Disclaimer: The characters of Highlander the TV series are property of (c) 2002 Davis/Panzer Merchandising Corp. The Characters of Battlestar Galactica are property of Battlestar Galactica(r) is a registered trademark and copyright of Vivendi Universal. Copyright (c) 1978, 1998. The Characters of Stargate SG-1 are property of MGM. Any and all original Characters created by me are property of Jake Da Man. Synopsis: This is basically an Immortals meets Galactica meets SG-1 type of story. There will be some romantic interests and old enemies. There will be fight scenes both in outer space as well as sword fights. Basically this is a feel good kind of story where love conquers all! A Gathering takes place in an Alternate reality. BSG will be similar to Richard Hatches books except that Commander Adama, Commander Cain, and Baltar are all dead. The planet Kobol has not been destroyed. The beings on the Ships of Light and Count Iblis are Ascended Ancients. A Gathering Chapter 1 There are those who believe that life here began out there, far across the universe, with tribes of humans who may have been the forefathers of the Egyptians, or the Toltecs, or the Mayans. That they may have been the architects of the great pyramids, or the lost civilizations of Lemuria or Atlantis. Some believe that there may yet be brothers of man who even now fight to survive somewhere beyond the heavens. Twenty-five Yahrens ago: No one had been in this section of the Battlestar Galactica in some yahrens. It was not easily accessible in this huge starship, which guaranteed a certain amount of privacy. That is why this peoples, these Immortals, gathered here. It was used to settle ... disputes. At this moment, however this eclectic group convened for an impromptu meeting after securing the only four bulkheads to this section. A tall muscular, dark haired man banged a makeshift gavel. The sound rang out and the murmuring amongst those gathered slowly died away. These men and women were members of each of the Twelve Colonies of Man. There was a rattling of swords, broad swords, sabre's, and katana's as their attention turned to the leader of the proceedings. "Let's bring this meeting to order." He called out softly, yet strongly. His steel blue eyes commanded attention. "As per the minutes of our last meeting I would like to open the floor about our discussion. To wit, do we or do we not reveal ourselves to Commander Adama. Comments?" A lithe, athletic blonde woman stepped forward. "Artemis, I admire the Commander." She declared. "He pulled the remnants of humanity together even in the face of personal tragedy." Turning, her deep blue eyes bore into her fellow Immortals as she reminded them, "First he lost his youngest son Zack and then his wife on Caprica in the Cylon Assault. For that reason alone I feel the man is more than capable of handling our revelation. That Immortals walk amongst Humanity and that we are here to help insure humanities survival!" She met the eyes of her compatriots during a moment's silence. As she turned her attention to the podium Artemis remarked, "Thank you Diana. I agree with you and would like to further comment that Commander Adama is a True Warrior. I am sure that if he were an Immortal that he would truly be 'The Only One'! Any more comments or should we put this decision to a vote?" There was a scuffle of feet, a shifting of weight, and a slight *harumph* from the general group. Then a tall stocky and scruffy Immortal stepped forward, his red hair loose and wild. "Ah, Zeus." Artemis questioned with a raised brow. "You have the floor." Zeus cleared his throat and spoke clearly and stridently, "While several of us, including myself, are not comfortable with this ensuing decision we will bow to the will of the Majority." His piercing blue eyes glanced around as he continued, "Like everyone here I respect and admire Commander Adama. I personally think that it would still be best for us to operate as we have. Quietly and from the shadows." Zeus stepped back to relinquish the floor having spoken his mind. Stifling a smile Artemis declared, "Then I motion we call a vote. Any seconds?" "I second the motion Artemis." Perese called out somewhat impatiently, "Let's get this over with." "Very well, all those in favor say 'aye'" Artemis called out. After a chorus of 'aye's' he then inquires, "All those opposed?" Silence. "The 'Aye's' have it. So, by vote of the majority we go to inform Commander Adama of our existence and offer our experience and assistance." Dropping his officious air Artemis leans comfortably forward and jokes, "So! Who is going to be the 'sacrificial lamb led to the slaughter'?" The next morning found Diana and Artemis outside of Commander Adama's quarters. Exchanging nervous glances Artemis pressed the call chime to announce their arrival. They stepped through the door as soon as it opened, as if afraid someone would see them. The duo breathed a silent exhale of relief once inside. The Commander glanced quickly up at them and then he stood, stepping around his desk. He stopped and simply considered them for a few moments. "Am I to believe this, this fairytale?" Commander Adama blustered, striding powerfully forward, gesturing with the paper he held in his hand. It had been carefully written and crafted to give a brief history and background of the Immortal's nature. Standing side by side Diana and Artemis exchanged an exasperated glance. Stepping forward Diana implored, "Commander, please give us just a few microns of your time. We can prove it to you." Returning to his desk Commander Adama half-turned and gazed into their eyes. He seemed to be weighing the consequences of their truth. He nodded to himself as he came to a decision. "Very well." He declared as he faced them. Stepping forward once again he gestured for his guests to take his hands. Sharing a confused glance Artemis and Diana each took one, clasping their hands together. Leaning back the Commander closed his eyes in concentration. There was silence. Then the two Immortals felt the hair rising on their arms. The Commander's skin became suffused with an ethereal glow. It was so faint that at first they believed it was their imagination. But then the Commanders profile glowed brighter. The Immortals could feel the Commanders spiritual and mental strength. The nimbus slowly faded as he let go of their hands. Artemis and Diana gazed at each other and the Commander in wonder. "I knew it." Artemis whispered excitedly, leaning closer to Diana. "I knew we were right to entrust the Commander. I had suspected that he would have sensed our Immortality." Before Diana could respond Commander Adama's eyes snapped open. "You are Children of Kobol." He stated wonderingly. Striding purposefully to the shelves behind his desk he searched amongst his books. "Aha!" He exclaimed as he pulled down an ornate album. He opened it to a certain section and searched amongst the pages as the two Immortals slowly ambled forward to his desk. The Commanders searching fingers finally alighted upon a certain page. He noted Diana and Artemis' approach and invited, "Please my friends, sit. Sit!" Commander Adama's hands hovered above this Book of the Lords of Kobol. He intoned reverently, "In the first days of Kobol, after the exodus through the Chappa'ai, it was revealed that Immortals walk amongst us. These Immortals are of a different branch of the House of Kobol." "The Book goes on and on. The philosophers of that time were very long winded!" He uncharacteristically joked. Concern colored his face and voice with his next words, "However, there is a passage here that I think you will be interested in. It has to do with an Immortal that Ascended by taking the heads of others of your kind." He paused dramatically. "He did all of this on Earth, before he migrated with the Lords of Kobol." "On Earth?!" His guests exclaimed. "The Human Race came from Earth?" Artemis queried. "I thought Earth was the Thirteenth Colony?" "In a way it is ... yet it isn't." Commander Adama hemmed. "BUT! That is beside the point. This Immortal's name was ... Iblis." Artemis and Diana could only stare at Commander Adama in stunned silence. The Commander smiled gently and consoled them in low tones, "I understand that this is something of a shock to you." He slowly rose with the album in hand. As he gently, reverently replaced the Book he soothed, "You came here expecting me to be overwhelmed with the news of Immortals." Pointing at Artemis he stated, "You probably expected to have to kill yourself in order to prove your truth." Sitting down at his desk once again Commander Adama stated, "That won't be necessary. What I will need is a list of all Immortals in this fleet. I will need to know what they can do and what they know. I believe that Kobol's Immortals will be a great boon to the survivors of the Twelve Colonies!" The Yahrens passed. Sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly. The remnants of Humanity faced boredom, danger, heartache, and victory. The boredom came in intermittent stages in between the stark dangers of deep space. The heartache came from their many pyric victories. From lives saved and lives lost. Then came the day when the fleet lost their visioneer. They didn't lose him in battle, nor did they lose him to subterfuge. The Remnants of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol lost their commander to ... time. Alpha Bay was regaled in the last of the Fleets finery. The Commanders casket was made of the finest of materials. While the funeral dirge played on all channels of the Fleet Unicom the people mourned their loss. At the height of the funeral ceremonies the alarm klaxon sounded throughout the Fleet. The Cylons appeared causing panic and alarm until the Warriors realized that it was just one dilapidated Basestar. Transmitting a signal of surrender Baltar and his IL lieutenant Lucifer were allowed on board. Limping regally to the casket Baltar could be heard to say, "I did it Adama. I convinced the Cylon's that I had destroyed you and your ilk. I have shadowed this fleet, protecting it, all these several yahren." Turning, he haughtily surveyed the crowded mourners. Lucifer stood next to him holding up a loud speaker. Baltar announced, "Hear me people of the Twelve Colonies. I have assured your survival! You no longer have anything to fear from the Cylons. I did not do this hoping for forgiveness. I did this for him, for the One True Man that has ever lived!" His voice dropped, as if he ran out of energy. He whispered, "At long last. It is over." Baltar died. Those gathered watched in mute, stunned silence. As the Cylons gathered up Baltar's remains and strode away the people let out a collective sigh. Apollo stepped forward and surveyed the gathered people, his people now. His voice, rocky with emotion, rolled over the assembled. "My Father..." He started falteringly. "Was the best man I have ever met." Apollo's voice gained vitality as he stated, "He was my father, my leader, my commander. He was my guide in this life. I had often thought that when he passed to the Great Beyond that I would be cast adrift, that all would be lost." Gazing at the deck plating for a micron he continued more softly, yet more stridently, "My father is dead in body only. His spirit lives on! His spirit lives on in my heart." Apollo said as he put his hand over his heart. "His spirit lives on in this ship, The Battlestar Galactica, and his spirit..." He paused for just a beat. His voice rose to a higher pitch with renewed vigor, "His spirit lives on in each Man, Woman, and Child of this fleet. We WILL find the Thirteenth Colony! We will find Earth! We will SURVIVE!!" He shouted out at the end, his right strong-arm raised in victory! He ended his speech to a thunderous applause! The people of the fleet forgot their petty bickering and concerns for just a moment and reveled in that knowledge. The knowing that they will survive as a people and a species. Apollo stood silently watching the people, his people, of the Fleet. As he felt his father's spirit surround him comfortingly, he whispered, "I love you Father. I will NOT fail you!" For just a moment in time Apollo could feel his fathers comforting hand on his shoulder. He could almost hear his father, Adama, say, "I know son. I am so proud of you." Several yahrens later in a natural park section of one of the few Agro ships of the Fleet a dark haired man sat and brooded. Immersed in such dark thoughts he did not hear the slim woman with bright green eyes as she walked silently up behind him. He jumped with a start as she laid her hands on his shoulders tossing her dark blonde hair over her right shoulder. She met his brown eyes with a mirthful challenge. Giggling, she whispered, "Cubit for your thoughts, husband?" "They aren't worth that much right now." He groused as his strong features moved into a slight frown. *Ahem* Artemis cleared his throat as he slowly entered the clearing. "Report Artemis." The brooding man darkly states. "Commander. I wish to report that the next system does hold life. They are human at the equivalent of the first millennium, even though there are remnants of a more advanced civilization. My patrol did some low altitude fly-by's and we took some real pretty pictures." Artemis smirked, trying to lighten the Commander's mood. "Just get on with the report, Captain." Growled the Commander. "Yes Sir." Artemis replied chastely. He continued, "As per your direct orders, Zeus and I patrolled the solar system some parsec's from here off our direct flight path. There are a total of 8 planets and 1 asteroid belt. We scanned the 3rd planet. There is sentient life on the planet; however, they seem to be mostly an agrarian society. There is plenty of indigenous plant and animal life that the fleet will be able to make use of." "Now..." he paused, "We did find ruins of an advanced civilization. Chief among the structures is pyramids of varying sizes. Commander, I strongly suggest that we adjust the fleet's course for this system. There are some ... interesting ... readings in the largest of the pyramids. Also, there are markings on that pyramid that indicate some edifice or ... thing ... rested on the outside of it." The Commanders expression softened at that and he turned away thoughtfully. After a short time he turned back and ordered, "Make it so." "As you wish, Commander" returned Artemis as he left to carry out his orders. "Are you sure that this is wise?" the woman asked her mate. "Yes." He replied. "This probably is not our destination. But, I have a ... feeling that this system will hold some kind of clue." He looked at his wife and smiled sadly. She came to him and hugged him as he wrapped his strong arms about her. He opened his mind and touched hers and gently, lovingly shared his thoughts with her. In words and emotions he projected, "I love you Sheba. With all my heart, mind, and soul." "And I love you Apollo. With everything I have." Standing on the bridge of the Battlestar Pegasus Commander Athena could only wonder at the fickle fate that the Universe deals out. "There I go again, thinking like a gambler. Starbuck, my husband, you are so bad for me!" Commander Athena thought to herself with a self-satisfied smirk. "Thinking of a certain gambler again?" quipped the second in Command, Colonel Boomer. Her bright brown eyes gazed at Boomers dark face as she grimaced. "Ah, you're just concerned 'cause my handsome rogue of a husband is out patrolling with your wife!" She teased. "Speaking of which," Boomer brooded, "isn't it about time they get back from their deep space patrol?" As if on cue Major Alpha chimed in, "Commander Athena, Colonel Boomer! We are getting telemetry from the 5-man scout mission." "Very good, Major." Boomer replied. "Pipe it up to the Command Deck, please." Boomer had to fight the eerie Deja Vu that the good Major always invoked. After all Major Alpha was the spitting image of Major Omega, his father. After a moment the communication screen came to life with Starbuck's visage. The Commander of the Battlestar Pegasus felt like a schoolgirl once again as she gazed lovingly at her husband. "How goes the patrol Starbuck, ole' buddy?" Boomer inquired. Starbuck, being Starbuck, blew his wife a kiss and smirked at his old friend and wingman. Shaking his graying blonde mane out of his face he snorted, "The usual. We find nothing and I win everyone's cubits in the first secton. Which reminds me ... are the arrangements finished for our 'debriefing'?" Athena giggled as Boomer guffawed and Starbuck looked from one to the other in feigned confusion. "Um ... about that Lieutenant Colonel Starbuck ... new orders have come from the Galactica!" Commander Athena stated as she drew herself up to her full 5' 8" height. Even though she was a full head shorter than her second-in-command there was no mistaking the power that radiated from her. Groaning Starbuck complained, "Ooh, I know I'm not going to like this." Looking off camera he said, "She used my full title!" Boomer smiled at his old friend's antics. He knew that it was just a show for anyone but Starbucks closest friends. Boomer glanced at his Commander just in time to see her stifle another giggle that threatened to burst through. "Sorry Starbuck, but your patrol has just been extended to the planetary system ahead. Seems Commander Apollo wants the 3rd planet in scanned and panned." Boomer explained. "Oh great and I had a new system worked out..." Starbuck trailed off as he listened to the excited voices of his crewmates. Returning his attention to the screen he asked suspiciously, "Is ... is that system ... could it be?" He couldn't put into words for fear that he would be wrong. "Apollo wouldn't say but the system only has 8 planets. I don't think this is ... 