In Vakali's office, the Goa'uld were all gathered to discuss the unexpected complication in their carefully laid out plans. Their entire group, servants of their Lord Anubis, consisted of Vakali, Ahkna, Rahzaro and Ahkna's personal guard.
We cannot permit the possibility that the Humans might unite the races against the Cylons, Goa'uld Ahkna stated.
What does it matter? Goa'uld Rahzaro replied. It is highly unlikely that they or anyone else could make any difference.
We can't afford to risk it, Goa'uld Vakali said. We need the Cylons to destroy and weaken the governments in this quadrant of space so our Lord Anubis can go forth and conquer them.
What are you suggesting? Goa'uld Rahzaro asked.
We only have two symbionts left for implantation and I fear we won't be able to get the Emperor alone now with the Humans and their allies here. I believe we should move to our second plan.
It will be difficult, Goa'uld Ahkna said. The Scarrans have a sizable security force.
There's a Charrid troop transport arriving within the arn carrying five thousand shock troops heading for the front, Goa'uld Rahzaro said. We can use them and they will follow my orders.
And I can deal with the base internal security systems, Goa'uld Vakali added. But what about Crichton and that bomb?
Goa'uld Ahkna smiled to the others. I shall deal with the Human.
***
Commandant Grayza paced angrily on the spacious bridge of her command carrier. Captain Braca stood quietly looking on, with the Scarran base Katratzi visible through the huge bridge view ports.
Those Humans will ruin everything! Allying with the Scarrans shows that they are truly a mad species!
What if Braca started. Ma'am, what if they are correct and the Cylons do attack us after the Scarrans are dealt with?
Cylons do not concern me, Grayza declared and spun to face him. With the hyperspace technology we have gained from the Goa'uld, it will allow our ships to be almost anywhere the instant the Cylons dare to attack us. Our fleets can counterattack these machines in force.
But we have only equipped a small number of our ships with hyperspace engines so far and if the Cylons can beat the Scarrans so handily, what chance do we have?
With that way of thinking, none!
Fortunately, for Captain Braca, after serving under Captain Crais and Scorpius, he knew it was wise to keep his concerns to himself. And if your superior is exercising bad judgement, then it is better to stay in position to minimize any damage that should occur. It was a far better option than pressing the issue and getting accused of treason and shot!
What are your orders, Ma'am?
To see to it that the Humans, the Luxans and the Hynerians understand it is not in their best interest to ally with the Scarrans, Grayza paused, before smiling. Then I will get one of them alone, possibly that Commander Adama. After that, he will be telling me all I need to know.
***
Sikozu arrived just in time to witness the tail end of Carter's confrontation with the Charrid. Her low opinion of these Humans suddenly rose upward after seeing they, too, had little love for the disgusting aliens.
Unfortunately, she wasn't here to make friends with them. Her only focus was to get one of those Humans alone so she could glean some information of their exact plans. Remembering how that blond Human was looking at her in the council chamber, he could be her best opportunity. It was obvious that he was physically attracted to her and Sikozu knew enough about men to know that most males of any species have a tendency for boasting when trying to impress any female they are trying to attract.
Sikozu gracefully strode in and took a seat at an empty table in clear view of the Human who was seated with his companions. She had several notes with her and she sat back giving the appearance she was reading them.
Not surprising, she wasn't seated ten microts before she caught the Human out of the corner of her eye, approaching her table.
Hello, I really hope you have translator microbes, because I think I'd like to get to know you, the Human said when he reached her table.
Sikozu sighed inwardly at the Human's attempt to be charming. The price of putting up with weaker species! Keeping a composed demeanour, Sikozu looked up and smiled politely.
My species are unable to use translator microbes, but I listened to your language long enough to gain a fair grasp of it.
Starbuck was surprised. It had taken Chiana a few days to learn English, but this Kalish claimed to have learnt it in one sitting. That's quite impressive!
Not for me, Sikozu said wryly, keeping her eyes locked with his. Tell me, what would you have done if I couldn't understand your language?
Keep on trying, I guess, The Colonial shrugged. Things would be a little more complicated, but it would still be worth it.
