Crossover...Battlestar Galactica/Stargate SG-1/Highlander

"STARBUCK'S ON EARTH?!"

Apollo just couldn't believe it.

"Starbuck is on Earth?" he repeated quietly. "Of course Starbuck is on Earth. Something like this could only happen to Starbuck."

"What happened to the rescue team?" He asked his sister. "What happened to the Immortals?"

"Ah! The ... uh .. the Immortals." She responded hesitantly, "They are ... um ... They're on Earth as well."

"WHAT?!"

"Now, 'pollo I can explain!"

"Oh, you've got some 'splaining to do!"

Earlier.

As the flatscreen faded to black Athena looked up at Boomer and immediately ordered, "Boomer, I need Artemus and his ilk for a rescue mission!"

"I'll get them." He reassured her. "I'm going with 'em as well!"

"No Boomer!" Athena countermanded. "I need you here ... just in case." She added quietly.

Boomer stopped mid-turn. He exclaimed in surprise, "Surly you don't think the Cylons would show up now! After all these yahrens?"

"Boomer," She said in a slow measured tone, "as a daughter of the House of Kobol I have a certain amount of prescience. You know this, as I know you have some as well. You know that something is going to happen. Whether it's the Cylons or ... something else, I really can't say!"

Nodding thoughtfully Boomer concurred, "Ok. Yes, you're right Athena. Frak it all, but you're right!"

Striding past him Athena marched onto the bridge. Boomer followed close behind and headed straight for the communications console. Tapping Rigel on the shoulder he ordered, "Rigel, have Lt. Commander Artemus report with his team to the pilots ready room. Immediately."

"Aye, aye sir."

A few centons later, Artemus approached the Ready Room at a dead run. He skidded to a halt just outside the doorway and almost collided with Diana.

"Well," She scolded, "its about time you got here!"

"Sorry." He mumbled as he headed towards the podium. Flicking the blinking comm switch Artemus activated the flatscreen on the wall behind him. Colonel Boomer peered out at the assembled pilots and stated quickly and succinctly, "Team Kobol. This is an Emergency Rescue Operation. Lt. Colonel Starbuck was forced to land, then blow up, his Viper. All data we have on the planet, and where Colonel Starbuck will most probably be, has been downloaded to the rescue shuttle's computron. Good luck and may the Lords of Kobol be with you!"

Boomer's visage slowly faded as Team Kobol headed out of the Ready Room. On the way Hephat groaned, "Starbuck crashed another one?"

"Actually" Perese piped up, "he landed ok. He just had to blow up his Viper. Bet the enemy fighters were practically on top of him!"

She grinned as Hephat simply *harrumphed* to her comment.

"All right people!" Artemus called out as they entered the ascensior to the landing bay. "Diana, myself, Zues, and Hera will take the shuttle." Disembarking the ascensior he went on, "Hephat, Mars, Perese, and Jobe you four will fly escort in your Vipers. Four-point Diamond formation."

Chorusing "Yes Sir!" the 8 members of Team Kobol boarded their crafts. The Rescue Shuttle took off after the Vipers had launched and formed up.

While Zeus and Hera piloted, Artemus and Diana studied the report on a flatscreen in the back of the shuttle. Viewing the stills of the planet they each felt a pang of loss for their home Colonies.

"It's so beautiful and primal. Reminds me of Caprica when we first arrived there." Diana lamented.

"I agree." Artemus responded. "Ya know, I was a Buritician once. Even got elected President. Zeus assassinated me from a grassy knoll just like the one in this still."

"By the Lords!" She exclaimed in surprise. "YOU were the infamous Jayeffkay?"

"Yes, I was." he blushingly answered. Then, making his eyes extra wide and staring at Diana he said comically, "But, I'm feeling MUCH better now!"

Amidst their laughter Hephat snorted over the comm line. "Artemus" He sneered, "are you going to keep us on the dark side of this planet or do we get the mission parameters soon?!"

"Keep your tunic on Captain." Artemus retorted in too good a mood to be vexed. "We ..." his voice trailed off as the next section of the report came up on the flatscreen.

Glances were exchanged in curiousity as their, usually, unflappable leader lapsed into silence. After a few microns Diana leaned forward to touch his shoulder. She glanced at the flatscreen in confusion and then gasped as she recognized the object.

Artemus glanced at her, breaking out of his shocked silence. Speaking slowly and carefully he stated, "Sire's and Siress's. There is a Chappa'ai on this planet."

Perese gasped, "A Chappa'ai? Then that means ..." She trailed off. The Immortals of Team Kobol were all silent, some of them remembering the Chappa'ai of Kobol.

