"Well" Tarvek found himself saying at…whatever insanity that just was, seeing that not the energy being was gone his RawAWay and Healing stims had immediately started work. Seemed the being had been holding them back, and now it had withdrawn…the healing in one blow "That was passing strange. Concerning too. You must pay more this. I do not wish to face such spirits as that free of charge"

The was an important thing to get across to them all, in the awkward silence as the patient woke up, partly healed and now back to wakefulness as well. It seemed the spirit, perhaps God-avatar had been seeking some form of Pact, though an Exaltation seemed…very concerning. All of this was very concerning, especially since the being had recognised his own extradimensional nature. It, the spirit calling itself Oma, had recognised that he was an Outsider, and that was always something to be wary of for most as some such Outsiders were vile and troublesome, giving all a bad name in many planes.

"Daniel!" well, they did not react to him immediately, rather the medicus and blonde female, Carter, hurrying over to the now awakened man, partly healed and back to full lucidity. The worst of the wounds from sickness on his face were healed, or healing comparatively, as they pulled of bandages, or he did, and the medicus resisted those efforts as Tarvek turned towards the General, Hammond, for his own concerns. What had happened here, combined with the events on the ruined world…

'This plane may soon need to be left behind should a third occurrence come' was his immediate thoughts, though Tarvek held back on voicing that in the immediate aftermath of such a frightening occurrence as had just happened "As stated; this is far more hazardous than stated, yet again, General of the Tau'ri"

The bald human was clearly confused by what had happened, more than Tarvek, but had a quick reaction to cover what was probably concern, and maybe fear "What, exactly, just happened? Could someone please explain to me?"

Tarvek did push forward, standing still, and avoiding raising his voice so as not appear more threatening to the short, unarmoured, humans around him "The exact nature of what occurred I would suggest querying Doctor Jackson, for, clearly this was a manifestation of some being of the higher or lower realms, claiming it sought to elevate the scholar here to some form of celestial ascension or exaltation, or enlightenment. Differing cultures have different names for such things, so I am unsure of yours and word connections. If I am correct this being, Oma, sought to turn Doctor Jackson here from a mortal human to a, likely immortal, energy being"

Then turned his helmet, well sensors so his HUD showed no more problems "That he was approached on his deathbed, and questions were refused answers….well, I cannot say that it is not very suspicious. Again, you must talk to Doctor Jackson and ascertain what the being sought, and what was promised to him"

"That I will" the General replied firmly, looking towards the patient who looked better "But will he recover? And what do you believe and understand?"

"She came to him on his deathbed, likely promising life and opposing healing. Deep in your base, after every option was attempted, he dying in agony" Tarvek listed off calmly "I do not trust easily in noble intentions when a deity approaches one in such a manner. As she has withdrawn…he has healed, the RadAway was clearly working, and I believe the spirit-being was resisting it. If it continues, he should recover within a few days to health I estimate"

Or, well, his sensors indicated as Tarvek compared the readings of now to when the RadAway purge had been started. Rapid improvement in seconds where none had occurred to that point. Definitely the spirit interfering, or his body/spirit resisting healing. Then spoke again "Again. I expect higher compensation. This was far more hazardous than detailed to me in the mission briefing for healing a dying scholar"

"You'll receive any extra supplies I can grant, within reason" the human answered firmly, honestly too from Tarvek's personal read of the man, as well as the lie-detector on the HUD "But, first, is there anything that can be done to prevent this….Oma, from doing…whatever she did to Doctor Jackson again?"

He could….

Tarvek sighed, audibly to them, weary "I…can do little. Provide a protective charm, but how useful it would be…"

He shook his head "I will return to my camp, one of your warriors with me, and I shall return them with such a charm and instructions. You stated you have other allies that are advanced in such things? I would call them, then call for me in the day after the Doctor heals fully, or these allies arrive. I…I…"

Tarvek grunted "I need to meditate. I will leave these supplies with your medicus here, and, once I have detailed their workings I will depart. I must pray on this matter. Though you have my word that I will return when you call, if I can return"

Because the apprentice wanted gone from this base till he could prepare himself better, and return with whatever plans and questions he could muster within his blessed holy ground of a camp…

--

{Three days and nights later…}

Returning to the Tau'ri fortress through the ring-portal was identical to the last time, with crates of supplies waiting back on the other side of the gate when another of their teams arrived to deliver them. Tarvek had allowed them stack them up, hiding that he would 'store' them with means they'd likely be wanting access to if they knew. Then had followed them back, still on guard, but weapons stored away in his Compass, save for the chainsaw-sword on his back holder as he strode down the ramp in his full power armour. Followed by being led to a large room sufficient for his height and bulk as his HUD showed human worm-hosts, as well as short, grey-skinned, and naked unknown species.

