Female Locker Room, SGC, 1930 hours.
It had been nearly ten minutes since Willow returned from Atlantis with Faith while Colonel Carter and Vala remained behind at the Ancient City for one more day to search for another way to recreate the Sangraal. Both Willow and Faith brought with them two fully armed Puddle Jumpers which each one of them piloted back to the SGC. They knew that the Odyssey was still about three weeks away from having her refits completed and in the meantime they needed some air support on the planet the Colonials were meeting with the Earth officers. At the almost completed Midway station, the both of them were told that there was a change of plans… that Sharon and Satterfield's journey to that particular planet was postponed until Willow and Faith returned. He said that they would leave for the planet a few minutes before the two from SG1 left with backup from SG25 and SG26.
As Willow and Faith walked out of their respective showers, they walked into the locker room where they started to put on their BDU's. After Willow put on her boots, she opened her locker again before catching sight of the box she had brought back from Atlantis… the one that contained the pendent she had commissioned all those years ago from the Athosians. Willow recalled that she showed the contents of the box to Faith while they were packing their bags.
"Wow" said Faith as she sat on the bed while Willow continued to pack, as the Slayer held the pendent against the sun, "it's beautiful."
"Still can't believe I forgot about it, even after getting back my memories" said Willow as she zipped up her bag while Faith put the pendent back into the box gingerly and closed the top. She then stood up and handed the box back to Willow with a smile.
"Dawn will love it" said Faith as Willow opened the box and looked at the pendent before closing it again.
"I don't think she'll want it" said Willow softly as she looked at the carvings on top of the box, "without her memories, she's just Dawn. She's Buffy's sister and this… this is something I made for my sister. Dawn was right, she's not Hera."
"Red?" said Faith as she noticed Willow suddenly had a wide smile on her face before she looked back up at Faith.
"I know I made this for Hera" said Willow as she stepped forward towards Faith, "and I know she's not coming back to me… so…."
"No" said Faith shaking her head as Willow looked on in surprise. The Slayer walked towards Willow and clasped both of her hands around the redhead's, "that box, and what's inside of it, is for your sister. You're right, Hera as you knew her may never come back but like it or not, Dawn is Hera. That pendent belongs to her… you made it for her. Give it to her when we get back to Earth. You can say it's something you found while visiting the Athosian settlement on New Athos.. but you had it made for her… and its right that you give it to her."
"I was going to give this to you" said Willow as she looked at her wife, and then at the box, "I made this for someone I love, and I love Dawn and I know that she's Hera, but without her memories… it doesn't feel right to lie to her about this. I want you to have it, and I'm hoping that you'd accept it. Like I said.. its made for someone I love… so…."
"Red" said Faith as she caressed her cheek before giving a peck on the redhead's lips, "I can't accept it. Look, there'll come a point that Dawn will get her memories back…. Trust me on that. You know how the other Ancients like to mess about with stiff. I think she'll know who she is, she will remember how much she means to you; how much you mean to her. And then you can give this to her, I don't need this to make me happy…. I have you."
"You've gotten sappy" said Willow as she pulled Faith in close before giving her a tight hug, "ever since we've gotten together, you've gotten sappy. And I mean that in the most loving way possible."
"I know. I should come back here and go after some Wraith…. You know… to remove some of the sappyness" said Faith laughing as she ran her hand through Willow's hair as the redhead lay her head on the Slayer's shoulder. Faith then leaned her head on Willow's and whispered, "seriously though, keep it for Dawn alright?"
"Alright, but don't lose your sappyness" said Willow as she gave the Slayer a kiss on the cheek before they picked up their respective bags and hurried to the Jumper bay. At the bay, they met with Colonel Carter while Vala was still helping search for the Sangraal with Zalenka and McKay. The Colonel had asked Willow to start work on trying to expand the phasing field that Arthur's Mantle gave out. She wanted to have another plan ready in case they were able to find instructions on building another Sangraal.
Back in the present, Willow looked at the box and smiled before closing her locker again. After making sure that they had everything they needed, Willow and Faith walked over to the armoury where they grabbed their sidearms, and Zats before rushing to the briefing room. Walking through the hallway that led to the red table in the briefing room, the two women heard familiar voices that were talking to General Landry.
"Soldier boy" said Faith as she gave Riley a wink before turning to Sam and giving her a smile and a nod.
"Sir, Ma'am" said Willow as she nodded at the both of them before everyone took their respective seats at the table.
"Alright" said General Landry as he looked at Willow, "Major, apologies for having you come back to the SGC from your leave."
"It's alright, sir" said Willow with a smile, "I've seen everyone I needed to see."
"Still" said the General as he nodded his head, "I hope you understand the need for this?"
"Yes, sir" said Willow who nodded her head. The General told the redhead that both Riley and Sam were briefed on the situation with the Colonials and the Cylons. He told Willow that Colonel Mitchell and Teal'c, as well as two SG teams were on the other planet still waiting for the Cylons. Faith was worried that they would be in danger due to the Cylon weapons, but the General told her that everyone had been fitted with the original, and the reverse engineered, versions of the Kull Armour to protect them from any weapons fire.
"Nice" said Faith nodding her head as she leaned back on her seat.
"Sir?" said Sam as she looked at the General, and then at Willow before looking at the General once again, "but why do they need Willow? I understand wanting Sharon there.. but why Willow.. specifically?"
"That's what I'd like to know as well, sir" said Willow confused, "I've never met any of the Colonials… except when I went to warn General O'Neill and the others during the meeting on their President's ship. But other than that… I'm confused."
"According to Commander Adama's son" said General Landry, "who happens to be the military leader of the team on P3H-652; his father met you before. According to what Dr. Burke translated after talking to his son, a Major Lee Adama; he met you in a museum when he was much younger."
"Huh?" said Willow as she looked at the General, and then at Faith and the two Colonel's who looked back at Willow confused, "museum when he was younger? I never…. Oh."
"Yep" said General Landry as he leaned back when he saw Willow make the realization, "he saw you when you were….. you know."
"Right" said Willow as she closed her eyes, "Adama…. Adama…. That name…."
"The kid that ran into you at the museum. The same one I saw in your dream" said Faith as she excitedly poked Willow's arm, "I didn't understand what you were telling him.. but I think I recognized the name 'Adama'. But to me… everything was in Ancient Greek so…. Yeah. Can't believe I didn't put two and two together."
"You're not the only one" said Willow as she rubbed her forehead.
"Umm" said Riley and Sam together, "what's going on?"
"Major?" said General Landry, "I haven't briefed them on that part of your life. I figured that you'd want to handle it yourself?"
"That would be best, Sir" said Willow nodding her head, "at least that's what I guess."
"Willow?" asked Riley as he looked at the redhead.
A few minutes later, both Sam and Riley were looking at Willow with their mouths open in shock. Occasionally they would look at both General Landry and Faith, who would nod their heads to confirm what the redhead was saying was true. Willow gave them the quick rundown of her time at Atlantis, the exodus back to Earth, what happened with Sineya, her ascension and her descension. However, the only person she didn't mention in her debrief was Hera.
"Holy crap" said Sam as she leaned back on her chair in surprise from everything she just heard, "more than ten thousand years….. you look good for your age."
"Oh you know, ma'am" said Willow with a smile, "sunlight, tons of exercise, good food… helps a lot."
"So they think that you could be one of these humanoid Cylons?" asked Riley as he leaned forward on the table, "the Commander must have told his son about you, and they now think that you could be a Cylon?"
"That's what Colonel Dixon believes based off of Dr. Burke's translations into what they were talking to each other" said General Landry recalling his conversation with the Colonel.
"Are we telling them about the Ancients?" asked Riley as he looked at Willow and then at the General before looking down at the blue folder on the table in front of him, "I read Major Satterfield's report that at least the Cylons don't know about the Stargate… how about the Colonials?"
"I don't think so" said General Landry shaking his head, "Mr. Woolsey will be dealing with that, and everything about the Ancients. According to Miss Valerii, the Colonials put a lot of stock into their gods which, according to Major Satterfield, are based on the Ancient Greek pantheon of gods."
"Which themselves are based on the Goa'uld" said Willow as she looked at both Riley and Sam, "I was there when the early humans were taken to the planet they later called Kobol."
Willow told them about the Furling Kobol-class ship, the organic drones, followed by what the Goa'uld used to do to the Kobolians; she talked about everything she could remember about what happened. She ended by telling them that she saw the start of the first Cylon war; how the Cylons were enslaved by the Colonies, and how the war began.
"This is going to break their world" said Sam as she closed the report and leaned back on the chair.
"In a way" said Faith as she crossed her arms over her chest, "the Colonials are right about their own history. Their version of humanity evolved on Kobol. Their customs, their traditions… everything that makes them… well, them… evolved on Kobol."
"They forgot where they came from after the Goa'uld got bored and left them alone" said Willow as she shrugged her shoulders, "it wasn't my business to interfere then… but when the organic drones left to find Earth…"
"It was the right thing to do" said General Landry, "advanced technology like that in the hands of early civilizations… it could have destroyed us."
"Or we would have gone to space much earlier than this" said Faith as she shrugged her shoulders.
"Well, this is no time to wonder what may or may not have happened" said the General as he stood up, leading to everyone else standing up, "Colonel Finn's, your orders are to provide backup for SG13 on the planet. Your mission is to protect Miss Valerii at all costs, I want both of the Puddle Jumpers in orbit cloaked to keep an eye on the two ships so that they don't try anything funny. Major Rosenberg said that the Colonials are using a version of the Furlings Point Drive system… so be careful. They could literally pop up at any place and at any time."
"Faith and I will take one each, sir" said Sam as she nodded at Faith who gave her a grin, "the Jumpers are fully armed, I take it?"
"Yes, ma'am" said Willow, "I checked the loading of the Ancient drones myself. I know for a fact that the Colonial ships don't have any shielding… but the armour for the Galactica is tough. Shouldn't be much trouble for a salvo of drones though. Or the Ancient weapons on the Daedalus and the Avalon class ships."
"SG1, SG25 and SG26" said General Landry, "move out."
