Chapter Three: Grand Central Station
"Pedal to the metal, Aeryn!"
"I'm not going to make it Sheba, but you might."
"Shut up Aeryn! You are going to make it, too. Just fly that damn bird! Push it until it breaks!"
"I want you to know that I valued your friendship, Sheba..."
"Don't talk like that Aeryn, I promised Crichton that I would look after you..."
"This is not your fault... Please tell Crichton that I..."
"AERYN!!"
Commander Cain sat quietly in his cabin as he listened to the voice recording that was downloaded from Aeryn's Viper. He still had his crew pouring over every wire and circuit in that fighter to find anything that backed Aeryn's story. However, all of that seemed very unimportant in that moment when he finally heard his daughter's voice for the first time in two yahrens.
He fought back tears as his heart sang. Sheba was still alive. Bless the Lords of Kobol! She was still alive!
He might have shown more emotion if his First Officer Dex hadn't been present. Keeping his composure, Cain shut off the recording device to address him.
Have you finished processing the rest of Aeryn's sensor logs from her Viper?
It's 90 percent complete and so far everything supports her story except for the ship of lights or whatever she called them. Between the time her Viper was hit by the explosion and when we picked her up, there was approximately fifteen centons of nothing but recorded static.
Well, I'm satisfied with what I have seen so far, Cain said as he stood up from behind his desk. I believe that she is telling us the truth. I'm going to the bridge, so please bring Lt. Sun there so I can talk to her.
Commander, do you think it's wise to bring her to a sensitive area like the bridge? His First Officer cautioned.
Still having doubts, Dex?
Yes, sir. All of this just smells. It is too convenient that she should appear when we're shadowing a Cylon taskforce.
Cain studied his First Officer -- he knew him well enough to sense something else in the tone of his voice. Is that all you have a problem with?
Honestly, sir, Dex drew in a breath and admitted, I don't approve of a damn alien wearing our uniform.
Duly noted, Cain answered, overlooking his First Officer's racist remark before prodding him into action. Now, I expect you to extend every respect to her as a guest onboard this ship when you bring her up to the bridge to meet with me. Dismissed.
***
O'Neill stood in Carter's quarters, facing the very determined looking blond Major. After confronting Senator Kinsey with her infamous big ass and small prick comment, she had stormed off to her quarters. He had followed her to make sure she was all right.
Carter, will you just please listen to me! he pleaded. Don't do anything rash! We can work through this.
Sir, you have three choices, the blond Major threatened, her hands holding the bottom part of her black t-shirt. Either you leave, turn away or watch me get undressed.
You are the most stubborn
With a sigh, Carter ripped her black t-shirt up over her head and O'Neill immediately spun about 180 degrees, but not before his eyes caught a momentary glimpse of her nicely toned stomach and grey athletic bra.
And I'm now looking away!
Carter continued to undress as she teased him. Don't want to take another peek, sir?
O'Neill couldn't believe the awkward situation he had gotten himself into and his 2IC seemed to be enjoying it. He kept his eyes glued forward and tried to forget that Carter was undressing only ten feet behind him.
Well, I've got to leave something to the imagination But honestly, I have more respect for you than that.
He heard the smile in her voice. The feeling is mutual.
Then please, don't leave us, O'Neill said softly. Senator Kinsey is a bag of sh hot air. We can take him.
He has the power to destroy my career, Carter countered. I'm on his shit list now, sir. He's humiliated and he will bury me alive in some frozen weather base and probably anyone else that stands in my corner.
I think that's for me to decide. Don't run away.
Is that what you think I'm doing? Carter asked. Just running away?
Are you?
No, but it's better to know when to quit and move on, Carter said quietly. You can face me now.
O'Neill turned and stared at her, shaking his head in disbelief. And this isn't running away?
Carter was sitting on the edge of her bed, dressed in the familiar brown and tan garments of the Tok'ra. She was slipping her feet into a pair of worn but comfortable looking leather boots. When they first returned to the SGC with John Crichton, it hadn't taken Carter long to turn around and leave with her dad and Freya, travelling back to the Tok'ra council to notify them of Jolinar's return. They had welcomed her home and even thrown a celebration in her honour. One of the things they had given her was the Tok'ra outfit, but O'Neill felt the rest of the Tok'ra were trying to persuade Jolinar to stay. Unfortunately, and to Jolinar's credit, when Carter finally decided it was time to return to the SGC, the symbiont didn't try to stop her.
