Fortunate Son

Three years had passed. Most of the Pegasus galaxy had fallen into the Ori's control. Aeron had destroyed Atlantis, along with everyone who were unable to evacuate in time. He was more ruthless than Adria, and more powerful in every aspect. He had killed thousands, and Alex could do nothing to stop him. She and Merric had kept up their charade, struggling to trick Aeron day after day. Strength was no longer a thing they had a lot of. As for Adria, Aeron had killed her in cold blood two years ago, before she was able to ascend, and he would do the same to anyone else who tried to stand in his way. He was feared by everyone, including those faithful to the Ori. All Alex and Merric could do was stand by and watch planet after planet fall into his hands.

Alex stood on the bridge of the Ori ship, Aeron in the control chair behind her, probably grinning as he took out another village of innocent people that did not bow down to him and the Ori. A small explosion appeared before them, down on the planet. Alex could almost hear their screams in her head, crying out for mercy. She shut her eyes, and did her best to quiet them.

"I don't understand why these people are unable to see the true path, and why they refuse Origin, Mother?" Aeron sighed, clearly not grinning as the village was fired at once more. "You came to accept the teachings of Origin, even though you had been raised to appose it… Why can't they, Mother?"

"I suppose some are too stubborn, and blind to see the truth. Only Origin can save them, but yet they refuse... It is a question that may never be answered." Alex replied calmly. She had been able to trick her son since he was born, that she believed the teachings of the Book of Origin, and faithfully follow the 'path'. Merric had told her how to strengthen her mind enough so she was able to deceive anyone, like he had been doing since he descended.

"I suppose." Aeron mumbled "Although I don't see why they would refuse the teachings, after we destroyed the Wraith for them and everything…"

"Some do seem rather ungrateful about that." Alex nodded, turning away from the large window. "But what can you expect from such simple people?"

"Thank you, Mother. I always enjoy talking to you." Aeron smiled, his expression soon returning to stoic. "The soldiers have returned from the planet. I'm sure Merric is among them. You must be excited to see him again, after he's been assigned to another ship for so long…"

"Yes. I'm glad he's returning to us."

"As am I. He's one of the best commanders in my army." Aeron said. "Mother?"

"Yes?" Alex replied.

"Do you love him?"

"Aeron, what kind of question is that?"

"I just want you to be happy, mother." Aeron said, defensivly.

"I am happy. You worry about you, and let me worry about me… and yes, I do love him, very much."

"Good." Aeron was silent for a moment. "It's almost time for me to lead prostration…"

"I'll go see if Merric will be ready for it." Alex offered, beginning to walk toward the door…

"Mother!" Aeron snapped, making Alex stop. "Can you lead prostration today? I'm afraid I'm too tired from everything's that's happened."

"Of course." Alex nodded, continuing on her way out into the corridor.

When she made it back to her quarters, she found Merric sitting on their bed, like he had been waiting for her. He stood up, and walked over to her, kissing her passionately. She seemed surprised by the kiss, but accepted it quickly.

"What's got you so happy?" Alex asked after their long kiss.

"I've missed you." Merric answered. "I've been on the other ship for the past month, can't I miss you?"

"Of course you can!" Alex smiled. "It's just that, another village was destroyed a few minutes ago. I really don't think now is the best time for this."

"You're right." Merric cleared his throat, returning to his place on the side of the bed. "I'm sorry."

"You don't need to be sorry." Alex sighed. "I've missed you too."

Vala nodded to the guard standing outside of Gabriel's cell, as he unlocked the door for her. She hadn't seen her son in a year, due to IOA orders that he could be a danger to others, after a little outburst he had when his father visited for the third time. He ended throwing Daniel across the room with his abilities, showing the effects of the anti-prior device had worn off. Now that the device had been reconfigured and replaced, visitors were once again allowed. When the door was finally opened, Vala walked in, and was appalled at what she saw. Gabriel was skinnier than he had ever been, looking underfed, and weak. He almost looked sick.

"Gabriel…" Vala mumbled.

"Mom." Gabriel said in acknowledgment.

"You look horrible… are you alright?"

"I'm fine. I just haven't been eating as much, that's all. I don't really see the point anymore."

"Now, what is that supposed to mean?"

"I've been in here for three years, mom. I'm not getting out anytime soon. Dad isn't' doing anything helpful and the IOA aren't very likely to lower the sentence."

"Stop talking like you're in jail, Gabriel."

"I might as well be. Being locked up alone for the past three years is driving me crazy! The only contact I have is with you, Dad, and maybe some friendly officers who stand outside that damned door!" Gabriel said, grabbing onto the bars that separated them.

"I wish I could help you, Gabriel. I would do anything to see you get out of here, but the IOA doesn't really like me anymore than they like you, I'm afraid." Vala wiped away a small tear forming in her right eye.

"I already know how I'm going to get out of here, if it comes down to it."

"You're not going to break out of here. You'll be killed. I won't stand to see you die before me."

"Mom, I can't live like this anymore. I had more freedom being the Orici than I do now. The whole reason Alex gave up her life for me was so I could live happily, and normally. Not be confined in a cell for the rest of my life!"

"I know. Gabriel, I promise you, you're father is trying to do everything he can to get you out of here…"

"Oh, so you've made up, have you?" he said rather darkly.

"No, I could never forgive him for what he did to you, but I couldn't hide forever. We're divorced, finally, after he signed the papers a month ago. But we still have to see each other, for Danny's sake. He's realized what he did to you was one of the worst possible things he could ever do as a father, and he is doing his best to make it right again. I'm not telling you to forgive him, however. I know that isn't something you'll ever do. But, just try to stop throwing him into walls from now on. He's older, you know."

"I'll try." Gabriel said.

"That's all I ask." Vala smiled, reaching her hand through the bars to put her hand against his warm cheek. "I love you. I'll be back soon to see you again. And try eating more, you look sickly."

"Alright, mom." Gabriel laughed softly. "I will."

As Vala left, Gabriel leaned up against the wall, heeding her words. He knew he might be killed if he tried to escape on his own, that had always been a risk. Having the past three years as time to develop his old abilities more thoroughly, however, had given him the ability to heal himself and probably others. He just didn't tell anyone because he knew he'd be kept here longer for it.