"Sir" said Willow, Riley and Sam as they nodded their heads before walking towards the Jumper Research labs on Level Twenty One.
Planet Designated P3H-652, 2000 hours.
The sky over the camp was still awash with light as Jon walked towards the Stargate which was located amongst some trees that hid it from view from the camp. He had heard Dr. Burke translating the Vice-Presidents questions about the large stone ring and if it played any significance to the history of the planet before she told the man that he'll know everything once the diplomats have arrived. In the meantime, the linguist had asked Major Adama and the others to join her in the Mess tent for some coffee while they wait for Sharon, Satterfield and Willow to arrive.
Jon had left when the Vice-President started shooting even more questions, at least what he thought were questions judging from his body language and facial expressions, at the poor linguist after they had grabbed some cups of coffee and sat down at a table. Shrugging his shoulders and wanting to meet up with Satterfield and Sharon as their welcome party, he grabbed a cup of hot coffee and walked out of the Mess Tent before he could hear Dr. Burke answer the Vice-President.
He walked past the medical building where he saw two of the Colonial Marines stop talking as he walked towards them. He noticed the look that they were giving him, it was almost the same look that one would give someone to say that 'hey, you're taking of our enemy, you should die'.
"Hey fellas" said Jon as he sipped a bit of the hot liquid before lifting his cup up and walking past them towards the trail that led to the Stargate. Glancing behind him as he walked away into the area with trees, Jon saw another two Marines walk out of the Medical building and start talking with the two that were outside earlier. Smiling to himself as he walked into the tree line, Jon continued to walk down the trail while looking at his watch.
'Ummm….' thought Jon to himself as he looked at his watch while he continued to walk, 'four more minutes."
As Jon arrived at the Stargate, he saw the first chevron light up before he turned around and took a quick scan of his surroundings. He searched for anyone who could have followed him to the Gate, but upon seeing no one, he turned back around and watched as the fifth chevron lit up.. followed by the sixth and the seventh. He smiled when the unstable vortex 'kawooshed' out before settling down into the event horizon. Just then, the ear set he was wearing buzzed and he heard Satterfield telling Colonel Dixon that she was on the way with Sharon and Grogan.
"Major" said Jon as he looked at the event horizon, "this is Captain O'Neill, you're clear for arrival."
"Copy that, Captain" said Satterfield, "coming through."
Jon watched as the blue puddle of 'water' rippled before Grogan walked through followed by Sharon and Satterfield. Although he had only read preliminary reports about how similar Sharon looked to Satterfield, he didn't believe it until now. The only way to tell the two apart was that Satterfield had on her full tactical gear, as did Grogan, while Sharon only had a set of BDU's on and some bruises on her face. Frowning at Sharon's injuries, Jon stepped away from the DHD and the MALP, before walking towards the three of them before the Stargate disengaged.
"Majors" said Jon as he nodded at both Satterfield and Grogan.
"Captain" said Grogan and Satterfield as they led Sharon down the stairs of the pedestal on which the Gate resting. The humanoid Cylon was looking around her with her mouth hanging open in shock as she looked at the trees, the ground and the sky; before looking at Grogan, Jon and Satterfield.
"Wow" said Sharon again as she turned around and looked at the sky, "how… it was just night at the Beta Site… and now… wow. How far have we travelled?"
"A long way…. Trust me. Come on, someone I want you to meet" said Satterfield as she motioned towards Jon, "Sharon Valerii, meet Captain Jon O'Neill."
After Satterfield introduced Sharon to Jon, who smiled and nodded at the Cylon; everyone stepped back as the Chevron's lit up again before another wormhole was established. This time, it was Walter who had contacted the team to tell them that SG25 and SG26 were coming through the Stargate.
"Copy that, Walter" said Jon into his earpiece, "Major Satterfield and Grogan are here with Sharon; waiting on Major Rosenberg and the others."
"Copy that" said Walter who still felt uncomfortable calling the General's clone anything but 'sir', "the first Jumper will be going through in a few seconds."
"Thank you, Walter" said Jon as everyone stood to the side, next to the DHD, as one Puddle Jumper flew through the Gate and landed behind the open Stargate. Unknown to Sharon though, the second Jumper piloted by Faith had already flown through the Stargate while cloaked after the first one landed and immediately flew straight up to the sky. The dark haired Slayer broke through the clouds before entering the outer atmosphere and then entered orbit. Faith activated the holographic HUD which showed her that each of the two small ships in orbit had nine people, including the pilots, on board. The Slayer relayed that information to the Earth officers on the surface who were listening in through their ear sets.
"Alright, Faith" said the Colonel into his ear set as he stepped out of the Mess tent and stood on the open green grass, "stay up there. If they make any move without us knowing, let me know."
"Got that" replied Faith as she activated the Jumper's scanners, "scanning for any additional ships."
"Good" said Colonel Dixon as he looked towards the direction of the Stargate, "Jon, bring the others over to the camp… let's get this over and done with."
