I'm trying to keep up the good habit of updating every day, and wrote this
chapter in a bit of a hurry. I hope it doesn' t feel like that, though. Oh,
and I doubt I'm going to get the next chapter up this quickly, but I'll try
to get it done soon, anyway.
**************************************
Raistlin was impressed by the amount of work and manpower that was sacrificed to the rescue operation. After all, they only had two people missing, and no guarantee that those two were even alive. Idiots. The briefing that Sam Carter had told him about was further proof of this. To call it a briefing was quite premature, since it was only meant for the team leaders, and included not only orders, but planning as well.
The mage and his brother were taken to the conference room in advance, so they could study the pictures taken from their side of the Stargate. There was nothing surprising about them, except for what they had already been told: the draconians were indeed rebuilding the site. Well, that was to be expected. After all, he had figured out what they were after a long time ago.
The second attack of the draconians had made it clear what their target was. Instead of just taking down the companions, which they probably could have done, sooner or later, they had tried to get them away from the portal. They had been going for the Stargate since the beginning. And for that, he could only find one possible explanation: the draconians, or someone commanding them, had to know what the Stargate was and understand its immeasurable value to anyone commanding a strong military force. But that was as far as Raistlin could go with his speculations, since he had no idea of who was in command of the draconians.
One very interesting question, that Raistlin found himself pondering as he waited for the briefing to begin, was whether or not he truly wanted to leave this place. He was actually feeling a lot better than usual in this world, but he sorely missed his magic - here, he would never have but a shadow or an echo of the power that was rightfully his. Yet these people who did not accept magic had strengths of their own. Their technology was beyond what Raistlin could understand, like that window-like device on which he had seen the images from his world, or the weapons that could cause massive destruction from a very long distance. He wanted to learn more of these things, and see more of the world that had created them. But if he declined this opportunity to return, would there be a second one?
Also, he was uncertain of how much he should tell to these people. Should he keep his knowledge of the draconians' target to himself? Currently, he could not imagine what he would gain by that, but information was power, and the situation might always change.
Some things never changed, though, Raistlin thought, as his gaze fell on Caramon. That dimwit twin of his was still reading those childish booklets, and chuckling to himself.
General Hammond entered the room, followed by several people dressed in the standard SGC uniforms. Raistlin and Caramon had been offered similar clothing earlier on, but Raistlin preferred his robes, and told his brother to keep his old clothes as well.
"As you all know, Colonel O'Neill and Doctor Jackson have been taken captives by the aliens of P4A-984. This happened nearly twenty hours ago, and since then, we have heard nothing of them. The Stargate is under enemy control, so it's likely that even if they're alive, they've had no opportunity to send us a message," General Hammond begun explaining.
"Preparing the rescue has taken much longer than we all should have wished, but when we originally found out what the situation was, so many teams were offworld that we had to wait before we could gather a force large enough to even try to attack that army of aliens that's waiting on the other side of the gate. Now, we're prepared to move on, and we will be doing so as soon as possible. We're sending a MALP through in half an hour, and you will follow after it. The primary target of the mission is to bring back O'Neill and Jackson. To do this, the Stargate will have to be secured, and it's unlikely that the aliens, also known as draconians, are willing to negotiate. A secondary target is a safe return for Mr. Raistlin and Mr. Caramon here back to their homeworld, unless they are willing to stay on Earth for a longer period. Captain Carter, if you may, what kind of resistance is to be expected?"
Raistlin smirked to himself. So, they were a "secondary target". Well, at least they would be offered to choose if they really wanted to go.
"We've counted at least fifty enemies from the pictures that we got with the MALP, and the ruins offer shelter to the defenders in all directions. One advantage we've got is that the aliens don't understand our weapons. Last time, they were clearly afraid, and didn't understand to duck, so driving them away from the gate shouldn't be difficult. When they die, the draconians will turn to stone, but of course, that doesn't really matter unless you're fighting with a knife. The only weapons they're likely to use are their sharp claws, teeth, and perhaps swords, so they'll be looking for close combat. That's another good thing for us. Anything you'd like to add, Raistlin, Caramon?" Carter turned to look at the twins.
Raistlin raised his eyebrows. He hadn't been expecting that they'd actually ask him to speak. Caramon was completely at a loss, as usual. Raistlin decided that he could as well help the fools out a bit, since their mission was probably doomed nevertheless. "Yes. It is unlikely that all you will encounter are claws, teeth and steel. The draconians have had as much time to prepare for an attack as well as you have. They will have skilled magic- users with them, and perhaps stronger fighters as well - different types of their race. Some of them may explode or turn to acid when they are slain. I doubt even I can list all of the things that you might be facing when you attack them."
