Chapter Twenty: Jolinar
The damaged Tok'ra shuttle had been brought over from Talyn into the Galactica's Beta maintenance bay for some needed repairs. Unfortunately, none of the Galactica's technicians could make head or tails of the strange alien technology. So Freya and Lt. Hailey had to see to the operation, hands on, to get the shuttle up and running before they could even hope to use it to help launch the assault on Tobin.
Inside the aft engineering section of the shuttle, Freya was trying to restore main power. Much to her regret, they did not have all the required spare parts stored aboard to repair the shuttle, and most attempts to use Colonial technology to bridge the resulting gaps proved to be quite futile. It was like using GM diesel truck engine parts to try and fix the motor on a Japanese Honda.
Freya sighed in frustration, staring morosely at the interior components of the shuttle's main power generator through an open access port. They simply weren't going to get this shuttle up and running in time she feared.
No luck? said a voice from behind her.
From her seated position on the deck, Freya turned and looked up to the Colonial warrior standing in the doorway to the rear compartment. No, Lt. Starbuck. I am having no luck.
Starbuck walked over and squatted down next her, inspecting an open service port and the several, strange, glowing, and pulsating crystals inside it. He smiled. The last time I saw anything like that, it was hanging from the ceiling in a dance club on Capricorn.
Freya inquired curiously to Starbuck.
Oh, it was once a lovely planet before that snake Baltar betrayed us to the Cylons. They had a pleasure city that was a favourite spot for Colonial warriors seeking some needed R&R. You wouldn't believe the place. It was like heaven for me, with gambling halls on every street corner. The food and drinks they served were marvellous and the women, oh man! The women were so...
Starbuck suddenly remembered whom he was talking to, as the female Tok'ra looked back with an arched eyebrow. He had to think fast before he buried himself any deeper. ...Intelligent! Great listeners. I could talk to them for hours.
It was beyond all doubt to Freya, and Anise had concurred, that Lt. Starbuck was quite a ladies man. He had the warm charm along with a disarming and mischievous smile, which he was flashing at her right now. There had been a few occasions on which she'd caught him staring at her back on Talyn. Not that she objected to the attention, but she had other things on her mind that were of a much higher priority at the moment.
I believe that Captain Apollo mentioned that Galactica's engineers had some power generators that could supplement the power source for this shuttle, Freya said. Could you assist me?
No problem, Starbuck said. He was simply grateful for the quick change in subject after nearly putting his foot in his mouth. We have several portable units that we can set up in here easily.
Freya said before rising gracefully to her feet. First, I need to check with Lt. Hailey to see how she and your maintenance teams are coming with the repairs being done on the shuttle's hull. Then you can show me where those generators are.
Good enough, Starbuck nodded getting up to follow Freya as she exited the shuttle. Walking a few steps behind her, try as he might, he couldn't help it as his eyes were drawn to admire her lean and athletic body, and the slight sway of her hips.
***
Carter did a thorough check of her new prison cell. Nothing surprising here, there wasn't much to see. Four plain and very solid stone walls, two very uncomfortable looking metal cots placed on either side of the room, a single drain in the floor which probably doubled as a toilet... ugh!, and one heavy steel door to keep her inside. At least this cell had some lighting to allow her to see. Small improvements, but she'd take them.
Well, see the inside of one prison cell and you've seen them all, she muttered. The blond Major then sat on the hard metal cot, still muttering to herself. I bet the room service will be on the lean side too.
I wouldn't say that, Major Carter, Jolinar's thoughts gently brushed with Carter's. If the Goa'uld were still here, you would be hanging from the ceiling in chains.
Don't you mean we? Carter smirked.
Perhaps, but I'm not truly a part of you. I can only see through your eyes and read your thoughts. Nothing more. Jolinar explained.
Do you have any idea why I can hear you now? Samantha queried.
I have none at all. Perhaps it has something to with the devices that Scorpius used to probe you mind. Maybe it did something, opened a channel of some sort, permitting us to communicate.
Carter hissed angrily. More brain damage!
No, Major Carter. You are fine.
I don't feel fine, damnit! Carter shouted. It's taking all I got to hold myself together. And to top it off, I'm hungry, I'm thirsty, and I smell gross!
Major Carter, Jolinar pleaded. This is what Scorpius wants, to break your spirit. You must hold on.
Carter buried her face in her hands, and rocked briefly back and forth on her cot. Then her head snapped up. Are you real? she asked.
Came Jolinar's response.
Carter said, looking up, as if searching to see if the Tok'ra were somewhere in the room with her. Are you real or did I just create an invisible friend in a fit of desperation?
I am real, Major Carter. However you've got one thing right, I am your friend.
Carter whispered. How long have you been in my head... you know.... conscious?