After he received an acknowledgment from Jon that they were on the way, the Colonel turned back around and walked into the Mess tent, and towards Dr. Burke who was still talking to the Vice-President. The Colonel could see that the dark haired man was getting animated while the Major was sitting next to him and frowning; smiling to himself, the Colonel suspected that Dr. Burke wasn't telling them everything that they wanted to know. Coming upon the table where they were seated, Dr. Burke turned and smiled at Colonel Dixon after he mentioned that their guests were here.
"Just let them know we've brought back-up, Doc" said the Colonel as Dr. Burke nodded her head before turning to Major Adama and translating what the Colonel was saying. The both of them saw the Major and the Vice-President open their eyes wide in surprise before they ran out of the tent and looked up at the sky, and then around them.
While of of this was going on, Willow was telepathically in communication with Dr. Burke, Colonel Dixon, Satterfield, Jon and Hailey about the reason why the Commander had seen a woman who looked like Willow all those years ago. All of them expressed surprise, although they tried to not physically show it although Jon looked at the redhead and raised an eyebrow at her, but they tried not to express their surprise facially in front of the Colonials.
"Where're your ships?" asked Major Adama as he turned around and looked at the Colonel and Dr. Burke, "we didn't hear any engines, or see any ships land…. And if a ship had been in orbit, then we would have known about it."
The Vice-President pointed at the Raptor where Racetrack and Skulls were sitting in the cockpit and told both Colonel Dixon and Dr. Burke that they were waiting for news on any ships that were in orbit from the two Raptors that were in space.
"It's not possible that we'd miss an orbiting vessel" said the Vice-President, "and we would have heard a landing."
"Yea, well" said Colonel Dixon as he and the others heard Racetrack and Skulls calling out to the Colonial Officers. The Vice-President and the Major turned around and looked at where the two officers were pointing . They watched as a cylindrical ship hovered in the air before it shot up into the sky.
Turning back to the Colonel and Dr. Burke, the Vice-President demanded to know what just happened. He wanted to know how it was that they could have a ship land without the Raptors in orbit knowing about it. Just then, the Major heard his radio go off and one of the pilots in the orbiting Raptor told his that a strange cylindrical vessel had stopped in front of them and was just floating in space.
"Major" said Dr. Burke, "that ship is for our security. We're having someone who we've given asylum to coming her on her own free will to provide this blood. She's under our protection, and given that one of your ships opened fire on defenceless vessels that were begging for help… the military will do everything possible to protect Miss Valerii. Even from you, and your people on the surface… and on those two ships."
"We should have been told about this development" said the Major as he looked at the Colonel while Dr. Burke translated.
"We can have the other Raptors jump away, back to the Galactica" said the Vice-President while the Major shouted at Racetrack and Skulls to tell the Raptors in orbit that they were to stay in place. That they were to make a move back to the Galactica on his orders.
"That's up to you" said Colonel Dixon as he looked at both the Vice-President and at the Major while Dr. Burke translated, "we won't stop you if you want to leave, but those two birds you have in orbit won't be allowed to make a move towards the planet until Miss Valerii has completed her donation and left this camp."
"Our ships can jump into the atmosphere" said Major Adama before he shook his head and stopped himself and put his hands up, "look, Sharon is still a dangerous machine to have on your base. My people know how to deal with her…. I'd like to request another ship come down to the surface and….. dear gods."
Colonel Dixon turned around when he saw that the Major, and the Vice-President, were looking behind him at a group of people who were coming out of the tree line. He noticed that the Marines who were standing outside the Medical building stopped what they were doing and looked at the people coming towards them. It was the same with Racetrack and Skulls, who stepped out of the Raptor after sending the message to the other Raptors in orbit and stood in shock at the group of people.. particularly the two in the group who looked so much alike that they could be twins.
The Colonel walked towards the group while the Colonial officers just looked on in complete shock. The group by now had entered the camp and stopped once Colonel Dixon had reached them.
"Colonel" said Colonel Dixon as he nodded at Riley.
"Sir" replied Riley, "sorry we're late."
"Nah" said Colonel Dixon as he looked back at Major Adama and the Marines before turning back to Riley, "watch the Colonial's closely, Colonel Finn have some of your people stationed at the medical building while the others stay close to the Colonials so that they don't try anything funny."
"Yes, sir" said Riley as he turned around and relayed orders to the members of SG25 and SG26 before turning back to Colonel Dixon and nodding his head. He then headed towards the medical building where he would be stationed with three others.
"Major, Major, Major" said the Colonel as he nodded his head at Grogan, Satterfield and Willow.
"Colonel" said all three of them together as Colonel Dixon gave a huge grin.
"Sir" said Satterfield as she stepped forward with Sharon, "I'd like for you to meet Sharon Valerii."
"Sharon" said Satterfield as she turned towards the humanoid Cylon, "this is Colonel Dave Dixon."
"Miss Valerii" said the Colonel as he nodded his head at Sharon, and was greeted with a small smile and a nod before she looked behind him and noticed the familiar faces. The Colonel turned around and saw Major Adama and the Vice-President walking towards them. Frowning, the Colonel turned back to Satterfield and asked her to translate everything he was telling Sharon.
"Do you want to talk to them?" asked the Colonel as he looked at Sharon, "if you don't want to, then I can tell them to stay back."
