CHAPTER 99
EPISODE……………THE SHROUD
They had heard, from one of the SG teams that had been sent out on spying missions, that there was a new Prior preaching. Though it was a different sort of preaching. So SG-1 was sent to go find out about this new Prior. It was a simple people they came to. Kinda medievalish with a sort of old country, almost old west type of living. There wasn't any guns, or none that they noticed, much less any weapons unless you counted farming equipment, rake, pitch fork, that sort of thing. They were talking to one of the leaders of the town as they walked through it, passing by the many people going about their business. SG-1 was in their off world black outfits while Ford was wearing a blood red three piece suit, plus his coat like always, and his cane. He didn't wear his SGC vest because the inside of his coat carried all those things, extra ammo, C-4 and C-5, small med kit, stuff like that.
"He was very persuasive." Tevaris said as they rounded a corner by one of the bigger buildings. He wore a black faded cloak with old black leather pants, also worn out and faded, plus a button up sweater shirt, sort of gray to light black. The book of Origin was in his hand under his arm.
"Convert or die. Yeah, I'd say that's some bite." Mitchell said.
"Oh no. Quite the opposite in fact. He talked about life and salvation." Tevaris said. "The blessings of the Ori."
"He didn't threaten you?" Vala asked.
"He spoke of the religion. He also left this book with us to read and consider." he said waving the book. "He said he'd be back today to hear our answer."
"Good, I'd like to see this new guy." Ford said as he followed along next to Sam with one hand in his pocket. The other was holding the cane, either using it or on his shoulder.
"So do I." Carter said. "Trevaris, your people are not alone. This is happening on countless other planets out there. And those people who have refused, very few survive."
"Are you saying this Prior's claims are false?"
"Very false. There is no salvation, no ascending. It's all meaningless worship." Ford said.
"And what sort of evidence do you have to support your position?" he asked looking at them as he turned around.
"Telling you I am an Ancient probably won't help. Otherwise, I'd just say take us at our word. Sure, we could probably bring people who have survived the attacks and/or destruction of most of their people, but even then, you might think it a hoax." Ford said.
"True."
"We really have no way of proving it." Carter said. "However, if you refuse to bow down and worship them, we will do our best to try and help your people."
"Unfortunately, we can't make any promises. But we've seen many villages and even bigger cites wiped out from refusing." Mitchell said.
"Yet, as I have said, he spoke of no death or destruction as you state has happened to others. He only spoke of the positive merits of Origin as true salvation."
"Hmm, I call it a soft sell as a new approach." Mitchell said.
"Makes sense." Carter said. "So many others have fought back or left the planet entirely, making the Ori loose followers instead of gaining. This way, they draw them in slowly, but still draw them in."
"Very sneaky." Ford muttered.
Everyone around them got excited as some people started yelling.
"The Prior returns! The Prior returns!"
"Trevaris. Whatever you and your people do, it's up to you lot. However, we would prefer that the Prior doesn't know we are here." Mitchell said as the man started to leave.
He nodded pointing at a open tent and then continued off as the group took cover inside and waited to see who the Prior was. Everyone in the village came and got close, but made a path for the Prior as he walked down between them. A staff in his hand and a hood over his head. He stopped as Trevaris walked up.
"Welcome back."
"Thank you Trevaris. Have you contemplated your divine right?" a familiar to the SG team voice asked.
"We have Prior. We wish to hear more of your wisdom."
"It is not my wisdom. But the wisdom of the ages passed on by the only true gods." the Prior said removing his hood. "Hallowed are the Ori."
"Oh my god." Carter muttered.
"How could you Daniel…" Vala asked sadly.
"I'm going to kill him." Ford growled.
It took everything that Teal'c and Mitchell had to hold Ford back from going out and beating Daniel to death. Teal'c ended up having to hit him rather hard across the back of the neck to knock him out in order to keep their position from being found. Once Daniel the Prior left, they went back to base.
"Damn Teal'c. I knew you could hit." Ford said as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm surprised you didn't break my neck."
"I am glad as well. I did not wish to cause you harm, however, you lost control." Teal'c said as he and the rest of SG-1 was waiting at the table for Landry to leave his office.
"General, you almost compromised our position." Mitchell said.
"Sorry. I didn't think about it first. Not like he could do anything to me anyway."
"Okay, what can you tell me, or should I ask, what happened first?" Landry asked as he walked out and sat at the head of the table, in one of the other chairs. Ford had to use the chair he made because it supported his weight load, unlike the rest.
"Daniel is a Prior General." Vala said. "Ford here, almost went out and attacked him."
"Which is why Teal'c and I had to restrain him to keep ourselves from being compromised." Mitchell said.
"General. I can understand if you felt betrayed or something…."
"You have no idea." Ford muttered.
"And if it had just been you on the planet, then it would have been okay. You'd survive obviously. However, you have to play as a team member."
"Yes sir. I won't do that again. I think it was more an instinctual reaction."
"So, any ideas why he joined the other team?" Landry asked.
"I'm guessing that Adria must have done something to him." Vala said. "She once before stated about having plans for him, but we managed to escape before learning what they were."
"Merlin's memories must have left his mind and then she brainwashed him into believing Origin." Ford grumbled.
"Daniel was more opposed to the idea of Origin than you were Ford. We know he'd never willing to preach their beliefs." Carter said.
"The saddest part, other than him being a Prior, is he did it so well. It was like a Jehovah witness actually getting through a front door for once. He told them many things about Origin that involved getting salvation, but not one word about death, genocide or destruction if they failed to believe." Mitchell said. "If I didn't know the truth, I almost would have believed what he was saying."
"Maybe that's why Daniel's preaching that way." Vala said. "He's one of the most peaceful men I have ever came across. He must still be in there somewhere."
"That would make sense. He actually should have known I was there." Ford said. "Ever other Prior has usually noticed."
"There is also an unfortunate chance that Daniel is actually gone." Carter said sadly. "When we last saw and heard from him, he was having trouble discerning between himself and Merlin. Merlin might have completely overridden Daniel. We have no idea if he was tortured or not and being weak to begin with, Adria's brainwashing, if that is what has happened, may have turned him to their side completely. We have to face the fact, he might be gone from us."
The team looked at each other and it was easy for Landry to see they each thought about that possible fact, and the fact they may end up having to kill him later.
"Despite this misfortune, we cannot leave Daniel Jackson behind." Teal'c stated. "We must save him in hopes that he is still apart of us."
"You'll have to use that anti-Prior device to capture him." Landry said. "Unless there is some other way you all haven't said anything about."
They shook their heads.
"What about your time ship General?" Landry asked.
"Not unless he was in her. And Daniel would know that so he'd steer as clear from it as possible if he saw it."
"What if this is Daniel?" Vala said. "And Adria is using him as bait to capture us."
"That makes perfect sense. She wants you and won't kill you Vala. And she wants me to use as an example, as do the Ori." Ford said.
