Heloooo guys. Sorry to tell you, but this is the second last chapter of this story. This story will end with a somewhat open end. But don't worry, I'm about 99,9 % sure that I want to continue writing. I'm having too much fun to stop. I'll write something more about my plans for the continuation of this story in the last chapter. I gotta go now-my dog needs to pee : )
So, have fun with this chapter and please take a minute to write a review if you like.
Chapter 14: Introducing Starbuck
Bars. Once again, he was sitting behind prison bars. This time, however, in a narrow cell on board a spaceship called Battlestar Galactica. Actually, the cell wasn't build for more than one person, but Sam and Daniel shared the small space nevertheless. They didn't complain. For one, because they knew from experience that prisoners weren't in the position to voice any demands. On the other hand, because they were too tired to argue and in Daniel's case, his aching leg was wearing him down steadily.
But he refused worrying too much about it. He knew he wasn't in mortal danger, otherwise he'd probably still be in the infirmary instead of a prison cell. After Sam had started her little exploring trip, the grumpy doctor had spared some time for him and his leg. The man's name was Cottle and he should definitely work on his soft skills. Doctor Cottle had, with the omnipresent cigar in his mouth, explained to him that he should consider himself lucky, because he would survive his injury whereas many other people on this day hadn't been so fortunate. But, the older man had advised, she should be prepared for some pain.
Daniel reached into his pant pocket and fingered the pillbox containing the painkillers. The nurse who had given them to him had called it 'morpha pills' and advised him to be careful, because the medicine was very strong and strictly for emergencies. And indeed, his leg was throbbing mercilessly, but he could stand it a little while longer.
He dropped his head on the pillow and stretched his body over the cot, closing his tired eyes. His tired body demanded recovery. Daniel had almost completely lost his sense of time, not knowing for how long he was awake now. It felt like someone was pushing the fast-forward button of his live, the events of this past day passing by in full speed behind his closed eyes.
Sam sat opposite him on the floor, playing with the ragged hem of her black t-shirt. Her face was graced with a large bruise and he'd asked her several times what had happened. But she just waved him and his worries off. Everything was all right and she'd tell him the important stuff later, she said. Exhaustion was spreading through her body too, making her wish for a little bit of silence and rest. She wasn't in the mood to talk and he couldn't blame her. Although Daniel was aware that they needed to talk about things, he was equally grateful for the break. For a few moments of time to think about their future.
In doing so, he couldn't ignore that they were still considered dangerous, in spite of everything. Stranded in a strange reality, with no real chance to work their way out of this giant mess. Just the fact that these people had, considering his injury, thrown them in a cell spoke volumes about their current status as terror suspects. At worst, they had to stay here for a long time. He detested that thought. If he was caught in another universe, then at least Daniel wanted to be able to actually do something. Or at least, to have the feeling that he could do something if he liked. But lying around listlessly, with absolutely no control over his own life didn't suit him.
"So, those Cylons. What do you think they are?" He asked, breaking the silence as it became too much for him. Sam rubbed her eyes and stood up. He had to give her that, her movements displayed almost no indication that she was slowly reaching her limits too. She plopped down beside him on the cot, not looking at him as she answered cautiously.
"I don't know how to describe this. In any case, they are not human."
"Do they have a solid body?"
He knew from his own experience as an ex-ascended, that there was nothing in the vastness of the universe, which didn't exist.
"Oh, believe me, this Cylon definitely had a solid body."
Daniel eyed her intently, pointing at the hematoma on her face.
"Is this what happened?"
"The situation got a little out of hand."
Daniel's worried sigh about her downplaying the danger she'd been in didn't achieve the desired effect. She sat beside him, stubbornly, not understanding how it had felt for him. Staying behind in the infirmary. All alone. Not knowing whether she was all right or if she needed his help. But he refrained from addressing the matter now. He simply couldn't muster the strength at the moment.
"It was no problem. We've experienced worse. You should she the other guy, though." She remarked casually. Her words were supposed to soothe or amuse him, but did neither.
