"That is not a deserted base." Jack concluded peering through his macro binoculars. Through the lush jungle foliage, half a dozen clone troopers held positions before a bunker entrance.
"Clearly the army reactivated the old fort." Chariss observed.
"Yeah, well, that's a wash then." Jack said resigned. Chariss looked at him quizzically.
"Cameron and Daniel said at some point in the next few days someone flips a switch that makes them go all ape and your kind." Jack clarified, "Not really something we want to walk into wouldn't you say?"
"Yet if they have not yet turned, they may have a hyperdrive unit we can use to prevent the fall of the Jedi." Chariss said, "I would think that is a risk worth the lives of Roda and myself."
"Fine." Said Jack, except we brought Carter Fola and Fred along with us. Your willing to risk their lives too?"
"We did not come to fight." Teal'c observed, "Merely to salvage."
"If there is concern, they can merely wait in the Jumper while it is cloaked." Chariss replied reasonably, "With Teal'c and my apprentice to stand guard, they will be perfectly safe. If they run into trouble they have merely to get to the Athena for help."
"And if trouble should reach the Athena?" Teal'c asked her.
"Right, well, fall back to the Jumper and we'll look at our options." Said jack guardedly. Chariss raised an eyebrow but acquiesced. Teal'c hefted his staff weapon and followed the team back. Some distance away Jack tapped his radio.
"Daniel?" Jack's voice crackled over the speaker. Daniel stepped over to the work table and snatched it up. They had landed Athena in the temperate zone of the planate, but well away from any of its indigenous population. The Athena was parked beneath a massive stand of ancient pines and tools were spread out before the cargo ramp as Fola Fred and Raala worked on the ship. The majority of the project concluded, Raala was closing up the last hatches and putting tools away. Cameron and Armen were making a show of guarding the ship, patrolling about the clearing, though both sensors and the remote landing ensured they would have no visitors. Daniel, finding himself with nothing to contribute had dedicated himself to quizzing Jarrol mercilessly on his understanding of events on Coruscant, the progress of the war, and anything else the man knew, hoping it would be of some use.
"Here Jack, what's up?" He asked glad for the break. Jarrol discretely moved away glad to be rid of him.
"We found the entrance to the mountain, but its crawling with troopers. Chariss wants to go in anyway."
Daniel paused for a second and glanced at Cameron coming up behind him, he clicked his radio again,
"Jack we don't know when order 66 will be issued, that's not a good idea."
"That's what I told her, but she insisted." O'Neill said, "She seems to think there's enough time to pull some strings, if you know what I mean."
"Copy that." Daniel said as Starbuck strode down the ramp, handing jarrol a spanner to bring to Fola. "Stand by."
"They found the entrance but the base is active." Cameron explained, "Chariss is insisting and Jack thinks this is it."
"He just gave the code." Daniel added.
"Daniel." Jack's voice crackled once more, "If things go south, we can bug out in the jumper, but would they be able to find the Athena? "
"That's a little hard to say Jack." Starbuck said as Daniel handed him the radio, "We've adjusted the drive, but we don't have anything protecting us from relativistic effects if we have to go faster than light. If they do find us, we'll have to consider that."
There was silence on the other end for a disturbing amount of time.
"Sam is trying to explain it to him." Daniel predicted.
"Yeah, look, whatever." O'Neill said, "Carter says if we have to we can expand theJumper's cloak. We'll check in with the jumper every hour via radio, you can monitor. The jumper can check in every half hour. If you don't hear from us, get Sam and the eggheads back on board. Don't put them in danger, got it?"
"Copy." Daniel answered.
"Why doesn't he just check in with us with his radio?" Jarrol asked
"The original SG-1 was using radios with Tokra crystal technology." Daniel said, "We're not sure if that's traceable with the technology of this galaxy, but we know that the cloak on the puddle jumper isn't. It's a safer bet that the Jumper can comm. Us using this," he held up a square shaped device that had been recovered from the Jumper, "Than it is that they wouldn't overhear us using this." He held up the radio.
"So instead of coming here. They'll follow the signal to there." Cameron interjected. "And they won't find anything there."