"Whatever he is, bait for a trap or actually a member of the opposite team, we have to go after him." Mitchell said. "Agreed?"
The rest of SG-1 nodded.
"Then you have a go." Landry said.
Daniel was standing on a bench preaching from the book as the people of the village were listening. They were rather surprised went a bright light surrounded the Prior and he disappeared.
The team was inside the Odyssey, in one of the rooms near a large set of windows looking out into space. Though Colonel Carter wasn't there, she was on the bridge, in command. There was a table there, along with the anti-Prior device, currently active, the same chair that Anubis clone was in, and the T.A.R.D.I.S. Mitchell and Teal'c had zat guns pointed as Daniel was beamed up in front of them. He looked at them and then at the zats a moment before at them again.
"Damn, what took you guys so long?"
They were surprised. Teal'c lowered his zat as Mitchell fired. The book dropped and Ford grabbed the front of the robe before he crumpled to the floor.
"We've got him Sam." Mitchell reported as Ford lifted Daniel over his shoulder and took him into the T.A.R.D.I.S.
"Good work." Carter said before turning to the Major near her. "Take us into hyperspace."
"Yes sir."
She came down about half an hour later after hearing that Daniel had been changed and locked into the chair.
"I guess the anti-Prior device is working." she said walking in.
"He didn't stop us from zatting him." Mitchell said.
"We know he's still with us." Vala said.
"How?" Carter asked.
"Well, I think it was the words he used once he saw us." Vala said repeating them.
"Sounds like him." Carter said as Ford walked up to Daniel.
"General…"
"I'm not going to kill him. Or attack him." he said leaning down slightly and putting his hand near Daniel's face.
Daniel woke up as he heard a loud snap and felt something brush his nose.
"Oh, hey Ford."
"Daniel." he said and then smacked him across the side of the head.
"OW!"
"What the hell were you thinking back there?! She was distracted! All someone had to do was shoot her and then the war would probably have been over, or at least we would have caused a lot of chaos in their ranks!"
"Um…I can explain." he said as he tried to sit up and then noticed he was strapped down. "This isn't necessary."
"Have you looked into a mirror lately?" Mitchell asked.
"I'm not a threat to any of you."
"Oh, does that mean that you'll kill the other people on this ship?" Ford asked.
"No. Rather harsh there….you're different somehow." he said looking more closely at Ford. "Not as tall…."
"Not important right now." Ford muttered as he back away.
"What's with the suit too? Even you face has changed…." Daniel said confused. "And I can feel a power in you…."
"Daniel, we don't want to do this, but there is someone with their finger over the button ready to beam you out into space if you try anything." Mitchell said.
"Daniel, can you please tell us what is going on? You sound like the guy we know, but you don't look it. So?" Carter asked.
"Oh, it's all part of a plan we have going on." he said sitting back.
"We?" they all asked.
"Yes, me and Merlin. He's still up there."
"Thanks for keeping her at bay while we escaped." Mitchell said. "However, I think the Generals idea was better."
"We couldn't let Merlin's weapon fall into Adrias hands."
"We would have it if you hadn't pushed me away." Ford said.
"Yeah, sorry about that. Not something I wanted to do…"
"And yet you did. Good thing I healed quickly, because I broke my leg when I hit the DHD."
"Why are you a Prior Daniel?" Carter asked.
"Like I said, part of the plan." he said explaining how he made it appear to Adria that he decided to follow the path of Origin. "She seemed to know everything about me. She had a tremendous power of persuasion. It was almost as if I could hear her tiny little voice inside my head telling me what to believe. So, I let her believe that she was getting to me, turning me."
"Why?" Mitchell asked.
"Because I needed her to trust me."
"And did she?" Vala asked. "Don't get me wrong, you are a terrible liar, but you are no where near as good as me."
"She's right Daniel. You suck more than anyone I have ever know. If you're lying, I have always been able to tell." Ford said.
"And what does my eyes say right now?"
"I don't know." he said looking away. "I get this really creepy feeling every time I look at you. But she has a point, how is it you fooled her?"
"Daniel didn't Primy." Merlin said taking over Daniel's body and making Ford jerk. "I was able to protect Daniel and make Adria think that he had succumbed to her will."
"Merlin?" Carter asked.
"It was necessary for the plan. We ended up spending many moments, in prayer you could say. We faked it very well and eventually, she trusted us so much, she turned us into a Prior."
"How did she do that?" Ford asked. Daniel said. "That jewel that she were around her neck is more than just a gem that protects her from attacks. It also is what is used to turn others into Priors."
"Why did she turn you Daniel?" Vala asked.
"She knew I was her best chance at converting Earth. And you hopefully." he said glancing at Vala.
"That figures." Vala muttered.
"Daniel, that only explains why she wanted to believe you, but not why she had to." Carter said.
"She had to know that I am the only one that would even be able to try…wait, I take that back, would be able to stop you, even after you overcame the device here." Ford said.
"True. However, turning me was also so I could finish the weapon. She can't do it while I have the knowledge to complete it. She knows the device can be used to wipe out the Ancients and so I told her I would finish it for her." Daniel said surprising everyone further.
"Did you?" Mitchell asked.
"No. But it is close. I needed to have the rest of my plan in place before I finished it."
"And that part of the plan is?" Mitchell asked.
"I need to be made into a Prior."
"Hello." Vala said.
"And once I was a Prior, like now, I could steal a Ori ship and fly it through the Supergate to the Ori galaxy with the weapon on board and destroy them."
"I know what you are thinking and the plan you have in mind." Ford said.
"Can you read his mind now?" Mitchell asked.
"No. Though it is rather obvious, if you think about it long enough. He said he had to use the Supergate." Ford said.
"Which is currently open so they can't send more ships." Mitchell said.
"But if we shut it down, then a Ori ship with the weapon could go through." Carter said realizing everything. "Which is why you needed to get back to us so we would shut the gate down so you can."
"Exactly."
"You do know we have to go back to Earth and talk to Jack and maybe several others about this, right?" Ford asked.
"Oh yes. So go do it. Time is of the essence." he said with a small wave of his hands.
The ship was currently in orbit while they were back in the SGC. The T.A.R.D.I.S. was by the window, seeing as that is how they got back down on Earth, plus if anything started to happen on the ship, they could get there quickly and go back several minutes to stop anything from happening if anything started to happen. Jack, being a higher rank, took Ford's seat from him. So he was leaning against the T.A.R.D.I.S. door while the rest of SG-1 was at the table with Landry and Jack. Before they all sat down to talk and tell Jack everything they learned, there was a argument that took place before they arrived in the briefing room.
Jack had just arrived and was walking the hallway towards the briefing room when both Carter's and Mitchell walked up.
"Sir." two of them said.
"Hey Jack."
"Mitchell, Carter. What is with the suit Ford? You're suppose to be in uniform or in a BDU like everyone else." he said looking him over slightly. "Just having those stars on that coat doesn't count."