Daniel pondered her comment. She was right. Considering everything that had happened today, how many people had died, they seemed to be relatively safe for now. He had no idea what was going on outside their cell, but it seemed that the Colonists had found a safe spot in space to organize the chaos that resembled the rest of their civilization. But still, no one was taking to them, no one took care of them. So, how was he supposed to know anything solid? All he could do was speculate.
In the last hour, the Galactica and its passengers had experienced another one of those damn jumps. Why and whereto, Daniel couldn't know. The ship was currently hovering quietly and weightlessly in space. No evasive action. No terrible noise from enemy bombardment. He guessed, that they were safe for now. Time to catch a breath. So yes, Sam was right somehow. They had experienced situations in which their lives were about to be extinguished and compared to that, their lives didn't seem to be in immediate danger right now. Nevertheless, this knowledge brought no comfort for the archeologist. He couldn't remember a mission whose consequences left them in such damned enforced idleness. They knew next to nothing that was useful and nothing that gave them a hint about what was happening here. Their options for suitable actions were nil and he didn't like it. It was frustrating. This feeling…his fate wasn't any longer in his own hands. And Sam? Sam seemed to see it all differently. Or at least more relaxed. It made him wonder if she failed to recognize the danger of their situation. Hell, maybe she was even secretly enjoying this. The thrill, the secretiveness, this journey into the unknown. Good friend he was, Daniel hadn't failed to notice that she wasn't overly happy about the course her life had taken lately.
"So. What are those Cylons exactly?" He continued their conversation.
"I'm not sure. The man I saw….," The man I killed-this was what she should say. But Carter hesitated from worrying Daniel further. She knew that his nerves were more than a little battered.
"…I never doubted him being human. His bodily functions were human. He was breathing, sweating…and he didn't smell that good. And later he was sick and he suffered from injuries like any normal human being would."
"Maybe because those Cylons are human. We've seen that many times before. Two nations that mutually despise each other. So, one fractions denies the other one humanity to dehumanize them. It makes a war justifiable." Daniel interposed. His head was working at full speed. Rummaging in the knowledge he'd amassed during his studies and work, searching for a similar case. But Sam shook her head vigorously. She wasn't satisfied with his reasoning.
"That's not how I understood it. There are these constant allusion. They call them toasters, clanker, bullethead, scrap metal and so on. It's always about artificiality, like they're not organic. Major O'Neill said that Cylons were made by humans."
"So…does that mean they are…what? Robots? Cyborgs? Or maybe replicants?" Daniel considered, his mind anxious. This was the last thing they needed right now, replicants running loose in this universe. If that was true, they were indeed sitting in deep ship, as Jack would say now.
"No, no replicants. I'm sure about that. The man, Loeben Conoy, he didn't act like a replicant. He was bleeding. He died. Talked about god and resurrection like he really believed. Like a real person would."
Daniel was confused. Intuitively, he rubbed his aching leg, taking care not to touch the throbbing wound.
"You just said that Cylons are not real humans."
He watched her concentrated expression, understanding that she was busy searching for the right words. A remnant of her early time with one grumpy and impatient Colonel O'Neill. Young Captain Carter had overused her co's nerves a lot of times with lengthy and detailed scientific explanations. At those times, when they were still struggling to build a real team, the words had gushed of her like water out of a fountain. And Jack? He'd always acted like he really longed to stuff his spare pair of socks in her mouth to stop her 'technobabble'. Instead, he used a rigorous hand gesture and a firm 'Carter!' to make her realize that he favored short, but precise, answers. Answers he could understand without using a dictionary. The two of them had played this little game almost every day for a few months, until each of them had gotten accustomed to the other's oddities. Since then, Sam was mindful of choosing words her teammates could understand instantly. She didn't always succeed. But then again, being around her had automatically increased her teammate's technological knowledge, so one could say that they really had met in the middle. Just like a real team should. He really missed those days. They'd been in trouble all of the time, but damn him, it had been fun.
"They are neither humans nor replicants. On the other hand, they are definitely a humanoide life form. But somehow they don't seem to bee…natural."
Daniel scowled, puzzled.
"Natural? Natural, how? In a philosophical sense, in a scientific sense, or legally?"
"I don't know Daniel. It's confusing me too."
