Chapter 7: Rumours
A/N: Thanks to Wikipedia for notes on demigods. And to help the reader, I have used the Roman names for the Greek demigod twins, Castor and Polydeuces (Pollux). After all the show calls Zeus by the Roman name of Jupiter.
A Bar on Arula
"You want me to believe," Tom Zarek said with a lopsided grin. "That BOTH Jackson and O'Neill have DIED on several occasions and then got resurrected?"
"Not only that but also," the non-descript man in the rumpled clothing and five o'clock shadow said firmly. "And I quote, 'ascended to a higher plane of existence.' At least this is what the Earthers believe have happened."
"They don't mean that literally, do they?"
"Yes sir, literally."
"I didn't think they were that superstitious. Are they?"
"No sir, they are not superstitious. They mean it literally," he answered with deadpan seriousness. "Would you like to talk to one of my sources and decided for yourself?"
"Sure." Zarek raised his glass of beer for another swallow. He was surreptiously meeting with his spymaster. Zarek kept his finger on the pulse of the Colonials and…their underworld.
The rumpled man made a small gesture beckoning another larger man over to the bar. A burly blue collar type approached, standing uncomfortably in front of Zarek. He shifted nervously from foot to foot avoiding eye contact. Obviously he was intimidated by being in Zarek's presence. The man had a scar over one eyebrow and looked the worse for wear, Zarek noticed without seeming to give him the once over.
"This is Jake," announced the rumpled man. "He is the foreman who works with the Galactica crowd on the water treatment plant. He's overheard some mighty interesting conversations from the Atlantis satellite office over there.
"So what do you hear, Jake, my man?"
"Well you see sir; I work the air ducting and pipes we are restoring. So I'm working in the shaft when I hear them high faluting Earthers talking amongst themselves. They don't see me. No sir, but I hear them."
"Where exactly were you, Jake," Zarek said softly?
"I was by an intake shaft one level up. So this here shaft goes straight down to their headquarters room where the supervisors and the officers gather to work. None of us lowly Colonials is allowed in there, no sir."
"I see, but you are allowed to work on the ducts and pipes."
"Yes, sir, they want their creature comforts. And they want them yesterday before any of us get the same. So I was there to fix the ducts when I heared the strangest conversation. And I heared it not just once but several times over several days while I was working that building."
"Okay, do tell."
"A couple of their scientists came in to delay some of our work because they found some junk they thought was important and wanted Dr. Jackson to come see. The guy was all excited and said, 'Dr. Jackson will just die when he sees what we found.' And they all started laughing. So someone said 'what not again!' And another was laughing saying, 'how many times has Dr. Jackson died anyway?' And another said 'I heared it was at least four or five times.' And another said 'well he did ascend to a higher plane of existence twice and came back.' One of the others said he heared it was only once. Then they talked about how Jackson died of radiation poisoning and it was awful. But one of the officers, I know his voice, said that Jackson died again when… something the word was 'replicator', yeah that's the word, got him, stabbing Jackson dead so he ascended again. Then they tell the scientist go bring Jackson over because they want to watch him die and ascend when he tells Jackson what was found."
"A higher plane…of existence?" Tom restated with a dark countenance. Jake shuffled and said that's what he heard for sure. "Could any of them have known that you were there?"
"Not a chance sir," Jack replied firmly. "I enter the building from the one next to it so they didn't know I was in the building. And I hadn't started to work yet. So they didn't hear me and couldn't see me."
"But you heard this conversation again?"
"Yes, I was working in the basement of that building the next day. Sure enough some of those Earthers were in there again. They were saying that Dr. Jackson is coming to have a look see at the digging over to the west side of the building. So the officers are making sure that security is tight after what happened last week with the fighting and all."
"That's not unusual."
"No, but they are saying that their asses are in a sling if anything happens to Dr. Jackson. One of them snorted and said Jackson has more lives than a cat. But another says he's used his nine lives up. Another says that Jackson can't ascend anymore, that he was warned."
"Warned, warned by whom," Zarek asked deceptively softly.
"They didn't say. But then they said that O'Neill personally ordered extra protection for Jackson because he's worried about Jackson dying again. Then they remarked that O'Neill has died enough times himself. And they kept talking about it all matter of fact. But the really strange remark was that they didn't think O'Neill knew how many times he himself had died anymore, that O'Neill lost count or something."
"And they were laughing about that too?"
"Oh no, they were speaking about it well sort of reverently."
"But they must have known you were working on the ducts in the building at that point."
"No sir, it was late after hours and I had returned because I forgot one of my tools. So they thought all the Colonial workers were gone." Jake coughed, "um sir?"
