Chapter 2: The Problem
SGC BRIEFING ROOM
"Teal'c and SG-18 failed to report in as scheduled and we have not been able to contact the Pelorians."
"That's odd. Teal'c would not allow that to happen unless something is preventing them."
"I agree."
"Uh, I'm sorry, but I'm a little lost. Pelorians? I'm a little behind on my mission reports."
"Dr. Jackson, would you care to explain?"
Daniel nodded and began, "A few months ago we went to a planet called Peloria designated P4X-225. They're a very cautious race of people. They were attacked many centuries ago by the Goa'uld for a substance they call berinium."
"Never heard of it. Is it on the periodic table?"
"No sir," replied Sam, "It's a very rare substance that we've never encountered before. It's said to be able to almost triple the power of Goa'uld technology."
"Anyways they eventually signed a treaty promising the Goa'uld a steady supply of berinium in exchange for the sparing of their people."
"Doesn't sound characteristic of the Goa'uld."
"Well the people threatened to destroy the whole planet along with the berinium. The Goa'uld wanted it badly enough that they agreed to spare their people as long as they continued to mine it as well."
"Now that sounds a little more characteristic."
"Teal'c and SG-18 were on a follow up mission just to keep in touch with the Pelorians."
"Sir request to lead a rescue team," Cameron almost shouted.
Before General Landry could respond, Dr. Lee franticly rushed into the briefing room.
"Sir, I'm sorry to interrupt but we have a problem that requires Colonel Carter, Dr. Jackson, and Vala's assistance."
"What is it Dr. Lee?"
"Sir, I swear I didn't touch anything. One of the devices that Vala brought back started going ballistic. Sparks went flying and now some foreign dialect is displaying and spinning and who knows what else."
"I'm sorry Dr. Lee but I need their help elsewhere right now."
"I'll go."
"Jack?"
"Yeah, let them stay here and figure that thing out. Mitchell and I will lead a rescue team through the gate."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, time is crucial. Just let me go."
"Very well. Dismissed."
Everyone stood up as General Landry left the room. Daniel and Vala hurried after Dr. Lee to go see what was going wrong with the artifact.
"Sir…"
"Carter, it's a simple rescue mission. Go on down to the lab, they need you." He saw the concern still in her face, "Sam, it'll be fine. I promise."
"Be careful."
"Sir?" Cameron interrupted as he was waiting for Jack at the door.
"Coming." He gave one last look at Sam before following Cam to the locker rooms.
P4X-225
Teal'c awoke in an unfamiliar prison cell. He looked around and saw the four members of SG-18 still unconscious. He went over to make sure that they were alright. He stood up and scanned the room. It was very dim and he could not make out much. Suddenly a door opened and one of the priors started down the stairs and came into the little light that there was.
"We meet once again."
"So it seems. What is your business here?"
"We are simply here to spread the news of the Ori."
"I do not believe that is so."
"Hallowed are the Ori. Sooner or later you will realize that."
"No, the Ori are not gods. They will one day fall and all of their followers will once again be free."
SGC GATEROOM
The blast doors opened and Jack walked in back in uniform. Cameron and SG-5 were already there waiting for him as Walter was dialing the gate at that moment. Jack walked over to Cameron and put on his worn out cap.
"Chevron 6, encoded."
"How does it feel?"
"Feels great. Now these are the clothes I'm supposed to be working in."
Cameron gave him a smile.
"Chevron 7, locked."
The seventh chevron locked into place and the great event horizon came into form. It sent a little chill down Jack's spine. 'It has been way too long.' He looked over at Cameron who was looking at him with a questioning look.
"Care to do the honors?"
"Don't mind if I do." Jack said with a smile. He looked over at the men waiting for the order, "Alright, let's move out!"
They proceeded to walk up the ramp and through the shimmering puddle of light.
SGC SCIENCE LAB
Dr. Lee was not exaggerating when he said sparks flew from the object. Some papers were fringed and there was smoke in the air still coming from the object. However, it had stopped the sparks flying and was now projecting some kind of language in the air. It was scrolling pretty fast and Daniel was having a hard time translating.
"It's going too fast. I can't read a single word of this."
"Maybe I can slow it down. Let me see."
Sam went over to the object and opened up a panel on the bottom. She studied it for a while inspecting the wires and buttons that were inside. She switched two wires and pushed a button and suddenly the words slowed down.
"How's that?"
"Uh, can you slow it down just a little more?"
"Yeah, give me a second."
She continued to fiddle with it. However instead of slowing it down more she had somehow made it start spinning around and shuffling itself and then it went blank.
"Oops. I can fix that."
She played around with it a little more and got it to reappear. She was in the middle of switching some more wires when an airman strolled in.
"Um, General Landry would like to see you."
Sam immediately stopped what she was doing and hurried out of the lab towards the elevator with Daniel and Vala close behind. Once they reached the briefing room, she knew it couldn't be good news. It had been awhile since the rescue team left and they hadn't heard any off world activations since. They went to the door and knocked.
"Enter."
"Sir, you wanted to see us?"
"Yes, come in."
They walked in and Daniel closed the door behind them.
"I'm afraid I have some bad news. Colonel Mitchell and General O'Neill led some teams off world on a rescue mission. We've lost all radio contact and they failed to report in. Now we're only assuming the worse."
"Well why don't you send more people through? We can be ready in no time."
Daniel and Vala nodded in agreement.
"We've tried opening the Stargate. We can't get a wormhole established. I'm sorry but for the moment, they're stuck where they are."
"Sir, we can't just sit here and not do anything."
"I know your concern, but I'm sorry, there isn't anything you can do."
So, you like so far? I know it's not much right now. Leave a review please! It'll be so helpful. I'm trying to get all the maincharacters in but I'm not doing so well with Vala. Next chapter's a mission chapter and is pretty long but hopefully good. Just got a little more adjusting to do.