Carter shrugged her shoulders as she worked to fasten her other boot. I think of it as new employment opportunities and besides, you will still be seeing me.
And that's supposed to make me feel better? O'Neill asked as he walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed beside her. It just gives me the urge to go and knock Kinsey's front teeth out.
Carter smiled at O'Neill's attempt to be her white knight.
Okay, maybe a pop in the nose to make me feel better.
She reached out and took one of his hands into hers.
Slowly, O'Neill looked over and stared into her waiting eyes as she whispered. Also, I can finally do this. And then she leaned over and gently kissed him before breathing sweetly, Among other things.
O'Neill stared into big, beautiful blue eyes and momentarily forgot that she was still technically a Major in the Air Force. He leaned over and returned the kiss.
Everything suddenly became surreal for O'Neill. Here he was in Carter's quarters, on her bed, she was about to hand in her resignation papers, dressed in a Tok'ra uniform and with a little gal by the name of Jolinar living up in her head. Could this get any stranger?
Then an eerie thought occurred to O'Neill and he pulled away. Uh, Sam?
Carter said, wondering why he suddenly stopped.
I need to know something, he asked seriously, but didn't know how to put it. Jolinar is not planning to I mean, I don't like people changing personalities during mid-kiss.
Jolinar wouldn't do that to you and besides, she's too busy imagining that it's John Crichton I'm kissing, Carter snickered.
O'Neill wasn't sure if he wanted to hear this bit of information. Don't you find it a little weird that Jolinar is having fantasies in your head that I'm someone else?
You want weird? Well, consider this. Carter gave a rare, mischievous, Chiana type of smile. Now that I am a Tok'ra, you are technically kissing two people.
O'Neill's eyes widened. And that little fact just gave me a sudden case of performance anxiety.
Laughing now, Carter rested her head on O'Neill's shoulder and the two held each other in a comforting embrace.
Just when I thought my life couldn't get any stranger, Carter whispered. Reality thumbs its nose before pulling the rug out from under me.
Not to worry, Sam, O'Neill assured her. You always get back on your feet.
I know I will Except my proverbial ass is getting awfully sore from all the tumbles. She sighed.
Their quiet moment was rudely interrupted when the base alarms wailed and a voice over the intercom blared loudly. Unauthorized off-world activation!
O'Neill groaned as they both got up and headed for the door.
Did the SGC become Grand Central station while we were away and no one told us?
***
Everyone was in the Gate Control room by the time O'Neill and Carter arrived. General Hammond, Teal'c and Daniel with Chiana by his side were up front with the duty technician manning the gate computer. Just a little farther behind them were John Crichton and his father, along with D'Argo, the Luxan ambassador and Dominar Rygel. Not surprising, even further back was Senator Kinsey who was keeping a respectful distance. Maybe it was because of the menacing scowl that D'Argo was giving him.
O'Neill moved to stand next to General Hammond. Who's knocking on our Iris door now?
We're still trying to determine that, Hammond replied, keeping his full attention on the stargate.
Carter now walked up alongside General Hammond, presenting him several pieces of paper. Sir, this may not be the right time, but I'd like to get this over with.
Hammond managed to tear his eyes off the stargate to look at the papers that Carter had just handed him, only then noticing her Tok'ra uniform.
What is this, Major?
My resignation, she informed him matter-of-factly. I'm going to join the Tok'ra and be with my father.
Shocked, Hammond tried to hand the papers back to her. Now isn't the time, Major. We'll discuss this later.
Carter shook her head, refusing to take them back. There is nothing to discuss, sir. You and I both know that my career is finished.
Hammond looked at her, and then to the papers he held in his hand, realizing she was unfortunately correct. Kinsey was out to get her now, and even he couldn't protect her from his vengeance.
You will be sorely missed, he finally admitted sadly.
Just behind them, a shocked Daniel, Teal'c and Chiana listened to the exchange. The disciplined Jaffa showed little outward emotion, but his eyes betrayed a deepening sadness at the possible departure of a dear friend and comrade. Behind them, John Crichton and the others also overheard the sad news and all but one had a similar shocked reaction.
