Chapter Seventeen: Being the Damn Hero
Commander Adama sat at ease in his command chair in the Galactica bridge area, his attention focused on a nearby monitor, with an image of Moya dominating it. The Leviathan was obediently cruising alongside the battlestar at a respectable distance. He studied the lines of its hull and couldn't find a straight line anywhere on the biomechanical vessel.
Never before had Adama encountered such a fascinating ship... A living ship. It was only a quarter of the size of the Galactica, but in many ways its very existence dwarfed Adama's mighty battlestar.
Its manoeuvres looked so effortless and graceful as it moved along with the fleet, that it made the Galactica look unwieldy and sluggish in comparison. Being born into its natural environment of space, it could withstand many space hazards much better as well. If it should take damage, it could heal itself or repair any injuries' with an army of tiny little robots or DRDs as they are called. Adama could recall many occasions on which his battlestar would have fared better with such useful machines for damage control. Unfortunately, ever since the start of the Cylon war, many Colonials had developed a fear and paranoia of any intelligent machine, no matter how small, simple....or useful.
Adama pushed that thought away as he studied Moya again. Sheba's report's had told them that the Leviathan can think, feel and communicate through its Pilot who, in himself, is another remarkable species. His sole duty was to look after Moya whom he was bonded with and to see to her and her crew's needs. In return, Pilot and others of his kind get to travel and see the stars, which they all thirst for.
It was unfortunate that the Peacekeepers were enslaving such gentle species like Moya and Pilot. He wished there were a way that he could help them. Placing any race forcibly into chains was intrinsically repugnant to Adama.
Or perhaps if Moya could give birth to a few more gunships like Talyn, the Leviathans could solve their own problems within a few yahrens.
Colonel Tigh quickly approached as Adama turned in his command chair to face him. The Galactica's second in command wore a rather baffled look.
We just received a coded transmission from Captain Apollo. The mission was a success.
Smiling, Adama rose from his chair with much relief. Thank you, Colonel. When is Talyn due back?
Shortly, however there's more sir. Tigh glanced over his shoulder, seeing the numerous bridge personnel on duty. But not here.
Adama said noticing that Colonel Tigh had that; You're not going to believe this look.
***
Carter just stared Jolinar' for a rather long moment before laughing hysterically. Now I know I've gone off the deep end!
I am real, Samantha The Tok'ra female replied.
Not from where I'm standing, Carter said sadly. I have news for you, you're dead. You died saving me.
I am Jolinar, not some illusion or a trick planted by Scorpius. However, you are correct on one point, I did die. A piece of me, some essence if you will is still with you. For some reason, only now I have been able to gain your attention.
Carter could only shake her head, feeling her remaining sanity flying, no, rocketing out the window. I have finally lost it.
You are still quite sane, Samantha, Jolinar insisted. It is very unique for a host to outlive the symbiont. After I died, your body absorbed me into yours, making me truly one with you. I can't explain it beyond that, although I'm here now, able to speak to you.
For a long moment, Carter stared at Jolinar in realization. You helped me to escape from Scorpius?
For only the time being. He is having difficulty with you being a past host, but he's steadily overcoming it by using Goa'uld technology. Even now he's seeking you out.
If you have a plan to fight him, I'd love to hear it?
I do, but you may not like it. If we anger him, he might kill you out in the real world.
Just as long it prevents him from gaining my knowledge about the stargate, I don't care. And being dead can't be worse than having him steal my sanity an inch at a time.
Then let us prepare. Jolinar gestured for Carter to follow her.
Carter said, stopping her with a touch on the arm. I'm... I'm so sorry about Martouf... I had to stop him.
Carter remembered that terrible day when everyone had thought that she and O'Neill were za'tarc's, programmed Goa'uld assassins. But they weren't, Martouf was the za'tarc. Under the influence of the Goa'uld programming, he was powerless to stop himself from trying to kill the man that he'd believed to be the President of the United States who had come to the SGC to sign a treaty with the Tok'ra. It wasn't the President; it was all staged with a decoy to smoke out the za'tarc.
