Author's Note: After much delay, here's the first chapter to Part 3 of my series. Are you happy now, Alexis? ;-)
Also, please visit my website link on my FanFiction portfolio to view my Movie trailer that I made for my story. And remember, I love hearing feedback!
Chapter One: EarthboundThrough the transponder implanted on the back of his neck, Crais was always linked with Talyn, making both Sebacean and Leviathan gunship one. This allowed Crais to know Talyn's complete status in any given moment and to give commands more quickly. By design, it was supposed to be very efficient. In reality, giving orders to a sometimes very aggressive warship was not always easy. Talyn had a mind and a will of his own and he did whatever he pleased, but thankfully the gunship could be persuaded, especially when he was in a good mood.
As Captain Crais approached the command area, he felt a sudden and unexpectedly new sensation from Talyn. Bewildered, Crais didn't know what to make of it at first. Talyn was the closest he could come to describe it was with, that the Leviathan was purring.
Curious, he hurried towards command to investigate when a sound emanating from the opened doors reached his ears. Crais smiled, realizing what was probably pleasing Talyn so much.
He heard Athena singing.
Crais stopped just at the door leading into command to watch the Colonial singing a gentle melody as she worked at a console station. Never before in his life would Crais imagine himself being so strongly attracted to a non-Sebacean. His time being around Crichton and the others opened his eyes. He was grateful that Athena decided to stay on and be his First Officer. The Leviathan almost took an instant liking to the Human and ever since, Talyn had become more agreeable to follow orders. The only other person here that was probably just as happy if not more so than Crais was Talyn himself.
Athena stopped singing when she turned her head and saw Crais watching her. She blushed, finally realizing that she had an audience. I'm sorry, Captain. I didn't mean to breakout into a song
Do not apologize, Crais said, stepping into command now. Talyn enjoyed hearing you sing and in fact, so did I. Talyn asked me if you could do it more often.
Athena now smiled sheepishly before, saying aloud so the Leviathan could hear her too.
Nothing would please me more.
Crais started slowly, choosing his words with care. There has been something that I have been wishing to discuss with you but I have been waiting for the right time for you to feel comfortable. There's
Crais eyes abruptly darted upward, as if he heard some distant alarm. Talyn has detected a Peacekeeper coded signal.
Immediately, Crais went to a nearby console, while Athena manned hers.
Can Talyn get a fix?
For the last several days, Talyn had been guarding the Colonial fleet's rear flank, making sure nothing comes up from behind and to monitor transmission traffic in the Uncharted Territories of the war between the Peacekeepers and the nearly defeated Goa'uld.
It originated in Scarran space, Crais said. Most likely from a Peacekeeper spy probe.
Can Talyn decode the transmission?
Crais smiled at Athena. Talyn was also designed to be a intelligence gathering vessel and he already has broken its encryption. Talyn, display the transmission on main monitor.
Talyn's main monitor came to life and the Colonial and Sebacean Captain watched the screen in silence at first. Their curious expressions turned to utter dread and sheer panic at what they saw.
Lords of Kobol, Athena breathed in fright at the imagines playing before her eyes. We've got to warn the fleet!
A shocked Crais was quick to agree before ordering aloud. Talyn, plot an immediate course to the Galactica! We need to show this to Adama in person.
Sensing the urgency in their voices, the mighty Leviathan obeyed without hesitation.
***
Will someone please tell me what the hell happened to my son and his sudden need to draw alien graffiti?!
Jack Crichton paced angrily about Hammond's office. Staring at General Hammond mostly, while looking to Colonel O'Neill, Major Carter, Doctor Frasier, Daniel and Chiana searching for any possible explanation to his son's bewildering condition.
He's not in any danger, Doc. Frasier explained, trying to reassure John's father. From my experience with what happened to Colonel O'Neill, I believe your son has alien information downloaded into his brain. Seeing those Ancient written texts in Daniel's work area must have triggered a reaction.
Jack Crichton looked confused and turned to O'Neill who simply shrugged his shoulders saying. Apparently, John's Ancients and our Ancients are one and the same who built the Stargates long ago. One world we visited, the Ancients left some alien device that zapped their version of the Encyclopaedia Britannica in my head when I got too close to it. Afterwards, it caused me to do some weird things like reprogramming the entire Stargate computer and to build an alien power generator You know, things I would love do in my spare time. For a while, I was a Super Carter.
