Normally I'm at least 2 chapters ahead; this one is an early Christmas present, as I haven't even completed the next chapter. I have some time off, so I might be able to get a couple more done and maybe one more posted before new-year...
I would also like to say Merry Christmas to all the soldiers deployed away from their families in various parts of the world who maybe reading this; I know a few of you do, may you come home safe to your loved ones.
SGU s03 e15
Fallen
Two weeks had passed as the crew of Destiny enjoyed the company, surroundings, and technology of the welcoming Valeyians. The people had a very Zen way of life and often spoke in riddles and sayings to each other; but above all, they were happy...nearly all of the time. Even passionate discussion between them ended with smiles and understandings; they had truly risen above hatred, greed, and pettiness, only focusing on positive aspects of life. Everett had thought that one could only hope humans on Earth would one day find happiness like this; it was remarkable.
During one of their many conversations, Castell had commented to Everett and Te'arly that:
"Life is far too short for hatred and emotions below the heart level; we have learned to rise above money, greed, and most of all, strict religious ideology. We only encourage individual spirituality and the ability to discuss it in public without condemnation from others; like you, we too have different points of view and opinion. Unlike some of the humans through different galaxies, we do not force these views onto others; this is the one reason we will allow our technology to be used against the Ori. Forcing a race or individual to believe in something opposing their free will, is against everything our society has been built on for millennia; many have been killed on your own planet for the very same issues."
There wasn't anything Everett could really say to that, except to agree; money, greed, and different beliefs were the main causes of all the conflicts on Earth, and it was a fact that many humans didn't want to acknowledge. He wondered how becoming the Fifth race would change all that; would it finally be the one thing that could save his own race from destroying itself. In the end he figured only time will tell; it was one thing to be the Commander of your ancestor's starship travelling across the universe, but it was another to "tell" the general public that at home.
Te'arly did have one interesting question for Castell: "How did you get to age so much?" she asked with a cheeky smile;
Castell looked at her innocently but replied in a serious voice; "It was a process of evolution over millions of years, and we don't eat fatty foods..." after a moment of complete silence, the three of them cracked up laughing; if there was one thing that really set the Valeyians apart, it was their incredible sense of humour.
It was finally time to leave with lots of laughter and a little sadness as the crew of Destiny said their goodbyes to the enlightened people of Valeya. All of them had found this difficult although now they understood far more about themselves, and their own race; finding their origins on a far distant planet across the universe was a surprise no human could have ever expected. Life for the crew now had a new meaning, and for the first time since they boarded Destiny under dire circumstances; they didn't feel like home was that far away.
As Castell stood with Everett onboard Destiny's entrance he asked; "Everett, may I suggest to you to make some changes onboard Destiny for those long periods of time?"
Everett looked cautiously at Castell with a smile in his eyes "Ok, what sort of changes?"
"You're a long way from home, maybe you should try some different things to lighten the mood of your crew; I understand you have a military protocol to keep, but maybe save it for when it's needed...It may help the ones wanting to leave become more relaxed for the time."
Everett thought for a moment; "Thanks Castell, I'll see what I can do..." he held out his hand as Castell grabbed his forearm, but then let go and took his hand and shook it gently.
"This won't be the last time we meet Everett; when you need our assistance one day, we will be there for you. Remember, you're our distant cousins and family always comes first..." Castell pulled Everett toward him and hugged like father and son; "We'll be watching over you...always."
Destiny hummed along in FTL with her human crew busy being human. Chloe was at the ship's controls in Kirks chair, happily chatting away to Destiny about human rituals of marriage and love while no one else was around. She wasn't alone for long as Franklin entered the bridge causing her to abruptly stop, and concentrate on her task of calculating the next flight path through the galaxy.
"How goes the next flight plan Chloe?" asked Franklin sitting down at the forward CI panel.
"Oh...yeah its fine...looks like we'll have three or four planets in range" she replied daydreaming away.