"Yes?"
"I asked my Atlantis supervisor the next day in a round about way… when Dr. Jackson arrived… if it was true he had died and ascended. And you know what he said? He said yeah, but not to worry about it, like it was no big deal. And one of the other Atlantis guys shrugged and said Jackson had done it twice."
"I see, thank you Jake. You've done me a big service. Now keep this to yourself for now. But if you hear of anyone else who heard a story like this, you tell him," Zarek pointed at the rumpled man.
"Yes, sir that I will." He doffed his hat and sauntered off to a rougher crowd in the far corner.
"And they say we have myths for a religion?"
"I can't comment on that, sir. But at least nine different Atlantis people told our people that same story but in varying degrees of detail."
"Okay, there has to be some nugget of truth in there somewhere. What can this mean about O'Neill?"
"Well, sir, from everything we get, they speak about him in awe. I overheard one of their officers chewing out one of their civilians the day O'Neill came to the Galactica with Chief Tyrol. The Major said, and I quote, 'O'Neill has died more times than anyone can count and O'Neill wasn't going to die again on his watch.' Then another man said that 'there isn't a man or woman among them who wouldn't die to rescue O'Neill.' He meant if something went wrong and we took him prisoner.' And he was nearly screaming at the civilian for questioning it.
"Some mystical legend he's cultivated about himself?"
"No, they seem to think it's very real and… recent."
"How recent?"
"Not sure, any time within the last few years or sooner."
"Have you tried to define what they mean by 'dead'?
"Oh, yes, and they mean D.E.A.D. as in dead as a doornail…dead."
"What about the rest of them? How many have 'died' or become higher beings?
"So far, just those two."
"Okay, keep your eyes and ears open. If there's more, get me a report as soon as you can. Put some more people on this." Zarek nodded to the man before sauntering off and out of the bar.
Arula: President Roslin's office
"Thank you, Major," Roslin said to Lee Adama, aka Apollo as she closed the folder. "Now we have to find out how true any of this really is."
"Ma'am, all I know is what I've heard and what my people have heard. It's spreading all over the Fleet. People are obsessing on the idea that O'Neill has died and resurrected. They don't know if it's a good or bad thing. So expect some backlash. And one more thing," he hesitated. She nodded. "I know that the Vice President has his own network working on this too."
"You do," she queried holding a poker face?
"Yes ma'am, it seems he frequents the same watering hole that one of Anders' men does. On several occasions he has witnessed meetings with Zarek and a few of his usual cast of characters. So Anders sent one of his men to have a 'talk' with a construction worker who had been 'summoned' over to Zarek's table. He was persuaded after a time to reveal the nature of the discussion. From there it was easy to track down some of the others in that network and get confirmations."
"I see. How heavy handed of you Major," she said displeased.
"Well, we wanted to know what he knew, thinking he was getting involved with the new black market. Those are the same fellows we believe have been skimming Earth supplies. We caught a few today with medicines in their possession. My men are rounding up more as we speak."
"You want me to believe that you had probable cause?"
"We cleared some of this with the judge on call, but we didn't tell him of Zarek's role."
"Let's keep it that way."
"Understood," Lee said.
"What do you think, Major?"
"Me? I'm sure there's a logical explanation. No one comes back from the dead or other such nonsense."
"Don't be too sure, Major. Haven't you read about how Odysseus sailed to the underworld and back, meeting Achilles there?"
"Yes, we read that in school. We also read how Asclepius resurrected Hippolytus. Zeus struck him down for doing it for payment. So, you think it is possible?"
"I'm keeping an open mind." She paused, "and of course there is Castor and Pollux, sharing immortality on alternate days. So I wouldn't doubt that story out loud around Geminons, Major. They'll kill you."
"That they will, ma'am."
Arula: Dig by the water plant
"Okay, that explains things," Daniel turned to his assistants and grinned. "Secure this site. There are more stellae in there. You," he motioned to a young man, "mark the entrance. I have to contact the base."
Daniel brushed off his hands before removing his bandana. The younger translators moved in to finish filming inside the burial tomb. Jackson approached the Puddle Jumper before saying anything more. Once inside, he activated the comm link to Major Lorne before activating the Stargate. He had to be sure no one was in the way. Nothing like disintegrating a few Colonials after the recent riot Jackson smirked.
"Atlantis, this is Jackson. I've finished translating most of the entrance text. Tell Jack that it's Ancient all right." He listened. "I'll be back in an hour. Can you set up an appointment?" Daniel listened. "Rodger that, in two hours, Jackson out."
"Dr. Jackson, come quickly!" Lt. Cadman called into the cabin. "We've found another room!"
