Chapter Seven: The Cleanup
Seated upon the throne in the bridge of his command ship, Anubis rested comfortably as his vessel continued its long journey through hyperspace. The dozen or so Jaffa on the bridge worked quietly and obediently, allowing Anubis time to think and make plans for when the decision is finally made to move against his many enemies.
His ship was closing on their final destination and for Anubis, everything was coming together much better than he had ever hoped. Soon, very soon all would bow down before him, but where to start?
A drink, my lord?
Anubis turned his head and saw Osiris standing next to him holding a gold chalice. The Goa'uld overlord smiled at the lovely sight of his loyal and trusted lieutenant as he took the chalice from her. I trust you have good news?
The last of the upgrades are complete and the fleet stands ready for your command, Osiris said.
After centuries in exile, Anubis would finally be able to rule again in his rightful place amongst the stars.
When Anubis gained his latest host, Baltar, the symbiont also gained all the knowledge he possessed. The Human knew this mechanical race called Cylons quite well, including much about their weaponry and defence fields. The new Cylon-style pulsar cannons outfitted on all of his motherships should prove very effective, even against the mighty Asgard battlecrusiers.
Now all I have to do is decide which of my enemies will face my wrath first, Anubis mused aloud. My servants have already infiltrated positions high within the Scarran Empire which will help to hasten their fall. Perhaps when that is done, I just might reduce Earth to a blacken cinder Or seek out and find Commander Adama and use his little ragtag fleet for target practice.
Osiris looked puzzled. Commander Adama?
Just someone from my host's past, Anubis explained. This Adama and Baltar knew each other years back. Now they are bitter enemies because Baltar sold out his people to the Cylons. This Adama is a very wise Human who is seeking the Tau'ri. He might pose a threat if he should locate Earth with the technology he could bring to them.
Then perhaps we should do something about this Human, Osiris suggested.
No need to rush, my love, Anubis answered, extending his hand to her. With a sly grin, Osiris accepted, slipping her hand into his, allowing herself to be guided up to his throne and to be seated on his lap.
I have learned to be patient because it has its own rewards. Anubis whispered before offering his chalice to her. Drink, my love, to our success.
***
The lights throughout Talyn were operating on reduced power after the Leviathan had been caught in the explosion from the destroyed Cylon warship. The dim lighting was barely enough to enable anyone to see where they were going. From all outward appearances, Talyn was crippled in space.
After bypassing two blast doors, both Apollo and Sheba managed to reach the main doors leading to the command centre. Apollo first tried waving his hand over the door sensor and wasn't surprised when this, too, refused to open. To make matters worse, internal communications were down. They couldn't raise anyone on the ship.
This is not good, Sheba said to Apollo as she stared at a dormant DRD in the corridor with them. Its sensor eye was dark and didn't respond when the Colonial warrior tapped it with the toe of her boot. Talyn has to be either severely injured or unconscious. No one is running anything.
How do you know he's not already dead?
Because we still have some lights and life support, including gravity. We have to get inside to reach those manual controls to figure out what happened and get these DRDs running.
Can we force this door like we did with the others?
Sheba checked the large double door, remembering how thick it was. This is a lot heavier than a blast door, it's supposed to protect the command area. We can bypass the lock, but it'll be much harder to pry it open without some help.
From behind, they heard approaching foot steps. Turning they saw O'Neill, Carter, Teal'c, Crichton and Starbuck. The Colonial Captain smiled at the newly arrived group.
Help has just arrived.
***
Working together and with supreme effort, the mighty Jaffa warrior Teal'c and the symbiont-enhanced strength of Jolinar slowly forced apart the double doors leading inside to the command area.
There, they found Athena with the still form of Captain Crais, cradling his head gently on her lap.
Apollo squeezed through the opened doors and hurried to her side.
His sister looked slightly stunned as she turned to him, muttering, Crais is hurt.
What happened?
A Cylon destroyer was attacking a family of Leviathans Athena whispered. Talyn took it rather personally. He got too close when he destroyed the Cylons Where's Cassiopeia? Crais needs a doctor And Talyn won't answer me
We'll get him looked after, Apollo promised his sister as he stood up to face the others. There are people still missing and they might be injured too, we need to find them and check the rest of the ship for damage. If you find Cassiopeia safe, send her up here right away.
O'Neill and the others didn't need to be told twice. They quickly broke up into small groups and filed out to start searching the ship from bow to stern, but Carter stayed behind. She approached Athena and knelt down by her side, inspecting the injured Crais. From the looks of it, the Sebacean captain had suffered some blunt force trauma and blood was caked through his hair on the right side of his head.
Carter's eyes flashed and Jolinar spoke. I might be able to help him.
