*****************************
Chapter Seven: Decisions
*
Two days later, Alex, Isabel, Max, Michael, and Tess, were all sitting in the SGC's commissary. Alex was telling them stories about some of his adventures on other worlds, while his old friends listened with fascination.
"So, it was just a matter of laying in wait for the Jaffa to come through, and laying down suppressing fire at the right time," said Alex.
"Tell me something, Alex," said Michael. "I can get why the Air Force would want you here as a technical wiz. You were always good at that stuff. But, where did you learn all of this stuff about how to work with weapons and fight battles with heavily armed aliens?"
"Well, before I joined the SGC, I was required to undergo survival and ground combat training," said Alex. "I was trained in the use of weapons, small unit tactics, and survival skills. It culminated with being dropped off in the Rocky Mountains with nothing but a knife, some string, and some cold weather gear, and having to survive for four days."
"No food?" asked Max. "What did you eat?"
"Well, let's just say snake really does taste like chicken," said Alex.
Both Michael and Tess, who were about to take a bite of food, dropped their forks on their plate and presented looks of disgust.
Tess looked pointedly at Isabel. "Eww, you kiss him!" said Tess.
Isabel smiled. "I'll take the risk," she said, then leaned over and kissed Alex once on the lips.
"Oh, geez," said Michael. "Get a room!"
"So, Alex," said Max. "You really think these...Asgard, might be able to help us locate Antar, and could tell us more about it?"
"If anyone we know can, it would be the Asgard," said Alex. "I'm telling you, they are way ahead of us or the Goa'uld in technology. They were flying around in space ships when humans had not even evolved yet."
"Lt. Whitman," said a voice over the intercom, "and party, report to the Conference Room immediately."
"That's our cue," said Alex.
The group made their way to the main Conference Room of the SGC. They found General Hammond, SG-1, and the rest of SG-8 waiting for them. Jacob and Anise of the Tokrah came into the room shortly thereafter.
"Miss Evans," said General Hammond. "How are you feeling?"
"Better, thank you, sir," said Isabel.
"I'm sure Lt. Whitman has been seeing to that," said Major Ambrose.
"Yes, sir," said Alex, with a knowing smile.
"Have a seat," said General Hammond. "We expect our guest at any moment."
Everyone sat at the conference table, and waited silently. Max, Michael, Isabel, and Tess looked around at everyone as they just sat there.
"Um, how is..." began Tess.
But before she could finish what she was going to say, a bright flash of light appeared at an empty spot at one end of the conference table. From nowhere, a small, greyish-pink being with a large head, big black eyes, and smaller appendages appeared in a silver chair at the empty spot at the table.
"Hello," said the being. "Thank you for allowing me to visit your facility."
"My God," said Isabel. "It's a...it's a...."
"Thor, old buddy," said Colonel O'Neill. "Glad you could come."
"Indeed," said General Hammond. "Welcome, Supreme Commander Thor."
"Thank you, General Hammond," said Thor. "And it is good to see you as well, O'Neill, as well as the rest of SG-1 and the members of SG-8. We are also pleased to speak with the representatives of the Tokrah."
"We are honored as well," said Jacob.
Thor then looked over at Max, Michael, Isabel, and Tess. "And these, I presume, are the people you told me about."
"Yes," said Major Carter.
"Hello," said Max. "I am Max Evans, this is my sister, Isabel, and Michael Guerin and Tess Harding."
"I am Supreme Commander Thor of the Asgard Fleet. I was informed by the SGC that you were hybrids, created from human DNA and that of the Antarians. Is this so?"
"Yes," said Max. "We were brought her in...pods, of some sort, fifty years ago. We hatched from those pods, and have been raised as humans here on Earth. We became fully aware of what we are when we were 16."
"I see," said Thor. "The Asgard were not aware that the Antarians had done this, though we did know of their visits to Earth."
"Excuse me, Commander Thor," said Dr. Barrows. "With all due respect, why have you never told us that an alien race as advanced as the Antarians obviously are had been visiting our world?"
"You did not ask," said Thor. "We believe their visits to be benign, so have not interfered."
"Not all of the alien visits have been benign," said Michael. "We've had encounters, battles, with an enemy of our people known as the Skins."