"I have patches too." he said showing both arms.
"Still doesn't count. Go get changed."
"I can't. And won't." Ford stated.
"Excuse me?"
"As stupid as this is going to sound sir, he really can't. Whether it is physiological or actually true…" she said as Ford snorted indignantly. "We had him put on a few different BDU's, and they all made him itch. Lam only found something on one of them, but otherwise. Anyway, since his regeneration, he only wears three piece suits, anywhere we go."
"There are some exceptions. Don't work out in this or walk around the house." Ford said. "Plus the run we do, or workouts, or to bed."
"He also has this cane too, but we don't see it all that often." Mitchell said.
"You've got to be kidding." Jack said with a small laugh. "A cane? Okay, jokes over. Go get changed."
"No. I like this look and I'm keeping it this way. You can have me fired or court-martialed if you wish Jack. I'm not changing." he stated with a shrug before turning and walking away.
"What the hell is going on? He's never been that insubordinate. What did Landry say?"
"Seeing as SG-1 has a rather high success in saving the planet, galaxy, universe and stuff like that. He didn't seem to care much. Sure, not many people on the base are real happy with him being allowed to walk around in something other than standard issue clothes, but other than whatever he is working on getting done, I mostly think his cooking tides everything over. If anything, the regeneration made him a better cook." Mitchell said.
"I think it is a Time Lord thing sir. Seriously, I just got used to it. At first, I thought it was some faze he might be going through and when he didn't stop. He's still the same Ford we all know and love, but he really changed mentally as well."
"How so?"
"He's not as aggressive about things like he used to be. It takes a lot to piss him off sometimes. I really thought he was going to go crazy when the N.I.D. came and tried to take the T.A.R.D.I.S. away, claiming it wasn't being used correctly. He just snorted and walked away. They tried all day to get into that ship and even when he opened the door, a shield activated keeping them out. Only he could go in and out. They came back with more equipment and even orders to be allowed to look around inside, but the T.A.R.D.I.S. has always kept them out. Only a select few people, outside our family unit, are allowed inside. They stopped trying about a month ago." Carter said.
"He wasn't even fazed when they tried to take his car. He just laughed and walked away sir. Told some airmen to inform him if they ever succeeded to get in and went back to work. We all saw the video of them trying for hours before giving up. Whatever he installed into the new General Lee, that shield was not going down. He just ignored the orders to allow them to have it as well." Mitchell said.
"And none of this graced my desk? Why?"
"Well, the President wasn't behind any of the orders or other orders, so, that might explain it sir." Carter said.
"Other orders?" Jack asked.
"The N.I.D. is still trying to get info on the T.A.R.D.I.S., K-9, his blood work, my blood work, and Sally's blood work. So far, the President has been backing Ford in keeping that information from anyone." Carter said.
"He did get really pissed and broke one of the agents jaws." Mitchell said. "Haven't seen him that mad since."
"What caused that?" Jack asked.
"Actually sir, I would have done the same, or worse if he hadn't done it. Those agents, and so far, Barret has not been with them that have came much less behind the orders. That time, those three agents came to do test on Sally, with or without our permission. Had orders from several high ranking officers, a few senators and congressmen that know about the Stargate project."
"They tried to take your daughter?" Jack asked appalled.
"Oh yeah." Mitchell said. "We were all out having a picnic, SG-1, Janet, Cassandra and her boyfriend, even got Ishta to join us. Who else was there Sam?"
"Um...Rally came. Nice lady but becomes really weird around new guns. Oh, mom and dad, plus Mark and his family. Daniel's parents. I think that was it." Carter said. "Anyway, we were all chatting away and enjoying ourselves when they walked up. All I can guess is that they were thinking that since we were in a public place with so many people also enjoying the park, that there wouldn't be a scene."
"The General didn't even have his guns or coat on sir. A very rare picture. Anyway, they walked up in their suits and glasses, showed who they were and even showed the papers. Everyone heard what they said." Mitchell said.
"Ford laughed thinking it was some sort of joke, and a bad one. Told them to go away and started to sit down again. When they said no and one of them tried to touch Sally, he punched that guy out and held a steak knife on the other two. Only those of us nearby him heard what he said, and I won't repeat it." Carter said with a shudder.
"O'Neill."
Jack turned seeing Teal'c and Vala walking up.
"Hey T. Vala."
"What's going on?" Vala asked.
"We're just talking." Mitchell said.
"About what?" she asked.
"Ford." Carter said.
"Hmm. On what subject are we talking about with General Carter?" Teal'c asked.
"I was wondering about why he was wearing a suit. And then they were telling me about some incident with a picnic.."
"Indeed." Teal'c said with a growl of anger. "Had Ford Carter not sent those men away, I would have disemboweled them despite the consequences."
"One of those, if we were on Chulak sort of things?"
"I have seen many things on this planet that have appalled and shocked me O'Neill. But on that day, I was sickened by the act that almost took place. After all that Ford Carter has done for the people here and this planet. They tried to take his only child…"
"I know Teal'c. There is some very sick people out there who care nothing for what we do." Jack said touching Teal'c shoulder. "I can remember a time when they tried to take you away too."
"I didn't hear what he told those two men, but whatever it was, the terror in their eyes was so great that I had never seen it in any of the faces I saw when I was under the control of that Goa'uld." Vala said.
"General, Colonels." Walter said walking up. "Is everything okay? Landry sent me to get you all."
"Oh, we were just reminiscing Walter." Jack said casually. "Tell him we'll be right there."
"Yes sir." he said nodding.
"I never heard about the picnic incident. He must have decided to keep it secret."
"Probably didn't want you to worry sir. You know what it is like to loose a child. At least I think that might be why he didn't say anything. We know you were offered to join us, but…."
"Right." Jack said snapping his fingers. "I remember that offer now. We all went to a movie as a family. Something was on that Charlie wanted to see really badly. They haven't tried anything since have they?"
"As far as I know, no. Since we have the T.A.R.D.I.S., Janet comes over at least once a month to check on Sally with the medical equipment in it. No test results of any kind leave the T.A.R.D.I.S." Carter said.
"You call me if you need any help. Now, as for his outfit."
"Give it up sir. You won't get anywhere." she said with a small smile. "Even the President has given up."
They went to the briefing and all sat down. They all told him the things Daniel said.
"They knew they were no match for her power and they couldn't let her have Merlin's weapon, so they fooled her into thinking he changed sides in order to implement the plan we told you about." Carter said.
"She thinks it is being made to be used on the Ancients." Mitchell said.
"Only Daniel could be this stupid." Jack muttered as he rubbed his face.
"It is also possible this is a very elaborate plan that Daniel and Adria made in order to make us shut down the gate so more of their forces could come to our galaxy. However, we know Merlin is in there because he spoke to us a few times."
"Well Ford, what do you think? Getting any answers from on high?" Jack asked looking upwards.