Any further conversation was rudely interrupted when the heavy iron door opened with a creak. Two marines were escorting a blonde woman between them to the second cell. They would have to postpone their contemplations for now. Because the woman was loud, very loud. During crossing the short distance between door and cell, she cursed and grumbled incessantly, resisting the marines with everything she had in her.
Daniel sat up on the bunk and leaned his back against the wall. He threw Sam a questioning look and she shrugged her shoulders. Apparently, she hadn't met the woman during her tour. He tried to eye the newcomer inconspicuously, but the effort wasn't needed. The young woman was so busy insulting the two uniformed men, that she was totally unaware of Daniel watching her.
The archeologist had to admit, she really was an engaging personality. But not in a positive sense. Although she was young, he estimated her in her mid-twenties, her presence immediately filled up the entire space. She wore an identical flight suit as Major O'Neill. The material hung loosely on her, but you could guess that she was slim and toned. Her blond, shoulder length hair was tied in a strict braid and gave her otherwise elegant face a gritty expression. The words that left her mouth, supported her rough-acting nature.
"Go frak youself! I'll be out quicker than you can scratch your balls!"
She graced the two man with a brash gesture. The anthropologist in Daniel interpreted it as this universe's version of the middle finger. She followed the marines to the door with a death glare until they left the prison. She whirled around then, kicking the cot in her cell furiously out of her way.
"Frak! Frak! Frak! Damned Tigh! I'm going to rip him a new one! That sleazy, drunken…."
She stopped her impressive barrage of insults abruptly when she realized that she wasn't alone.
"Oh, hi guys." She greeted, her mood suddenly much to good for someone who sat in a prison cell. Almost as if was no big deal for her. Her alert eyes scanned the two strangers in front of her.
"I've never seen you around here before." She stated, leaning casually against the bars connecting the two cells.
"We're on board for the first time." Sam explained.
The unknown woman showed them a tense smile.
"Wow, you sure choose the so not right moment to visit the old lady. Usually, we are much more hospitable." Her tone was humorous, yet the truth behind the words couldn't be denied. If they hadn't been caught by the GDD agents and sent to the Astral Queen, they'd probably be dead.
The young woman reached a hand through the bars, offering a greeting.
"Name's Kara Thrace. Starbuck's okay too. That's my call sign."
While Daniel shook hands first, Sam remembered suddenly why the woman's name was so familiar to her. Starbuck-that was the pilot who'd saved them a few hours ago.
"We've met before. So to speak." Sam said. "We've been with Major O'Neill when his Raptor was pursued by a Cylon."
A self-satisfied smirk crept onto Thrace's face as she remembered.
"Yep, that was me."
She frowned, thoughtful for a few seconds, then looking suddenly exited.
"Oh wait a minute…wait a minute. Are you the Major's prisoners?"
She almost sounded like a little kid in a candy store and Daniel felt trapped in her pushy gaze.
"And you, you're the guy who knocked Colonel kiss-my-ass out?"
Daniel cleared his throat uncomfortably. Colonel kiss-my-ass was probably a not so elegant euphemism for Colonel Tigh.
"Uhm…I think so. But I didn't mean to. It was a reflex."
Thrace nodded in agreement. "I hear ya. I've got the same reflex every time I see Tigh."
In the style of a shadow boxer, she aimed a few quick punches at an imaginary person.
That wasn't exactly what Daniel had meant, but at least he wasn't the only one who thought of Colonel Tigh as unlikeable.
After her little show, Starbuck rolled her eyes dreamingly.
"Man, I would have loved to see that. I bet it felt pretty good, eh?"
Daniel was amazed about himself, he actually had to smile about her enthusiasm. "Sort of." He finally admitted.
Now, Sam found herself in the attention of the boisterous young woman.
"Then you're the one who saved all our asses in the left flight pod. Thanks, by the way."
"You're welcome." Carter retorted, instantly liking the brash pilot. Somehow, Starbuck reminded her of a younger and female version of the colonel. Sarcastically, rebellious and with a serious problem concerning authority.
Starbuck grabbed the iron bars with both hands, her probing gaze sliding over her new acquaintances.
"You don't look like terrorists."
Sam and Daniel both exhaled in frustration. It was going to take a lot of time and reasoning until they would get rid of this accusation.
