Is this the part where we get all our feelings out in the open and bond as a group?! Because that would be sooooo awesome!”

Picard gave her an even blanker look. “No, ensign.”

“Nobody’s drunk enough for that,” Deanna chirped. “Not yet, anyway.”

“Deanna!” Jane said, her eyes widening in surprise.

“Did I say that out loud?” she said innocently.

“Oh for the love of--” Picard snapped. “Everyone, get back to your stations, damn it! We’re long overdue at Farpoint.”

The crew complied, but it wasn’t out of fear of Picard’s apparent anger. Something in the room’s atmosphere had changed. He had seen it happen before, but wasn't consciously aware of it as it happened live.

His bridge crew was beginning to bond.

--

Two hours later, a number of personnel sat at the long, wooden table in the Enterprise's meeting room. One seat remained vacant, however, reserved for the newest arrival.

"Mr. Worf. Welcome aboard the Enterprise," Picard greeted, giving the newly arrived Klingon Orc a firm handshake. He then gestured towards the empty chair before moving to take his own seat at the head of the table. "I know you'd probably like more time to get your bearings, but with circumstances the way they are…"

"That will not be necessary," Worf said bluntly. "I'm ready to serve."

"You don't let the grass grow under your feet, huh?" Shepard joked, a hint of respect in her words.

"I prefer not to, commander," Worf said simply.

"Very well," Picard nodded. "So, to recap, two of our high ranking officers have been taken hostage by at least one tribe of Thestrals - apparently native to the island. They've been taken to an unknown location and will not be released unless the Federation completely abandons Farpoint. Due to her dealings with them in the past, I’ve asked our Chief Navigator here to sit in on the meeting.”

Luna glanced about warily.

Shepard gazed at her pensively. “What kind of… dealings did you have?”

She shuffled in her seat.

“It’s alright, CN,” Picard said. “Nobody is here to judge, just to understand.”

Luna finally sighed. “Very well. I will try to keep this brief.” She took a deep breath. “A thousand years ago, my homeland of Equestria faced a state of Civil War. The catalyst of this was my… transformation into a demonic entity called Nightmare Moon. With her extreme magical prowess, she promised to envelope the entire continent into eternal night, and to ‘right injustices’ towards the children of it.

--

A millennium ago, two armies, one wearing of silver and yellow armor, and the other dark blue, stared each other down upon a grassy field.

“The Thestrals, seeking an escape from centuries of oppression, naturally flocked towards her banner, and the war began in earnest.”

With sword, shield, and spear, the bat-like creatures slammed into the force of Averials, Earthen, and Antlered Elves. A chorus of clangs and shouts erupted. The first battle had begun.

--

“You say ‘her’,” Shepard noted. “This… this Nightmare Moon. You view her as a different individual?”

Luna winced. “I… I do and do not…” She paused. “It is… complicated.”

“I see,” Shepard said, folding her arms.

Picard gave her a stern look. “I do not believe this is relevant, commander,” he said. “CN, please continue.”

Luna glanced about warily, before clearing her throat. “Nightmare Moon was actually defeated early in the war and exiled, though the ‘army of the night’ continued to fight regardless, even if it was pointless in the end.”

--

At spear-point by those in golden armor, numerous, solemn Thestrals marched along a long, dusty road, a shining sea before them.

“Though the war lasted for a cycle, the Thestrals were outclassed at every turn. Eventually, they were forced to surrender.”

Standing on a high cliff, a figure wrapped in white watched the scene, tears draining from her eyes. Unveiling a pair of angelic, white wings, she then took flight, flying slowly in the opposite direction.

“Their punishment was absolute. I suppose my sister, Celestia, saw it as merciful to force them from Equestria, given the anger of the populace. She always said it was for their own good.”

--

Luna closed her eyes. “It was nearly a thousand years before I was freed from the influence of the… entity. It was no small effort to weaken it.” She then gazed at Picard. “I do not wish to talk about that matter further.”

Picard nodded sympathetically. “I believe we’ve gotten all the information we needed. Thank you for sharing. I know it wasn’t easy.”

“It was not,” Luna said bluntly. “But… you’re welcome, regardless.”

Picard cleared his throat. “Now, as to the here and now. Career Minister?”

Leia nodded. "Normal Federation policy when it comes to hostages is to use the carrot, not the stick. As long as what we offer won't endanger more lives than those already at risk, it's fair game."