But he will be okay? Jack asked, still worried.
This doesn't look anywhere near the scale that Colonel O'Neill went through, Doc. Frasier suggested. The Colonel felt the urge to do all of those things like an itch that needed to be scratched. We have Teal'c and Lt. Hailey with John right now to keep an eye on him and perhaps once your son finishes whatever he's doing, he should be fine.
Just in case, I'm sending SG-12 to contact the Asgard, Hammond added. They were able to help Colonel O'Neill and they should be able to help your son if needed
Jack Crichton suddenly snapped angrily. Aliens did this to him and I don't want any more near him!
There was an uncomfortable moment of silence after the outburst when Major Carter stepped forward next to Jack Crichton, facing the General, saying with a detectable underlining of sarcasm.
Sir, John's father has made his feelings quite clear. I suggest that myself, Teal'c and Chiana and any other alien on base remain away from his son.
Jack turned to her, surprised. He completely forgot who was standing in the room with him. That's not what I I didn't mean
Mean what? Jolinar now briskly spoke through Carter, interrupting him. You said that you didn't want any more aliens near him. It couldn't be clearer.
Silently, Jack stared at Jolinar before looking back to see Chiana behind him. The Nebari had her eyes cast down at the floor, looking very hurt. Daniel was by her side glaring at him with a supportive arm about the Nebari's slender shoulders.
O'Neill also watched but took more note of Carter's behaviour before Jolinar took over. Indeed, there was a profound change in her demeanour. Before, Carter always paid close attention to the new recruits on the base and helped them out from time to time, especially with the likes of Lt. Hailey. Since after her run in with Scorpius, Carter had been acting more like a mother hen, looking out for everyone. She had been keeping a close eye on John Crichton and even helping out with Chiana. In fact, Carter became a big sister of sorts to the Nebari, teaching her things about how women on Earth work and live. Daniel was more than appreciative with Carter's assistance in looking after Chiana. Like it or not, the young curious Nebari was at times more than a handful for any one person to take.
This arrangement also proved a little scary at times too seeing how chummy the two women had become. O'Neill could swear that the new' Carter and Chiana were almost operating on the same wavelength. Like whenever they saw or heard something even remotely funny, they both laugh and smile exactly at the same time!
Jack Crichton looked back to Jolinar and became ashamed of himself, realizing that he'd crossed the line.
I apologize for what I just said, I am sorry. He looked back to Chiana and approached her the Nebari looked up with her tentative dark eyes.
Forgive me, what I said was in anger, Jack pleaded softly.
Chiana shrugged her shoulders. It's okay, you are his dad and have a right to be concerned.
No, it is a poor excuse for what I said, Jack said. It was thoughtless and cruel. I am truly sorry.
With that, Jack turned to face General Hammond. If these Asgards can help my son, then please General, call them.
***
This is most confusing, Crichton, Teal'c said as he struggled to grasp the rules of this strange game. How can paper beat rock?
Leaning against the table, John Crichton smiled at the Jaffa warrior. It felt a lot like when he taught D'Argo the game the first time years before. He finally had his fill of writing down those wormhole equations and decided to chat with Teal'c and Hailey. Much to Crichton's surprise, Teal'c knew nothing about Rock, Paper, Scissors, so Crichton took it upon himself to do something about it.
Trust me on this, paper wraps rock, so it wins.
I still do not understand, Teal'c, said, still unconvinced. If scissors can cut paper, then why is rock unable to smash paper?
Hailey laughed as she watched Crichton nearly throw his hands up in frustration.
Just work with me Teal'c and have a little faith. It was' almost like teaching D'Argo all over again, Crichton thought.
Jack Crichton walked into the room to check on his son with Doc. Frasier, General Hammond, O'Neill, Daniel, Chiana and Carter close behind. John looked up at his father and the group smiling.
Hey, dad.
How are you feeling? Jack said cautiously but grateful that his son was looking a bit more cheerful and not scribbling madly some alien text on a pad of paper or on a wall for that matter.
Beyond a hand cramp in my writing marathon, I feel like I've got part of the weight of the world off my shoulders. John said in relief.
Doc. Frasier stepped next to Jack to check his son. You have no headaches or blurry vision?