"Other than mom saying everyone is rather jittery, I'm paraphrasing here, they aren't saying much else. Not allowed. However, it has been hinted at that Daniel is telling the truth."
"I'm going to go talk to him." Jack said.
"Let's go. Anyone else want to come with?"
They shook their heads and watched the T.A.R.D.I.S. leave after a few moments. The two guards in the room stepped out after the T.A.R.D.I.S. landed and the two Generals asked them to leave.
"Jack, Ford."
"Daniel." Ford said sitting on the table as Jack walked up.
"This is a new look for you Daniel. And not a good one."
"Yes, well." he said shrugging. "Jack, did you get demoted while I was gone?"
(In case anyone else didn't notice, back in the briefing room, Jack had two stars on his lapels. In this scene, he only had one on each lapel. Can anyone say, Wardrobe malfunction?)
"Hmm?" Jack asked confused.
"Jack, you're missing a couple stars." Ford said walking over and noticing. "There was two when we entered the T.A.R.D.I.S."
"I had to change shirts. I forgot how powerful the water pressure was in there and when I was washing my hands, I got sprayed all over the front of my chest. So I went to my room…."
"And forgot a couple stars. No wonder you took so long to come back. I was thinking it was all that food they have that probably taste like MRE's, or worse."
"You should come work for the Pentagon's cafeteria. Their cake's suck compared to yours."
"You'll have to come back to the SGC. I'm not leaving."
"Had to try. So Daniel, how long are you going to look like this?" Jack said as he grabbed one of the small rotating stools from by the table. Ford grabbed the other and sat down with his back against the table.
"It's all temporary. Merlin set it up that I'd only have all this information for a short while. And that time limit is running out."
"And when this time limit runs out?" Jack asked rolling the stool over to be next to Daniel.
"I will revert back to little old me. No more advanced knowledge, no second set of memories, no more Merlin and no more looking like this."
"That's good news." Jack said happily. "How long till that happens?"
"Jack, when that happens, I won't be able to fly a Ori ship, we won't be able to get Merlin's weapon back and then eventually, Adria will figure out how to finish the weapon and use it against the Ancients. In which case, we're screwed."
"I thought the weapon wasn't finished Daniel." Ford said.
"Actually, it is. It just is in pieces, like a puzzle. Given time, she'll figure it out."
"How long until you change back Daniel?" Jack asked crossing his arms.
"A day or so."
"A day?! I've heard of cutting it close, but this….Daniel, why did you wait till the last minute? You know how long it takes to decide issues like this."
"I had little choice. I kinda figured with that lovely phone booth you have there, that you and the rest of SG-1 would have came to my rescue and picked me up, oh, say, a couple of weeks ago or so. And what is with the suit?"
"Sorry, we, um…had some trouble." Ford said ignoring the question. "And short of going into the future to see where you were or anything like that, we had no real way of looking for you."
"Great. And now we are running out of time. Jack, if you never believe in me ever again, believe me this once. This plan has to work. That gate needs to be shut off so I can send the weapon through and stop this war from continuing. Save the galaxy once again sort of thing."
"That, is really starting to get old." he said shaking a finger.
"And yet we do it everyday." Ford said.
"Even if we took this plan and believed it, how would we even go about shutting down that gate? You do know that means blowing up the gate in the Pegasus galaxy which is rather hard…" Jack said.
"Oh please. You beam a Mark IX behind it and it blows the whole gate away. Then we dial the Supergate to their galaxy and send the weapon through."
"How do you know how to blow up a gate?"
"Hello, Merlin! Besides Jack, I'm not that stupid like you act to be. I work with two of the greatest scientist in the SGC. I was there when we stopped their first attempt to open a Supergate. A Mark IX was used then."
"And it failed!" Jack stated.
"That was a mistake. We should have put it behind the gate. Not in front." Ford said. "But he is right. It would shut down the gate in the Pegasus galaxy."
"Putting it in front of the gate made that much difference?"
"I think it absorbed the release of energy."
"But the gate can only send things one way. And from what I understand, it was opened in their galaxy." Jack said.
"Matter is one way. We send radio signals back and forth. Power and energy can go back and forth too. But from behind, it wouldn't have. Or so the theory is."
"Look, there isn't much time left. I need you guys to trust me. The only shot we have at defeating the Ori is with this plan." Daniel said.
"I think he's right. We should give this a try." Ford said.
"And if this is some sort of trick?" Jack asked.
"Okay Jack, that hurt." Daniel said.
"We have her." Ford said tapping the door to the T.A.R.D.I.S.
"As nice as she is, she has no offensive abilities. And I doubt ramming her into a Ori ship will do anything."
"No. But we could just drop in on them and toss a nuke bomb out the door."
"Right. I saw that report."
"You destroyed a Ori ship?" Daniel asked. "Adria never said anything."
"Another universe. I'll tell you later." Ford said.
"I have to talk with a few others about this first." Jack said going back into the T.A.R.D.I.S.
"Don't take to long." Daniel yelled.
They went back down and talked with Carter. She agreed with the Mark IX gate buster nuke idea, saying it would work. However, she was unsure if it was Daniel or an Ori trap. Seeing as Ford didn't think it was, she took his side quickly. Jack had a idea and had Ford take Teal'c up to the ship.
"Hey T. Ford. I guess you've became a transport service now hmm?"
"Sort of. The T.A.R.D.I.S. is also a precaution. If you somehow got loose, say overcame this device." he said pointing at the anti-Prior machine. "All I'd have to do is get you in the T.A.R.D.I.S., and your powers would be very nullified. Come to think of it, when we were getting you out of those robes, I think you were changing back to normal."
"Indeed. I did notice some of the lines on his face start to fade. However, they have since returned."
"Telling me this isn't that helpful to your side, if I was the bad guy. Which I'm not. I'm running out of time quickly and seriously, the longer I am gone, the more Adria might become suspicious and may even take away my power. If she can do it from this far away, I don't really know. So, get on with whatever it is you are here for."
"Very well. Why were you preaching to the villagers?" Teal'c asked.
"What?" Daniel asked confused. "I was there to get captured by you guys."
"You misunderstand me Daniel Jackson." Teal'c said as he paced around him. "Why is Adria not suspicious of your actions? You attempted to reform a meaningless planet of people instead of completing the weapon."
"That is a good question. You were preaching the book of Origin differently. All the good, yet none of the bad." Ford said. "Mitchell thought it was a really interesting approach. Of course, what Teal'c brought up about the weapon is also interesting."
"Well, the idea behind the peaceful reform was to get your guys attention. As for the weapon, surprisingly enough, she stopped me from completing it."
"Why?" Teal'c asked.
"I was just finishing the completion of it, got pretty much all of the stages done when she came in and had me stop. She thought that the Ancients would try and stop us before I could fully complete it. So she sent me out to convert more people. The original plan was for the Ori to convert our whole galaxy so they could build up their power enough to attack the Ancients. But even then, a conflict like that on that level was going to be costly."