"This brings us to another question," General Hammond noted. He was obviously not impressed by the list of dangers that Raistlin had given. "You say 'you' instead of 'we'. Are you or are you not willing to follow the teams and try and return to your homeworld?"
"Excuse that little lapse of mine," Raistlin replied quickly. "Of course me and my brother will be joining the rescue mission." The mage had made his decision. He had a destiny on Krynn. Here, he would be a laboratory specimen. Of course, he did not really have any intention of fighting to get the two captives back. Perhaps the battle would offer him a chance to flee and hide.
"Is this your wish as well?" Hammond looked at Caramon. Of course, Caramon turned to look at Raistlin, who replied with a very slight nod.
"Yes, Sir," Caramon declared.
***
The MALP was another strange device, something that closely reminded Raistlin of gnomes. It was rather like a wagon, but moved around with some kind of energy of its own, without anything pulling it, and it was covered with all kinds of contraptions. Slowly but steadily, it made its way up the ramp and disappeared into the rippling surface of the open Stargate.
Raistlin and Caramon stood together with Teal'c and the General behind Captain Carter and the screen showing whatever information the MALP sent.
What they saw on the other side puzzled Raistlin, but actually evoked an exclamation from Carter. Raistlin couldn't quite tell what it was - surprise, terror or something else - but it definitely was not out of joy. Both the General and Teal'c looked very gloomy.
There were no draconians to be seen anywhere near the Stargate on Krynn, excepting a few bodies of stone. The captives were nowhere in sight either. Instead, there was a different army in control of the Stargate and the surrounding ruins. It consisted of armour-clad warriors carrying staff weapons like the one Teal'c had. Actually, they resembled Teal'c in other ways as well: they were muscular in build and seemed to have golden tattoos on their forehead.
It didn't take them long to destroy the MALP completely.
"General..." Sam uttered and turned to gaze at him.
"It appears the Stargate has been taken over by one of the System Lords," Teal'c declared calmly.
"Can you say which one?" Hammond asked, his tone very serious.
"No, I cannot. I believe I saw both Serpent Guards and Horus Guards, and others that I could not even recognise. They should be serving different masters, not working together. I truly cannot explain this."
"Then I'm afraid I have no choice. We'll need to adjust our plans. The rescue mission is called off for now."
**************************************
Raistlin was impressed by the amount of work and manpower that was sacrificed to the rescue operation. After all, they only had two people missing, and no guarantee that those two were even alive. Idiots. The briefing that Sam Carter had told him about was further proof of this. To call it a briefing was quite premature, since it was only meant for the team leaders, and included not only orders, but planning as well.
The mage and his brother were taken to the conference room in advance, so they could study the pictures taken from their side of the Stargate. There was nothing surprising about them, except for what they had already been told: the draconians were indeed rebuilding the site. Well, that was to be expected. After all, he had figured out what they were after a long time ago.
The second attack of the draconians had made it clear what their target was. Instead of just taking down the companions, which they probably could have done, sooner or later, they had tried to get them away from the portal. They had been going for the Stargate since the beginning. And for that, he could only find one possible explanation: the draconians, or someone commanding them, had to know what the Stargate was and understand its immeasurable value to anyone commanding a strong military force. But that was as far as Raistlin could go with his speculations, since he had no idea of who was in command of the draconians.
One very interesting question, that Raistlin found himself pondering as he waited for the briefing to begin, was whether or not he truly wanted to leave this place. He was actually feeling a lot better than usual in this world, but he sorely missed his magic - here, he would never have but a shadow or an echo of the power that was rightfully his. Yet these people who did not accept magic had strengths of their own. Their technology was beyond what Raistlin could understand, like that window-like device on which he had seen the images from his world, or the weapons that could cause massive destruction from a very long distance. He wanted to learn more of these things, and see more of the world that had created them. But if he declined this opportunity to return, would there be a second one?
Also, he was uncertain of how much he should tell to these people. Should he keep his knowledge of the draconians' target to himself? Currently, he could not imagine what he would gain by that, but information was power, and the situation might always change.
Some things never changed, though, Raistlin thought, as his gaze fell on Caramon. That dimwit twin of his was still reading those childish booklets, and chuckling to himself.
General Hammond entered the room, followed by several people dressed in the standard SGC uniforms. Raistlin and Caramon had been offered similar clothing earlier on, but Raistlin preferred his robes, and told his brother to keep his old clothes as well.
