Hi All, I will try to keep them coming on a regular basis, but you may not see another one until early January... Cheers for the new year!
SGU s04 e08
Repercussions
Cameron Mitchell woke up in a cold sweat. He gasped for breath as he sat up in bed trying to shake the images of his nightmare, from the depths of his psyche. The last 24 hours did not sit well with Cameron, and he was now questioning himself over his decisions. "There must have been another way..." was the main thing he asked himself, thinking of the lives lost. He got up out of bed, dressed and went for a jog around the ship to clear his head. By the time he had reached the ships gate room, the last of the Galassie crew had left, returning to their home world. A familiar voice caught his attention...
"Early riser, Colonel Mitchell..." said Ra'toli smiling through his eyes.
Cameron stopped and walked across to the console he was seated at. "Yeah, couldn't sleep..." he said light heartedly back.
Ra'toli knew better. He may have been from a different race, but emotions play a part in nearly every sentient being. Looking long into Cameron's eyes Ra'toli nodded, but then added, "We are all haunted by the actions of our past Colonel... However, it is how we succumb to them in the present that determines our character."
Cameron thought about this for a moment and soon began to realise that this strange looking being from another galaxy, had more in common with the human race than was ever imaginable. He smiled an answer back...
"You're right..." pausing he took a small sigh, "We are the product of our minds, good or bad" he said more philosophically than normal.
At almost the same time, both Cameron and Ra'toli's personal communication tracker signalled an incoming message...
"Meeting on Destiny: 1100 Earth hours, SGC"
Cameron shook his head in jest saying, "I believe my character is about to be tested..."
Word had spread quickly about the loss of life and an Enterprise class vessel across the new galactic alliance fleet. General Landry had already arrived on Destiny for his first visit in person, rather than through the communication stones or otherwise.
Captain Matt Scott had greeted him in Destiny's gate room. "It's an honour to have you aboard Destiny, General" as he reached his hand forward after a salute.
"Trust me Captain, the honour's all mine" replied Hank, as he shook his hand.
Matt introduced him to someone in the gate room he had not officially met, at least not in person. "General, this is Eli Wallace..."
Hank moved forward and shook Eli's hand while his other hand touched Eli's elbow, saying with a smile, "Well it's about time..."
Eli felt honoured and smiled back saying, "It's a pleasure to meet you too, General" as the blur of FTL fell across the ship again.
They walked out together with Matt briefing the General on Destiny's current course and objectives. On entering the observation deck, Hank moved quickly after a short breathtaking pause, to stand by the window holding onto the rail watching the waves of FTL travel go past.
"Do you ever get tired of this view?" Hank asked in wonderment.
Eli stood beside him, remembering himself standing there after everyone else went into stasis. He answered honestly, "Not even in a lifetime..." he said in a distant stare.
Matt kept up with the business side of the General's trip. "Sir, the meeting is in three hours. Is there anything you need?" he asked politely.
Landry broke himself away from the hypnotic view of the bluish waves and answered candidly. "Yes Captain there is...I'd like to see the dome..."
Eli nodded a knowing smile as Matt directed the General to follow. "This way please, General"
Hank was relaxed and didn't feel the need to maintain strict military conduct, being so far away from the SGC and Earth...he felt a sense of calm on this ancient ship. He chatted with Eli as Matt led the way to the dome. "I hear you're soon to be a father Eli. You must be proud, Son." he said with a knowing smile.
Eli couldn't wipe the smile from his face. "Yes Sir, very proud" he replied.
Hank continued, asking genuinely, "How is Ginn doing, Eli...I take it all is well?"
"She is fine Sir, but I think she is a bit frustrated with her body size for now" he said slightly concerned.
"Eli, I remember my wife just before our daughter was born...she got really frustrated trying to put on her shoes, and ended up throwing one across the room..." Hank smiled inwardly remembering a happier time with Kim.
Matt opened the door to the dome saying, "This is it Sir..."
He walked in and marvelled at the height of the trees inside a star ship. "Oh my God...incredible" He stopped still taking in the amazing jungle that had taken over the dome.
Eli rattled off some of the features that this multi coloured vegetation gave the ship. He stopped when Hank asked a simple question.