"A battle like that would effect everything and everyone." Ford said.
"Yes. But now, they had access to a weapon that could destroy all Ascended beings within the scope of an entire galaxy in one fell swoop. The new plan was to try and distract the Ancients long enough so that they could use it."
"You do know that they now know about this plan." Ford stated. "Being as I am watched closely in some ways."
"Yes. However, I doubt Adria knows that."
"If they now perceive this weapon as a threat, why not take it now and destroy it?" Teal'c asked.
"I have no idea really." Daniel said. "Though it is possibly they want to give my plan a chance to work. Get rid of the Ori with the weapon, they have nothing to fear anymore then. Whatever the case, the Ori still think they need more power before going to battle to maximize their chances of making sure that the Ancients are distracted enough so the weapon can be used."
"More power means they need more followers."
"Exactly Teal'c. Which is why she is out there working so hard to gain as many followers as possible. Since she is so busy with that, and thinks that I am doing the same, that gives me the opportunity to grab that ship, finish the weapon and send it to the Ori galaxy before she notices. However, I need more than just Ford on my side. Sure, I think we could probably do this together and leave the rest of you behind, but we have a much greater chance of this working if we do it as a team."
"I can't blow up that gate in the Pegasus galaxy Daniel. One main reason, I can travel there without the exact coordinates of the black hole."
"The Daedalus has the info in their computers."
"True. But the T.A.R.D.I.S has no spatial coordinates for the Pegasus galaxy. She hasn't been there yet, well, we went to one location, but not near there."
"Okay, that presents a problem then." he said sitting back. "Unless there is anything else, go back and tell them what you need to. Time is really running out and I'd rather not be the one who caused the Ancients destruction because I wasn't able to follow through on this plan and Adria finishes and uses the weapon. If she is able."
The group was waiting in the briefing room as the T.A.R.D.I.S landed by the window.
"Oh how I love traveling in this. I don't know what it really is, but it is such a happy feeling." Ford said walking out after Teal'c.
"T?" Jack asked.
"I believe that Daniel Jackson is telling the truth and that if we delay any longer, the Ori may win."
"Lot of good it is going to do us." Jack said as he gestured towards the office.
Landry came out in a huff.
"I'll let you tell them yourself. Because I don't have the stomach for it." Landry said as Woolsey walked out.
"That's alright sir. General O'Neill filled us in recently. The IOA has nixed it all for us anyway." Mitchell said shaking his head. Everyone noticed a smile appear on his face suddenly as his head popped up. "However, if I'm right…."
He turned looked at the General who was leaning against the open T.A.R.D.I.S door. Everyone looked at him.
"What is that? That isn't…" Woolsey began as he pointed at the phone booth.
"Woolsey, you care to explain what I hope I don't want to hear?"
"Um…" he said nervously. "Well, based…."
"Time is really of the essence Woolsey." Ford said looking at his watch. "Just tell us what it is. Not why, just the answer."
"Very well. I must point out however I take full responsibility for this." he said as Ford sighed. "We believe that Daniel Jackson's life be terminated, immediately."
Woolsey flinched thinking that Ford was going to shoot him or something, especially after everyone at the table got up as he moved away from the door. No one expected Ford to start laughing.
"Okay, new plan. I trust Daniel. As creepy as it made me feel, I looked into his eyes and he said he's not lying. And mom says to trust him. So, I take full responsibility for this when I say, I'm leaving and ordering everyone of you to come with me." Ford said looking at the SG-1 group as he waved at the open door. "Landry, you can have me court-martialed when we return if you wish."
"General…"
"Woolsey, go tell whoever you want, whatever you want. You work for a group of people who do not have my trust or even my respect."
"General, what is it that you're going to do?" Landry asked.
"Save the universe. What else?" he said as Jack walked up slowly.
"I do outrank you, you know. I could stop…"
"Get in there." Ford said pushing him in.
"Hey!"
Landry only watched with a smile as the ship left.
"You didn't try to stop them General."
"I could have ordered them to stay. But I know for a fact it wouldn't have done any good. SG-1 is a very tight knit family. Some bonds like that, not even rules and regulations stop." he said going back into his office.
"So, what is the plan you have in mind?" Jack asked as they took off.
"We do what Daniel says." Ford said pushing buttons and other controls. "Sam, you know the Daedalus frequency right? If not, K-9 should be able to get it. We'll need to contact them in order to have the bomb taken to that gate."
"It should be in the databanks." she said sliding out a laptop that was hooked up and attached underneath one of the sections of the console.
"We can contact the Pegasus galaxy from here?" Jack asked.
"Possibly. Haven't actually tried before." Ford said. "With what we did to our cell phones, we found out we can go to any time period and call the present and talk to anyone."
They dropped in sent the guards out of the room.
"Oh, yeah. The whole team is here." Daniel said.
"Daniel, as much as I part of me thinks this idea is a bad one. What is it we need to do in order to go through with this plan?" Jack asked after Ford shut off all the listening devices and sealed the door.
"I'm sorry?" he said as Vala was removing the restraints.
"We are going through with your plan." Ford said very slowly. "I am putting my ass on the line for you. Don't do something I will regret. Understand?"
"Yeah." he said standing up and rubbing his wrist. "I guess you're not going to turn that off are you?"
"Not yet." Jack said. "I really want to fully trust you Daniel, but try to look at it from my point of view."
"Promising not to do anything probably won't work either?"
"No." Jack said.
Daniel waved a hand and the machine shut off.
"I overcame it several minutes ago. Now, we are running out of time. Since I seriously doubt that the T.A.R.D.I.S has the spatial coordinates for the Ori ship we need, we'll have to take this one to get there. The Prior for that ship should be on the planet preaching so we can just drop in, take the ship and go to the Supergate."
"We are here against the IOA's orders Daniel." Vala said. "That Woolsey came and said they believed you were a serious threat and needed to be killed."
"That figures." he said crossing his arms.
They turned to hear pounding on the door.
"They aren't going to be on our side are they then." Daniel muttered.
"I have an idea. Oh K-9."
"Master." K-9 said coming out the door.
"We need a malfunction to take place on this ship, to get everyone to beam off. Not a real one, but one that their instruments will say is real."
"How about a radiation leak from the hyperdrive? A fatal dose that will effect the entire ship." Carter suggested.
"Working Mistress."
"You two can do that?" Jack asked surprised.
"K-9 can do many things. Even hack the firewalls of, pretty much anything we've came across in a minute at most. Not even the SGC is safe."
"You know how scary that seems?"
"No." Carter said. "He's programmed to self destruct in the event that someone tries to hack into him, if they are also successful. I really hate to think about it ever happening, but it is a necessary precaution."
Alarms sounded all across the ship suddenly.
"Program complete Mistress."
"Everyone in. We need to make it look like it was real."
"But…"
"It will only be a minute Daniel."