"Yes," said Thor. "The forces of Kivar, the current ruler of Antar who has deposed the Antarian King whom Max Evans was spawned from. Their interest in Earth is...limited, for now. They were only interested in you, apparently."
"Thor," said Dr. Jackson. "Just what do you know of the Antarians?"
"They are a race that inhabit a five planet system in the far corner of this galaxy," said Thor. "They are a highly advanced race, on the level of the Goa'uld in most ways, more advanced in others. Their physiology allows them to manipulate energy, specifically mental energies, far better than any alien race we have ever encountered, save for perhaps the Noks."
"Have the Asgard had much contact with Antar?" asked Major Ambrose.
"None for some time," said Thor. "Save for some intermittent contact. The Antarians had once been close friends of the Asgard, but became more reclusive in their relations with other species approximately nine hundred of your Earth years ago."
"I was protected and raised by one," said Tess. "His name was Nasedo. He seemed to have...little regard for humans, and killed a number of them to protect our secret."
"The Antarians, both Kivar's faction and that of King Zan's family, see humans as primitives, I am sure, who are disposable when they are threatening in any way to their goals," said Thor.
"Well, that's not nice," said Colonel O'Neill.
"Does Antar have a Stargate?" asked Major Carter.
"No," said Thor. "The Antarians do not use Stargates. They do not trust technology that is not of their own development and design."
"If we were to take a trip to Antar," said O'Neill. "Could you take us, Thor?"
"No," said Thor. "The current Antarian regime has made it clear to us that our presence is not desired in their system. Since we have no quarrel with their government, we must abide by their wishes. We also can not interfere in their internal matters, which transporting the Royal Four to Antar would be doing."
"George," said Jacob to General Hammond. "The Tokrah might be able to take an Earth team to Antar in a transport ship. I'm sure I could get the Tokrah High Council to agree to it, given that the Antarians might have useful knowledge and technology to fight the Goa'uld."
"Which is precisely why we might wish to make contact," said Major Carter. "Sir, if my opinion, it might be worth considering."
"Time out, for just a second," said O'Neill. "We don't know what kind of situation we would find on Antar. The planet is ruled by this Quiver guy..."
"Kivar," said Dr. Jackson.
"Whatever," said O'Neill. "Anyhow, the ruler of that world wants these four people DEAD. Its not exactly the ideal conditions to come over for a visit to say hi."
"I agree," said Teal'c. "We have no business in interfering in the internal affairs of another world we know nothing about."
"Look, I'm not even sure if I want us to go to Antar," said Max.
"Max," said Michael. "Why the hell not? Its what we've been meant to do since the time we were conceived."
"But we all have lives on Earth now," said Tess. "I have Kyle, Max has Liz, you WOULD have Maria if you would stop being a jerk and marry her. And now, Isabel and Alex have found each other. We have so much invested here. What do we have on Antar?"
"Oh, let's see...our destiny," said Michael. "Our birth family is there. Well, sort of our birth family. Our history...so many answers to so many questions are on Antar!"
"I'm not saying we shouldn't consider going for a temporary visit," said Max. "But...what are we going to face when we get there? What expectations? Would we be putting everyone who went with us at risk? What ABOUT Liz and Kyle and Maria and Alex? Liz is expecting MY child. What if I can't get back to her and that child?"
"People," said General Hammond. "There is obviously a lot to consider here. I'm not even sure of the wisdom of pursuing a mission to Antar, especially since there will be no Stargate through which to send support or provide evac if things go wrong. I will wish to consult with Colonel O'Neill, Major Ambrose, Major Carter, as well as the Tokrah, before making a decision."
"I'll hold off on making a decision until you do, General," said Max. "You may be making the decision for us. If you decide that you would be willing to undertake such a mission, we will then decide as a group whether or not we wish to go. If that sounds alright?"
"Fine," said General Hammond.
"Know this," said Thor. "If you do go to Antar, and encounter problems...the Asgard will not be able to help you. I am sorry."
"We understand," said O'Neill. "Kind of...used to it."
**
That evening, Alex was heading towards quarters he used when he was at the SGC for several days straight. He had an apartment in town, but his work with Stargate Command sometimes kept him on base for several days at a stretch. It had been a long day, and Alex was exhausted. General Hammond and the others still had not come to a decision as to whether or not to send an expedition to Antar, and the General was now consulting with the President.