"Eli, why is it raining?" he asked while looking up at the dome roof, feeling the mist on his face.
Eli was very pleased to fill him in some more. "General, it's basically a complete eco system in here. The water you feel is moisture from the humidity...it falls from the dome roof after condensing. Once it hits the soil it filters through collecting nutrients along the way, with some of it piped off for drinking and cooking, and the rest goes back for the plants. It is completely self sustaining. It also gives us our air supply, and soaks up the carbon dioxide." Eli kept his answers simple, knowing the complexity of the Ursini's handy work.
Hank was still in awe of a rain forest inside a ship and gave a one word answer. "Amazing..."
The three men continued to walk around for about half an hour, with Eli explaining as much as he could about the diverse plant species from other worlds. Hank listened with intent as he was told about some of the life saving benefits that had been produced, and of the different fruits and vegetables that were now a staple diet on Destiny.
Satisfied and still taking in what Eli had conveyed, General Landry asked to be taken to the Valeyian Database.
Matt looked at Eli, who returned the same look of "Okay, not that easy..."
Matt broke the news. "Sir, I'm sure you're aware of Destiny's security around the V-bank...only authorised persons can enter, Destiny won't unlock the door is a safety protocol and we would have to ask permission..."
Hank looked at him with a very serious face, and asked sarcastically, "Permission from who exactly, Captain?"
Eli answered to save Matt from feeling somewhat awkward. "Um Sir...that would be Destiny herself..."
Hank gave a chuckle and shook his head in disbelief. "You mean to say that you would have to ask the ship if I could enter. Is this some kind of a joke you guys play?" Hank's patience was wearing thin.
He suddenly heard a recognisable female voice from behind him and turned.
"They are correct General Landry...you need my permission to enter" said the hologram of Lady Destiny. "I am sorry for the strict protocol, but after the incident with General Traise, I am the only entity authorised to grant permissions to the Valeyian Database...all you need to do is ask"
Hank was a little stunned that he was talking directly to Destiny. Even though he had read all the files and knew about it, yet he still found it confronting to be talking to the "real deal". He suddenly became very polite and less agitated saying...
"Well in that case, I beg your pardon for my harshness Lady Destiny, and request permission to visit the Valeyian Database."
She smiled at him. "Yes...permission granted, General Landry".
Everett and Te'arly spent some quality time with little Hadri'an, unaware of the events that had unfolded in the past 24 hours. Finally Valhalla called Everett aside to speak.
"It is such a joyous occasion Everett, but I'm afraid I have to be the bearer of bad news. The Ursini ship Porta Galassie has been destroyed to protect its technology from the Ori. I am to believe over one hundred crew were still aboard." The earlier joy had vanished from Valhalla's eyes, having been replaced by compassion for the lost souls of the Galassie.
Everett was stunned. "Destroyed?!" he shook his head trying to fathom the enormity of the events, that would have led to such a decision being made. "It can't be..." he said still in disbelief.
Valhalla looked sternly at him saying, "Search your heart Everett, you will see the truth..."
Everett attempted to calm his mind and feel from his heart. His eyes sharpened as events of the past began to play out through his imagination, like watching a movie. The vision was sketchy to start, but soon turned extraordinarily realistic as his mind sharpened. Valhalla watched her lessons being put to real use for the first time, as Everett saw details that would have been impossible to describe.
The more he was able to focus, the more vivid became the picture. Men were fighting, weapons firing, decisions being made by people affecting the outcome. He began to understand the turmoil that Cameron had felt...the decisions that Major Dillon had made...the two men who placed the explosive charges knowing it would ultimately take their own lives...their courage was insurmountable. He had begun to feel as Castell did...the power of prediction, and ability to see what may be in the future. Everett's life had changed forever...
The one overwhelming factor he could feel was love. His love for Te'arly and her son, for his crew, and for those he cared about. It was a feeling of omnipresence within the universe, sensing the way life is entwined throughout it...now he understood.
Coming out of his trance-like state he looked at the world around him with new eyes, and clarity never felt before. "We must go..." he said with understanding.
Valhalla saw in him the understanding of human potential, an awakening combination of mind, body, and soul. She knew there was still much to learn for him, and his race, although Everett would come to this realisation in time. For now, it was time for the new trio to part.