"I'm going to lend a hand to the Raala." Starbuck declared, "Its starting to sound like I don't want to be here."
"Colonel O'Neill you should let me do the talking." Chariss advised as they exited the foliage. A pair of clone troopers eyed them suspiciously and several more were jogging out off the mountain entrance towards them.
"Sure…talk… have fun." O'Neill said drily. "Don't mind me, I'm just a fly on the wall."
"Drop your weapons, hands up." A trooper barked through his helmet. Sighing Jack raised his arms.
"Just a fly on the wall…" He muttered.
"Well at least they didn't try to shoot 'em on sight." Fred muttered watching through the viewport. The Jumper hovered silently above the clearing, pods extended. Unknown to the Troopers they were being covered by the Jumpers newly installed weapons.
"They not well equipped for an assault on a Jedi master." Roda commented in a butter voice, "Still from what Cameron described, when order 66 is given, the clones will obey without question.
"if they give it." Samantha admonished. Behind her Teal'c and Roda exchanged a glance, and Fred shifted uncomfortably. Many in the group were increasingly cynical about their ability to get to Coruscant before it was too late.
"Doctor Carter I have a question." Teal'c began changing the subject, "if it is indeed possible to cloak the Athena, could we not simply extend the inertial dampeners as well?"
"These aren't the Jumper's original inertial dampeners." Fred explained, "The jumper used technology I've never seen before."
"Probably something to do with the time engine." Sam supplied.
"Right, " Said Fred, "And the two approaches are not the same. Not only could we not protect the Athena, but the time engine probably shouldn't be used until this is all sorted out."
"We're losing Jack's life signs." Sam said watching the HUD, "Something in the mountain is interfering with the life signs detector."
"I got a bad feeling about this." Fred muttered.
"Master Traven, Colonel O'Neill, I am General Camas." The general paused and looked at Jack, taking in his warn green fatigues and flack vest. "What military does your friend serve with Master Traven?"
"United Stated Airforce." Jack supplied shifting in his chair, theyw ere seated before the general's desk in a surprisingly spacious office., "I was retired, but you know, duty called," he furrowed his brow, "Or is, I WILL retire…"
"He is from another galaxy," Chariss explained, "And his story is complicated. Forgive my bluntness but I was unaware you were assigned to this facility?" Jack swiveled his head around and raised an eyebrow. Chariss did her best to ignore him, "I was under the impression that this mountain was under civilian direction."
"I am surprised you are familiar with this facility at all." Camas replied, "Intelligence has classified this location. This area is a matter of Republic security."
"Now, I'm a little curious." Jack wheedled, "When you secure a facility, do ya generally make a habit of dragging every passing space ship in?"
"I have no idea what you are talking about." Camas replied, "We deliberately positioned our space born assets outside the situation to avoid drawing attention to an otherwise undeveloped world."
Jack looked at Chariss then at the General. "Want to volunteer anything here?" he prodded Chariss.
"It seems you are more than willing." She replied blandly. Jack shot her an exasperated look, and looked back at Camas to catch a flicker of sympathy.
"Chariss, I am addressing you as one Jedi Master to another." Camas began, "You are clearly withholding information, your behavior borders on duplicity. One would think you would have learned from your brief time in the army the value of cooperation."
"I have said nothing duplicitous." Chariss replied unruffled
"No, now see there, you're wrong, I've known this guy five minutes and already I trust him more than you." O'Neill said, he turned back to Camas, "Our ship was jerked out of hyperdrive on our way to Coruscant to deliver important information, that may save all your Jedi asses. This lady claimed she had no idea where we were, what this place was, and yet suddenly she's "surprised" to see you in charge?" Jack turned to Chariss, "Who did you expect to find here Chariss?"
"I believe, she expected to see us." Rasped a throaty voice. Todd and Baal stood in the doorway.
"Oh here we go." Jack threw up his hands.
"I thought I told the two of you to stay out." Camas snapped, then turned to Chariss, "You know these two?"
"I have been investigating this project for some time on behalf of a third party who has only the best interests of the jedi order in mind." Chariss stated flatly.
"Is this investigation sanctioned by the Jedi Council?" Camas asked, "Are they even aware of it?"