“Well, we obviously can’t just give up Farpoint - that would qualify as putting lives in danger,” Shepard said bluntly.

“It is possible my people would view it as a sign of weakness,” Worf said.

“Nobody is suggesting that,” Picard said. “I do consider it to be on the table, but only as a last resort. For now, I want alternatives. What other bargaining chips do we have?”

“That’s the problem,” Leia said. “We have nobody to negotiate with - no way of finding out what else they may want.”

Picard looked towards Luna, who fidgeted in her seat. “CN?”

She cleared her throat. “... Like I said, my knowledge of modern Thestral culture is limited. Even… way back when, every tribe had their differences. If there was a common, ahem, trope - I suppose you could say - that they followed, it was many valued their isolation.”

“Given the stigma, I’m guessing the other Equestrian races were happy to oblige,” Leia said.

“Unfortunately,” Luna said bitterly. “However, there were some who wished to intermingle with the rest of my people, and that was where the path to conflict arose.”

“Held in contempt for simply wishing to coexist,” Picard sighed. “A story told throughout the world many times, sadly.”

Luna glanced at him with a hint of surprise - perhaps even familiarity. “Yes.”

“Wait,” Leia said. “You said… you said they liked being left alone, right?”

Luna nodded.

“Do you remember them being territorial? Er, even violently isolationist?”

Luna shook her head. “No, not to the extreme we’re seeing now. Their very nature led to them being invisible to many. They could literally hide in plain sight.”

“Explains some of the paranoia,” Shepard said, earning a cold look from Luna. “Not that they earned it - just saying.”

“Hmmm, worth a shot,” Leia said. “Wouldn’t make sense, though, now that I think about it - if they’ve been here since forever, why choose now to draw the line?”

“Perhaps a shift in leadership,” Worf suggested. “One of them I encountered did say we had ‘poisoned’ the island. Perhaps they meant with our presence itself?”

“Mmm…,” Leia pondered. “Using that sort of language, that would indicate a large degree of xenophobia.”

“I don’t want to jump to that conclusion just yet,” Picard said. “Poison could mean many things; pollution, for instance.”

“I don’t believe so, captain,” Worf said. “I thought the same myself, so I did some research.”

“Oh?” Picard said. “What did you find?”

“That while there has been an increase in both land and air pollution since the industrial revolution, the F.E.D. has found it’s actually gone down in recent years - mainly thanks to new technology.”

“Makes sense,” Shepard said. “They probably switched from coal to mana batteries like a lot of small bases have.”

“Maybe, but…” Leia trailed off.

“Speak your mind, Career Minister,” Picard offered.

She took a deep breath. “This speculation helps give us some context, but honestly? Like I said, we have nobody to negotiate with. Nobody to offer anything to. I hate to say it, Mr. Worf, but are you even positive that-”

“Yes, they’re still alive,” Worf said.

“How can you be sure?” Shepard asked.

“Because our adversary didn’t kill me when they had the chance,” Worf said. “I’m sure they could have relayed their message without me. It was even somewhat risky to keep me alive. However, they stayed their hand. It was… honorable.”

Picard raised his eyebrows, before turning towards Luna. “Would you consider honor to be one of their ‘tropes’?”

“Somewhat - like I said, each tribe was unique,” she said. “However, I can say that they never went out of their way to be cruel.”

“Wouldn’t really make sense for them to... eliminate the hostages, either,” Shepard said. “If they did and we left the island, we’d just come back, and there wouldn’t be any bargaining from then on.”

“Agreed,” Picard said. “However, Minister Leia is correct - we have to find a way to open a dialogue with these Thestrals if we’re going to resolve the situation.”

“They don’t seem like they’re in a talking mood,” Shepard said. “They know that we know what they want, and that might be enough for them.”

“Maybe,” Leia said, striking a thinking pose and looking Luna’s way. “Though I have an idea. CN, you sound like you sympathized with the Thestrals quite a bit, even when you weren’t, er, transformed.”

“That is correct,” Luna said. “I frequently advocated for them, both past and present.”

Leia smiled. “Then there might be one person in the Federation they’d consider talking to.”

--

“No more talking! Not now, human!” Teyla hissed, wincing as she sauntered over to Riker’s cage.

“I just said ‘hello’,” Riker said, taken aback.