Franklin picked up on it quickly "Huh...got other things on your mind I think..." he smiled at her and got to work for a couple of minutes; Franklin looked back to a distant Chloe saying "You know, this isn't a job we have to get up and go to everyday, Destiny can fly all by herself...go take some time off Chloe, you have more than earned it"
She smiled broadly at Franklin as she got up and turned around to leave "Thanks Dr Franklin, I think I will..." and left the bridge saying "Bye Destiny, thanks for the chat..." Franklin laughed.
Franklin settled back down for a moment affectionately saying "Well old girl, where are we headed to next?" as he brought up Destiny's current flight plan to study, looking over the CI screen in front of him.
Ronald Greer was doing something very different today; he had abandoned the strict military code of fatigues and was wearing a blue Hawaiian floral shirt, a pair of shorts, and some sandals. The one item he wouldn't part with, apart from Lisa, was his 9mm Beretta; tucked away down his shorts to the side. Lisa was in a red bikini top and matching floral sarong, as they ventured to the garden in the dome. Everett and Te'arly were already sitting there enjoying the fine droplets of water falling over them; they too were dressed in casual clothing. Life had moved forward on Destiny; the rules and regulations of Earth were on the other side of the universe, and they were here. Everett had taken the advice given by Castell...
Some things hadn't changed as Ron spoke to Everett with a nod "General...Te'arly, how are you?"
"It's Everett today Son..." he smiled and offered his hand
"Sorry Sir, it just doesn't feel right to call you that..." Ronald shook his hand looking into his eyes
Lisa said hello and sat next to Te'arly picking up to finish a conversation they had started the day before about the vegetation now before them.
Greer smiled "I like this Hawaiian day idea Sir...makes me feel like I have a life again outside of work"
"Ahuh...difficult place to leave I guess, were kinda stuck here for now" said Everett.
"You know Sir, at first I hated the thought we were stranded here but now...I can't imagine my life any different; I...love being on this ship..." Ron nodded as he spoke from his heart looking straight out toward the garden before turning to Everett; "I really want to stay and help General..."
"This doesn't have anything to do with the fact Telford would probably lock you up if you went back to Earth?" Everett looked Ronald in the eyes smiling at his own cheeky suggestion.
"Ha Ha Ha..." Ron laughed with Everett; "You know I never even though of that...forgot all about it."
"I know you did Son...that's why I want you to stay with us; you and Matt saved many lives a few weeks ago, without regard for your own safety...I always want good men around who are not afraid to stand up and do what is right. To many times our people have fallen behind political shadows as evil goes unpunished in our own world; we can change that out here, and that's something the whole of the SGC has done since we first walked through the stargate." Everett had found a complete "clarity of mind" coming from within, that would never have been there when they first arrived; his time on Valeya had opened another chapter in his life, and reinforced to him the human right of free will.
Sergeant Greer looked at the General who Everett had become over the last few months; at first it had taken a toll on him as he'd struggled to be a leader. After he and Rush had finally agreed to continue Destiny's mission together, Everett began to earn command of his crew and the Ancient starship.
Greer smiled looking at Everett "We are good men Sir...and we won't stand by and do nothing: I promise you that...yeah; I know that saying too."
Vanessa and Camille were now fussing over Chloe in their room; Ginn was there too, although she was mainly learning about Earth marriage rituals from them all. The girls hadn't had anything like this happen for so long; it was a novelty for them even though they weren't really caring for marriage when they were home. As Chloe and Matt's families wouldn't be there, the crew had taken on the roll of family and friends for both of them. Of course, Ronald was Matt's best man followed by Eli as groomsman; Eli now cared for Chloe like a sister, as he'd found a partner that would be the envy of many people on earth; a beautiful woman from another world: they were madly in love, having a baby, and for now lived on a starship called Destiny travelling the universe. Eli had never imagined his life could turn out like this, and now there wasn't anything else he would rather be doing; his life had gone from teenage gamer and layabout to a reality beyond his wildest dreams.
A few hours later, Everett and Te'arly were in the mess with Matt, Eli, and Nick. They all knew that at any moment Everett and Te'arly may be beamed out by the Asgard; as usual it was right in the middle of a conversation about the new weapon system, with Dr Rush. The white light of the Asgard beam suddenly filled the room as Everett and Te'arly disappeared; reappearing on the Asgard/Ursini science vessel The Samantha, and greeted by High Commander O'Neill and Ursini High Commander Birateni.
