Cameron Mitchell smiled as he walked into the disembarkation room and found his team waiting for him. Carter, Jackson, and Teal'c had been on several missions to Talosia since they'd rescued him, but this was the first time he'd been cleared for an away mission since Lam discharged him from the infirmary. He wasn't sure whether he was ready for this, but he did know if he back down he would be that much closer to retirement. He didn't want that, he wanted to be an active member of SG1 for as long as he could.
"It is good to see you in full uniform, Colonel Mitchell."
"Thanks, Teal'c," Mitchell said and nodded to the others as the chevrons lit up. He felt his heart skip a beat, but could almost hear his granny telling him to face the unknown as if he owned it.
"SG1, you cleared to go," Walter said from the glass enclosed room.
"Are you sure you're ready for this, Cam?" Carter asked.
"I'm ready, Carter," Mitchell said and led the way through the gate. They were met by several familiar figures who smiled and walked over to them.
"Colonel Mitchell, it is good to see you again," Callisia said as Teronis moved to shake his hand.
"Thank you, Callisia. How are you two doing?" Mitchell asked as they started down the path toward the city.
"Callisia and I recovered quickly, as did most of our people, but it sounds like you had a very hard time," Teronis answered.
"It took a little longer than expected, but I'm okay now," Mitchell told her. "How are things in the city?"
"The new council is made up of people from both sides of the river and the war is no longer an issue. We have come together and our society is stronger because of it. We have discovered lineages between both factions that intertwine and I discovered an uncle and cousins who now visit us as often as they wish. It is a gift that would not have happened had it not been for you, Colonel Mitchell," Callisia answered.
"It wasn't me…"
"If Layonna had not decided to take you we would have disappeared into the Mystique. That is not something we fear anymore and Callisia's mother has decided to embrace the changes. We tried to convince her not to, but we see now that it must be her choice. She was very frail and ill here, but since undergoing the changes she is stronger and visits often. She will be here when her grandchild is born in six months," Teronis said.
"With Colonel Carter and Dr. Jackson's help we have nearly completed the repairs to the damaged systems. General Landry was very helpful and has sent several people to help with the structures that needed repairs," Callisia said.
"It is the least we can do considering what you're letting us do," Jackson observed and noticed the frown on Mitchell's face. I forgot. You don't know about the Naquadah we discovered between the realms. We have the Mastyque's permission to collect it as long as it does not damage the area. It is easily obtained, but can only be done twice a year because of the balance that must be kept so they can continue to travel across the realm."
"Naquadah, you must be in your glory, Jackson," Mitchell said.
"We all are. We can't take a lot of the mineral, but with the power it can generate even a small amount can make a difference," Jackson assured him.
"Someday you may be able to have more, but for now we must limit what's taken until we find a way to solidify the void between our world and the Mastyque," Callisia explained.
"Today is special, Colonel Mitchell. We have two things to celebrate and you are a central figure in the celebration," Callisia told him when they reached the outer city an hour later.
"Me?" Mitchell asked.
"All will be clear once we reach the inner sanctum," Teronis said of the restored area outside the building that now house the opening between the realms.
Mitchell barely recognized the area because most of the damage had been fixed and the debris was cleared away. Flowers bloomed in places that had once been barren and trees had been planted along the path. The broken glass in the windows had been replaced and the signs of the war between the two factions were nearly erased.
"They worked together to fix things with the help of the serpents," Carter explained. "It is so much easier than using ladders and scaffolding."
"I bet," Mitchell said and continued to look around. They continued along the road until they reached their final destination and he was shocked to find a large gathering in what was now the unmistakable focal point of the city. The repairs were complete and the beautiful architecture rivaled anything he'd seen in Paris, Rome, and any other city on Earth. It was similar to the spires of Atlantis, but the colors were well suited and blended well.
"Notice anything?" Jackson asked.
"Atlantis," Mitchell observed.
"We've discovered several files in the old computers that speak of beings that came from the stars. They built several structures and helped the Talosians find the right place to build their city. I think they chose this area because of the Naquadah…they probably discovered it between the realms, but something happened and they were forced to leave," Jackson explained.
"Colonel Mitchell, it is good to see you. How are you?"
"Thank you, Janolia, it is good to be back and I'm doing much better. How are you?" Mitchell answered.
"I am well. Darishik is to marry soon and Shanisia has visited on several occasions. She has a natural ability to control the changes and is teaching others hos they can do it. She is one of the strongest of the Mastyque and has helped us rebuild our homes," Janolia told him.
"I'm glad she's able to make the changes and come back to her family when she wants to. I'm also glad you and everyone else have come to terms with what's happened and the choices that were made," Mitchell said.
"If we had not been so afraid maybe this war would have ended long ago," Janolia told him as two people joined them. "Resandie and Beritonis, this is Colonel Mitchell of SG1."
"Colonel Mitchell, it is good to see you in your normal form," Beritonis said and shook the man's hand.
"I am glad you were able to come back," Resandie said and smiled.
"It seems I owe you both my life. Dr. Lam told me what you did for me and if there's ever anything I can do for you just let me know," Mitchell said.
"It was our pleasure and you owe no debt since you are the reason we can now be family again," Resandie told him and looked up as a new sound reached their ears. "It appears our serpent family has returned."
"Darishik, bring Shanisia here when she has landed," Janolia said.
"Yes, Mother," Darishik said and hurried off.
"We are grateful to you and your people, Colonel Mitchell," Resandie said and pointed to an area near the building. "We would be honored if you would all join us for the dedication."
"Please join us…all of you are welcome," Janolia said and linked her arm through Mitchell's as they made their way to a long table set with trays of food.
"Dedication?" Mitchell asked.
"It is the reason Shanisia and the others are here today," Janolia said as he children walked toward them.
"It is good to see you again, Colonel Mitchell…you look as if the changes have been successfully reversed," Shanisia observed.
"Yes, they are. I'm happy to say I'm completely human again. No offense," Mitchell told her.
"None taken," Shanisia said as they took their seats and the crowd cheered as Janolia made her way to the stage with the microphone set at the center.
"Can I have your attention before we enjoy the feast of the Mastyque?" Janolia said and smiled. "We have all gathered here today to celebrate finding our family, not just those in our form, but those who chose to take the form of the serpent as well. My daughter Shanisia is as beautiful in the serpent form as she is in Talosian form. I would like to take the opportunity to welcome back the members of SG1 and Colonel Mitchell in particular."
"Welcome back, Colonel," several Talosians said from nearby tables and Cam wondered why they were singling him out.
"Colonel Mitchell, I know you're wondering why we are making a big deal of your return, but there are things we have discovered that we did not know before. We asked Dr. Jackson, Colonel Carter, and Teal'c not to say anything until you returned to Talosia. Our scientists along with Colonel Carter and Dr. Jackson managed to restore ancient files that contained information about our people and the serpents. It seems Colonel Mitchell's presence was foretold centuries ago, but Layonna worked to remove any reference of him. There was no mention of a name, but the ancient who created the file spoke of a man from a distant planet who traveled through the Stargate. It said he would be of ancient decent, but that his gene would not be detectable until after he has been across the realm and his body has undergone the changes. It is said that he would become a serpent, but he would choose to return to his human form before those changes were irreversible. It was also written that he would be chosen by a member of the Mastyque, one who had changed and embraced the coldness surrounding her own heart."
"You need to get Carolyn to check for the ancient gene when we get back," Carter told him. She'd known about the possibility, but the Talosians had asked her not to say anything to anyone until after the dedication.
"Colonel Mitchell, you may not realize it, but you are the reason we are all here to celebrate a new beginning. We have our family back with us and we love them no matter what form they chose to be. Please accept us for who we are and know that sometime in the past one of your ancestors lived on Talosia. We cannot trace the lineage yet, but perhaps, in time, we will know more about them through you."
"One of my ancestors was here?" Mitchell whispered.
"It seems you are a direct descendant of the Ancients," Jackson observed.
"But why wasn't it detected?"
"That we may never know…maybe it was simply dormant and needed the right catalyst to bring it out," Jackson said.
"Colonel Mitchell, the building behind us houses the computers that hold the past, present, and future of our world. It is the opening to the gateway between the Talosian and the Mastyque realm and since you were the person responsible the building now bares your name. Please come forward and remove the covers so all will see the monument and understand why this is such an important step forward for all of Talosia," Janolia told him.
