Cleo left the SGC and went in search of Orlin. She needed to talk to someone about the current situation and she needed to do it sooner rather than later.
"Orlin? How are you holding up?"
"Fine...seeing Samantha again...it's like remembering what you've lost for the first time. I want to be with her Cleo."
"I know...and after this is all over, if that's what you want...then there will be nothing stopping you."
"What about the weapons? Who will monitor their use?"
"I will Orlin."
"But what about Daniel?"
"Daniel...that's a situation I didn't envisage...oh Orlin...he wasn't supposed to remember. The Elders told me he wouldn't remember. And now I'm faced with the fact that he remembers all too well and it's making it difficult for me to do my job. If we fail...then it's all over...for everyone. There is no way that the Elders will allow us to ascend them."
"But you love him and he loves you."
"I know. But my responsibilities lie elsewhere at the moment. If I get sidetracked...it could be disastrous. If we fail...you know what they will do to us don't you." Orlin nodded. "We've taken a huge risk coming here and helping them. We stand to lose as much as they do and I don't want to get tangled up in something that's going to make this any harder than it already is."
"Samantha's calling..." Orlin turned to Cleo. "...I'll go see what they want...and Cleo...you need to resolve this." Orlin disappeared leaving Cleo alone with her thoughts.
Another figure appeared by her side some time later. "Hello Cleo."
"Davish...what are you doing here?"
"The Elders have sent me to check your progress."
"It's all gone wrong...they got it wrong...Daniel remembers everything...it wasn't supposed to be like this."
"It didn't go wrong Cleo...the Elders extracted the memories...it's just, Daniel remembered in his heart...and you know as well as I do that they can't interfere with matters of the heart. His feelings are linked to his memories...he remembers because of the guilt and the love he felt for the people he left behind and the people of Abydos. He remembers you because of the comfort you offered him and the way in which you were there for him...he felt safe and loved. That's how he remembers."
"Davish...what am I going to do? I can't get through this. Everytime he looks at me...it kills me inside. I know that when this is all over...I'm never going to see him again. I know that he's never going to get a resolution in this. It's just going to add to all the things he's already lost. How can they ask me to do this, knowing that he has this attachment to me?"
"Cleo - you were chosen for this task because of your familiarity with Daniel Jackson, the same way Orlin was chosen because of his familiarity with Samantha Carter. They would trust you and would follow you. If the Elders had appeared to them...they would never have listened. It had to be you two. There was no other choice."
"It hardly makes it right though does it?"
Davish smiled at her. "You will find a way Cleo - you always do. Of that...I am quite certain."
*-*
Samantha watched as Orlin appeared in the briefing room.
"Samantha...you called."
"Yes Orlin. Please...take a seat."
Orlin sat down at the table and looked around at the anxious faces of SG1.
"We have received Intel that Anubis is currently on his way to a previously uncharted planet." General Hammond started. "We have never visited this planet before, as it was not featured on the Abydos cartouche, however, it is one of the gates that Colonel O'Neill placed in the database whilst he was under the influence of the Ancients device."
Orlin nodded. "It is likely that this planet either holds the City of the Ancients, or at least holds information on it's whereabouts."
"There was no mention on the tablet that we found on Abydos of this planet." Daniel glanced through his translations.
"Are not all the Ancients aware of where the City is located?" Teal'c raised his eyebrow at Orlin.
"No...we are not. The secret is closely guarded by the Elders. Although they have given us permission to help you...they are not willing to tell you the exact location."
"See...I knew there was more going on here...you mean to tell me, that those 'glowy' bastards know where this city is, but they are going to make us do the leg work?"
"Yes."
"Why those..."
"Colonel O'Neill....please!" General Hammond shot Jack a warning look before continuing. "Orlin...does Cleo have any further information that could help us?"
"I am unsure...she is currently scouting Anubis' ship."
"Isn't that kind of dangerous...I mean Anubis can sense you, can't he?" Jonas looked at Orlin. Orlin noted the worry on his face and also noted that Daniel was looking extremely disturbed by this latest revelation.
"He can. I am sure that Cleo would not place herself in danger."
"I hope not...we need her." 'I need her.' Daniel added silently. He sighed. He could feel Cleo pulling away from him and he was unsure why. Whilst he had been ascended she had always been there. When he needed to talk, when he needed comfort, when he needed a distraction...she helped him through it all. She gave him hope and made him realize that his friends would never be forgotten. She recognized his need to watch over them and now, she was watching over him. But it was different. He felt that it was different. She had promised him that she would watch over them all. And she was keeping her promise...but he felt that she wasn't doing it for him. 'What's going on Cleo? What's changed?'
A sudden blue glow in the corner of the room caught his attention. The Asguard?
"General Hammond. SG1. Dr Jackson...it is good to see you again."