In the confusion and mayhem, Martouf withstood a hail of bullets fired from several Secret Service agents and even a blast from a zatgun while remaining conscious. Carter still remembered clearly Martouf falling to his knees after the first hit from the Teal'c's zatgun. He started to reach to activate the self-destruct button on his weapon. His face was so desperate as he looked at her as she held her own weapon on him.
he pleaded. Martouf couldn't stop; he needed her to do it for him.
With little choice, Samantha shot him with her zatgun, killing him.
Killing him...
Jolinar studied Carter for a moment, seeing tears welling in her eyes. With a sorrowful expression, the Tok'ra placed both of her hands gently on Sam's shoulders. There is no need to apologize. You did what had to be done and Martouf knew it as well. As do I.
But I'd hoped that it wasn't him, Carter quietly sobbed. I should have...
Samantha, you did exactly what I would have done. If I had been there instead of you, I would have shot him and I would have grieved as much, if not more. Jolinar leaned in closer to Carter, adding softly. I am grateful that you two managed to become friends in what little time you had because I enjoyed the way that you saw him through your eyes.
Hearing that from Jolinar meant a great deal to Carter. She was about to say something when the Tok'ra suddenly looked to her left, eyeing the horizon.
What is it? Carter asked, but she already sensed the answer that she dreaded.
He's coming, Jolinar whispered before looking to Carter. We must get ready for him.
***
When Talyn finally rejoined the Colonial fleet, curiosity about the two alien ships and their passengers had grown to a fever pitch throughout every vessel in the refugee flotilla.
Commander Adama was prepared to meet Apollo's return as Talyn's transport pod approached, carrying his son and their newly acquired friends, who were yet more descendants of the Tau'ri from Earth! According to Apollo's last transmitted report, the people of Earth do indeed have this ancient device called the Stargate and had mastered its use.
Amazing. Just merely stepping through a seemingly magical portal permitted them to visit far distant worlds. It was hard to believe that such a device could exist, let alone operate...but it does. This alone showed that the people of Earth had much to offer. They had, in a matter of a few yahrens, explored further and deeper into the galaxy than the former Twelve Colonies could accomplish in a thousand yahrens.
Unfortunately, as Adama started to leave the bridge to greet Talyn's transport pod, Colonel Tigh reported that the Council of Twelve had gathered and were politely' requesting his presence.
This had Adama concerned, he wished to keep the discovery of Earth quiet for the time being. If the council had learned about Earth's discovery before the fleet could be properly informed, then rumour and speculation could get ahead of the facts, especially about Earth's ability to protect them.
Adama ordered Colonel Tigh to see to the landing transport pod and its passengers and to keep everything quiet while he went to see what the Council wanted.
Not that Adama was too overly worried. He was the ruling President for the Council of Twelve and had full authority in military situations, but the Council had the power to overrule him in matters of civilian affairs. They could cause problems if they found out about Earth and started demanding answers he could not possibly give at the moment.
With a deep sigh, Adama readied himself and entered the Council Chambers prepared for the worst.
The Council of Twelve were all present and seated about the chamber's huge conference table. Adama walked casually to his seat at the head of table, pretending that all was normal.
Gentlemen, I understand that you have requested my presence here. What may I do for you?
One of the council members on the far side of the table spoke up first. We are concerned about those two alien ships that has been accompanying us for the last two days and how you've permitted these alien beings' to swarm all over the fleet.
So, that's the problem, Adama thought with a smile. Gentlemen, I've already informed you and the fleet that the aliens are friendly. They did help return Lt. Sheba to us, and even saved us from the Peacekeepers. Also, I don't believe that four aliens touring on the Rising Star constitutes a swarm.
Regardless, we still know little about these beings, another Council member said loudly. For all we know they could only be assisting us to further their own interests. Now you have allowed them run amok through the fleet permitting them to do as they please.
