A/N: I'm hazy when all the deferent Goa'uld died, so forgive any inconsistencies in the time line; but it's after Apophis' death and before Anubis (whenever that was :P) Sorry I haven't updated earlier – but I'm depressed over this weather. Only in Canada can it be 28 degrees above Celsius one day, and be snowing the next day! I want to move to Tahiti…
Chapter 8 – Meetings
"Okay, people, this is our situation. Right now we have recalled all SG teams and have established a continuous outgoing wormhole to the Tollan homeworld, so this Goa'uld can't get through the Stargate. This is a temporary solution at best, what can you tell me?"
General Hammond sat down and regarded the members of the meeting. SG-1 sat on one side, while Siler and the other technicians sat on the other side. It had been a week since the invasion by Kali, and they were still no closer to finding a way to permanently prevent her from entering the base again.
Short of burying the Stargate.
"Sir, we can't keep the Stargate online for much longer – there is already too much strain on the breakers as it is," one of the technicians said.
"Can't we just replace them?"
"Yes, sir, but we'd need to shut down the gate…"
Everyone at the table fell silent, understanding the unspoken message. With the technology the Goa'uld possessed, even with a new iris there was no metal on earth that could withstand the heat generated by whatever device the Goa'uld had developed.
"I know this is a farfetched idea, but I think if we find the Shiriti'ai we may be able find the help we need," Daniel said tentatively. Siler looked confused.
"The who?"
Jack audibly groaned and leaned back in the chair with his head facing upwards. Daniel gave him a small glare and regarded the general sincerely.
"The Shirit'ai are a group that have existed for a millennia, untouched, here on earth. Every time they have been threatened, they completely disappear. They emerged a week ago, and have now disappeared again. Even using satellite imaging not even a trace of their whereabouts could be found."
"So you think they're using alien technology?" Hammond asked sceptically. Jack also threw Daniel a credulous look but inside he was worried. Even using their alien technology, Jack didn't think they could find the Sanctuary – but nothing is one hundred percent certain.
"Well, right now, I don't think we have anything to lose. We haven't been able to contact the Tok'ra or the Asguard and we can't keep the wormhole open forever. And while it's open we can't go looking for new technologies, so…what have we got to lose?"
"And how to you propose to find these people, when we can't even locate them using satellite feeds?" Jack asked sarcastically.
"They said, before they disappeared, that they were looking for their Puranas and Sruti – here in the States. Now, it would be impossible to find their reincarnated leader, but their Sruti would be someone who most likely came to the United States twelve years ago. My research tells me that the Sruti literally means 'Guardian of Sanctuary' – that means he would have been appointed at the time of the Puranas' death. The Shiriti'ai were fairly active before his death, so we should be able to find out if one of their members is here in the states. At the very least, it's a place to start."
Jack's blood ran cold at the thought of Daniel doing what he was proposing. If they discovered the involvement of the States…and they would find out if they somehow managed to find out that 'John Smith' was a member of the Shiriti'ai.
At least the General wouldn't go for it.
"Very well, Jackson, you have a go."
Or not.
*******************************************
The room was in total darkness, except for the single light encompassing the oval table. The nine figures sat in darkness – each not knowing the identity of the others; except for the fact that they knew that each member at that table was powerful, influential, and dangerous.
"The last situation to be dealt with today is the matter concerning Colonel Jack O'Neill and the Shiriti'ai."
"I don't see why we don't just kill him and get it over with."
"Because he is valuable where he is – for the moment at least."
"Why such concern over these nomadic bums? Even if the Puranas is reincarnated he or she would be a twelve years old child, no one would believe them."
The chairman held up a hand to silence the various members.
"I've received intelligence that states that Dr. Daniel Jackson believes the Shiriti'ai have advanced alien technology which has allowed them to avoid capture. If this is true, then I think we should relieve them of it."
"But how? There has been no evidence of Colonel O'Neill having contact with the Shiriti'ai or the supposedly reincarnated Puranas. Without that connection, how do you propose we find them?"
At that point, the only member that had been quiet during the exchange spoke up.
"An unusual file came across my desk the other day; the SGC were under attack, and the enemy had captured our belligerent Colonel. But instead of taking him, they mysteriously left him behind – injured, but then making a miraculously quick recovery."
"What does this have to do with anything?"
"On that same day, a Matthew Stanton and his twelve years old son, Liam, arrived on the base. Perhaps it's just a coincidence…but when have we needed more than that to act, hmm?"
*************************************
The massive room was extravagantly decorated – gold carvings adorned the room walls and at the centre was a pool of water. Surrounding the pool sat the System Lords, the elite of the Goa'uld. They eyed each other suspiciously, waiting for the their 'host' to make an appearance. The doors flew open and Kali strode into the room. She sat down and regarded the System Lords.
They were disgusted that this low rank Goa'uld lord had the nerve to sit with them as equals, but they were also curious as to why she had endangered herself by contacting them.
"Why have you called us here, Kali?" Cronos asked. "You have nothing of value so offer us."
"Not even the information on the whereabouts of a Furling?" she asked innocently. The others began to shout, denying her claims before she could give proof. Cronos remained seated and looked at Kali steadily. It was no secret the Goa'uld was vying for power amongst the System Lords, but she wasn't foolish enough to lie.
At least, not about a matter such as this.
"Quiet!" he shouted and the other System Lords sat down. "Continue."
"I have discovered technology that allows me to break through the protection the Tau'ri have placed on their Chapa'ai. I invaded their base, and captured that particularly annoying Tau'ri – O'Neill. Unfortunately, I was prevented from taking him through the Gate…by a Furling."
One of the Goa'uld snorted disdainfully.
"The Furlings have been gone from this part of the galaxy for a millennia, and you expect us to believe you found one on the Tau'ri homeworld?"
"Are you sure it was a Furling?"
"How would someone as low as you even recognize a Furling, even if you have seen one?"
"ENOUGH!" Cronos said. "The Furlings are a mixed race; adopting from other species and genetically blending them with their own. Without a genetic tracer, it is impossible to identify a Furling unless it's an Elder. And I rather doubt you would find one of those on a Tau'ri military base."
"I also rather doubt that a young Tau'ri boy would be able to use Furling Shielding technology and resist the Ribbon Device," Kali retorted.
The congregation grew quiet.
"Are you sure it was Furling technology?" Yuu asked, having remained silent until then.
"Yes, I recognized the design on the pendent the boy was wearing. They, or one of the other three allies in their alliance, are the only ones able to use Furling technology because of its genetic security protocols. There is no mistake, the boy is a Furling."
"Still…we have only your word – unless, of course, you can produce the boy," Cronos replied, his tone very serious. "And if you do not, I will not take this waste of my time kindly."
With that Cronos left, followed by the other System Lords until Kali was alone in the room. Hesitantly, her First Prime came to stand by his master's chair.
"Have you been able to establish a connection?"
"No, my lady, they have either buried the gate or are maintaining a connection to another gate."
A smug smile crossed her face.
"Excellent."
TBC
A/N: Apparently people don't like it when I get existential (only 4 reviews for the last chapter) so hopefully everyone will like this chapter better!