"Unscheduled activation!" Walter said from the SGC control room as he palmed the hand scanner and closed the iris.
"What have we got?" Landry asked, arriving a few moments later.
"Looks like it's the Alpha Site, sir. We have an incoming text transmission."
Landry stepped forward and read the brief message. "Let him through…and get SG-1 down here."
"Yes, sir," Walter said, opening the iris and sending an 'all clear' radio transmission back through the gate.
By the time the General had made it to the bottom of the ramp Teal'c had already stepped through, dressed in several layers of gray-colored robes.
"Thank you for receiving me, General Landry," Teal'c said, bowing his head in a small gesture of respect.
"You're always welcome here, Teal'c. Why didn't you use the GDO we gave to the Jaffa Nation? Colonel Davidson mentioned something about 'internal fighting' in his message."
"Indeed. The device of which you speak is no longer within my reach. The infighting is something better left discussed in private."
Landry nodded. "Briefing room. SG-1 is already on their way."
"You did what?" Mitchell asked, half laughing. "God, I wish I could have been there."
"Colonel," Landry lightly reprimanded him for his tone from across the briefing room table. "I take it this was a long time in coming?"
"It was," Teal'c said, almost regretfully. "The Jaffa Nation has been on the path to self destruction for some time now. I foolishly thought that I could convince them of the necessity for unity amongst all Jaffa. I realize now that I underestimated their greed and arrogance."
"What does Bra'tac have to say about all this?" Vala asked.
Teal'c looked at her dismissively, but when he noticed the expressions of the others he frowned. "You have not heard?"
"Heard what?" Vala asked, a bit more interested.
"Bra'tac has left the Jaffa Nation and declared himself the first of the new System Lords."
Mitchell's and Landry's jaws fell open in perfect symmetry. "He did what?" Landry finally asked, aghast.
"Every day that passes," Teal'c continued, "more Jaffa join his army on Dakara. This is the internal division of which I spoke earlier. I had sought to rally the Jaffa Nation to counter his actions through a war of ideology…but the council would have nothing of it. They seek to trade with Bra'tac for access to the Ancient technologies that he now possesses."
"Whoa, whoa, wait a minute big fella," Mitchell interrupted. "Where did Bra'tac get his hands on Ancient tech?"
"From Earth," Teal'c said with emphasis. "Captain Stevenson transformed Bra'tac into an Ancient and gave him access to their technology for the sole purpose of raising an army of Jaffa to serve them."
"Good for him," Vala said, noticed the looks of horror from the others. "Well it's not like the whole democracy thing was really working out for the Jaffa anyway…not to mention the troubles you have with it here on Earth."
"Are you out of your mind?" Mitchell asked/scolded her.
"Look," Vala countered, "you've got to remember that the galaxy is a big place and not everyone is going to want to pattern themselves after your civilization…and to think that they would is, I have to say, a wee bit on the side of arrogance," she said cautiously.
"Point taken," Landry agreed. "But I hardly think reestablishing the tyranny of the System Lords is a viable alternative."
"The voice of wisdom," Mitchell commented, glaring at Vala. "Teal'c, correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't Bra'tac one of the strongest advocates of establishing a democratic government?"
"He was," Teal'c admitted, "but no longer. He told me as much himself."
"Is it possible," Mitchell wondered aloud, "that Stevenson changed him…other than the obvious part about him becoming an Ancient…by the way, how is that even possible?"
"Maybe the same way Stevenson was transformed," Haley speculated.
"No," Landry said, shaking his head. "That site has been under close guard since Stevenson's 'incident.' He couldn't have used it without our knowing."
"Is it the only one in the galaxy?" she asked.
Landry considered that. "She may have a point."
"I do not believe Bra'tac has been adversely affected," Teal'c interrupted. "The physical changes he underwent occurred over a long period of time, during which we met on several occasions. I believe his mind to be his own…which makes his recent actions even more confusing."
"Physical changes?" Vala asked.
"He has become stronger and faster than any Jaffa, myself included. And though he did not reveal it to me, I believe he may also possess telekinetic abilities."
Everyone was silent for a moment. They hadn't quite gotten past the shock of his previous revelations.
"What makes you say that?" Haley asked.
"Because Stevenson did demonstrate his telekinetic abilities…and I believe Bra'tac possesses the same powers."
Landry's eyes widened. "You've seen Stevenson?"
"Yes, several months ago," Teal'c said as if it was of no consequence. "It was the day that Bra'tac revealed his plans to me. I have not spoken with either of them since."
"Well doesn't that beat all," Landry said, perturbed. "Stevenson can travel back and forth between galaxies at will."
"How do you know this?" Teal'c asked.
