CHAPTER 55
EPISODE---------------IT'S GOOD TO BE KING
Sam had to go to the store for something that wasn't on the base that morning, before heading to work, so they had to both go to work in separate cars. Ford was just pulling onto the road to the mountain as he was thinking. They had been talking about the possibility of having a child sooner than later and living with whatever may come with it, especially after all the problems they had in California. She admitted though she looked much younger, she was in fact getting up there and wanted to see their child and enjoy however many they had before she was too old, despite her good health. Ford was ready whenever she was and they were currently trying. That was one of the reasons she went to the store was to get one of the test products. If she did it at the base, then word would spread quickly and that sort of thing. Ford smiled at the thought of last night as he rounded the corner and had to slow down as the General registered a vehicle ahead of him on the monitor.
"What the….Jack, you're going about as slow as a turtle or a snail."
He looked down seeing the General was doing about ten miles an hour, at the most. At this rate, they would be at work in about half an hour.
Jack was thinking also, about many things and how he really missed going off world. He was paying just enough attention to the road to not go off it. He had his right arm driving while his left hand was holding his head up as he leaned it on the rolled down window. His cell went off and he looked down at it next to him.
"Ford? What does he want?" Jack muttered as he scrutinized the cell. "Hello."
"Jack, what are you doing?"
"I'm going to work. What else? Did something come up or are we under attack? I assume you're already there to handle things."
"No, I'm not. And there is no attack that I know of."
"Then…" Jack started to say when he jumped hearing the Dixie horn behind him.
"For crying out loud Major! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?! How long have you been there?" he asked looking in his mirror and seeing the General Lee tailgating him. He saw Ford give a small wave with the phone.
"A couple minutes now. Sorry, wasn't meaning to scare you. Ah, you going to speed up today? Not that I'm looking to get their early either."
"Not really, no. I'm in no rush. Go ahead and fly by if that's what you're wanting. I don't see anyone coming."
"Fly you say. Thank you sir!" Ford said with a laugh then hung up as he dropped the General down in speed.
"Weird." he said closing his phone and putting it down. He looked up suddenly thinking as he figured out why Ford said those last words a little too happily. "He wouldn't dare…."
Jack looked in his mirror seeing the General rushing toward him from behind. He could only watch as the car jumped off the ground and flew over his truck with the horn blaring. The General landed over a dozen feet in front of him, sending sparks flying as it bottomed out for a moment and took off quickly leaving tire tracks and a cloud of burnt rubber as Jack slammed on his brakes.
"I'm going to kill him." he growled as put it back into first gear. He grabbed his cell as it went off. "Major! You jackass, I'm going to…"
"Sir?"
"Carter?" he said then looked at his cell seeing it was her number.
"Yes sir. What's going on? Why are you practically parked on the road? And why are you yelling at Ford?"
Jack looked in his mirror seeing Carter coming up the road behind him in her Mustang and he motioned her forward. Since the top was down on the car, Jack hung up and told her what just happened.
"I don't know what to say sir, other than you know how he is" she said trying to keep a straight face. It wasn't easy though.
"Yeah, right." he said pulling away hearing her laugh when she thought he was far enough away.
Ford gave his ID and pulled up into his parking spot laughing as Daniel was getting out of his car.
"Want to share the joke?"
Ford explained what happened between laughs. Daniel thought is was pretty funny too until Jack pulled up into his parking spot. Sam was just a few seconds behind him.
"That was not funny Major!"
"I certainly thought it was General. You did say fly and despite being Air Force personal, we barely get time off the ground." Ford said waving a finger as Jack stood in front of him. "Hell, almost all are time is spent, underground. Wouldn't that be an oxymoron for the branch we are in?"
"True." Daniel said.
"Don't help Daniel." Jack said then turned back to Ford sharply. "How would you like it if I did that to you?!"
Ford pulled his keys out and held them up.
"Be my guest. It's a lot of fun. Just don't do it with cops around. Got enough tickets."
"It is sir. I've jumped the car a few times myself." she said walking up. "Long distance jumps give more of a adrenalin rush though."
Jack glared at them both and grabbed the keys.
"You've corrupted her, badly."
"I know." Ford said wickedly. "And I love every minute of it."
"You actually going to go…." Daniel started saying when Jack looked at the keys then the car.
"No Daniel. I'm keeping the keys as punishment. You'll get them back at the end of the week Major." he said walking off in a huff.
"Ah….you're in trouble." Daniel said.
"Well, I can always hot wire it. Or get the spare key. But in this case, I'll let Jack have his way for a week. It was worth the laugh." he said as they walked in. Jack took the elevator down making them wait for the next one.
About two hours later they were sitting around the briefing table as Carter walked around it talking to them about a update they got from Tok'ra and Jaffa intelligence. The news was good, in the fact it kept Jack from thinking about the morning incident. Jack sat at the head as always, Daniel on his left, Teal'c on his right. Ford was looking out the glass panels at the gate, but she knew he was listening. Some of the news was…shocking. That's one of the reasons he was looking out at the gate. K-9 was sitting on the end of the table.
"The battle with the Ba'al is at a critical stage, according to Tok'ra intelligence, Bastet and Olukun are dead. Morrigan has capitulated, and Lord Yu and Amateruas are rallying their armies for what will be their last stand."
"As we predicted, the Jaffa were no match for the Kull warriors." Teal'c said.
"The Tok'ra thought we also should know, that in the face of imminent defeat, some of the System Lords are actively seeking out area's of refuge. Planets they abandoned long ago are now being scouted out for sanctuary." she said standing near Daniel.
"And this effects us….how?" Jack asked.
"They might go after allied planets Jack. One's we are friends with. But you haven't heard the most interesting reason for us getting this intelligence." Ford said turning from the window with his arms crossed.
"Interesting reason?" Jack asked.
"Yeah, one of the domains of the System Lord Aries happens to have a certain individual on it." Daniel said. "Now we have no idea how he ended up there and he never told the Tok'ra either."
"Wait a minute. I thought we killed Aries or you guys did anyway?" Jack said.
"Yeah, we haven't figured that out either." Daniel said slowly with a fake smile.
"The Goa'uld must have gotten out of the host and into a new one before it died. Probably one of the Jaffa sir, or a slave we didn't see." Carter said unsure.
"Hid in the pouch maybe." Daniel said as Jack started to say what they knew he was thinking.
"Oh." Jack muttered.
"Considering how much we were a pain to her, she'll really use him if she captures him." Ford said.
"Who?!" Jack demanded.
"Harry
Maybourne sir." she said.
"What?!"
"I didn't believe it at first sir, but they described him pretty well and….it's him sir."
"Hmmm. So what then?" Jack asked obviously not caring suddenly. "We suppose to go get him for some reason?"
"The Tok'ra have their hands busy in more pressing matters sir. They strongly advise that we go get him before the Goa'uld do." she said.
"If we do not retrieve him, he faces certain capture." Teal'c said.
Jack looked at him with a blank face.
"Torture, interrogation and perhaps certain death." Teal'c said.
"And this effects us how?"
"Jack…"
"Daniel, hell even you Carter should realize….he tried to get Ford killed!"
"No, he threatened to kill Carter if I didn't help him Jack. I think he was using me to get rid of Kinsey. If it wasn't for what he knows, I'd say leave him there."
"As much as I almost hate to say it, we have to get him sir. He knows to much about this base and other military installations on Earth."
"Fine. Go get him."
"Yes sir." she said as he walked into his office quickly.
