It was dark through the glass, yet stars shined all around. A man sat in a ship concentrating hard on moving it towards the planet. In the seat beside him a green parakeet twittered. In the back were a man and a woman, both concerned for the state of their friend while also being uncomfortable with him piloting the ship. As they entered the atmosphere the ship started to rock.
"Is it supposed to do this?" Elizabeth Weir asked.
"I do not know. It is Rodney's flying I think." Radek Zelenka offered.
The bird jumped off the chair and went over to Radek and Elizabeth, whistling his chastisements at them for making fun of Rodney's piloting. Then he flew onto Rodney's shoulder and began preening his hair. Rodney barely noticed.
The landing was a little harsh, but they made it. The bird snipped Rodney's ear. When Rodney looked at the bird he swore he saw an expression of pride.
They walked outside the ship where night reined and far off lights twinkled from the sky. A bright moon graced their path. The parakeet enjoyed the breeze as they moved. The long distance did not garner any complaints from Rodney as the others had presumed it would.
The entrance to what Rodney liked to refer to as Chaya's lair was welcoming in appearance. The bird flew off Rodney's shoulder and up towards the temple. They heard a pleased whistle and a white glow appeared in front of them. Chaya formed out of it wearing a blue green dress that shone from the moonlight.
"Why do you bring this bird to me?" The parakeet latched onto her arm.
"I see John is as enamored of you as before." Rodney stated bitterly.
"John? Where is he?" Chaya seemed anxious to see the man she fell in love with.
Elizabeth gestured to the bird on Chaya's arm. "That's John, or his soul at least."
"Explain." Chaya ordered.
Rodney was too weary to answer.
"There was an Ancient machine," Radek spoke up. "An accident occurred, transforming John into this bird. From reading manuscripts left by the makers of the device, we discovered that it was made as a form of ascension, killing the subject and reincarnating them as animals."
"That's impossible, we never made such a device." Chaya was shocked.
"Perhaps you do not know
everything about your people." Rodney said with gritted teeth. Then
he whistled and the parakeet flew off Chaya and onto Rodney's
out-stretched arm.
"If you can't help we'll just be
leaving."
"Wait a minute Rodney, give her a chance. We brought the writings with us." Elizabeth turned to Radek and he gave her the papers. She handed them to Chaya.
Chaya looked over them for a few minutes. "This cannot be. I was told this experiment was shut down as unfeasible."
"Wait, you heard of it?" Rodney's face showed hope.
"Only a little bit. I'm sorry I can't help you, I do not know much about it." Chaya was truly sorry, wishing she could aid the one she cared for.
Radek sighed, his faith in the Ancients wavering. Elizabeth turned away, tears in her eyes. Rodney's heart broke again.
A sudden flapping noise broke the silence. Streaking from the night sky, a small dark object flew towards them. Rodney recognized it as the bird that stalked them only a day ago, though it seemed longer.
He came to a halt mid-air then was enveloped in a light as bright as a star, blinding them. When their vision cleared a young man stood before them.
"I had to sneak into the ship, you left before I could speak with you, then I was so caught up in being out with the stars again that I became sidetracked. I am Levere, one of those you would call an Ancient. Perhaps I can be of help?"
Rodney shook his head, "I thought you were one of the reincarnated."
"Understandable. No I am the creator of the device. I've been charged with watching over those who have changed, not permitted to prevent the use of it. It was I that brought it to your attention. I was hoping that you could fix it, and with my help alter it to reverse the process."
"You mean it's possible?" Rodney's eyes gleamed.
"Yes. I built it, I should know." Levere was confident.
"Then what are we still doing here. Let's get off this planet and go turn John back!" Rodney was ready to run to the Jumper.
"And the others as well." Levere reminded.
"Sure, why not." Rodney petted the parakeet affectionately.
Chaya made herself known with a breeze that ruffled everyone's hair. "If you must leave, when John is returned, tell him he is welcome to visit anytime."
Rodney was too happy to be offended. They trotted off to the ship, excitement at this real chance to save John broadening their hearts.