I assigned Lt. Jolly and Lt. Boomer to look after them and I've received no complaints of any kind. He paused significantly. That is, I'd heard no complaints until I stepped into this chamber, Adama pointed out to the Council member. Also, Montrose and with all due respect, there is no secret that your feelings about beings who are non-Human are not exactly...balanced.
Montrose's face suddenly reddened. You dare to make light of this situation with an unfounded accusation Adama?!
A Council member seated next to Montrose suddenly raised his hand trying to defuse the growing tension in the room. I'm sure Adama meant nothing. We all have been under a great deal of strain ever since we entered this new and hostile region of space. But we must recognize the need to be cautious of the lifeforms who live here. That means Adama, that you must understand our concerns in having these new beings amongst us. However, if you have them under watch by our warriors, then I don't see a problem.
All your concerns are duly noted. Adama nodded. Now, if there's nothing else, gentlemen, I must take my leave of you.
There is one more thing, Adama, Montrose said slowly. That second smaller ship. It has come to our attention that you transferred four Vipers and several support personnel and warriors on it, including Captain Apollo before it headed off into deep space. Is there something we should be informed about?
Adama smiled very calmly. Nothing too important. I requested an area of space along our path to be thoroughly scouted and their Captain was happy to comply.
***
Since joining the SGC, Colonel O'Neill had been on quite a few spacecraft in his time, but he was quite impressed by the very sight of the immense Colonial warship and the fleet that it was guarding.
The Battlestar Galactica! O'Neill thought silently with a grin. If we had that baby parked at the front doorstep of Earth, we probably wouldn't have to worry about the Goa'uld again.
Although he wasn't exactly the most in-depth' man in the technical arena, he did his best to take in every detail as their transport came in for a landing. Once they had touched down inside the Galactica's immense landing bay, and were disembarking from the shuttle, the first thing that O'Neill noticed was the long line of parked Colonial Vipers.
O'Neill had to admit, it wasn't as flashy as an Asgard ship, but it was very practical built. Sort of like an Earth aircraft carrier crossed with a spacegoing battleship, except it was bigger... a whole lot BIGGER.
Captain Apollo, O'Neill said to the Colonial warrior leading them, as he pointed to the line of Vipers. If we let you folks settle on Earth, would you guys be willing to share some of those with us?
Apollo smiled politely. My father and the Council of Twelve will have the final decision on that, but yes, I am certain that we will. All our technology and knowledge will be shared and taught to you.
O'Neill was pleased.
Finally, not only had they made contact with a civilization with advanced technology (and one that was willing to share it!) that could finally enable them to defend Earth, but that contact also offered their best hope to rescue Sam.
***
After his meeting with the Council of Twelve, Commander Adama decided to meet with the newly discovered Tau'ri in the privacy of his ready room, and only them. He was suddenly becoming bothered by the fact that after three yahrens with no contact from the people of Earth, suddenly in a mere two days, the Tau'ri were popping up all over the place.
He wanted to interview them with no one from Moya present, including John Crichton. If this was some elaborate deception, then he might be better able to expose it.
As he sat behind his desk, pondering what the next few days might bring for his weary fleet, the door to his office slid open to reveal Colonel Tigh. He walked in, closely followed by three human looking males and two females. Four of them all wore green coloured uniforms and black vests, very military in appearance. However, the taller female in the group had on a form fitting grey coloured bodysuit that was quite revealing in strategic locations. Apparently she cared little for modesty.
Just behind them, Captain Apollo and Lt. Starbuck and Lt. Sheba filed in.
With their new visitors standing before Adama's desk, the battlestar Commander stood up from his chair and greeted them warmly.
Welcome brothers and sisters of the Tau'ri. I am Commander Adama of the Battlestar Galactica.
The slightly older gentleman amongst the Tau'ri, with steadily greying hair placed himself at the front centre of Adama's desk, and said nonchalantly, Colonel O'Neill, Then he politely gestured to his team. This is Lt. Hailey, Teal'c, Doctor Jackson, and Anise of the Tok'ra.