"He better have a explanation for how the hell he got there." Ford muttered as they stood at the bottom of the ramp waiting for it as it dialed.
"You're not going to do anything to him are you?"
"Not at the moment Daniel. Unless he tries something."
"Well find out everything when we get there. We have limited time. The Goa'uld could show up at any moment." Carter said checking her gun. "Let's go."
They came out onto a sunny planet with lots of trees nearby. The gate seemed to be in the middle of a weed field with a large maple like tree behind the gate. They looked around not seeing anyone and the DHD several feet away from the gate as it usually was on other planets.
"According to the Tok'ra, the people of this world are fairly primitive." Carter said as they walked down the small steps.
"No phones, no lights, no motor cars. I bet that Maybourne just jumps at the chance to leave." Daniel said looking back at the gate briefly.
"I would." Ford muttered.
"What about the other inhabitants?" Teal'c asked.
"We relocate them. With limited time, Aries could arrive at any moment or any other Goa'uld." she said.
"Any idea which dir…." Ford started asking when he quickly pulled his guns.
Teal'c stopped suddenly and put his hand up as several people stood up from the bushes and aimed primitive crossbows at them. Carter had her PC-90 up quickly as did Teal'c with his zat. Daniel pulled his nine a few seconds later and pointed it off to their left.
"This is a nice welcome." Ford muttered.
"At least it isn't staff weapons." she said.
"That's a plus."
"We mean you no harm." she said loudly to them as they kept moving closer slowly.
They stopped but didn't lower their weapons.
"We are allies of the Tok'ra!" Teal'c said.
"We are looking for a friend of ours, maybe you've heard of him, Harry Maybourne!" Daniel said trying.
The people just looked at him and the other's with no recognition.
"Shifty fella? Beady eyes? No?" he said as his voice got lower and lower.
"Must be the wrong language." Ford muttered.
"Maybe."
"You will follow us to our village and meet with King Arkhan." a late twenties, dark haired woman pointing a crossbow at them said.
Her tone was rather demanding and laced with threat.
"He will determine your true intentions." she said with a jerk of her head.
"At least we know they can understand us." Daniel said lowering his weapon.
The other's slowly lowered their weapons and followed the woman, but kept their weapons out just in case. They were brought to what might have been a fort or a one story open ceiling castle. Age had long since taken over the small village of rock walls. Vines and other plants lived on the walls or in the walls. But despite the look, they had tables, chairs, other items along with food in a organized fashion. Even running water from an aquifer. Whoever these people were, they were doing well. People were walking all about and around them as they entered the village. Mingling or doing different daily task. A iron pot was being attended by a elderly woman that was over a fire pit.
"Not exactly the trusting type." Daniel said as they walked through the small village with the crossbows still pointed at them.
Daniel had since put his weapon away as did Teal'c. Ford carried his, twirling them every so often out of nervous habit, and Carter kept hold of hers.
"Which leads me to wonder whether Harry Maybourne is still alive." Teal'c said.
"I don't know whether to care or not."
"Nice attitude Ford." she muttered.
"Can't help it." he said as they walked under a stone awning into an area where a throne like room was in the open.
"All things considered, I have to agree." she muttered even more quietly.
They walked up still being surrounded and waited. There was a few woman around whoever was sitting in the chair and one was kissing him, or so it looked seeing as her face was near whoever was in the chair. The woman that was in his face, turned and looked at them as she moved away. Harry was sitting in the chair eating something and quite happy about it. A circlet was around his head with a few small jewels in it. He had a long cape on that was some unknown fur robe. SG-1 was, more than surprised.
"Oh my god." Ford muttered rolling his eyes.
"Maybourne?!" Carter exclaimed.
He looked up and stopped chewing in surprise.
"This is King Arkhan." the dark haired lady that lead them to him said. "My Lord, our hunting parties encountered these off worlder's by the gate."
"Oh, hey guys! Long time no see!" Harry said laughing.
The people he was ruling over looked at him a little surprised while the warrior women seemed rather relieved that they didn't have to worry about an attack.
"I should have known. I should have known that you guys would be the ones to come." he said still chuckling.
"You've been expecting us?" Daniel asked surprised.
"Yeah, sort of. Not surprised to see you." he said pointing at Ford. "Where's Jack?"
"General O'Neill is back at the SGC." Carter stated.
"No kidding. General O'Neill? That doesn't sound right." he said shaking his head. "Still, good for Jack. Nice to hear he's still doing well for himself."
"As, evidently are you." Teal'c stated.
"Ah, yes." Harry said looking himself over. "Well…it's a long story."
He stood up and raised his arms out.
"Food! Drinks for our guest!" he said tossing his rob off.
Underneath the robe with cloak was a long sleeve tunic like outfit and pants. Light and dark greens in color.
People started getting things quickly as they ran off different directions. He walked out quickly with SG-1 following only moments after. Ford put his guns away.
"Didn't the Tok'ra even tell him what was going to happen here soon?" Ford said as he stopped suddenly to let a few people pass by.
"Apparently not. Maybourne, we don't have time for this." she said as Harry stopped at the edge of a picnic like table and picked up a fruit.
"Uh, you should try one of these. It's called…uh.."
"Ojen fruit." the dark haired lady said standing nearby said with crossed arms.
"It's a cross between a Mango and a Guava fruit." he said pointing at it.
"Sort of a Guango." Daniel said.
"I like that." Harry said pointing at him as Carter and Ford both gave him a look. Harry got up on the table and told everyone the new fruit name.
"Daniel, don't encourage him. We need to leave, not interact with him." Ford hissed quietly. "I can't take on a fleet of ships, and I think they know that."
"I get to name all kinds of stuff." he said getting off the table. "You should see the Grateful Dead burial grounds."
"Maybourne, you have to get out of here. You're in danger as is everyone else here."
"I know."
"You do? Then why haven't you left?" Ford asked forcefully. "Or at least got ready to fight or better yet, hid somewhere safe from their sensors?"
"The Goa'uld are coming, but it doesn't matter. Now you should peel it…."
"You know about the Goa'uld?" Carter said cutting him off.
"Oh yeah." he said sitting down peeling the fruit.
"You were warned by the Tok'ra." Teal'c said.
"Ah, no. I haven't even seen them here."
"Then how?" Carter asked.
"I can read the future." he said taking a bite.
Carter rolled her head and eyes.
"Yeah, right. Look Maybourne, I'm the only one with the knowledge for time travel here so, what sort of game are you playing?" Ford said leaning on the table.
"That's nice to hear, but really, I can."
"You know, you're beginning to get on my nerves."
The dark haired lady uncrossed her arms reaching for her crossbow.
"Mr. Primus, you won't do anything. You can't." he said taking another bite and waving her off. "Not unless you want your friends here to have a few arrows in their backs. But I don't want that. I'd hate to see it actually."
"Maybourne, what are you trying to pull here?" Carter said agitated.
"He speaks the truth. King Arkhan is a prophet." the dark haired lady said smiling. "He foresaw your arrival and the hand you will play in defeated our enemy."
"Garan's right. It's all part of the prophecy." Harry said grabbing another fruit.
Carter leaned onto the table and got close to his face.
"Maybourne, what the hell is going on here? And don't give me the run around, I will let him loose on you." she said in a low voice.
He nodded and got up.
"Let's go for a walk."
Around fifteen minutes later they came around several trees and large bushes to a collection of rocky ruins. A few stone tower like tablets stood from the ground. About maybe fifteen feet high at most. Ancient writings were on them. On their way there he explained how he got to the planet.