"They are aware of my investigation." Chariss said guardedly, "I was directed by the council to investigate various suppliers of arms to the Clone Army to ensure that there was no double dealing going on."
Camas and Jack stared at her.
"You got this from that?" O'Neill demanded incredulous
"Master Traven, you have far exceeded your authority." Camas stated matter of factly, "We need to consult the Jedi Council before proceeding any further." He made as if to rise.
"Theres more you should know." O'Neill insisted, "General, your entire order is about to be betrayed by the supreme chancellor." Camas sat back down.
"That is a very serious charge." He said at last, "What manner of betrayal do you suspect and what is your evidence?"
"They have no evidence." Chariss interjected, "O'Neill's two friends are from an alternate reality and they are describing events from a fictional holo program."
"That's not true!" Jack rebutted lamely, "We're from the alternate reality, Cameron and Daniel are from this one." Camas raised a speculative eyebrow. "..probably." Jack finished.
"I don't have time for this." Camas said at last, "Chariss you will stay on this base until the council is consulted." He waved a dismissive hand.
"Perhaps we can document the colonel's story and prepare a full report." Ba'al suggested Camas nodded.
"Fine. Whatever." Jack snapped "Men, women children, miscellaneous, " he gestured at Todd, "All cut down in a matter of days, by one of your own. When Skywalker goes rogue, that's blood on your hands Camas, you had the chance to stop it here and now. " he turned to Todd, "Lead on Dracula"
"Colonel O'Neill, I will remind you this is a secure facility." Camas added as they turned to go, "Do not attempt to leave this base."
After they left he leaned forward in his chair and put a fist under his chin. Try as he might he had detected no duplicity from O'Neill, the man was as straightforward as they came. Sighing he thumed his com. "seargeant, get me the jedi council on Coruscant, priority channel."
"I'll try sir. There's a lot of jamming going on because of the attack." Came the reply.
"Do or do not sergeant." Camas answered, "There is no try."
"You're betraying your own people." Jack accused as Chariss followed behind him. Ba'al and Todd led the way.
"I am doing what is best for the jedi order." Chariss replied tersely.
"Everybody hold onto something. I feel a rant coming on…" Jack said warningly
"The jedi have become just as corrupt as the Republic. Undisciplined, weak, liberal." Chariss stated, "The sort that Daniel Jackson would relate well to. They have lost sight of the awesome responsibility we have to the force. In my travels I discovered a third party who believes this as I do." Jack paused and turned to face her.
"You knew all along about Palpatine?" he said incredulously.
"I was forewarned sometime ago about a possible future." Chariss replied, "That could include such a betrayal, it has been factored into our plans."
"If you would follow us Colonel?" Ba'al prompted placing a hand on Jack's shoulder. His eyes flashed and he squeezed and Jack winced at a slight crackling, "There's no need for this to become… unpleasant"
Jack flinched and gently lifted the offending hand off his shoulder, making a show of brushing it off, "proceed." He encouraged.
"I have a bad feeling about this." Roda stated the third in the last hour to do so.
The radio squawked. "Roda are you there?" Static did not mask the sound of Chariss' voice."
"Yes Master, is everything alright?" Roda spoke into the radio Sam proffered, "Where's Jack?"
"He is speaking with the base commander." Chariss replied, "I wanted to be sure we didn't miss the check in, so he gave me his device."
Sam and Teal'c exchanged glances. Jack had stipulated that was not to be accepted. Roda's face had fallen but he composed himself. "Very well master, do you wish us to join you?"
There was a pause and Chariss said at last, "Wait there my padawan, I'm sure all is well but I wish to be sure. We will check in again."
"Master, what of the repairs to Athena?" Roda asked, "We must get to Coruscant!"
"There is another Jedi here, Master Iri Camas." Chariss assured through the static, "He has secure codes and will alert the Jedi Council. Stay where you are Roda, keep your cloak up, we will speak again." The static reduced considerably as she ended the com with a click.
"We must move to a new location immediately." Teal'c stated. He took Jack's position.
"You can fly this?" Sam asked, "Jack initialized it but…" The Jumper lifted smoothly and headed towards the mountains.