John pulled back a little but with the table behind him, he couldn't move far to escape the SGC doctor. He had been poked and prodded enough times in the Uncharted Territories to not come back to Earth and get more of the same.
I'm fine, honest, okay? He turned to O'Neill and General Hammond. Is she always like this?
O'Neil replied with a smirk. Around here, she's everyone's second mother and unless you want to get into trouble, it would be best to do as you're told or risk being grounded for life.
John couldn't help but to burst out laughing while O'Neill's comment quickly earned him a withering look from Doctor Frasier.
Ah, Jolly Sam, John said reaching behind and handed Carter a large writing pad covered with alien equations. I have a gift for you. From me to the people of Earth.
Sam's eyes bulged out as she took the 100-page notebook, leafing through it eyeing nearly endless lines of strange alien mathematical numbers that nearly filled the entire pad.
My, God She whispered. Is this all of it?
John said. There is more but I'm tired and I'll go at it tomorrow and see if I can get the rest of it in order.
Carter was astonished. In order? And there's MORE?!
John nodded, pointing to his head. I've got the entire Wormhole for Dummies Guide right up here the pages are out of order but writing it down helps.
Daniel moved closer to Carter, looking over the alien figures. Anyway, it's going to take us a while to decipher this into something Well, more understandable.
Can I help? Chiana asked, moving next to Daniel and Carter.
In fact you can, Daniel smiled to her. If you can learn to speak and read English in just a few days, I'm sure your talent can help us to translate it.
The Nebari grinned happily, grateful to contribute something and show she could earn her keep here.
That's nice folks, John said, but I could use a bite to eat, not to mention that I'm still trying to get my coffee intake back up to normal after a four year dry spell in the UT.
Carter handed the wormhole equation off to Daniel and said to John, Sure, and the first round is on me.
All together, they started to leave and move out into the corridor. Just leading ahead of the group, John Crichton felt much better, despite all that happened to him over the last few days. The loss of Aeryn still weighed heavily on his mind but the pain was becoming bearable day by day. On the upside, he was home with his dad, also amongst good friends. He also finally unlocked the secrets of wormholes and the Colonials were due to show up tomorrow morning and he was looking forward to seeing Adama and the others again.
Nothing could ruin this day.
Rounding a corner they came face to face with a group of men dressed in dress suits, not military uniforms. Alarm bells went off in Crichton's head This can't be good.
They looked too much like lawyers.
One of the men in suits said aloud, Ah, General Hammond, I was told you could be found here.
Perhaps they were IRS agents here looking to collect back taxes
Hammond was surprised to see him, saying aloud, Senator Kinsey? I wasn't told you would be arriving here?
Crichton quietly groaned. It was worse! They were politicians!
A slight change in plans, General, Senator Kinsey said. I decided to help oversee the delegation from Washington when these Colonials arrive tomorrow to make sure nothing goes wrong. He then turned his attention to John Crichton and extended his hand towards him. And here's the hero of the hour, welcome back son. I managed to read some of SG-1's reports; I bet you have a lot of interesting stories to tell us.
Thank you, sir but I'm not really in the mood for story telling. John politely shook his hand, although he felt like taking a shower afterwards. He'd had enough experience with slimy characters out in the Uncharted Territories to sniff them out easily here on Earth.
Of course, maybe later, Kinsey said as he looked over to Chiana who was standing close to Daniel, holding his hand tightly. The Nebari also didn't like the Senator much either, when he smiled just a little too friendly toward her, saying, And you must be Chiana, welcome to Earth.
The senator extended his hand but Chiana refused to shake it, not budging an inch from Daniel's side. She could see through his fake politeness. Instead she only gave a quiet. Thank you.
Chiana liked Humans, especially the Colonials and SG-1 and many others in the SGC but something about Kinsey unsettled her.
Senator Kinsey gave feigned smile. Your people probably don't understand handshakes, maybe someone could teach it to you.
She's learning just fine, Senator, Daniel said. He too didn't like the way Kinsey was looking at Chiana either. Probably if the good senator had his way, Chiana would be strapped down on a surgical table to be cut wide open just to see how her insides worked. For the first time, Daniel was second-guessing his wisdom of bringing the young Nebari here.
O'Neill was becoming increasingly annoyed by Senator Kinsey, and he was about to open his mouth to fire off some of his more famous sarcastic remarks when Major Carter spoke first.