"Thor." Daniel nodded.
"Hey buddy...what brings you to our little corner of the galaxy?"
"I have received word from Cleo. She has asked me to transport you to Anubis' ship. She is certain that she can take him down, but requires a...distraction. I believe that you would be capable of providing this."
"We can be ready to go in 30 sir."
"Very well Colonel. SG1 - you have a go." General Hammond nodded to his team.
"I will return for you in 30 if your earth minutes. The Asguard can provide you with all you need for this task. Orlin...I require your assistance." Thor transported back to his ship.
"I will also return." Orlin disappeared.
*-*
"You know...I gotta tell you. I'm not too crazy about this mission sir." Jack had been ready in 10 minutes and was back in General Hammond's office. "Carter has a history with Orlin, Daniel has a history with Cleo and we've got to put our butts on the line once again...something just doesn't feel right about this."
Hammond sighed. "I know. I have to admit Colonel - I'm with you on that one. But what choice do we have? They seem willing to take Anubis out and we certainly can't do it on our own."
"I know...it's just that. Daniel is easily distracted sir and Carter - well we all remember what happened last time Orlin showed up!"
Hammond shook his head. "Jack...we have no choice but to follow through with this. Despite the personal history between Orlin, Cleo and two members of your team...I am sure that it will not affect the mission."
"I hope you're right sir." Jack grumbled. "I'd better go hurry them up."
Hammond watched Jack leave. If he was honest with himself, he didn't like this anymore than Jack did. When SG1 had returned from Abydos, he had been horrified to learn that Dr Jackson had allowed Anubis to capture the Eye of Ra and to complete his weapon. It was just so unlike him to do something like that. But then, Anubis had proceeded to wipe out all of the System Lords, which meant if SG1 could pull this off...the threat to Earth would be gone.
"You are worried about them?"
Hammond turned at her voice. "Yes...I am. They are my best team. They are family. They have all cheated death more times than I can remember. I'm afraid that this time, they might not be so lucky."
Cleo sat down infront of Hammond. "General. Daniel was chosen to ascend because of this. Oma knew that he would never stand by and let his friends suffer. She knew that eventually the Elders would have to acknowledge the fact that some things are greater than them. In Daniel's case it was the feelings he held in his heart for the people he left behind. Daniel is special. He was meant to do this...he was meant for great things. All the bad things that he has gone through in his life, all the pain that he has suffered...it brought him to this point. No matter what he's been through, he saw good in everyone. He believed that someday things would be better and there would be no more hurt in the world. He is destined to go on General...believe in that. I will not allow anything to happen to any of them. Of that you can be sure."
Hammond smiled softly and nodded. And with that she left and made her way up to Thor's ship, which was still in orbit around earth.
*-*
"I am concerned."
"About?"
"What will happen if they succeed."
"I don't understand."
"I am aware of what both you and Cleo are going to lose after this. I am aware that this situation is partially our own doing. The Four Races need to come together to destroy Anubis. The Furlings are sending a representative as are the Nox, however, I have been instructed not to interfere."
At that moment SG1 beamed on board, accompanied by Jonas Quinn. They looked around and realized that they had interrupted a conversation not meant for them to hear.
"O'Neill, Major Carter, Teal'c, Dr Jackson and Jonas Quinn. Welcome. There is something we need to discuss." Thor indicated for the team to be seated. "Cleo will be joining us shortly. However, there is something you must know."
"That doesn't sound good."
"Indeed."
"It will take a representative from all of the four races to take down Anubis. The Furlings and The Nox will be arriving shortly. I believe that Cleo has been chosen to complete the task for The Ancients...however, I have been instructed by the High Council not to partake."
"I don't believe this. How many times have we saved their little grey butts...."
"Jack!"
"...we helped you out with the Replicators for god's sake..."
"Colonel!"
"...everytime you've asked for help we've been there..."
"Colonel O'Neill!"
"...what?..."
"I am aware of all you have done for us O'Neill, but I cannot act without the approval of the High Council." Thor spoke softly, with sadness in his voice. "I wish there was another way."
"There's always another way!" Cleo appeared in the room, alongside Lya of the Nox and another humanoid. "The High Council have approved your participation in this mission Thor. The treaty has been re-activated."
"Cleo?"
"Orlin...the Elders have betrayed us. We are on our own for this one, but we must act quickly. Anubis is in orbit around the planet. However, we only get one shot at this. If he finds what he is looking for on that planet, he will proceed to Earth and destroy everything that stands in his way."
"I don't understand..." Daniel held Cleo's gaze, but could not read her thoughts.
"Daniel...the Lost City of the Ancients...is on Earth...I believe you know it as Atlantis." Cleo turned to Thor. "I do not have much time. Once the Elders find out that I have disobeyed them...they will descend me and strip my powers...we have to act fast."