Jobe, who had a reputation of not talking much, broke the silence, "A Chappa'ai. A Stargate. Will wonders never cease?"

"All right team." Artemus stated with renewed vigor. "This is what we have been waiting the past 25 yahren for. Let's not waste the oppurtunity. We need to get down there, rescue Starbuck and gather as much intell as we can!"

Her eyes lighting up with a revelation, Diane queried Artemus, "Do you think that the people of Earth were able to overthrow the False Gods and advance their civilization as we were able to?"

"Hmmmm." He responded thoughtfully. "I can only hope that they have."

He straightened up, stating strongly, "BUT! We need to concentrate on the task at hand."

"Team Kobol." He barked toggling the Comm. "Battle Stations. Viper escort, tighten up and prepare for enemy fighter craft!"

Once in place Artemus ordered, "Zeus, Hephat. Let's go in hard and fast!"

Dropping all stealth measures the rescue shuttle and the four Vipers hit their turbos. Screaming into the atmosphere they were surprised to be attacked by a large force of enemy fighters. Hera, manning the shuttles scanners, announced over the Unicomm, "I count at least a dozen fighters within a one kilometron range. It looks like another dozen are heading our way!"

Artemus checked his gun's scanner and confirmed her readings. Making a snap decision he tersely ordered, "Vipers! Provide cover until we land then hightail your astrums back to the Pegasus. We'll use the Chapa'ai to escape."

"Oh, no you don't Artemus!" Hephat responded. "No one gets left behind on my watch! We're with you 'till the bitter end my friend!"

Following a chorus of "You tell 'im Hephat!" and "That's right!" Artemus reconsidered. "All right." He acquiesced. "Fine. We all go in and we all leave. Hera! Prepare an encrypted message to be sent in a burst to the fleet. We should at least get some scans of the enemy so that they can be prepared!"

"Aye, aye!" Hera enthusiastically responded.

Then there was no more time for talk! The shuttles heavy guns spit out blast after blast of laser fire. A full third of the enemy fighters dissappeared in seconds. As the Vipers Turbo'd forward to engage the enemy Hera looked up from her console in surprise.

"Artemus" She called out, "I'm getting an energy spike from the planets surface near Starbuck's last reported position! There is an energy wave heading away from the planets surface. I believe someone has activated the Chappa'ai!"

"Keep an eye on it Hera!" Artemus responded while shooting down two more enemy fighters. "Ha! That's 6 for me Diana! How're you doin'?"

"I just shot down my seventh Artemus." She responded calmly. He grumbled to himself, shuddering at the eveness of her tone.

"The energy wave has dissipated." Hera reported. "Artemus! We've got an incoming ion blast!"

"Adjusting course. 60 degrees to starboard and four percent decline." Came Zues's even voice.

"I'm hit, Rescue! I'm hit!" Mars cried out. "Help me Heph!"

"Easy there, love." Respond Hephat. "Remember, we are Immortal. I'm going to follow you down!"

"Negative Hephat!" Artemus ordered. "Rescue Shuttle will follow Mars down and provide cover. I need you three to Turbo ahead and buzz these fighters Base Ship! Make it obvious!"

"But ..."

"Now Hephat! You're wasting time!"

Artemus couldn't help but smile as he heard Hephat grumble over the comm. He knew that for all of his dourness, Hephat was a man Artemus could trust.

"Zues!" He barked. "Let's provide cover for our wounded Avian."

Artemus and Diana took a few shots at the enemy fighters. The heavy guns, one set on starboard and the other to port, spat out high energy death. Swiveling fore and aft the the guns were able to cover a good portion of the sky. Two of the enemy exploded as the others chased after the Vipers.

Artemus kept his scanners on the enemy base ship. He was surprised when the Vipers were able to inflict some major damage on their first volley. Unfortunately more enemy ships filled the crisp blue sky. The wounded Viper and the Rescue Shuttle were only 1,000 metrons from the ground when there were three explosions in rapid succession! Focusing his scanners Artemus no longer received telemetry from the Vipers.

"Hephat you son-of-a-Daggit!" Artemus angrily thought to himself. He called out over the comm., "Mars! Eject now!"

"Diana, blow the Frak out of the Viper as soon as he's clear." He growled as he grabbed three survival packs along with his and Diana's swords.

Watching him Diana simply nodded and focused on her scanner. Three microns later Diana fired one shot and blew up the Viper. She released her harness and scrambled to the ejection booths.

"Zeus, Hera." Artemus ordered with forced calm, "Get back to the fleet. Burn everything you've got but get back to the Pegasus!"

"Yes m'lord." Hera responded sarcastically.

