Discoveries
Cam was impatient for action. He and Teal'c had been waiting for over an hour to pounce on whoever came through their cell door. As a result, he felt a sense of relief when they finally heard the distinctive sound of a key in the lock. The two men's eyes met, and by silent agreement, they rose to their feet.
The door opened, and a lone man walked in to their cell, unarmed, without taking any precautions. Teal'c wrapped his arms around the man from behind, and spun him around.
Cam threw up his arms in a combination of surprise and exasperation. "Cicero?"
"Uh, hello." Cicero replied. Satisfied that he posed no immediate threat, Teal'c released him. "I guess you're surprised to see me?" Cicero asked, glancing back and forth to gage their reactions.
"Well, yeah." Cam resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "What are you doing here?"
"It's a long story," Cicero began, "which I'll tell you, but first, there's someone you should meet." He gestured back to the open cell door. Several armed men moved into the doorway.
"This is Alcaeus." Cicero indicated the group's leader, a graying but still muscular man, who towered over his followers. "He's in charge here." Cicero turned to Alcaeus. "This is Mitchell, and Teal'c. They're the ones I told you about."
"So, the story that Cicero told us is true," the man said, coming into the room. "You came through the Circle of Heaven?"
"If by that you mean the Stargate, then yeah, we did" Cam replied. "Hey – don't do that!" he added, as all of the men in the room sunk to their knees in apparent worship. "We're just ordinary people, like you."
"We are not worshiping you, we are giving thanks to the gods," Alcaeus replied, offended. "It is clear that you are as human as us. But it has long been foretold that the Circle would open again, and Caesar would show his favor to the faithful. Your coming is a sign of our impending victory."
Cam sighed. He didn't want do anything to get them angry, but from the contents of the museum, he surmised that these "gods" were Goa'ulds. "I'll tell you what," he said, holding out his hand to the man, and helping him to his feet. "I'll bet you have a place where we can sit down and have something to eat, and get to know each other better. It just might be that we have something to offer each other."
A while later, Cam and Teal'c were reclining in the position of honor at a low table. They were in a large room that evidently served as the rebel's commissary. With them were Cicero, Alcaeus, and several other rebels. As they ate and talked, Cam and Teal'c both took note of a large number of men who lingered about the edges of the room, evidently curious about the newcomers.
At Cam's request, Cicero went first, explaining how he had ended up with the rebels. He related how Quartus had arrested him, his night in prison, and then how he'd met with the Viceroy.
"Your brother-in-law?" Cam asked, surprised.
"Well, my sister's always been very ambitious. My family's wealthy and well-respected, so it was a beneficial match for both of them." He looked a tad embarrassed. "And it was good for me, too. My connection to the Viceroy is what got me the position at the museum and allowed me to conduct my research, despite my less-than-stellar reputation."
"That is how Pinarius rose to power, " Alcaeus spat, "through his connections. At first he depended on those around him for support, and now they depend on him for their position and wealth. All who oppose him suffer for it."
"And a rebellion is the answer?" Cam asked.
"It has been brewing for a long time," Cicero responded, "between those who believe that we should have a more secular society, and those of the Circle of Heaven."
"And which are you?" Alcaeus demanded, turning to Cicero.
"Uh...I've never paid much attention to politics or religion," Cicero answered hastily. "I've been too focused on my research into the artifacts in the museum, especially the ... the Stargate."
"While people are starving?" Alcaeus demanded again, rising to his feet in anger. "Or have you not seen how Pinarius has been using food as a weapon? Turning innocents out of their homes? Killing off the next generation of those who could oppose him?"
"Cicero, you haven't told us what the Viceroy wanted from you," Cam interrupted.
"He...he wanted me to help... torture you," Cicero replied, shaken by Alcaeus' outburst. "That wasn't what he called it, but it was what he meant. He said that you were being ... uncooperative, and they thought that you'd break down faster if someone that you knew, and, uh, liked, was asking the questions and uh...," he paused for a long while. "He described what they wanted me to do, in detail. I thought we had laws against ... that," he finally said, putting his head in his hands.