Te'arly could feel this new presence as Everett walked back into the room, and asked, "Is everything alright my love?"
He sat on the bed beside her and explained what had just happened...all of it. After some tears of sadness, she had a feeling of what he wanted. Everett would return to Destiny alone, and be back for them in a few days.
He said, "You have been through so much...and Hadri'an is only a day old, so it maybe best if you two stay here for a few days..."
Te'arly was having none of that, but didn't raise her voice to make the point. In fact, she gave him a look of "I don't think so..." before telling him, "Hadri'an was strong enough to be born...and strong enough to travel Everett. As much as I feel like this is a second home, you will not leave without us..." Te'arly had spoken... Everett beamed a knowing smile.
Valhalla came into the room and said, "She is right Everett...they are both well and strong enough to travel back to your ship..." she broke into a chuckle, "I don't believe you will win this one my Darling Everett" and with that she turned and walked out leaving them alone.
Later that evening on Valeya, Everett and Te'arly shed some tears as they said good bye to the people who had given them so much. Everett knew his mission was to return Castell to his home, and just as importantly, be a father to Hadri'an. Valhalla asked them both to make a promise to their new family, to protect and abide by the culture of the Valeyians while raising Hadri'an. After all, he was officially a Valeyian by birth right...and they were happy to make that oath.
As they now stood at the stargate, Everett waved his hand as he had seen Castell do so many times, and watched as the gate vortex sprung to life.
Te'arly looked at him with a cheeky smile saying sarcastically, "Clever, aren't you..." as they walked through the gate.
Arriving back on Destiny was a bit confronting for the three of them, as armed marines stood at the ready until they were told to stand down.
Matt arrived a few seconds after the gate closed. "General Young, Te'arly...welcome back..." he smiled at the little baby she was holding.
As word quickly spread, people came running from all directions to greet them home. While the new baby "ooo's and arrrr's" continued for baby Hadri'an, Everett soon found himself pulled away to more pressing issues.
Te'arly nodded to him saying, "Go honey, we'll be fine...we're home now".
After planting a small kiss on her cheek, and a quick look at the true new arrival of Destiny, Everett left with Matt for the conference room.
Matt spoke on the way, "Sir, it's great to finally have you back on-board...everyone has missed you two around here. The meeting is about to start in a few minutes" as he ushered Everett toward the conference.
Finally they arrived and walked in, with a smiling General Landry holding out his hand to Everett. "General Everett Young, you have quite a ship here I must say... How have you been my friend?"
Everett beamed a smile back saying, "Good to see you too, Hank. I've been very busy actually..." he joked.
Hank settled into a seat with Everett following soon after, before continuing. "I'm sorry that you had to come back under these circumstances...I understand you would rather be with your new family".
Everett nodded and laughed, looking around at the faces in the room. Cameron, Ra'toli, Nick, Eli, Matt, Franklin, were but a few of the people at the table. "Well, I'm with my family now..." he said with a gleam in his eyes.
Just as Gen. Landry was about to speak, two beams of light appeared in the room. Thor materialised from one, with another member from the Asgard council appearing from the other, stunning all who were seated.
Thor spoke in his usual monotone voice. "Members of the Intergalactic Alliance, I would like to introduce you all to Freya, the Asgard's latest improvement of our regeneration techniques. She has been unanimously elected to be the First Lady of the Asgard High Council, and she must be addressed as High Councillor Freya in diplomatic standings." Thor stood back for her to speak.
Several of the men at the table awaited her first words with baited breath. The Asgard never did things by half, and Freya was no exception. She was completely human in every way, from her pony tailed long blond hair, to her unsurpassed stunning looks. They were not disappointed when the voice of this perfect angle began and captivate her audience.
Freya started with a simple smile and spoke as any human would, vastly different to the Asgard. "It is an honour to be aboard Destiny, General Young... and a pleasure to meet you too, General Landry. Thor has told me so much about your race and the achievements of the SGC. You should all be very proud of the awakening you have accomplished" her words were filled with compassion and praise.
The meeting took a straight forward jump into the main reason for being held, with Freya changing her demeanour from open to diplomatic with her next words.