Ignoring Hera he handed Diana her pack and sword as they stepped into the ejection booths. Nodding to Hera they waited for her to key in the commands for the ejection process. They dropped straight down for one hundred metrons watching the shuttle change its flight path and kick in its Turbos.

Artemus and Diana flung their limbs out and slowed their descent. Taking turns flipping they were able to track the shuttles progress. Artemus signalled to Diana to open the parachutes when his altimetron showed 500 metrons above sea level.

"Ok, now we can talk!" Artemus shouted out over his comm.

"I think they were able to achieve orbital status before the enemy fighters were able to catch up!" Diana shouted back.

"Good, now let's home in on Mars and find the others!" Artemus responded. A sudden sound made him look up. "Aw, frak!"

Without another word he smacked the release on his harness and dropped the reamaining 150 metrons to the ground. Diana followed suit yelling, "Wait for meeee!" as his parachute exploded in a burst of fire. Diana felt the wind from the enemy fighter as it screamed by!

The enemy fighters streaked by overhead as they dropped to the hard ground below. The Immortal Warriors landed with a *thump* and a *thud*! All was darkness for an eternal moment.

Waking with a start he heard Diana muttering. "Frak, frak!" and "Felgercarb and bovine manure!" were some of her more favorite expletives. Grinning to himself, he rolled his head around his shoulders to ease the stiffness, Artemus then slowly rose to his feet. He felt a Quickening and turned to see Mars approach talking into his comm unit.

Smiling at Artemus and Diana as she hobbled up to them he stated, "Hera and Zeus were able to achieve orbit and they just now hit light speed! They should be back to the fleet soon."

"That's good Mars." Artemus said. "So, who else besides me 'died'? No one?"

Diana and Mars just grinned unabashedly. Artemus roughly pushed a survival pack at Mars and surveyed the area.

"Now we have to go and find the others and see if we can figure out the coordinates for Earth." He stated.

Mars gasped, "Earth? Then its not just a legend? We didn't originate on Kobol?"

"No, we didn't." Diana explained as they began to trek through the forest. "There is only one Immortal who remembers Earth."

"Chronus." Mars whispered reverently.

"Yes, Chronus." Growled Artemus snidely. "He's not as holy a man as he pretends to be, ok?"

Mars just nodded thoughtfully. Shaking his head like a daggit he stated, "On the way down I spotted a fresh crater. That must've been where Starbuck landed. A few Kilometrons east I saw the Chappa'ai. At least, I think it was a Chappa'ai. It was a great big ring of metal standing in a clearing with what looked like rubble around it."

"Yeah, that would be it." Confirmed Artemus.

Holding up his fist all three stopped and dropped to a crouch. Huddling together Mars started to whisper to Diana but she just held her finger to her mouth. Mars clamped his lips together remembering he was in enemy territory.

Artemus turned and mouthed 'Jaffa' to Diana. Mars didn't recognize that word but realized they weren't alone. Peeking through the foilage the three members of Team Kobol watched as a patrol of about a dozen jaffa trotted by. They huddled closer together and started whispering quietly with each other once the enemy patrol was out of earshot.

"Ok." Artemus started. "We need to head towards their base ship. Hephat, Perese, and Jobe were all shot down near it. We rondevous with them and get to the Chappa'ai."

"Wait a centon." Mars interjected. "Didn't the report say that there is a, what're they called, toker?"

"That's Tok'Ra." Diana said as she playfully slapped the back of his head. "It means 'against Ra' and, yes, it was her sub-space communicator that Starbuck used."

Mars rubbed the back of his head and mouthed the word 'ow'. Snorting, Artemus whispered, "All right, let's keep an eye out for her then. Diana, can you get a 'fix' on our people?"

"Give me a moment, please." She demurred. Closing her eyes, her breath deepening, she appeared to go into a trance. A few microns later she slowly opened her eyes, returning to the physical realm.

"Hephat just 'came back'. I was able to touch Perese's mind. She's frightened, the poor girl. I knew we pushed her too hard." She lamented. Artemus gave a sharp look as Mars looked on bewildered.

"Diana, we need to know where they are."

Diana sighed and responded, "I know Arty, I know. They're about 2 kilometrons east of here. If I sensed the emanations correctly, they are half way between the enemy base ship and the Chappa'ai. They'd've been there already but they had to carry Hephat."

Mars flicked his eyes from one Immortal to the other. Just as Artemus opened his mouth all three felt ... something. It was not a Quickening, that much was obvious. Artemus motioned for the other two to split up while he headed straight towards the emanation. Just as they started to advance a petite, dark haired woman stepped out of the brush and locked eyes with them.