"No" said Sharon shaking her head as the two of them got closer, "it's alright, thank you."
The vice-President and Major Adama stopped next to Colonel Dixon and looked in astonishment at both Satterfield and Sharon. The only outward difference that they could see was Sharon was dressed in a simple set of BDU's while Satterfield, like the other newcomers, had on their full tactical gear.
"Major Adama, Mr. Vice-President" said Sharon as she looked at the both of them with anger reflected in her eyes. She recalled that even though the Vice-President was concerned for her well-being, she knew deep in her heart that she was more concerned about her unborn baby than her… and she was angry at the Major just simply because of his last name. Although a part of her understood why the Commander had traded her for both Helo and Chief Tyrol, another part of her felt betrayed by him for carrying it out in the first place. It was an irrational anger towards the Adama name that made Sharon roll her hands into fists as she tried to push down the anger when she recalled the Commander accepting the deal to trade her to the Pegasus where she had undergone months of torture. Pushing all of newly surfaced thoughts away, she shook her head and continued to look at the distrustful looks that Major Adama and the other Colonials were giving her.
"Sharon" said Major Adama coldly as Sharon nodded her head.
"Miss Valerii" said the Vice-President as he looked at Sharon, and then at Satterfield, "Major Satterfield, I presume?"
"Yes" said Satterfield as she looked the excited look on the Vice-President's face.
"Amazing" said the Vice-President as he looked at the Earth woman, and then at Sharon, and then at Satterfield again "how is this possible?"
"You'll soon find that the galaxy is much larger than your people ever suspected" said Satterfield.
"And you" said Major Adama as he pointed at Willow and walked around the still surprised Vice-President while Racetrack and Skulls walked up to the small group, along with Dr. Burke, "you must be the one that my father saw… are you a Cylon?"
"I'm not a Cylon" said Willow as she looked at Major Adama. While Willow was explaining, with the help of Satterfield and Dr. Burke that the Commander may have seen someone who just looked like the redhead, the Vice-President was listening intently before he felt an arm around his shoulder. Glancing towards his left, away from Major Adama, he saw his Head Six in a small red dress as she placed her head on his should before turning his head to face Willow, and Satterfield who were talking to Major Adama.
"What do you think, Gaius?" said the Head Six as she walked around him, "you think this Satterfield's a Cylon? Why haven't you asked about our baby?"
"That's why we're here" whispered the Vice-President as he focused on Willow who was rubbing her forehead before she tapped on Satterfield's shoulder, "now tell me about the red haired one. Is she a Cylon?"
"How must I know?" said the Head Six as she placed her hand on his chest while looking at Willow, "I never realized you were fond of red heads too. Is that why you sometimes dream about Roslin? You think their hair colours are real? You know there's a way to find out."
"I know" smiled Balter as he looked at Willow and Satterfield talking to each other, "I'll pump her for information later on, but in the meantime you said that there were twelve humanoid Cylon models right?"
"Yes" said the Head Six as she kissed Balter's neck before biting his ear lobe while looking at Willow, "maybe I'll watch you and her.. how do you say… pump each other for information?"
"Believe you me, I'll get some information from her" whispered Balter as he glanced at his Head Six, "anyway, so far we've seen seven models… who are the final five models? Could this woman be one of them?"
"Good question. What makes you think that there is a final five? Or maybe I was lying about the twelve models" said Head Six as she laughed before she placed her elbow on the Vice-President's shoulder while she pointed her thumb at Willow, "who knows, maybe she is one of them; then again maybe she isn't… maybe you should….. oh dear me."
"What?" whispered the Vice-President under his breath while looking at his surprised Head Six who was looking forward. It was then he turned his head and noticed that Willow and Satterfield were looking directly at him, with the redhead frowning.
Outside the Medical building, Planet Designated P3H-652, a few seconds earlier.
Not only was Willow on the planet to have her blood checked so that the Colonial delegation could have their minds at ease, she was also there to detect any threat from these people before it was put into action. While the Major was questioning Satterfield with Colonel Dixon looking at his watch impatiently, the redhead heard someone speaking loudly in the Colonial language… the voice of a woman. Immediately Willow glanced at Satterfield and then at Dr. Burke, but their voices weren't the same as that mysterious woman's voice. Thinking that she was exhausted, she quickly rubbed her forehead before she heard that voice again in her mind.
Frowning to herself, Willow then tapped on Satterfield's shoulder. Turning around, Willow told the Asian woman that she's been hearing some woman talking in the Colonial's language.
"It could be me" said Satterfield while Major Adama took Racetrack and Skulls to one side since they were getting agitated with being so close to Sharon, "or it could be Dr. Burke."
"No" said Willow shaking her head as she looked around, "it doesn't sound like either of you."
"Can you tell me what she's saying?" asked Satterfield.
"I'll connect my mind to yours, is that alright?" asked Willow as Satterfield started to feel uncomfortable, "don't worry, I'm not reading your mind. This connection will be like a live translation app, whatever I 'hear' will be translated using the knowledge in your mind. Which means, you'll be able to hear it too."