"As you all know, Colonel O'Neill and Doctor Jackson have been taken captives by the aliens of P4A-984. This happened nearly twenty hours ago, and since then, we have heard nothing of them. The Stargate is under enemy control, so it's likely that even if they're alive, they've had no opportunity to send us a message," General Hammond begun explaining.
"Preparing the rescue has taken much longer than we all should have wished, but when we originally found out what the situation was, so many teams were offworld that we had to wait before we could gather a force large enough to even try to attack that army of aliens that's waiting on the other side of the gate. Now, we're prepared to move on, and we will be doing so as soon as possible. We're sending a MALP through in half an hour, and you will follow after it. The primary target of the mission is to bring back O'Neill and Jackson. To do this, the Stargate will have to be secured, and it's unlikely that the aliens, also known as draconians, are willing to negotiate. A secondary target is a safe return for Mr. Raistlin and Mr. Caramon here back to their homeworld, unless they are willing to stay on Earth for a longer period. Captain Carter, if you may, what kind of resistance is to be expected?"
Raistlin smirked to himself. So, they were a "secondary target". Well, at least they would be offered to choose if they really wanted to go.
"We've counted at least fifty enemies from the pictures that we got with the MALP, and the ruins offer shelter to the defenders in all directions. One advantage we've got is that the aliens don't understand our weapons. Last time, they were clearly afraid, and didn't understand to duck, so driving them away from the gate shouldn't be difficult. When they die, the draconians will turn to stone, but of course, that doesn't really matter unless you're fighting with a knife. The only weapons they're likely to use are their sharp claws, teeth, and perhaps swords, so they'll be looking for close combat. That's another good thing for us. Anything you'd like to add, Raistlin, Caramon?" Carter turned to look at the twins.
Raistlin raised his eyebrows. He hadn't been expecting that they'd actually ask him to speak. Caramon was completely at a loss, as usual. Raistlin decided that he could as well help the fools out a bit, since their mission was probably doomed nevertheless. "Yes. It is unlikely that all you will encounter are claws, teeth and steel. The draconians have had as much time to prepare for an attack as well as you have. They will have skilled magic- users with them, and perhaps stronger fighters as well - different types of their race. Some of them may explode or turn to acid when they are slain. I doubt even I can list all of the things that you might be facing when you attack them."
"This brings us to another question," General Hammond noted. He was obviously not impressed by the list of dangers that Raistlin had given. "You say 'you' instead of 'we'. Are you or are you not willing to follow the teams and try and return to your homeworld?"
"Excuse that little lapse of mine," Raistlin replied quickly. "Of course me and my brother will be joining the rescue mission." The mage had made his decision. He had a destiny on Krynn. Here, he would be a laboratory specimen. Of course, he did not really have any intention of fighting to get the two captives back. Perhaps the battle would offer him a chance to flee and hide.
"Is this your wish as well?" Hammond looked at Caramon. Of course, Caramon turned to look at Raistlin, who replied with a very slight nod.
"Yes, Sir," Caramon declared.
***
The MALP was another strange device, something that closely reminded Raistlin of gnomes. It was rather like a wagon, but moved around with some kind of energy of its own, without anything pulling it, and it was covered with all kinds of contraptions. Slowly but steadily, it made its way up the ramp and disappeared into the rippling surface of the open Stargate.
Raistlin and Caramon stood together with Teal'c and the General behind Captain Carter and the screen showing whatever information the MALP sent.
What they saw on the other side puzzled Raistlin, but actually evoked an exclamation from Carter. Raistlin couldn't quite tell what it was - surprise, terror or something else - but it definitely was not out of joy. Both the General and Teal'c looked very gloomy.
There were no draconians to be seen anywhere near the Stargate on Krynn, excepting a few bodies of stone. The captives were nowhere in sight either. Instead, there was a different army in control of the Stargate and the surrounding ruins. It consisted of armour-clad warriors carrying staff weapons like the one Teal'c had. Actually, they resembled Teal'c in other ways as well: they were muscular in build and seemed to have golden tattoos on their forehead.
It didn't take them long to destroy the MALP completely.
"General..." Sam uttered and turned to gaze at him.
"It appears the Stargate has been taken over by one of the System Lords," Teal'c declared calmly.
"Can you say which one?" Hammond asked, his tone very serious.
"No, I cannot. I believe I saw both Serpent Guards and Horus Guards, and others that I could not even recognise. They should be serving different masters, not working together. I truly cannot explain this."
"Then I'm afraid I have no choice. We'll need to adjust our plans. The rescue mission is called off for now."