Atlantis: The Gate Room
General O'Neill stood waiting, tapping his watch. The new Colonial liaison group was due to arrive any minute. He tapped his watch face again and frowned.
"Let's get this shindig on the road!"
At that moment, the Stargate activated. Once the proper codes came through, the energy iris disengaged, permitting the newcomers to troop in. Colonel Saul Tigh led the motley assortment to the foot of the steps. He nodded at O'Neill waiting for him to descend.
"Colonel," O'Neill said extending his arm for a handshake. Tigh grasped it firmly. His eye met O'Neill's. They understood each other. Lifelong military men usually recognize each other.
"General. I'd like to introduce the staff. This is Lt. Dualla. She'll be the first head of station to get things set up. Then we'll want her back on the Galactica." He motioned for Dee to come greet the General. She stiffened and hesitated slightly, then composed herself and took his hand.
"Lieutenant, welcome." Jack shook hands with each one. There were three. The youngest one looked as though he wanted to flee when Jack offered his hand. But he did take it. Jack raised an eyebrow and nodded. The young man's eye's could not have been wider.
"Well, we're here, General. Where do we go?"
"Down to business, I can do that. Colonel, we have some refreshments waiting in your new digs." He saw Tigh looked confused. "Digs, offices, it's an expression. C'mon."
They followed O'Neill up the stairs where he handed them off to his aide. As O'Neill turned to go he caught the strange looks each Colonial gave him. Shrugging it off, he went back to his office for his next meeting.
Atlantis: Colonial Liaison Office
"Well he looks pretty good for a dead guy," the Ensign whispered after the door shut on the last Atlantis personnel.
"Shhhhhh," another one elbowed him.
"Knock it off!" Tigh growled. "He's not dead so I don't want to hear any more about it. Is that clear?"
"Yes sir," came back the chorus.
"If any of you think you can't do the job, you can go right back to the Galactica and explain it to the Old Man… in person!"
They stood stiffly.
"No problem, Colonel," Dee said with authority. "Now, get to work. We have set up to do," she ordered the other two.
"That's more like it, Lieutenant," Tigh snarled in low tones. "I want this place operational by the end of the day."
Arula: Hilltop overlooking the water plant
"I see it," Starbuck snarled. "What the frak are they doing in there?"
"Ma'am," a junior marine pointed to moving figures carrying something to a Puddle Jumper. The two focused on the figures carrying odd looking objects to the aircraft before taking off.
"Apollo, this is Starbuck, do you copy?"
"Yes, Starbuck, what did you see?"
"They found something and they are taking it with them."
"Can you get in there for a look?"
"Negative, they have doubled the guard from an hour ago and wait, more of them just arrived. I can make out Dr. Jackson. He's pretty excited."
"Okay, we'll take it from here."
"Copy that," Starbuck intoned with absolutely no intention of not participating. Turning to the team observing the situation she left orders to keep watching. She knew Apollo would contact Lt. Gaeta. He was the point man for all things Atlantean. The Old Man would send the Lt. to have a sit down with Mitchell. She wasn't going to wait.
True to form, Starbuck stood up and sauntered down the hillside toward the commotion. Her team didn't know what to do, so they followed. With a broad smile on her face, Starbuck met a foursome of guards who weren't about to let anyone armed near Dr. Jackson.
"Aw, for me fellas," Starbuck swaggered. "You shouldn't have."
"Ma'am," answered Lt. Cadman, arriving to handle the matter. Instantly, the young lieutenant recognized the blonde Colonial officer in uniform. Cadman relaxed realizing it was an official visit, not a mob attack. "This area is restricted. No weapons are allowed here."
"You have a few, I see."
"Yes, ma'am. What can I do for you?"
"I'd like to talk to Dr. Jackson."
Lt. Cadman commed Daniel to ask if Starbuck could come through. He agreed. "Ma'am, leave your weapons here and I'll escort you."
"You do realize this is supposed to be our planet?"
"Yes, ma'am, but I have my orders."
"Fine, but we shall protest," Starbuck replied, loosening her gun belt.
"Knives too, ma'am," Lt. Cadman instructed. Starbuck handed over her boot knife. Lt. Cadman had a female non-com pat down the visiting officer. Starbuck rolled her eyes, and pursed her lips in annoyance. With a nod, Cadman gestured for Starbuck to come with her. "Thank you, ma'am."
"What's sauce for the goose…? I'm just saying the next time one of you comes to see us, you're getting the same treatment."
"I can't comment, ma'am. Just doing my job," the slim blonde marine proceeded to Dr. Jackson. "Dr. Jackson, Captain Thrace to see you."