'The worm-hosts are the…good worm-hosts then' he thought trying to resist sarcasm, but pressed on as the two worm-hosts turned warily towards him as he entered, towering over them and the General introduced him to them and the 'Asgard'. Also playing at impostor gods, though the humans claimed that was due to ignorance from primitive humans rather than any delusions by these Asgard. Tarvek would wait to discern which point of view was correct, but neither of the two that stood before him were worried about him. His HUD was struggling with 'interference' indicating links to likely things in orbit, or far beyond his range "Greetings. I am Tarvek, as the General of the Tau'ri introduced"

"Thor, of the Asgard" one of the short greys introduced "This is Hermiod"

"Jacob Carter, of Earth" one of the worm-hosts said, then his eyes flashed "And Sel'mak of the Tok'ra, and this is Anise of the Tok'ra. We have not encountered your people, Tarvek of unstated?"

"It is unlikely you have" the short alien, Thor said studying Tarvek's giant form "He is from a reality external to this one. I am correct?"

"You are" Tarvek answered simply, expecting such "I mean this realm no harm, and am merely resting and recovering here, or was intending so, prior to returning to my home plane. Though it is distant, a lengthy journey unfortunately"

"Interesting" Thor said, small frame, but carrying a big, if dying, spiritual presence "It has been long since we have encountered such. You are more pleasant, and helpful than the last encounter several millennia ago"

"Indeed" the other, Hermiod, agreed "Most curious"

"Woah, woah, outside our reality?" the bald, male, worm-host asked "What does…"

"This can be discussed later" Thor cut him off, almost gently "General Hammond wishes for answers, as does Doctor Jackson, is that not so?"

"As do I" Tarvek agreed, standing still as the room was quite full, and not liking the attempts to study his armour from the worm-host female "You have been informed of the event? I can supply recordings?"

"An exchange of information would be welcome, but we are aware from the SGCs systems" Thor said back indicating a chance at later trade "We can state that this is the result of actions by the Ascended, those you call the Ancients, in particular Oma Desala. We knew her during her physical existence"

Ah…that made sense, sort of. Tarvek nodded "They are mortals made spirits?"

"Yes" Hermiod clarified, making a visible effort to nod as a human would "They induced their surviving species to what they viewed as Ascension in the face of less than successful efforts to combat plague, and….various other…"

"Difficulties" Thor said as Hermiod struggled in a way that felt almost familiar "Our species were close allies and friends when they lived as we do. They are…they mean well"

Oh…

Oh Lord of Nishrek…

They were talking about them like Tarvek spoke about his friend Krull when trying to organise dates…

"Well meaning?" General Hammond asked politely, curious "But, the actions of this Oma Desala, seem…concerning?"

"May I ask" Tarvek clarified "They mean well, in the way I describe a rather good natured, if clumsy, friend in such a manner?"

"We are friends, and it is impolite to speak ill of good friends when they not around" Thor clarified, looking almost…embarrassed "They mean well, but are prone to…less than desired planning"

"But, they reached Enlightenment!" and Doctor Jackson, recovered now interjected, looking exhausted still of course, but he was healed, wearing the simple charm Tarvek had craft, along with a fancy looking alien amulet now as well "Ascended to a Higher Plane of Existence!"

The two Asgard…clearly did not agree with that, but didn't want to argue Tarvek expected "Doctor Jackson, your species understanding of Ascension is….incomplete. The Asgard understanding of the process, and the end result, are different to the Ancients, as were our other allies, the Nox and the Furlings. While the Ancients classified such as Enlightenment, we, and the other races of the alliance, had to, with respect and polite understanding of cultural differences, disagreement with that concept. The Ancients were a pacifistic, but impulsive, species, and, as such, what they did, from their position, can be considered Enlightenment"

"You are…" the male worm-host started, then paused, staring again "That's very couching language there Supreme Commander"

"They are well-meaning, and generally do not do much in the galaxy. Their interest in Doctor Jackson, while not unheard of, as it has occurred before, but it is unusual. Though, as we explained to Doctor Jackson, the Ascended do not Act, they Watch" Thor stated rather than directly answer "They…like to Watch, not so much to do things. Though I expect, Tarvek of Beyond, they may wish you gone. They are, as we say, occasionally impulsive"

"Thank you, I shall bear that in mind" Tarvek answered as they started to discuss the subject in greater detail…

--