“Eh, I wouldn’t bug her, commander,” Sheppard said casually. “I’ve seen her like this before - her and the others - she’s got a killer migraine.”

“Killer being the appropriate word,” she growled angrily, hastily sliding a few bowls of fruit salad into the cage.

“Well that’s curious,” Tasha said. “Your friend came in earlier and he had one, too.”

“And a bunch of them had even worse ones a few days back,” Sheppard explained, keeping his voice down.

“Shut up, shut up, shut up!” Teyla roared, rubbing her temples. “How is this even possible? We destroyed your weapon!”

“Wait a minute…” Riker said, squinting in thought. “A few days ago. That’s when--” His eyes finally widened in realization. “You thought the radar dish was a weapon?”

“Is that what you call that infernal device!?” Teyla hissed. “Ray-dar? I warn you, if we find you repaired it, my people may not be so merciful this time. Your weapon nearly killed one of us before. If Ronon had been there at the time--”

“Hang on, time out,” Riker interrupted.. “The radar isn’t a weapon, for one thing.”

Teyla rolled her yellow diamond eyes. “And Thestrals steal children out of the womb. How stupid do you think we are? If it’s not a weapon, then why did the pain stop when we destroyed it the first time?”

“It’s true,” Sheppard explained. “It’s used for detecting airborne objects; planes, airships, skyships, really well thrown frisbees…”

“Why would you need a device to do the work your eyes could?” Teyla growled.

“It’s for long range detection,” Riker said. “They’re still new, but we’ve been installing them everywhere. They sort of work like… like an early warning signal.”

“A… warning signal?” Teyla said, her tone softening somewhat.

“The Federation doesn’t go looking for fights,” Tasha explained. “But sometimes they come to us. We’ve been attacked by the Klingons, the Romulans, the Goa’uld …”

“The point,” Riker said, cutting her off. “Is that if we’re about to be attacked, we need to know about it.”

“And they have the convenient benefit of making it sound like there’s a drum beating in our heads,” Teyla groaned. “Must have been a nice discovery.”

“No, not at all,” Riker said, sympathetically. “Like I said, they’re new devices. There was some talk about them affecting bird flight patterns and things like that, but it was never proven. We had no idea this would happen.”

“Though we’re sorry it did,” Sheppard said softly.

“We should have tested them more thoroughly,” Tasha said, to Riker more than Teyla. “How could we be so sloppy?”

“I don’t know,” Riker sighed. “But we need to fix this.”

“I’d…” Teyla said, hesitantly. “I’d like to believe you, but I’d need proof.”

“Your friend,” Riker said. “Ronan, right? He seems to know a thing or two. He’s not from here, is he?”

Teyla remained silent.

“If he knows how to use the warpgate, he could travel to other Federation bases. Maybe some where there’s no Thestrals around. That would at least prove they weren’t created to hurt you.”

“Perhaps,” Teyla said.

“One thing I don’t get,” Sheppard said. “If the radar is what’s doing this, then why are they still in bad shape?”

“The Enterprise ,” Riker said, figuring it out almost immediately. “The Enterprise has its own radar. They were due to arrive around now - they must be near the island.”

“Then they must turn around,” Teyla demanded, once again wincing. “This pain is unbearable!”

“If we could talk with them,” Tasha offered. “Let them know what’s going on…”

“And give up our only bargaining chip?!” Teyla said. “I said I’d like to trust you, not that I do .”

“Look, I don’t know what it is you’re planning on doing here,” Sheppard said. “Even if you managed to use us to keep the Federation from Farpoint and keep our airships away, what’s gonna happen if someone else takes the island? The Klingons have eyes on this place. Do you think they’re gonna give two craps about hostages?”

“You’re speaking in hypotheticals,” Teyla argued. “Even if everything you’re saying is true, it seems like you need these… these radars to protect yourselves. Do you truly believe the Federation would put itself at risk for... for us ?”

Her last words were filled with sorrow.

“We would,” Tasha said. “And if we didn’t, I’d smash the radar myself.”

“That makes two of us,” Riker said.

“Ditto,” Shepard said. “Er, Tritto?”

With those words, it was as if something clicked in Teyla’s mind. Riker could see it in her eyes: the spark of clarity.

--

“You wanna do what?” Ronon said, gazing at Teyla incredulously.

The two of them along with Teyla’s confidant, Halling, met in a small chamber in their cave network. Bags hung under Ronan’s eyes, but his focus was still perfectly clear.