"We are not terrorists!" Daniel answered more furious than planned. He had no clue how many times he'd said this sentence already. It was getting old.
Kara held up her hands innocently.
"Hey, every enemy of Tigh is my friend. Besides, people talk about the CAG almost getting beaten to a pulp, if it hadn't been for you." She pointed at Sam and continued. "O'Neill's our boss and most of the time he's a pain in the ass. You know how bosses are. But somehow, we like him. Who else is going to buy our beer, you know?"
The young pilot talked to them in such a familiar manner, like they knew each other well. It was a tad strange, considering everything. But maybe it was just Sam and Daniel feeling strange and lost in this foreign universe. Nevertheless, it was good to meet someone who seemed to give them a fair chance. Although Daniel sensed that the young woman was a problem on two legs. There was something about her that oozed the aura of trouble. Her next words seemed to confirm his assumption.
"You know, you're actually sitting in my cell."
Daniel raised his eyebrows, puzzled.
"Does that mean that you're often in prison?"
"You could say that. It's like my second home." She said, sounding amazingly proud of it. As if its was an award.
"And why are you here now?" Daniel wanted to know. How could anyone be part of a squadron, if the lack of discipline was clear to see? He didn't understand this people.
Starbuck moved her head nonchalantly as she answered casually.
"Oh, nothing special. Stole a Viper, made an unauthorized recon mission, found a bunch of survivors. You know, that kind of stuff."
From everything the woman said, there was one detail that stuck out.
"There are survivors?" Sam gasped. Even if this wasn't her reality, Sam could feel this peoples pain about the holocaust of their society. She'd had her fair share of pain herself. But survivors, that was great news. The only bright spot on this gloomy day.
Starbuck shared her joy about the news.
"Great, right? Rumor has it we even have a new president." She sounded less enthusiastic about this fact.
"But that's good, too. Right?" Daniel inquired and Thrace rolled her eyes.
"We'll see. Roslin was Secretary of Education. I mean, a teacher as big boss? Good thing we still have the old man."
"The old man?"
"Yes, Commander Adama. He'll make the right decisions. He always does."
If they didn't know much about these people, their admiration and open respect for their Commander was evident. This Adama guy had to be a special person. That was good news too. Even though Sam and Daniel had no clue how long they had to stay in this universe, it was good to know that there was at least one leader who could be relied on.
Before Daniel and Sam were able to say something else, they were interrupted by an amused male voice.
"Well,well…if that's not Lt. Thrace in her natural habitat? You bragging about your misadventures again?"
Major Jack O'Neill was leaning casually in the doorway, eying his pilot with a good natured smile. He received an outstretched tongue for his joke, but didn't bother. This O'Neill seemed to be a relaxed co, letting his people joke around as long as it happened in a respectfully setting.
"Hey CAG, nice to see ya! Good to know that these rumors about your survival are right. Are you here to get me out?" Starbuck pouted provocatively and blinked her eyelashes. Too provocatively, it was clear to see that she wasn't flirting with him seriously.
O'Neill tsked and shook his head.
"What the hell am I going to do with you, Starbuck? Tigh wants your head."
Thrace answered with a scornful snort and a rebellious expression on her face.
"I don't care what Tigh wants. He's just pissed a civilian floored him." While she pointed this out, she glanced admiringly at Daniel. The archeologist didn't quite know how to interpret this dubious worship.
"True, but his anger is solely directed at you. What where you thinking? Stealing a Viper? Couldn't you've at least talked to Adama? You know he likes you. He would've listened to you. "
The young pilot crossed her arms stubbornly over her chest.
"I would've asked my CAG, but he was busy hunting skin jobs at Ragnar Station."
Her complaint hung in the air for a few moments and O'Neill left it at that. He knew that Thrace tended to lash out when she felt cornered. He was pretty sure that she didn't mean to question his position as CAG. She was just a difficult character and it had taken him some time to gain her trust. Jack had no interest in losing it with responding like a thin-skinned fusspot.
"Then you'll be happy to hear that I fulfilled my duty as your CAG and made a deal for you."
She wrinkled her brows skeptically.