There was a pause before the Tok'ra answered. I have been conscious, so to speak, since the moment that I died'. You couldn't sense me, but I was here, able to see through your eyes and read your thoughts as I do now, but I couldn't make you hear me.
My God! You've been a prisoner in my mind for all these years, Carter gasped. I'm so sorry.
It's all right, Major Carter. It was not that bad, the life that you lead is exciting and your dreams are interesting.
Carter could almost sense Jolinar's amusement. How so? she asked.
Well, you dream constantly of dancing with Colonel O'Neill, but I have a question. It's always the same, why don't you do something different?
Samantha responded uneasily.
Why don't you kiss him? Asked Jolinar forthrightly. You want to, but you don't.
Carter blushed. That wouldn't be right.
Jolinar laughed. Even in your dreams, military regulations rule over you. Are you afraid to give in to you feelings completely?
Carter shook her head. He's my superior officer, Jolinar.
Jolinar's silent laughter whispered across Sam's thoughts. But you've both admitted your feelings for each other, when Freya tested you two to see if you were possible za'tarc. O'Neill refused to abandon you and you wanted no harm to befall him as he stubbornly tried to free you from behind that force field. Even though the timer on the bombs you two planted was running down. You both would gladly have given up your life to save the other. Now that is love.
I'm not going to answer that, Jolinar, Carter said. Can we discuss something else other than my love life?
I'm sorry, Major Carter. I didn't mean to intrude. Perhaps we should focus on escaping before Scorpius comes for us again.
Good idea, but there is little I can do until they open that door. However, when they do, there will be at least two muscle-bound Peacekeepers stomping in here to get me and I'm not at the top of my game. I couldn't hope to take on even one of them hand to hand. The lack of food is taking its ugly toll on me. Any thoughts?
Carter leaned up against the wall and after a long moment of silence and no reply from her Tok'ra counterpart; the blond Major sat up straight, worried.
I'm still here, Major Carter. I'm considering our options.
Carter sat back quite relieved. Geez! Don't do that. For a second I thought that you'd left me.
I wouldn't do that to you, Major Carter. However, I do have a plan, but like the last one you may not like it.
What do you have in mind?
We blend, becoming as one.
Me becoming a host for you? Carter's eyes narrowed at the mere thought of it. A few years ago the very idea of being a host to a symbiont would have been inconceivable. Revolting beyond description. Strangely though, here and now, the thought of sharing her body with Jolinar no longer seemed so bad. Her time with the Tok'ra had taught her how the two species, symbiont and human, worked together. It could be to their advantage, not to mention the fact that having the added strength of the Tok'ra at her disposal just might be enough of an edge for them to make their escape. Unfortunately, Carter had her doubts about whether or not they could do it. Blend a discorporate Tok'ra mind with a host body.
Is that even possible? Carter asked. You are... well, just existing in my head without your own body.
It is very possible. Jolinar assured her. Your body absorbed me remember? All you have to do is open up your mind and let it happen.
To become a Tok'ra... Carter whispered, she considered her options, and then nodded in agreement. This could be the only hope they had left. Okay, lets do this. Tell me what to do?
Just close you eyes, then lie down and listen to my thoughts. I just hope that we have time...
***
Major Carter and her Goa'uld friend are both going to suffer! Scorpius snarled as his Lab Assistant inserted a new cooling rod into his head.
Standing before him, Commander Arin managed to keep a straight face at Scorpius misfortune. It was unfortunate that the Human woman didn't succeeded in killing the Scarren half-breed. It is surprising that a Goa'uld symbiont was still existing inside her. I thought that your scans showed only chemical and genetic residue remaining.
Obviously I underestimated both the Goa'uld and Major Carter, Scorpius winced in obvious discomfort as the cooling rod screwed back into place inside his head. It won't happen again!
On Commander Arin's belt, his comm unit started to beep insistently. He quickly reached down and snapped it open. Arin. Report.
a tiny male voice replied from the small communicator. Our Marauder patrols have intercepted and boarded a leviathan transport pod approaching the system. They found only the pilot aboard. However, the pilot is requesting to speak to Scorpius. He claims to be John Crichton.
***
[Earth - Stargate Command]
General Hammond stood at the foot of the ramp leading up to the active Stargate, watching and waiting for incoming gate traveller to emerge from the glowing event horizon.
He was not looking forward to this meeting. He hated breaking bad news to family members. Even after all his years as a commanding officer, this particular aspect of his duties never got any easier.
Soon, Jacob Carter stepped out of the energy portal of the Stargate. Upon seeing General Hammond waiting for him at the end of the ramp, he immediately walked down to greet him.
Hammond extended his hand to him. I'm sorry that we have to meet this way.