"Greetings General Young and Te'arly, I trust we find you well rested?" said O'Neill
"Greetings to you as well High Commander O'Neill; High Commander Birateni, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. Yes we are both fine thank you" replied Everett.
Birateni looked Te'arly over before addressing her "I believe you are a warrior and healer Te'arly; How did you enjoy the rest on Valeya, they are an extraordinary race of humans..."
"I enjoyed their company very much Commander Birateni, I have never known such luxurious surroundings existed" she replied
Birateni expression softened towards her "Please, just Birateni will do fine..."
With the greetings over a familiar voice was heard causing Everett to spin around;
"Everett, good to see you in person again..."
"David!" Everett looked a bit shocked, but happy as Telford emerged from an adjacent room "I thought you were in the Pegasus Galaxy?" as they shook hands.
"Well I was, until our good friends here decided to bring me along for the ride. I'm guessing we are both required to hear what is happening" he smiled at Birateni and O'Neill. "How are you Te'arly; I'm a little intrigued that you are here" looking back at Everett with a big grin "But not surprised..." Telford looked back at Everett who now outranked him; "Have we had a change of uniform I haven't heard about?"
Everett remembered that he was in a pair of shorts and a Hawaiian shirt; Te'arly was only wearing a bikini top and sarong, with her long streaky blond brown hair down nearly to her backside.
"Oh yeah, we were in the middle of Hawaiian Day on Destiny. We had spent so long without anything else to wear; now that we do, we take advantage of it" Everett saw the smile appearing on both Telford's and Birateni's face; even the Ursini Commander could understand the humour.
O'Neill got straight to business "We will arrive in the Milkyway Galaxy in sixty hours; Commander Birateni has organized quarters for you, everything you need will be there." If there was one thing about the Asgard, they really did provide their guests with everything; clothes included.
Telford looked at O'Neill, "I'll show them the way Commander, it will give me time to catch up..."
"Very well Col. Telford; I will call for you all after a short rest period" O'Neill headed back to the bridge with Birateni.
Telford led the way to their quarters, getting straight to the point "I heard you have met a powerful race with incredible technology; Birateni told me about the Valeyians, he said they have never meet a more powerful race. Is it true they don't fear the Ori, and have the ability to neutralize them?"
Everett though about what Castell had said in keeping some things to one's self for good reason, and decided that this was it; playing it down he replied "They don't want Origin to be the order of their galaxy, but they are not war mongers either; in fact they would be the most peaceful and serene people I have had the honour to meet. Yes, they do possess the ability to destroy Ori ships; and yes, they are the most technologically advanced race anyone we know, knows of. As they say though, Valeyians are not the only race in the universe, so that is still an unknown."
Telford thought this through but was distracted for a moment as Te'arly, not having ever being afraid of the human body, suddenly disrobed and walked to the bath room to freshen up. Telford quickly spun the other way as Everett laughed.
"You get use to that; where she is from, modesty is not a word. How's Emily by the way?" he asked with genuine concern.
Telford was still picturing Te'arly's naked body and understood further why Everett couldn't help falling for her; "Yeah, she's good and said to say hello if our paths crossed."
Everett gave a small grin "Tell her I hope she has moved forward..." David cut him off:
"Ev, tell her yourself; she will be at the base to meet me when we get back. I sent a message to her to say you would be there in person, she is looking forward to seeing you again."
"Who will be there to see Everett?" Te'arly stepped out of the bathroom asking;
Everett fielded the answer "My ex-wife Emily, who is now remarried to David here"
Te'arly walked over to them, this time fully clothed "Oh, it will be nice to meet her..." she said with an innocent smile; "Maybe we could swap stories of our love making?" she was serious; in the Artá culture, the women would talk to each other about this in order to help improve both partners and share their experiences.
David nearly fell backwards with laughter leaving Te'arly wondering what she had said wrong. Everett quickly came to her defence and explained to Telford why she had said it.