"The Trust, which was at the time rogue N.I.D., had me make you kill Kinsey at that time, which unfortunately wasn't the real Kinsey. You know, I found out later that Kinsey learned about the assassination and had that contingency plan made to try and get rid of you."
"Just get to the point." Ford said.
"Anyway, they told me that if I helped them get rid of Kinsey and get rid of you, they'd help me hide forever from the government. They kept me hidden until they got hold of a ship one day and then managed to take me to another planet and gave me this gate address. I couldn't go anywhere being here and it isn't so bad. I know few if any other gate addresses and these people needed my help. They made me king."
"Here we are." he said as they passed a old stone wall. "I passed this place several months ago when I was out on a afternoon stroll."
"It is…." Teal'c was saying.
"This is Ancient dialect Daniel." Ford said looking over one of the stone columns.
"It is?" Daniel said walking over. "He's right Sam. This is Ancient writings. What do the locals know about these ruins?"
"Very little. They generally avoid the area because it's close to the naquada mines where they were formerly slaves. Bad luck and all." he said with a small shake of his hands.
"This is incredible." Daniel said.
"Still can't read it to well." Ford muttered.
"No, that is interesting. This is incredible." Harry said turning Daniel around to a big square column.
They walked over to it as Teal'c asked what it was.
"It's a record of the planet's history, covering major events…"
"Let me guess. Events that haven't happened?"
"Exactly Mr. Primus. Well, some have already."
"What are you talking about?" she asked.
"They have a complicated lunar calendar." Harry said waving his hands as he thought. "It took me awhile to figure it all out, but once I did…there are references in the text that talk about things that are to happen in the future."
Carter and Teal'c seemed to still think he was crazy.
"Yeah, I know, it sounds crazy, and I didn't think about it much either…" he said walking away from Daniel and Ford going over to the other two.
"Does this line talk about a…tornado?"
"I think so." Daniel said after a moment of reading. "Yeah, pretty big one too. But not around here."
"But then this big meteor shower happened, on the exact date that the stone predicted." Harry said not hearing the two talking.
"Are you sure you're reading it correctly?" she asked still skeptical.
"My skills are not exactly on par with Doctor Jackson and possibly Mr. Primus, but over the years I've picked up a understanding of Ancient writing."
"Somewhat better than me, but he's right Sam. I think this is that passage with the meteor."
"Yeah, he's right. It is a historical log of the planet." Daniel said. "On the first moon of the forty fifth cycle, the ground will tremble and the devastation will be wroth." he said reading a inscription.
"A big earthquake, a couple years back, before my time. But we are over here, on the fifty forth cycle." Harry said pointing to the one facing him and the other two.
Daniel and Ford both came around looking at it as Harry pointed a part out.
"Commencing the third moon of the fifty forth cycle…" Daniel said pointing at each symbol as he read it. It helped Ford understand it better when Daniel did it that way back home.
"Which is around now, or in a couple of days." Harry said.
"The oppressors of old will return…"
"That's the Goa'uld." Harry said.
"To seek dominion over the land. Those from a different world…"
"That must be you guys." Harry said.
"To vanquish the evil and restore order once again." both Daniel and Ford said finishing it together.
"You see, they come, you defeat them, happy ending." Harry said happily as he pointed at the stone. "It's in the prophecy."
"We didn't come here to fight the Goa'uld." she said.
"Ah, I hate to admit this Sam, but he's right. This is very important." Ford said emphasizing very important. "I really hate to admit it."
"There is a lot to translate, but we do need to stay Sam. I need to look this over." Daniel said not turning away from the stone.
"I don't be…"
"Something is here Sam, something important. Something I feel." Ford said looking around like it was staring at him but he couldn't see it. "Kinda like that time with the crystal room, but in this case it's a better feeling. Not a foreboding feeling."
"Fine. Teal'c and I are going back to the village, you two look this over."
"It is interesting isn't it?" Harry said crossing his arms.
"Very." Daniel said still engrossed.
"When did you start learning Ancient Mr. Primus?"
"First off, let me tell you this Maybourne. I really don't like you all that much." Ford said walking over and staring down at him. "I'm not going to do anything though, unless you harm my friends in any way, especially Carter. Second, it's not Mr. Primus anymore either. It's Mr. Carter now."
"Mr. Carter? That doesn't make sense unless…"
"Yeah, I married her. You have been warned."
"I got it." he said holding his hands up.
"Good." he said with a fake smile and turned away.
Teal'c and Carter were walking through the village area mostly just looking at the moment as she thought about what to do. Daniel called through as they passed a few people cooking.
"Sam?"
She reached up grabbing her CB.
"Go ahead."
"Maybourne was more than just right."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, from what I've been able to decipher, it's pretty clear. The script on these walls is a historical log compiled by a Ancient who went through time to study the evolution of life on this world."
"Daniel, we know that the Ancients experimented with time travel, but we know they never mastered it."
"Yeah, well we do now. You see, to the best of my knowledge, these writings are only a couple hundred years old. Which means that these were carved after the Goa'uld left."
"But the Ancients predate the Goa'uld."
"Right, so the only logical explanation is that a Ancient traveled to the future and then back to a time not to long ago." Daniel said glancing around.
"I don't know Daniel." she said skeptical, but it made her think.
"There are references to the time travel device itself. It's described as being inside a small ship itself. Now if I'm right, it may still be here. I think it's worth a look. Might as well anyway."
"Oh no." she muttered rubbing her forehead knowing what he meant. "Ford isn't there anymore is he?"
"No. When we learned of the information, he left."
"Better hope he doesn't find it first."
"Yeah, I know."
"We're on our way there."
Soon after meeting up with Daniel at the stone, he pointed out the direction that Ford took off looking in. They spilt up to cover more ground, to hope to find the ship if it was still around and to find Ford who wasn't responding on his CB. Teal'c was walking through a dense section of the forest, Daniel was following a dried up stream and Carter was walking through a open section of the forest that didn't have as many branches. She was still looking around when she heard a branch break.
"Who's there?" she called out bringing her gun up.
"Sam?" she heard from over a hill.
"Ford? Why haven't you responded to us calling you?" she said lowering her weapon as he came out from over a small hill.
"Nothing came through my com. Wait a minute." he said pulling it out. "Well, no wonder. It's broken."
"Any idea how?" she asked taking it from him. Yeah it was broken. Looked like it was dropped on a rock or a rock dropped on it. "Not surprising though."
"Probably when I fell down back a ways. Scared some birds and slipped. You aren't all looking for me are you?" he said as they kept walking. He was still looking around intently.
"No. We are looking for a ship that I'm guessing you were looking for."
"Still am. You know how I feel about time travel. Besides, something is nagging at me."
"Yeah, you've told me before. Daniel?"
"Go ahead." he said.
"We've been at this awhile, are you sure it's even around here?"
"Just give it a little more time."
"I hate to say this Daniel, but we can't stay much longer."
"What about Ford?"
"I found him already."
"Oh."
Teal'c continued looking around and stopped when he noticed a glint of bright light coming from something that the sun was reflecting off of. Whatever it was, was hidden under a large amount of branches.
Ford lifted a branch as she passed under and looked at her watch.
"We have to leave."
"Sam, we can't. If anything leave me and take off. I can handle myself and we can't risk the Goa'uld getting their hands on that time machine." he said still glancing around.