"Colonel Mitchell, who gave the order to destroy the Porta Galassie, was it a direct order from the Ursini High Command, or did you give that order yourself?"
Cameron felt as though he had just been punched in the face. Ra'toli went to stand in his immediate defence, but was stopped by Cameron's hand on his arm. Cam looked at him with a smile of gratitude, but knew this was his mess to clean up.
Cameron stood. "High Councillor Freya, firstly, congratulations on your appointment to the Asgard High Council..."he took a deep breath and calmed his thoughts, "The decision was not made by one person alone, rather by a committee made up of the various races within the... "Intergalactic Alliance" as Thor called it."
Freya gave nothing away and kept her tone even. "Yes Col. Mitchell, I am aware of how the decision is made, what I am asking is did you individually give the order to execute the directive?"
Cameron stared steely eyed back at her giving his answer. "In part, yes...I agreed with..."
Freya stopped him short with a hand up. "Yes is the answer then Col. Mitchell" she bluntly said.
Cameron protested strongly. "Wait a minute, there was much more to it than that, you weren't there..."
Freya stood her ground but remained calm and polite. "Enough Colonel, there will be another chance for you to explain later. The Ursini Command has further questions for you about this detail. On your side Colonel is the very real effort made to save many lives, to which they owe you and your crew a great deal of gratitude. You may sit down Colonel Mitchell." She turned her attention elsewhere. "High Commander Ra'toli, the Committee has a unique question of you... If in the same position as Colonel Mitchell, would you have made the same strategic decision to destroy the ship?"
Ra'toli stood looking squarely at Freya, and without hesitation said, "Yes I would have..."
Freya motioned him to be seated. "Thank you for your honesty Commander Ra'toli and Colonel Mitchell. This will conclude the initial investigation by the Asgard High Council. A full inquiry with the Committee will begin in two Earth weeks. Under normal circumstances, we would recommend that Colonel Mitchell be confined under your standard military procedures. However, it is the request of the Committee that you remain inactive from normal duty, with an ability to perform a consulting role only in the interim. Thank you for your attention."
Thor and Freya beamed out before another word could be spoken, which was very different from the chaos that erupted in the wake of their departure.
Cameron fired up, "What the fuck was that! Are they trying to rail-road me? Who is this fucking Committee anyway?" there was no holding him back now.
Hank yelled as he loved to, "Colonel! That's quite enough! Sit your ass down Col. Mitchell or I will throw you in the brig..." He thought better of it and sat down. "Now, yes they do have the power to say so over us," Cameron tried to interject but Hank continued over the top of him, "The Committee is a selection of delegates from the seven races involved...five you know, but the Ursini and Valeyians are also now involved." His tone softened, "It's like the intergalactic who's who at the zoo, we have one member of the IOC and one retired SGC General... No guesses as to who that is..." he said with a smile.
Hank continued. "Ok, no one is trying to rail-road you Colonel. We all know that decisions in the field can have disastrous results, or good ones. Let me put on the record that I personally believe you behaved in the correct manner and made a good call under the circumstances. This is exactly what I will be putting to the Committee when asked."
While many of the others in the room agreed, they all stayed silent, except Everett who spoke. "I have seen what happened...there was more than one Prior on the ship, but he left before the explosion..." his eyes remained closed, watching the scene from the inside out.
Hank shook his head, "How could you possibly know that, you were in another galaxy at the time..."
Everett ignored his comment and continued. "He got aboard..." he went quiet as he concentrated on what came to him, "One of the crew...allowed him access...he took control of their mind" They could see him start to sweat and shake as Everett dug deeper into the events that had been.
His eyes sprung open as he came out of a trance like state, and gasped for breath. "Genesis!" he yelled, "he was there on the ship..."
Cameron said, "General Young, what are you talking about...how could you know this?" asking in confusion.
Everett put up his hands to calm the bombardment of questions. "Okay, okay...I'll explain. Firstly, as you know I have been in training with the Valeyians to help get back Castell. What they have taught me is almost like being ascended... I have the ability to see events before and after they happen. That is where Castell's "powers" come from... the interconnectedness of the universe. I can't really explain it, as it's just something you need to experience first-hand to understand...and the abilities that it offers to you are endless, I'll show you..."