"What kind of deal?"
"Well, you know we've got a new president and since she determined her Starliner as seat of government, she'll need a taxi for further meetings with Commander Adama. And guess who'll have the honor of chauffeuring her back and forth?" The question was meant sarcastically and when Starbuck realized the consequences, her mouth almost fell off with unwillingness. She was so not thrilled with the outcome of her deal.
"Oh, no! Come on CAG! That's cruel. I'm no babysitter."
"Yes you are." He answered firmly, some authority shining through his posture. Just enough to make her understand that this was the best –the only- deal she'd get. "You are going to do just that. And you won't be a bitch about it. You'll behave like a good girl until Tigh finds another victim for his foul mood. I can't effort to lose one of my best pilots all of the time because she can't control her temper."
Apparently, she started to gradually understand that she'd have to suffer some kind of punishment for her actions.
"Well, I guess it's better that nothing." She sulked.
"See, I know you had it in you." Praised O'Neill cynically. Sometimes he felt more like her big brother than her boss.
"What?" she demanded to know.
Jack grinned knowingly. "Beeing reasonable."
Starbuck replied to that with a minimalistic grimace and threw her hands up in the air angrily.
"Well, can I go now?" She sounded pissed off.
"Yeah, sure. If you promise to stay away from trouble, and that means Tigh, for some time." His words weren't meant as a question , more like a strict warning.
Kara's brows shot up. She had to think about that seriously.
"Do it for my heart. You know I'm like a hundred years old. I need my Starbuck-trouble free time."
That seemed to convince her at last.
"I guess…I could try that."
"Thanks a bunch."
Major O'Neill keyed in a number code, opening the cell door, and Starbuck swaggered out like a winner. Before she left the prison, she turned around to her new acquaintances, who had observed the exchange between CAG and pilot with interest.
"See you around, guys."
Once the door closed behind her, O'Neill exhaled in relief. He stared after her for a moment, seemingly deep in thought. Daniel and Sam gave him the time, hoping that he was here to get them out too. Jackson had no desire to stay here much longer. He wanted to get out, start looking for a way back to their planet, their reality. Home. But they had to find a Stargate first and considering how the GDD agent on Caprica had reacted to their story about gatetravel, theses people knew next to nothing about the Stargates. At least nothing about the original workings of the gate. They had a Stargate in their museum, but didn't seem to know what to do with it. So, before they could leave this universe, they had to do some investigating. But their hands were tied if they were stuck in a cell.
"Wow, she's a handful." Daniel remarked, without having thought about the possible effect of his words. He was just looking for a way to start a conversation with this O'Neill. The Major whirled around instantly, something vehement in his eyes.
"She is. But she's worth it."
He seemed to have understood Daniel's comment as criticism and promptly started to defend his pilot. That was interesting and could work to their favor. They could see more and more of the General in Major O'Neill. He held a high military rank and a leading position among the crew. Was respected and trusted, his opinion counted for something. He was an excellent pilot. Took over responsibility. Worked well in stressful situation. Trusted his instincts more than questionable facts. Didn't accept any authority figure, because his respect had to be earned. Used sarcasm and cynicism like a well functioning tool. And he stood firmly behind his people, tolerating neither doubt nor open criticism of them. Sam was almost certain that he'd give Starbuck hell about ignoring orders in such a dangerous and incalculable situation. But not in front of others. He preferred to do such things in private.
"Sorry, we didn't want to criticize." Sam quickly apologized, registering Daniel's irritated expression. She looked back at him, trying to convey him in silence that they wouldn't get very far with open resistance. For all they knew, these people weren't their enemies. There was no need for barely concealed irritation.
Major O'Neill didn't react to her apology. Instead, he pulled up an uncomfortable looking chair. There was a screeching sound as the metal legs scratched across the floor. He sat down on the chair backwards, laying his arms on the backrest and resting his head on his bicep. His dark eyes stared at them openly.
"So, now to you two."
Daniel and Sam intuitively moved closer together on the cot.
"How's the cheek?" he pointed to her swollen jaw and Sam put it off with a wave of her hand.
"I'll survive." She replied, nodding towards the bluish marks on his neck. "And how's the neck?"