"It may not even work if it is here."
"We can't take that chance. Ba'al could destroy the very fabric of space time itself."
"It's to dangerous to stay here, but leaving you I might consider, maybe." she said grabbing her unit. "I'm scrubbing the search. Let's head back."
"Sam…"
"Daniel we have no way of knowing when the Goa'uld will get here. Ford wants to stay and….I'm thinking about it."
Teal'c could hear everything going on as he pushed the dead leaves and branches off the hidden object. It was a ship. The one they were looking for.
"Colonel Carter, Major Carter, Daniel Jackson, I have found something."
"We are on our way." Ford said pulling a tracking device out.
It wasn't long and they ended up at the covered up ship.
"Wow." Daniel said.
"This must be it." Carter said they walked to the back.
"It's a Ancient shuttle. Possibly from Atlantis itself." Ford stated from where he stood when they came up on it.
They looked at him. His eyes seemed glazed over as he tilted his head slightly.
"Ford?" Daniel said.
Carter walked over slowly and shook his arm. He suddenly shook his head looking around.
"Where were you?"
"What happened? What's going on?" he said looking around.
"You looked like you suddenly went into a trance." Daniel said. "You saw that and said it was a Ancient shuttle from Atlantis."
"I did?" he said confused as he ran his hand through his hair and tossed a small branch out of it. "You're right, I did. Hmm. Nice ride, though not very stylish. Oh well. Let's see what's inside."
"You sure you're okay? You were pretty gone. What happened?"
"I'm fine. Just….I don't know what it was." he said waving a hand.
"What?" she said confused.
When he disappeared behind the ship and didn't say anything they followed. He pushed a button on the outside as they showed up. The others started to lift their weapons.
"No one is inside." Ford said as the ramp slowly dropped to the ground.
"You're sure?"
He nodded and walked in. It was dark until he put a foot inside. Once that happened the whole thing lit up like a Christmas tree, flickered, then the front console panels suddenly shut off.
"That's the time drive. Don't touch." he said forcefully.
"Were you the one that flew this?" Daniel asked looking at the strange device in the middle of the ship.
"No. I don't know who did. Don't touch Daniel, same goes for you two. We might end up in the dark ages or something. There's little power left." Ford said sitting in the left chair.
The voice was his, but it didn't sound like him. The panels still didn't power up as he touched them. Two handles were sticking out from the console like joysticks. He grabbed them, but nothing happened.
"What are you doing?" she asked looking at the other chair before sitting in it.
He didn't say anything as he touched different panels. Still nothing happened.
"Ford?!"
"What?" he said looking up at her quickly.
"Why didn't you answer me the first time?"
"Um, not sure. Must have been concentrating to hard. I think someone was talking to me." he said lightly tapping his head.
"What?"
Daniel and she said.
"We got to get this thing out of here.
Someone has to go bring Jack. The two of us might be able to get the
systems to completely activate, but you need to reroute power.
I…don't….know how to do that. I don't think anyway. Maybe…"
he said rubbing his head.
"Are you okay?" Daniel asked.
"Yeah, just fine. We need to get this thing out of here before the Goa'uld have a chance to get at it."
"Well, from what I saw outside and in here, it looks like it was designed to fit through the gate. Daniel, you and Teal'c go get the General. We'll see what we can do here." she said still eyeing Ford like she expected something to come out of him or something.
"Right." Daniel said a little worried seeing as Ford was touching things again, but nothing was happening. The panel lit up again for a moment then shut off.
"Ford, do you know what's going on or are you even here with me anymore?" she asked worried. "Please tell me you're not being taken over by some outside force?"
"There's little power left. We can transfer it from the time device to get the engines running. You'll have to do it. I…."
She slapped him.
"Ow."
"You here? Able to talk and answer anything I've asked?"
"I never left. Anyway, I got to get up from this thing or I'm going to be gone." he said getting up and going to the back. "I know how to disconnect this. You can….do...transfer…whatever."
"You're starting to sound like Jack. I'm really worried. Maybe you should get out…"
"No. I can't. WE can't. This…" he said shaking his head. "Has to stay out of there hands no matter what. It's too important. We can't destroy it either. Screw up history or something along those lines, no we would ruin history…..somehow."
"Can you run this ship?"
"If we can transfer enough power I can, but I may need Jack's help."
"What's going on with you?"
"I….it's like I'm hearing voices or something and they are telling me what I'm suppose to do, or should do. And when it happens, it's like someone else takes over for a moment. Not like when Herc did, but…somewhat close….ah I'm not making any sense."
"Not really. Sure you're not loosing it?"
"Someone is talking to me, maybe…more, less." he said confused as he tapped his head. "Maybe it's one of the Ancients like Oma or something….."
They went back and called the SGC telling Jack what had happened so far. Jack practically jumped at the chance to go off world again, but was surprised his help was needed with Ancient technology. Daniel said Ford asked for his help and Jack said he'd be right there. Harry had a large group of his people ready to greet Jack as he came through. Daniel and Teal'c stood in front of the DHD as Harry had a small band play music in Jack's honor. It was a flute and a couple of bard type guitars. Jack had his hat and sunglasses on and was carrying a large bag over his shoulder. He looked at the band a moment before walking down the stairs over to Maybourne.
"Jack! It's great to see you! How long has is been?" Harry said as Jack walked up and dropped his bag.
"Oh, since that time you go us stranded off world and tried to kill me." Jack said looking around.
"That takes me back." Harry said with a laugh. "Oh, I see congratulations are in order. You made General."
"You made King." Jack said with a fake smile. The music was starting to get to him.
"Right, well….ah, it's not a contest." he said shrugging.
"Do you mind?" Jack said pointing at the music people behind Harry. "Those guys are torturing that ditty."
"Ah, right. Take five people." Harry said waving at them. "I taught them that expression."
"Ah." Jack said grabbing the bags straps.
"I am hoping that you can stay awhile, check out the sights." Harry said placing a arm on Jack's back as they walked.
A lot of Harry's people followed along, but at a distance. Some of them carrying the crossbows, waiting for a signal for if the newcomers tried to attack.
"Take in the culture. I want you to feel at home here."
"Harry, you are aware that this place is about to be over run by a gaggle of bad guys soon?" he asked.
"Yeah, well, maybe." Harry said looking back at his people.
"Right. Carter told me all about the prophecy stuff. It's not going to go down that way you know."
"Ah, come on Jack, you've defeated System Lords before." Harry said like it was no problem.
"No." Jack said holding up a finger as they kept walking. "You've got to tell these people to start packing. We'll take as many as we can."
"I can't." Harry said forcefully as he stopped and turned to Jack. "I already told them you'd save the day."
Jack poked him in the chest as he talked.
"Let me ask you a question."
Harry held up his hand and his people stopped. Jack, Daniel and Teal'c looked back seeing them stop. Jack looked back at him seriously as he rested his arms on the butt of the PC-90.
"Did this prophecy say anything about casualties? About how many people would die in the fighting?"
"It didn't have that much detail." Harry said dropping the smile and looking away from his people.
"Does
it say anything about the King surviving at all?"
"Actually,
there is no reference….to me specifically." he said seeing where
Jack was going. "I just assumed…."
"Yeah, do you really want to take that chance Harry? Do you really want to roll those dice?" Jack said mimicking the rolling of dice.
He looked back at his people and they still looked happy, not knowing the problem.
"It's not going to be easy to convince them Jack."
"Do it anyway. You're the King." Jack said slapping him on the arm. "And remember, it's good to be King."