They got in, Ford unlocked the door and then went in quickly making the T.A.R.D.I.S. leave as guards entered the room. Seeing no one there and the ship leaving, they went with everyone else to evacuate. One minute later, they dematerialized on the bridge, shut off the alarms and took off.
"We're going to have a problem on our hands when we get there." Daniel said as he sat in the main chair. "This ship is going to be seen rather quickly. And that ZPM would have been very helpful before we left."
"My chair." Jack said. "Move."
"Not this time. My plan." he said ignoring Jack. "So, you two have any suggestions?"
Ford and Carter looked at each other thinking.
"Merlin's device would work…" she said.
"But we couldn't beam down, much less ring down, being a different dimension and all."
"True. The T.A.R.D.I.S. could drop into their ship…"
"And leave this one unprotected? No way!" Jack said.
"You do have that supercharged ZPM that we got from Camulus attached to the T.A.R.D.I.S. right? I could probably do it, since I have Merlin's information and such, but if I go in there…." Daniel said with a slightly wave at his face. "However, you two should be able to, reverse engineer or at least make some sort of connection to this ship to allow it to cloak. I could have done so with the ZPM back on Earth, but…."
The two started speaking technically to one other so much that even Daniel got lost, mostly since he had no idea how the T.A.R.D.I.S. truly functioned. It only lasted a minute and the two raced in.
"We should probably get kitted up and ready." Mitchell said to the rest of them.
"I'm going to need Jack to stay here." Daniel said.
"Why?"
"Someone has to stay with this ship once I take the Ori ship."
"I'm probably asking the impossible here, but can we wait till we get the ship to the Supergate before you go over."
"Hmm. Sam and Ford may need that intel on how to operate a Ori ship, without a Prior in the future. Get me K-9. I'll explain it to him so they can go over and fly the ship till we get there Jack. I know you don't fully trust me Jack, so I hope you consider this as an offer of the proverbial olive branch."
SG-1 got all ready to go over to the Ori ship, got the T.A.R.D.I.S. linked up to the Odyssey enough to not only send a message to Atlantis so that the Daedalus would be ready with the bomb, but also to cloak the Odyssey. Since not only did they find out Landry agreed with the order to have the gate destroyed after Atlantis called back to confirm the idea that Ford and Jack ordered them to do, they had no worries on that end about being able to destroy the gate. Carter and Ford looked over the info that K-9 put on the screen for them about how to run the Ori ship while Vala was given the instructions on how to complete the weapon. Since time was running out for Daniel, he thought it best if she completed the weapon on route to the Supergate in case there was any problems on the Carter's end. K-9 was staying on the ship to help Jack and watch over the T.A.R.D.I.S. If it came down to a fight, K-9 could remotely control the ship enough to get it out of there if need be. Or activate the T.A.R.D.I.S. shield around the ship and fight back. The only down side was that even though the Ori would never get through the shields, it was highly unlikely that the Odyssey would even succeed in doing any damage to one Ori ship at all even if it fired ever last bit of ammo it had.
Jack was a little jittery as they dropped out of hyperspace near the Ori ship orbiting the planet. It didn't see or detect them as far as they could tell. Daniel sat back watching as SG-1 ringed over.
"Wish you were with them Jack?"
"I miss those days." he said sitting in the chair off to Daniel's right. "With no aches or pains from all those knee injuries and such, I feel so much better. I'm playing baseball with Charlie on the weekends sometimes. I can actually run again."
"You're family is the only reason you don't come back and join us huh?"
"Yep. It's worth it for the excitement that I miss. But dying isn't. I have to accept that I am to old to go out there an do this anymore. One day, Cam will have to understand that you and Carter will have to quit one day too."
"What about Teal'c?"
"Teal'c is like in the prime of his life, or something like that. But more than likely, he'll go back to his people or Ishta once you and Sam leave. And we both know the reason why Ford will quit."
"They want more kids. But they are waiting. K-9 says Sam is perfectly healthy enough to have children even up to the age of sixty. That is if she says as active as she is and eats healthy like she does now."
"Sixty? You sure it wasn't fifty?"
"No, he said sixty. Sam was surprised too. Which is why she told us. Seeing as Ford can heal any injury short of death to her, all she has to do is keep healthy, exercise and eat right."
"I should start doing that."
"Too much Jello and cake Jack?"
"Jello is okay. I will admit the cake everyday is not."
"You seem very relaxed now Jack. All this talking was just like the old days before you left."
"I spaced about what was going on out there for a moment." he said tensing up slightly. "Are you sure the Ancients won't intervene or something?"
"I doubt it."
SG-1 ringed in and looked around. They all had their weapons at ready, even Ford who only had one personal cannon out while his left hand held his cane. Seeing no one and hearing no one, they walked out the door slowly. Ford quickly put his cane out in front of them as they were about to round the corner.
"What…" Mitchell began as Ford put a finger to his lips and pulled a mirror out looking around the corner. "We've got company coming."
"There is four of them. On the count of three, we all go out together and fire. We do it quick enough, they don't call for help." Ford said pocketing his mirror.
"You're weapon is to loud General. We'll do it. Throw out that cane to distract them. The rest of us, try to make it quick short burst."
He tossed it around the corner and they stopped and pointed their weapons at it. As they were all looking at it, the group rushed out and fired quickly. They never had a chance to even fire back as they dropped under several rounds of fire.
"Nice job people." Ford said grabbing his cane off the ground. "See, it just saved us some trouble and you wanted me to leave it behind. Sam, help me here."
"What…oh." Mitchell began and then stopped as he noticed them take the crystals out of the weapons. "Research purposes?"
"That and they actually interface better for K-9 as a power source." Ford said as they continued on. "Besides, they are a lot less volatile than the naquada vials in the staff weapons."
"Okay, we're going this way for the weapon. You two head for the bridge." Mitchell said.
Ford and Carter entered the bridge to find it empty. Carter quickly got out her laptop and Sonic Screwdriver as they got to work. Mitchell, Teal'c and Vala found the room and noticed the weapon was built, except for a bunch of laid out crystal like circuits and a small black box that were on a black velvet cloth on a table nearby. The device needed to create the weapon, or as Ford called it, a primitive version of the Star Trek Replicator system, was also in the room.
"Okay." Vala said seeing the weapon and then the crystals on the table. "Ah, this shouldn't be too hard."
"I don't know." Mitchell said looking at the table while she was touching different crystals. "For me, whenever there is some assembly required, I inevitably find some part missing. A screw, widget, what have you."
"Daniel did instruct me Colonel. And I'll I have to do is hit this button if I need any help." she said tapping her com unit and then opening some small box. "From what I remember, everything he said that should be here looks to be here."
"Yeah, if we seriously need the help we use the radios. We don't want anyone else on the ship finding out about us." he said as she was still looking over the crystals. "T, what are you doing?"
Teal'c tried to see if the head grabbing like machine was very heavy. Between him and Ford, he was sure the two of them could easily carry it.
"General Carter expressed an interest in taking this with him."