"I'll survive it, too." He retorted with her own answer, ginning slightly.
Daniel noticed their easy camaraderie and instantly felt left out. He interrupted them staring at each other quite rudely with the need to remind them that he was present too.
"Oh yes, I'm all good too. Thanks for asking." He was wondering about his feisty tone. That wasn't really his style. But he was way too tired to waste any energy on being more friendly.
While Sam had the decency to duck her head apologetically, Major O'Neill wasn't all too impressed. He leaned back in the chair, watching the silent exchange between the two friends with growing interest.
"What happens to us now?" Sam finally asked the question that was on her mind.
O'Neill scratched his colorful neck profusely, then shrugged.
"We discussed that." He offered, but the other two weren't able to do something with it.
"Who is we?" Daniel wanted to know, trying to ignore the pain in his leg.
"Commander Adama and President Roslin, of course."
"Oh, that's good…right?" The archeologist was somewhat surprised that the highest military and civilian leader were discussing something so marginal as two terror suspects. After all, they'd just survived a holocaust. He would've assumed that they had more urgent problems to solve. Daniel wasn't sure if it was good or bad, that their fate –in sprite of everything- was still high on their priority list.
O'Neill cocked his head.
"I'd say so. You can go." He said without emotion.
"Really? Just like that?"
Sam and Daniel exchanged surprised looks. They'd never expected that. After all, almost everyone they had met so far seemed to be convinced that they were some kind of evil killing machines. Why let them go now? In this critical situation? The Major nodded briefly, pointing a warning finger at them.
"There's just one little thing to take care of. You know, this terrorist suspicion against you."
"We know it's a problem. But like I told you before, we didn't do anything wrong. We aren't terrorists. But we don't know how to prove it. We've got no evidence." Sam complained exhaustedly, running her hands through her short hair. She really needed a shower.
"You said it. There's no evidence to proof your innocence, but there's also nothing that proves you're indeed guilty. And you know colonial law, no evidence, no charge and trial. So, the accusations are dropped."
He paused for a moment, giving them the time to understand the consequences of this new development. "Nevertheless, we can't allow you to move freely on the ship."
He looked at them intently, then continued. "You'll move into a VIP quarter and you are allowed to move freely on your deck. But if you want to go somewhere else, the infirmary or the mess hall, you need an escort. I can imagine it's not ideal for you and it's nothing personal. But everyone's a little bit overcautious and nervous. So, that's the best and only offer. Either you accept, or you stay here."
Sam and Daniel didn't need to think long about it. Certainly, they were under observation. It was like a house arrest, telling them that even though the colonialists had dropped charges against them, they weren't completely convinced of their innocence. It was just their law that forced them to set Daniel and Sam free, like a second class acquittal. But at least, they wouldn't have to live behind bars and would have a minimum of privacy. And the best thing, they could stay together. It was horror to think about the prospect of being split up here or on board of this prison ship.
"We take the deal." Confirmed Sam and Daniel added a "Definitely."
O'Neill braced his hands on his thighs.
"That's good. There's just one more thing. Something that's between the three of us."
In an instant, their minds turned from happy about the recent development to cautious. The other man sounded almost conspiratorial. Like they shared a secret with him.
"O-kay." Confused Daniel animated Major O'Neill to keep talking.
The CAG leaned his upper body over the backrest, closing some of the distance between him and the two prisoners.
"I had to vouch for you." He declared offhandedly and concentrated on observing their reactions to that. Jackson and Carter tried not to show how much this astonished them. They weren't sure yet if it was safe to be relieved about it, too. Because it could mean that he was beginning to trust them. Or at least he wasn't convinced anymore that they were indeed terrorists. Daniel glanced at Sam, wondering even more what happened at Ragnar Station that could have triggered this somewhat last minute change of mind. Both, Sam and the Major, looked quite beaten up. He was sure that there had been some kind of confrontation. Sam must've done something to win the trust of an otherwise distrustful Jack O'Neill.
"That means, if you screw things up, I have to face the old man's anger. And I'm not really keen on that. That's why I want you to be honest. What did you do at the museum? Why did the GDD think you were terrorists?"