Harry still looked at him almost scared but more afraid of telling the truth.
Carter was messing with the glowing wires and other internal systems of the ship, in the ceiling, in the back of the ship.
"No, don't touch that. That is something else."
"How do you know? For all we know it could be what keeps the light on."
"No. It runs power to….to…..ah hell. It's….just don't touch it." Ford said rubbing his head in thought. He was getting a headache from it all. Something popped into his head telling him what needed to be done, while it left moments later. "You'll blow a circuit….not a circuit but close enough analogy, and we can't replace it."
"What about this?"
"That….I….pulled that out. It runs power to the Time Drive and I want no one near it or activating the damned thing. Though if it worked and we had full power, we could go in the past a few hundred years or longer, or even go into the future and have some time to ourselves. Lots of time."
"You're getting a dirty mind." she said smiling. "But at least I know you're here with me again."
"It's your fault." he said with a suggestive smile as he wrapped a arm around her waist.
"I know." she said liking what he meant as she started leaning closer.
They heard movement outside about a minute later and turned around. Jack and Daniel walked in. Jack was more impressed.
"Nice ride!"
"Yes, but I've seen better. Anyway, get up front with me and help out here. Maybe the two of us can get this metal tube off the ground." Ford grimly said as he walked back up front and sat down placing his hands on the console. Everything shut down. Jack set his bag aside and walked up.
"I'm sorry. I take it back."
The systems restored flickering.
"Temperamental I see." Jack said sitting down in the driver seat. "What did you do?"
"I have no idea. It has trouble…..with me. Maybe because I'm afraid of what it is capable of."
"What is it capable of Major?"
"I don't know really." he said shrugging. "One moment I knew what it could do, the next it was gone. But we can agree it travels through time. Which is extremely bad in the wrong hands."
"Do you have any suggestions?"
"If I did, and when I know something, you'll be the first to know Brigadier." Ford said tapping a button on the console. It didn't do anything and he grunted in frustration.
"Nice set up though." Jack said looking it over and then at the other two. "Okay, idea's, suggestions, quarter's maybe."
"Nope." Daniel said from behind Ford.
"Sorry sir, you're on your own." she said messing with more internal components.
"Fine." he said looking back at the console. It lit up briefly then shut off again.
"Dammit." Ford muttered.
"Hey, if this thing fly's, swims, whatever through time. How are we not going to end up anywhere. Such as the Alamo or worse?"
"I disconnected the Time Drive. I don't know what the Ancients were doing using this machine for time travel, but we don't need to be using it for that. Way to dangerous. You all could travel to the past and….." he said frustrated at the thought. "And completely screw things up to where I might never show up or show up and be working with people I don't know, knowing it should be you guys. Not to mention never being with Sam."
"Okay." Jack said getting only part of that.
"Ford was quite persistent about that sir. Whatever he did, I don't what it was. But we won't be traveling in time." she said coming forward.
"Okay, now what?"
"You could try concentrating on a certain system." Daniel said.
"Concentrate?"
"Yes Jack. Concentrate. Like this." Ford said closing his eyes and touching the panels. Nothing happened though, not at first then the board lit up and the shuttle shook, then died.
"Is this a good idea?" Jack asked.
"Yes sir. Just try concentrating on….the engines."
Jack nodded and placed his hands on the console. Ford did the same. It became dead quiet and after a few seconds.
"I've got nothing." he said quickly.
Daniel and Sam jumped slightly being started by his voice.
"You didn't even try!" Ford said turning the seat.
"Hey!" Jack said turning to him.
"You didn't try Jack. Now do it again but think harder. You're not at dumb as you pretend to be sometimes. Just think about making the engines activate."
"Yeah, just focus your mind." Daniel said. "Focus."
Jack shook his head and tossed his hat off. He closed his eyes and tried again. They both did. Suddenly the whole ship came to life.
"Good. Good." Daniel said watching them. Jack was starting to look like he was straining.
The ship shook as it lifted off the ground about an inch, then everything died. The ship hit the ground pretty hard nearly knocking Daniel and Sam off their feet.
"Okay, not bad. Better than before." Daniel said lightly.
Jack opened his eyes grimacing. Ford leaned back in the chair rubbing his forehead.
"So close. Why won't it work? What am I doing wrong?"
"Maybe you're not concentrating now?"
Ford slowly turned to Jack, glaring at him, with a short dark laugh. Jack just smiled lightly.
"And the headache just keeps getting worse." Ford muttered.
Back at the village, people were packing things up and getting ready to leave.
"Tempest fugits, girls, tempest fugits." Harry said walking past a few woman who just placed a couple of items on a table. He looked through a box picking an item up as Teal'c walked over.
"I sure collected up a lot of stuff and I've only been here a couple of years." he said putting it back. "I guess I'm a bit of a pack rat."
"When do you intend to tell your people?"
"I'm getting to that….it's just…well, you know. I'm thinking about what I'm going to say." he said fidgeting noticeably.
"Perhaps you should consider telling the truth." Teal'c said with strong conviction.
"That's one strategy." he said with a roll of his eyes.
"Whatever you decide, you must decide quickly. We must leave soon." he said forcefully.
"I know. I know." he said with a fake smile as he walked away.
A couple of woman were lifting something near him.
"No, no, just leave that. That stuff over there." he said walking past into the castle like structure.
The dark haired woman that always watched Harry looked at him walk away then at Teal'c from behind a column. She pushed back her cape and walked away quickly.
"The primary power source is depleted." Sam said looking as some of the internals then at them up front. "We need to re-route the controls through the secondary output that originally ran through the time device."
"Of course we do." Jack said completely lost.
"Okay, try it now." she said.
They both tried again. It slowly powered up and flickered before becoming steady. It stayed that way for about three seconds then sparks and pops happened in the circuitry that Sam was working around. Ford let go turning as the system crashed as they heard it power down.
"Damn it." Sam said as she started working with the exposed wires.
"You okay?" Ford asked ready to jump from the chair.
"I'm fine. Just startled." she said shaking a hand and then waving a hand to tell him to stay.
"You sure?"
"Yes."
They tried again and nothing happened.
"Okay, plan B." Jack said getting up.
"Sir, I'm not familiar with Ancient technology. I just need more time."
"You've got an Ancient for a husband Carter and he can't get it working!"
"Hey. I'm trying my best, but it's not working with me." Ford said standing up. "Now what's this plan B?"
"We blow it up and go home." Jack said grabbing the bag and walking out.
"You want to do what?!" Ford said pushing past the other two and grabbing the bag from him as they got outside. "You're not blowing this up. You can't."
"Watch me Major." he said reaching for the bag. But he couldn't after Ford held it over his head out of Jack's reach.
"He's right sir. We need this."
"Carter, you're only on his side.." Jack said jumping for the bag. "Major gimme the damned bag!"
Daniel tried not to laugh. It was funny the way Ford towered over Jack that way. Sure they were almost the same height, but Ford had some pretty big boots on not to mention his arms were longer than Jacks.
"Only if you…." he started saying when they all heard movement. He tossed the bag on top of the shuttle and pulled his guns with the rest of them as several people from the village came out with their crossbows aimed at them.
"Surrender your weapons, or die where you stand." Garan said.
"Oh, if I had a nickel…" Jack said with a sigh.
"Lower your weapons." she said again.
"I…." Jack said moving leafy branch from his face. "Don't think so."
"We will not allow you to take King Arkhan from us."