'it'." Athena responded. Boomer jumped in with, "Starbuck, there are indications of a civilization, but not the one we're looking for. We are all hopeful that there are some clues though." Standing straight and adorning the mantle of 2IC Boomer continued, "Lieutenant Colonel Starbuck, your orders are to enter the planetary system, and perform deep scans on the 3rd planet from that system's sun. That planet has been designated P42-153. Follow the usual security protocols. We will send in a stealth shuttle to replenish your crew's supplies, any questions?" After a slight pause Boomer dropped his professional demeanor and then asked in a low tone, "Now, can I please talk to MY Wife?" Later, after the rendezvous with the supply shuttle, Deirdre shouted up to Starbuck, who was at the controls, "We're all loaded up and ready to disengage!" Starbuck replied, "Thank you Captain." Hitting the intercom he ordered, "All right everyone. It's time to cut the felgercarb and get to work." "Starbuck, honey" Deirdre, Boomer's wife, quipped from the back, "anyone ever tell you that you are getting too serious in your old age?" Starbuck smirked, "Very funny, Captain. Now let's get this bucket-o-bolts in range of that planet to get our readings. I've got a date back on the Rising Star!" Chuckling good naturedly the crew of the Scout Ship Seeker set about their given tasks. A few centars later the small ungainly looking craft moved relative to the planets smaller moon. Only those inside the craft could hear the docking clamps disengage as three sleek Viper fighter craft disengaged from the scout. The fighters tumbled into a pyramid formation using maneuvering thrusters only. They ended up with the 'tail fins' for each fighter as the points of the pyramid. The scout ship started to descend towards the moons surface slowly with a grace that belied it's awkward exterior. From his Viper Starbuck nervously monitored the scouts flight path. The routine was for the scout to skim the surface of the moon until it reached the deep twilight zone. Then the crew would deploy a relay station. After running tests and diagnostics on the relay the scout would then send out and set up a scanner via remote control. Once done and tested the Scout would then return to the dark side of the moon. From that relative safe position the scout would be able to run very detailed scans of the planets surface. The Vipers would usually stay in position above the moon's surface monitoring for any possible enemy action. Starbuck was proud of the design of the scout since it was his idea to modify several of the larger Galactica shuttles for deep recon. He had gotten tired of being cramped up in the tight confines of a Viper for sectans at a time. Also, fewer Vipers were being shot down, for even though the scout was less maneuverable than the Viper it was more heavily armed and shielded. Over the next 2 cycles time passed slowly as each crewmember performed their assigned tasks. Chapter 2 He is Immortal, born years ago. He is not alone. There are others like him, some good, some evil. For centuries he has battled the forces of darkness, with Holy Ground his only refuge. He cannot die, unless you take his head and with it, his power. In the end there can be only one. He is Duncan MacLeod, the Highlander. Two years ago: "I'm getting too old for this!" Jim Dawson thought grumpily as he ran a hand through his graying hair. "It's at times like this that I wish I still had my wheel-chair. It ain't easy walking on these stilts!" He reflected that having prosthetic limbs replacing his legs was better than not having any limbs at all. Pausing to rest on his cane he glanced up and saw the front door to the cabin open and a dark haired man in his mid-30's stepped out. "Duncan!" Jim happily called out. "It's good to see you my friend!" "And you too." Duncan MacLeod responded quietly. Jim paused for a fraction of a second as he stepped onto the front porch. Even the cool breeze from the surrounding woods could not erase the concern he felt for this man. With a mental shrug he stepped forward and shook his friends proffered hand. Even as they smiled warmly at each other Duncan remained wary. He considered Jim Dawson a friend; However, Jim Dawson hardly ever just ... visited. With a start Duncan felt a Quickening. A worried frown passed across his face for a moment. Then his smile returned as he saw the other two figures approaching across the walkway. One was of average height, blonde and looked to be in his 20's, while the other was a few inches taller and had hair a little lighter than Duncan's. Jim's smile widened at his reaction. "Richie! Methos!" Duncan called out. "It's good to see you as well!" After a chorus of hello's and huzzah's the quartet relaxed inside the modest four room wood cabin. Drinks were passed around and news of the world was relayed. Then there was that comfortable silence that passes between friends when the pleasantries are out of the way. Bored with the silence, as most young people are, Richie broke it by stating gleefully, "Boy, Mac, have we got a deal for you!" Methos snorted at his young friend's enthusiasm and pointedly looked away from Duncan. Jim moved to the edge of his seat as he said, "Richie, you ever hear of subtlety? Look it up, ok?" Fixing Duncan with a serious gaze he started, "Actually Mac, we do have a deal for you." Looking from one to another Duncan questioned, "Really? All the other times you fellows had that look on your face I've ended up in a sword fight." It was a serious concern for Duncan. He was an Immortal. His birthright was to fight other Immortals during The Gathering in order to claim The Prize. Immortals always fought each other with swords. The only way for an Immortal to truly die was to have his head cut off at the neck. "Naw, it's nothing like that ... this time." Jim replied, "But it does have to do with getting you off Holy Ground." He hurriedly added, "Now don't worry, you won't have to fight another Immortal. We can fix it so that you won't be around any other Immortals. Except for these two jokers that is." Duncan pretended to sip from his bottle of beer in order to hide his smirk. He then questioned, "So, what is this deal then?" Alarm bells went off in Richie's head immediately, "Oh great!" he thought, then stated, "Guys, he knows something. I don't think we're gonna surprise him!" Ignoring him Methos jumped in, "As part of my duties on the Watcher Council I have to do quite a bit of research into different governmental 'secret' organizations. I've noticed some increased activity at the Cheyenne Mountain Complex over the past few years. Now, when you get to be my age one'll notice that the memory is much more ... associative ... than when one was younger. I've noticed a pattern and with Jim's and Richie's assistance I believe I have found out what is happening there." Duncan couldn't hold it in any more and let out a snicker. Picking up one of the many remotes on the end table next to him he pressed a series of buttons. They watched in mute surprise as what looked like a simple weapons cabinet unfolded and opened up. Duncan laughed openly at his friend's befuddlement as they gaped openly at the computer and monitoring equipment. "What?" he exclaimed? "You think that I just hid out here and ignored the world around me?! Ha! You guys should know me better than that!" Richie had approached the equipment and gave a low whistle of appreciation. "Nice setup here Mac!" he exclaimed. "Are you tied directly into the mainframe at the Watcher's Council?" "Why, yes, I am Richie. When did you become a computer geek?" asked Duncan. Richie innocently exclaimed, "You say that like it's a bad thing Mac. Of course I've gotten to know computers. How else do you think I got my job at the Watcher's Council? Who else could have let you into the system and cover your tracks for you?" "What?!" Duncan exclaimed. "Oh c'Mon Mac!" "Ok!" Jim stated sharply. "'Enough with the tangled web's that we weave' Duncan. Do you know what we are going to ask of you?" "Yes and I'm already packed and ready to go. Are we going in as black ops or do you have another idea?" Duncan asked. "Actually, yes we do have another idea. It's in the works and we are just trying to get you and Amanda on board." Jim stated. At that moment the front door opened and in walked Amanda. She stopped short and gave a slight moan. Then with a sickly grin she said sarcastically, "Hail, hail, the gangs all here. So everyone, have we finished with the 'I know, you know' thing" she said as she leaned against the doorjamb. Uncrossing her arms, she pleaded with Duncan "And can we get out of this God forsaken forest?" "Yes and yes!" laughed Duncan as he stepped over and gave her a hug. "We leave in the morning for the SGC then." "Let me get this straight." Major-General Hammond huffed. "You're telling me that there are humans on this planet that are, to some extent, immortal?" "No sir," Jim Dawson replied. He was a bit tired for the last week had been very hectic. Sipping on his coffee while sitting in a chair in General Hammond's office he stated, "They ARE immortal. The only way that an Immortal can be killed, however is to have his or her head cut off. That is why they only fight each other with swords." "Ok, I can accept that." General Hammond replied to Jim's surprise. "The things I've seen here at the SGC and in my people's reports ... well, let's just say I have an open mind when it comes to the incredible. Also, you and you're people have some serious connections just to get into my office. But, what I don't understand is just what you and these four Immortals want with the SGC?" "Wellll," Jim hemmed, somewhat taken aback by the General's reaction. "I, uh, that is, we, um, The Watcher's Council is aware of the Stargate program. It has recently come to our attention that there might be Immortals on other planets due to this alien species using humans as slaves." General Hammond's eyes lit up in understanding. He remarked, "And this 'Watcher's Council' does what exactly?" "Basically, we catalogue the Immortals and we ... watch them." Jim demurred. "Mr. Dawson." General Hammond silkily said while leaning forward and lightly clasping his hands, "I am familiar with secrets. I have one of the highest security clearances in this man's Air Force. If need be I will make such a ruckus about this Council that I will not only learn what I need to know, but your Watcher's Council WILL be brought to light!" His mouth suddenly dry Jim Dawson tried to swallow. He was surprised by this man's steel will. Jim realized that he had severely underestimated Major-General Hammond. In the ensuing silence Methos stepped crisply into the office dressed in the uniform of the British Armed Forces. Snapping to attention Major Methos barked out, "Permission to speak, sir!" At Major-General Hammond's nod Methos stated, "Begging the General's pardon, sir, but I can explain the situation." Jim breathed a sigh of relief as the General nodded to Methos. He started sweating when the General added, "At ease. This had better be a very good explanation son, or you will all be spending a few hundred years in Leavenworth!" Methos relaxed to the 'At Ease' position with his hands clasped behind his back. Meeting the General's steady gaze he stated, "Yes sir! This will be a very good explanation sir. Basically, we Immortals fight each other to the death in order to absorb the other's energy. We have termed this energy as the 'Quickening'. At some point in time all the Immortals will feel a 'pulling' to gather in a land where we will fight each other until only one is left. That one will then claim 'The Prize'." Methos sighed. He shamefully said, "It has come to our attention lately that there is no 'Prize'. That an Immortal by the name of Iblis poisoned the minds of his fellow Immortals and brought about this charade. I have been searching for traces of this Immortal and have found ... very little." At Methos' pause General Hammond stepped in with, "So, the five of you are hoping to find this Iblis off world? And if you find him, what then?" "Actually General, I do not hope to find him, just some evidence to his existence. As for the four of us Immortals? What we hope to do, sir, is to get the necessary proof to prove to other Immortal's that the prize they seek is an illusion, a lie. We will still carry our swords but only to defend ourselves against other Immortals. Unfortunately it is still a going concern. Also General Hammond, we have lived for a very long time. We know that our experience will be beneficial in the defense of our planet against the Goa'uld." Major-General Hammond's eyes flicked from one man to another. Nodding his head he stated his decision, "I agree, your experience could only benefit us." Meeting Jim's eyes he stated, "Mr. Dawson, talk to your people and make the necessary arrangements. I would like to place you in our research department and put the four Immortals as their own SG team. In the meantime I would like to do a meet and greet with your people and SG-1." Raising an eyebrow Methos inquired, "You want SG-1 to evaluate us?" "Of course, since you will be under my Command. I need to know my people's limits. I can recognize a military man and I see that in you Mr. Methos and in Mr. MacLeod. As for Mr. Ryan and Ms. LeFevre I'm not so sure." Jim informed him, "Ritchie is a good kid, his age is actual in that he just recently 'became' Immortal. Amanda has had a ... varied life. Her experience will come in handy but she is not what one would call 'Military Material'. With her life's knowledge we can probably work up a Doctorate of some kind." "She is very good with electronics." Methos interjected. "Very good, gentlemen." Stated Major-General Hammond. "I will expect the paperwork by the end of the day. In the meantime, introduce me to everyone please." In the conference room the other three Immortals were waiting. Ritchie was bored. Very bored. He began pacing the room stopping every now and then in front of the only window in there. "Great view." He quipped not really being able to see anything due to the blast door covering it. "I think I can see my house from here! Man, I'm beginning to think this was a bad idea." Duncan sat at the conference table, his fingers steepled together in front of him. Teasingly, a smile playing at the edges of his mouth, he queried, "What's the matter Ritchie. Having second thoughts?" "Naw. You know me Mac. I've never liked waiting." Ritchie responded while returning to pacing the room. "I am with him, Duncan." Amanda stated without looking up from examining the security system, "But I really do think this was a mistake." "Will you two relax?" Duncan said spreading his hands out. "Everything will wor-" He never got to finish. Mac stood up hurriedly when Major-General Hammond entered the conference room followed closely by Methos and Jim Dawson. Jim stepped up to the General's side. He introduced each of the remaining Immortals. Shaking the General's hand Mac could see the iron will that this man had carefully wrapped in velvet. "Pleased to make your acquaintance General Hammond." Mac stated very carefully and succinctly. Amanda stepped up and, in a hushed voice, asked, "George? Is that you George?" Major-General George Hammond slowly turned towards her. His face was pale as if he had seen a ghost. "Bridgette." He whispered softly. Amanda stepped up and hugged him saying, "Oh George, it's so good to see you again. It's been, what, almost 30 years?" "Yes, Bridgette." General Hammond said, clearing his throat. "Is it really you? Tell me something that only you and I would know." Amanda leaned forward and mischievously whispered into the Generals ear. He listened, half smiled and then blushed! She pulled away, smiling, and cocked her hips to one side. He said, "It HAS been a long time, Bridgette. It is good to see you again. You let me believe you were dead." "I know." She demurred with a wicked smile. "But I had to in order to protect my secret and start a new identity. Of course, that pretense is no longer needed." General Hammond huffed and stepped back. He finally tore his gaze away from Amanda and shook hands with Ritchie asking, "Well young man. What do you think of all this?" "Well, I gotta admit General..." Ritchie started out hesitantly. His gaze locked with the General's and he realized that this man demanded truth. "I'm a little nervous about this and I don't like the Military Mindset that much. But I will tell you this, sir. I respect those in the military that are there for the right reasons. They are the honorable ones. They are doing it right!" "Hear, hear son. I agree." Said General Hammond whole-heartedly. "Well people, welcome to the