"Orlin? How are you holding up?"
"Fine...seeing Samantha again...it's like remembering what you've lost for the first time. I want to be with her Cleo."
"I know...and after this is all over, if that's what you want...then there will be nothing stopping you."
"What about the weapons? Who will monitor their use?"
"I will Orlin."
"But what about Daniel?"
"Daniel...that's a situation I didn't envisage...oh Orlin...he wasn't supposed to remember. The Elders told me he wouldn't remember. And now I'm faced with the fact that he remembers all too well and it's making it difficult for me to do my job. If we fail...then it's all over...for everyone. There is no way that the Elders will allow us to ascend them."
"But you love him and he loves you."
"I know. But my responsibilities lie elsewhere at the moment. If I get sidetracked...it could be disastrous. If we fail...you know what they will do to us don't you." Orlin nodded. "We've taken a huge risk coming here and helping them. We stand to lose as much as they do and I don't want to get tangled up in something that's going to make this any harder than it already is."
"Samantha's calling..." Orlin turned to Cleo. "...I'll go see what they want...and Cleo...you need to resolve this." Orlin disappeared leaving Cleo alone with her thoughts.
Another figure appeared by her side some time later. "Hello Cleo."
"Davish...what are you doing here?"
"The Elders have sent me to check your progress."
"It's all gone wrong...they got it wrong...Daniel remembers everything...it wasn't supposed to be like this."
"It didn't go wrong Cleo...the Elders extracted the memories...it's just, Daniel remembered in his heart...and you know as well as I do that they can't interfere with matters of the heart. His feelings are linked to his memories...he remembers because of the guilt and the love he felt for the people he left behind and the people of Abydos. He remembers you because of the comfort you offered him and the way in which you were there for him...he felt safe and loved. That's how he remembers."
"Davish...what am I going to do? I can't get through this. Everytime he looks at me...it kills me inside. I know that when this is all over...I'm never going to see him again. I know that he's never going to get a resolution in this. It's just going to add to all the things he's already lost. How can they ask me to do this, knowing that he has this attachment to me?"
"Cleo - you were chosen for this task because of your familiarity with Daniel Jackson, the same way Orlin was chosen because of his familiarity with Samantha Carter. They would trust you and would follow you. If the Elders had appeared to them...they would never have listened. It had to be you two. There was no other choice."
"It hardly makes it right though does it?"
Davish smiled at her. "You will find a way Cleo - you always do. Of that...I am quite certain."
*-*
Samantha watched as Orlin appeared in the briefing room.
"Samantha...you called."
"Yes Orlin. Please...take a seat."
Orlin sat down at the table and looked around at the anxious faces of SG1.
"We have received Intel that Anubis is currently on his way to a previously uncharted planet." General Hammond started. "We have never visited this planet before, as it was not featured on the Abydos cartouche, however, it is one of the gates that Colonel O'Neill placed in the database whilst he was under the influence of the Ancients device."
Orlin nodded. "It is likely that this planet either holds the City of the Ancients, or at least holds information on it's whereabouts."
"There was no mention on the tablet that we found on Abydos of this planet." Daniel glanced through his translations.
"Are not all the Ancients aware of where the City is located?" Teal'c raised his eyebrow at Orlin.
"No...we are not. The secret is closely guarded by the Elders. Although they have given us permission to help you...they are not willing to tell you the exact location."
"See...I knew there was more going on here...you mean to tell me, that those 'glowy' bastards know where this city is, but they are going to make us do the leg work?"
"Yes."
"Why those..."
"Colonel O'Neill....please!" General Hammond shot Jack a warning look before continuing. "Orlin...does Cleo have any further information that could help us?"
"I am unsure...she is currently scouting Anubis' ship."
"Isn't that kind of dangerous...I mean Anubis can sense you, can't he?" Jonas looked at Orlin. Orlin noted the worry on his face and also noted that Daniel was looking extremely disturbed by this latest revelation.
"He can. I am sure that Cleo would not place herself in danger."
"I hope not...we need her." 'I need her.' Daniel added silently. He sighed. He could feel Cleo pulling away from him and he was unsure why. Whilst he had been ascended she had always been there. When he needed to talk, when he needed comfort, when he needed a distraction...she helped him through it all. She gave him hope and made him realize that his friends would never be forgotten. She recognized his need to watch over them and now, she was watching over him. But it was different. He felt that it was different. She had promised him that she would watch over them all. And she was keeping her promise...but he felt that she wasn't doing it for him. 'What's going on Cleo? What's changed?'
A sudden blue glow in the corner of the room caught his attention. The Asguard?
"General Hammond. SG1. Dr Jackson...it is good to see you again."
"Thor." Daniel nodded.