"Pinarius holds himself bound by no laws," Alcaeus responded angrily.
"Anyway, when I refused, he had me sent back to the prison. Alcaeus and his men found me there, and brought me here along with you, last night. I told him what really happened at the museum, and everything that you told me about the Stargate."
"And why did you do that?" Cam asked. For someone related to the head of the government, Cicero seemed to have changed sides a little too easily.
"Because, like I told Quartus, this is the future of our people. Our chance to move beyond our differences and make contact with worlds through out the galaxy. And I'll tell anyone who will listen."
I hope they searched you for a transmitting device, Cam thought. But rather than speak the thought aloud, and possibly get Cicero killed, he decided to try for an opportunity to search Cicero himself.
"About the prison break . . ." he began.
"One of our greatest successes!" Alcaeus said with pride. "We had been planning it for months. Your arrival at the prison caused us to attack but a few days earlier than we had planned."
"You knew we were there?"
"Our supposed attack at the museum was public knowledge, of course. We knew that it wasn't any of our people. But Pinarius claimed we had been defeated there, and that it was the beginning of the end for us." Alcaeus threw down a government flyer on the table. The front page featured the altered photos of SG-1, supposedly dead. "These were posted all over the city the next morning. We had to respond with a victory of our own."
Cam studied the pictures. "Then you know that you only have half of our team." He pointed to the picture Daniel. "We were on our way back to help him when your men grabbed us." His tone was slightly accusing. "And we didn't see her at all."
"She must be at the women's prison. As for him, I can assure you that he is not here. We have many eyes and ears in this city. They are looking for both of them, even as we speak."
"I don't suppose there's any way that you guys are up for another prison break?"
Alcaeus considered it for a moment. "We will need time to plan and prepare for it. And all prisons will be doubly guarded following our success last night. Of course, even with just two of you, we could expose the Viceroy as a liar. No doubt the gods would be pleased," he said, giving Cam an appraising look.
"Yes, the gods," Cam replied. He pointed to a large banner that hung at the head of the hall. "Their symbol? May we take a closer look?"
"Yes," Alcaeus replied, with a hint of impatience.
Cam new that he had to hurry this up, but he needed more information. He didn't know whether he was talking to this planet's equivalent of the French Resistance or to the Taliban. He needed to understand them better before he committed to a course of action. Together he and Teal'c approached the banner, with Alcaeus, Cicero, and the other rebel leaders close behind him. In the center of the banner was a large circle, decorated with seven evenly-spaced chevrons. Next to each chevron was a figure of a god or goddess.
Cicero pointed at the top figure. "Caesar Flavius Valerius Constantius, the chief god. He is followed by Mercury, Saturn, Mars, Apollo, Jupiter, and Athena. They believe that Caesar created the world and placed us here. When he left through the great ring, the other gods remained to watch over us."
"Caesar promised that he would return one day. The Viceroy has ruled in his name for all of recorded history," Alcaeus added. "It is only in the last few decades that the Viceroys have begun to distance themselves from the Circle, as fewer and fewer people remained faithful. Now Pinarius has banned those who profess any religion from serving on the Council, or as a soldier. He says that one who believes in a god is not worthy of the people's trust."
"Any religion? You have others?" Cam asked, curious.
Cicero nodded. "Yes. Most follow the Circle of Heaven, but there are a small number of Christian and Jewish families among the freedmen. The free choice of religion was guaranteed by Caesar himself. However, only to those who professed him as god could be citizens."
"So not all your people are citizens?" Teal'c asked.
"A newborn has citizenship only if both parents are citizens," Cicero replied. "Everyone else is born as a freedman. Most freedmen are descendants of slaves."
"In the past, freedmen of sufficient means were able to purchase citizenship," Alcaeus added. "But Pinarius ended that privilege. Now citizenship is reserved for those who declare their loyalty to him, and taken from those who oppose him."