Isabel was standing outside of his quarters when he got there. Alex smiled, and she returned the gesture, though wearily.
"Hi," said Alex, walking over and taking Isabel into his arms. "How did you know where my quarters are? I don't think I've told you."
"Sergeant Reynolds did," said Isabel. "I guess he wanted me to know where to find you."
"Come on in," said Alex, opening the door. They entered a sparse room with a round table and two chairs, and a bed. The room was small, but functional.
"So, how did it go?" asked Alex. "Have you all discussed things more?"
"Michael wants to go for sure," said Isabel. "The rest of us aren't sure."
"What about Maria?" asked Alex. "Does Michael really want to leave her?"
"You know him," said Isabel. "I think he wants to know what's behind door number two before committing one way or the other. I know one thing...I may be part alien, but I am mostly human in my heart. My parents, my life is here. You are hear. I am NOT going to live on Antar. But...I may want to visit. Any word from General Hammond?"
"None," said Alex. "We may know by tomorrow."
Alex sat down on the bed, and moaned wearily. Isabel walked over, sat down beside him. "Tired, huh?" she asked.
"Uh, huh," said Alex. "Beat."
"How beat?" asked Isabel, leaning into Alex and kissing him on the neck.
Alex chuckled. "Why? What DID you have in mind?"
"Testing the strength of this bed," said Isabel. "And waking up with you again in the morning."
Alex captured Isabel's lips in a passionate kiss, and the couple then allowed their passions to consume them.
Several hours later, Alex and Isabel were awakened by a knock at the door. Isabel, snuggled into Alex's arms, lifted her head off of Alex's chest, and Alex got up and put on some underwear and a t-shirt. Isabel stayed under the covers.
Alex opened the door, and found Sergeant Reynolds standing outside. "Sir, I just got the word...we're goin to Antar."
End of Chapter Seven. Chapter Eight coming soon.
Will Max and the others choose to take the opportunity to go to Antar? Find out by not missing the next chapter.
Feedback, as always, is requested and welcomed.
Chapter Seven: Decisions
*
Two days later, Alex, Isabel, Max, Michael, and Tess, were all sitting in the SGC's commissary. Alex was telling them stories about some of his adventures on other worlds, while his old friends listened with fascination.
"So, it was just a matter of laying in wait for the Jaffa to come through, and laying down suppressing fire at the right time," said Alex.
"Tell me something, Alex," said Michael. "I can get why the Air Force would want you here as a technical wiz. You were always good at that stuff. But, where did you learn all of this stuff about how to work with weapons and fight battles with heavily armed aliens?"
"Well, before I joined the SGC, I was required to undergo survival and ground combat training," said Alex. "I was trained in the use of weapons, small unit tactics, and survival skills. It culminated with being dropped off in the Rocky Mountains with nothing but a knife, some string, and some cold weather gear, and having to survive for four days."
"No food?" asked Max. "What did you eat?"
"Well, let's just say snake really does taste like chicken," said Alex.
Both Michael and Tess, who were about to take a bite of food, dropped their forks on their plate and presented looks of disgust.
Tess looked pointedly at Isabel. "Eww, you kiss him!" said Tess.
Isabel smiled. "I'll take the risk," she said, then leaned over and kissed Alex once on the lips.
"Oh, geez," said Michael. "Get a room!"
"So, Alex," said Max. "You really think these...Asgard, might be able to help us locate Antar, and could tell us more about it?"
"If anyone we know can, it would be the Asgard," said Alex. "I'm telling you, they are way ahead of us or the Goa'uld in technology. They were flying around in space ships when humans had not even evolved yet."
"Lt. Whitman," said a voice over the intercom, "and party, report to the Conference Room immediately."
"That's our cue," said Alex.
The group made their way to the main Conference Room of the SGC. They found General Hammond, SG-1, and the rest of SG-8 waiting for them. Jacob and Anise of the Tokrah came into the room shortly thereafter.
"Miss Evans," said General Hammond. "How are you feeling?"
"Better, thank you, sir," said Isabel.
"I'm sure Lt. Whitman has been seeing to that," said Major Ambrose.