"Ooookay." said Mars. "That's ... creepy."

In a multi-timbered voice she stated, "I am Tok'Ra. You may call me Jaxtra. You are the Immortal children of the Lost Lords of Kobol." It was not a question.

"Yes, we are." Artemus confirmed. "How is Queen Egeria?"

"The Mother of the Tok'Ra died a noble death. Because of the circumstances surrounding her passing there is hope for freeing the Jaffa." Mars gaped at the interchange. He felt so confused not knowing what to ask or do first. Then he thought of Hephat.

"Excuse me." He said. "I really don't know, nor care, what is going on here." Facing the strange woman that emitted a strange energy he asked, "Can you, being an obvious ally, lead us to our friends so we can get the Hades out of here?!"

As Jaxtra nodded affirmatively Artemus added, "He's right. Pleasantries can wait. We need to get our people and get off of this planet. Zeus and Hera've probably made it back to the fleet. One way or the other! So, the decision now is ... do we commandeer a craft to get back to the fleet or do we use the Chappa'ai?"

"I would suggest using the Chappa'ai for that is how your Colonel Starbuck escaped with the human's of the Taur'i." Jaxtra interposed.

"He what?!" Artemus almost shouted. "Well, THAT definately changes things. Please Jaxtra, lead the way."

"Of course." She responded with a slight nod of her head. "I will have to accompany you since my cover is now 'blown', as Colonel O'Neill would say. Follow me please."

Without further ado the quartet headed for the Stargate. They, warily, avioded contact with any Jaffa patrols. In short order Jaxtra brought them to the exact same spot she had brought SG-1 to earlier. Diana meditated once again. Only this time she appeared to be talking with someone.

Opening her eyes she whispered, "I was actually able to make full contact with Perese."

"How is that possible?" Mars wondered.

"I think it has to do with the Chappa'ai. It is made of a type of Tyllium and it seems to augment us. Anyway, I clued Perese about our location. They should be here within a few centon's."

"Ok. Then we wait." Artemus stated. Facing Jaxtra he inquired, "Jaxtra, tell us about the Taur'i, our bretheren from Earth."

Jaxtra smiled sweetly as they listened to her every word with baited breath.

As Jaxtra was explaining why the people of Earth had more than one name Diana suddenly stiffened. Just as quickly she relaxed and smiled happily at her compatriots.

"They've arrived on the other side of the clearing." She informed them.

Straining his eyes Artemus saw Hephat signal him. Crouching down he met everyones gaze and, brandishing his blaster, nodded. Standing up he gave Hephat and his group a sharp signal. Blaster fire erupted into the clearing taking the Jaffa totally by surprise! The surviving Jaffa dove awkwardly for cover. Mars bounded down the slope as Jobe stepped out of the bushes, both firing rapidly with a blaster in each hand. Mars was hit sqare in the chest halfway down. A micron later Jobe was hit and dropped as well.

Hephat and Perese, providing cover fire, jumped as soon as Jobe was hit. Screaming in mock rage, they fired continously as they dropped ten metrons to the ground below. Perese was hit once on the way down. Hephat landed, breaking his left leg, as he shot the last two Jaffa guarding the gate.

Artemus, Diana, and Jaxtra scurried out from their cover at the same time the others jumped. Jaxtra took out her communicator as she followed the Immortals. Diana shot four Jaffa as Artemus picked up Mars. Jaxtra scooted up to the Dial Home Device as the last two Jaffa dropped lifelessly to the ground.

Jaxtra dialed the address for Earth. Artemus gathered up Perese and helped Hephat hop over to the DHD. During which, Diana was stalking the fallen Jaffa, making sure that the Gao'uld larvae were dead as well. One larvae did get by her and slithered to Mars' body. Mars shuddered and came back to life as it neared him. The Gao'uld reared to bite into his neck when Jaxtra stomped on its head. Mars locked eyes with Jaxtra for a brief micron. They nodded at each other in understanding and Mars rose to his feet, ready to rejoin the fray.

The Immortals of the fleet watched agape as the Stargate activated. Jaxtra used her communicator to send a Tok'Ra ID through.

"Its so ... beauti... AAAAAHH!" Diana screamed from the shot in the back by an approaching Jaffa patrol. Mars scurried to her side and snatched up her blasters. Firing instinctively Mars cut the patrol down by half. Jobe, resurrected, ran to his side firing at the Jaffa as well.

"Get to the Chappa'ai!" Artemus yelled at Jaxtra. Running full tilt up to the Stargate Jaxtra jumped the last few feet into the event horizon. Perese, also ressurected, helped Hephat up the steps. They were hit by half a dozen staff blasts coming from above just as they stepped into the event horizon! Shocked, Mars turned to find the source of the staff fire. Feeling like he was mired in quicksand he espyed a group of Jaffa gathered on the ridge above them.