Another of the rebels spoke up. "Stripping away our citizenship affects not only us, but all of the generations to follow. He gestured to the other men in the room. "Many of us are former citizens, and about an equal number were born as freedmen. But we have all lost our rights."
"And yet, that policy has nearly been his undoing," said Alcaeus. "The birthrate among freedmen has always been higher than that of citizens. That imbalance has swelled with so many losing their citizenship."
"Is that what you meant about the Viceroy 'killing the next generation'?" Cam asked.
Cicero looked ashamed. "No, he meant actually killing them. About 20 years ago, when the population of freedmen first exceeded the citizens, the Council made it illegal for a freedman to have more than one child. After the birth of the first, the mother is sterilized. If she conceives again, the child is aborted. And if born alive, the child is killed."
That did it for Cam. He met Teal'c's eyes, and saw a shared fury there. It was time to make Alcaeus an offer. "Our people have helped others in situations like yours, all over the galaxy. We could be willing to help you, too, if the conditions are right."
"What conditions?"
"Our goal would be to help you achieve peace and justice, not revenge. You'd have to be willing to give up violence as a solution to your problems, and work with the Viceroy and his people to achieve an agreement that works for everyone. And you'd have to protect the rights of those who believe differently than you."
"Suppose that we could agree to those conditions," Alcaeus said. "What would you do if the Viceroy is not willing to negotiate?"
"Our people can encourage him to negotiate, if necessary" Cam said.
Teal'c spoke up. "I was born a slave, on a world called Chulak. It is because of the people of Earth that I am free. I know the value of true freedom. It seems that, regardless of what you call them, your people are not free. You would do well to accept the help of the Tauri."
"The Tauri?" Alcaeus asked.
Teal'c nodded. "It is what my people call those of the First World, Earth. Believe me when I say that millions across the galaxy know freedom because of the Tauri."
"The First World," Alcaeus mused. "It seems we have much to learn."
"We need Daniel Jackson for this," Cam prompted. "He is our expert both in history and negotiations. You should make it your priority to find him, and Vala as well."
At that moment, Daniel was talking again with Calliope, under the influence of her interrogation drug. She began by asking him about the members of the team.
"Tell me about Vala Mal Doran," she began. "What is her role on the team?"
A hint of a smile appeared on Daniel's face. "She drives me crazy," he said.
"What does that mean?" Calliope asked, confused by the expression.
"She drives me crazy. It's always push, push, push for what she wants. She flirts with me. She insults me. She'd rather have fun than get down to work. I never know when she's serious or when she's putting one over on me. But then, sometimes, I feel like I'm seeing the real her, underneath all of that ... underneath all of that ..." he drifted off.
"Daniel? What about Vala?"
"Hair. Her hair is so beautiful. Sometimes she wears it in these silly ponytails, and she looks like a little girl. And she's always flipping it. But when it's down, it's ... it's ... sometimes I wish I could just run my fingers through it ..."
Calliope sighed. As interesting as this was getting, it was time to change directions.
"Tell me about Mitchell."
So for a while, Daniel told her about Teal'c and the Jaffa rebellion against the Goa'uld. He described how Mitchell had been injured in the battle over Antarctica, but came back from injury to lead SG-1. When he was done, Calliope again raised the issue of Vala.
"Could you tell me more about Vala, about her role on the team," Calliope qualified. She didn't want to hear more about Vala's hair.
"That's a little difficult. Vala's a complicated woman ..." Daniel began, and then hesitated. How can I explain Vala to anyone? he thought. But that thought was quickly followed by another. Why am I trying to explain Vala to this woman?
"Daniel?" Calliope asked.
"Oh, she's our technical specialist, knows a lot about Goa'uld technology and culture, and has contacts throughout the galaxy," he began. It may have been that the drug was beginning to wear off, or it might have been that describing Vala required intense concentration, or both, but he suddenly realized that he was drugged. What do I do? Almost as soon as he thought the question, the answer came to him. Play along. Don't let her know that I'm on to them.