The question was left unanswered for some time. It was an important question and Jack registered that Carter and Jackson didn't dare to look at him. Instead they were focusing on each other, silently conferring.
Sam and Daniel were busy thinking about what to answer. They had told the truth once before, to Agent Forster at Caprica. And he'd laughed them in the face. They had told them the truth about the Stargate and Earth and he'd still send them to death penalty. There was no guarantee that O'Neill would react different. But, how else could they explain their presence in the museum?
Daniel slid his hand carefully across the cot, pinching Sam's tight and giving her the hint to take over. He suspected that she and the Major were already beginning to form some sort of camaraderie. He'd leave it up to her to decide what to tell this O'Neill.
She breathed in, understanding Daniel's hesitation and choose the truth. Sam had never lied to the General, why start now?
"That will probably sound a little crazy." She warned the man on the other side of the cell door.
"Oh, you mean even crazier that this day has already been?" He took he warning with sarcasm.
Carter smiled briefly before she continued.
"Are you familiar with the Hugh-Everett many-worlds interpretation of quantum physics?"
O'Neill's eyebrows shot up. "Can't say I am."
"It's really fascinating. It's an illustration of the separation of an universe, based on two overlapped and entangled quantum mechanically states."
She spoke the last words with an accented syllable, transforming her sentence into a question whether the Major was understanding what she was getting at. His blank expression, however, told her that he had no ideal what she was talking about.
"In any case, this theory was the beginning of considering the possibility of parallel realities. We know that there's no such thing as an all-encompassing world formula and no definite solution of the string theory. Every imaginable solution could theoretically apply to any possible universe. You understand? Parallel universes. There is more than just one reality. More than just your universe and our universe."
The Major grimaced and massaged his temples. His right hand moving tiredly and describing a rotating motion.
"Could you fast forward to the part I can actually understand? My mind's not that receptive anymore."
"Oh, okay." Sam wondered how she could explain it to him short and crisp. Inspired and motivated by the fact that, so far, he hadn't rejected openly anything she'd said.
"The truth is, Daniel and I, we come from a different reality. We are researchers from another universe. That's our job. We travel to other planets via something that's called a Stargate. It can form stable wormholes and we think that we landed in this reality because of a malfunction. This is what happened. We're no danger to you, we are just looking for a way back home."
Tensely, Sam waited for a response. But O'Neill stayed quiet. His face not betraying what the thought. He had placed his forehead on his arms and closed his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he let the air escape with a big sigh.
"I told you it sounds crazy, but.." Sam started again, but was stopped by his raised hand.
O'Neill eyed them intensely and they noticed for the first time how exhausted he looked.
"Guys, I'm really trying to help you." He sounded patient, but there was also a certain petulance in his voice.
"We know. But you wanted the truth. That's it." Insisted Daniel on their version of things.
The Major stood up abruptly, his movement causing the chair to topple over with a metallic clank. He turned away from them, hands clasped behind his neck. Daniel and Sam didn't know how to interpret his tense posture, but when he reached for the door, they knew they had to do something to hold him back. This was a critical moment. Sam had the certain feeling, that if he left now, he wouldn't come back again. And she didn't want that.
Sam jumped up from the cot, throwing herself against the bars. He didn't believe them. Probably thought she was pulling his leg. Disappointment and frustration spread through her. She had really hoped he would believe them and understand. "Please! I swear, it's the truth. I understand if you can't believe it. I know it sounds crazy. But it's the only thing I can say. I won't lie to you."
O'Neill stopped dead in his tracks. Just a second ago he was ready to take back his vouch. Damn them, if they didn't want his help. But the vehemence in the woman's words took him by surprise. He didn't believe this stuff about some kind of gate and travelling via wormholes. Like he'd told President Roslin, he wasn't into science fiction. But he was also sure that they weren't dangerous terrorists. Carter and Jackson must've been caught in this mess accidently. Which was kinda like a blessing for them, because otherwise they'd probably be dead by now. Just like the rest of the Colonies. He just wondered what their secret was. What could possibly be so awkward or embarrassing, that Carter preferred to dish up such a ridiculous story?