Everett looked at the jug of water on the table, but instead of just moving it, he connected with the water allowing it to stream out of the jug, form a circle in the air and then return to the jug without spilling so much as a drop. Those watching were spellbound in awe by what they saw.
Hank was the first to speak, saying carefully "Okay General Young, you have our complete attention..." still in disbelief of what had happened.
Ev looked at Ra'toli. "Commander, what is the last thing you remember before going into stasis?"
Ra'toli thought for a moment before saying, "I was on the bridge... we had just located an Ori ship. I gave the command to..." he stopped in mid sentence and stared at Everett, "Pain...I remember fierce pain in my head, like a crushing force..." he gave it some more thought, "Nothing comes after that except... trying to contact someone, and a banging noise. I'm sorry General Young...there is no more until I awoke from stasis".
Everett nodded his complete understanding. "Prior Genesis took control of the whole ship and forced everyone into stasis. Your communication with Destiny was done while in stasis, hence the jumbled message that Dr Rush received...you were communicating subconsciously directly to the ship's neuro network through a similar style of subspace link. Destiny would have processed it as a standard link through her systems. The mind is a powerful tool Commander, capable of more than we can imagine" Everett knew all the details now.
Cameron spoke up somewhat more calmly than his earlier outburst. "They killed one Ori Prior and took out their ship in the explosion, so how did this..."Prior Genesis" survive?" Cameron's question was easier asked than answered.
Everett tried to explain. "The Valeyians have taught me that Genesis is as close to an ascended being as you can get without ascension, and he has something in the order of 80% of Adria's powers as it is. He has the collective power of the Ori with the ability to use it in any way he chooses, but doesn't have ultimate power available to ascended beings. Either way, he would have put everyone in stasis and allowed his troops aboard the Galassie to break the technology down and understand it. I'm surprised that all of you are still alive, this guy doesn't have much concern for non-believers...in fact we are a drain on the Ori's power. The trouble with this is that as we have discussed, killing innocent people is not the way to peace... Prior Genesis is our enemy, not the Ori soldiers and their families."
There was much contemplation around the table as the enormity of Everett's words sunk in. Their war was only with the leader of the Ori, not its people. No one in that room took any joy in the destructive power their ships held, and the death of innocent people was the true repercussions of such actions. Humans had desecrated their own people enough for thousands of years over different beliefs, so why should the Ori suffer the same fate. Genesis was like any other dictator, addicted to the ultimate power of corruption, and taking the innocent lives of those that followed his words blindly. It was time for a new plan...a different strategy had to be devised to combat Genesis without the death of soldiers or innocents. Somewhere on a higher plain of existence, a council of the ascended smiled upon the gathered beings of Destiny, and held great hopes for our known universe.
Lady Destiny was the first to speak. "You see, allowing them to connect with Valeya was right. Humans are beginning to understand the connections that bind this universe together".
Morgan replied more concerned, "Yes, but they must stop Genesis before he can learn the path to ascension, or peace will never come..."
Genesis looked at his uncle sitting in the cell, and without raising his voice asked, "Why did you allow this man to escape his cell? Surely after what he done to your precious friends on Destiny, a little payback was in order... Why do you think I put him next to you?"
Castell had been badly beaten and found it difficult to speak. "I'm... not..." he paused for a breath, "like you..."
This was a time where having a long life and an ability to regenerate the body worked against a Valeyian... Genesis had ordered constant beatings at random for several weeks. General Traise had fared no better, being caught while attempting to retrieve some of his confiscated weapons. Unknown to the Ori, their ship was now transmitting a unique gravity wave signal, and the scent was being left in their wake. The General's broken arm was a small price to pay for leaving a trail of bread crumbs...
Back on Destiny the meeting came to a close with General Landry holding everyone for just one more thing...
"Ok people, there is just one more order of business for the crew of Destiny... the rest of you are excused." He quickly motioned to Cameron, who came over to him. "Colonel, return to your ship, but follow your orders... put someone else in charge, they have a way of knowing these things..." warned Hank.
Cameron nodded with a sly smile, "Yes General..."
After Colonel Mitchell left, Hank sat back down with the main crew from Destiny. "Now we have decided to do a bit of a PR stunt with you guys."
Nick looked at Hank saying, "PR stunt... this doesn't sound good..."
Hank allowed him some leeway and didn't bite back. "Yes Dr Rush, a PR stunt. You will be hosting a reporter from 60 Minutes, live from Destiny" he waited for it to sink in.
Eli looked on bemused, "Are you serious General Landry, you're allowing a reporter to come aboard Destiny...from Earth?"
Hank kept a serious face on, but inside he was laughing knowing how he would have felt in the same situation. "Yes Mr Wallace, from Earth. Evidently you are all celebrities on Earth these days. So, you will extend the full courtesy to them, with the only exception being the data-bank."
Everett just shook his head, "So we can allow them onto the bridge..."
Hank smiled "Yes General Young, you can. All footage of sensitive areas will be viewed by or advisors before being allowed to air. This has been a directive from our Commander and Chief, who personally spoke to the producers and gave permission".
Eli asked a simple question. "General Landry, would He ever come and visit?"
Hank thought for a moment but was gracious in his reply. "Son, I believe He would like to, but the President has more pressing matters to deal with." Hank addressed everyone, "So if there is nothing further... General Young, with your permission I'd like to spend a few days aboard...see how you guys run this show" Hank smiled.
Everett stood and walked over to him holding out his hand, "Of course Hank, welcome aboard Destiny..."
Te'arly sat on the observation deck sofa beside a very pregnant Ginn, who was having a nurse of baby Hadri'an.
"Do you think they can sense each other?" Te'arly asked lovingly.
Ginn could feel the answer. "Oh yeah they can... she is squirming around in here..." she said patting her belly softly.
Camille and Vanessa entered the observation deck and made their way over to where they were sitting.
"Hi..." said Camille, "Are we intruding?"
Te'arly smiled broadly at them. "Of course not, we're all family around here!"
Vanessa gave Camille a knowing look to ask, but Camille resisted.
Te'arly noticed the look and happily asked, "Did you want to hold him for a while Camille?"
Camille wasn't so sure. "Oh...um I don't know...babies aren't really my thing. But I don't know about Vanessa, maybe she might want to..."
Te'arly giggled. "All you had to do was ask... Would you like to hold him Vanessa?"
Ginn tenderly handed him over to Vanessa, whose eyes lit up at the sight of Hadri'an's cute little face.
"Oh my goodness he's so cute!" said Vanessa quietly as she cradled him gently against her fatigues.
Ginn smiled at Te'arly before turning her gaze back to Vanessa and saying, "You look very natural Vanessa, like you were born to it".
Te'arly noticed as well but respected Vanessa's career decisions over having children. The crew of Destiny seemed to age slower so she figured that Vanessa still had time for a child one day. Camille noticed the look in Vanessa's eyes too and knew that it might be something she would want in the future, but that would be a bridge to cross when the time came.
Camille asked Te'arly if they needed anything in a roundabout way. "We have a custom on Earth of having a small party called a Baby Shower, for a new mother. Friends and family, mainly the women, would come over and give gifts to help with the new baby..."
Te'arly was a little surprised. "On my home world, we use to have a similar custom. When a baby was born, family and friends would place gifts outside their dwelling and sing to them. Unfortunately, due to the recent events that had stopped. I hope that now they have a cure it may start again..."
Camille felt a little uneasy about what she had said, knowing that it may have brought back some bad memories for Te'arly, and tried to play it down. "Oh, I shouldn't have..."
Te'arly cut her off by placing her hand on Camille's arm and saying, "It's alright Camille... I like the idea of a party... it sounds like fun!" She stood up and embraced Camille whispering into her ear, "It seems like a lifetime ago now, please, I am not offended. Don't be so hard on yourself Camille, and thank you... a baby shower sounds like a wonderful idea."
Destiny dropped from FTL at that moment, and the gate stared to turn. As it stabilised, Destiny received an IDC signal from the SGC and a message...
"Two coming through..."
Two men stepped out of the gate, with one holding a TV camera. They both looked scared and amazed at the same time. Destiny blurred back into FTL as Everett walked up to the two men and introduced himself.
"Hello Gentlemen, I am General Everett Young of SGC... Welcome aboard Destiny..."