You are very direct. That's refreshing, compared to the conventional male and female contact rituals that have been tried on me.
Well, I'm not the type to put on a show. Trying to be cute seldom works with the class acts in the galaxy. Honesty does.
Okay, we'll go with honesty. My name is Starbuck.
Sikozu Svala Shanti Sugaysi Shanu. She saw his eyes widen at the length of her name before adding, For simplicity's sake, you may just call me Sikozu.
Sikozu it is, Starbuck smiled.
She gestured to the chair across from her. Stay and be welcome, Starbuck. Let's see where more honesty gets us.
He returned her smile as he sat down. They each started a game, but with different priorities. For the Colonial, it was another chance to be with another beautiful and intoxicating alien woman. For the Kalish, it was her prime chance to see what the Humans and their alien allies were really up to. Sikozu realized if she kept on being friendly with the Human, he would probably tell her anything she needed to know without realizing it.
From your appearance, Sikozu observed him thoughtfully, you are more than a soldier.
You are correct, I'm also a fighter pilot, Starbuck admitted. And you?
I head the Research and Development department against the Cylons and as you would guess, I'd be very appreciative of any information you can provide. Sikozu carefully watched him, adding softly, I bet you have much to offer me.
I might surprise you. Starbuck stared back intently, liking the way things were going.
Sikozu kept on smiling. Weak species are so easy to manipulate!
Would you like to go somewhere else?
Starbuck was enjoying where this was heading. Go where?
My lab. It's much quieter at this time, Sikozu continued to smile, seeing that she had him. If you wish.
***
In a conference chamber, a large group of Kalish and Charrids stood together to listen to their respective leaders, Rahzaro and Vakali. They were all curious as to the sudden and secretive meeting. None of their Scarran overseers were present, which was highly unusual.
Rahzaro addressed the crowd first. Perhaps you have been hearing rumours of two Cylons arriving at this base. I can tell you it's true. They are here with a group of alien servants to negotiate with the Scarrans for the end to the war.
The Kalish and Charrids all smiled and were ready to cheer when Rahzaro added, Unfortunately, we discovered that Emperor Staleek is plotting to make peace by selling us out to the machines.
The various Kalish and Charrids looked at each other in sheer confusion.
Why? Why do that? One bewildered Kalish spoke out.
What will become of us? Another demanded.
The Scarrans wish to save their Empire. As for us, we'll become slaves to the Cylons, Vakali answered. But that's not going to happen. We are going to put a stop to these negotiations and make the Scarrans pay for their betrayal of us, their supposed allies. We will seize control of this base and capture the Emperor himself. Then we will make our own peace with the Cylons by offering them the Scarrans instead!
***
Going to her lab? a doubtful Apollo asked Starbuck.
Come on, Apollo, the Colonial warrior pleaded. We're supposed to become allies and this might be the first step.
Still doubtful, Apollo stared at Starbuck before looking over to Sikozu who was talking to their Scarran escort. According to Starbuck, she was attempting to gain clearance to take Starbuck with her. The Colonial captain looked back to his friend.
Is that all you are interested in?
Starbuck feigned hurt. What are you implying? Apollo, this is me you are talking to. This is a perfect opportunity for me errr, us to get to know the natives.
Don't remind me, Apollo said, hoping that he wouldn't live to regret this. Okay, but remember we are all walking through a mine field here, so watch yourself, behave and stay in contact.
***
Starbuck felt that he was walking into a Cylon graveyard, but it was only Sikozu's lab area. Highly sophisticated looking equipment lined the walls and the floor and it was all geared to the single purpose of studying Cylons. Take them apart and figure out what makes them tick. Several Centurions were stretched out on what looked like operating tables in various states of disassembly. More Cylons were littered throughout the lab in pieces, placed across more tables and on shelves.
Starbuck whistled. This is impressive. So, what have you learned about our tin friends?
Sikozu brushed past him to a nearby table where another disassembled Cylon centurion lay. She picked up an arm, studying it. What I have discovered is that they are most durable and what they lack in intelligence they make up for in numbers and brute strength.
Anything else?