"Really?" said Satterfield as Willow shrugged her shoulders, "you haven't tried this before have you?"
"Nope?" said Willow sheepishly, "but if we have a security breach."
"Alright" said Satterfield as she nodded her head and Willow connected her mind to Satterfield's. It was then that Willow used Satterfield's knowledge of the Colonial language to translate what the woman's voice was saying before the both of them saw the memory of the Vice-President having sex with the redhead. Continuing to 'hear' the woman talking, as well as seeing the 'X' rated visuals, Willow and Satterfield translated everything before the redhead closed the connection. At the same time, the both of them tried not to throw up. They looked at each other, and then looked at the Vice-President who looked surprised that the two women were looking at him.
"Sir" said Willow as she rushed towards Colonel Dixon while Satterfield and Jon stayed with Sharon, "sir, I think we have a problem."
"What's going on?" asked the Colonel while Major Adama was back to talking with Dr. Burke.
"Sir" whispered Willow after she took him to one side, "something's wrong with the Vice-President, I've been hearing a female voice in his mind…. And…. it's been talking about some twelve models, and final five… or something… I connected my mind with Lauren's earlier, and that's what the both of us heard."
"Dr. Burke, Major Satterfield" said Colonel Dixon as he motioned for the both of them to come towards him. Once they had come close, the Colonel confirmed with Satterfield about what she had heard while connected to Willow's mind. After confirmation, the Colonel turned back to Dr. Burke and told her to translate what he was going to tell Major Adama.
Nodding her head, Dr. Burke led Colonel Dixon to the Major, who was still talking with Racetrack and Skulls.
"Major Adama" said Colonel Dixon, "once we've had our blood screened, we need to have your blood, as well as the blood of your team, screened as well for potential biological contaminants."
"Excuse me?" said the Major as Racetrack and Skulls looked on surprised, "you don't have a right to ask this. We do because you say you're human, but you tell us that you're not the Thirteenth Tribe even though you're supposedly from Earth. I'm sorry but the burden of proof that you people are really human is yours, we know that we're the ones who are human… we're the ones who are not sure about you."
"We have every right" said Colonel Dixon as Dr. Burke translated, "look, this is for our protection… as well as yours. You see, the Earth was infected by a Prior plague last year, killed thousands of people. Although the surviving infected were cured, our scientists are afraid that the plague may spread to your people as well."
"Plague?" said Major Adama, "a planetary plague? Are you kidding me?"
"People died on my world" said Colonel Dixon in a tone of voice that made the Major and the others believe that what he was talking about was not a joke, "people died on other worlds. Entire planets were wiped out by the Ori thanks to this plague, so I assure you that this is no joke. Again, you're free to leave… but if the people in your fleet start getting sick… then I'm sorry. Without the cure…."
"Then give us the cure" said Major Adama as Racetrack and Skulls stood next to him while the Vice-President, who was trying to avoid Willow's gaze, came up and stood behind the Major, "if anything happens, we'll give it out to the fleet."
"No" said Colonel Dixon shaking his head, "if you leave this planet, then you're on your own. We've already done our jobs, and with the war against the Ori still ongoing.. we don't have the time or the inclination to babysit you and your people while you travel in space. So, it's your choice. Either you get tested, or you leave without the cure and run the risk of spreading it to your fleet."
"And in case you get an idea to storm this base for the cure" said Willow as she stood next to Colonel Dixon as Dr. Burke translated, "just know that it's not here… it's somewhere far, far away."
"Major" said Dr. Burke, "you said you have little more than forty seven thousand survivors. Would you want them all to suffer from the plague when we could check it right now? If you have the plague in your systems, we could give you the cure so that when you do go back to your ship to discuss what our diplomatic delegation will be telling your team, you would be plague free."
"Fine" said Major Adama as he nodded towards Willow, Satterfield and Sharon, "but these three Cylons get tested first."
"Alright" said Colonel Dixon as he turned and looked at Willow before nodding at the others to get to the medical building. He then turned around again and looked at the Major, Racetrack, Skulls and the Vice-President, "I know Sharon is a Cylon, and after she completes her test, she'll be leaving for one of our outposts for her own safety. But, once Major Rosenberg and Major Satterfield have been cleared as Cylons… I expect an apology from you to them."
"I really doubt that" said Racetrack after she heard Dr. Burke's translation of what the Colonel said while the Major turned towards her and frowned. Racetrack looked at her superior officer and shrugged her shoulders before Major Adama turned and looked at the Colonel, telling him that he'll apologize to the both of them if they're cleared.
"But that opens up even more questions" said the Major, "I hope you realize that."
"I know" said Colonel Dixon as he nodded his head towards the medical building before he walked past Major Adama, "thankfully, I'm not the one dealing with all the diplomatic stuff."
Medical Building, Planet Designated P3H-652, 2015 hours.
As Colonel Dixon and the others entered the building, they saw Sharon sitting down at the desk as she rolled up her sleeves. This was the time when Major Adama got his first good look at the number of dark bruises on the Humanoid Cylon's arm as she placed it on the table. Sharon then looked at the Major, Racetrack and Skulls who were now shifting from one foot to another nervously before she turned to the nurse and nodded her head. She watched as the nurse drew her blood into a vial and, after getting the amount required, handed it to one of the scientists who placed one drop of it under the scanner and then switched on a video monitor.