"It's a cultural thing they do on her planet David, but I can understand why it sounds funny. Te'arly, on our planet, that isn't something we do because it makes other people uncomfortable. Our race doesn't have the openness about sexuality that your people do. Talking about that with my ex-wife would cause quite a...problem." Everett breathed a sigh of relief as Te'arly started to see the funny side of what she had said.
"Oh...I understand why you laughed at me now..." she punched David on his right bicep quite hard saying "I'm not from your world...dumb ass, don't laugh at me!" her sexy smile was enough to appease his stinging arm.
"Dumb ass..." Everett laughed "Who did you get that word from; let me guess Amanda's lessons?" Everett was amused by her reaction
"Yes she said it means "silly person", like when you make a simple mistake..." she looked knowingly at Telford.
"I'm sorry Te'arly, I didn't mean to laugh at you for something you didn't know about" Telford humbly replied.
An hour later, O'Neill called all of them to his conference chamber.
"I trust all is well with your quarters; is there anything else you require?"
"No Commander, everything is fine" replied Everett
"Please, call me O'Neill" the Asgard seemed to have a softer approach to these talks.
Birateni entered the room with the door closing quickly behind him "My apologies for being late O'Neill, a small issue remains with the Ur'torina drive stabilization dampeners."
Everett looked at David who had no idea either "Is that how you can travel across the universe so fast?"
O'Neill lifted the veil of secrecy and explained in an untechnical way "The wormhole drive we have helped create with the Ursini uses negative matter energy or what you know as Dark Matter or Anti Matter. We still have some minor issues stabilizing the anti matter collector, although we have overcome the problem that nearly caused the collision with Destiny."
Birateni took over "We believe that a minor malfunction in the wormhole generator circuit caused the guidance system to lock onto a power source during re-entry, the nearest one at the time was Destiny herself at our destination. We also believe that the unusual magnetic field around the planet Destiny used as an aero breaking manoeuvre, caused havoc with the same system as the wormhole began to open. We have now shielded the systems from this type and other anomalies. Again, I apologise for our error" Birateni seemed disappointed at their mistake.
Everett smiled "All new systems have teething problems; no one is perfect, no matter what race were from." He gave them a moment before continuing, "Is that what you needed to explain to us?"
O'Neill began again "Not all. We will be allowing Ur'torina drives to go into the new Enterprise class vessels, giving them an unparalleled speed to cross the universe in short time spans. As I have said the journey from Destiny to Earth will be completed in less than 60 hours. Our normal ships would take more than a month; the drive bends time and space more than we have ever had the technology too before."
Telford shook his head "Wow, 60 hours... that's amazing; all because of anti matter?"
Birateni answered "Yes. If you think of the universe like a series of blankets of time and space; normal wormhole drives "make a tube" between the two points in space, then pulls it together to shorten the distance. This allows a ship to just pass through. Our drive "lifts the fabric" before shortening it; in effect we travel in-between the layers of time/space fabric if you like, which has the effect of almost zero time. The time it takes to travel is but a fraction of what it used to require; I believe in years to come, this will too be reduced to minutes not hours. We also found that it has a similar effect and glow that the FTL drive on Destiny gives."
He took a breath before continuing. "There was no other power source with enough energy to do it; hence why it uses antimatter, which is abundant within the folds of space. Our race has worked on this for a thousand years, and thanks to some assistance from the Asgard we had a break through."
Everyone was impressed with Telford saying "What happens if it goes wrong?"
Birateni had the answer "In the unlikely event the drive fails, the safety override will open a wormhole exit in the nearest safe place; so you don't end up inside a star or planet. Space is vast, and it is like all ship drives; failure is a calculated risk that is very close to zero."
Everett sat there just going over what had been said by Birateni; the Ursini commander was more scientist than engineer, but either way he had made it sound so simple among the incredible complexity of moving through space and time.
"It's almost like time travel..." said Everett
Birateni's eyes smiled "Not quiet, but where working on it..."