"Good King Arkhan is a fraud."
"Our King is wise. He is a seer!" a man standing near her stated.
"He maybe wise, but he is no seer." Jack said noticing Carter had moved back a step as had Daniel. Most if any arrows would hit him or Ford. Daniel and Sam would be safe, mostly.
"He can only interpret what has been written on the pillars of the temple walls not very far from here. Now those writing hold the prophecies and anyone who can read the language can make the same prediction." Daniel said.
"You lie!"
"Why don't we go back to the village and let good King Arkhan explain everything." Daniel said looking over his shoulder at her.
"First lower your weapons." she said.
No one moved, except Daniel who lowered his.
"Did your King ever talk about someone he met that was….unable to be killed?"
They all shifted some but didn't say anything.
"Thought so. That's me, so I advise we do this together then. I'd rather not have to shoot you all."
They slowly started lowering theirs and Jack and the rest of SG-1 lowered them to.
"God I miss going off world." Jack said happily as he remember the good times.
They returned to the village finding Harry kneeling in front of two children. A boy and girl as they gave him some yellow flowers.
"Who would have thunk?" Jack said.
Harry turned to them and got up.
"Oh, hey Jack. I spoke with Garan. I'm sorry about what happened at the ship. Believe me, I had nothing to do with it." he said smiling.
"I know Harry. You're always the victim in these things."
Harry's smile dropped as they walked.
"Okay, look, I'll admit when I first found the ruins, I did plan to use them to my personal advantage. But all that changed when I became King Arkhan the first." he said turning to Jack in a less open area.
"Oh please." Jack said sarcastically.
"It's true Jack. I care about these people. I want to help them." he said with sincerity.
"Then tell them the truth. Come clean on all this stuff." Jack said waving a hand around.
"I've already arranged for an assembly with the village elders." Harry said looking at the flowers a moment. "I'm going to tell them we have to leave."
Harry pulled his robe closer and walked away. Jack then noticed that Harry had changed.
About an hour later everyone was standing around as Harry was getting ready to talk. SG-1 was standing on the wall looking down at the people with Jack as they waited for Harry. He came from a tunnel and walked over to the stairs.
"Well, here goes nothing."
Everyone gathered around closer as he walked down looking ready to be stoned. He stopped at the end of the steps and addressed them. Jack walked down a few steps standing close behind. SG-1 stayed several feet behind on the balcony.
"My friends. I wish I were here under better circumstances. But the fact is I come before you all to deliver a warning."
"Jack mentioned something about Harry looking like he cared about these people. He might be right." Ford muttered.
"You're joking?" she said quietly as Harry continued..
"No. He sounds like he might have changed."
"Anything is possible Sam. He has been here for some time." Daniel stated.
"Well, anything is possible." she said.
"The village is in danger and the time has come for us to leave."
People started murmuring.
"We must abandon our world. Arrangements are being made to help us…" he said looking back at Jack. He tilted his head indicating it was partially right.
"Helping us temporarily relocate to a safe place."
They started talking amongst themselves again.
"The prophecy was clear. The enemy will be defeated." one man spoke.
"Ah, yes. The prophecy was clear, but only up to a certain point." Harry said seeing a problem developing as he shifted his feet. "After that it was somewhat…..unclear. Murky clarity."
They really started murmuring.
"Of course the enemy will be defeated, but…" he said quickly. "And there is a chance that some of us may be hurt or killed in the process. And I am not willing to…."
"You assured us that we would be safe!" a different man said.
"Yes, I….remember that." he said looking at the ground then at them again. "Uh, however…"
They all looked at him sad but waiting for him to tell them things as he always had. He looked back at Jack who nodded at him several times with a certain look. He turned back around and stepped down in front of them.
"The truth is…I've not been entirely honest with you. I am not a seer. I don't possess insight into the future or divine powers that set me apart. I'm just a regular guy, no more or less special than you."
They started talking until a guy spoke up.
"But the prophecies?"
"The don't come from me. They come from the walls of the old temple, written in stone for all to see. I have the ability to interpret these writings and with the proper understanding," he said clearing his throat. "Any of you could do the same."
"You may be right. He sounds like he has changed." Sam said.
"Yeah, it's kinda strange to see." Daniel said.
"I am a pretender. I took advantage of you." he said as they kept talking amongst themselves. He removed his crown holding it in front of him. "And for that…I am deeply sorry."
He started to walk up the stairs when Garan walked forward and spoke as he was removing the cloak.
"What about the design for the new water mill? Was it written on the wall of the temple as well?"
"Ah, no that was from me." he said still removing the cloak.
"And our new medicines, our legal code…" she said turning to the people and then back to him. "And the irrigation systems? Were these things also found in the ruins?"
"No." he said confused.
"These were not acts of a pretender." she said happily as she turned to the people again. "But of a leader!"
The people vocally agreed.
"Oh no." Ford muttered rubbing the bridge of his nose.
"Ah, guys, I'm touched, but really…" Harry said. Jack looked panicky as he looked back at his former team.
"What does it matter where the prophecies come from? All we need know is that each one of them has been fulfilled, as this latest will be fulfilled." Garan stated. The crowd agreed.
"Well, now. Let's not get carried away here." Harry said holding the crown out as he shook it at them.
"We will defeat this enemy! And will we do so under the leadership of our great King. King Arkhan the first!"
They all started chanting his name soon after. He looked back at Jack who just was not happy but couldn't do anything. Harry turned back to them putting the crown back on as he smiled at them.
"You lost that argument quickly Jack. Nice try. Now, if you'll excuse me, me and Sam have a ship to get running." Ford said patting him on the arm a moment then walking off. "We should be seeing you soon."
"Wait…what…oh for crying out loud." he muttered as he rubbed his eyes. "Nice try he says. I'll give him nice try with a swift kick in the…"
Jack and the other two were walking away leaving the village as they walked through it. He was about to call the other two members that had ran off, but before he could say no to them, Harry ran up.
"Uh, Jack…look, I'm sorry about that." he said passing several people.
"Not my problem Harry." he said grabbing his com and turning to Harry. "If these folks, don't want to go, they don't have to go. Colonel, Major, get back here immediately after blowing it up. That's an order."
"Not happening Brigadier. I'm going to disarm those things so you can't do it. You need to come help us finish this."
"Dammit. Daniel, you and Teal'c go secure the gate while I go kick Ford's ass for insubordination and blow the damned thing up myself." he said angrily as he started walking away.
"Wait, Jack. Look, I know it sounds crazy, but Garan was right about the prophecies. They have all come true."
"Harry, we are not staying. And as Ford once stated, if you know the future, you can change it. So, if you don't want to stay here, I suggest you get your royal butt to the gate." he stated while tapping Harry's chest a couple of times. Harry looked dejected as Jack walked off.
Teal'c and Daniel exited part of the forest seeing the gate as it was activating. They got down watching to see who would be coming through, knowing who it possibly was. Several Jaffa warriors came out looking for anyone around.
"Jack come in."
Jack had just showed up back at the ship hearing the other two working inside and talking intimately. Looking up on top of the dead branches covering the shuttle, he didn't see the bag anymore.
"Jack come in."
"Yeah, go ahead." he said upset. The two inside shut up suddenly as they realized they were not alone.
"We ah, got a little problem here. Aries Jaffa just came through the gate. We're cut off." Daniel said seeing over a dozen Jaffa standing outside the gate along with the First Prime. (Author's note: Wayne Brady from Who's line is it Anyway? Is the First Prime.)