SGC. Mr. MacLeod, I presume that you've had past military experience?" At Duncan's nod he queried, "Did you ever serve in the United States Air Force?" "He sure did." Jack said from the doorway. Startled, the General faced Colonel O'Neill and ordered, "Colonel, would you care to explain yourself?" "Hey Jack, long time no see." Duncan said guardedly. "I had to leave you behind." Jack said as he drew face to face with Duncan. "Of course, you held a gun to my head so I didn't really have a choice." After a moments silence the two old warriors burst out laughing and with a "good to see ya" and a "you too ya old dog" they gave each other a hug. "Colonel!" General Hammond practically shouted. "Oh, Sorry. General Hammond, I'd like you to meet Major Sean MacMann. Otherwise known as 'Mac' to his friends and enemies." Facing Duncan he queried, "So, what's the real story?" Before Duncan could reply Major-General Hammond stated, "Colonel O'Neill. We'll get into that in a moment. Right now we have other concerns." Over the next few hours identities were hammered out, briefings were held, and four Immortals and one Watcher started a new chapter in their lives. The months passed as months do. One fine day Jim paged Methos to his office. He looked up from the artifact when Methos, now known as Capt. Benjamin Adams, entered. Jim gestured to the segment of what was once part of a structure and asked, "Ben, what do you make of this?" "Hmmm." Ben thoughtfully hummed. "Definitely Egyptian." Turning it slightly at an angle he continued, "With a little Greek thrown in. Yep, Goa'uld. Definitely Goa'uld." "That's what I thought as well." Jim stated. "But, there is a reference to the 'Lords of Kobol' and 'Harsesis'." Looking up at him Jim excitedly stated, "I believe that these were human children of Ra and Hathor that rebelled against Goa'uld. There is a reference about using the Stargate and leaving Earth with a few thousand followers that were gathered from all over the globe!" "Worth checking out, eh? Good job Jim. I'll take this to General Hammond then." Ben stated. Four hours later SG-10 waited for the Stargate to lock onto the correct co-ordinates. With a 'vroom', 'vroom' and a 'whoosh' the Stargate activated. Ritchie, grinning excitedly, turned to Duncan and informed him, "Ya know Mac, I don't think I'll ever get tired of seeing that!" Chapter 3 Now: It was an early morning as the sun rose slowly over the low hills in the distance. Dajser thanked the fact that his robes were long enough to hide his legs. Thus he was able to rest one leg by slowly shifting his weight. An old priest taught him that. Of course, the old priest was put to death by denouncing his God Osiris as a false god. He snorted at these silly memories. He did miss the old man though. He was roused from his reverie as the Great Ring hummed with Magic. He reveled in the knowledge that his vigil would soon be over. Thanking the Great God Osiris Dajser stood to receive the visitors. As the traveler's stepped forth from the Pool of Transference the Priest started to genuflect. When he saw the Daemons standing on the dais he stood upright as if struck by lightning. There were only four of them garbed in a strange green cloth. The priest did recognize the tall dark-skinned Jaffa, "That is the Shoul'VA, Teal'c." He thought to himself with a start. Catching the bright blonde hair his eyes grew wider with shock; "They really do have a woman with them! That must Mager Kartor. And that is definitely the wiseman Dan'el Jack-Son." He thought, noticing the man to the side and behind her. Then out came the last man, his eyes searching for any kind of danger. "He is definitely the leader Kernel Oh-kneel!" He gasped silently. The Priest met this man's eyes defiantly! Their leader just snorted and kept searching for any real danger. That was it for the priest. Turning he fled as fast as his robes allowed! "Hey, wait!" Cried out Major Carter. Jack snorted and quipped, "Well, we've had people stare at us, shoot at us, and then some bowed down as if we were Gods. But I think this is the first time anyone has ever ran away screaming like ... that." "Well, actually Jack. They have run away and they have screamed before, but I think this is, uh, the first time anyone has ever done both. You gotta admit though, he moves pretty quick in those robes." Commented Dr. Daniel Jackson as he squinted after the runaway priest. "Why Danny-boy!" Jack retorted in an Irish accent. "I do believe you're jealous." Dr. Jackson just snorted as he finished cleaning and resetting his glasses. Teal'c just raised an eyebrow as he witnessed their exchange. He found the Taur'i's humor odd to say the least. "Colonel." Major Samantha Carter called out. "Yes Major?" Jack answered as he turned towards her exaggeratedly. "I'm getting power readings that weren't here when we sent the M.A.L.P. through earlier. They have a Goa'uld energy signature. I would say probably a Ha'Tak sir." "Speaking of which, where is it. And is the ship in orbit?" "Uh, no sir. It's in an easterly direction, directly behind the Gate." She frowned at the device in her hand. "Problem Major?" Jack quizzed. "I'm not sure sir. I think I'm getting a reading from a single glider," She paused for a moment as she made an adjustment, "but the readings are off-kilter." "So, you're saying the readings are Helter-Skelter?" Jack quipped, trying to lighten her mood. "Well, you know the old saying Major. 'Nothing is impossible, just improbable'" He hesitated for a moment, "or something like that." He finished confusedly as Daniel rolled his eyes. Major Carter just nodded her head slightly as if to readjust her thinking. She responded, completely missing his joke, "No sir, I don't think so. I believe it is using a variation of Naquada for fuel. I don't believe it's a glider" "And why would that be?" He sarcastically queried. "Because there are a dozen pure glider energy signatures converging on its position." Glancing up at Jack she quipped, "I don't think they're the local welcome wagon either." "Uh, Jack?!" Intruded Daniel. "What now? See some interesting rocks?" retorted Jack. "No, uh, remember the guy with the robes? Well, it looks like he's coming back and bringing some friends of his own!" Exclaimed Daniel as he drew his P-90 up to a firing position. Looking up the path they all saw the white robed Priest heading back their way. Unfortunately so was a squad of Jaffa warriors pelting heavily after him. As the warrior's spotted them they let loose with a volley from their staff weapons! "Uh, hide." Was Jack's quick-witted response as he ducked down behind the Dial Home Device. The Priest Dajser stood to the side of the trail as the Jaffa Warriors ran past him. He did his level best to encourage the Warriors of his God. One Warrior near the end stopped and sharply backhanded the priest across the face while spitting out, "Jaffa, Kree!" Glaring up at the Warrior the priest wiped a trickle of blood from his split lip. The Warrior slightly crouched over him as he angrily shouted obscenities at the priest. "Of all the audacity!" Dajser thought to himself. "I knew we got little respect from these ruffians, but this will not do!" He began to regally rise up in this upstart's face when the Warrior dared to look away from the priest. Dajser opened his mouth to reprimand the Jaffa as he spun away. The priest froze in shock when he heard several rapid pinging sounds that threw the Jaffa onto his back. His shock became gratification then returned to shock as he realized that the Daemon's of the Taur'i were winning. Slowly turning towards the Chappa'ai he realized just how quiet it had gotten. The priest looked at the hard eyes of Kernel Oh-kneel. He grunted as he attempted a half smile. Then, without further ado, he spun and ran away, screaming once again. Jack turned to look at his teammates and quipped, "Whoa, deja-vu." "I will never understand your humor." Teal'c grumbled mightily as he turned to survey the carnage for survivors. "Uh, Jack?" Daniel queried. "Don't you think he'll be back with more Jaffa?" After a mere moment thought Jack sarcastically retorted, "Yeah, he would be that dumb." Hearing an attack craft streak by overhead prompted him to yell, "Head for the hills!" Spinning to follow his own order he found his team already running full tilt for cover. Colonel Jack O'Neill would never openly admit it, but he was proud of his teammates. The four had really grown together in spite of their many differences. Heading for the tree line he couldn't help but to be proud of them. The Priest stood off of the trail, panting, trying to catch his breath. He was stunned that anyone could kill Osiris' Warriors. He remembered the old priest saying, "They are just men like you and I. There is no 'divine' protection there." His only thought now was that his superiors weren't going to like his report and that they had a habit of killing the messenger. The priest thought of the old man and wondered, not for the first time, if he was right. "Could it be?" The priest mulled. "Could it be possible that my God is NOT some Divine Spirit made Manifest? Is it really just a, a thing that takes a person over?" The Pool of Transference disappeared into the ether as the priest stepped up to Control Pedestal. He pressed the panels for a remote planet that he had visited once as he thought to himself, "I do not wish to die. That is one reason why I became a Priest in the service of my God. I must flee!" Without a backward glance he stepped through the Pool of Transference. Nothing was left behind except for the lonely winds blowing over the dead and dying. Chapter 4 "Starbuck!" Lt. Giese called out over the radio; "I've got incoming contacts. They aren't Cylon, as a matter of fact the War Book doesn't recognize 'em." "I knew it was too quiet and things were going way too smoothly. All right, everyone." Starbuck responded. "You know the drill. Seeker, secure from scanning, Wing 2 and Wing 3 assume battle formation." "Scout Ship Seeker secured from scanning. Powering up for launch." Responded Captain Deirdre instantly. She had secured from scanning the moment she heard the report. Her dark brown features furrowed in concentration as her lithe fingers danced across her control panel. She reported tensely, "Launching ... will achieve orbit in 10 microns Starbuck." "Good job, Deirdre." Starbuck stated. "Giese what's the progress on the incoming ships?" "Colonel," Giese reported, "I have nine incoming ships approximately the size of a Viper. They are at 10,000 metrons distance and closing fast. Their power source looks to be a variation of Tylium. I am now trying to scan the interior of the ships ... odd. I'm getting mixed readings Colonel." After a moment of silence Starbuck snapped, "Well, are they robotic or human Giese?" "They seem to be baseline human but..." Giese trailed off. He wasn't sure just what he was seeing on the scanner. He paused then stated, "The pilots ARE human Colonel, but they seem to have an alien bio-signal mixed in. It might be a trick or they are so close to human that the scanners just aren't sure how to report the readings." "Deirdre, what are your scanners showing now that you've achieved orbital status?" Starbuck queried. "I'm getting the same mixed up and jumbled readings on the bio-signs Starbuck." Deirdre reported. "Frak and Felgercarb! Starbuck! I'm getting increased power readings! They've activated their weapons" As if on cue beams of energy spurted towards them from the enemy fighters. They were too far away to be effective but their intentions were clear. "Well, that's just unfriendly!" Starbuck quipped. "Giese, Barrs! Let's show them just how unfriendly they're being. Deirdre..." "Don't worry Starbuck! I've got your back!" "That's not what I was going to say. We'll lead them away, you head back to the Galactica and as soon as you're in range call in for reinforcements." Ordered Starbuck as the Vipers shot forward in a triangle formation. Starbucks wingmen were on either side of him, forward and slightly above his Viper by a few metrons. Basically they blocked the enemy fighters scanners so they wouldn't see him until it was too late. "Starbuck, its 3 to 1 odds!" Exclaimed Dieter. "You need my help!" "Never quote me the odds! What I need are those reinforcements!" He retorted hotly. "Now move!" He shouted as he took out two of the fighters, realizing that the Vipers had the greater weapons range. "All right, just don't get yourself killed you mugjape! Athena would never forgive me." Captain Dieter retorted. She hated not being in a Viper! She felt like she was abandoning her fellow pilots. "These fighters look like Night Flyers!" Giese shouted out after a near miss. "Just keep up the bobbing and weaving fella's and we'll be just fine!" Starbuck exclaimed as he shot two more enemy fighters. Starbuck noticed that there were four enemy craft left. His turbolasers found their mark as he lined his fighter up on them. As his target disintegrated Giese and Barrs formed on his wing and they each shot a fighter down. The last fighter, realizing that all was lost, turned his craft and headed straight for the three Vipers. "Holy Frak!" Shouted Barrs. "He's headed straight for us!" "Giese! Barrs! Peal off, I'll handle this!" Starbuck ordered sternly. The two Warriors hastened to comply as Starbuck hit his turbo's. Screaming silently through space Starbuck's Viper rapidly closed the distance toward the enemy fighter. Dancing through the night the Viper dodged the incoming laser blasts. "Let's cut the felgercarb buddy." Starbuck whispered as he pressed the fire button on his navi-hilt. The enemy fighter exploded into a miniature nova as Starbuck's shot found its way home. Unfortunately he didn't get out of the way in time. A piece of wreckage glanced against the underside of his Viper gouging a shallow furrow into it. "Frak!" Starbuck cried out, "I've been hit! I'm losing fuel! Giese! Barrs! Catch up with the scout and escort her home. I'm going to land on the planet below and hide out. I'll have my transponder with me and I will activate at random intervals. Now, go and that's an order!" Both Giese and Barrs called out to him but Starbuck had turned off his comm. They turned away from his Viper and headed towards the scout and, farther on, the Pegasus. They were silent as they pulled into formation with the scout. "Barrs, Giese? Where's Starbuck?" Dierdre's voice quavered, "Is he...?" she couldn't finish her question. By this time they were in range of the Galactica and the fleet. "Home Base, this is Seeker. Come in Home Base." Lt. Giese radioed the Galactica. "Commander, we're getting a communiqu‚ from the Scout Ship Seeker on the secure channel. Should I patch it up to you?" Captain Rigel inquired. "Immediately, Rigel!" Athena ordered. She frowned as the picture cleared and Lt. Griese's visage came into view. Commander Athena immediately became a worried and concerned wife. "Starbuck?" She asked, "Where...?" Athena felt a wave of relief wash over her as Lt. Giese responded, "Starbuck is okay. His Viper was venting fuel so he decided to land on the planet. He said that he would activate his transponder at random intervals. Commander, Lt. Barrs and I request permission to mount a rescue effort." "Lieutenant." She ordered. "Return to Home Base. We need to monitor the situation before we mount a rescue effort." Turning to Boomer she further ordered, "Call the Galactica. Inform them of the situation." Turning to the communications station she continued, "Rigel, begin the upload from the scout. I want a summary of what we are facing within the hour. I'll be in my Office." Athena then strode purposefully to her office and calmly stepped inside. Once the door was closed her shoulders dropped and she sagged against the door letting out a great whoosh of pent up anxiety. Closing her eyes she stretched out her mental awareness. She could feel her husband's concern and focus of thought and energy. Realizing that he was still in distress she softly pulled back into herself. "Starbuck," She thought to herself, "you stress me. Thank the Lords of Kobol that you are okay for now." She then walked to the view port and, leaning against the bulkhead, gazed out the transparent duranium. She silently prayed, "Be safe my husband and come back to me in one piece, all right?" At the same moment that Athena prayed her silent prayer Starbuck's Viper entered the atmosphere of the planet. He pointed his fighter into a very steep entry path. Even as he struggled with the controls he saw a corona of fire appear around the Viper. "I swear," He silently vowed, "if I get out of this I'll spend my whole furlon with Athena instead of in the Chancery." There was a thump, a bump, and a whoosh of sound! There was no more time for thought as he fought with his Navi-hilt to keep his Viper steady. He barely registered the blips from his scanners signifying more enemy fighters. "This thing is handling worse than a Canarius!" Came the unbidden thought. "The ground is coming up fast, almost too fast!" Starbuck struggled to bring the nose of his Viper up. With almost Herculean might he was able to pull the Navi-hilt back! The fighter's nose slowly, oh so slowly rose. Starbuck's instruments warned of an impending