I'm sure you know much more than I. We have been studying these machines from the moment they attacked, but we haven't come close to cracking their programming like you did to those two Cylons you gave to that Hynerian Dominar.
Starbuck walked up next to her, admitting, Reprogramming a Cylon is still not easy for us, but it can be done.
Sikozu nodded. Right now, my leaders want weapons that can defeat them. Their armor is resistant to most infantry weapons we possess. We studied the possibility of using their own weapons against them. Their rifles are powerful enough to penetrate their armor, but
But the rifles are designed to draw power directly from the Cylons themselves, Starbuck finished. If anyone else picks up their weapons, they'd be no more useful than clubs.
Sikozu said. We had limited success with adding a power core to the rifles, but the energy requirement is much too great. At best, we can get a few shots, but no more. Now, I'm very interested in the weapons that you employ against them.
That would be this, Starbuck said before reaching for the blaster holstered to his hip. He pulled the weapon free and held it up to show it to her.
Sikozu said, scrutinizing the weapon closely without touching it. And it can stop a Cylon?
One hit is all it takesmost of the time.
Sikozu held out her hand, wishing for a closer inspection of the weapon. May I?
Starbuck hesitated for a second, thinking it over before finally placing the weapon in her waiting hands.
Sikozu smiled brightly as she took it and felt the weight of the weapon. Bigger than the standard pulse pistol and nearly three times heavier.
Well, it's not built for looks or comfort, just to kill' Cylons, Starbuck informed her. The weapon has three settings, stun, disrupt and blast.
I see. Sikozu checked and adjusted the controls on the weapon. Let's see what this does on blast.
Starbuck watched as she turned and aimed the weapon at a partially dissembled Cylon on an elevated table.
Starbuck reached to stop her, but he was too slow.
Sikozu fired the weapon and struck the Cylon directly in the chest plate. There was a brilliant flash from the impact.
Sikozu cried as she raced to inspect the damage. The Colonial weapon did indeed cleanly penetrate the Cylon armor. As she continued to check the damage inflicted on the Cylon, Starbuck walked up behind her.
Sikozu observed the still glowing hot edges around the entry point.
Your weapon must use some sort of plasma projector!
Starbuck quickly nodded, holding his hand out. Yeah, now could you please
This is beyond our technology! The energy requirement alone would be enormous. What do you use to power such a weapon and keep the plasma charge from dissipating over a long range?
Magic! Now please hand me my weapon back.
Sikozu slowly turned to face him, holding the weapon down by her side. Was that an attempt at humour? she demanded quietly.
Uh, yes, a nervous Starbuck replied. He began to realize that he might have made a grave error in surrendering his weapon.
With their eyes locked, Sikozu placed the weapon back into Starbuck's hand, much to his relief.
Tell me, Colonial, Sikozu said as Starbuck re-holstered his weapon. What will you do when the Cylons are defeated?
Me? I don't know, Starbuck wondered before smiling warmly at her. Maybe we could do something to help each other out?
Sikozu had to resist rolling her eyes. This Human truly had only one thing on his mind! With patience running thin, she suddenly noticed the large storage cabinet behind him, with its doors left partially open. Sikozu walked past him without saying a word.
Starbuck followed her. What's wrong?
Opening the doors, Sikozu found all the cabinet racks were emptied.
This contained fourteen Cylon rifles modified with an added power core. She said.
Maybe your people are testing them, Starbuck suggested. This is a research lab, right?
But all of them?
***
After waiting for another arn, Emperor Staleek sent word that he would meet only with Crichton, Adama and at one other of their choosing. The rest of their companions would wait in a neighbouring chamber. From the sounds of it, the Emperor didn't want a huge audience and they definitely didn't want the Cylons to set foot within the council chambers again. Everyone agreed that Carter/Jolinar should go since she was the most capable of protecting Crichton and Adama.
Inside the council chamber, the three of them waited for the Emperor and his staff to arrive.
Somebody is tardy, Adama heard Crichton say. The Earthman was stretched out on the large circular table, resting his eyes.
It's a diplomatic tactic, making us wait to demonstrate who's in control, Adama replied, as he paced slowly about the room.