"Because he was last seen in Atlantis," the General said. "And up until recently, Earth has been the only means of reaching the Pegasus galaxy via stargate. So either he knows something about the gate network that we don't…or he's found himself a fast ship."
"He does possess an Ancient warship," Teal'c said.
"An Ancient warship?!" Mitchell asked, even further stunned. "Damn it, Ryan's been a busy boy."
"You've seen it?" Landry asked.
Teal'c nodded. "It appeared over the skies of Dakara when he announced the new covenant between the Ancients and the Jaffa."
"New covenant?" Vala asked, her eyes glittering. "That's interesting."
"How so?" Landry asked.
"Well it's just a guess, but it sounds as if they're using the mythology established by the Goa'uld in order to facilitate a quick and easy transition of leadership," Vala explained, looking at Teal'c. "Are they making unsubstantiated promises, or are they offering something of value in return?"
Teal'c stiffened. "Bra'tac has given a few Jaffa loyal to him a new symbiot, with the promise of more to anyone who earns them."
"Really," Vala said, her eyes now beaming. "And this new symbiot, is it the same as the old or different somehow?"
"It is claimed to be artificial in nature, and never to need replacing."
"Bingo," she said excitedly.
"What's your point?" Mitchell asked.
"They know the Jaffa aren't interested in any more false gods…so they're giving them real ones. The Ancients. And they're not holding out on them either."
"Meaning what?" Landry asked, wondering if she had some valuable insight or if she was just rambling again.
"They're the real deal," she said, letting that thought hang in the air for a moment. "They're not faking…not pulling a con. If they were, then they'd leave promises to be completed in the future or keep some aspect of what they're doing vague. But if they're doing everything above board, then this isn't some massive con or a feeble grasp for power. This Stevenson is the real deal."
"You're saying he's not pretending to be an Ancient," Haley commented. "He really is one?"
Vala nodded. "And remember, in their time they were the masters of this galaxy and who knows how many more," she said, turning to Landry. "I wouldn't write him off as a would-be tyrant just yet, General. He may turn out to be a very good influence on this galaxy."
"Unless he is giving us what we want now," Teal'c countered, "only to show his true nature long into the future. I have seen such deception at the hands of the Goa'uld before. Do not assume his true intentions to be honorable."
"Why do you automatically assume his intentions to be dishonorable, Teal'c?" Vala asked. "Why can't you consider the possibility that this guy might be on the up and up?"
Teal'c leaned forward over the table. "I would expect one with your…experience…to be wary of such enticements."
"I am," Vala countered. "And if he's planning some type of con, I'll probably be the first to spot it. But from what little you've told me, he doesn't fit the profile. I am a con artist, I know," she said, glancing around the table. "Retired…of course."
"Regardless," Landry interrupted, "the I.O.A. is not going to like this. They already have a bone to pick with Stevenson, and I don't think they're going to care about any possible 'good intentions,' if that really is the case, of which I'm not convinced either way."
Landry turned to Teal'c, who was seated on his left. "With you opposing Bra'tac, and you recent fallout with the Jaffa Nation...what are your current plans?"
Teal'c didn't answer immediately. "I have recently become aware of the fact that I am not the Jaffa I once was. Dealing with the corruption on the council and getting nowhere has left me without a sense of direction. The Jaffa Nation is dying, it cannot be saved. Bra'tac has set the Jaffa loyal to him on a path of renewed servitude…which I cannot now or ever support. I have lost my place in the galaxy, and have some much needed soul searching to do."
"Any idea of where you'll be doing that?" Mitchell asked, his words suggesting his intent.
"Indeed," Teal'c agreed. "With your blessing, General Landry, I would request to rejoin the Tau'ri. I found my purpose here once…perhaps so again."
Mitchell swung his gaze around to meet Landry's. "SG-1 currently has an open slot, sir."
"Which you have been dragging your feet to fill," Landry reminded him. "Though I suppose even if Dr. Jackson shows back up it won't be the first time SG-1 has had five members."
Landry paused a moment. "I'll have to clear it through the I.O.A…but no one is going to say no to Teal'c. Jack will make sure of that," he said, standing and extending his hand. "It's good to have you back, son."
Teal'c took his hand. "Thank you, General Landry. I will endeavor to make myself useful once again."
"I'm sure you will," Landry said, releasing his hand.
"To that end," Teal'c said, pulling out a small crystal. "These are the most recent reports on Dakara."
Landry took the crystal from him. "I'm sure they'll make an interesting read for the I.O.A. Colonel Mitchell, find the newest member of SG-1 some quarters," he said, leaving them to get reunited.
"Yes, sir," Mitchell said sharply before walking around the table and clapping Teal'c on the shoulder. "I knew you'd be back."