Adama focused on O'Neill. You are the leader of your team?
That's right, O'Neill replied. From what Captain Apollo told me, you have a serious problem and are seeking our help.
Quite right, Colonel, Adama said, suddenly thankful that Apollo had brought them up to speed on the dire situation the fleet was in. Do you have authority to act on behalf of your people?
O'Neill shook his head. If you're asking me for the right to settle on Earth, I don't have that sort of power, but I can deliver a message to my superiors on your behalf. Also, there is a guarantee that we'll be asking to have access to some of your technology in exchange for our help.
Fair enough, Adama said. And we would be grateful for any help or assistance you can provide.
That was almost too easy but O'Neill wasn't about to jinx it. We'll do what we can, he said and paused a second before taking a breath and pressing onto an entirely different matter. It also has come to my attention that we seem to have a common enemy, name of Scorpius and that you are planning to clean his clock.
Suddenly, Tigh, Apollo, Starbuck and Adama stared in confused to O'Neill statement; all three were almost thinking the same thing.
Clean his clock? Why would we do that something that ridiculous?
For Sheba, she could only smile. It was something that Crichton would say. These people were truly from Earth.
She immediately spoke up explaining. He means, that we're going to kick the crap out of him.
A very puzzled Adama repeated the odd phrase that Sheba just spoken. Kick the crap out of him?
Sheba blushed. Sorry Commander, I have been hanging around with Crichton for too long.
No kidding. Apollo smiled, noting that ever since her return, Sheba's vocabulary had become more...colourful. Sheba returned his smile with a rueful look.
What I'm trying to get at is that, we have a friend of ours who is trapped on that planet and we could use your help to bust her out, O'Neill explained.
Apollo relayed that message to me, Adama explained. I'm not sure what we can do to free her. We can't take the base by force.
Crichton has a plan, Apollo said. Although I believe that its very risky, he is convinced that he can do it. Then he gave his father the bare bones of what Crichton was going to do.
This was the first time that Adama heard of this. Apollo's initial report that was passed onto Colonel Tigh and then to him, failed to cover it. Just him going in alone? What does Crichton have in mind exactly?
***
So, you're just going to hand yourself over to Scorpius?! Aeryn shouted just too stunned and angry to remain calm. For someone you don't even know?
Crichton finally got up the nerve to tell Aeryn what he was planning. After they'd landed on the Galactica, he'd led Aeryn to a parked Colonial shuttle saying only that he had something important to tell her. At first, Aeryn had grinned happily, thinking that Crichton had other things on his mind. Which only made it harder for him, knowing the effect that what he was about to say would have on Aeryn.
He told her that he was going to get Samantha Carter out, and he'd trade himself for her freedom to do it. If all else failed, the Galactica will blast the entire Tobin base from high orbit, even though they both might still be inside.
All in all, Aeryn was taking it well, Crichton thought. So far she hadn't tried to knock him on his ass yet.
She's in trouble, Aeryn, Crichton replied calmly. And does it really make a difference whether I know her or not? Scorpius has her and she's probably going through hell right now.
And what am I getting out of this? she said softly. Another dead John Crichton for me to bury?
Crichton sighed; he could now see tears glistening in her eyes. Do you want me to abandon her, Aeryn? Leave her to Scorpius?
Then let me come with you, she demanded.
Crichton said immediately. I have to go alone. Scorpius would use you against me in an instant.
Get someone else to do it, Aeryn pleaded sorrowfully. Don't do this to me!
There is no one else, Crichton stared at her, seeing nothing but anguish. I have to do this. As insane as this might sound, me and Scorpy have some unfinished business.
Then, Aeryn's sad features hardened, as if something finally gave inside her. She drew herself up. I'm sorry to hear that John. You may not have any choice, but I do.
Aeryn then turned and walked away from him. Marching through the shuttle door and across the spacious hangar deck, not looking back.
Crichton leaned against a bulkhead and slowly slid into a sitting position on the floor, shaking his head, muttering angrily to himself.
Way to go hero.