stall, but he ignored them. At five kilometrons from the surface of the planet the Viper's nose pulled up and it entered the stall he had been forcing it into. As it did that Starbuck started pushing forward on the Navi-hilt to stabilize his Viper. At 2 1/2 kilometrons the Viper's speed had slowed down enough that Starbuck was able to push farther forward on the Navi-hilt and come out of the stall at one fourth his previous speed. Starbuck was now able to scan the surface and seek a landing field. As his searching eyes sought out safety he spied more enemy fighters. He groaned with frustration just as he spotted a fairly level area to land in. Starbuck hit the switch for his landing gear even though his fighter became harder to handle. His fuel almost spent Starbuck prayed that the field would be long enough. Then, his landing gear hit the ground with a mighty thump! His fighter bounced once and then it was shooting over the field. He knew he was lucky for the field was quite level as his Viper slowed.... Slowed ... stopped. Having no time to relax, his fingers danced quickly and gracefully over the control board. Once done he popped the canopy and clambered down the side to the storage compartment. Ripping out the survival gear he scrambled toward the tree line! Just as he disappeared into the tree's the first of the enemy fighters landed and pulled up to his Viper. Grinning savagely he ran to put as much distance as he could from his former Viper. Half a kilometron away he dropped behind a rock formation and covered himself. A micron later the ground shuddered as the remaining fuel reached critical mass, thus creating a quarter kilometron hole where the Viper once sat. "Serve you mugjapes right!" He thought defiantly towards the now dead and dying enemy. As he stood, four figures in green and brown one-piece jumpers burst out of the foliage surrounding him! The second tallest man gestured with his weapon for Starbuck to be still. Starbuck's smile faded for a moment thinking that he had run right towards the enemy! Chapter 5 He was tired. Very tired. He hated being tired. Of course, he just hated ... being. He had lost count of the many times both he and his enemy had died. And how many times each had come back from death. He was resting uneasily after this last skirmish. "If only I could get the Chappa'ai to work properly." He thought tiredly to himself. "Blast you, Adama! And blast my Lords of Kobol as well." On the heels of that thought he heard a familiar noise. A sound he hadn't heard in eons and didn't think he would ever hear again. He watched, agape, as the Chappa'ai activated and a wormhole appeared. Before he could move the Chappa'ai disgorged 4 figures before it dissipated into the ether. Colonel Duncan MacLeod slowly pulled off his Bugaboo Glacier sunglasses and peered intently at the jumbled terrain. Patting the M.A.L.P. he brought his modified M-16 to the ready position. He shared a glance with his teammates as they all felt the buzz of a Quickening. Ritchie yelled out suddenly as a lance of energy blasted into him! Even as he fell his teammates were grabbing and pulling him out of the line of fire. With a grunt and a groan they jumped over and around a pile of rubble off to the right of the Stargate. Once under cover of the ruin Ben attended to Ritchie while Mac and Amanda setup to return fire. "Did anyone see where that came from?" Duncan yelled out! "I think it came from over there!" Captain Benjamin exclaimed as he gestured toward a set of low hills off to the left of the Stargate. "I'm fairly sure that it was not the Immortal we sensed. It feels like he, or she, is in the direction we're heading." "Why can't we have a nice outing for once?" Dr. Amanda LeFevre complained even as she returned fire with her modified AK-47. Peeking over the edge of the rubble Mac used his binoculars to scan the distant rubble. He was able to get a glimpse of something metallic before more laser fire erupted from that direction. "Blast!" Mac gnashed in frustration. "It's got us pinned down." Mac and Amanda put their backs against the partial wall they were using for cover while Capt. Ben Adams attended to Ritchie. They all snapped their weapons up as a short dark haired man scuffled down the rubble towards them. Once he regained his footing and saw the weapons aimed at him he snapped his arms up in the air and shouted, "I didn't do it!" Before the last word was out of his mouth, more laser fire erupted around them. Amidst yells and shouts the Immortals ducked down and weathered the barrage. The unseen enemy stopped firing and the stranger said, "My name is Adama and I've been fighting that frakin' thing for the past 15 yahren!" "Nice to meet'cha." Ritchie said, groaning as he sat up. "Christ! What hit me?" "It was a laser charged plasma blast." Adama replied with a wry grin. "Hurts like Hades don't it?" "Yeah, how many times have you died that way?" Ritchie asked while rubbing his chest. "More times than I care to remember." Adama responded ruefully. "I hear ya. Once was enough for me." Ritchie agreed. "So, what can you tell us about him ... it ... whatever." "It's called a Cylon. Its a soulless piece of machinery that will relentlessly follow it's programming until the end!" Adama informed them his almost black eyes flashing in anger. "So, it's a machine, eh?" Duncan mused. "Can we outlast it? What is its power source?" "Yes, the power source! I can finally blow up its power source with your help. Without power we can exhaust it's weapon's power pack. Then a little hand to hand and it is dead!" Adama exclaimed excitedly. "Ok, so ... where is this power supply at?" Duncan carefully inquired. "It's ship, which crash landed about 10 yahren ago." Adama replied. "Well then, lead on." Duncan stated. He looked at Ben and mouthed "Yahren?". Ben just shrugged and followed the others out past the rubble away from the Stargate. A few hours later SG-10 and Adama found themselves on a hill above the Cylon's downed ship. "Well, what do you think?" Adama asked. "What is the level of technology here? I mean are there any forcefields or anything like that?" Ritchie pensively asked. Adama snorted and, looking down at the Cylon fighter with a guarded expression, said, "No, no forcefields. They are fairly low tech due to just being fodder for the Cylon War Machine." He shrugged his shoulders and stated, "Besides I ... their creator didn't want them too powerful or too self-aware." Ben and Duncan exchange a knowing glance and Duncan asked, "How do you know? What is the story here?" Adama quickly looked at them. "Let's talk about that after this thing is trash, ok?" He asked tartly with a raised eyebrow. "Okie dokie," Duncan said. "I just don't understand why you just didn't use the Stargate to leave this world." "It doesn't work!" Adama practically shouted out. "Don't you think I would've left if I could've? Hmmmm?! Now, enough jabber-jocking and let's do this!" Ritchie and Duncan looked at each other and mouthed 'jabber jocking?' as Adama turned his attention back to the downed ship. Meanwhile Amanda and Ben were pulling a rocket launcher out of her backpack. "Does this ship still have some form of fuel in it? And just how combustible is the fuel in gaseous form?" Amanda inquired as she setup the rocket launcher. Adama's eyes grew wide with fright as he espied the weapon. Waving his hands in front of him he harshly stated, "No, no, no! The fuel on board that ship is highly combustible and I'm not sure that even we could survive such an explosion!" "Well, I'm not going to shoot it from here. I just need the targeting computer to 'remember' this location and it's target." She informed him. Puzzled, he hesitantly asked, "How does a missile 'remember' such things?" She grinned and saucily said, "Watch." Ben took a little unit from the console on the rocket launcher and set it up to point at the Cylon fighter. Amanda pressed a few buttons and got a confirmation light for the targeting device. Smiling at everyone she said, "We should go now." Slowly they turned and step by step SG-10 and their mysterious guest slipped away from the downed ship. Ben and Amanda continuously checked the readout on the rocket launcher as they walked. Finally Ben announced, "This should be far enough." Amanda crouched down and pointed the launcher in the general direction of the wreck. The rest of SG-10 took up lookout positions around her. Adama stood just behind Amanda, watching her with a puzzled expression on his handsome face. Ritchie looked back towards the pair and hissed at him to get his attention. In a stage whisper he informed Adama, "Trust me. You don't wanna be standing there when that thing goes off!" With an "OH!" Adama scurried out of the way. He was just in time for Amanda said, "Clear! Missile away." Adama's eyes grew big as saucers as the rocket took off with a 'shhwooosh'! He watched as the smoke trail from the rocket flowed into the sky and described an arc as it homed in on the downed enemy fighter. Amanda reached up and gathered a handful of his tunic in her hand. Yanking hard downwards she stated, "I think you should duck and cover right about now." Startled, Adama crouched and covered his head with his hands. The very next moment there was a thunderous boom! The shock wave from the explosion washed over them as the thundering subsided. Ben looked at his compatriots as he sheepishly admitted, "Okay, so we should've gotten a little farther away." Adama gave him such a hateful look that Ben winced as if he had been stung. Adama's expression hardened and became unreadable as he inquired, "Ok, now what?" "Now." Duncan said grimly. "Now, we disable the Cylon." "No!" Adama shouted forcefully. "We must destroy the infernal machine!" "I'm sorry." Duncan stated flatly. "We destroyed his ship because that was an immediate threat. We need to capture this robotic creature. If it is truly a robot then we can disable it and reprogram it. We are at war with the Goa'uld, who are technologically superior to us, and we need any edge we can get!" Duncan purposefully turned away from Adama and gathered his gear. Striding away from Adama, SG-10 headed in the general direction of the Stargate. Ben caught up with Duncan and whispered, "Mac, I ... I think that this Immortal is Iblis." "Yeah, I got that too." Mac responded non-chalantly. "You and Ritchie are going back through the Stargate ostensibly to get help to retrieve any technology we find." "In reality?" Ben asked, already knowing the answer. "You're gonna get some backup and 'The Box'." Duncan stated, staring straight ahead. Ben gasped. He slowed his pace a little, lost in thought, to fall slightly behind his friend and team leader. Duncan glanced back at each of his team members; there was Ben looking thoughtful and Ritchie chatting Adama up. Amanda, he swore sometimes that she could read his mind, was bringing up the rear and covertly keeping an eye on Adama. Duncan dropped to a crouch and held up his fist so fast that Ben almost tripped over him. Just as everyone started to drop Duncan pumped his right arm three times, gesturing for his team to head for cover in the trees. Without question or a backward glance Ben, Ritchie, and Amanda ran for cover, dragging Adama with them. Once under cover they all looked back towards the trail. "Where is he?!" Adama loudly demanded. "Hsst!" Ritchie stage whispered. "Are you trying to guide the Cylon to us?" Adama glared at him. Ritchie unwaveringly locked eyes with him. Amanda let out a grunt and, ignoring the battle of wills, tuned her senses to the surrounding area. "Since I am most assuredly the oldest here I am taking charge." Adama declared steadily, eyes still locked with Ritchie. Ben softly stated, "No. Amanda is second in command. When Duncan is not here she is in charge." Adama broke his gaze with Ritchie and stared at Ben. Before he could say anything Amanda jumped in and stated, "Right, Ritchie you're point. Methos ... Ben," She still had trouble calling him by his current name, "you stay with Adama and cover our left flank. Adama ... just be quiet and cover our right flank. I'll bring up the rear." Stepping up to Adama and putting her face in his she dangerously inquired, "Now, if you have a problem with this you're more than welcome to strike out on your own. If not then point us in the right direction." She added in a stage whisper, "And keep your mouth shut! This calls for stealth, something you obviously know little about." Ben pursed his lips trying to keep from laughing out loud at Adama's discomfiture. Ritchie quietly snickered behind his hand. Adama just slowly nodded, though there was murder in his eyes. He pointed in the direction of the Stargate while holding his gaze with Amanda. Ritchie quietly disappeared into the foliage eager for a showdown with the Cylon. Adama slowly turned away and strode past Ben who exchanges an exasperated look with Amanda. She just saucily cocked a hip with the but of the gun resting on it. For just a moment she reminded Ben of a young French freedom fighter he knew during World War II. Putting that bittersweet memory away he started after Adama with Amanda bringing up the rear. Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod could not help but smirk as he quietly moved through the forest. He could hear his teammates and the Immortal calling himself Adama. They were fairly stealthy but he had lived amongst the American Indians for a good part of his life. It was second nature for him to move like a ghost amongst the trees. Meanwhile the Cylon, designate pilot, waited patiently. It's programming told it that the humans would be coming back to the object they called the Stargate. It's sensory equipment; not much better than humans, detected the explosion of its fighter. Logic circuits abuzz it formulated a simple, logical plan. Wait for the enemy to come back to the Stargate and then kill them all. Unfortunately for the Cylon, Colonel Duncan MacLeod had a different idea. He had put an experimental EMP generator in the M.A.L.P. before the mission. It was his and Maj. Samantha Carter's design so he couldn't wait to try it out. Soon Duncan sat, still as a statue, silently waiting near the Stargate. An hour later SG-10 ended up at the same spot that they had first taken cover from the Cylon. The Cylon opened fire as SG-10 attacked with a few well-placed mortars. With the Cylon otherwise occupied Duncan crept up to the M.A.L.P. and released the hatch to the weapons container. Slowly and quietly pulling the pulse rifle out Duncan positioned himself on one knee. Taking careful aim he activated the pulse rifle. The robot never saw it coming. It even stood up as Duncan fired, getting hit with more of the pulse than if it had stayed hidden. There was one spark as it froze in place and its red eye stopped moving. SG-10 stepped out from behind the partial wall they were using as cover. Striding forward Ritchie eyed the robot and said, "Well ... that was anticlimactic." "Right?" Amanda quipped. Adama rushed forward bringing his blaster up to the Cylon's chest. Before he could pull the trigger Ben shot him through the heart. Adama stopped, turning towards Ben with total surprise on his face. He complained, "Not again." as his eyes rolled into his head and he 'died'. "Amanda, check out the Cylon. Make sure it IS deactivated. Ritchie, cover her with 'Adama's' weapon." Duncan tersely ordered. While Ritchie relieved the strange Immortal of his weapon he asked, "What's up Mac? You don't think Adama is his real name?" Duncan glanced meaningfully at Ben. Ben nodded in understanding and, facing Ritchie while keeping an eye on the downed Immortal, informed him, "A few thousand years ago the Goa'uld came to Earth. They enslaved humankind and even took several thousand off planet to use as slaves." Ritchie nodded, "Yes, I already know all that!" Pointing at 'Adama' he asked, "What does that have to do with him?" Ben heaved a great sigh and said, "I am getting to that Ritchie." Ritchie just snorted as Ben continued, "At that time an Immortal by the name of Iblis came down out of the Tibetan Mountains. He had gone seeking enlightenment, which, to a certain extant he had obtained. Its been rumored that he was able to survive more than the usual punishment that an Immortal can take." Drawing a deep, huffing breath Ben leaned forward and intensely stated, "But the Goa'uld found out about him and captured Iblis. They tortured him and killed him. They put Iblis in their sarcophagus just to see what would happen. The Goa'uld even tried to make a host out of him, but it didn't work. The one that tried to take him over was ferociously rejected and it almost died." "This went on for one century." Ben said as he leaned back. "When he escaped Iblis was, and still is, insane. The Goa'uld took what could have been the best of us and twisted him inside-out and upside down." Staring at 'Adama's' body for a moment he then softly said, "One good thing did come out of it however. You see Ritchie, Iblis abducted and protected some very special children from the Goa'uld." Ritchie was quietly absorbing all of this information, but he just had to pipe up and ask, "So, what was so special about these children?" Ben smirked and said, "I'm glad you asked that! Shows you've been listening." Ritchie snorted and remained silently attentive, surprising Ben in the process. "All right," Ben remarked. "The children that Iblis protected were Harsesis, human children of the Goa'uld hosts. They were human in every way except that they were born with the genetic memory of the Goa'uld that inhabited the host parents." Standing away from the, now defunct Cylon, Amanda interjected, "So, why did Iblis need to protect them?" Facing Duncan she informed him, "Oh, by-the-way. I've removed the robot's power pack and it is now totally offline. It's an amazing piece of machinery. In some ways it is at a more advanced level of technology than our own. In other ways, especially the electronics, it is at level with our technology back in the 60's and 70's. Weird." "Huh." Ben distractedly stated. Ritchie cleared his throat retrieving Ben's attention. Blushing lightly Ben resumed his diatribe, "Where was I? Oh yes, the Harsesis. It is punishable by death for two Goa'uld hosts to have children. Ra and Hathor decided they and a few other Goa'uld would have human children in secret and then take them as hosts. You see, a Harsesis retains more in the way of genetic memory than a Goa'uld parasite does. Iblis knew that he could get them in trouble and/or get them killed for this transgression." "He abducted these children and they later became the self-made Lords of Kobol. They were only in their early teens when they staged a revolt to try and throw the false God Ra off of the planet. Unfortunately, they failed." Duncan stepped closer to them and said, "I hate to interrupt class but 'Adama' should be regenerating soon. Ben, go dial home please. Ritchie, you and Ben will take the Cylon and this 'blaster' back to the SGC for further study. Ben you know what I need you to bring back?" "Of course, Duncan." Ben sniffed. "Good." Duncan stated satisfied. "Let's get to work then." The sun on this alien planet was still fairly high in the sky as Duncan and Amanda settled into their hiding place. They watched from afar as the Immortal known as Adama suddenly came alive. Scrambling to his feet they could see through the binoculars that he was very angry. Duncan muttered, "Come on, come on. Take the bait! Make everyone's life easier!" 