Screaming in rage, as his friends fell through the gate, Mars fired more accuratly than he ever had before. Like a rapid fire machine gun his two blasters found their marks up on the ridge! Jobe and Artemus laid cover fire on the Jaffa at ground level as they each grabbed Diana's arms. Scooping her up and dragging her along Artemus yelled at Mars, "Get through the gate. NOW!"

Mars stared at his commanding officer for a moment, his face devoid of all emotion. Artemus could see that Mars was no longer a green rookie and felt a pang of loss for his innocence. With a Warriors detatchment Mars stepped around his teammates. He raised his arms straight out in front of him and recklessly blasted away at the incoming Jaffa. Yelling obscenities at them Mars slowly backed up laying down cover fire for his injured teammates.

Jobe and Artemus carried Diana through the Stargate as Mars continued firing. On the other side Artemus let Jobe carry Diane down the ramp while he kept his foot in the event horizon. Before he could look back at the rippling light Mars slammed backwards through the wormhole and fell down the ramp. Hurrying forward Artemus barely recognized that it had dissapaited for his concern over Mars. Then the smell of burnt flesh hit him hard and he almost doubled over in nausea.

"Aw, Mars you young fool." Artemus gurgled.

A medic implored, "Excuse me sir we need you to step aside to check his wounds."

Artemus looked at young man calmly and said, "That's not necessary son. He's dead. He'll be up and around in about half a centar."

"Excuse me, sir?" The medic asked, confused.

"Never mind son. Let's just get my people to your Life Center." Artemus said quietly. He always got real quiet after a mission.

The medic simply shrugged and motioned to his partner. Together they lifted Mars up and situated him on a gurney. Artemus watched with detached bemusement noting that his other teammates were being led away as well.

Artemus looked up as he heard, "Say, uh, you wouldn't happened to've brought a fumarello with you, did'ya?"

Standing slowly and facing Starbuck, Artemus remarked, "Only you Starbuck, only you."

Chapter 11

Earlier, on Earth in the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, an announcement was made over the Communication System, "SG-1, report to the Control Room. SG-1, please report to the Control Room."

Moments later Colonel O'Neill slows himself down as he rushes into the Stargate Control Room. Curiously glancing at the shimmering pool of the Stargate's event horizon Colonel O'Neill quips, "What's up General? We doing a pizza run?"

Major General George Hammond, well aware of his 2IC's quirky humor gives a soft snort as he replies, "No Colonel. We are receiving a Tok'Ra ID from P42-153. We're expecting casualties."

"P42-153? Isn't that the planet that we were just on a few hours ago? The one that Mac just won't let me forget about?" queried O'neill.

Teal'c answered, "That is correct Colonel O'Neill. It was a most ... humbling experience."

"They're not letting you live it down either?" O'Neill deadpaned.

Before Teal'c could reply the first of the casualties came through. Jack followed Teal'c down the stairs at a dead run while General Hammond brought up the rear. Major-General Hammond watched as the members of SG-1 joined the hustle and bustle in the Gate Room. He had seen his share of action when he was younger, yet he still wasn't used to the horrors of war.

Meanwhile, Ritchie Ryan had some free time on his hands. Ben was working with Doc Jackson on the aliens language. They were talking 'geek language', but Ritchie was able to figure out that it was pretty close to the Gao'uld's language. Major Carter and Amanda were working on Iblis's weapon in the science lab. He was still surprised that the two women were able to work so well together. They were such polar opposites from each other. "Ah well," Ritchie thought to himself. "Variety IS the spice of life!"

Ritchie felt a Quickening and turned to see Duncan MacLeod and Jim Dawson heading towards him. "Hey Jim, Mac." Ritchie greeted them. "Wassup?"

"Hey Ritchie," Jim replied. "Listen Mac, I've gotta get up there and make sure everything is setup. This is gonna rock their little world!" He added with a malicious grin.

"All right," Mac grinned. "You go ahead. I want to talk to Ritchie for a moment here."

"What's up Mac?" Ritchie enquired as Jim headed toward the elevator's.

"Did you finish you're report about our last mission?" Duncan asked all military business.

Rolling his eyes, Ritchie replied, "Yes Dad. I finished my report. Thought I'd just hang out and relax for awhile." Hesitating he drew a short breath. Leaning against the counter he crossed one foot over the other and continued sarcastically, "That is if you don't mind too much?"