Apollo moved back to his sister's side, looking at the Tok'ra. Are you a doctor?
Jolinar rummaged through a small pouch she was carrying before pulling something out to reveal a small circular device. Not quite, but I do wield technology that can heal most injuries.
Slipping her hand into the Goa'uld healing device, Jolinar closed her eyes in concentration as she waved the instrument over Crais' head. A brilliant golden beam enveloped him. After several moments, the Tok'ra smiled, deactivating the device saying, He suffered no permanent damage. He will recover.
Thank you, a grateful Athena whispered, as she gently gripped Jolinar's hand, still holding the healing device. Thank you, she said again, louder and with growing tears in her eyes.
You are welcome.
The show of gratitude surprised Jolinar, from her point of view, she had been treated something like a fifth wheel on Talyn. Despite Carter's insistence to the contrary, the symbiont felt everyone only wanted to deal with Carter, unless they required Jolinar's unique skills, like using the healing device. Only Crichton, Chiana and D'Argo truly seemed to treat her as an equal and not some unwanted guest. SG-1 and especially O'Neill were still coming to terms with her being blended with their friend Samantha Carter. They tolerated her but unfortunately, that might be the final extent of it. The Colonials were a different matter. The idea of a joined species was unique to them and a little confusing except for Starbuck.
Whether he was talking to Carter or Jolinar, it didn't matter. He would always playfully flirt with them. Although Carter found his unwanted advances a simple (and rather amusing) nuisance, Jolinar liked the attention from the handsome Colonial.
Still kneeling down next to them, Apollo removed his flight jacket, folding it over into a pillow before placing it beside Crais.
Rest his head here, Athena, Apollo said to his sister. When she hesitated, he tried to reassure her. He'll be okay, Jolinar will be looking after him. Talyn needs us now.
Athena nodded and gently rested Crais head onto the soft, folded jacket. The raven-haired Colonial looked to Jolinar who smiled back comfortingly. I won't let anything happen to him. Help Talyn.
Forcing her worries about Crais aside, Athena rose to her feet and called out, Talyn? Can you hear me now? Come on, talk to me! she begged.
After a long silence, the few functioning lights remaining in the command area pulsed faintly. A dull groaning sound emanated throughout the chamber as a weakened Talyn answered.
He's badly hurt, Athena breathed to her brother. She spotted an inactive DRD in the corner of the bridge and quickly hurried to a console, but found it dead. She slapped it in frustration. The DRDs are all off line.
I thought Talyn could control them? Apollo asked.
Yes, but he might be too injured to direct them and without the DRDs we can't effect quick enough repairs, Athena said. And the manual controls are down.
What can we do to help? Apollo said, gesturing to the half darkened consoles about Talyn's command area.
Crais' transponder can control the DRDs, Athena said before turning to Jolinar. Is there anyway you can revive him quicker?
I healed his wounds, but I can't wake him any faster, Jolinar said. There was only so much she could do with the healing device.
Athena felt incredibly frustrated; she was supposed to be First Officer on this Leviathan, but without Crais' help from his transponder, she couldn't do a thing to effectively communicate with Talyn to help speed repairs.
A hiss that sounded like escaping steam came suddenly from behind them, in the centre of the command area. They all jumped as they looked to the source of the sound and watched in surprise as a black tentacle rose menacingly from an opening in the deck. Not knowing what it was, Apollo reacted immediately and went for his blaster.
Seeing her brother's reaction, she stepped in front to stop him.
What is that? Carter gasped as the tentacle now extended four feet in the air before them.
Crais told me about this, Athena whispered, stepping cautiously towards it. It's the Hand of Friendship.
That's supposed to be a hand? Carter commented incredulously, still next to the unconscious Crais.
I think Talyn wants me be his new Captain, or at least until Crais can recover, Athena answered. It'll put a transponder into my brain so I can help Talyn with his battle damage.
Apollo didn't like the sound of that – there was always a catch. And the dangers?
There is risk with Talyn being injured, I could be overwhelmed by his pain, Athena suggested, taking a step closer. But I have to do this. We're out of options.
Would it make any difference if I should say that this is a really bad idea? Apollo said, concerned for the safety of his sister. The idea of letting Talyn impale that transponder into the back of Athena's neck was insane, but he knew they were out of options. They were sitting dead in space and a ripe target for a Cylon patrol.
Athena answered, also knowing they had few choices left.
She knelt down on the floor with her back to the tentacle, pulling her long raven hair over her shoulder exposing the back of her neck. She looked up to her brother as Carter stood up and came closer.
I don't suppose you two have any words of encouragement?