'Adama' looked around and then he closed his eyes while rolling his head back. His eyes snapped suddenly open, and it seemed that he looked directly at Duncan. Then the Immortal leisurely strolled to the Stargate's Dial Home Device. Amanda whispered to Duncan, "Do you think he knows we are still here?" Duncan nodded, "Oh, he knows." 'Adama' studied the Dial Home Device. Noting that it was on and coordinates were already selected he shrugged his shoulders and pressed the activation globe activating the gate. Smiling smugly he confidently strolled around the DHD and towards the Stargate. Duncan and Amanda watched as 'Adama' strode purposefully towards the Stargate. Each step seemed to get slower and slower as the distance to the Stargate shortened. Finally he stopped, one foot raised mid-step. Duncan, keeping his field binoculars trained on the Immortal he believed to be Iblis, ordered, "Now Amanda." He smiled grimly to himself. Iblis had taken the bait and opened the Stargate to a planet that was being swallowed by a black hole! Amanda responded with a professional air, "Affirmative. Bringing the Box around ... down angle 50 degrees. Bringing speed up to 20 knots per hour." "What the..." Duncan softly exclaimed in disbelief. Leaning forward he peered more intently through his binoculars. Grunting he stated, "I don't believe this! He's moving again." True enough, even as Duncan watched, 'Adama's' foot slowly lowered to the ground. Then his other foot rose and dropped. The pattern repeated itself twice more until he stopped, turned and faced Duncan and Amanda's hiding place. "I commend you my children on a job well done." 'Adama' said jubilantly. He didn't yell or shout; yet they heard his voice as if he were standing right next to them. "Thank you for releasing me from this purgatory. I go now to reclaim my birthright!" "Where is it, Amanda?!" Duncan growled. "It's coming Duncan!" She responded testily. "The box is closing in on his position! At that moment the box, a modified UAV, appeared. Its propeller was screaming with power from the dive towards gate. 'Adama', whom they were now convinced was actually the Immortal Iblis, snapped his attention toward the small remote controlled plane. Iblis raised his right hand palm outward in an imperious gesture. A wave of force spread out from his hand as he turned dismissively away from it. Iblis strode towards the Gate, his form rippling like heat from a sidewalk in the middle of July. The force blast and the plane both slowed down due to the gravimetric forces that were exerted by the black hole from the other end of the gate. Iblis's pilot uniform slowly morphed into a ceremonial robe while his skin darkened and rams horns grew from his forehead. He stopped just shy of the event horizon, gazed with loathing and hatred at Duncan and Amanda's hiding place. "This will be remembered, my children." Iblis literally hissed as he started to step through the Stargate. Before he could enter the event horizon the explosives Amanda and Duncan had planted furiously exploded! Iblis took the blast full in his face without twitching. The Stargate closed as a result however and Iblis howled with rage. With the gate closed Iblis's form quickly reverted to human. His robe once again became that of a pilot's uniform. He turned towards their hiding place just as the UAV crashed into the ground in front of him. The resulting explosion blew Iblis back and away from the Stargate. "Go, go, go!" Duncan shouted out over his walky-talky. SG-10 hurriedly rose from their hiding places and ran full tilt to the Stargate. Amanda ran to the DHD and dialed in Earth as Ben provided cover. Standing between the DHD and the Stargate Duncan and Ritchie scanned the area for any signs of Iblis. Duncan, having been blown up, knew approximately how long it took to regenerate. "Let's go, let's go! We got no time. No time!" Duncan yelled at Amanda. Before she could respond they heard a human voice roaring with rage! Duncan snapped his attention towards the sound firing his M-16 as he did so. Ritchie zeroed in and fired his weapon at Iblis as well. Both Immortals fired a few hundred rounds into Iblis making his body dance and jerk with each shot. Amanda activated her GDO as the Stargate's event horizon exploded outward. She and Ben scooted around the DHD and ran for the safety of the passage back to where they were before. Ritchie and Duncan still fired their weapons magazines into Iblis, even though his body had collapsed to the ground. Duncan smacked Ritchie on the shoulder and they both broke for the Stargate as Amanda and Ben jumped through. Duncan pulled out a Tok'Ra communicator before he reached the gate and shouted one word. "NOW!" Jumping into the Stargate, the last thing Duncan heard was the high pitched whistling sound of the Tok'Ra bomb screaming to meet the Stargate and its control device! Chapter 6 "Whoa there fella!" The leader said slowly putting his finger to his lips in a shushing gesture. "We just wanna ask you a few questions." "Uh, ok." Starbuck simply said. They lowered their weapons, which looked like a kind of Numo from the fifth millennium. Crossing his arms over the butt of his weapon the leader asked, "So, who are you and where're you from?" "Starbuck's the name." He paused and added, "Lieutenant Colonel Starbuck of The Battlestar Pegasus. It's one of the base ship's of our fleet." "You mean, out there, in space? Cool." their leader said as he pointed up towards the sky. "I'm Colonel Jack O'Neille." He said in way of introduction after a moment. Pointing to the blonde woman with the bright blue eyes, "This is Major Samantha Carter." Swinging his hand to the dark blonde haired man with the magnifiers perched on his nose, "That is Dr. Daniel Jackson." Finally looking up and behind Starbuck he finished, "And the big guy with the staff weapon is Teal'c." "Well, I'm pleased to meet you all." Starbuck said as he stepped forward. Taking Major Carter's right hand he looked her in the eye and demurred, "If all the woman are as beautiful as you then I am definitely going to like landing on this planet." "Uh, we ... we're not from here" Major Carter stuttered, "Uh, this planet, here, I mean." Blushing, she looked down and away, obviously not used to such intense attention. Dr. Jackson cleared his throat as he stuck out his hand and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you Colonel Starbuck. I look forward to talking with you about your people and culture." "Now Daniel," Colonel O'Neill teased, "what have I told you about that? Don't pump the aliens we meet for information..." "...as soon as we meet them. Right." Dr. Jackson finished with a slight grin and a nod of his head. Starbuck got the feeling that this was a joke between old friends. Teal'c suddenly turned and whispered, "Colonel O'Neill, there are Jaffa coming this way." "All right, let's get outta here." He ordered as they all turned away. He turned back and said, "You coming with us or are you going to take your chances with them?" "Uh, I am with you." Starbuck said as he started after them. At his, "Hey, what's a Jaffa?" Colonel O'Neill made another shushing gesture. Starbuck grimaced and they all started off in the direction Teal'c indicated. Starbuck observed this team as they moved quietly and carefully through the dense foliage. He realized that Teal'c, with the golden tattoo on his forehead, led the way gracefully like some of the big cats he once saw back on Caprica. Colonel Jack O'Neill and Major Samantha Carter covered their flanks with an economic grace that could only come from some sort of military training. Dr. Daniel Jackson stalked easily next to Starbuck with a kind of awkward grace that could only come from being use to the great outdoors. Falling easily into step with this team he was able to keep up as they crept quietly and quickly through the forest. It was obvious that these aliens had been working together for some time now for they moved like a well-oiled machine. He was surprised at how easy it was to become a part of their rhythm. After a few centars of relative peace and quiet Starbuck began to like this world. It was nothing like the world that he had almost become stranded on a few yahren back. There was a small sound and all five dropped into a crouch. Starbuck pulled out his blaster slowly and quietly as they froze in position. Colonel O'Neill looked at his weapon and then at Starbuck's face as if to ask, "You know how to use that thing and is it effective?" Starbuck flashed his best rogue, devil-may-care smile at the Colonel before they both returned their attention to the surrounding woods. As Starbuck's sharp hearing picked up a scuffling, he tapped the Colonel's shoulder twice to get his attention. Starbuck pointed in the direction of the sound as the Colonel looked up. Colonel O'Neill pointed at Major Carter and then off to their left. Switching to Teal'c's steady gaze he pointed off to his right. As the Colonel moved forward he looked back at Starbuck and Dr. Jackson holding his hand sideways with the palm down. Settling back and getting comfortable Dr. Jackson and Starbuck waited. There was a rustling in the bushes ahead as the other members of the team converged on their target. After a tense moment of silence Colonel O'Neill stepped out of them and gave an 'all clear' signal motioning for the two men catch up. Stepping carefully into the clearing Starbuck saw a small, thin woman with dark hair waiting peacefully. She motioned for them to follow her as she turned towards the rock formation just a short distance away. It was then that he realized that they were at the base of a small mountain. The woman was dressed in a jumper that looked like something the Borellian Noman would be at home in. She lead them to a cave, once inside activated an odd looking device. "Greetings SG-1." She said in an oddly timbered voice. It almost sounded as if two people were talking at once. Looking at Starbuck she noted, "So you are one of the aliens that Osiris ordered her Jaffa to destroy." Before Starbuck could answer she turned to O'Neille and queried, "So what brings SG-1 here? Were you sent by the Tok'Ra?" "No, uh?" Colonel O'Neille started with a raised eyebrow. "My apologies Colonel O'Neille, I am Jaxtra." she responded. "Wait, wait, wait." Daniel said quickly. "Is Osiris ... is she here on the planet?" "No Dr. Jackson. I am sorry for distressing you. I had forgotten who the host body had been." Jaxtra hastened to explain. "Ah, good." Jack said. "No, the Tok'Ra didn't send us. Why? Do you need an extraction? Did we blow your cover?" She smiled as she said with a soft laugh, "No, you did not 'blow my cover' as you say. It seems though that you are the ones that need ... extracting?" "Why would we need extracting? We're just on a planet of some Goa'uld megalomaniac. Surrounded by Jaffa. Running into an alien that seems to be a human from an advanced civilization." He listed holding up a finger for each one. Throwing his hands up in the air he states, "Hey, it's just another day in the office for us!" "So, weird stuff happens to you all the time too, huh?" quipped Starbuck. His expression became serious as he informed them, "I really need to get in touch with my ship. I need to let them know that I'm okay so my wife doesn't worry too much. Being the Commander of the Pegasus, she has enough on her mind." SG-1 exchanged glances with each other at that remark. Jack mouthed, "His Wife?" silently to Sam. Sam just shrugged her shoulders and looked pointedly away from Jack. She didn't want him to see her perplexed expression. "I have a subspace communicator" Jaxtra suggested in a normal voice, "we could, as you Taur'i say, 'kill two birds with one stone'?" "Meaning?" Colonel O'Neille prompted. He further asked, "And to whom are we speaking to?" "Oh! I am Channell." She said. Starbuck could see that her bearing and attitude were totally different from just a few seconds ago. He looked confused, as it seemed that she was a completely different person! "Colonel Starbuck could call his ship and then we could send a message to the Tok'Ra. They could then relay it to Stargate Command." Channel/Jaxtra supplied. O'Neill look thoughtful as Starbuck asked Dr. Jackson, "Um, I don't want to seem slow here, but what in Kobol's name is a Stargate?" Daniel raised his eyebrows as he responded, "You've never heard of the Stargate?" "Well, now that you mention it" Starbuck said as pulled out a fumarello, "that does sound familiar." He looked thoughtful as he lit it. Then, snapping his fingers, he remembered out loud, "I remember now! It was something Apollo showed me from one of the Books of the Lords of Kobol." To himself he muttered, "There was something else. Something about a God that wasn't a God." All this while, Daniel had been listening intently. His ears perked up when he heard 'Books of the Lords of Kobol'. Speaking up he asked, "Excuse me, Colonel Starbuck." Looking up Starbuck remarked with a slight grimace, "Please Doctor, just Starbuck. I'm a Warrior, I don't really go for that rank felgercarb." "Oh. Uh, ok, then you can call me Daniel." Dr. Jackson responded. Starbuck looked at him quizzically and was about to ask him a question when Daniel continued in almost the same breath, "I'm an archeologist. I don't know if you know what that means ... " he trailed off slowly. At Starbuck's nod he went on, "You mentioned the 'Books of the Lords of Kobol'. What are those? Are they your bible? Was 'Lords' plural?" "Easy, easy." Starbuck countered as he took a puff on his fumarello. "Boy, you are the inquisitive type aren't you? Look, I'm not the one you should be talking to about that. Apollo is a direct descendant of the Lords of Kobol, as is my wife. They are the ones you should be talking to." Colonel O'Neille exclaimed while uncrossing his arms from in front of him, "As fascinating as this is kids. We need to concentrate on the matters at hand." Facing Channell/Jaxtra he inquired, "With your permission we need to send a message to Stargate Command first. We need reinforcements to get back through the Gate. Then Starbuck can call his people." "Now, about that." He said facing back towards Starbuck, "We're at war with the Goa'uld and we are always looking for allies. Interested?" Starbuck said slowly and thoughtfully, "Hmmm, I'm not a Buritician. I can't promise anything but there is an old saying, 'Any Air Dome in an Astralon Storm'. I can go with you and start negotiations at the very least." "All right!" Colonel O'Neille said looking a little surprised and somewhat pleased with himself. "See, my people are on a quest. We're trying to find a certain planet." Starbuck explained. "We haven't had much luck over the past 25 Yahren. Maybe you know of it?" Daniel started, "Well we might. Do you know the coordinates or the name of the planet?" "Sure!" Rejoined Starbuck. "Its ca-" "Look" Colonel O'Neille interrupted, "as much as I like to help my fellow man ... alien ... person. We're in it pretty deep