"Now it should be mentioned," Fred began, "The jumper's cloak might be somewhat compromised by our repairs. We didn't have time to verify that using a different material to seal the hull, and changing some of the core systems hasn't made us somewhat more visibly."
"The Seperatists didn't see us." Sam pointed out.
"True but they probably weren't scanning their own cargo bay." Fred pointed out.
"What about the main hanger bay?" Roda asked, "We can hide in plain site."
"Wouldn't they be using that?" Fola asked.
"Not necessarily." Sam said, "We've seen no space traffic of any kind, and when we scanned the mountain earlier it detected a smaller bay further up the mountain with heat emissions."
"It would seem they are only using the smaller bay at the moment." Teal'c surmised. Before them the cavernous opening came into view, a mid sized freighter was parked on one side, as well as a second smaller ship.
"Is that… Jubal's shuttle?" Sam asked, "Whats it doing here?"
"Someone must have towed it here." Roda said, "It didn't have a hyperdrive, and that was a pretty unique docking collar on the Athena."
"Well the bay's deserted aside from that." Sam stated, "We're overdue for a contact with Athena too."
"We will land until we have more information." Teal'c decided, "Shutting down all that is unnecessary to avoid detection. We can do little else at the moment."
"Jack never checked in, Chariss did it for him." Armen reported to Cameron, "We need to begin contingency planning." He turned to Starbuck, "Jubal's shuttle was found on site as well, as a freighter matching one which is registered to Ba'al."
"Something you want to tell us Starbuck?" Daniel asked crossing his arms and regarding the man carefully.
"Jubal was trailing ba'al and Todd." Starbuck explained, "I sent him a message using the old wireless set on the bridge, the only receivers tuned to it are in the shuttles."
"You're mentioning this now?" Cameron asked.
"How could it have seemed important?" Starbuck asked, "Ba'al and Todd were my problem, they were up to something, but they were my crew, I couldn't have known it was related."
"it's not like Jubal was going anywhere anyway." Paul noted, "he couldn't rendezvous with us without giving our position away, or getting himself blown out of the sky."
"He's a tracker, I let him do his thing." Starbuck answered, "The question is do ba'al and Todd know his mission."
"They seem to have given him a ride." Cameron pointed out, "You usually ask hitch hiker's there destination."
"He might have just asked." Paul pointed out. "Ba'al and Todd wouldn't necessarily think it strange, given the situation."
"Just old ship mates helping each other out." Cameron commented, "Well answer me this, how did they get here, ahead of us, and more importantly does their hyper drive work?"
"There are many useful artifacts here on this base Colonel." Ba'al explained swiping a card through a door slot. "Some recovered from the city of Atlantis, some well, you just needed to know where to look."
"My companion and I are, like yourself, somewhat displaced in time." Todd explained, "neither of us wishes to return where we came from without certain, advantages."
"So you're collecting junk from all over the…" Jack paused mid sentence as the door opened.
Before him lay a well lit store room, vast and cavernous. Work stations were set up in various areas and researchers poured over various artifacts. Conspicuous among such artifacts were a looming Stargate and a battered puddle jumper.
"Those from Atlantis?" O'Neill asked.
"In a manner of speaking." Ba'al replied. "You see Atlantis, our Atlantis, is in ruins, sinking beneath the mud on Dagobah. The Atlantis in this reality however, still awaits discovery in the Pegasus galaxy."
"isn't that exciting." O'Neill asked a sarcastic twinkle in his eyes, "Go get 'em tiger."
"Unfortunately," Ba'al continued testily, "The stargate on our Atlantis is useless to us, the city blocks incoming wormhole because of certain failsafes."
"The city believes it is talking to itself." Todd explained, "We could not program the gate to stop sending its ID and time stamp. The Atlantis in this universe believed it was a future Atlantis and blocked access."
Jack looked from one to the other. He raised both eyebrows at Ba'al to continue.
"So we found this stargate." Ba'al said irritably, "Note that it is different in design from those in either Pegasus or what you call the Milky Way." He rolled his eyes. "We could find no DHD, and our attempts to manufacture one have proven unsuccessful."