Major Adama and the other Colonials, including Sharon, looked at the screen in surprise as they watched small rectangle shaped items moving along while suspended inside the blood.
"That's my blood?" asked Sharon as the nurse put a bandage on her arm to stop the bleeding. Sharon gingerly stood up and winced her face slightly in pain when she felt a sharp pain in her lower back, before she walked towards the screen with her mouth wide open, "those are the nanites? The doctor at the Beta site only told me about it… but to see…"
"Yes" said Satterfield as she took her seat while Grogan and Hailey walked up to Sharon and stood next to her, "those are your nanites."
"My gods" said the Major as he looked at the Vice-President and then at the screen as he counted at least thirty nanites in that small drop of blood.
"How about her baby?" asked the Vice-President as he looked at Dr. Burke, and then at Hailey, "I used her blood to save the President's life when her cancer reached its end stage and…."
"Amazing" said Hailey after Dr. Burke translated what the Vice-President was saying before looking up at the nanites on the screen. Hailey knew that research on replicator nanites was out of the question, but she made a mental note to ask Sharon if she could conduct some research into her nanites. Hailey then shook her head and picked up a report that was on another table before flipping it to one of its many pages. She then handed the file to Dr. Burke and asked her to translate a few sentences.
"The baby is female" said Dr. Burke when she looked up from scanning the report, "her body is organic in structure from her organs to the neurons in her brain. However, her blood contains these nanites as well. It's suspected that the nanites would be taking over her immune system and helping her in other, unforeseen, ways after she's born."
"The coming of a new age" said Balter's head Six as she stood behind him and wrapped her arms around his neck, "see, I told you she was the sign of things to come."
Willow then looked back at Balter and looked at him suspiciously when she heard the same female voice again. She furrowed her eyebrows as she noticed him starting to step back slightly as he slowly separated himself from the group while he was glancing to the side away from Willow as his mouth moved. Willow then looked back at Sharon who, accompanied by Hailey and Grogan, moved to one side of the building while Satterfield took a seat as the nurse started to draw her blood. Once her blood was drawn, she stood up and walked towards Sharon while the nurse handed the vial of blood to the same scientist who repeated the test.
The Colonials were surprised when there were no nanites on the screen when it came to Satterfield's blood. The Major asked Dr. Burke to repeat the test, a request she relayed to the scientist who nodded her head before using another drop of the woman's blood with the same results.
"It's impossible" said a shocked Major Adama as he looked at Satterfield, "you're human?"
"That's what I've told your Admiral Cain" said Satterfield before she looked back at the screen and then turned towards the Major again, "and that's the proof right there. I do understand why you need the proof though, don't get me wrong… but now you have it."
"Then she" said Racetrack who looked back at the Marines and then at Skulls while pointing at Willow, "she has to be a Cylon… there's no way that she's human if she's the same person that Major Adama said the Old Man saw on Caprica."
Willow smirked before sitting down on the seat where the nurses repeated the same procedure before standing up and walking towards Hailey. The Colonials looked at the screen and were surprised when nothing appeared on the screen. Willows blood was tested a few more times at the request of Major Adama but the results were the same, leaving the Colonials confused. Willow was human, there were no nanites in her blood stream.
After Willow's tests were done, the blood from the other base personnel were tested against Sharon's blood and the results were that everyone was human. The Colonials looked around nervously when they realized they made a mistake, they thought that the people who helped them… offered them a new life and a new planet were really Cylons, when they were all fellow humans.
"Lauren?" said Sharon softly as she looked at the Colonials, who had now started to have their own blood drawn as per their agreement, and the rest of the Earth officers before looking at Satterfield, "could you please take me back? I know I won't be harmed here but… there's still a lot of people in one room…. So… please?"
"Yea" said Satterfield as she nodded at Grogan, and Hailey, who stood next to Sharon while Satterfield ran across the room to Colonel Dixon and told him that Sharon had requested she return to the Beta Site. After nodding his acknowledgement, Satterfield rushed back to Sharon. On the way back, she was stopped by both the Vice-President and Major Adama. In the meantime, Racetrack and Skulls had rushed back to the Raptor to inform the other two Raptors in orbit that it was safe to come down. The Major, before stopping Satterfield, had already talked to Colonel Dixon and Riley while Dr. Burke translated and had gotten permission to inform the other two Raptors that they could land. Colonel Dixon then pressed his ear set and told both Faith and Sam that the two orbiting ships were given permission to land. He told Sam that she was to escort them down while Faith followed cloaked and kept a look out for any funny business.
"Major" said Major Adama as he addressed Satterfield, "on behalf of this delegation, I would like to apologize to you for all of this. I do hope you understand why we insisted on this, and despite all of that… I do hope that we'll have the opportunity to work together."
"Maybe one day" said Satterfield with a smile as she kept on glancing at the Vice-President who was looking at Willow, "but in the meantime, we still have a war waging against the Ori… and from here on out, it's the turn of the diplomats to who you and your people will be dealing with."