"I can't…"
"Yes, you can, Cam," Carter said.
"We're not supposed to accept gifts," Mitchell said.
"You're not accepting a gift, Colonel Mitchell, you are giving one," Teal'c observed.
"Teal'c's right, Mitchell, you aren't just accepting this for yourself, but for your ancestors and the ancients who visited this world thousands of years ago," Jackson told him.
"Colonel Mitchell, is everything all right?" Shanisia asked. She shifted slightly, her wings undulating against her back as she spoke.
"Yes," Mitchell said and stood up. He walked slowly to the stage and hopped up, amazed at the loud cheers that arose and awed when they stood up and got even louder. It went on for several minutes, and he breathed a sigh of relief when it finally died down.
"Colonel Mitchell, please remove the cover and reveal the monument to you and to all of Talosia and The Mastyque?" Janolia suggested.
Cam moved to the large structure covered by a white material that reminded him of blue satin. He took the edge and with one quick jerk pulled it from the monument. His eyes opened wide when he looked at the sculpture depicting a serpent and a Talosian child. The serpent towered over the child, but there was no fear in the small face as the tiny hand reached up and was engulfed by the clawed appendage. Below the sculpture was a picture of him carved in stone with writing he did not understand.
"This monument will stand as a reminder of who we are and where we came from. It will teach future generations that differences can be overcome as long as we are willing to accept us for who we are. Colonel Mitchell, the words are written in a language used in ancient times and tell of your ancestor who made the trip here and told of your arrival. We are eternally grateful for his sacrifice because he foretold what would happen to you and did not stop your visit here. You may wonder how he could possibly stop something from happening, but I assure you he could have done so. There are things in the database that tells of his journeys and that you are descended from a long line of travellers. The monument is dedicated to you and everyone else who had a part in bringing us to this point in our lives. Our home is safe now and our families have closure. We understand who the serpents are and we know they will not hurt us. My daughter, Shanisia is beautiful in either form and someday she will have a family of her own…her children can decide which realm they wish to live in. None of this would have been possible if you had not gone through the changes and suffered for all of us. Thank you, Colonel Mitchell, you and your people are welcome to visit Talosia anytime you wish to," Janolia said and hugged him as the crowd cheered in agreement.
Mitchell made his way to the podium, aware of the people watching him and had no idea what to say. He looked around and stopped when his eyes locked on Teal'c's. "Thank you, Janolia, I won't say it was a pleasure, because it wasn't, but if what Layonna did to me brought peace and closure to your world then I would do it all over again. I am no hero…I do not like pain, but I don't like seeing others hurt when something can be done to ease that pain. Layonna is where she belongs and I believe the Mastyque will make sure she stays there…right, Shanisia?"
"You are correct, Colonel Mitchell."
"Then it is the Mastyque who deserves your praise and this celebration. To the Mastyque and what they bring to this world. Embrace them, not just because they are different, but because they are the same in here," Mitchell said and held his hand over his heart. "Thank you for including me in this…I accept on behalf of my team and my people and hope we remain allies for all time."
Carter, Teal'c, and Jackson stood up with the others and clapped with them until Mitchell and Layonna returned to the table. Food was passed around, and laughter ensued, but no one noticed the lone woman who slipped away and hurried toward the gate.
SG1SG1SG1SG1SG1
Sholese hurried toward the large gathering of female warriors and sought out the main tent where he soul sister was camped. She knew the news she had would be welcomed and stepped in just as the evening meal was served.
"Sholese, come sit beside me and enjoy the food," Rianna said and smiled as she ran her fingers through the dark hair on the young male's chest.
"Thank you, Sister, I bring news," Sholese said and sat cross legged on the floor.
"News of Mitchell?" Rianna asked and shoved the slave away.
"Yes, he has recovered from the trial on Talosia and was at their celebration today. He was honored by the Talosian people and Teal'c was at his side."
"I no longer have any interest in Teal'c. It is an embarrassment of riches owning them both and together they proved they were stronger than I expected. This time I will take Mitchell, and if the others come for him I will have them killed," Rianna said and reached for a glass of wine. It was sweet and made her body tingle with anticipation. "Soon, Mitchell…you and I have some unfinished business and I own you…body and soul."
The End?