"If you blow the ship now, you'll give away our position."
"Not going to happen anyway Daniel. Can't find the explosives." he said getting pissed off as he entered the ship.
Daniel and Teal'c could only watch as the gate shut off and the First Prime walked down looking around before he ordered them to follow him. Daniel and Teal'c decided to leave and did so quickly to inform Harry of who was coming. Luckily, the Jaffa never saw them.
The Jaffa walked into the village like they owned it pushing people aside as they made way for Aries First Prime. They parted as he walked through and up the Harry who was sitting in his chair.
"Welcome strangers. I am King Arkhan the first." Harry said getting up with false happiness. "It is with a joyful heart and open arms that we welcome you."
"I am Trelak. First Prime to the Great Lord Aries, your god, who will be returning to reclaim this land and his loyal followers." he said calmly but with a tone that said defy me and you will die painfully.
"Glad tidings of…..comfort and joy. Comfort and joy." he said almost muttering it out as he sighed.
"Lord Aries demands nothing short of complete obedience from you and your people." Trelak said walking away and passing in front of the people who looked at him with displeasure. "Any resistance will be dealt with harshly."
"Understood." Harry said.
"Gather your subjects. Inform them of our arrival." he said turning away.
Daniel and Teal'c could only watch helplessly in long black cloaks as they stood amongst the people.
"Guess Aries decided to go with a man this time." Daniel muttered quietly
"Indeed."
"Of course." Harry said fidgeting.
Trelak stood in front of Harry again and looked at a woman with long dark curly hair next to him.
"Do you have something to say slave?"
"I am not a slave!" she insisted.
"I apologize. My servant spoke out of turn. She will be punished." Harry said quickly.
"Of course she will." Trelak said smiling with a nod.
Another Jaffa came over and forced her to her knees and aimed his staff weapon at her head. Daniel and Teal'c slowly went for their weapons.
"Kill me if you want, but know this. In the end…..you and your people will be defeated just as the prophecy foretold." she said looking at Trelak with conviction.
Harry laughed lightly as he stepped down.
"Pay her no attention. She is obviously frightened beyond reason."
"It foretold of your arrival and defeat." she said with the same tone not looking away.
"Yesterday it foretold of a morning frost, but today you can see what fine weather we are having." Harry said quickly.
"Silence!" Trelak practically yelled at him then turned to her. "Where may I find this prophecy?"
She looked away keeping silent.
"If what you say is true, then we would be fools to stay and meet certain death."
She looked back at him harshly.
"It is written on the walls of the old temple." she spat out.
"Go with her." Trelak said to the Jaffa aiming at her.
He picked her off the ground after lowering his weapon and took several more Jaffa with him. Trelak watched them leave then turned back to Harry who shrugged.
"Hey guys, this is Daniel." came through their line.
Sam was still working with the internal systems, with Ford working between up front and there. Jack was outside still.
"Aries First Prime just sent some men out to check out the ruins. As soon as they see the Ancient writing, they are going to search the area."
"How's it going in there you two?" Jack's voice said through the com.
"Just a few more minutes sir." she said grabbing her CB.
"What are you doing? I thought you were going to blow it up?" Daniel asked.
"Well…." she started saying.
"Sorry Daniel, but we are busy and I'm not letting Jack or anyone blow this up. Goodbye." Ford said taking the CB from her. "I think I figured out the problem."
"So have I. This here runs power to the…."
Harry had his people set up a table and place lots of food on it. He motioned them away quickly after it was done and turned to Trelak. Trelak was talking with one of the Jaffa under his command several feet away.
"I have prepared a feast in your honor." Harry said loudly on purpose.
Trelak smiled as he waved the Jaffa away.
"Come,
please sit. Partake of our bounty." he said smiling falsely as he
picked up a fruit. "This fruit for instance is sort of a cross
between a….ah!!!
Trelak had walked up and grabbed his hand
squeezing it, squishing the fruit and almost crushing his hand.
"We are not interested in your offering. You were warned. Anyone who did not accept us would die."
"You've made yourself perfectly clear." he said through the pain as his knuckles cracked and Trelak letting go.
"Have I? But your subjects seem less than willing to accept our terms." he said looking at the people nearby as they gave him cold stares and glances that wished his death. "They cling to archaic beliefs, prophecies, portents, that threaten to undermine the rule of our god."
"That won't happen." Harry said nodding his head for him to follow. "I can see to it."
"How?"
"They are simply folk, easily influenced. With my help, you'll have no problem bending them to your will."
The Jaffa was still pulling her along as they made it to the ruins.
"It's here." she said struggling along.
The Jaffa let her go and looked over the tall column and nodded. He started giving orders to the other Jaffa with him as Jack watched through his one eye binocular. He motioned for a few men to head one direction and went with the other three heading toward Jack.
"Dammit."
Ford and Carter were still at it. He managed to get the thing to lift off for about two seconds then something didn't work out as a cable burned out, if it was even called a cable. Just power failure really and they had to replace it with a different part.
"Carter?"
"Sir?"
"They're headed our way."
"Bring them Jack. I'll get rid of them as you try and get this shuttle going."
"Right." Jack muttered as he ran off. Moments later.
"About time. How many?"
"Four. I'll deal with them, you…"
"Get in here." Ford said pulling him in. "Go up front and concentrate on making the engines run."
"Your…"
"Court martial me later." he said walking out. "I'm trying to save your sorry ass."
"He is really pushing it today Carter."
"Yes sir." she said figuring it was the best thing to say.
"I need something to concentrate on other than the voices in my head." he muttered only enough for her to hear as he stepped out.
Two of the warriors came after passing under a few tree branches. As the neared the back of the ship he stepped out putting his arm blades into their gut and jerking up. They both dropped silently as the other two showed up and fired at him. He moved back against the ramp into the shuttle as they both came around. One of them was to close and he took his head off quickly and swung for the other one. He missed as the Jaffa dropped and rolled away only to run away. He didn't get far as Ford shot him in the back with his personal cannon. It was heard for miles.
"Let's go." he said walking and closing the door before going up front.
"Great work Ford! I bet even Anubis heard that!" Jack shouted.
"Your PC-90 would have been heard all the way back the gate and village anyway, so it don't matter." he said sitting down.
"Okay, you may be right there."
"Concentrate with me now." he said tapping the console. "Our lives seriously depend on this thing moving."
Trelak looked around as his men pointed their weapons at the people. They surrounded them quickly as Trelak kept looking around.
"That was a Tauri weapon."
"What's a Tauri?" Harry asked looking confused.
Trelak had the people moved around and the ones with hood's, removed. Daniel and Teal'c were instantly exposed and fortunately away from anyone else. Their weapons were removed as they stood there not able to do anything. Two Jaffa behind them pushed them forward closer to Trelak.
"You're to late to save this world. I just received word. Lord Aries has just arrived." he stated smiling.
Up in space a Goa'uld mothership came and flew into orbit making ready for planetary descent.
"I'm done. I think." Carter said removing the laptop and walking up front. She took the seat behind Ford as they both looked at the consoles. "We are good to go."
"Concentrate Jack."
"Yeah I know." he said placing his hands on the console. It lit up, but nothing else was happening.
"What were you and your allies planning?" Trelak asked them. They kept quiet and he walked up to Teal'c. "Know this Sho'va. I will see that you die slowly."
"And I will see to it, that you die quickly." Teal'c said with a small smile.