“I wish to speak with this… Enterprise’s captain,” Teyla repeated.

“I thought we agreed we didn’t need to,” Ronon said. “They should already know the terms. Leave the island, the hostages go free.”

Teyla glanced away from him. “I’m not so certain that is the best route to go anymore.”

Ronon narrowed his eyes. “You were talking with them again, weren’t you? What did they say? That if you just asked the Federation to leave, they’d be on their merry way?”

“No,” Teyla said quickly. “No, convincing them to leave would be difficult. However, their device…”

“Isn’t a weapon,” Ronon said.

“Yes,” she said, before doing a double take. “Wait, you knew?!”

Ronan bobbed his head back and forth. “I never said it was. You did.”

“But you never--”

“Because there’d be no point,” Ronon said. “It might not be a sword, but you better believe it’s a shield. No warrior in their right mind would give that up. Not if it’s what’s keeping them from getting gutted.”

“What if we simply demanded they keep their radars off Farpoint?” Halling suggested. “Then the hostages go free?”

“Weren’t you paying attention? Their radars help keep them safe. They wouldn’t give them up,” Ronon argued. “Either way, better not let them know exactly what this is all about. They might figure it out themselves, but by the time they do, we’d have already made a fortress out of this place.”

“It isn’t that simple,” Teyla said. “Their skyships: they have… they have radar of their own.”

Halling furrowed his brow. “That complicates things.”

“Yuh huh,” Ronon said, wiggling his wings. “Yep, don’t see anything we could do about skyships. Not like we can fly or anything.”

Teyla gave him a blank look. “Ronon…”

“I’m just saying,” he said. “Remember, we’re invisible to anyone who hasn’t seen death. Even if only half the people on that ship were green, if we wait for a cloudy night, we could probably sneak aboard, mess with a few systems, and then…”

Teyla’s eyes widened in horror. “That could kill… thousands of them.”

“Humans aren’t really much better than the Wraith,” Ronon said bluntly. “And I’ve never had much problem killing them. Sure, they might not suck the soul right outa ya’, but what they do isn’t better. They kill the land, air, and sea wherever they go - polluting it, enslaving it, doing whatever they want without a care in the world. That’s to say nothing about what they do to each other. Throw a gold nugget on the ground and two of them will fight to the death to get it.”

Teyla shook her head. “I’m just not sure--”

“Look, not saying your people would have to do it,” Ronon said softly. “The Setadan Tribe owes you one. You took us in after the Wraith slaughtered us - got us back on our feet. Letting us protect you would go a long way to returning the favor.”

“And what if something goes wrong?” Teyla said. “What if you fail? Or what if you succeed but half of you are killed? Do you think we want that on our consciences?”

“It wouldn’t need to be.”

“It would be, no matter what you say,” Teyla said. “And if humanity truly is evil, what do you think they’d do if you took down one of their skyships? If you did take heavy losses and they responded, what would happen then?”

“I’m not sayin’ it’s going to be easy,” Ronan sighed. “Or that we’d all make it back. But it’s less risky than trying to make friends.”

“There’s still the third option,” Halling said.

“Run away?” Ronan laughed. “Haven’t Thestrals done that enough? Even if we found a place off the map, everyone’s been expanding everywhere - wouldn’t be long before we got cornered. No, we should make a stand here. Make this a haven for Thestrals everywhere.”

Before Teyla could respond, she heard the flapping of wings - the pitter-patter of webbed feet.

“S-Sorry to bother you, Wise One Teyla,” a newcomer huffed, rushing into the chamber. He was a young Thestral, barely a teenager. Like the trio’s, his eyes wore heavy bags as well. “But I spotted something in town earlier--”

“Jinto?” Halling said, concerned. “Are you alright, my son? How are you feeling?”

“Fine, father,” he said, rolling his eyes. “I already told you: I’ve gotten used to the migraines.”

“What is it you wanted to say, Jinto?” Teyla asked.

He took a deep breath, still clearly out of it. “It’s her, Teyla. I couldn’t believe it when I first saw, but she looks just like the old paintings.”

Halling raised his eyebrows. “Who did you see?”

“The Night Princess,” Jinto spoke eagerly. “She was calling for us - says she knows we’re listening.”

Ronon folded his arms. “What did she want?”

Jinto smiled widely. “To speak with us.”