"Hey buddy...what brings you to our little corner of the galaxy?"
"I have received word from Cleo. She has asked me to transport you to Anubis' ship. She is certain that she can take him down, but requires a...distraction. I believe that you would be capable of providing this."
"We can be ready to go in 30 sir."
"Very well Colonel. SG1 - you have a go." General Hammond nodded to his team.
"I will return for you in 30 if your earth minutes. The Asguard can provide you with all you need for this task. Orlin...I require your assistance." Thor transported back to his ship.
"I will also return." Orlin disappeared.
*-*
"You know...I gotta tell you. I'm not too crazy about this mission sir." Jack had been ready in 10 minutes and was back in General Hammond's office. "Carter has a history with Orlin, Daniel has a history with Cleo and we've got to put our butts on the line once again...something just doesn't feel right about this."
Hammond sighed. "I know. I have to admit Colonel - I'm with you on that one. But what choice do we have? They seem willing to take Anubis out and we certainly can't do it on our own."
"I know...it's just that. Daniel is easily distracted sir and Carter - well we all remember what happened last time Orlin showed up!"
Hammond shook his head. "Jack...we have no choice but to follow through with this. Despite the personal history between Orlin, Cleo and two members of your team...I am sure that it will not affect the mission."
"I hope you're right sir." Jack grumbled. "I'd better go hurry them up."
Hammond watched Jack leave. If he was honest with himself, he didn't like this anymore than Jack did. When SG1 had returned from Abydos, he had been horrified to learn that Dr Jackson had allowed Anubis to capture the Eye of Ra and to complete his weapon. It was just so unlike him to do something like that. But then, Anubis had proceeded to wipe out all of the System Lords, which meant if SG1 could pull this off...the threat to Earth would be gone.
"You are worried about them?"
Hammond turned at her voice. "Yes...I am. They are my best team. They are family. They have all cheated death more times than I can remember. I'm afraid that this time, they might not be so lucky."
Cleo sat down infront of Hammond. "General. Daniel was chosen to ascend because of this. Oma knew that he would never stand by and let his friends suffer. She knew that eventually the Elders would have to acknowledge the fact that some things are greater than them. In Daniel's case it was the feelings he held in his heart for the people he left behind. Daniel is special. He was meant to do this...he was meant for great things. All the bad things that he has gone through in his life, all the pain that he has suffered...it brought him to this point. No matter what he's been through, he saw good in everyone. He believed that someday things would be better and there would be no more hurt in the world. He is destined to go on General...believe in that. I will not allow anything to happen to any of them. Of that you can be sure."
Hammond smiled softly and nodded. And with that she left and made her way up to Thor's ship, which was still in orbit around earth.
*-*
"I am concerned."
"About?"
"What will happen if they succeed."
"I don't understand."
"I am aware of what both you and Cleo are going to lose after this. I am aware that this situation is partially our own doing. The Four Races need to come together to destroy Anubis. The Furlings are sending a representative as are the Nox, however, I have been instructed not to interfere."
At that moment SG1 beamed on board, accompanied by Jonas Quinn. They looked around and realized that they had interrupted a conversation not meant for them to hear.
"O'Neill, Major Carter, Teal'c, Dr Jackson and Jonas Quinn. Welcome. There is something we need to discuss." Thor indicated for the team to be seated. "Cleo will be joining us shortly. However, there is something you must know."
"That doesn't sound good."
"Indeed."
"It will take a representative from all of the four races to take down Anubis. The Furlings and The Nox will be arriving shortly. I believe that Cleo has been chosen to complete the task for The Ancients...however, I have been instructed by the High Council not to partake."
"I don't believe this. How many times have we saved their little grey butts...."
"Jack!"
"...we helped you out with the Replicators for god's sake..."
"Colonel!"
"...everytime you've asked for help we've been there..."
"Colonel O'Neill!"
"...what?..."
"I am aware of all you have done for us O'Neill, but I cannot act without the approval of the High Council." Thor spoke softly, with sadness in his voice. "I wish there was another way."
"There's always another way!" Cleo appeared in the room, alongside Lya of the Nox and another humanoid. "The High Council have approved your participation in this mission Thor. The treaty has been re-activated."
"Cleo?"
"Orlin...the Elders have betrayed us. We are on our own for this one, but we must act quickly. Anubis is in orbit around the planet. However, we only get one shot at this. If he finds what he is looking for on that planet, he will proceed to Earth and destroy everything that stands in his way."
"I don't understand..." Daniel held Cleo's gaze, but could not read her thoughts.
"Daniel...the Lost City of the Ancients...is on Earth...I believe you know it as Atlantis." Cleo turned to Thor. "I do not have much time. Once the Elders find out that I have disobeyed them...they will descend me and strip my powers...we have to act fast."