Episode 20: Escape...?

Stargate Command

"The Assembled have discovered the Great Machine," Data stated to the group. Picard, LaForge, the Doctor, O'Neill, Carter, General Hammond and Teal'c were seated around the large conference table.

"Well, that can't be good," O'Neill said.

"Have you uncovered just what this machine is, Data?" Picard asked.

"No, Captain. The Doctor and I intercepted only a brief message at the communication array. I was only able to ascertain that the robots had found the Machine."

"I can't imagine what they would want with this device, whatever it is," Carter mused, "surely they could build whatever they need."

"These Assembled are only able to utilize the technology they presently have," Data returned, "they seem to lack the capability to develop new technology. We can surmise that whatever this device is, it is something they greatly require."

"And since their programming is geared towards the elimination of organic life, I'm willing to bet this Machine isn't going to be to something we would want them to have."

"There is more," Data said, "I have located the co-ordinates of Captain Riker and Doctor Jackson. The Assembled are holding them aboard one of their ships."

"Then they are alive?" Picard asked.

"Yes, Captain. They have been held for interrogation."

"If we know their location," O'Neill interjected, "then we can go in there and get them out. We can use the same method that transported you two into their version of Earth."

"I believe we can, Colonel."

O'Neill slammed his hand on the desk, "Then what are we sitting around here for?"

"Colonel," Data added, "there is more to discuss."

"Continue, Mr. Data," Hammond urged.

"The Assembled seem to be hesitant to move towards the Great Machine. They are increasing their incursions in the hope to uncover more advanced technology. I managed to obtain a small listing of their next few incursion sites. If we manage to arrive in these universes before them, we may be able to warn their inhabitants of the robot's approach. Perhaps we will be lucky enough to stop them from obtaining the technology they seek."

"At this time, I would suggest we divide and conquer. One team work on rescuing Captain Riker and Dr. Jackson while another begins to visit these alternate universes."

"Commander LaForge and I have been working on some new weapons we could use, combing Goa'uld technology with Federation. We may be on to some weapons that could affect the robot scouts," Carter said.

"If it is acceptable, General Hammond, I recommend your SG-1 team and Mr. LaForge prepare a rescue effort. In the meantime, Mr. Data and I will begin to 'visit' these other universes."

"I agree, Captain Picard. Let's get to it."

Assembled Ship

Jackson and Riker sat on the floor, huddled in separate corners. Their bodies were still twitching from the interrogation, nerves frayed and humming with sensory overload. Jackson wiped his sweaty forehead and rubbed his eyes.

"I want to be back in that chair," Riker whispered angrily.

"I know," Jackson returned, "I feel it too. I thought the Goa'uld healing chambers were addictive but that thing made it look like…I can't even think straight."

"I wonder what they plan on doing with all of us," Riker said, sweeping his eyes across the room to the various energy cells.

Jackson shrugged as across the chamber a sliver of light appeared. The Avatar returned to the room, striding over to the two men. Jackson rose to meet the robot when a circle of blue energy suddenly flared to life on the opposite side of the chamber. The robot paused a moment and then moved towards it.

"What the hell?" Riker said aloud.

A small device dropped out of the energy circle, rolling across the floor and bumping against the Avatar's foot. Jackson was about to remark that the device looked like a Goa'uld stun grenade when the weapon exploded, filling the room with a pale light. The energy fields of their cells flared for a moment and then winked out of existence, the Avatar swayed on its feet and then topped backwards, hitting the floor with a loud metallic crash.

"EMP pulse!" Riker yelled.

"Really," Jackson said, stunned. His mind seemed to be moving through taffy, his reflexes slow and unwilling to respond.

"Move, Doctor!" Riker yelled, pushing Jackson forward. He turned just as another sliver appeared and then stopped with a grating noise. Two metal hands emerged and began to pry open the door. Riker caught Jackson's shirt in his hands and shoved the man forward.

"I am free," Chellis of the Protoss said, examining his surroundings. His personal energy shield had also been removed with the pulse.

"What is this circle of light?" Goliath asked, dropping down into a defensive stance, his eyes moving between the slowly opening door and the circle of light.

"It looks like a Stargate…all watery," Jackson said.

"All of you, move into the light! Hurry! It has to lead somewhere better then here!"

Jackson snapped out of his revere, "That had to have been Stargate Command. That was Goa'uld technology."

"Mixed with some Federation engineering, Doctor. Let's hurry. Goliath, Chellis, come on!"

Behind them Kirk bellowed. His cell was farthest from them, closest to the entrance. A blue and silver robot appeared, studying the organics as they fled towards the energy circle. Kirk tried to get around the machine, but was met with a vicious backhand. J. Tiberous Kirk was flung across the room, his body smashing into the far wall and slumping broken to the floor. Goliath turned towards the robot.

"Goliath!" Riker yelled, "You're no match for them! Let's go!"

The Gargoyle turned and leapt towards the energy field, his powerful legs propelling him forward. Chellis began to run as well, outdistancing the two humans. They entered the portal and vanished. Riker and Jackson ran across the room, hearing the deadly hum of the robot brining its weapon to bear on them.

"Come on, Riker, we're almost there…"

Daniel heard the whine of the weapon as the Captain's arm struck his back, pushing him into the energy barrier. A flash of white erupted behind him, and he felt Riker's body simply vanish from within its uniform. His scream of defiance was silenced by the demolecularization of the portal.

The blue and sliver robot strode over to the portal as it quickly dissipated. He stopped next to the Avatar.

"Rise," it said. The Avatar's electric blue eyes flared once more to life and the machine rose gracefully to its feet.

"As predicted," Avatar said simply.

"Indeed."

Stargate Command

Chellis and Goliath emerged from the portal, finding themselves surrounded by a dozen armed soldiers. Goliath reared up, wings spread and eyes flaring with angry light. O'Neill worked the slide on his weapon.

"Holy crap, it's a giant Goa'uld!"

"Don't fire!" Jackson yelled, "He's with me! Shut that portal down!"

LaForge worked a console and terminated the energy feed to the portal. It shimmered a moment longer and dissipated. O'Neill and the engineer made their way to Jackson, giving the half-naked Gargoyle and armored alien a wide berth.

"Friends of yours?" O'Neill asked.

"They are now," Jackson said, "This is Chellis and Goliath."

"Where is Captain Riker?" LaForge inquired.

Jackson's expression was all the answer they needed.

Elsewhere

Picard and Data materialized out of an energy field and examined their surroundings. Data drew out his tricorder and began to work the display, swinging it back and forth. Picard stepped forward and examined a nearby computer console.

"We appear to be on board a ship of some sort, Captain."

"Indeed," Picard said, looking out of window and examining the streak of stars flowing past them. He took another step forward when several guards stepped out of a corridor, leveling their weapons on the officers. Picard held his hands out, indicating he meant no threat.

"We come in peace," he said.

The lead guard stepped forward, looking over the two officers. "How did you come aboard?"

"That's a little hard to explain."

"We don't have time for this. You two, take them to a holding cell and inform Lord Vader we have uninvited guests."