right now. So, let's get our focus on getting back to the SGC, ok?" Chapter 7 "Commander?" Major Omega reported, "We're getting a subspace signal unlike any I've ever seen before." "Are we able to receive it and use the usual security protocols?" inquired Athena. "Yes ma'am" Omega replied, "And, ma'am, its Colonel Starbuck." Athena smiled ferociously, thinking to herself, "I knew it! I knew that old gambler was still alive." Once again she tried to reach out with her mind and touch Starbuck's. She felt a very tenuous connection at the fringes of her awareness. Pulling back and standing up she declared, "Major Omega, you have the Conn. Colonel Boomer you're with me. Major Omega, pipe it to my Office." "Yes ma'am!" the sharp response came as Athena and Boomer strode to her office. Once inside Athena practically ran to communications console to Boomer's low chuckle. She blushed slightly as the flat-screen came to life showing Starbuck smiling his best rogue smile. "Husband, you are gonna get it when you get home!" she joked. Starbuck feigned surprise and exclaimed, "Hey, I can't help it if the enemy ships blow up so easily!" "Yes," she countered completely serious; "I've read the report from the Seeker. We've been able to determine that they weren't Cylon that much was obvious. Have you been able to ID them yet?" "Well, funny you should mention that ... the enemy fighters were piloted by humans. Unfortunately, they are a slave race to a nasty alien species called the Goa'uld. See ... naw, its too involved. Its better if I tell you and Apollo face to face." Starbuck explained. Her eyebrows knitted in concerned confusion as she asked, "Why? Is there something that my brother needs to know?" "Yeah, uh ... Athena?" he asked haltingly, "Have you ever heard of something called the 'Stargate'? That is what these people have used to travel from their planet to this one." Turning to Daniel he asked, "By the way. What is the name of your planet? You never did tell me." Daniel glanced at Starbuck in short surprise. Then his expression cleared as he responded, "Oh, um, Earth. We're from the planet Earth. Except Teal'c, he's from Chulak." Starbuck flashed Daniel a sharp smile and said, "Ya don't say?" Turning to face Athena he continued, "Did you hear that Athena? He said they're from Earth." Starbuck's eyes widened as he realized what he had just said. Boomer, who had been hovering off to the side leaned forward and snorted, "That's my pal. So very quick on the uptake." Starbuck turned and excitedly grabbed Daniel exclaiming, "You're really from Earth? Seriously? Do you know how many yahrens we've been searching for you?!" Daniel was at first surprised by Starbucks reaction. His eyes lit up with understanding as he responded, "You and your people have been looking for us? Really? Why?" Jack cut in and stated, "We don't have the time to go into that for now. We have got to get to the gate! Tell you what Colonel Starbuck. You get back to your people and we'll get back to ours. It's too dangerous in this area for us to do a meet and greet right now. When we get back we'll contact the Tok'Ra again and ask them to help you find some safe routes to Earth." Swinging to Jaxtra, "Think your bosses could help us on that score?" he skeptically questioned her. "I can not make any promises Colonel O'Neille" Jaxtra stated in her multi-timbered voice, "However, if these are the children of the Lost Lords of Kobol, I don't see any problem with assistance." There were gasps of surprise all around as Jack said, "All ri-..." stopping himself he exclaimed in surprise, "wait-a-minute! What did you just say?" Athena had been muttering to herself trying to remember something that she had read from the Books of the Lords of Kobol. Over and over she muttered the words Goa'uld and Stargate. Right after she heard Jack's exclamation of surprise she looked up sharply and her eyes lit up with a memory. "The Lords of Kobol defied the sun god Ra and, with their followers, enter the Chappa'ai for a distant land. The followers of the Lords of Kobol named the new land after their Lords. The Lords of Kobol removed the Chappa'ai to one the two moons of the new land of Kobol. There the Chappa'ai remains..." Athena intoned. "That's ... all I can remember." she said as she looked up at Boomer. Her eyes widened with shock as a sudden realization hit her. She exclaimed to Starbuck as her eyes returned to the flat-screen, "Starbuck this changes everything we've ever thought, everything we ever knew about humanity!" "Ya think?" he smirked. Both Daniel and Jack exclaimed, "Hey, that's my line!" Teal'c raised an eyebrow as Samantha smirked and snorted trying not to laugh out loud. Jaxtra blinked in slight confusion at their exchange. Athena sobered and ordered, "Starbuck you hold tight. I am sending a rescue party to pick you up!" Spying Colonel O'Neill off to the side she stated, "I agree with your decision sir. Get your people to safety." Her eyes finding Jaxtra's she said, "We eagerly await your communiqu‚. If you can help us get to Earth, and safety, quickly we will forever be in your debt!" Starbuck and Jaxtra nodded while Colonel O'Neille simply checked his P90. After Athena signed off and Jaxtra returns her communication globe to the pouch on her belt they crept silently out of the cave. Following a circuitous route they found a spot where they could covertly view the Stargate. Jaxtra took out her communication globe and sent out a signal to the Tok'Ra. "Looks like our friend in the robes is still there. Think he's waiting for us?" Jack asked sarcastically. Samantha rolled her eyes and asked Daniel, "By the way Daniel, what was that guy yelling when he was running away from us?" Daniel looked up distractedly while checking his P90 and said, "Hmm? Uh, something about Daemons." He said, eyebrows scrunched up in concentration, "Yes, he was calling us Daemons." "Well, we've been called worse." Samantha said, "Guess we should take that as a compliment." Starbuck looked around at them and stated, "It really is just business as usual with you guys, isn't it." They all looked thoughtful for a moment and then chorused, "Yeah ... uh huh ... sure is..." Teal'c just simply grunted with an upraised eyebrow. Starbuck just said, "Huh!" and let it drop as Jack whispered, "All right, as soon as the gate starts up the four of us rush it." "Colonel Starbuck, you stay here with Jaxtra ... Channell, which ever of you is in charge at the moment. Speaking of which" He said to Jaxtra/Channell, "You should probably leave with Starbuck. I wouldn't be surprised if your cover IS blown." "No need to worry about us, Colonel O'Neill." Jaxtra/Channell stated, "Our cover will not be 'blown' as you say." "All right" Jack said as he held up his hand palm forward and looked away from her, "it was just a suggestion." The gate activated at that moment and they all turned their attention to it. With a nod shared by the four members of SG-1 they broke cover firing as they went. Chapter 8 Once again with alarms blaring and red warning lights flashing they stepped out of the event horizon. The team consisted of three men and one woman. They were all quite relieved to be back to the base after such a grueling mission. "Welcome back team. How did the mission go?" Asked the General at the foot of the gangplank. "Just fine General. We should have some interesting tidbits for you in the debriefing. Right now my team and I would like a hot shower and some good food. Not necessarily in that order." Responded the Colonel in charge. "Very good." Major-General Hammond responded. "Debriefing will be in 2 hours then. Dismissed." Half an hour later the team was called up to the briefing room. The General, being a no-nonsense military man got right to the point. "One of our teams is pinned down off-planet. A group of Jaffa is protecting the Gate on that world. Fortunately they do not have any heavy guns in place. You are the only ones that can get through the gate successfully in order to retrieve that team. However, there is a good chance that you will die on this mission." He informed them. "What? Again?" quipped the young blonde lieutenant. The Colonel stated, "They've pulled our fat out of the fire often enough, General. Time to pay the piper. When do we leave?" "Team, you have a go in 15 minutes." Fifteen minutes later he stood in the control booth wishing he could go with them. Shaking his head the General grabbed the microphone and declared, "Good luck and God speed SG-10. Bring SG-1 home safe and sound!" Colonel Duncan MacLeod gave the time-honored thumbs up. Then he, Dr. Amanda LeFevre, Lt. Richard Ryan, and Captain Benjamin Adams picked up their shields and ran up the ramp and dove through the Star Gate with a terrific war cry! The light show was amazing! Duncan concentrated on keeping focus. Suddenly the light of an alien planet washed over him and his teammates as SG-10 crashed through the gate. "Amanda! Four to the right." He barked. "I've got the other four on the left. Ritchie, Methos, Shields!" Capt. Benjamin Adams and Lt. Ritchie Ryan squatted down, emplacing their shields onto the ground. From the cover they supplied Colonel Duncan 'Mac' MacLeod and Dr. Amanda LeFevre fired short, quick rounds into the enemy Jaffa. Ritchie pressed the call button on his radio shouting out, "Anytime you would like to join the party SG-1!" "On our way!" Came the response with a click and a beep. SG-1 flanked the Jaffa from the rear as the event horizon dissipated into the summer breeze. Chapter 9 Daniel started as beams of light spurted past him and he looked back to see Starbuck with them. "What are you doing?" he shouted at Starbuck as SG-10 fired upon the Jaffa from the Stargate. "I just realized" Starbuck shouted back as he fired on a Jaffa guarding the gate, "that its probably better if I go with you. You know, to open relations with your people and what not." "Yeah right" Daniel said sarcastically as he eyed Starbuck suspiciously, "you just want to be the first of your people to see Earth!" Flashing a guilty 'you-got-me' grin they returned their attention to the attack just a moment too late. A Jaffa got in a lucky shot and clipped Starbuck on his left shoulder. Daniel fired his P90 and peppered the Jaffa with bullets. As the Jaffa fell to get up no more, Daniel knelt beside Starbuck and checked his wound. "No time for that!" Starbuck shouted as he struggled to get up, "Just help me up and let's get outta here!" Soon the Jaffa were either dead or dying. Daniel dialed the address for home with easy familiarity. With the gates patented "vroom, vroom" and a roar Starbuck watched in fear and fascination as the event horizon exploded from the center of the Stargate. It fell back upon itself just as it seemed it would spray all over the two teams. While Major Carter and Lieutenant Methos, of SG-10, activated their respective GDO's, Colonel O'Neille radioed ahead with a request for medical support for the injured Starbuck. Starbuck fidgeted as SG-1 and SG-10 started filing through the gate. He wasn't all that sure now about his rash decision. Colonel O'Neille, standing by the gate and keeping a lookout for a resurgence of enemy Jaffa, peered at Starbuck in understanding. "C'mon," he said to Starbuck, "that shoulder's gotta be really smartin' by now. Let's go get it looked at, ok?" "Yeah ... yeah, good idea." Starbuck said softly. In a slight daze he shuffled forward and said, "I don't know, this is such a momentous occasion. I feel like I should say something. You know?" "What? Something like 'One small step for Man, One giant leap for Mankind'?" Jack quipped. "Hey, that's good! Can I use that sometime?" Starbuck asked looking at Jack. Jack just grimaced as he gave Starbuck a gentle push through the gate. Starbuck gasped in surprise as he stumbled into the gate's event horizon. His mind froze, watching the light display of the artificial wormhole and then he was through to the other side. Starbuck was on Earth! Chapter 10 "STARBUCK'S ON EARTH?!" Apollo just couldn't believe it. "Starbuck is on Earth?" he repeated quietly. "Of course Starbuck is on Earth. Something like this could only happen to Starbuck." "What happened to the rescue team?" He asked his sister. "What happened to the Immortals?" "Ah! The ... uh. The Immortals." She responded hesitantly, "They are ... um ... They're on Earth as well." "WHAT?!" "Now, 'pollo I can explain!" "Oh, you've got some 'splaining to do!" Earlier. As the flat-screen faded to black Athena looked up at Boomer and immediately ordered, "Boomer, I need Artemis and his ilk for a rescue mission!" "I'll get them." He reassured her. "I'm going with 'em as well!" "No Boomer!" Athena countermanded. "I need you here ... just in case." She added quietly. Boomer stopped mid-turn. He exclaimed in surprise, "Surly you don't think the Cylons would show up now! After all these yahrens?" "Boomer," She said in a slow measured tone, "as a daughter of the House of Kobol I have a certain amount of prescience. You know this, as I know you have some as well. You know that something is going to happen. Whether it's the Cylons or ... something else, I really can't say!" Nodding thoughtfully Boomer concurred, "Ok. Yes, you're right Athena. Frak it all, but you're right!" Striding past him Athena marched onto the bridge. Boomer followed close behind and headed straight for the communications console. Tapping Rigel on the shoulder he ordered, "Rigel, have Lt. Commander Artemis report with his team to the pilot's ready room. Immediately." "Aye, aye sir." A few centons later, Artemis approached the Ready Room at a dead run. He skidded to a halt just outside the doorway and almost collided with Diana. "Well," She scolded, "its about time you got here!" "Sorry." He mumbled as he headed towards the podium. Flicking the blinking Comm switch Artemis activated the flat-screen on the wall behind him. Colonel Boomer peered out at the assembled pilots and stated quickly and succinctly, "Team Kobol. This is an Emergency Rescue Operation. Lt. Colonel Starbuck was forced to land then blow up, his Viper. All data we have on the planet, and where Colonel Starbuck will most probably be, has been downloaded to the rescue shuttle's computron. Good luck and may the Lords of Kobol be with you!" Boomer's visage slowly faded as Team Kobol headed out of the Ready Room. On the way Hephat groaned, "Starbuck crashed another one?" "Actually" Perese piped up; "he landed ok. He just had to blow up his Viper. Bet the enemy fighters were practically on top of him!" She grinned as Hephat simply *harrumphed* to her comment. "All right people!" Artemis called out as they entered the ascensior to the landing bay. "Diana, myself, Zeus, and Hera will take the shuttle." Disembarking the ascensior he went on, "Hephat, Mars, Perese, and Jobe you four will fly escort in your Vipers. Four-point Diamond formation." Chorusing "Yes Sir!" the 8 members of Team Kobol boarded their crafts. The Rescue Shuttle took off after the Vipers had launched and formed up. While Zeus and Hera piloted, Artemis and Diana studied the report on a flatscreen in the back of the shuttle. Viewing the stills of the planet they each felt a pang of loss for their home Colonies. "It's so beautiful and primal. Reminds me of Caprica when we first arrived there." Diana lamented. "I agree." Artemis responded. "Ya know, I was a Buritician once. Even got elected President. Zeus assassinated me from a grassy knoll just like the one in this still." "By the Lords!" She exclaimed in surprise. "YOU were the infamous Jayeffkay?" "Yes, I was." he blushingly answered. Then, making his eyes extra wide and staring at Diana he said comically, "But, I'm feeling MUCH better now!" Amidst their laughter Hephat snorted over the Comm line. "Artemis" He sneered, "are you going to keep us on the dark side of this planet or do we get the mission parameters soon?!" "Keep your tunic on Captain." Artemis retorted in too good a mood to be vexed. "We..." his voice trailed off as the next section of the report came up on the flatscreen. Glances were exchanged in curiosity as their, usually, unflappable leader lapsed into silence. After a few microns Diana leaned forward to touch his shoulder. She glanced at the flatscreen in confusion and then gasped as she recognized the object. Artemis glanced at her, breaking out of his shocked silence. Speaking slowly and carefully he stated, "Sire's and Siress's. There is a Chappa'ai on this planet." Perese gasped, "A Chappa'ai? Then that means..." She trailed off. The Immortals of Team Kobol were all silent, some of them remembering the Chappa'ai of Kobol. Jobe, who had a reputation of not talking much, broke the silence, "A Chappa'ai. A Stargate. Will wonders never cease?" "All right team." Artemis stated with renewed vigor. "This is what we have been waiting the past 25 yahren for. Let's not waste the opportunity. We need to get down there, rescue Starbuck and gather as much intell as we can!" Her eyes lighting up with a revelation, Diane queried Artemis, "Do you think that the people of Earth were able to overthrow the False Gods and advance their civilization as we were able to?" "Hmmm." He responded thoughtfully. "I can only hope that they have." He straightened up, stating strongly, "BUT! We need to concentrate on the task at hand." "Team Kobol." He barked toggling the Comm. "Battle Stations. Viper escort, tighten up and prepare for enemy fighter craft!" Once in place Artemis ordered, "Zeus, Hephat. Let's go in hard and fast!" Dropping all stealth measures the rescue shuttle and the four Vipers hit their turbo's. Screaming into the atmosphere they were surprised to be attacked by a large force of enemy fighters. Hera, manning the shuttle's scanners, announced over the Unicomm, "I count at least a dozen fighters within a one kilometron range. It looks like another dozen are heading our way!" Artemis checked his gun's scanner and confirmed her readings. Making a snap decision he tersely ordered, "Vipers! Provide cover until we land then hightail your astrums back to the Pegasus. We'll use the Chappa'ai to escape." "Oh, no you don't Artemis!" Hephat responded. "No one gets left behind on my watch! We're with you 'till the bitter end my friend!" Following a chorus of "You tell 'im Hephat!" and "That's right!" Artemis reconsidered. "All right." He acquiesced. "Fine. We all go in and we all leave. Hera! Prepare an encrypted message to be sent in a burst to the fleet. We should at least get some scans of the enemy so that they can be prepared!" "Aye, aye!" Hera enthusiastically responded. Then there was no more time for talk! The shuttles heavy guns spit out blast after blast of laser fire. A full third of the enemy fighters disappeared in seconds. As the Vipers Turboed forward to engage the enemy Hera looked up from her console in surprise. "Artemis" She called out, "I'm getting an energy spike from the planets surface near Starbuck's last reported position! There is an energy wave heading away from the planet's surface. I believe someone has activated the Chappa'ai!" "Keep an eye on it Hera!" Artemis responded while shooting down two more enemy fighters. "Ha! That's 6 for me Diana! How're you doin'?" "I just shot down my seventh Artemis." She responded calmly. He grumbled to himself, shuddering at the evenness of her tone. "The energy wave has dissipated." Hera reported. "Artemis! We've got an incoming ion blast!" "Adjusting course. 