"We believe the DHD on the Jumper will allow us to dial other stargates in this galaxy." Todd explained, possibly even Atlantis itself. The problem is…"
"You don't have the keys" jack turned to Chariss. "So that's it? That's why it was so urgent you bring me here?"
"You do have the ancient gene we require." Chariss stated. "These two are now working with my associate."
"We have agreed to provide sanctuary to a select few Jedi whom Chariss has identified." Todd elaborated, "In exchange for certain, services."
"So you see Colonel, you can still achieve part of what you set out to do." Ba'al explained, "You can still save the Jedi, in a way, perhaps in time, with a base of operations, they could even strike back at the Empire. With our assistance of course."
"I'd love to see the fine point in that contract." O'Neill muttered.
"Imagine it Colonel." Ba'al persisted, "An army of Jaffa lead by the jedi, liberating Coruscant far sooner than in the time line your Cameron Mitchell outlines. Their culture preserved, their families saved."
"Well call me cynical…" jack observed caustically, "But that army of jedi and jaffa, could just as readily conquer MY galaxy, as well as this one, and… say," he turned to Todd, "Yours too!"
"I have no need to conquer my galaxy." Todd demurred, "merely to solve a bit of a food shortage. You see the force that permeates this galaxy, is composed of miniscule creatures very similar to those in my blood." Todd inspected his hand closely, "The rebellion discovered quite by accident, a means of blending the two quite readily." Rage crept into his voice, "Of course we will need to develop a method that doesn't require the participation of an Irratus bug."
"My colleague here was the unfortunate victim of shall we say, some enhanced interrogation by a Sith named Luminara ." Ba'al explained, "Allegedly a rogue agent of the Rebellion, when he was 'rescued' he presented them with somewhat of a conundrum."
"The force was all but eradicated in their war." Todd explained, "They were afraid it couldn't sustain me, yet they had no idea how to reverse the process."
"This guy feeds on Jedi, and you want to be friends with him?" O'Neill demanded.
"He doesn't feed on the Jedi, he feeds on the force itself." Chariss replied, "and as I understand it, permitting his kind to change would permit them to feed without ending human lives, quite a bargain wouldn't you say? The force spreads itself, a colony of Jedi would produce more than enough midichlorians to fill their galaxy within months, with judicious use of a stargate network."
"Such emissaries would be necessary of course to recruit potential Jaffa for my armies." Ba'al concluded smugly. "What is it to be Colonel, await the extinction of the Jedi en masse, or aid us in our plans. When we are through there will be three galaxies united under a new order."
"Whys it always about a new order, what's wrong with the old order." Jack replied, "You know, freedom, democracy…" he trailed off looking at his audience, "Etc, Etc…"
"Democracy is a wonderful idea." Ba'al replied, "I find it encourages a particularly delicious phenomenon known as capitalism, unfortunately, a democracy is weak."
"There are forces approaching our galaxies even now, " Todd whispered conspiratorially, "Which threaten the lives and freedom of all sentient beings. Do not forget Colonel, we have seen the future. The Cylons, The Asgard, The Replicators, The Vong, The Ori. With our forces combined we could crush these threats, we could save lives. Imagine the power of this alliance."
"Or you could gain the attention of someone new, and more powerful." O'neill pointed out, "Seems like that happens a lot out here."
"We do not have time for this Colonel." Chariss replied, "The hour is near at hand according to my sources. At this time, Mace Windu will soon be on his way to arrest the Supreme Chancellor. He will fail, and the Chancellor will give the orders that will wipe out the Jedi."
"What do you want me to do about it?" O'Neill demanded.
"There is a stargate hidden in a chamber beneath the jedi temple." Chariss explained, "We placed it there months ago believing a way could be found to activate it. You will fly us through the Stargate and facilitate an evacuation of those who will be gathered. These will form the basis of a new Jedi order."
"Hold on hold on, What if we can't dial Atlantis?" Jack said as Ba'al began to shove him, "What if someone finds the stargate and figures out how to dial in here? You're sitting ducks!"
"There is a hypermatter generator that will provide all of the power we would require to dial Atlantis, and that is a Lantean puddle jumper." Ba'al replied testily propelling O'Neill forward, "There is a shield around our stargate which prevents unauthorized travel, and if necessary, there is an aperture in the ceiling that leads to the landing bay, or hadn't you wondered how we got all of this down here in the first place. If the gate is compromised we will simply move it or destroy it."