"Why?"
"Because its function can be used to create other objects besides the weapon. He is quite sure with Colonel Carter's help that they can decipher how it works and, reverse engineer it."
"I'm up for that."
They were still setting up the connections when Ford looked at the doorway.
"Ford? She's not here…" Carter said a little worried.
"No. More troops. Give me a moment."
"Okay. Want my gun?"
He shook his head and walked out staying by the wall. She finished hooking up while keeping her gun nearby and pointed at the doorway, just in case. She heard the staff weapons fire and then a few grunts as bodies fell. She turned as he walked back in brushing his coat off.
"How many?"
"A couple guys. I'd say they have concussions or worse." he said setting his cane aside. "How's your end coming?"
"Well, I've managed to lock out the rings for this level. We should be totally secure from any more attacks. Unless they have vents or some other way to get around, such as a ladder." she said typing away. "Ah, this looks like the subroutine we need."
"I'm going to take a line from Cam's book." Ford said grabbing his com.
"What?" she asked confused as he held up a finger with a smile.
"Hello dear passengers, this is your General speaking. We are about to jump into hyperspace, assuming we pushed all the right buttons. I suggest in case of any problems that you grab hold of something if you are not in your seat already. Make sure those trays are up and the seat belts are securely fastened to your body. That is all."
She had to laugh, especially after Cam spoke back.
"Hey, that's my line!"
Daniel and Jack watched as the Ori ship turned from the planet and took off into hyperspace. Soon after, they also followed along.
"Jack, can you tell me what happened to Ford? He's, different."
"Yes. He is." Jack said giving a brief overlay of the reports he got about the mission that SG-1 had that involved using Merlin's cloaking device.
"So he regenerated, hmm. Wish I could have witnessed that."
"Carter wasn't to thrilled about all the nurses and other female personal in the room seeing him in his birthday suit. Especially Vala. I wasn't there, but…."
"I don't want to know." Daniel said quickly. "I don't need that mental image. I got this strange feeling when I got beamed up from that planet. I saw him there and figured it was what Adria had said about the fact he gave off a distinct aura that any Prior would feel if he was around. Something tells me it is more than that now."
"What do you mean? None of us feel anything around him much less when we touch him. Though knowing Carter there is much more…"
"Jack."
"Sorry. Can't help it sometimes. Before they got together, Carter used to rile me with all that techno babble on purpose. I know she did. And then he came along and made it worse, plus annoyed me on purpose."
"So you call it payback what you do?"
"About the only way to get back. Besides, it's all joking anyway. So, what sort of feeling do you get? Chills, goose bumps, tingling sensation, constipation perhaps?"
Daniel chuckled lightly.
"No. Maybe it's the Prior abilities or Merlin's memories, but I kept getting this strange sensation…um. Um….how is the best way to put this?"
"Daniel, I admit I play stupid sometimes…"
"Sometimes?"
"Okay, a lot. I will not admit it if you tell anyone I said that. I will deny it and tell them you are lying."
"Okay, okay." he said holding up his hands.
"My point is, you don't have to dumb down any answer."
"Got it. Best way, I get this feeling, that even with everything I know and can do, he…is so much better than I will ever be even if I ascended. Does that sound confusing to you too?"
"No, not really." Jack said crossing his arms. "From what little I've seen on that Doctor Who show, and the only reason I watch it at all is because Charlie is into it. He finds it fascinating. I remember a episode where the Doctor once made some sort of similar reference or comment about having that effect on some people or something like that. So, I guess what you feel is that Time Lord aura. Not actual, better-ness from him."
"Better-ness?"
"You said it, not me. Though considering that he is the only one that can understand how that machine truly works." Jack said waving at the T.A.R.D.I.S. "And even though Carter is trying, in many ways, he is brighter than the rest of us peons. He understands time travel for crying out loud. He brought our families back! Hell, if he ended up finding another one of those Ancient head grabbing thingies, I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't loose his mind after looking into it."
"You do know, that Adria is going to consider him a even greater threat now."
"I'd almost pity her, but seeing as she is hell bent on destroying Earth and anyone else in her way, I say he should just go all out."
The ship didn't make any sudden movements as it entered into hyperspace. While the two Carter's were on the bridge, other than flying, they were also learning all they could from the computers. The other two guys were down keeping watch or watching her as she was placing all the crystals into the necessary slots.
"Okay, that should do it." she said putting one last one in.
"Vala. There is a piece still left out." Mitchell said picking up a small crystal.
"Oh that. That arms the bomb. Or I think it does."
"You think?"
"I know it does. Daniel is a better teacher than you think. I could put it in now, and then in five minutes, boom. Personally, I think we should wait." she said taking it and setting it by the bomb.
"Okay." he said grabbing his com. "What's your status you two?"
"We're moments away from exiting hyperspace. The Odyssey is right behind us and so far, we're the only ones that even know she's there." Carter said.
"They uncloaked her?" Mitchell asked.
"No, but other than the fact we've been in communication with K-9, the ship is leaving a small energy signature I picked up when she entered behind us."
"Good work then. We're almost done here. Check that, Vala is almost done here." he said seeing her looking at the small red ball. "I still have my doubts."
She gave him a glare and then set the red ball between four pillars that had a thin clamp look to them, in the shape of a plus sign. The ball floated between them and started glowing red.
"And that means?"
"The weapon is ready to be activated." she said and then started looking around a lot.
"What?"
"Oh, I was just wondering if an Ascended being was going to swoop down and come take it away." she said waving her fingers like something flew away.
"I think, they don't mind us doing their dirty work for them."
"Or…"
"Or what?"
"Or I assembled it wrongly and it is not going to work."
"Vala…"
"I'm sure it will work. I did everything Daniel told me to do. Besides, if I did screw something up, I don't think it would be glowing."
"Stand by. We are dropping out of hyperspace in three, two, one." Ford said over the com.
The Supergate was still activate and there was another Ori vessel parked off to the left of it as they dropped out of hyperspace.
"This isn't good."
"No, it's not." Carter muttered. "Hey guys, we've got a problem here."
"Which is?" Mitchell asked.
"Oh, there's a big Ori ship, just like ours sitting by the gate." Ford said.
"And it is doing what?" Mitchell asked.
"So far, just blocking our way." Carter said. "Hang on, I'm trying to raise shields."
Teal'c turned and pointed his weapon, making the other two do the same as four Ori troops entered with their weapons ready.
"Carter, I thought you sealed off this level." Mitchell said.
"I thought I did." she reported back.
They were both going over the computer and trying to raise the shields when Ford suddenly looked at the door sharply.
"Sit. Trust me." he said shoving her in the chair.
"What.." she began as he just vanished. Scant seconds later, she heard movement behind her and someone coming into the room.
"Where is he?" Adria asked. "I can sense your presence demon spawn…"
"Carter, I thought you sealed off this level." came over her com.
"I thought I did." she reported back.