60 degrees to starboard and four percent decline." Came Zeus's even voice. "I'm hit, Rescue! I'm hit!" Mars cried out. "Help me Heph!" "Easy there, love." Respond Hephat. "Remember, we are Immortal. I'm going to follow you down!" "Negative Hephat!" Artemis ordered. "Rescue Shuttle will follow Mars down and provide cover. I need you three to Turbo ahead and buzz these fighters Base Ship! Make it obvious!" "But..." "Now Hephat! You're wasting time!" Artemis couldn't help but smile as he heard Hephat grumble over the comm. He knew that for all of his dourness, Hephat was a man Artemis could trust. "Zeus!" He barked. "Let's provide cover for our wounded Avian." Artemis and Diana took a few shots at the enemy fighters. The heavy guns, one set on starboard and the other to port, spat out high-energy death. Swiveling fore and aft the guns were able to cover a good portion of the sky. Two of the enemy exploded as the others chased after the Vipers. Artemis kept his scanners on the enemy base ship. He was surprised when the Vipers were able to inflict some major damage on their first volley. Unfortunately more enemy ships filled the crisp blue sky. The wounded Viper and the Rescue Shuttle were only 1,000 metrons from the ground when there were three explosions in rapid succession! Focusing his scanners Artemis no longer received telemetry from the Vipers. "Hephat you son-of-a-Daggit!" Artemis angrily thought to himself. He called out over the comm., "Mars! Eject now!" "Diana, blow the Frak out of the Viper as soon as he's clear." He growled as he grabbed three survival packs along with his and Diana's swords. Watching him Diana simply nodded and focused on her scanner. Three microns later Diana fired one shot and blew up the Viper. She released her harness and scrambled to the ejection booths. "Zeus, Hera." Artemis ordered with forced calm, "Get back to the fleet. Burn everything you've got but get back to the Pegasus!" "Yes milord." Hera responded sarcastically. Ignoring Hera he handed Diana her pack and sword as they stepped into the ejection booths. Nodding to Hera they waited for her to key in the commands for the ejection process. They dropped straight down for one hundred metrons watching the shuttle change its flight path and kick in its turbo's. Artemis and Diana flung their limbs out and slowed their descent. Taking turns flipping they were able to track the shuttles progress. Artemis signaled to Diana to open the parachutes when his altimetron showed 500 metrons above sea level. "Ok, now we can talk!" Artemis shouted out over his comm. "I think they were able to achieve orbital status before the enemy fighters were able to catch up!" Diana shouted back. "Good, now let's home in on Mars and find the others!" Artemis responded. A sudden sound made him look up. "Aw, frak!" Without another word he smacked the release on his harness and dropped the remaining 150 metrons to the ground. Diana followed suit yelling, "Wait for meeee!" as his parachute exploded in a burst of fire. Diana felt the wind from the enemy fighter as it screamed by! The enemy fighters streaked by overhead as they dropped to the hard ground below. The Immortal Warriors landed with a *thump* and a *thud*! All was darkness for an eternal moment. Waking with a start he heard Diana muttering. "Frak, frak!" and "Felgercarb and bovine manure!" were some of her more favorite expletives. Grinning to himself, he rolled his head around his shoulders to ease the stiffness, Artemis then slowly rose to his feet. He felt a Quickening and turned to see Mars approach talking into his Comm unit. Smiling at Artemis and Diana as she hobbled up to them he stated, "Hera and Zeus were able to achieve orbit and they just now hit light speed! They should be back to the fleet soon." "That's good Mars." Artemis said. "So, who else besides me 'died'? No one?" Diana and Mars just grinned unabashedly. Artemis roughly pushed a survival pack at Mars and surveyed the area. "Now we have to go and find the others and see if we can figure out the coordinates for Earth." He stated. Mars gasped, "Earth? Then it's not just a legend? We didn't originate on Kobol?" "No, we didn't." Diana explained as they began to trek through the forest. "There is only one Immortal who remembers Earth." "Chronus." Mars whispered reverently. "Yes, Chronus." Growled Artemis snidely. "He's not as holy a man as he pretends to be, ok?" Mars just nodded thoughtfully. Shaking his head like a daggit he stated, "On the way down I spotted a fresh crater. That must've been where Starbuck landed. A few Kilometrons east I saw the Chappa'ai. At least, I think it was a Chappa'ai. It was a great big ring of metal standing in a clearing with what looked like rubble around it." "Yeah, that would be it." Confirmed Artemis. Holding up his fist all three stopped and dropped to a crouch. Huddling together Mars started to whisper to Diana but she just held her finger to her mouth. Mars clamped his lips together remembering he was in enemy territory. Artemis turned and mouthed 'Jaffa' to Diana. Mars didn't recognize that word but realized they weren't alone. Peeking through the foliage the three members of Team Kobol watched as a patrol of about a dozen Jaffa trotted by. They huddled closer together and started whispering quietly with each other once the enemy patrol was out of earshot. "Ok." Artemis started. "We need to head towards their base ship. Hephat, Perese, and Jobe were all shot down near it. We rendezvous with them and get to the Chappa'ai." "Wait a centon." Mars interjected. "Didn't the report say that there is a, what're they called, toker?" "That's Tok'Ra." Diana said as she playfully slapped the back of his head. "It means 'against Ra' and, yes, it was her sub-space communicator that Starbuck used." Mars rubbed the back of his head and mouthed the word 'ow'. Snorting, Artemis whispered, "All right, let's keep an eye out for her then. Diana, can you get a 'fix' on our people?" "Give me a moment, please." She demurred. Closing her eyes, her breath deepening, she appeared to go into a trance. A few microns later she slowly opened her eyes, returning to the physical realm. "Hephat just 'came back'. I was able to touch Perese's mind. She's frightened the poor girl. I knew we pushed her too hard." She lamented. Artemis gave a sharp look, as Mars looked on bewildered. "Diana, we need to know where they are." Diana sighed and responded, "I know Arty, I know. They're about 2 kilometrons east of here. If I sensed the emanations correctly, they are half way between the enemy base ship and the Chappa'ai. They'd've been there already but they had to carry Hephat." Mars flicked his eyes from one Immortal to the other. Just as Artemis opened his mouth all three felt ... something. It was not a Quickening, that much was obvious. Artemus motioned for the other two to split up while he headed straight towards the emanation. Just as they started to advance a petite, dark haired woman stepped out of the brush and locked eyes with them. "Ooookay." said Mars. "That's ... creepy." In a multi-timbered voice she stated, "I am Tok'Ra. You may call me Jaxtra. You are the Immortal children of the Lost Lords of Kobol." It was not a question. "Yes, we are." Artemus confirmed. "How is Queen Egeria?" "The Mother of the Tok'Ra died a noble death. Because of the circumstances surrounding her passing there is hope for freeing the Jaffa." Mars gaped at the interchange. He felt so confused not knowing what to ask or do first. Then he thought of Hephat. "Excuse me." He said. "I really don't know, nor care, what is going on here." Facing the strange woman that emitted a strange energy he asked, "Can you, being an obvious ally, lead us to our friends so we can get the Hades out of here?!" As Jaxtra nodded affirmatively Artemus added, "He's right. Pleasantries can wait. We need to get our people and get off of this planet. Zeus and Hera've probably made it back to the fleet. One way or the other! So, the decision now is ... do we commandeer a craft to get back to the fleet or do we use the Chappa'ai?" "I would suggest using the Chappa'ai for that is how your Colonel Starbuck escaped with the human's of the Taur'i." Jaxtra interposed. "He what?!" Artemus almost shouted. "Well, THAT definately changes things. Please Jaxtra, lead the way." "Of course." She responded with a slight nod of her head. "I will have to accompany you since my cover is now 'blown', as Colonel O'Neill would say. Follow me please." Without further ado the quartet headed for the Stargate. They, warily, avioded contact with any Jaffa patrols. In short order Jaxtra brought them to the exact same spot she had brought SG-1 to earlier. Diana meditated once again. Only this time she appeared to be talking with someone. Opening her eyes she whispered, "I was actually able to make full contact with Perese." "How is that possible?" Mars wondered. "I think it has to do with the Chappa'ai. It is made of a type of Tyllium and it seems to augment us. Anyway, I clued Perese about our location. They should be here within a few centon's." "Ok. Then we wait." Artemus stated. Facing Jaxtra he inquired, "Jaxtra, tell us about the Taur'i, our bretheren from Earth." Jaxtra smiled sweetly as they listened to her every word with baited breath. As Jaxtra was explaining why the people of Earth had more than one name Diana suddenly stiffened. Just as quickly she relaxed and smiled happily at her compatriots. "They've arrived on the other side of the clearing." She informed them. Straining his eyes Artemus saw Hephat signal him. Crouching down he met everyones gaze and, brandishing his blaster, nodded. Standing up he gave Hephat and his group a sharp signal. Blaster fire erupted into the clearing taking the Jaffa totally by surprise! The surviving Jaffa dove awkwardly for cover. Mars bounded down the slope as Jobe stepped out of the bushes, both firing rapidly with a blaster in each hand. Mars was hit sqare in the chest halfway down. A micron later Jobe was hit and dropped as well. Hephat and Perese, providing cover fire, jumped as soon as Jobe was hit. Screaming in rage, they fired continously as they dropped ten metrons to the ground below. Perese was hit once on the way down. Hephat landed, breaking his left leg, as he shot the last two Jaffa guarding the gate. Artemus, Diana, and Jaxtra scurried out from their cover at the same time the others jumped. Jaxtra took out her communicator as she followed the Immortals. Diana shot four Jaffa as Artemus picked up Mars. Jaxtra scooted up to the Dial Home Device as the last two Jaffa dropped lifelessly to the ground. Jaxtra dialed the address for Earth. Artemus gathered up Perese and helped Hephat hop over to the DHD. During which, Diana was stalking the fallen Jaffa, making sure that the Gao'uld larvae were dead as well. One larvae did get by her and slithered to Mars' body. Mars shuddered and came back to life as it neared him. The Gao'uld reared to bite into his neck when Jaxtra stomped on its head. Mars locked eyes with Jaxtra for a brief micron. They nodded at each other in understanding and Mars rose to his feet, ready to rejoin the fray. The Immortals of the fleet watched agape as the Stargate activated. Jaxtra used her communicator to send a Tok'Ra ID through. "Its so ... beauti... AAAAAHH!" Diana screamed from the shot in the back by an approaching Jaffa patrol. Mars scurried to her side and snatched up her blasters. Firing instinctively Mars cut the patrol down by half. Jobe, resurrected, ran to his side firing at the Jaffa as well. "Get to the Chappa'ai!" Artemus yelled at Jaxtra. Running full tilt up to the Stargate Jaxtra jumped the last few feet into the event horizon. Perese, also ressurected, helped Hephat up the steps. They were hit by half a dozen staff blasts coming from above just as they stepped into the event horizon! Shocked, Mars turned to find the source of the staff fire. Feeling like he was mired in quicksand he espyed a group of Jaffa gathered on the ridge above them. Screaming in rage, as his friends fell through the gate, Mars fired more accuratly than he ever had before. Like a rapid fire machine gun his two blasters found their marks up on the ridge! Jobe and Artemus laid cover fire on the Jaffa at ground level as they each grabbed Diana's arms. Scooping her up and dragging her along Artemus yelled at Mars, "Get through the gate. NOW!" Mars stared at his commanding officer for a moment, his face devoid of all emotion. Artemus could see that Mars was no longer a green rookie and felt a pang of loss for his innocence. With a Warriors detachment Mars stepped around his teammates. He raised his arms straight out in front of him and recklessly blasted away at the incoming Jaffa. Yelling obscenities at them Mars slowly backed up laying down cover fire for his injured teammates. Jobe and Artemus carried Diana through the Stargate as Mars continued firing. On the other side Artemus let Jobe carry Diane down the ramp while he kept his foot in the event horizon. Before he could look back at the rippling light Mars slammed backwards through the wormhole and fell down the ramp. Hurrying forward Artemus barely recognized that it had dissipated for his concern over Mars. Then the smell of burnt flesh hit him hard and he almost doubled over in nausea. "Aw, Mars you young fool." Artemus gurgled. A medic implored, "Excuse me sir we need you to step aside to check his wounds." Artemus looked at young man calmly and said, "That's not necessary son. He's dead. He'll be up and around in about half a centar." "Excuse me, sir?" The medic asked, confused. "Never mind son. Let's just get my people to your Life Center." Artemus said quietly. He always got real quiet after a mission. The medic simply shrugged and motioned to his partner. Together they lifted Mars up and situated him on a gurney. Artemus watched with detached bemusement noting that his other teammates were being led away as well. Artemus looked up as he heard, "Say, uh, you wouldn't happened to've brought a fumarello with you, did'ya?" Standing slowly and facing Starbuck, Artemus remarked, "Only you Starbuck, only you." Chapter 11 Earlier, on Earth in the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, an announcement was made over the Communication System, "SG-1, report to the Control Room. SG-1, please report to the Control Room." Moments later Colonel O'Neill slows himself down as he rushes into the Stargate Control Room. Curiously glancing at the shimmering pool of the Stargate's event horizon Colonel O'Neill quips, "What's up General? We doing a pizza run?" Major General George Hammond, well aware of his 2IC's quirky humor gives a soft snort as he replies, "No Colonel. We are receiving a Tok'Ra ID from P42-153. We're expecting casualties." "P42-153? Isn't that the planet that we were just on a few hours ago? The one that Mac just won't let me forget about?" queried O'neill. Teal'c answered, "That is correct Colonel O'Neill. It was a most ... humbling experience." "They're not letting you live it down either?" O'Neill deadpaned. Before