Considering they're in danger of being defeated, they should know better, Carter said, sitting on the edge of the table next to Crichton.
The doors to the chamber opened and Commandant Grayza and Captain Braca entered, stepping past the two Scarran guards posted outside.
Grayza said looking at the three Humans as the doors closed behind them. John Crichton, Commander Adama and She stared at Carter and spoke in a disdainful tone, I'm afraid I haven't caught your name?
Carter laughed inwardly seeing that Grayza was definitely aiming to be the Alpha female in the room. The name is Samantha Carter, but my friends call me Jolly Sam.
Jolly Sam? Grayza said aloud, not trying to hide her amusement. What an endearing name, for a pet.
Carter frowned before flashing an evilly conspiratorial grin at Crichton. Tell me, Commandant Cleavage', did you get your rank on talent alone?
***
It was like any other day up in the command and control, with the Kalish manning their duty stations. The Scarran C&C commander was in the middle, overseeing the deployment of another convoy to the front line, when a Charrid Lieutenant leading a heavily armed squad exited from the lift behind him.
The Scarran commander became livid at the sight of unauthorized personnel on the command deck. What is the meaning of this?
He quickly saw some of them were carrying Cylon rifles and that alone was more than enough to cause immediate suspicion.
he barked.
With weapons ready, the Scarran guards started to move, but the Kalish at their stations stood up and drew their side arms, aiming their weapons at all the Scarrans.
The Scarran commander stood in complete disbelief. What are you doing?! All of you, lower your weapons! he ordered.
The Charrid Lieutenant, armed with a Cylon rifle, moved up, pointing the weapon directly at him as the rest of his squad filed into the command area, joining the Kalish in covering the rest of the Scarrans.
The Charrid Lieutenant and the Scarran commander stared at one another for a long moment.
Whatever you have planned, it won't succeed, the Scarran growled .
The Charrid smiled viciously before screaming. KILL THEM ALL! He pulled the trigger on the modified Cylon rifle he carried.
***
Where are General Rahzaro and Secretary Vakali? Emperor Staleek demanded.
Standing just outside the doors to the Council Chamber, Ahkna looked up at her Emperor apologetically. They were called away on important business, but I'm confident that they will be joining us shortly.
Do they realize the importance' of this meeting? Staleek grumbled. I think it's time for changes around here after this day is done. Come, we can't wait.
As Staleek and his honour guards stepped through the doors leading into the council chambers, Ahkna quietly smiled, whispering to herself, Yes, there are changes coming, but much sooner than you might think.
***
Down in the gathering hall, fifteen hundred Scarrans, almost three-quarters of their entire security force, were summoned by orders of War Minister Ahkna for an important announcement. They waited for nearly half an arn before they saw Ahkna's personal guard walk out on stage.
He moved up to the podium, saying, I have word from War Minister Ahkna.
All the Scarrans listened intently.
She has orders, the Scarran held up a large metal device, for all of you to die!
The bomb he held detonated, incinerating all in the room.
***
Stepping into the council chamber, Staleek found Commandant Grayza and the blond Human female (what was her name??) in an intense argument. Their companions were doing their best to keep the two apart. Adama was standing between them, while Crichton was trying to pull the Human female back. At the same time, the Peacekeeper captain had a hand on his pulse pistol, prepared to defend his superior officer.
I am interrupting something? The towering Scarran Emperor scowled.
Nothing that a Purple Dinosaur song can't fix, Crichton said as he gently pushed Carter back. He leaned closer to the Tok'ra, whispering, Settle down.
Staleek said, stopping before Adama. I wish to hear more of what you have to offer us against the Cylons.
Are you considering forming an alliance? Adama asked.
Staleek answered simply before walking about the council table to his chair.
And are you prepared to permit alien ships inside you territory, Emperor? Grayza said aloud.
If I must to save our empire, Staleek said before taking his seat.
My, how the mighty have truly fallen, Grayza chuckled.
Staleek growled. Tread carefully, Commandant, or I might forget that you are under a banner of truce!
Slowly, Ahkna edged towards Crichton, who was listening to the increasingly heated discussion.
Adama pleaded. You are failing to grasp the serious situation that we all are facing.