Senator Kinsey, I thought we were going to handle the initial meeting, considering we made first contact with the Colonials?
That's all the more reason for me to be here, considering something always happens when we try to secure alien technology, isn't that right Colonel?
Behind, O'Neill, Jack Crichton leaned closer whispering. He doesn't like you much, does he?
Actually, the Senator always has a special place for me in his heart of stone. O'Neill whispered back.
I'm sorry, Colonel, Kinsey said, overhearing part of his remark. did you say something?
O'Neill tried to look perfectly innocent. Nothing at all, Senator. It's a pleasure to have you showing up Unannounced, again.
***
Later, in General Hammond's office, Senator Kinsey was having a private meeting with Colonel O'Neill and General Hammond.
So, Colonel, Senator Kinsey said. Isn't this suppose to be the part when you should be telling me that we mustn't do business with these Colonials like you usually do with other advanced civilizations we find? Why not now? Couldn't find any dark secrets in their closets?
Actually, it was that impressed me the most, O'Neill replied sharply. Their closet technology is centuries ahead of ours, although I can't say the same for their haircuts.
Oh, yes, you really do like these Colonials, Kinsey replied. In your reports you have nothing but praise for these people, especially their leader, Commander Adama and his son, Captain Apollo, and even a Sgt. Hathor amongst a list of others.
Because, Senator, they helped us rescue Major Carter and battled to protect Earth. I fought alongside of them and that tells me all I need to know, and they lost some of their own people doing it.
According to you, Senator Kinsey said, and then smiled. I'm glad that you succeeded in rescuing Major Carter except for that snake she has in her head. Now how did that happen?
We're still figuring that one out. Even the Tok'ra are at a lost, O'Neill said. Jolinar should be dead by all accounts.
Are you sure it is Jolinar and not a Goa'uld impersonating it.
The Tok'ra thoroughly questioned her. It is Jolinar, O'Neill glared at him. And for you information, it's a she!
Kinsey smirked. By the way, how long have you had a soft spot for Major Carter?
O'Neill was taken back by the question. How did Kinsey know?
It's just an honest question, Colonel. I mean she is a bright, intelligent and good looking woman after all
Is there a point to all of these questions, Senator? General Hammond angrily interrupted.
Yes. By order of the President, SG-1 will have no further part with our negotiations with the Colonials.
On what grounds? O'Neill demanded, his patience coming to an abrupt end.
For one Colonel, your track record in trying to gain technology from alien governments speaks for itself. Two, Carter is a security risk as far as I am concerned because we don't know who or what is in her head. Three, Teal'c is not a proper representative of our planet or the United States government, and as for Daniel Jackson, Senator Kinsey gave a short laugh. All I have to do is take one look at that skinny grey thing he's holding hands with to tell me he's not thinking straight!
O'Neill tried to keep his cool. If he blew his top now, he'd just play into his hands.
You son of a bitch!
Okay, so much for keeping his cool but Kinsey was looking too smug for O'Neill to tolerate any longer. Most of all, he wasn't going to sit quiet and let his team or Chiana be insulted.
That'll be enough, Colonel! Kinsey warned, as if he held all the cards and probably did. You'd better think about your career and especially about the rest of your team. You are all heroes at the moment, don't do anything foolish to risk it.
General Hammond stood up from his desk, saying quietly, Colonel, please leave us for a moment.
O'Neill was still furious, but he calmed down enough to acknowledge General Hammond before gladly exiting his office. After the door closed, Hammond faced directly at Senator Kinsey, saying evenly.
I don't know how many strings you pulled to get your way with the President but so help me if you do anything to tarnish SG-1's good names
You can't do a damn thing General, Kinsey interrupted. Right now, I'm in charge with our negotiations with the Colonials when they arrive, not you or Colonel O'Neill. I would suggest you start planning your retirement party, General. There are some changes coming and I'm going to make sure it happens.
General Hammond was now beyond simply being enraged. Colonel O'Neill had it all wrong. You are not a son of a bitch. You are an arrogant self-serving bastard that'll step on anyone to get what you want!
Keep on talking, General! You'll be leaving that much sooner!
General Hammond and Senator Kinsey glowered at each other in a stare down. Before another word could be uttered, the entire SGC went on alert and a voice sounded over the base intercom.
Unauthorized off world activation!