Teal'c could reply the first of the casualties came through. Jack followed Teal'c down the stairs at a dead run while General Hammond brought up the rear. Major-General Hammond watched as the members of SG-1 joined the hustle and bustle in the Gate Room. He had seen his share of action when he was younger, yet he still wasn't used to the horrors of war. Meanwhile, Ritchie Ryan had some free time on his hands. Ben was working with Doc Jackson on the aliens language. They were talking 'geek language', but Ritchie was able to figure out that it was pretty close to the Gao'uld's language. Major Carter and Amanda were working on Iblis's weapon in the science lab. He was still surprised that the two women were able to work so well together. They were such polar opposites from each other. "Ah well," Ritchie thought to himself. "Variety IS the spice of life!" Ritchie felt a Quickening and turned to see Duncan MacLeod and Jim Dawson heading towards him. "Hey Jim, Mac." Ritchie greeted them. "Wassup?" "Hey Ritchie," Jim replied. "Listen Mac, I've gotta get up there and make sure everything is setup. This is gonna rock their little world!" He added with a malicious grin. "All right," Mac grinned. "You go ahead. I want to talk to Ritchie for a moment here." "What's up Mac?" Ritchie inquired as Jim headed toward the elevator's. "Did you finish you're report about our last mission?" Duncan asked all military business. Rolling his eyes, Ritchie replied, "Yes Dad. I finished my report. Thought I'd just hang out and relax for awhile." Hesitating he drew a short breath. Leaning against the counter he crossed one foot over the other and continued sarcastically, "That is if you don't mind too much?" Duncan just snorted and smacking Ritchies arm he stated, "Naw, I just wanted to check up on you. See if you wanted to join us for this meet with the Watcher's Council." "I'll pass, thanks." Ritchie said dismissively. "Seargent Nevia told me that she's got the best time on "Legacy of Kain: Blood Omen II". I bet her I could do better." "All right." Duncan said. He commented over his shoulder as he walked away, "Just watch out for the steam in the well. It spurts in a counter clockwise rotation." Duncan faced forward with a smile on his face, knowing he had thrown Ritchie for a loop once again. "Just when you think you know a guy." Ritchie muttered bemusedly under his breath. Shaking his head, while strolling towards the gateroom control booth, Ritchie considered that most of the good guy Immortals that he knew kept themselves young at heart. "Must be how they keep away from the Dark Side." He wryly thought to himself. Approaching the Stargate Control room he hoped that he wasn't too late to see the gate activate. Two steps away from the door the alarms go off! Jumping out of the way Ritchie let the medics rush by. Making sure the coast was clear Ritchie followed them in to see if he could help. He was just in time to see the Stargate deactivate and, as usual, the beauty of the sight took his breath away. Suddenly he is hit with at least half a dozen Quickenings! Ritchie turned and stopped in pure shock. There were Immortals in the Gate Room! Some dead, some not so dead. These alien Immortals were adorned in the same uniform as the Colonial that SG-1 brought back earlier in the day. Spying General Hammond Ritchie stepped next him and saw the horror in his eyes. Ritchie consoled him quietly, "Don't worry General, all of the injured are Immortals. Alien to Earth, but Immortals all the same." General Hammond snapped around to face Ritchie and whispered loudly, "Do you mean to tell me that these aliens have Immortals among them as well?" Ritchie simply responed, "Yes, sir." Major-General Hammond dropped his gaze and considered for a moment, then ordered, "Colonel O'Neill!" Jack looked up and, with a nod to the orderlies, he walked over to the General. "Yes sir?" He questioned. "Colonel O'Neill, I need you to take Lt. Ryan and find Colonel MacLeod. Have them take a security detail and keep an eye on these aliens. According to our young Lieutenant here they will all be ... fine." Jack just raised an eyebrow at the General's stressing of the word 'fine'. With a "C'mon Ritchie" he left with Lt. Ryans. Major-General Hammond looked around at the rapidly clearing room shaking his head at the wonderment of it all. His thoughts private General Hammond then made his way up to his office and proceeded to clear his desk to make room for the new paperwork that was sure to come. Jim Dawson hobbled in as General Hammond finished. "Ah, Mr. Dawson. Right on time. Please have a seat." Jim was not having a good day with his legs, which caused him to walk like his knees were stuck straight. Huffing and puffing he slowly collapsed into a chair, gruntingly asking, "Is it true General? The Colonials that came through the Gate are really Immortals?" "According to our young Lieutanant Ryans," General Hammond affably responded, "they are Immortal. And if I understand this situation correctly either a blended Tok'Ra or Immortal can truly tell." "Wow." Jim said, stunned. Forgetting his pain he considered the possibilities. "Then that MUST mean the Colonials are also descendants of Earth!" General Hammond's head shot up from the paper work he was studying. Excitedly he stated, "If that is true and we can prove that ..." Shaking himself he said, "The implications are staggering!" "True." Jim grunted once again, slowly rising from the chair. "If you'll excuse me I need to hobble up to the conference room and appease my 'masters'." "Very well, Mr. Dawson." Hammond said, returning his attention to his reports. A few short eternal minutes later found Jim Dawson shuffling into the conference room. Everyone in the room looked up and stared at him. Not for the first did he wonder if he was actually growing a horn out of his forehead. The only one not staring at him was Duncan MacLeod. He was distractedly speaking with one of the Colonial Immortals. Leaning heavily on his cane he did his pathetic old man shuffle over to Duncan and the Colonial. Duncan had to look away to hide his smirk. He knew Jim was in pain, but that Jim liked to exaggerate that pain to make his bosses think that he was a weak old man. Jim lowered himself into a chair on the other side of the Colonial, as the alien Immortal liked to be called, with exaggerated care. Duncan leaned forward and whispered, "You're really pushing it today, young man." A quick grin flashed across Jim's face when he replied, "Not by much today, old man." Leaning back in his chair Jim asked, "Well, anything new? Have we figured out how long it will take to get the rest of the Colonials fleet here to Earth?" "About that ... " A reed-thin young man started to speak while cleaning his wire frame glasses. Jim sighed a great heaving sigh as he irritably asked, "What now Wesley?" "Yes, well old friend." he started hesitantly. "We've talked about this and ..." Wesley's voice trailed off due to Jim's hard stare. Wesley, blushing, adjusted his glasses and nervously cleared his throat. Removing his glasses Wesley started to clean them and stammered, "We have decided not to give these Immortal's sanctuary. After all, we don't need more of them playing the 'game' now do we?" Artemis growled as he slowly stood up. Through bared teeth he said, "Why you officous little slime-hopper! How dare you presume!" Duncan just put a hand on his shoulder and said calmly, "Its quite all right Artemis. It really isn't up to them. I am quite sure that the American Government will grant your people sanctuary." Artemis glanced back and forth between Duncan's calm face and Wesley's worried expression. He slowly sat down somewhat mollified after a few scant seconds. One last glance and then he ignored Wesley and continued his hushed conversation with Duncan once again. Wesley simply harrumphed and, turning, stiffly stalked off. Jim, hiding his smile behind his hand, let go with a silent snicker. He so loved it when the stuffed shirts were shot down! Listening in on Duncan and the Colonial's conversation he heard them discussing the Immortal known as Iblis. "So, Count Iblis is in human form and stuck on that planet?" asked Artemis. "Well, he was when we left. But, I'm not going to assume anything. We did destroy the 'Dial Home Device' though." Duncan hedged. Ever since Duncan and his team returned he found his thoughts consumed with his experience with Iblis. Finally, the Head Director of the Watcher's Council arrived with his entourage. Striding in the Conference Room he headed directly for the conference table. With a short, polite nod to the two Immortals he quickly sat down. Without preamble the Head Director officously stated, "I have just gotten off the phone with the Prime Minister of England and with the President of the United States. We are to offer any and all aid to the Colonials and their Immortals. End of Discussion." Wesley's mouth jumped open to protest, but he promptly snapped it shut after one look at the Head Directors expression. Looking to his fellow Watcher's for support he found none. Bowing to the inevitable he clasped his hands in front of him, staring dolefully at the table. A sharp nod, with a dismissive gesture of his hand the Head Director indicated that the meeting was over. Warily he eyed the Colonial Immortal. Leaning forward he raised an eyebrow and asked, "So, how old are you?" "I am over 7 thousand of your 'years' old." Artemis replied, carefully spacing his words. "I barely remember the Exodus from the planet Kobol for I was but a child then. There are only one or two Immortals older than me. If you wish, Head Director, I will arrange a meeting with the oldest of us." The Head Director slowly leaned back into his chair, keeping his gaze locked on Artemis. He stated through clasped hands, "That won't be necessary just yet. Chronus will speak with me in his own time. However, we are wondering if you have any knowledge of the Gao'uld." Artemis sat up, and exclaimed in alarm, "How do you know that name?" The Head Director smirkingly replied, "Why, from our chronicles of course." "Of course." Duncan snorted. Raising an eyebrow the Head Director sardonically inquired, "Do you really think so little of the Council Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod?" "I believe you do know the answer to that question." Duncan coldly replied. The two men locked eyes for a few moments until the Head Director nodded and turned his attention to those gathered at the conference table. Speaking slowly and clearly he stated, "We, this Watcher's Council, was formed for humanitarian reasons. The Council has lost its way more than once. By happenstance or by design it recovered and returned to its original charter." Leaning forward with hands clasped tightly in front of him the Head Director scowlingly announced, "As of now all promotions are on hold. All field agents will report in to receive new orders." Looking soulfully around the table he stated, "Gentlemen ... and Ladies, we are witness to a momentus occasion. The return of the Twelve Colonies of the Lost Lords of Kobol. This meeting is adjourned." Chapter 12 A few hours later SG-1 and SG-10 were gathered in the briefing room with General Hammond presiding. Two of the strangers were sitting on either side of the General. Turning towards the oddly uniformed man with the graying blonde mane on his right General Hammond asked, "Well, Lieutenant? Your promised an explanation of what is going on." "Not a problem, uh, General is it?" He replied as he glanced at General Hammond. His eyes raked the table noticing his compatriot across from him sitting next to SG-10. Leaning forward the Lieutenant was able to see all of SG-1 on his side. "About 2 ... days? Yes, days ago my team and I were finishing our scout mission. As we were reporting in we received new orders to scout the system that our fleet had come across. We discovered traces of a civilization from millennia ago. That civilization was derived from our fabled thirteenth colony. It was proof that our fleet was on the right track." Taking a breath and peering at his audience, the speaker tried to gauge their reactions. He noted the primary reaction seemed to be curiosity. Letting go of the breath he didn't realize he was holding he went on, "Unfortunately we were attacked. Seems to happen no matter where we go." He groused. "Sorry. Anyway, we were able to fight 'em off, with 3 to one odds mind you, using our Viper's. That was my idea, by the way, of attaching Vipers to the hull of a modified shuttle for long range reconnaissance." General Hammond gave a slight huff at the stranger's self-congratulatory attitude. The stranger glanced at General Hammond apologetically and hastened to add, "Sorry General. Back to the story. My team and I were able to defeat them, however; my viper was damaged. I was able to bring her down safely. Unfortunately, I had to blow her up! Didn't want it to land in the wrong hands, you know." He embellished with a wink. "I thought I had landed in a secluded area, but then I ran into you fella's." He said gesturing to SG-1, "And the rest, as they say, is history!" He finished as he leaned back in his chair with a satisfied smile. General Hammond nodded and facing the leader of SG-1 he asked, "Colonel O'Neill, anything to add?" Jack looked up somewhat in surprise. Throwing his hands out he said, "Uh, no sir. That is pretty much what happened. Just another day at the office." He finished with a diffident shrug. A sharp nod in response and General Hammond turned his attention to the leader of the Colonial Immortals. "Major Artemis, your report please?" "Well General. To put it in a nutshell our orders were to rescue Starbuck and bring him back alive. Unfortunately, the Jaffa had other ideas. We lost all of our Vipers, either by accident or by design." Reported Artemis. Leaning intensely forward he pleaded, "General, we really need to get in touch with our people. They need to know that we are okay. We also need to give them the co-ordinates of Earth!" Starting in alarm General Hammond stated, "I understand that you and your people have been searching for Earth for a while now son. But I am not authorized to do that just yet. My government wants to open lines of communication with your government. The Bureaucrats feel that secrecy must be maintained." Somewhat abashed he added, "And I, for once, agree with them." Puzzled Artemis inquired, "I'm sorry, General, I don't understand. Do you mean to tell me that the people of Earth do not know about the Gao'uld threat?" "Exactly." General Hammond answered. "The general populace of Earth is unaware of the Stargate program and our contact with the Gao'uld. If news of this were to leak out ..." "I understand General Hammond." Artemis acquiesced. "Well, I don't!" Starbuck angrily demanded. "Why don't the people of Earth know what is going on? I thought you said your people were a democracy?!" Artemis winced at Starbuck's outburst while General Hammond calmly responded, "I understand your concern son. Please trust us and the SGC when we say that we have humanities best interest at heart." Softly smiling he added, "Don't worry Colonel. One way or another we'll bring your people home." Starbuck slowly sat down somewhat mollified. In the ensuing silence General Hammond softly spoke, "All right people. Our agenda is to get these Colonials back to their fleet. Any ideas?" Jaxtra/Chanell, the rescued Tok'Ra operative, speaks up just as Daniel is raising his hand, "I still have my subspace transmitter General Hammond. We could find a planet with a Stargate close to their fleet and send a tight beam compressed message with those co-ordinates." Daniel said haltingly, "That is ... what I was going to suggest." General Hammond ordered, "Then, that is what we will do. Major Carter? See to it." Getting up from his chair Daniel muttered a little petulantly, "I really was going to suggest that." Jack, who couldn't resist a little ribbing, remarked in an irish accent, "'Tis ok Danny-boy, we believe in ya!" Playfully slapping his friends arm as stood up next to Daniel. Daniel simply glanced at him and snorted in mock disgust. Teal'c followed them down the stairs to the control room shaking his head in mild confusion. Sam and Jaxtra lead the way chatting the whole while. General Hammond let a fond smile spread across his face as he watched the whole lot walk out of the room. "They are like family to you, eh?" He jumped slightly in surprise at Artemis's voice. Guiltily swinging his gaze to the Immortal he admitted, "Yes, they are all good friends and I do count them amongst my 'extended family'." Drawing himself up to his full height, Artemis proclaimed, "Then, General Hammond, it is truly an honor to have met you. I will request that Commander Apollo ask for your assistance when we begin negotiations." "Well, I ... I don't know what to say, except that I am honored." General Hammond stuttered. "Come, let's get you and your team back to your fleet. After you sir." As the Colonial Officers filed out after Jaxtra/Chanel General Hammond caught Colonel O'Niell's eye. Quietly gesturing for him to follow the General led the Colonel into his office. To Be Continued in "Gathered" By Jake Da Man fanfix63@hotmail.com