The Tok'ra moved down beside her and Jolinar spoke. From what I understand, what you are about to undergo is much like a blending between a host and the symbiont of my species. You could be overwhelmed by thoughts and sensations not your own. Don't fight it, but just concentrate on one thought and hold onto it. If Talyn truly cares for you, he won't do anything to harm you.
Athena smiled warmly at the Tok'ra. Thanks again, she took in a breath and steadied herself before saying aloud, I'm ready, Talyn.
Behind her, the tentacle jabbed downward like a striking cobra. Athena instantly grabbed the back of her neck, screaming
***
Daniel had lost his glasses when he was slammed about inside Talyn and he was now struggling to find his way through the ship's dimly lit corridors. Feeling like the only one still alive on this ship, he called out aloud,
When no one answered, he pressed on. Common sense told him that he should make his way to the command centre to find out what happened, but he knew that Chiana had gone to get something to eat this morning in the ship's centre chamber. He couldn't help it; he had to see if she was safe. Also, Daniel was angry at himself for not going with her, instead sleeping in.
He must have walked another thirty yards when he heard a sound - a hatchway being forced open just up ahead. He hurried along to investigate.
he called out again.
Despite his blurred vision, he made out enough to see the door slide open forcefully and two hulking golden metal forms stepping out into the corridor with him. One turned its ominous looking head left and right before its single traversing red eye was directed at him. They were Cylons and the one looking at Daniel took a step towards the lone Human.
Had the Cylons boarded Talyn?
Daniel reached for the zat gun holstered on his belt and drew it. Taking immediate aim, he activated it to fire
That would be most unwise, Rygel suddenly maneuvered out from behind the Cylons, as they made room for him to enter the corridor on his throne sled. They're still programmed to defend themselves against any attack and that zat gun will, as you humans say, only make them mad.
Daniel stared at the hulking Cylon before him then glanced down at his now insufficient zat gun.
Ah, thanks, Daniel said before re-holstering his weapon.
Commander Adama stepped out into the corridor behind Rygel and looked at the archaeologist. Dr. Jackson, what happened?
Don't know, Commander, Daniel answered. Internal communication is down and our hand radios don't work inside this ship. I'm trying to reach tier five.
We all should proceed to the command centre, Adama suggested. What are you trying to reach on tier five?
Daniel admitted. She was going for something to eat. I have to know that she's all right and I could use some help. Ah, please? he begged.
***
Searching another winding and darkened corridor, Sheba came around a corner and spotted D'Argo struggling to sit up.
She quickly moved down to the Luxan's side and immediately saw a piece of metal protruding from his left shoulder. Don't move.
The blood about the wound was black.
What happened to you? she asked worriedly.
A wall panel exploded and a fragment struck me, D'Argo grunted, pointing to a nearby blackened and shattered neural circuit The wound doesn't feel deep.
The wound is toxic and we have to be quick. Sheba started to reach for the metal fragment when she stopped and looked into D'Argo's eyes. Do you trust me?
A shadow of a smile formed on the Luxan warrior's lips as he gripped her shoulder. With my life.
The two warriors stared at each other for a moment. The bond of trust between them was unshakable. She placed her other hand on D'Argo's right shoulder just before she yanked the piece from his left shoulder, causing the Luxan to hiss out in pain.
Wasting little time and with all her strength, Sheba struck the wound with her right hand in a closed fist repeatedly. When she drew her fist back for a fifth strike, she heard an angry shout from behind.
What are you doing!?
She turned in time to see Starbuck and O'Neill racing down the corridor at her - obviously the two had jumped to the wrong conclusion as to what she was doing to D'Argo. Not far behind them was Crichton, who was desperately trying to catch up.
Sheba tried to explain. You don't understand
Starbuck refused to hear her out and grabbed the female warrior, pulling her away from D'Argo and O'Neill slid in between to check the Luxan.
Hold on, O'Neill said to D'Argo. We'll get you some help.
D'Argo looked at him and shook his head.
The wound is toxic! Sheba shouted to them, as she struggled in Starbuck's grasp. You have to make it bleed until it runs clear!
Listen to her... D'Argo said in ragged breaths.
It was then that Crichton pushed down beside O'Neill.
She's right, he said, looking at the wounded Luxan and seeing the blood was still dark before muttering softly, Sorry, D'Argo.
Crichton immediately struck the wound hard with a closed fist and again
What the frack are you doing?! Starbuck shouted, involuntarily releasing Sheba as he moved forward to stop Crichton.
Let him finish! Sheba yelled, holding the outraged Colonial back.
O'Neill winced in disgust as he watched Crichton deliver a series of punishing punches, trying to get the wound bleeding. The treatment to the Luxan was sickening to him (this was suppose to help save his life?), but D'Argo just sat there, bearing the beating and even told Crichton to hit him harder. After several blows, Crichton would stop and check on the wound before striking it again.