"Hello, Captain," Daniel said jovially. "Good to see you again."
"Well, except for the little feel me up I got before coming over, likewise."
"Oh, sorry about that," Daniel smiled to be friendly. "Jack is feeling a little over protective with the recent fuss and all. Please, don't take it personally."
"Don't get me wrong, I love a good pawing in the morning. It's just that SHE's not my type." Starbuck's face smiled but her eyes didn't. Daniel coughed to cover up his embarrassment.
"What can I do for you today," Daniel became professional since he really didn't like where it was going.
"Curiosity, Dr. Jackson. What did you find?"
"Oh, this? Well, um, there are some really old things here that they wanted me to take a look at. I'm an archaeologist, you know. And, since I'm here, I thought I'd come see if I could do some translating for them."
"Did you?"
"What?"
"Did you translate it, whatever it is?" Starbuck gestured widely.
"Um, I think so, yes." He hugged himself, rocking on his heels to contain himself.
"Mind if I have a look?"
"Um, it's not really ready to be seen, yet. Kinda dirty and all," he let the thought hang.
"Not a problem, I love dirt."
"Well, we don't want anything moved. You see in archaeology, it's important that we try to understand the things in the context where we find them. So we don't want to risk disturbing them until we've got them under control."
Starbuck gave him another look of disbelief. "Uh huh, sure. What's the big deal? I look. I come back." She saw Daniel's hesitation. "I can get Admiral Adama to talk to General O'Neill. We have a right to know, Dr. Jackson."
"Go ahead, sure." Daniel exchanged glances with Lt. Cadman and jerked his head to say, take her inside. "Just don't touch anything, ok? I don't want anything moved before we finish cataloguing everything."
Starbuck raised both her hands to say fine, and cocked her head in disbelief, shaking it, too. Activating her headset, she let her team know she was going inside. Then, she followed Lt. Cadman down with Daniel bringing up the rear.
"Captain, it's important in archaeology that a site not be disturbed. So take a quick look and then we're leaving," Daniel huffed along.
"I got it, Dr. Jackson."
They descended two flights of stairs. Below was a dark cavern. Field lights hung on poles for illumination. Inscriptions covered the walls and the stairs. Otherwise the room was empty. Noting everything carefully, Starbuck turned around to catch what she could.
"Not all that interesting to the layman," Daniel offered.
"What do you think this place is?"
"See, it's some sort of meeting room, we think," Daniel said a little too quickly. He wanted her to get out and fast. "Satisfied?"
"Not really," Starbuck answered gravely. "I'm sure we'll want to send down some of our scientists, too."
Softly, she ran her hand over a dusty inscription. Suddenly it sprang to life. Lights came on. Sounds of machinery humming filled the room. A door retracted. Banks of machines lined the next room. Lit on a pedestal was a chair with lights. Daniel groaned covering his eyes.
Oh crap! I forgot she has the Ancient gene. Of course she started things. Just don't sit in that chair!
Starbuck strode over to the chair and smiled with satisfaction, looking at all the blinking lights.
"Um, Captain, don't," Daniel gasped as Starbuck plopped herself down in the chair grinning and patting the arm rests. "Don't move! Don't think! Just get up, slowly and …"
"What the frak! It's not really comfortable, but you don't have to get all excited. I haven't messed up your precious little…"
Daniel's Tok'ra communicator started squawking with frantic shouts. It was the only thing that could penetrate so far down below ground. They were standard issue now for the SGC. Lt. Cadman's unit squawked as well. People were screaming for help.
With one thought, Cadman and Daniel ran to the chair, fairly throwing Starbuck out. Cadman sat down to try to control the situation. The chair reclined. She closed her eyes, fingering the soft gel pad on the arms of the chair. More screams came through Daniel's communicator. Someone ran down to the group.
"Dr. Jackson, two drones got loose!"
Another man arrived on the first one's heels.
"Dr. Jackson, there are four drones chasing a Puddle Jumper!"
"Anything," Daniel called to Cadman.
"I'm trying Jackson! Just shut up!" Cadman squeezed her eyes shut.
"Right, get that Jumper to land," ordered Daniel. "And have the crew bail out as fast as they can!"
"Dr. Jackson!" Another man ran into the room. "We've got drones going into orbit!"
Everyone stared at Cadman, struggling in the chair. The looks of horror let Starbuck know something was horribly wrong.
"Get her out of here! Captain, tell your fleet to jump! Jump NOW!
"What? I'll do no such…"
Daniel grabbed her arm and pulled hard. "Tell them to jump or they'll die!"
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