Over on the Odyssey, Daniel noticed the other Ori ship as they exited hyperspace 30 seconds after SG-1.
"Damn. I was afraid she'd figure out my plan." Daniel said getting up. "Jack, when the time comes, please give the order to the Daedalus."
"Where are you going?"
"Over there. Where else? K-9, can you…"
"On your order Doctor."
Adria lifted her hand and it started to glow.
"Show yourself and surrender or else I will…"
She looked over to her right near the window as a bright light appeared.
"Daniel. I should never have trusted you." she said lowering her hand.
"They are about to shut down the Supergate and allow our ships through. They've assembled the weapon and the Ancients didn't interfere. Right?" he asked looking at Carter.
"Daniel…" Carter began.
"You all did exactly as I said, right?"
"What are you doing Daniel? Why…" she began.
He ignored her and turned back to Adria.
"We can destroy the Ancients right now, and the Ori won't even have to fight. I've done all this for you."
She looked at him, very focused.
"Your mind is closed to me."
"Yeah." he said lifting his hand only to have it stopped.
"Are you going to kill her?" Ford asked appearing next to him.
"No.." Daniel began.
They knew it came out, but only heard the resounding sound of his gun going off. Adria was blasted back into the hallway, dropping to the floor.
"Not everyone can be saved Daniel. Now sit down so we can finish this." he said putting his weapon away and pushing Daniel into the chair.
"Okay." he said handing the anti-Prior device to Carter. "Tell them to arm the device. I've only got a few minutes at most left until I can't do this."
Ford and Carter grabbed her laptop and other things quickly and then took off, not noticing that even though Adria had been shot, it wasn't fatal like he thought.
"Jack, I'm in the chair. The other's are getting the weapon ready. Call the Daedalus." Daniel said as he looked at a small object that Carter gave him.
"I hope this works Daniel." he said hitting a different button. "Daedalus, this is General Jack O'Neill. Blow it."
The other three were still in the stand off with the men when Ford and Carter came around the corner. Four quick rounds took them out, splattering brains across the walls and deck.
"What took you guy so long?" Mitchell asked as he lowered his gun.
"Vala, Daniel says do it now." Ford said putting his gun away. "Mitchell, you and Sam help Teal'c. I'll get the table."
He and Vala moved the bomb off and set it aside.
"What are you all doing? We can't…" Ford began as he pushed the table.
"How about we use these?" Carter said setting several transponders on the table. "Less hassle on our backs."
"Nice." he said activating one on the table as she put one on the machine.
Daniel was on the bridge watching as the gate shut down. He quickly thought about the gate address he wanted dialed as SG-1 was beamed out by Jack. The gate dialed as it responded to his commands. As it finished dialing out and stabilized, he flew the ship on a course to enter the gate.
"K-9…" Carter said.
"Transporting now Mistress."
They watched as the ship entered the gate shortly after Daniel was beamed aboard onto the bridge. He dropped the blinking transponder and crumpled to the floor unconscious.
"We'll take him to the infirmary." Mitchell said as Vala helped.
"Ships gone. Gate's shut off." Jack said looking out the windows. "Daniel is back, and not looking half dead. Now what?"
"We wait." Ford said as they went to the infirmary.
"K-9, keep watch. Let us know if anything happens."
"Affirmative Mistress."
Daniel woke up, shortly afterward. Half and hour at most. Everyone was either standing around or sitting, like Jack was on the bed next to him and Vala at his feet.
"You going to sleep all day Daniel?" Jack asked.
"Hmm. What happened?" he asked blinking his eyes.
"Nothing, so far." Jack said.
"We watched the ship go through the gate and then shut off. So far, K-9 has said that nothing has happened at all. Not even radio transmissions." Carter said.
"Hmm."
"You look like our Daniel. How do we know Merlin is actually gone though?"
"Other than because I was on a time limit with all that knowledge you mean?" Daniel asked as Jack nodded. He waved a couple fingers at Jack and then sighed.
"What was that?" Jack said feeling himself.
"If I was Merlin, you would know."
"You weren't trying to do what he did to Ba'al?" Ford asked.
"No."
"Damn, wish you still had the power then." Ford said ignoring Jack's glare.
"On a further bright side, I hear that someone finally took the initiative and got rid of Adria." Jack said.
"Um, no." Daniel muttered.
"I shot her Daniel. She flew out into that hallway and hit the wall hard enough I heard a few bones crack. There was blood on the floor."
"I could still feel her alive before I lost all those powers." Daniel said. "I don't know how badly hurt she was, but she was still alive."
"Damn." Vala muttered.
"Her living could all be pointless." Mitchell said. "Depending on if the weapon worked. On that note, how do we know if it did?"
"We don't, not yet." Daniel said.
"No one is telling me anything at all." Ford said glancing up. "I can't even get a hello."
"If it did work, I think the Ancient would be obligated to at least give us something. A fruit basket, maybe gift certificate. A ZPM possibly." Jack said.
"Maybe we did all this for nothing because the Ancients knew it wouldn't work." Vala said.
"That wouldn't surprise me." Ford grumbled.
"Even if the weapon was successful, there are still many powerful Priors with vast armies still bent on converting this galaxy." Teal'c stated. "It will be very difficult to convince them that their gods are dead."
"If they are dead." Vala said.
"Are we headed home yet?" Daniel asked with a slight begging tone. "I really need some of my coffee and some of those chocolate brownies."
"You may not get those." Mitchell said giving a small glare at the General. "After that little stunt with you blasting him, the General here decided to take away your special treats for a month."
"What?! That's not fair!" he said practically ready to bolt out of the bed. "Merlin…"
"Don't blame the old man." Ford said sternly.
"But…." Daniel whined.
"Master, Mistress. Advise haste to the bridge!" K-9 said through the ship com.
They all rushed up quickly to find the Supergate stabilizing.
"Maybe that Ori ship is going home." Vala said.
"Maybe…" Ford muttered.
They watched and saw their hopes fall as six more Ori ships came through the gate, one right after another.
"Oh yeah, that whole plan went very well." Jack said with false glee.
"Stopping the Ori isn't stopping their followers." Mitchell muttered.
"I still think it was the right thing to do." Daniel said.
"We may have made things much worse right now. However, in the long run, it could be our only chance at winning the war." Mitchell said.
They saw the Supergate shut down and then watched as the seven ships all took off into hyperspace.
"Wait. Why don't we do what you two said you did in that other universe!" Jack exclaimed.
"We can't." the two Carter's said.
"And why not?!" Jack shouted.
"We'd have to use the T.A.R.D.I.S. to do that." Ford said shaking his head. "Like the idea and wish we could, but we can't."
"To use the T.A.R.D.I.S, we'd have to disconnect her from the Odyssey, in which case…." Carter said.
"She's become totally vulnerable to attacks from those ships. Even with all the power diverted to the shields, we couldn't take that many hits." Mitchell said.
"There goes an otherwise damn fine plan."