Duncan just snorted and smacking Ritchies arm he stated, "Naw, I just wanted to check up on you. See if you wanted to join us for this meet with the Watcher's Council."

"I'll pass, thanks." Ritchie said dismissively. "Seargent Nevia told me that she's got the best time on Legacy of Kain. I bet her I could do better."

"All right." Duncan said. He commented over his shoulder as he walked away, "Just watch out for the steam in the well. It spurts in a counter clockwise rotation." Duncan faced forward with a smile on his face, knowing he had thrown Ritchie for a loop once again.

"Just when you think you know a guy." Ritchie muttered bemusedly under his breath. Shaking his head, while strolling towards the gateroom control booth, Ritchie considered that most of the good guy Immortals that he knew kept themselves young at heart. "Must be how they keep away from the Dark Side." He wryly thought to himself.

Approaching the Stargate Control room he hoped that he wasn't too late to see the gate activate. Two steps away from the door the alarms go off! Jumping out of the way Ritchie let the medics rush by. Making sure the coast was clear Ritchie followed them in to see if he could help. He was just in time to see the Stargate deactivate and, as usual, the beauty of the sight took his breath away.

Suddenly he is hit with at least half a dozen Quickenings! Ritchie turned and stopped in pure shock. There were Immortals in the Gate Room! Some dead, some not so dead. These alien Immortals were adorned in the same uniform as the Colonial that SG-1 brought back earlier in the day.

Spying General Hammond Ritchie stepped next him and saw the horror in his eyes. Ritchie consoled him quietly, "Don't worry General, all of the injured are Immortals. Alien to Earth, but Immortals all the same."

General Hammond snapped around to face Ritchie and whispered loudly, "Do you mean to tell me that these aliens have Immortals among them as well?"

Ritchie simply responed, "Yes, sir."

Major-General Hammond dropped his gaze and considered for a moment, then ordered, "Colonel O'Neill!"

Jack looked up and, with a nod to the orderlies, he walked over to the General. "Yes sir?" He questioned.

"Colonel O'Neill, I need you to take Lt. Ryan and find Colonel MacLeod. Have them take a security detail and keep an eye on these aliens. According to our young Lieutenant here they will all be ... fine."

Jack just raised an eyebrow at the General's stressing of the word 'fine'. With a "C'mon Ritchie" he left with Lt. Ryans. Major-General Hammond looked around at the rapidly clearing room shaking his head at the wonderment of it all. His thoughts private General Hammond then made his way up to his office and proceeded to clear his desk to make room for the new paperwork that was sure to come.

Jim Dawson hobbled in as General Hammond finished. "Ah, Mr. Dawson. Right on time. Please have a seat."

Jim was not having a good day with his legs, which caused him to walk like his knees were stuck straight. Huffing and puffing he slowly collapsed into a chair, gruntingly asking, "Is it true General? The Colonials that came through the Gate are really Immortals?"

"According to our young Lieutanant Ryans," General Hammond affably responded, "they are Immortal. And if I understand this situation correctly either a blended Tok'Ra or Immortal can truly tell."

"Wow." Jim said, stunned. Forgetting his pain he considered the possibilities. "Then that MUST mean the Colonials are also descendants of Earth!"

General Hammond's head shot up from the paper work he was studying. Excitedly he stated, "If that is true and we can prove that ..." Shaking himself he said, "The implications are staggering!"

"True." Jim grunted once again, slowly rising from the chair. "If you'll excuse me I need to hobble up to the conference room and appease my 'masters'."

"Very well, Mr. Dawson." Hammond said, returning his attention to his reports.

A few short, eternals minutes later found Jim Dawson shuffling into the conference room. Everyone in the room looked up and stared at him. Not for the first did he wonder if he was actually growing a horn out of his forehead. The only one not staring at him was Duncan MacLeod. He was distractedly speaking with one of the Colonial Immortals.

Leaning heavily on his cane he did his pathetic old man shuffle over to Duncan and the Colonial. Duncan had to look away to hide his smirk. He knew Jim was in pain, but that Jim liked to exaggerate that pain to make his bosses think that he was a weak old man.

Jim lowered himself into a chair on the other side of the Colonial, as the alien Immortal liked to be called, with exaggerated care. Duncan leaned forward and whispered, "You're really pushing it today, young man."

A quick grin flashed across Jim's face when he replied, "Not by much today, old man."

Leaning back in his chair Jim asked, "Well, anything new? Have we figured out how long it will take to get the rest of the Colonials fleet here to Earth?"

"About that ... " A reed-thin young man started to speak while cleaning his wire frame glasses. Jim sighed a great heaving sigh as he irritably asked, "What now Wesley?"

