Spoilers:- Late S5. Small reference to Inquisition.

Rated:- K for mild language.

Disclaimer:- Unfortunately, I don't own Stargate Atlantis. If I did, it would still be on the air.

Sorry no beta. All mistakes are mine.

Don't Pay the Ferryman

Drey Brent didn't usually let his nerves get to him, but for some reason the scruffy fisherman felt a little apprehensive as he approached the disused storehouse. Maybe it was because the rendezvous with his cousin was wrapped in a veil of secrecy. It was making him paranoid. Once again, he quickly glanced up and down the rubbish strewn alleyway, just making double sure that no one had seen him.

The alleyway was still empty, so he quickly turned the tarnished handle and slipped inside. The storehouse door creaked alarmingly as its hinges hadn't seen a drop of oil for years. Brent cringed at the noise and quickly secured the door before entering the large musty room that had once been used for storing fishing nets and tackle.

The place was dark apart from a few scattered shafts of light being cast by several small, cobweb covered windows. In the shadow of an old crate, he could just make out the short figure of his cousin. He quietly called her name.

Shiana of the tribes of Santhal and a councillor in the new coalition of planets immediately responded, "It is good to see you again, Drey." She moved over to give him a quick hug even though the smell of him was positively disgusting.

"It is good to see you too, my cousin. Tell me what is so urgent that you must travel to this lowly planet to meet in secret?"

Shiana moved far enough away so that the pungent smell of fish was no longer quite so overpowering. "The other coalition members are fools. I need your help to bring justice when they were too blind and weak to do so."

Her tall, dark haired cousin nodded in understanding, "I was very disturbed to hear that the people of Atlantis went free and to know that our loved ones will not be revenged." In reality, Brent couldn't have cared less. He and his son were still alive and that's all that mattered.

The councillor didn't detect any falseness in his words, but there had been times when his lies had caused family quarrels. Shiana wasn't overly fond of him, but she needed his help this one time. "Indeed. A great transgression was done when they were not found guilty of their crimes against this galaxy, and especially against the planet of our birth. To carry out the necessary justice, I want you to arrange for a little accident. However it must have no connection to me. That way whatever transpires, the coalition will not be compromised and I will not lose my position within it."

"Do not worry. I will come up with a perfect solution. How many Atlantis people do you want killed in this...err…little accident?"

Shiana stopped to think for a minute. "I do not like taking lives even though the Atlanteans brought it upon us. No, I will be satisfied if only one man pays for the crimes, as I think he is the guiltiest. His death will be payment enough for the others."

Brent nodded and asked. "And his name is?"

"John Sheppard."

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