Then he suddenly remembered the way he'd found the two friends sitting in the cell. Huddled close together on their cot. How they'd been nabbed together at the museum and how frightened Carter had been for her friends health. And suddenly, it dawned on him. Yes, yes…that was quite possible. He'd heard that story before. The Delphi Museum was known for that kind of stuff. More precisely, the museum's basement. Now and then, newlyweds, lovebirds or overall thrill seekers felt the need for some activity in one of the old Cylon ships from the first war that was exhibited down there. Jack just wondered why they were reluctant to admit that they had been caught in the closed museum with their pants down, so to speak. Although, personally, he felt that they were a little too old to be doing that. It was more something for teenagers and young people. But in general, there was nothing to be embarrassed about. Free people, free love. Jack had no problem with that slogan.
Feeling sure about his assumption, he turned around again. Quickly crossing the room and picking up the chair on his way. He ran fingers through his already wild hair and looked them up and down. Noticed how Carter had resumed her place beside Jackson, quietly telling him that whatever happened, they were in this together. Yep, he had to be right about his hunch. So, no immanent danger coming from them. Probably. Just two people who were to buttoned up to amid that they had been caught having sex in the closed museum. It wasn't a felony, but still an infringement. Nevertheless, it stung a bit that Carter tried to feed him that bullshit. She must think that he was one of the dumbest people around.
"Okay." He breathed finally, hating himself for the tiny little bit of disappointment that was shining through.
"Okay?" Sam repeated questioningly.
"Yeah, I understand."
If possible, Carter seemed to be even more stunned. She hadn't expected this. She'd counted on anger, resentment or indifference. Not understanding. By the way, what exactly did he understand? She was quite sure that it wasn't what she'd tried to explain to him.
"Oh, thanks. I guess."
"Yeah. I mean, we all have stuff we don't want to talk about." His explanation sounded harmless, but it still felt like he was building up some sort of wall between them. His words highlighting that they were foreign to each other. There was no sense in declining the limits and hurdles between them. The fact that he had vouched for them was a good start, but nothing more. Certainly no real friendship with solid trust.
O'Neill was serious again, all playfulness had left his expression. "There's just one thing I have to know. Are you a danger to this ship and crew? Because if you're lying to me about that too, I can make life very unpleasant for you."
Sam looked him straight in the eyes, wanting to transport the message that she wasn't lying. And that she wouldn't accept him threatening them. No matter how irritated he might feel about this whole mess between the three of them.
"No. We'd never to something deliberate to endanger this ship and crew."
The CAG held her gaze for a moment. If felt like he was trying to see into her head. To fathom whether she had any ulterior motives. And somehow she believed that he actually could.
At last, he exhaled calmly. "Good." He said simply, opening their cell door with a number code.
While Sam helped Daniel standing up, the Major knocked at the prison door three times. The two guards who'd taken care of Starbuck entered again, eying them seriously. You could see that they weren't overly happy about the two strangers being out of the cell.
O'Neill shoved his hands into his pockets and nodded toward the two men. "Those guys will take you to your quarter. I'll see that you get a few things. New clothes and some hygiene items. It's not much, but better than nothing."
Sam and Daniel stood opposite him, wondering what to say and how to act around him. One could see that he was still frustrated about them not telling the truth, in his opinion. But as Sam had told him, she wasn't willing to tell him some cover story to make him feel better. If they wanted his help, he would need to understand what had happened to them. Even if it took him some time.
Finally, she turned her face away. The two marines were waiting outside for them. They'd just covered a few steps, when O'Neill said something else.
"By the way, there'll be some memorial ceremony in a few hours. Nothing big, just something to say goodbye."
The two friends turned around in surprise, his conciliatory and heart felt invitation unexpected.
He simply shrugged. "We all lost someone today."
That was true. These people weren't the only ones lost in space, they were too. Carter and Daniel exchanged glances.
"We'd like to come."
"Okay, your guards will take you. Try to get some sleep in the mean time. You'll need it."
We all need it, and more- Sam added in through as she left with Daniel for their quarter, escorted by the guards. She didn't look back, but heard as the Major left the prison and walked in the opposite direction. His steps were heavy and lacked the usual vigor. She hoped that he would get it back soon.