"Yes, sir," said Alex, with a knowing smile.
"Have a seat," said General Hammond. "We expect our guest at any moment."
Everyone sat at the conference table, and waited silently. Max, Michael, Isabel, and Tess looked around at everyone as they just sat there.
"Um, how is..." began Tess.
But before she could finish what she was going to say, a bright flash of light appeared at an empty spot at one end of the conference table. From nowhere, a small, greyish-pink being with a large head, big black eyes, and smaller appendages appeared in a silver chair at the empty spot at the table.
"Hello," said the being. "Thank you for allowing me to visit your facility."
"My God," said Isabel. "It's a...it's a...."
"Thor, old buddy," said Colonel O'Neill. "Glad you could come."
"Indeed," said General Hammond. "Welcome, Supreme Commander Thor."
"Thank you, General Hammond," said Thor. "And it is good to see you as well, O'Neill, as well as the rest of SG-1 and the members of SG-8. We are also pleased to speak with the representatives of the Tokrah."
"We are honored as well," said Jacob.
Thor then looked over at Max, Michael, Isabel, and Tess. "And these, I presume, are the people you told me about."
"Yes," said Major Carter.
"Hello," said Max. "I am Max Evans, this is my sister, Isabel, and Michael Guerin and Tess Harding."
"I am Supreme Commander Thor of the Asgard Fleet. I was informed by the SGC that you were hybrids, created from human DNA and that of the Antarians. Is this so?"
"Yes," said Max. "We were brought her in...pods, of some sort, fifty years ago. We hatched from those pods, and have been raised as humans here on Earth. We became fully aware of what we are when we were 16."
"I see," said Thor. "The Asgard were not aware that the Antarians had done this, though we did know of their visits to Earth."
"Excuse me, Commander Thor," said Dr. Barrows. "With all due respect, why have you never told us that an alien race as advanced as the Antarians obviously are had been visiting our world?"
"You did not ask," said Thor. "We believe their visits to be benign, so have not interfered."
"Not all of the alien visits have been benign," said Michael. "We've had encounters, battles, with an enemy of our people known as the Skins."
"Yes," said Thor. "The forces of Kivar, the current ruler of Antar who has deposed the Antarian King whom Max Evans was spawned from. Their interest in Earth is...limited, for now. They were only interested in you, apparently."
"Thor," said Dr. Jackson. "Just what do you know of the Antarians?"
"They are a race that inhabit a five planet system in the far corner of this galaxy," said Thor. "They are a highly advanced race, on the level of the Goa'uld in most ways, more advanced in others. Their physiology allows them to manipulate energy, specifically mental energies, far better than any alien race we have ever encountered, save for perhaps the Noks."
"Have the Asgard had much contact with Antar?" asked Major Ambrose.
"None for some time," said Thor. "Save for some intermittent contact. The Antarians had once been close friends of the Asgard, but became more reclusive in their relations with other species approximately nine hundred of your Earth years ago."
"I was protected and raised by one," said Tess. "His name was Nasedo. He seemed to have...little regard for humans, and killed a number of them to protect our secret."
"The Antarians, both Kivar's faction and that of King Zan's family, see humans as primitives, I am sure, who are disposable when they are threatening in any way to their goals," said Thor.
"Well, that's not nice," said Colonel O'Neill.
"Does Antar have a Stargate?" asked Major Carter.
"No," said Thor. "The Antarians do not use Stargates. They do not trust technology that is not of their own development and design."
"If we were to take a trip to Antar," said O'Neill. "Could you take us, Thor?"
"No," said Thor. "The current Antarian regime has made it clear to us that our presence is not desired in their system. Since we have no quarrel with their government, we must abide by their wishes. We also can not interfere in their internal matters, which transporting the Royal Four to Antar would be doing."
"George," said Jacob to General Hammond. "The Tokrah might be able to take an Earth team to Antar in a transport ship. I'm sure I could get the Tokrah High Council to agree to it, given that the Antarians might have useful knowledge and technology to fight the Goa'uld."
"Which is precisely why we might wish to make contact," said Major Carter. "Sir, if my opinion, it might be worth considering."
"Time out, for just a second," said O'Neill. "We don't know what kind of situation we would find on Antar. The planet is ruled by this Quiver guy..."