Now, wait just a minute! Senator Kinsey erupted as he pushed forward to confront General Hammond and Samantha Carter. If you think you can just walk away that easily
That's exactly what I intend to do, Carter warned him. So, unless you want trouble with the Tok'ra, you just stay out of my way!
Kinsey glared at Carter and her Tok'ra uniform. Well, I may not be able to stop Hammond from accepting your resignation, but at least I will get some satisfaction from watching you leave through the stargate. I never had someone kicked off the planet before.
O'Neill growled. You are such an as...!
Excuse me! The Gate Room technician's voice rang out. I have an incoming IDC It's the Tok'ra.
Thank God! Hammond breathed silently in relief. Another minute of listening to this, and several people in the room might have tried to lynch Senator Kinsey. Hammond feared that he would have had the misfortune of having to step in to save the senator.
Open the Iris, he ordered before facing Carter again. Would you like to greet them first?
Carter continued to stare angrily at Kinsey before nodding to Hammond. With pleasure, sir.
As she left, seemingly in a quiet show of support, the rest of SG-1, General Hammond, John and Jack Crichton, Rygel, Chiana, D'Argo and the Luxan ambassador all filed out after her. Left behind was a furious Senator Kinsey and the few on duty Gate Control Room personnel, who wished they could leave and not be in the same room with the enraged politician from Washington.
By the time they reached the Gate Room, the incoming travellers were already exiting the stargate and were walking down the ramp towards them. Much to their surprise, it was Commander Adama, Captain Apollo and Captain Crais. There was a single Tok'ra in front, leading the group, who Carter instantly recognized.
Jacob Carter smiled happily as his daughter raced up into his waiting arms.
You weren't supposed to be back for two days! What's the special occasion? Sam asked as she hugged her father tightly.
Unfortunately we're all here on business, Jacob said as he pulled back to look at her. He couldn't help but comment on her Tok'ra clothing. Looks like you were planning to pay me a visit.
It's a little more complicated than that, Dad, Carter said, unable to tell him the truth at that moment. She changed the subject. What's happening?
Jacob looked briefly over his shoulder to Commander Adama before turning his attention to General Hammond again, saying gravely. We have a problem, George.
Hammond said only two words. Conference room.
***
To say that the main conference room was crowded would have been an understatement. Seating was at a premium with only eight chairs for sixteen people. Hammond would have brought in more, but Adama didn't want to waste a moment longer.
SG-1 and Hammond would have given up their chairs to their visitors, except it was not necessary. Senator Kinsey was off in the corner, doing his impression of cancer man from the X-Files, but without the cigarettes. Rygel didn't require a chair because of his throne sled, while D'Argo and the Luxan ambassador preferred to stand. Whatever the Colonials, Crais and Jacob had to tell them, they were too concerned to want to sit down.
Adama stood at the head of the table addressing the curious audience before him. I was hoping for this to be a time of celebration, to be standing on the planet Earth with our brothers and sisters of the Tau'ri with friends and allies near. I'm sad to say that fate has other plans. He gestured to Crais. Captain, if you would show what you and my daughter have discovered.
Crais nodded his head in acknowledgement before placing a black orb device on the conference room table. It shimmered as a glowing holographic projection formed above it.
Cool TV, a fascinated O'Neill commented as he studied the glowing projection taking form above them.
I'm afraid what we're about to show you is Crais said before focusing his attention on the holo projection. We were patrolling the far rear flank of the fleet, scanning for any signs of pursuit and monitoring alien communication when we intercepted this. It was transmitted from a Peacekeeper spy probe. They launch them frequently into Scarran space to track their fleet movements and one caught this deep within their territory.
Slowly, a bright star field materialized in the holo-projection. The picture circled to the left as the probe focused its attention on three huge approaching warships.
Those are three Scarran Dreadnaughts, each about the size of a Command Carrier and the Galactica combined, Crais explained. Now watch.
The three Scarran Dreadnaughts continued to move closer when a blue beam suddenly flashed from the right side of the picture. It struck one of the lead warships on its bow section and a powerful explosion erupted, tearing through a large portion of its hull. Seconds later, two beams struck the already damaged vessel, hammering its stern and back. Besieged from the assault, the ship tried to turn but two more beams struck it amidships, ripping the damaged hull open like a carved roast before it exploded with the brilliance of a newborn sun.
The two surviving ships continued onward, determined to avenge the death of their sister ship against the unseen attacker. Now in range, the cannons of the Scarran Dreadnaughts lashed out with searing red energy beams before the deadly blue beams answered back again in kind. Another Scarran ship was torn apart in seconds by concentrated fire.
Everyone watched in complete awe at the incredible destruction of the huge warships.
Who the frell are they fighting? Chiana whispered. Not even her people and all of their technology could destroy Scarran vessels so quickly.
Then from the left corner of the screen, their attacker finally appeared moving into the probe's camera range. It looked saucer shaped No, it was actually two saucers with one stacked on top of the other. It was massive and moved to challenge the remaining Scarran ship.
The battle was fierce, but inevitably short. The new vessel dispatched the last Scarran ship with incredible ease. For the Scarrans' part, they scored numerous hits, but they didn't even slow it down.
After the flames of its last fallen enemy burnt out, the victorious ship hung there, perhaps to savour its win. A split second later, the camera images momentarily went blue before going dark. The probe was destroyed.
That was a Cylon baseship, John Crichton said aloud, remembering Sheba describing them in detail months before. A big one.
Adama replied. It is a D class, their largest baseship in the Cylon arsenal. A heavy strike vessel armed with four pulsar cannons and multiple turbo batteries. Battles like this are taking place inside Scarran space even as we speak.
This might sound like a dumb question, Chiana asked, but why should we care? I mean we are talking about Scarrans.
Because Cylons operate in a very predictable pattern, Apollo explained. When they move into a new region of space to conquer, they target the strongest power, wiping them out first. Then they move on to the next strongest until all possible opposition is gone.
My people will be next, Crais said. Then probably your race, Chiana.
They are not my people anymore, Crais, Chiana spat.
I don't mean to be insensitive, O'Neill stepped up next to the young Nebari. But I'm with Zat girl on this. From what I gather from Crichton and you folks, Scarrans are the bad guys and the Peacekeepers are most likely gunning for us after the bloody nose we gave them. Why is this our problem?
Because the Cylons won't stop expanding their empire after they deal with the Scarrans and the Peacekeepers, Adama gravely informed everyone in the room. And a lot of innocent worlds in the meantime will suffer and the Cylons shall continue conquering until there is nothing left to be taken in this galaxy. And in that time, they will find Earth and they will exterminate every Human in the process.
Is there a chance that the Scarrans might win? Hammond asked.
Crais shook his head. The Scarrans are losing every battle when their ships try to confront the Cylon baseships. In fact, Peacekeeper intelligence has detected them quietly trying to move several fleets along their border with Peacekeeper territory to reinforce units already battling the Cylons.
The Scarrans clearly don't know how to combat the Cylons and they need our help, Apollo said.
John Crichton stepped forward, holding his hand up. Beep-Beep! Back the truck up! Are you suggesting that we actually help the Scarrans?
More than that, Adama said. We need to unite every space faring race capable of fighting to join in this battle, including the Peacekeepers and the Nebari if we have to. The Cylons have grown in strength since the fall of the Twelve Colonies and unchecked, they have greatly expanded their war machine in the last three yahrens.
Allying with the Scarrans and the Peacekeepers? Rygel huffed in disbelief. If one doesn't backstab you, the other one surely will. This is madness! This is
Our only hope to save ourselves, Adama said solemnly before adding, You saw what two Cylon centurions were capable of when you regained your throne Dominar, so imagine what a fleet of baseships could do to your empire?
Rygel didn't answer, not wishing to admit that Adama was right. His empire would easily fall to the Cylon forces without help. Very well, I'll listen to whatever you have to say, but trying to ally ourselves with them is STILL farbot!
The enemy of my enemy is my friend, Daniel muttered aloud, then looked around meekly. Sorry, I got a little too cliché there for a second.
You realize just a few weeks ago we attacked a Peacekeeper base and destroyed one of their ships, O'Neill reminded them. I don't think they'll be happy to see us.