David and Everett had some time to check out the new drive and the old seed ship with its upgraded Asgard/Ursini decor that resembled an Asgard science vessel. The caught up like old friends, but when David questioned him about Castell and his technology, Everett still kept most of it too himself. His mind always rang with the warnings of abuse of the power and knowledge, contained in the Valeyian databank now installed on Destiny.
It wasn't long before they finally dropped out of a somewhat different version of hyperspace; Everett and Te'arly were standing on the bridge and for the first time in many years he saw his home planet in all its glory from space.
"Wow, it's a beautiful world honey...is that what mine would look like?" said Te'arly
"It sure is...I would say your home world looks something akin to that; most life supporting planets do look similar." Everett took in the view as the seed ship closed in at sublight speed before slowing to a crawl "Hard to believe there are seven billion people living down there..."
Suddenly the sensors detected another wormhole opening up with a new Enterprise Class vessel appearing from a test flight. While everyone watched Everett spotted the international space station as the seed ship past by within several hundred metres; two space walking astronauts gave the ship a wave as they crept slowly past while the other crew from inside took pictures and waved madly. Telford was behind them;
"We're becoming the worst kept secret; they want the people to know there not alone in the universe. The space station crew have been informed about our own ships by their governments; we have personally beamed aboard and explained about the Asgard, Nox, Ancients, Jaffa, Ursini, and even the Wraith. They are under orders not to leak out too much info, but Earth has become a hub of intergalactic travel and we just can't hide it anymore. As you can imagine, the UFO theorists are having a field day with whatever telescope they can lay their hands on; footage of Asgard science ships have even made main stream media, it had to happen sooner or later."
"What's Uncle Sam's position?" asked Everett
"Not to confirm or deny at this point; the President has been speaking with every free nation and some that aren't on how to finally go public without mass hysteria. For now, most of the population is just getting on with life as usual unaware of what is happening."
Everett, who was now back in a new uniform thanks to the Asgard, looked at David "I have no idea how they are going to pull this off...I mean, a single person would be able to except it after a short period; just look at Eli. A whole race isn't going to be as easy about it though; maybe they should just park one of our new ships in front of the White House or something..."
Telford smiled "Funny you should mention that; it has been suggested. There is a similar idea going around to unveil an Enterprise Class vessel at Area 51 in front of the media; a lot of people believe where've had help from aliens and their technology, we might as well just come out and show them how much."
Laughing he added in a more accurate way "The government has assembled delegates from the world's best marketing and advertising agencies, given them the facts with a very real visit to one of the X303's and a new Enterprise Class ship; they have asked them to come up with a way to sell it to the public around the world with limited negative effects. One suggestion that may seem ridiculous has a lot of merit; make a reality TV show about the construction of a ship at Area 51, in real time. This will include people fitting alien technology components live on TV for the masses; if they think it's just fake, we'll have a surprise for them. We are going to open a viewing stand to the construction site so they can see it is real."
Their conversation was interrupted by O'Neill "It is time to go down to the conference in ten minutes; please ensure you are ready."
Everett nodded his head as he looked at the one person whom he now trusted with his heart, "Are you ready?"
Te'arly looked a little nervous "I'm ok babe; a little scared but ok..." she squeezed his hand
"You're a strong warrior darling...you'll be fine" assured Everett as a flash of light filled the bridge.
In the next instant they were standing in General O'Neill's office "Welcome back General Young, nice to see you're back in the uniform; you must be Te'arly" Jack walked to her and held out his hand.
Te'arly shook his hand saying "It is an honour to meet another great warrior, General O'Neill"
Jack mused, "Warrior...not the way I would describe it, but still I have had my fair share of off world battles. These days it seems to be more paperwork than anything" Jack gave her a smile now understanding fully why Everett didn't want her to leave.
The door opened and an attractive young lady dressed in fatigues walked in and stood to attention, saluting the superior officers in the room; "General O'Neill, General Young, Colonel Telford, Ma'am, I am Corporal Jane Briggs, Stargate Liaison Officer. I am here to offer assistance to any off world personal."
Jack introduce Te'arly "This is Te'arly from the Artá people in Destiny's current galaxy; she may require your assistance with a few things."
Te'arly shook her hand with a firm grip, but Cpl. Briggs didn't falter and squeezed with the same pressure back "It is nice to meet you Jane" Te'arly glanced at Everett for confirmation that all was well and seeing him nod, she relaxed her grip.
Jane asked if there was anything she needed; Te'arly had a simple straight forward answer "I need to pee..."
Under the stargate liaison protocol Cpl. Brigg's had the ability to do all sorts of non military activities when with a guest of the planet. This included the simplest things like explaining how to use the bathroom facilities to going shopping for goods and clothing. Outside of Cheyenne Mountain she would be dressed as a civilian and drive a normal everyday vehicle to "blend in" with her guest wherever possible. With what was coming, this may give rise to a completely new tourist industry for intergalactic travellers; for now they were lucky Te'arly was human.
"We have a couple of hours to debrief gentlemen, so I suggest we get started" said Jack in a more military manner, leading the way to a private conference room.
Back on Destiny Eli and Nick were putting their teachings from the Valeyians to good use, examining the new data core. So far they had unlocked several key areas of data, mainly concerned with medical knowledge and engineering principles. They knew that inside that core somewhere was the Valeyian equivalent to the keys of the universe; unbeknown to them it was quiet safe inside without the now small key that Castell had shrunk down for Everett to conceal. The two of them had massive amounts of data to search through; scanning the screens in front of them for greater knowledge, Eli suddenly stopped in his tracks:
"Holy shit...I think I've found something!" he said observing the screen
"Well, are you going to make me guess boy genius; or tell me?" a sarcastic Nick replied
"Um...it's a vaccine for my mom's disease; and a cure!" Eli's jubilation was electric as a tear rolled down his cheek. "It was right here at the start of everything..."his joy suddenly gave way to scepticism; "Wait a minute, why would this be so close to the start of the medical data...it should have been buried much...further...down?" he trailed off trying to understand the reason for it.
"Eli, remember what these people are capable of..." Nick softened his words "Maybe it's not the core; have you considered it might be you causing that to happen?" he let it sink in for a moment. "These people have a deep understanding of feelings and emotions; it is very possible that what you have found is more a subconscious thought and longing, rather than the core giving a random selection." Nick put his hand on Eli's shoulder and gave it a brotherly rub; "Either way, it is good news; we should be able to send the data by subspace to Earth."
Their thoughts were interrupted by the gate alarm sounding an incoming wormhole; Lt. Scott and MSgt. Greer were at the ready with several men, locked and loaded. The vortex swept in and out stabilizing; once again a lone unarmed figure appeared through the event horizon.
"Greetings Matt and Ronald please don't shoot me; it will make a terrible mess on the floor!" Castell laughed boisterously as they lowered their weapons.
"Man you gotta stop doin' that; we have no idea who or what is about to come through..." said Greer.
"Fear not my good Sergeant, very few gates have the power to dial Destiny in FTL; and the others can't afford the bill!" he chuckled away infectiously as some of the now hardened soldiers of Destiny couldn't help but follow. "Lieutenant Scott, I am sorry to turn up unannounced but I'm most curious about this conference on Earth; I believe I should attend..."
Matt looked at him with a glare "You do know we can't dial Earth right?" he said.
"Nonsense, of cause Destiny can dial Earth...It's just that you guys can't use the gate to dial Earth, I'm not one of you..."
Matt had an idea as he bounced a look off Greer "Ok, if you're going through to Earth could we ask a favour?"
"Of course...just name it" said Castell without a care.
"We have three men that need to be returned home, if that is possible..." Matt waited for his response, to find a very sombre and compassionate one.
Castell's smile disappeared as he looked Matt squarely in the eyes with the utmost compassion; "It would be my honour to guard their journey home for you; thank you for your trust in me. Please bring them..." he may have had a humorous outlook on life but the Valeyians took passing with the highest honour;
For the men and women who have given their life protecting the free will of others is beyond all reproach:
Especially a soldier...
*Dedicated to the fallen Australian, US, and other international soldiers in Afghanistan; my heart goes out to your families and loved ones*
Lest We Forget
All that is necessary for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing (Burke and various authors)