"Yes, well old friend." he started hesitantly. "We've talked about this and ..."

Wesley's voice trailed off due to Jim's hard stare. Wesley, blushing, adjusted his glasses and nervously cleared his throat. Removing his glasses Wesley started to clean them and stammered, "We have decided not to give these Immortal's sanctuary. After all, we don't need more of them playing the 'game' now do we?"

Artemis growled as he slowly stood up. Through bared teeth he said, "Why you officous little slime-hopper! How dare you presume!"

Duncan just put a hand on his shoulder and said calmly, "Its quite all right Artemis. It really isn't up to them. I am quite sure that the American Government will grant your people sanctuary."

Artemis glanced back and forth between Duncan's calm face and Wesley's worried expression. He slowly sat down somewhat mollified after a few scant seconds. One last glance and then he ignored Wesley and continued his hushed conversation with Duncan once again.

Wesley simply harrumphed and, stiffly turning, stalked off. Jim, hiding his smile behind his hand, let go with a silent snicker. He so loved it when the stuffed shirts were shot down! Listening in on Duncan and the Colonial's conversation he heard them discussing the Immortal known as Iblis.

"So, Count Iblis is in human form and stuck on that planet?" asked Artemis.

"Well, he was when we left. But, I'm not going to assume anything. We did destroy the 'Dial Home Device' though." Duncan hedged. Ever since Duncan and his team returned he found his thoughts consumed with his experience with Iblis.

Finally, the Head Director of the Watcher's Council arrived with his entourage. Striding in the Conference Room he headed directly for the conference table. With a short, polite nod to the two Immortals he quickly sat down.

Without preamble the Head Director officously stated, "I have just gotten off the phone with the Prime Minister of England and with the President of the United States. We are to offer any and all aid to the Colonials and their Immortals. End of Discussion."

Wesley's mouth jumped open to protest, but he promptly snapped it shut after one look at the Head Directors expression. Looking to his fellow Watcher's for support he found none. Bowing to the inevitable he clasped his hands in front of him, staring dolefully at the table.

A sharp nod with a dismissive gesture of his hand the Head Director indicated that the meeting was over. Warily he eyed the Colonial Immortal. Leaning forward he raised an eyebrow and asked, "So, how old are you?"

"I am over 7 thousand of your 'years' old." Artemis replied, carefully spacing his words. "I barely remember the Exodus from the planet Kobol for I was but a child then. There are only one or two Immortals older than me. If you wish, Head Director, I will arrange a meeting with the oldest of us."

The Head Director slowly leaned back into his chair, keeping his gaze locked on Artemis. He stated through clasped hands, "That won't be necessary just yet. Chronus will speak with me in his own time. However, we are wondering if you have any knowledge of the Gao'uld."

Artemis sat up, and exclaimed in alarm, "How do you know that name?"

The Head Director smirkingly replied, "Why, from our chronicles of course."

"Of course." Duncan snorted.

Raising an eyebrow the Head Director sardonically inquired, "Do you really think so little of the Council Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod?"

"I believe you do know the answer to that question." Duncan coldly replied.

The two men locked eyes for a few moments until the Head Director nodded and turned his attention to those gathered at the conference table. Speaking slowly and clearly he stated, "We, this Watcher's Council, was formed for humanitarian reasons. The Council has lost its way more than once. By happenstance or by design it recovered and returned to its original charter."

Leaning forward with hands clasped tightly in front of him the Head Director scowlingly announced, "As of now all promotions are on hold. All field agents will report in to receive new orders." Looking soulfully around the table he stated, "Gentlemen ... and Ladies, we are witness to a momentus occasion. The return of the Twelve Colonies of the Lost Lords of Kobol. This meeting is adjourned."

Chapter 12

A few hours later SG-1 and SG-10 were gathered in the briefing room with General Hammond presiding. Two of the strangers were sitting on either side of the General. Turning towards the oddly uniformed man with the graying blonde mane on his right General Hammond asked, "Well, Lieutenant? Your promised an explanation of what is going on."

"Not a problem, uh, General is it?" He replied as he glanced at General Hammond. His eyes raked the table noticing his compatriot across from him sitting next to SG-10. Leaning forward the Lieutenant was able to see all of SG-1 on his side.

"About 2 ... days? Yes, days ago my team and I were finishing our scout mission. As we were reporting in we received new orders to scout the system that our fleet had come across. We discovered traces of a civilization from millenia ago. That civilization was derived from our fabled thirteenth colony. It was proof that our fleet was on the right track."