"Major" said the Vice-President, "I'd like to come with you to your other outpost. You see, I've been taking care of Sharon's baby and…"
"Sorry" said Satterfield shaking her head, "I can't give you the location of our outposts… or how we got there. Like I said, from here on out.. it's the turn of the diplomats. What I can tell you though is that keep an open mind about what you'll learn."
"That's cryptic" said the Major as the Vice-President frowned.
"How about giving me some information on your shield technology, your weapons technology?" said the Vice-President, "perhaps we could discuss it over some drinks?"
"Sorry" said Satterfield when she got a sudden feeling of unease as she looked back at Willow who had her eyes furrowed at the man. Turning back to the Vice-President, Satterfield told him that they weren't giving away any military technology to anyone; "but we'll be helping with medical technology and humanitarian aid from what I know. Other than that… I can't say."
"Wait" said the Vice-President as he grabbed Satterfield's arm as she was ready to walk away, "you have no right to hoard this technology."
"Mr. Vice-President" said the Major as he grabbed Balter's arm, "let her go… this isn't the time or the place to deal with this. Let's wait for the diplomats, and then we can make our case."
"Is everything alright here?" asked Riley who walked over to the small group.
"Yes, sir" said Satterfield as she looked at the Vice-President who was frowning at her before he let go of her arm. Walking towards Sharon, Grogan and Willow; Satterfield nodded at the humanoid Cylon who gave her doppelganger a small smile.
Once they were outside under the slowly darkening sky, Willow, Grogan, Sharon and Satterfield walked slowly towards the trail that led to the Stargate when they heard two more ships that looked like the first Colonial ship land. This was soon followed by the Puddle Jumper which was piloted by Sam. She landed the ship on the other side of the camp, before she opened the rear ramp and walked out and was met by her team. She ordered two of them to watch over the ship before she headed to the Medical building where she was told to meet with Colonel Dixon.
Willow walked with Sharon, Satterfield and Grogan towards the Stargate when she looked up and smiled into the sky. She had sensed that Faith was hovering silently right over them, and continued to do so until they reached the DHD before she went and hovered over the camp.
While Grogan was dialling the Beta Site, Willow tapped on Satterfield's shoulder. After she turned around, Willow asked Satterfield if she had told Sharon everything about the Stargate.
"No" said Satterfield, "when we go back… I'll start with the basics. It's gonna be tough without the written works in Ancient Greek, but maybe hearing about the history of the human race will encourage her to pick up English much faster."
"That's cool" said Willow, "do you want me to ask Dawn to leave Sunnydale early and meet you at the Beta Site? She can help you with translations."
"No" said Satterfield, "she needs her break… she seemed a bit down after the recent mission. I guess that she was just exhausted or something."
"Could be" said Willow as she scratched her head before looking back at the camp, and then at Satterfield again, "can you ask Sharon something for me?"
"Sure" said Satterfield as the wormhole opened and Sharon jumped back while looking excited over the opportunity to go through the Gate again. Satterfield tapped on Sharon's shoulder and told her that Willow had some questions for her.
"Ok" said Sharon as she looked at Willow.
"What can you tell me about the Vice-President?" asked Willow while Satterfield translated.
"Dr. Balter?" said Sharon, "he's pretty much a celebrity. I don't know much about his life on Galactica, but what I do know is that he's the smartest person in the fleet. He even created a Cylon detector; however, that was unsuccessful since he wasn't able to detect that the other Sharon was a Cylon as well."
"I know this sounds like a strange question" said Willow as she took a few steps forward, "but does he have some kind of a mental illness? I mean from what you know. Have you ever heard him say that he hears voices in his head or…."
"You mean like schizophrenia?" asked Sharon as she looked confused at Satterfield before looking back at Willow who nodded her head, "well, I've heard that most people who are classified as genius' have some issue with them in one way or another."
"Willow?" asked Grogan as he stepped behind the redhead after he walked towards them from the DHD, "what's going on?"
"I heard a second voice in his mind" said Willow as she looked at the dark haired male, "I wasn't reading his mind or anything; it was just loud enough to be heard."
"Our minds were connected, Carl" said Satterfield as she looked at Grogan, "I heard the voice say some odd things."
"Sharon" said Willow not wanting to let the humanoid Cylon know that she has special abilities, "thanks for letting me know that he's alright, I mean healthy."
Sharon frowned and nodded her head before Grogan gently took her arm and led her through the Stargate, back to the Beta Site. Willow then looked at Satterfield and frowned, the both of them knew that there was something seriously wrong with Balter.
"Either he hasn't told anyone about any condition he's been having" said Satterfield as she looked at Willow.
"Or he's a Cylon too" said Willow as she looked back at the camp, before turning back to face Satterfield, "whatever the case, I'll be staying here with Faith and the others. You should get some rest."
"Oh yea" replied Satterfield before she smiled and nodded at the redhead. She then turned and walked through the Stargate which disengaged a few seconds later. Standing at the foot of the pedestal alone under the darkening sky, Willow slowly walked back to the camp.
TBC