Mercifully, after the eleventh punch, Crichton checked the wound again and breathed a sigh of relief. It's running clear now.
Sheba now let Starbuck go and moved down beside D'Argo and Crichton, checking on the Luxan herself.
Will someone tell me what just happened here? Starbuck demanded.
I would like that, myself, O'Neill agreed before adding, Without any fancy medical jargon.
***
The first thing Cassiopeia felt was a splitting headache. Groaning, she tested her limbs. Everything appeared to be in working order. She tested her eyes and, opening them, the ceiling of Talyn came into view. Now she tried her voice.
No one answered. Slowly, the Colonial doctor sat up and looked about and found the Nebari lying prone just a few feet from her.
Cassiopeia called out more urgently.
Moving beside her, Cassiopeia carefully checked for injuries before turning the unconscious Nebari over. The doctor lightly slapped her face, trying to bring her around, while shouting her name.
Then much to her relief, Chiana let out a soft moan. Cassiopeia kept talking to her. That's it, come on back to us. Come on, Chiana!
The Nebari's eyes suddenly flickered open, and settled on Cassiopeia, who hung over her.
Chiana gasped weakly.
Welcome back, Cassiopeia answered. You took quite a stumble.
Chiana stared at her for a long moment. Who are you? Where am I?
Cassiopeia froze momentarily, realizing that the Nebari might have taken a much harder hit to the head than she first thought.
I'm a doctor, she carefully explained. Do you know who you are?
A doctor? Chiana asked then looked slightly worriedly. Am I going to live? You won't amputate anything, will you?
No, I won't Cassiopeia started to promise, but stopped.
Chiana slowly smiled, winking an eye at her. Got ya!
You sneaking little daggit, Cassiopeia laughed. You really had me going there. Are you hurt?
Chiana winced as she sat up. Besides the headache the size of the Galactica I feel perfect. What happened?
Don't know, but we can't stay here. Can you walk?
There's only one way to find out.
A few moments later, Cassiopeia and Chiana were out in the darkened corridor. The Nebari had one arm around the Human Doctor's shoulder to help steady herself, but the two didn't get far when she found the corridor blocked off by a blast door.
Oh, frack! Cassiopeia cursed.
You can say that again, Chiana agreed and sighed heavily, suddenly feeling light headed. I need to sit.
Cassiopeia helped Chiana down to rest on the deck when they heard the blast door creaking. Together, they watched the door starting to slide up. Someone was prying it open.
Stepping closer, Cassiopeia shouted out now again. We're here!
The blast door was abruptly pushed all the way up to reveal a Cylon on the other side. For Cassiopeia, all she saw was that single red Cylon sensor eye pulsating left and right, as it finished heaving the large reinforced door up with a single arm towards the ceiling.
Alone with an injured Nebari, and unarmed, facing a death machine specially built to exterminate all Human life, Cassiopeia naturally panicked, and preceded to scream at the top of her lungs. Chiana just stared in sheer fright at the golden monstrosity.
From the shadows behind the Cylon, another figure appeared, stepping around the machine.
Adama shouted to the panic stricken doctor. It's us!
Gasping for breath, her hands clutching over her racing heart, the sight of Adama standing next to the Cylon looked so very surreal.
A second later, Daniel Jackson and Dominar Rygel stepped through the opened hatch with a second Cylon in tow.
Daniel shouted to his love as he raced to her side to check on her. The two quickly embraced as he kissed her on the cheek.
A still concerned Adama asked a still startled Cassiopeia, Are you two alright?
Yes, if I can get my heart to settle down, she replied, breathing hard while staring at the two Cylons. I hate those things.
Rygel maneuvered his throne sled up to her. Say what you will, but we wouldn't have gotten even this far without their strength.
You wouldn't feel that way if they were trying to snuff out all Hynerian life, Cassiopeia fired back angrily. Those things wiped out billions of us when they destroyed the Twelve Colonies
Excuse me? Daniel interrupted as he carefully lifted Chiana up into his arms. I'm sorry, but can we save this discussion about the pros and cons of owning a Cylon until after we get Chiana some medical attention? She doesn't look good.
I'm sorry, Cassiopeia apologized, having forgotten about the injured Nebari. Follow me, and we'll get her looked after.
We had better come, too, in case there're any closed doors between here and the medical chamber, Rygel offered. Adama nodded in agreement.
Thank you, Dominar, Daniel said gratefully.
As they started to make their way through the ship with the two Cylons leading the way, Daniel said softly to Chiana, How are you doing?
I'm fine, Daniel, Chiana whispered, with her arms wrapped about his neck. She snuggled her head up against his shoulder as he gently carried her. Just as long you are here.