Jacob shook his hand. The feeling is mutual, George. Do you have any news?
Hammond admitted sadly. Considering that SG-1 was travelling into enemy territory, they won't be able to communicate with us, or they'll risk detection. It's been four days since they left.
Jacob said slowly. If you're going to tell me that I have no choice, but to sit tight and wait for them to contact us, I'm already hating that idea.
Hammond smiled in sympathy. Then, Jacob, if it will help, we can wait together.
George, these people, who have my daughter. They're nothing like the Goa'uld. They don't showboat under the delusion of pretending to be gods. They're straightforward butchers almost like the Nazis were, Jacob said, his voice boiling with emotion. I should be there to help her.
I know, Hammond said sympathetically. But Major Carter's fate is in good hands. If anyone can rescue her, it'll be SG-1.
Jacob nodded and accepted what he was told. So, I'm back to sitting tight and waiting.
Hammond shrugged with resignation. I'm afraid that we both are. Unless the Tok'ra wish to assist us further?
Jacob shook his head grimly. No, the Tok'ra are worried that if they get further involved, they may draw the attention of the Peacekeepers. And right now they're just as happy to see the System Lords taken down a bit.
What does Selmak have to say about this? Hammond asked curiously.
In an instant, Jacob's eyes closed. When they opened, the Tok'ra Selmak spoke through him. I also understand the Council's fears of alerting the Peacekeepers of our existence. However, being a symbiont, I not only shared their concerns, but I also feel Jacob Carter's concern for his daughter as if she were my own as well. I too wish to help save Major Carter just as much as Jacob does.
General Hammond nodded to Selmak, speaking to both of them, knowing that Jacob could still see and hear him. In that case, Selmak that makes three of us wishing we could do more to help.
***
With escort fighters flying a tight formation that boxed in the transport pod, and Peacekeeper troops onboard guarding Crichton, it was a quick and almost pleasant trip to the Peacekeeper base on Tobin. From one of the transport pod's view ports, John managed to get a brief peek at the base during the descent from orbit and, true to the scans that SG-1 had taken of it, the complex looked much like a giant pyramid. As they made their approach to land, Crichton took note of the heavy rocky terrain surrounding the base.
After touching down inside of a huge landing bay, Crichton was escorted out on to the bay deck, surrounded by at least a dozen Peacekeepers. He glanced around the former Goa'uld base looking amused.
I love what you guys have done with the place, but that ancient Egyptian classic look died out about a couple thousand years ago.
Then an approaching voice answered in hollow tones, which momentarily filled Crichton with dread. Ah, is that the sarcasm of John Crichton that I hear?
The Human turned to the owner of the voice and did his best to look cool and collected. Scorpius, I wish I could say that it's nice to see you, but then we would both know that I'd be lying.
The Scarren hybrid stopped within a few feet of him, unable to believe what he was seeing. I must say it is a surprise to see you John. I would have thought that you would be halfway across the galaxy by now, but here you are in Peacekeeper space and standing before me.
John shrugged. I knew I should have taken that left turn at Albuquerque.
Scorpius' patience was wearing thin. This was not his day for tolerating insolent humans. Why are you here, John?
Crichton smiled. I missed you Scorpy. I was in the neighbourhood and decided to drop by so we could discuss old times, break open a six pack, and maybe go out and do some bowling.
Do you have anything else remotely important or sane to say? Scorpius sighed. He'd lost Crichton the moment that he'd opened his mouth and the funny words came out.
Yeah, just one, Crichton said, leaning closer to whisper.
Scorpius eyes narrowed. How did you know about that?
You have a leaky boat Scorpy, Crichton said. It has more holes in it than the Titanic. I even know you have a Human woman from my home planet. I want to see her.
Scorpius smiled. Are you making demands, John?
Crichton said, staring directly at Scorpius. I know that the neural chip that you pulled out of my head was a bust, and that you're studying this Stargate hoping to unlock the secret of how worm holes are created. Also, I know this alien artifact you're examining can, quite possibly, get me home. So, what I'm suggesting is that we make a trade, I'll help you with your worm hole problem and you use this Stargate to get me and the woman home.
That's a very tempting proposal, but there is one slight problem. Scorpius replied.
John was expressionless. What's that? he deadpanned, knowing what was coming.
I've grown fond of the Human female, John. Scorpius grinned. She reminds me a lot of you. If I hadn't known better I would have sworn that you two came from the same family tree. You are both madly irritating.
I guess this means no deal? Crichton asked with a sigh.
That's correct John. I'll interrogate you both until you die and until I'm bored with the woman. Scorpius smiled darkly.
Crichton shook his head in apparent defeat. I can't talk you out of it?