Vala got up and went to the door of the apartment, and put her ears against the door. She heard muffled voices outside. She jumped back in surprise as the door suddenly opened.
"What happened to the knock?" she whispered.
"I'm sorry, Vala," Gaiana breathed. "I didn't want to wake Chrysanthe." Then her eyes fell to the children on the floor. "Oh. It looks like you've met Nikolaos."
"Yes, I was going to ask you about him."
"It'd be best if we talk in the hall." Gaiana motioned Vala outside, shutting the door softly behind her. There, she saw Hypatia and another elderly woman. They looked frightened.
"What's going on?" Vala asked, softly.
"Hypatia tried to go out this morning to get some bread. But the curfew's still in place. We're not even able to leave the building," Gaiana explained, her voice wavering. "But that's not the worst news."
The elderly woman spoke. "The soldiers, they're arresting everyone connected with the escaped prisoners, their families, even the children. They're loading them on trucks and taking them out of the city."
"Do you have somewhere that you can hide?" Vala asked urgently. She glanced up and down the hall to see if anyone was watching them.
"We can't get out of the building!" Hypatia wailed.
"Mother, be calm!" Gaiana whispered, fiercely. "Remember the children!" Then she turned to Vala. "There won't be any escape for Hypatia and me, or Chrysanthe either. If they come and don't find us, they'll tear the building apart. They'll find us all. But if we stay, then you and Nikolaos can escape." Her voice was steady despite the tears shining in her eyes.
"I don't understand," Vala began.
"Nikolaos is illegal." Gaiana took in Vala's puzzled look, and grabbed her hands, as if to transmit her thoughts by touch. "He's a second child, born after I was sterilized. A miracle from God, but forbidden by the Viceroy. Demetrius and I, we couldn't give him up to be killed. We've hidden him ever since he was born."
Vala was stunned. There were so many questions she wanted to ask, but there was no time.
"They'll be here any moment," Gaiana continued. "I'll show you where to go. Please, take Nikolaos and keep him safe. They'll kill him if they find him."
Quickly, she led Vala back into the room. Hypatia followed, dabbing at her eyes. Gaiana knelt on the floor next to her children. She stroked her son's hair for a moment. Then she spoke softly to him. "Nikolaos, this is Vala, I need you take her through the tunnel, and then play the quiet game with her. Can you do that for Mother?"
"Isn't there another way?" Vala protested. "What if we went to the roof?"
"Vala, the tunnel only extends into the next apartment. If the soldiers don't find us here, they'll begin searching the building. They'll find you." She glanced at her mother and daughter. "We should be all right. They'll question us for a while, but then they'll let us go. It's happened to me before."
Hypatia was trembling. "But not so many people at once, not children!
"Mother?" Chrysanthe asked, looking up at Gaiana with frightened eyes. Gaiana, still on her knees, wrapped her arms around both of her children and hugged them fiercly. "I love you both, with my whole heart," she said. "Remember that always." Then she gave one of Nikolaos' hands to Vala. "Take her to the tunnel, and keep her safe."
The small boy nodded. He led Vala over to the kitchen, and opened one of the low cabinets. It was empty. He leaned in, and pushed the back of the cabinet. It fell open, to reveal a short passage into the next apartment. Beyond, Vala could see the other woman from the hall. The boy silently held out a hand to Vala. She took it, and followed him through the tunnel. Then she turned to push the back of the cabinet into place. As she did, she caught a final glimpse of those left behind. Gaina, Hypatia and Chrysanthe were all on their knees, hugging each other firmly and whispering their love to each other. Then, Vala closed the panel. She found a latch and moved it into place, so that the panel couldn't be opened from Gaiana's apartment.
It was about half an hour later when she heard a pounding on the door of Gaiana's apartment. The soldiers had come.
A/N: I'm in a hurry to post this before going out of town – so review responses next time. I'm taking my laptop & will have Internet access, so I plan on continuing regular updates. Thanks for sticking with the story!