Suddenly the mountain shook and alarms blared. Clone troopers began running everywhere.
"Control this, is Ba'al" the Goa'uld shouted into a com link, "What is happening?"
"An explosion just crippled our communications array." A terse voice replied, "We are tracking a small transport maneuvering around the mountain firing on our guard house."
"How did they get close enough to fire a shot?" Ba'al demanded, "Can we contact our space forces?"
"Negative." Replied the control room, "General Camas cannot make contact."
"This is a diversion." Ba'al said to Todd, "Starbuck is trying to interfere."
"We never found Early, he may be loose in the base." Todd replied. "We cannot let this hamper our plans, time is short."
"Something is wrong." Chariss stated drawing her light saber, "A disturbance…"
Before her the puddle jumper decloaked. Frightened researchers already unnerved by the explosion began to panic, running every which way.
"Drop your weapons and release Colonel O'Neill." Teal'c's voice thundered from the jumper, "or I will destroy you."
"You would not risk killing the Colonel." Ba'al declared. He raised a blaster to Jack who put his hands up.
"Shoot him Teal'c." Jack suggested, "he's a punk." He glanced at Ba'al, "no offense."
Suddenly the blaster was ripped from Ba'al's hand and a figure dropped from behind the Jumper.
"Master." Roda said flatly, his light saber drawn, "What is the meaning of this."
"Stand down my Padawan, I don't care for your behavior." Chariss warned.
"What is happening Master?" Said Roda, his voice still respectful, controlled, "This… does not look good."
"I do not need to explain myself to you." Chariss declared her voice cracking a bit, she held her light saber ready and Todd and Ba'al backed away, Jack moved toward the opposite direction.
"Cut to the chase Traven, you're about to betray your own order." O'Neill snapped, "Are you going to fight your own apprentice now?"
"Is this true?" Roda asked. "Have you betrayed the Jedi master?"
"I am trying to save the Jedi." Snapped Chariss, "I wanted you safe until it was over."
"hey." O'Neill said, "Its not over yet. Give me the address for Coruscant."
"What?" Chariss blinked.
"We can warn the Jedi, and you can recruit whoever the hell you want to join your little party." O'Neill said, "It doesn't have to end this way."
"he's right." Todd said, "We can still go to Pegasus, we can still…"
"You buffoon." Ba'al chastised him, "They aren't going to let us near Atlantis now."
Todd whirled on Ba'al, "I know that, "He grated, "But it could have been left unsaid, and negotiated at a… better time." The goa'uld stepped back.
"Come with us Master, help us save the Jedi!" Roda pleaded, "Its all we know, our friends, our family…"
"Look out!" Shouted Chariss whirling. Several clone troopers had exited the lift behind them and were lining up on her. With a snap hiss, she ignited her light saber. As they opened fire, Jack threw himself out of the way. Todd caught a glancing blow as ba'al ducked behind him and under cover.
"Apologies my friend." The Goa'uld said nervously as the furious wraith rounded on him, whatever else was to be said was cut off as Todd suddenly drove his hand into Ba'al's chest.
"Apology accepted." The Wraith declared and he fed. With a thunder clap the blasters on the Jumper opened up on the clone troopers who scattered. Chariss and Roda charged into their midst and began striking them down. The Jumper dropped obligingly for Jack.
"Give me a gun." Jack snapped, "Sam you think you can fly this thing?"
"Um, hello?" Fred said waving, "Design star fighters over here, obviously I'm a pilot."
"Fine whatever, stay in the area." Jack ordered as he put a new vest on, "Teal'c with me, if Chariss gets mowed down by those goons we loose our last chance to get to Coruscant."
"Does she even know the coordinates?" Fola asked hovering anxiously inside the Jumper as Teal'c stepped out. Jack checked the clip on a p90 and grabbed a pile of trinium clips.
"Who knows." Jack answered rolling his eyes, "Where the hell is Starbuck?"
"He was on approach when the comm. relay blew." Fola answered, "It seems the final transmission was an order to initiate "order 66"
"Figures" O'Neill stated, "Come on Teal'c."