"Kivar," said Dr. Jackson.
"Whatever," said O'Neill. "Anyhow, the ruler of that world wants these four people DEAD. Its not exactly the ideal conditions to come over for a visit to say hi."
"I agree," said Teal'c. "We have no business in interfering in the internal affairs of another world we know nothing about."
"Look, I'm not even sure if I want us to go to Antar," said Max.
"Max," said Michael. "Why the hell not? Its what we've been meant to do since the time we were conceived."
"But we all have lives on Earth now," said Tess. "I have Kyle, Max has Liz, you WOULD have Maria if you would stop being a jerk and marry her. And now, Isabel and Alex have found each other. We have so much invested here. What do we have on Antar?"
"Oh, let's see...our destiny," said Michael. "Our birth family is there. Well, sort of our birth family. Our history...so many answers to so many questions are on Antar!"
"I'm not saying we shouldn't consider going for a temporary visit," said Max. "But...what are we going to face when we get there? What expectations? Would we be putting everyone who went with us at risk? What ABOUT Liz and Kyle and Maria and Alex? Liz is expecting MY child. What if I can't get back to her and that child?"
"People," said General Hammond. "There is obviously a lot to consider here. I'm not even sure of the wisdom of pursuing a mission to Antar, especially since there will be no Stargate through which to send support or provide evac if things go wrong. I will wish to consult with Colonel O'Neill, Major Ambrose, Major Carter, as well as the Tokrah, before making a decision."
"I'll hold off on making a decision until you do, General," said Max. "You may be making the decision for us. If you decide that you would be willing to undertake such a mission, we will then decide as a group whether or not we wish to go. If that sounds alright?"
"Fine," said General Hammond.
"Know this," said Thor. "If you do go to Antar, and encounter problems...the Asgard will not be able to help you. I am sorry."
"We understand," said O'Neill. "Kind of...used to it."
**
That evening, Alex was heading towards quarters he used when he was at the SGC for several days straight. He had an apartment in town, but his work with Stargate Command sometimes kept him on base for several days at a stretch. It had been a long day, and Alex was exhausted. General Hammond and the others still had not come to a decision as to whether or not to send an expedition to Antar, and the General was now consulting with the President.
Isabel was standing outside of his quarters when he got there. Alex smiled, and she returned the gesture, though wearily.
"Hi," said Alex, walking over and taking Isabel into his arms. "How did you know where my quarters are? I don't think I've told you."
"Sergeant Reynolds did," said Isabel. "I guess he wanted me to know where to find you."
"Come on in," said Alex, opening the door. They entered a sparse room with a round table and two chairs, and a bed. The room was small, but functional.
"So, how did it go?" asked Alex. "Have you all discussed things more?"
"Michael wants to go for sure," said Isabel. "The rest of us aren't sure."
"What about Maria?" asked Alex. "Does Michael really want to leave her?"
"You know him," said Isabel. "I think he wants to know what's behind door number two before committing one way or the other. I know one thing...I may be part alien, but I am mostly human in my heart. My parents, my life is here. You are hear. I am NOT going to live on Antar. But...I may want to visit. Any word from General Hammond?"
"None," said Alex. "We may know by tomorrow."
Alex sat down on the bed, and moaned wearily. Isabel walked over, sat down beside him. "Tired, huh?" she asked.
"Uh, huh," said Alex. "Beat."
"How beat?" asked Isabel, leaning into Alex and kissing him on the neck.
Alex chuckled. "Why? What DID you have in mind?"
"Testing the strength of this bed," said Isabel. "And waking up with you again in the morning."
Alex captured Isabel's lips in a passionate kiss, and the couple then allowed their passions to consume them.
Several hours later, Alex and Isabel were awakened by a knock at the door. Isabel, snuggled into Alex's arms, lifted her head off of Alex's chest, and Alex got up and put on some underwear and a t-shirt. Isabel stayed under the covers.
Alex opened the door, and found Sergeant Reynolds standing outside. "Sir, I just got the word...we're goin to Antar."
End of Chapter Seven. Chapter Eight coming soon.
Will Max and the others choose to take the opportunity to go to Antar? Find out by not missing the next chapter.
Feedback, as always, is requested and welcomed.