All I see is farce! Grayza stated angrily.
Out of the corner of her eye, Carter saw Ahkna silently moving up behind Crichton. Suspicious, the Tok'ra immediately moved and slid in between them.
Standing toe to toe, Carter locked eyes with the Scarran War Minister. And what are you doing She immediately froze, finally coming into close enough proximity to sense a familiar presence radiating from within the Scarran female.
Oh, My, God! SHE'S A GOA'ULD!!! a wide-eyed Carter shouted.
Ahkna's eyes glowed before she backhanded a still surprised Carter across the chamber. Crichton heard Carter's warning and turned just in time to see the Tok'ra taking the bone-shattering hit. He watched helpless as she flew through the air, landing hard on the council table before tumbling over it.
Furious, Crichton lunged at the Goa'uld, slugging her across the face without thinking. The blow didn't even wipe the smile off Ahkna's face, but it left Crichton's fist throbbing from the hit.
Not wasting a microt, Ahkna grabbed Crichton by the throat, pulling him towards her. She roughly mashed her mouth against his as Crichton struggled to break to loose. He was fumbling for his weapon when he actually heard and then felt something slither out of Ahkna's mouth and forcefully into his, then into the back of his throat.
Everyone in the council chamber was shouting at once, confusion running rampant when the doors flew open and several Charrids and Kalish rushed in with Cylon rifles blazing. The first to fall to the concentrated fire were Staleek's honour guards before they could get off a single shot. Next was Adama who took a hit to the chest as he tried to rush to Crichton's aid.
Commandant Grayza knew enough to duck down and seek shelter behind the large council table as Braca drew his weapon and returned fire.
Emperor Staleek stared on in disbelief before triggering a hidden switch located on the arm of his chair. In an instant, his chair was quickly lowered into the floor, carrying him to safety.
You don't become Emperor without taking a few precautions.
Carter heard weapons fire as she suddenly came to. Tasting blood in her mouth, and a couple of loose teeth, she tried to stand, but the entire room was still spinning. It was then that Carter decided to tag in Jolinar.
Ignoring the aches and pains of Ahkna's blow, Jolinar leapt to her feet and jumped over the table to see several Charrids standing just inside the council chamber doors. To her horror, she also saw Adama, Crichton and even Ahkna lying unmoving on the floor before her.
the Tok'ra hissed, her eyes literally glowing with hatred. She ripped off the left leather glove that was concealing the Ribbon device she wore, and moved to confront them.
Seeing the Human female advancing upon them, the Charrids levelled their weapons and fired.
Jolinar activated her shield, and their weapon fire simply bounced off. Shocked, the Charrids kept on shooting even as Jolinar aimed her Ribbon device and fired a wide force blast, swatting the Charrids away like flies.
It was then she saw Crichton suddenly sit up, then hunch over Ahkna's body.
Jolinar cried in relief.
Jolinar of Malkshur! she heard Crichton say, his back still to her. But the tone of his voice sounded wrong. His voice was filled with great irony.
When he stood up to face her, the way he smiled set her on edge. His mannerisms were also all wrong, he moved with swagger and arrogance. Lowering her eyes, Jolinar saw what he had removed from Ahkna's body A Ribbon device!
Jolinar whispered as a terrifying realization hit her.
This can't be happening! Not Crichton! Jolinar heard Carter's mind voice crying.
Crichton slipped his hand into the slender wired gauntlet as his eyes glowed brightly, the Goa'uld using its own voice now to speak through him.
It is a pleasure to meet you, Jolinar. And here I thought all this time that you were dead!
Jolinar sneered, raising her Ribbon device to fire. I won't allow you to have him! Leave him, NOW!
The Goa'uld smiled viciously as he lifted his own Ribbon device towards her to fire.
Then make me, the Goa'uld challenged the Tok'ra. Strike me down now, if you are prepared to kill my new host as well.
The two stood just ten feet apart, pointing their weapons at each other.
Jolinar, a hardened Tok'ra warrior, for the first time hesitated to act
The Goa'uld controlling Crichton did not
Jolinar didn't even remember the force of the blast striking her before her world went dark.
TBC