"We can't land in all this." Starbuck said, as the ship shuddered. "We get to close they'll blow us out of the sky."
"We have a comm. from the surface." Paul stated, "Not the Jumper, its Jubal."
"Early?" Starbuck asked thumbing a switch, "Where the frak are you?"
"You like my little diversion?" Jubal asked, "Saved some lives it did."
"It screwed us over you asshole." Carmeron shouted from behind Paul, "Starbuck was bringing us in low to avoid detection." There was a pause.
"The best laid plans of mice and men go oft awry." Came the response, "Does that seem right to you?"
"It gets me every time." Paul said dryly. "Perhaps you would care to elaborate."
"Ba'al and Todd have a device, they needed Colonel O'Neill's help to activate." Jubal answered, "I followed them here, they thought they found my ship latched onto their hull, but they found only a shell, because my ship was their ship."
"yeah, it boggles the mind." Cameron deadpanned, "You snuck aboard, we got that what device did they have and what happened to O'Neill."
"They call it a stargate." Early said, But Jack's friends were on the way, he just needed a diversion. I didn't realize a diversion was already happening. Two for the price of one you might say."
"What do you mean, what else is happening." Daniel asked speaking at last. He had a sinking feeling he knew what Jubal would say.
"An order, number 66. The jedi are traitors, kill them."
Thoom! Thoom Thoom! Teal'c staff blasts pounded trooper after trooper, echoed by the staccato of Jack's weapon. The trinum tipped armor piercing bullets penetrated the armor of the clone troopers but ricocheted inside tearing apart the soft tissue within. Under fire at range with the Jedi in their midst, three dozen clone troopers fell in a matter of minutes. The jedi were breathing heavily, and their robes were burned and torn from blaster fire in proximity. Roda had dropped his out outer robe for added mobility.
"It's all or nothing Chariss, nows the time." O'Neill shouted as the last trooper fell, "Give us the gate address to Coruscant and we'll see who we can save."
"I don't have the address." Chariss said bitterly, "I don't even know how the gate works. I avhe failed."
"O'Neill." Teal'c intoned, what of this one?" he pointed at Todd. Feeding on ba'al had enabled him to regenerate most of his wounds but he was still weak.
"Don't bother asking, I'll give you the address." Todd replied sketching them on the ground in ba'al's blood, "Call it an act of good faith."
"You want us to take you with us." O'neill hazarded a guess."
"If you would be so kind." The Wraith replied.
"No dice." O'Neill replied.
"Ah, but you need me now." The Wraith stated, "Because you don't have the coordinates to return."
"Teal'c grab one of those trooper's gloves." O'Neill ordered, "Dn't even think about taking this off." He said tossing it to the wraith. He turned to Roda and Chariss.
"My master will guard this room." Roda stated, "She is confident that a Jedi is worth a hundred clone troopers, and she does not believe there are many left in this facility."
"it was not generally known." Chariss added, "But there were an extremely limited number of Clone troopers produced, because the Trade Federation's forces were also quite limited. What is portrayed as a galactic insurrection on the holonet is in fact a limited engagement."
Jack nodded, "Roda come with us, we need them to trust us. He sprinted for the Jumper
"We've got company." Paul noted, "Three Acclimator class star destroyers closing on our position.
"Jack says he's going to try to gate to Coruscant and rescue whatever Jedi he can." Daniel reported holding the ancient comm.
"We can't get through all that." Starbuck noted the hail of turbolaser fire tracing them, "The only reason we're in one piece is distance, and when those ships get here they're going to have fighters."
"I say we break off and take cover." Cameron suggested, "Wait for jack's call and haul ass back to the mountain to pick up whoever we can."
"There is another option." Paul stated, "If the gate is all we require, why not simply have Jubal bring it to us?"
There was a stunned silence.
"The shuttle's got a grappler claw." Starbuck commented, "He could fly down the service shaft same as the jumper and pick it up."
"Yeah, what if people start walking through it when its in the air?" Cameron demanded.
"We need to move." Starbuck decided, "Get Jubal on the horn, he's about to have a whole lott of company."