Peacekeeper Command knows that the Scarrans are being attacked by an unknown force and they are planning to take advantage of the situation by threatening military action in hopes of forcing the Scarrans into surrendering most of their claims to parts of the Uncharted Territories, Crais informed them. The Peacekeepers suspect that they can't fight a war on two fronts and they are right.
What do you want from us? General Hammond asked the Colonials.
You have powerful allies, like the Asgard, Adama said. Can they help?
O'Neill glanced at General Hammond, but they both knew that the Asgard couldn't help even if they wanted to while they had their hands full in dealing with the Replicators in their galaxy.
We'll do what we can, was Hammond's only response before he looked over to Jacob Carter. What is the Tok'ra position on this?
With the Goa'uld all but wiped out, we view the Cylons as the next big threat. We're prepared to assist in any way we can, Jacob promised.
The Luxan ambassador stepped forward. I need to speak to the Ruling Council, but I am sure my government will wish to join this alliance against these Cylons.
This is history we are making, D'Argo said. Luxans, Hynerians, Humans and the Tok'ra coming together to face a common foe.
And we're going to invite the Scarrans and the Peacekeepers to the party too, Chiana laughed adding nervously. You guys are not really going to contact the Nebari?
We might have to, Pip, John answered. Besides, they'll want to join our Justice League, considering none of their mind bending technology will work on an army of mechanical red eyes.
Okay, the Avengers have assembled, O'Neill spoke up. What's next?
We have been monitoring Peacekeeper transmissions and we have discovered that Commandant Grayza will be holding a meeting with the Scarrans at a secret base, Katratzi, Crais replied. No doubt she will be there to force the Scarrans to give up key territories to avoid a war with the Peacekeepers.
Uh, excuse me? Carter moved next to O'Neill. Are you suggesting that we crash the meeting? What if the Scarrans decide toI don't know, kill us?
Well, probably not right away or all at once, Rygel suggested sarcastically.
Adama drew himself up and slowly walked amongst the people in the room, making eye contact with each and every one of them and ignoring the suspicious glare from Senator Kinsey. I have discussed the risk at great length with Captain Crais, but considering the alternative, we have no choice. At the rate the Cylon Empire is expanding, they will conqueror this galaxy completely within the next 1000 yahrens. Only a united front can stop them. As it stands we already have the foundation of an alliance, Adama gestured to Rygel, the Luxans and to Jacob. But we need more help and that includes the likes of the Scarrans and the Peacekeepers, distasteful as it might be.
I can't picture Scarrans and Peacekeepers willingly fighting side by side? Chiana questioned Adama as he walked by her. The only time they think about each other is to invent more efficient methods to slaughter one another.
Adama turned to smile warmly at the young Nebari and to the young man, Daniel Jackson, who stood by her with his arm wrapped about her waist. Adama admired them for what they had together and he couldn't help but think fondly of the days when he was their age and in love. He missed those simpler times.
He gently reached over and touched Chiana's shoulder to reassure her. They only have two choices, to fight together or face extinction at the hands of the Cylons.
Chiana managed a smile in return. I think you are incredibly brave or out of your mind to do this. Why?
I'm looking at one reason right now, Adama beamed as he stared at her, and then directed his attention over to Daniel. And he's another.
We're all fighting for you and everyone else's future, and our very right to exist. We know what the Cylons are capable of and even if they permit us to live under their rule, it will be a very dark prospect indeed. The Colonial Commander continued his walk around the room until he rejoined Apollo and Crais. That is why I am asking for volunteers to accompany us to Katratzi.
For a second, there was a long moment of silence until O'Neill turned to face Hammond.
General, I can't speak for the rest of my team but I request permission to join Commander Adama and give them a hand in saving the universe.
Teal'c stepped forward. As do I, General Hammond.
As do I, uh, too, Daniel volunteered.
And me, three! Chiana chimed in, much to Daniel's surprise.
Considering I'm between jobs, why not? a smiling Carter said with a half shrug.
After that, everyone else soon started to speak up to volunteer to help. They were all speaking at once, giving suggestions and hatching plans. The mood was hopeful that together they could accomplish the impossible. To save the galaxy without getting killed doing it, or by the hands of the undesirable allies from whom they'd be seeking assistance.
Now stop right there! It was a command, not a request. They all looked back and saw a fuming Senator Kinsey.