Trelak smiled as he backed up and grabbed his staff weapon. He hit Teal'c in the chest, but Teal'c only bent over slightly. The Jaffa behind him smacked him across the back, but he used his hand to keep from falling to his knees. Teal'c slowly rose to his feet looking like he was unhurt.
"I think not. My men guard the gate and the mothership descends at we speak." he said while looking Teal'c over. He then laughed as he walked away.
Jack and Ford kept concentrating as the board stayed lit up then suddenly the engines hummed to life as small holographic screens came up on the window panel. Jack opened his eyes as did Ford as the shuttle started moving off the ground for the third time. Jack grabbed the handles and pulled back making the shuttle take off.
"We've got it." Ford said shocked.
"It looks like we do."
"How much power we have?" Ford asked.
"I'm not really sure." she said.
"Shields. We need shields." Ford said quickly.
There was a hum, but it sounded different.
"That must be them." Jack said as the flew. "Let's see what this thing can do."
"You were plotting on concert with the people of this world. Treachery is something be cannot abide." Trelak said in anger as he walked a short distance away. Harry walked up to them looking displeased then walked over to Trelak.
"I couldn't agree with you more. You think you're outraged. I was betrayed by my own people!"
Trelak grabbed him by the throat chocking him. He looked up suddenly as the unknown shuttle flew over giving the ground and everyone around a nice shockwave. Trelak looked up and tried to stay standing as he watched it pass by. Teal'c grabbed the staff weapon of one of the guys near him and pulled it away. Daniel grabbed a pottery vase off the ground and smashed it into the face of the Jaffa behind him before he could shoot Teal'c. Teal'c elbowed the man, pulled the staff weapon from his grip and hit him with it several times knocking him out. Daniel punched the same guy in the face and grabbed the zat gun off his arm shooting him once.
Up in the shuttle Sam noticed a small screen between them on the console showing something.
"Hey, there's a large ship coming at us. It's big, sir."
"Goa'uld mothership." Ford said as they could now see it as they left the atmosphere. "This thing have power for the weapons Sam?"
"I don't know."
"Weapons." Jack said closing his eyes as he concentrated again. Nothing happened though.
Daniel got down as a Jaffa came into view on the balcony above. He shot him quickly and tried for the Jaffa rushing his from the side. The zat blast was discharged into the ground as the Jaffa knocked the zat from his hand then hit him in the gut. Daniel fell back into a table and was instantly being chocked by the staff weapon as the Jaffa held it against him. Teal'c spun his weapon around after knocking the warrior out and shot another Jaffa that came around the corner up on the balcony. He tumbled down the stairs dead. Trelak tossed Harry aside and jumped on Teal'cs back. Teal'c flipped him over easily and slammed him into the ground. Trelak rolled over quickly and tossed sand into Teal'c eyes. As he bent over rubbing his eyes, Trelak grabbed a old bench and broke it across his back driving him to the ground. Tossing the broken bench aside he kicked Teal'c in the side.
"Sho'va!" he exclaimed as he pulled his knife.
Harry came from behind and smashed a vase over his head. He grabbed his head in pain then turned around and tossed Harry aside again. Harry started looking for a weapon as Teal'c got up catching Trelak's hand as he brought the knife down. Trelak grabbed his hand trying to push it into Teal'cs chest. Teal'c then used his other hand to push back. Trelak smiled wickedly as the knife moved closer to Teal'cs chest then looked afraid as Teal'c smiled back and shifted the angle as he pushed it down further and up into Trelak's body. Daniel was still struggling when the Jaffa holding him down suddenly cried out and slumped forward dead. He shoved him off and looked up seeing Garan on the balcony reloading her crossbow.
"You are a man of your word." Trelak said in surprise and pain.
"Indeed." Teal'c said shoving it further in. He let go and walked past him as Trelak dropped to his knees then fell forward dead.
The shuttle shook as it took an impact.
"There went the shields. Might want to avoid the rest of the weapon fire Jack."
Jack grimly nodded his head as they got closer to the ship.
"You're doing great sir."
"Those ships are a lot bigger up close." Jack commented as he avoided a blast.
"Try the weapons again sir."
"Weapons, right." he said thinking about it again.
A small panel on either side of the ship opened near the front and two fire like energy balls came out rushing toward the mothership.
"Keep firing sir."
"Power to weapon systems depleted." Ford said with a low toned voice as he pointed at a small screen on the window.
"Let's hope they hit something vital then." Jack said as he pulled up as the ship suddenly went up in a massive explosion.
"Good job sir. You must have knew where to shoot."
"Yeah, maybe." he said directing the ship back toward the planet.
"Alpha site."
"What?" she asked.
"Power levels minimal. Time Drive inactive. Cloak inoperative. Weapon systems depleted. Landing advised." Ford said with a out of focus look.
"What's going on Carter?"
"He's gone again sir." she said shaking him.
It didn't do any good though. Now she was worried. Slapping him wasn't the best option, since she usually hurt herself so she tried another tactic and pulled his hair.
"Ow! Could have used a better method Sam." he said grabbing his head as he moved his head away from her.
"You linked up with the ship or whatever again and wasn't coming out of it."
"Oh, that again. Um, so, how are we going to get this home?"
"The Alpha site. My idea." Jack stated as the ground started being seeable again.
"Nice to see you thought about it before hand Jack. Good job."
"He…"
"Carter." Jack said holding a finger up.
"Yes sir."
"Nice try Jack. I wanted to see if you would tell the truth. I suggested the Alpha site since the ship is almost without power and other systems have became inoperative, so land near the gate. We can dial out from the ship itself."
"We can?" Carter asked in surprise.
"Yeah, that's what these are for." Ford said pointing at a section of lit up panels.
"Sweet!" Jack said as he brought the shuttle through the atmosphere.
Ford and Jack piloted it through to the Alpha site and managed to park it inside the hanger bay. After they left it there, they went back to the planet to get Daniel and Teal'c. They were all packed up and getting ready to leave as the gate opened back to Stargate Command. Harry was standing near Jack and the SG-1 team as some of his people stood nearby. Three woman stood near each other just behind SG-1 but kept quite.
"Are you sure you don't want to leave all of this?" Jack asked smelling the yellow flowers that some young girl gave him. Even Carter was holding some she was given by a small boy.
"I can't leave these people Jack. I made a life here. I can't walk away from my home, my friends….my wives."
This got their attention.
"Yo…your what?" Ford said hoping he didn't hear that right.
"Wives?" Carter asked also hoping the same.
Harry smiled and looked behind them. The three woman behind them all smiled as they looked at him then at the ground.
"Go. Both of you." Jack said quickly seeing the look they both had. Carter glared at him as she walked by.
"Harry, that is…just wrong. Really wrong." Ford said ready to deck him. He dropped his fist and walked away shaking his head.
"Wives?" Jack said laying a hand on Harry's shoulder after they had walked through the gate.
Harry shrugged.
"You're lucky. The Major was ready to take your head off no matter the consequences."
"Good thing you were here then Jack."
"Yeah, I'm not so sure about that." he said walking away. "Goodbye Harry."
When they started to go home for the night, they found out Jack left early, mostly by one thing other than the fact he had signed out for the night. The General Lee was missing and Jack's truck was still in it's parking spot, with a note saying do not touch. It was signed by Jack.
"Well, I did tell him to have fun. I don't think he can do anything to bad to him."
"We'll find out tomorrow." Sam said as they got into her car. Daniel went home laughing.