Scorpius bared his teeth in an expression that was way to savage to be called a smile. That's a silly question. No.
I just needed to be sure. Then Crichton swung, punching Scorpius straight in the jaw. This is for leaving Harvey in my head!!
As Crichton knocked Scorpius over, he jumped on top of the Scarren hybrid, pinning him and delivering two more solid blows before the surrounding Peacekeepers could react and pull Crichton off of their superior.
One Peacekeeper behind Crichton raised his pulse rifle and slammed the butt end against the back of his neck. The shock from the blow caused Crichton to fold over, collapsing to the ground like a sack of potatoes. Then, the other Peacekeepers started to get their licks in too, striking Crichton with their rifle butts or just giving a good old flash boot kick.
Unharmed, Scorpius rose to his feet, his pride dented more than anything. He watched for a moment as the Peacekeepers worked Crichton over.
Don't strike his head, Scorpius warned the Peacekeepers. I want his brain intact. As for the rest of him... oh, well. Just as long as his heart is still beating.
Half conscious, Crichton was rolled up into a ball, trying to protect himself from the numerous blows raining on his body before he blacked out.
Commander Arin stormed into the landing bay. I said ENOUGH!
The Peacekeepers assaulting Crichton immediately stopped and stood at an attention.
In one of those rare moments, Arin's anger at seeing such abuse by his men over came his fear of Scorpius. He confronted the Scarren hybrid. I don't care what you do in the lower levels of this base, but I will not have this sort of thing happen up here!
Commander Arin's surprised Scorpius with his new-found bravery. John Crichton seemed to have forgotten his place, Commander. He needed a reminder. Scorpius paused significantly. And don't forget you place either, Commander.
He won't be worth much for questioning or anything else if he's beaten to death. Commander Arin snapped, ignoring Scorpius idle threat. Amuse yourself however you like, but I will not have my men get in the habit of thinking that their superiors approve of such sloppy undisciplined behaviour.
I only need his mind, the rest is just excess. Scorpius said airily, and then addressed the Peacekeepers. Take John Crichton to cell Gamma 22. Place him with the other prisoner. Let the two of them get to know each other, then I can interrogate the both of them at the same time. It will be interesting to see how protective they will be of each other after they've bonded a bit.
***
Ow!
Crichton winced as he struggled his way back to consciousness, then regretting it when he discovered that pure pulse pounding pain was the first thing waiting to greet him when he came to.
Well, at least nothing is broken this time...I think, he groaned as he rolled off of his stomach and onto his back. He touched his sore and bleeding face, feeling the nasty gash across his forehead. But I think I just set a new record for cuts and bruises.
Slowly he sat up taking in his surroundings. It had four windowless walls, a ceiling, a sleeping blond, and a steel door. Yeah, it looks like a cell.
Wait a minute! A sleeping blond?
There she was, Samantha Carter, sound asleep on a metal cot. Her chest was peacefully rising and falling as she slept soundly. Her green military fatigues were a little ragged and dirty, and her short blond hair had the appearance of a badly abused floor mop. But, under dirt and bruises, her face had the fairness of sleeping beauty herself. He could see why O'Neill was smitten.
Crichton tried to struggle to his feet, but still felt too unsteady to stand up, so he crawled over to her. Samantha Carter?
he reached her side. She looked okay, but she had a nasty first degree burn mark about the size of a quarter on the side of her head. Crichton said her name louder. Major Carter?
Kneeling beside her, he carefully touched her shoulder and tried to shake her awake. Come on. Can you hear me? Samantha Carter! Sam!
Much to his relief, Carter's eyes finally cracked open. She sighed, drawing in a few deep breaths, smiling.
That's it. Are you okay? Crichton asked in great relief.
Slowly, her eyes opened a bit more as she looked at him for the first time. In that instant, Carter's eyes glowed brightly.
WHAT THE HELL!! Crichton shouted. She's a frelling Goa'uld!
Shocked, he tried to back away, but her hand shot up and clasped tightly about his throat with the strength of a Luxan warrior. Choking under the crushing grip, Crichton struggled against her, trying with all of his might to pry those steely fingers from about his neck, but with no success.
He couldn't believe what was happening. Did Scorpius put one of those Goa'uld snakes in her for some sort of sick and crazed experiment?
Gasping from the painful grip, Crichton helplessly watch as Samantha, or whatever she'd become sat upright, eyeing him closely. Then she, or rather it, spoke in a hauntingly beautiful, but inhuman voice that resembled Anise's voice when she spoke through her host, Freya.
Who are you?
What the hell are you doing... in Samantha Carter? Crichton hissed out as his captor held him before her like he was nothing more than a rag doll.
You will answer my question, Jolinar demanded. Or I will kill you right here!