Taking a breath and peering at his audience, the speaker tried to gauge their reactions. He noted the primary reaction seemed to be curiousity. Letting go of the breath he didn't realize he was holding he went on, "Unfortunately we were attacked. Seems to happen no matter where we go." He groused. "Sorry. Anyway, we were able to fight 'em off, with 3 to one odds mind you, using our Viper's. That was my idea, by the way, of attaching Vipers to the hull of a modified shuttle for long range reconaisance."

General Hammond gave a slight huff at the strangers self-congradulatory attitude.

The stranger glanced at General Hammond apologetically and hastened to add, "Sorry General. Back to the story. My team and I were able to defeat them, however; my viper was damaged. I was able to bring her down safely. Unfortunately, I had to blow her up! Didn't want it to land in the wrong hands, you know." He embellished with a wink.

"I thought I had landed in a secluded area, but then I ran into you fella's." He said gesturing to SG-1, "And the rest, as they say, is history!" He finished as he leaned back in his chair with a satisfied smile.

General Hammond nodded and facing the leader of SG-1 he asked, "Colonel O'Neill, anything to add?"

Jack looked up somewhat in surprise. Throwing his hands out he said, "Uh, no sir. That is pretty much what happened. Just another day at the office." He finished with a diffident shrug.

A sharp nod in response and General Hammond turned his attention to the leader of the Colonial Immortals. "Major Artemis, your report please?"

"Well General. To put it in a nutshell our orders were to rescue Starbuck and bring him back alive. Unfortunately, the Jaffa had other ideas. We lost all of our Vipers, either by accident or by design." Reported Artemis. Leaning intensely forward he pleaded, "General, we really need to get in touch with our people. They need to know that we are okay. We also need to give them the co-ordinates of Earth!"

Starting in alarm General Hammond stated, "I understand that you and your people have been searching for Earth for a while now son. But I am not authorized to do that just yet. My government wants to open lines of communication with your government. The Bureaucrats feel that secrecy must be maintained." Somewhat abashedly he added, "And I, for once, agree with them."

Puzzled Artemis enquired, "I'm sorry, General, I don't understand. Do you mean to tell me that the people of Earth do not know about the Gao'uld threat?"

"Exactly." General Hammond answered. "The general populace of Earth is unaware of the Stargate program and our contact with the Gao'uld. If news of this were to leak out ..."

"I understand General Hammond." Artemis acquiesced.

"Well, I don't!" Starbuck angrily demanded. "Why don't the people of Earth know what is going on? I thought you said your people were a democracy?!"

Artemis winced at Starbuck's outburst while General Hammond calmly responded, "I understand your concern son. Please trust us and the SGC when we say that we have humanities best interest at heart." Softly smiling he added, "Don't worry Colonel. One way or another we'll bring your people home."

Starbuck slowly sat down somewhat mollified. In the ensuing silence General Hammond softly spoke, "All right people. Our agenda is to get these Colonials back to their fleet. Any ideas?"

Jaxtra/Chanell, the rescued Tok'Ra operative, speaks up just as Daniel is raising his hand, "I still have my subspace transmitter General Hammond. We could find a planet with a Stargate close to their fleet and send a tight beam compressed message with those co-ordinates."

Daniel said haltingly, "That is ... what I was going to suggest."

General Hammond ordered, "Then, that is what we will do. Major Carter? See to it."

Getting up from his chair Daniel muttered a little petulantly, "I really was going to suggest that."

Jack, who couldn't resist a little ribbing, remarked in an irish accent, "'Tis ok Danny-boy, we believe in ya!" Playfully slapping his friends arm as stood up next to Daniel.

Daniel simply glanced at him and snorted in mock disgust. Teal'c followed them down the stairs to the control room shaking his head in mild confusion. Sam and Jaxtra lead the way chatting the whole while.

"They are like family to you, eh?"

General Hammond jumped slightly in surprise at Artemis's voice. Guiltily swinging his gaze to the Immortal he admitted, "Yes, they are all good friends and I do count them amongst my 'extended family'."

Drawing himself up to his full height, Artemis proclaimed, "Then, General Hammond, it is truly an honor to have met you. I will request that Commander Apollo ask for your assistance when we begin negotiations."

"Well, I ... I don't know what to say, except that I am honored." General Hammond stuttered. "Come, let's get you and your team back to your fleet. After you sir."

As the Colonial Officers filed out after Jaxtra/chanel General Hammond caught Colonel O'Niell's eye. Quietly gesturing for him to follow

PREVIOUS	MAIN	NEXT
Sign Guestbook	View Guestbook	Time Line Index

Jump to Chapter:

1	2	3
4	5	6
7	8	9
10	11	12

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

Jump to:

Jump to Chapter: