Post by Akren Garkos on Apr 7, 2009 22:39:47 GMT -5
N.B: This post takes place after STARGATE SG-1: The Ark of Truth, but before STARGATE: Continuum & during Season 3 of STARGATE ATLANTIS.
Teal’c stood amongst the ruins of Dakara, surveying the devastation all around him as multitudes of Jaffa scurried about here & there; young children playing amidst the ruin & chaos as older Jaffa in their late teens & early twenties were tutored by warriors in groups here & there, politicians talking in closed circles by the way side, priests & priestesses giving comfort as the bulk of those present - along with Humans from the Tau’ri, Tok’Ra, Tollan & others - helped in clearing the rubble & former enemies - now steadfast allies & friends - as the Free Jaffa went about the re-construction wrought by the hands of the Orii & their followers during the last two long, bloody years of their Holy Crusade to convert the galaxy.
Teal’c closed his eyes & saw again in his mind’s eye the events of the last two years as though they had happened only yesterday, so fresh were they in his mind :
Of his good friend, Daniel Jackson, & the beautiful thief Vala Mal Doran, reduced to a coma as their minds where transported to the Orii home galaxy - once home to the Alterrans, those whom would one day travel to the Milky way & become the Ancients - of their encounter with the Orii, the Doci & the Priors, & their multitude of Human followers; & the evil Ascended beings’ plan to convert the Milkyway Galaxy & finally destroy their ascended rivals & claim domain over all lower forms of life once & for all.
Of the encounters with Priors & other adventures, of the many battles struggles & trials during the first year of the war, until, finally; the followers of the Orii invaded in force, & the battle had been truly joined. Of the unstoppable Orii motherships & their relentless conquest, as world after world after world succumbed to the Orii or perished at the hands of their fanatical followers. Most had acquiesced. Others, like Dakara, had been utterly devastated; destroyed shattered, broken, laid low & made unto dust for daring to challenge the will of the Orii.
The Free Jaffa Nation had struggled to find it’s feet after the defeat of the Goa’uuld, & they had done so again after their defeat at the hands of the Orii. The Jaffa, however, were a proud people, strong & resilient; they were fighters & survivors. They would move on, they would prosper, they would survive. The rebuilding of Dakara was a testimony to that dream, to the indomitable spirit of the Jaffa. Life moved on, & they would too, or be swept aside & forgotten to the ravages of time; like so many before them.
“Live strong, Teal’c”
Teal’c opened his eyes to see his mentor, former teacher & surrogate father, the Jaffa Master-turned-politician, Bra’tac, standing before him; his robes of office swaying gently in the breeze.
“Die Free, old friend” Teal’c replied, completing the traditional Jaffa greeting that was once used by the Rebel Jaffa during their uprising against the Goa’uuld, which had sine become a standard way of formalling greeting another amongst Jaffa society since their liberation from the tyrannical clutches of the System Lords.
“Never in my wildest dreams would I ever think that I would live to see the day when Jaffa, Tok’Ra, Tau’ri & others would stand shoulder to shoulder; working as one as brothers & sisters”
“It is a truly remarkable accomplishment” Teal’c agreed, watching as a group of Jaffa worked to restore a crumbling building nearby, two Tok’Ra, a Tollan scientist & several SGC personnel helping in the enterprise.
“With the help of our allies, we shall rebuild Dakara to it’s former glory in no time” Bra’tac added, watching as the Tollan scientist used a phase shifting device brought from Tollan to re-order the building on the sub-atomic level, the Tok’Ra & Jaffa aiding in the effort as the building was reshaping & rebuilt - literally - from the ground up in a matter of minutes, the SGC scientists monitoring the construction & inspecting the building inside & out; the group making sure all was as it should be before moving on to the next building on their list, the schedule of re-construction marked & itemized on a clip board carried by an SGC aide worker, who compared notes with a Jaffa & collated data with a Tok’Ra scientist carrying a holographic dataslate as they moved from building to building, going about their tasks.
“Let us hope we learn from the mistakes of the past, lest we repeat them”
“Indeed” Teal’c replied, turning his head to regard his mentor & friend with a serious, brooding look, his hair having grown longer in the past year he had been away from the SGC, his streak of grey giving him a distinguished look; Teal‘c having obtained it on a mission almost a year & a half before when he & the rest of SG-1 had been trapped within a time dilation field aboard the Odyssey.
Since that time he had split his time between the SGC as a member of SG-1 & his duties & obligations as a member of the High Council of the Free Jaffa Nation; balancing his commitments to his friends from Earth with the responsibilities of having become a leader & guide for his people.
“Master Bra’tac, Teal’c” Olaf nodded in greeting as he came up to the pair of Jaffa, the Tollan squinting his eyes under the intense glare of Dakara’s sun, the brigt desert world giving his already olive-complex a deep tan that had only darkened his skin the last few weeks he had spent on the shattered & slowly healing world. “How goes the re-construction?”
“Better than can be expected” Master Bra’tac replied, “And faster than could have been hoped”
“The support & aide of our allies has been both generous & overwhelming” Teal’c replied, bowing deeply in respect to the Tollan scientist, “The Tollan’s ability to re-order matter at it’s primal level has greatly expedited the re-construction process, & for that, I thank you on behalf of all Free Jaffa”
“The pleasure is ours Teal’c, the Tollan are happy to help where & when we can” Olaf replied, smiling. “The re-construction & re-partition of New Tollana is almost completed - thanks, in large part, to the efforts of the Gadmeer - & the colony worlds, as well as the Tok’Ra, have aided us greatly in rebuilding after Anubis’ forces ravaged our world. I sometimes feel guiltily that we were spared the brunt of the Orii invasion when so many worlds such as Dakara, were so thoroughly ravaged by their Holy Crusade”
“The Tollan may have been spared the war with the Orii, but that does not diminish your suffering at the hands of the Anubis” Teal’c replied.
“I agree” Master Bra’tac a-joined, adding his voice to Teal’c’s, “We must all help each other & work together if we are to rebuild that which was lost during the war. But come” - Brat’ac gesturing towards the newly constructed Ancient monument behind them, Teal‘c & Olaf joining him as they walked from the re-construction work near the Stargate & into the maze of catacombs, hallways, rooms & chambers that made up rebuilt structure which served as the hub of political, military & social activity on the capital world of the Free Jaffa Nation. How goes things with the Tok’Ra?”
“They are good” Olaf replied, Verak, the Tok’Ra symbiont within him, relaying his thoughts for his host to convey. “We are close to finally choosing a world on which to make our home, although we shall continue to maintain bases all over the galaxy - old habits are hard to break after all, even if we have started to finally settle down & focus on the future”
“Indeed” Teal’c replied, nodding as they walked deeper into the belly of the monument “And what of Atlantis?”
“Atlantis has successfully been re-located & is doing well since the Asuran attack on Lantea” Olaf replied, frowning at the memory of those terrible events his own grey streak - an elegant line sweeping over one eyebrow & back through his short cropped hair, a reminder of his encounter with a Wraith Hive Queen a little more than 2 years earlier - “The loss of Dr. Weir was. . .regrettable. She will be sorely missed. Your friend Colonel Carter is doing a wonderful job in her absence”
“You are still hopeful Dr. Weir can be saved from the Replicators?” Master Bra’tac asked.
“Of course” Olaf replied as they made their way into Council Chambers, “Where there is hope, there is life; where there is a will, there is always a way”
“Indeed” Both Bra’tac & Teal’c said in unison, echoing Olaf’s statement as Jaffa High Council convened & the pair of Jaffa warriors took their place alongside their fellow council men & women as Olaf stood back & to one side as he listened to the council debate & wrangle, hammering out ideas & making agreements as he waited - along with General Hank Landry, whom had recently arrived through the Stargate especially for this meeting, until it was his turn to speak.
“Esteemed council men & women, leaders of the Free Jaffa Nation, I thank you for your warm words of welcome & on behalf of the people of New Tollana, wish to formally extend the hand of friendship between our two great nations” Olaf began, “The process of rebuilding your great civilization, like our own, has not been without it’s ups & downs; but if the Jaffa remain steadfast & strong in their resolve, they shall emerge wiser, stronger & more prosperous than before”
Looking about the council chamber, Olaf paused to let those words sink in to nods & silent stares of approval, noting the reaction to his words before continuing his speech:
“As the Free Jaffa Nation once again finds its feet & re-establishes its lost empire, I urge this council & all Free Jaffa to consider the multitude of other worlds which have also fallen to the ravages of the recent Holy Crusade by the armies of Orii. Whilst the Jaffa have suffered a great many, heavy losses, many other worlds have not even been that fortunate; & stand on the brink of total ruin, if not extinction. I urge the Jaffa to consider the plight of these worlds, & help where & when they can, as the Tollan & the Tok’Ra have done with our friends & allies”
Nodding to the council members, Olaf gestured to General Landry, whom, after being acknowledged by both Olaf & the council, stepped forward to stand next to Olaf & near Teal’c & Bra’tac – whom were seated nearby – as he also addressed the Jaffa High Council:
“The people of Earth also extend the hand of friendship & offer our support in helping rebuild Dakara & reclaim your ravaged worlds. I also urge the Council to strongly consider the proposal of Humanitarian aid to other, less fortunate worlds. I am sure that by continuing to work together; we all can all help make the galaxy a safer & securer place for all”
“Thank you Ambassador Olaf/Verak, General Landry” One of the female senior members of the Jaffa High Council replied, “Your words are duly noted, shall be given all the weight they deserve during future meetings of this Council”
Waiting for a moment to look about the chamber before continuing, she added:
“It is now, with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of a new leader to head of this esteemed Council; one who’s bravery, cunning, skill, diplomacy, & courage have made him a living legend amongst the Jaffa & esteemed him to our friends & allies”
Everyone in the Council chambers looked about as if to see whom she may be speaking of, when they already knew the result.
“By secret ballot of this Council & by the will of the Free Jaffa Nation, it is my pleasure to announce the appointment of Master Bra’tac as the new, duly elected leader of the Free Jaffa Nation & head of this esteemed High Council”
“My word. . .” Bra’tac gasped, his jaw dropping as far as anyone in the room had seen it, humbled by the honour, almost speechless.
Landry & Teal’c nodded to Bra’tac as he looked at each of his friends, & Olaf smiled, nodding in agreement along with the rest of the Council. The decision to install bra’tac as the head of the Jaffa High Council & new leader of the Free Jaffa Nation after the defeat of the Orii army was a natural choice in these precarious times, & one that was, in his & many others’ opinions, an appointment that was long overdue.
“I accept this appoint with humility & grace, it is indeed a great honour indeed to represent my brothers & sisters in this way, & I promise to be a voice & guiding light for all Free Jaffa, to maintain & strengthen our ties with not just one another, but our friends & allies as well” – at that he nodded towards Landry & Olaf, acknowledging the pair standing in the wings of the council chambers – “I know in my heart of hearts that working together, as brothers, sisters, friends & allies, we shall make this Free Nation of ours great again”
“Indeed” Teal’c added.
“The people of New Tollana & the Tok’Ra acknowledge & approve of this appointment, & wish to extend our warmest condolences to Master Bra’tac & his new appointment as leader of the High Council & the Free Jaffa Nation”
“As do the people of Earth” General Landry adjoined, echoing Olaf’s sentiments.
“Now, let us make this official & mark this moment for all time” The female Jaffa Councilwoman said, getting Bra’tac to sign the necessary documents & marked them with his seal before the High Council – with General Landry & Oalf in toe, made their way from the Council chambers to the outside of the monument to share the good news with the Jaffa & others gathered there – the event being televised to all Free Jaffa worlds via communications orbs, or where none such methods existed, via Stargate – as Bra’tac stood before his friends, allies & fellow Jaffa as a sea of fists pumped the air & three cheers went out for Bra’tac’s appointment as leader of the Free Jaffa Nation & they ushered in a new age for Free Jaffa everywhere.
Meanwhile, in Holy City of Celestis, somewhere in the Alterran Galaxy. . .[/i]
Tomin sat at his place around the ornate table, a bowl of fruit pile high in the middle of the table, a large leather-bound copy of the revised copy of the Book of Origin to one end of the room, the symbol of the origin faith on the other, frescos & other artworks depicting inspiring scenes from some of the Book of Origin’s most well-known fables & others immortalizing some of the greatest moments in galactic history scattered here & there; his eyes surveying the mix of warriors, Priors & administrators gathered at the conference, all eyes currently fixed on the Doci as he bide they all welcome to this most auspicious of meetings:
“Brothers, sisters, one & all, I welcome you to Celestis, City of the Gods, & in their Hallowed name, I declare this, the 100th meeting of this esteemed council, to be in session”
So saying, he nodded to those gathered about him & resumed his seat as discussions began, slowly at first, then in earnest, as the newly-formed Alterran High Council went about the business of politics. Tomin followed suit carefully, listening to everything that was said, but could not help slip into the realms of waking fantasy – if ever so slightly – his mind wandering with thoughts of Vala, his estranged wife & now member of SG-1. He wondered how she was doing, off on daring adventures & exploring uncharted worlds in a distant, far-off galaxy. . .
“What about you, Tomin?” An elderly female administrator from the nearby village of Ver Eger asked; snapping Tomin out of his day dream.
“I am sorry, my mind must of wandered for a second; could you please repeat the question?” Tomin asked, his going a slight shade of red at having been caught unawares.
“I am asking your opinion on the matter at hand” The administrator replied, “As Supreme Commander of the armed forces, your opinion on whether or not we should send an entreaty through the Astria Porta Megaliginus[/i] is vitally important”
Tomin nodded, standing to address his fellow High Councilors. The decision to send ships through the Supergate to the Milkyway Galaxy to promote peace between the two galaxies & re-establish contact with the worlds converted &/or still loyal to the Orii & their followers had been a discussion that had raged on for many months, & had been an issue of heated debate & passionate arguments from those for & against the move; & was one that had plagued the Council almost since its’ inception.
“I don’t think that the decision we make will be easy” Tomin replied, looking first at the administrator from Ver Eger, then to the rest of the Councilors & Priors seated around the tabe, his eyes finally coming to rest on the Doci himself. “Either choice presents us with a variety of options, both good & bad. If we go, we don’t know exactly what will happen, or how the multitude of people on the thousands of worlds will react; considering what happened during the Holy Crusade not less than a year before. We don’t know if we will welcomed as conquering heroes or seen as blood-thirsty tyrants; but I for one am committed to righting the wrongs we did & to those loyal followers of Origin whom still might exist on the worlds we helped convert in the name of the Orii”
“The Orii are dead” One of the administrators, formerly of the Anti-Orii Underground, interjected, the room going silent & cold at his words.
“The Orii might be dead, but we carry on in their name” Tomin replied, “Things, both good & evil, have been done in their name; things I myself have done. Things that I am not necessarily proud of”
At that, Tomin paused for a second, a look of extreme pain & sadness on his face as the memories came flooding back to haunt him; then he regained his composure & carried on:
“They left us the Book of Origin as a guide to enlightenment & ascension, we now must use our own morale compasses as a guide to help get their on our own, with or without the help of the gods. Now we have a lot to answer for, but we also have a great many True Believers out there that need our guidance, help & support. I say we go”
Looking at the Doci, he was pleased to see him nod slowly in agreement, the supreme religious authority of the Origin faith raising a hand in support of Tomin’s motion.
“Whom shall join me in support of this most noble journey?” The Doci asked, looking about him as, one by one, each member of the High Council raised their hand or tipped their staff in agreement.
“It is settled then” The Doci announced once all votes had been cast ^ counted, “We shall venture through the Astria Porta Megaliginus[/i] & extend the hand of peace to our brothers & sisters in the far-off place called the Milkyway, & hope that we can come together as one in enlightenment. I thank the Council for its wisdom & we thank the gods & put our faith in them that venture is successful: Hallowed are the Orii”
“Hallowed are the Orii” The Council intoned, bowing their heads in reverence; before the session was formally ended & the councilors dispersed to speak amongst themselves before they went about their normal duties, some administrators & a handful of Priors going back to the communities they served, some staying in Celestis itself, others still lingering to discussion matters of state & policy.
Amongst those that stayed behind, Tomin made his way to his temporary quarters - the room where he always stayed when at Celestis as plain & simply adorned as his house in Ver Isca, or his quarters aboard his ship, the Enlightenment’s Fire[/i] – dis-robing & changing into the more simpler garments of his worker origins, rather than the full regalia of a warrior, before making his way to the Chamber of the Doci.
He found the Doci with his hands clasped behind his back, standing in the open gateway of the Hall of Enlightenment, gazing silently into the light of the rolling wall of fire before him.
“Come, Tomin” The Doci intoned, his back still to the Supreme Commander, his gaze never leaving the Flames of Enlightenment. “You are troubled”
“Yes, Doci” Tomin replied, looking into the Flames himself, marvelling at wonders bequeathed them by both the Orii & the Ancients.
The Flames of Enlightenment had been re-kindled a few months earlier, even though no ascended beings resided there-in. It was all an elaborately constructed, but nonetheless very convincing illusion, produced by the means of holographic emitters which had been installed throughout the chamber, which gave the impression of a never-ending wall of rolling fire. The anti-Orii Semitist had been right – the Orii were indeed dead, but their legacy lived on.
“I am worried about the outcome of this mission” Tomin said, a furrow creasing his brow, a look of concern crossing his features as he gazed into Flames of Enlightenment, shadows from the fire playing on his already troubled features.
“You are worried about whether or not we might start another war by venturing back through the - ” He paused, thingying his head to one side, searching for the term he wanted, “ – what is your friends from Earth called it, the Supergate? - ”
Tomin nodded, letting the Doci continue:
“That is a risk we must take. We shall do our best not to, but you yourself mentioned to the High Council that clearing our name with our former enemies & helping those followers of Origin is a quest of great import”
Sensing a shift in Tomin’s mood, he added: “There is something else which troubles you?”
“It is my wife, Vala” Tomin replied, “Almost a year on, I still have not the heart to take another, even though she is there & I here”
“Mayhap you can reconcile with her, if it be what you both want?” The Doci replied, raising an eyebrow in Tomin’s direction as if query.
“Last I spoke with her, her place was with her friends, SG-1, & with the people of Earth” Tomin replied, frowning memory, then smiling, almost to himself. “Still, my heart can deny her nothing. Her happiness is all that matters to me, I love her still”
“Then love her enough to let her go in kindness” The Doci replied smiling, remembering a time, long ago, when he too had fallen in love, a time buried in distant memory, before he was called by the Orii themselves to serve them in the highest honour any mortal could hope to achieve. “And trust in the Orii. Let the Book of Origin be your guiding light along the Path to Enlightenment, Tomin. We will need all our faith & our strength if we are to succeed in this coming venture”
“Indeed we shall Doci” Tomin replied, turning to gaze at Fires of Enlightenment once more with the Doci at his side as they contemplated the monumental task that lay before them. “Indeed we shall. . .”
Teal’c stood amongst the ruins of Dakara, surveying the devastation all around him as multitudes of Jaffa scurried about here & there; young children playing amidst the ruin & chaos as older Jaffa in their late teens & early twenties were tutored by warriors in groups here & there, politicians talking in closed circles by the way side, priests & priestesses giving comfort as the bulk of those present - along with Humans from the Tau’ri, Tok’Ra, Tollan & others - helped in clearing the rubble & former enemies - now steadfast allies & friends - as the Free Jaffa went about the re-construction wrought by the hands of the Orii & their followers during the last two long, bloody years of their Holy Crusade to convert the galaxy.
Teal’c closed his eyes & saw again in his mind’s eye the events of the last two years as though they had happened only yesterday, so fresh were they in his mind :
Of his good friend, Daniel Jackson, & the beautiful thief Vala Mal Doran, reduced to a coma as their minds where transported to the Orii home galaxy - once home to the Alterrans, those whom would one day travel to the Milky way & become the Ancients - of their encounter with the Orii, the Doci & the Priors, & their multitude of Human followers; & the evil Ascended beings’ plan to convert the Milkyway Galaxy & finally destroy their ascended rivals & claim domain over all lower forms of life once & for all.
Of the encounters with Priors & other adventures, of the many battles struggles & trials during the first year of the war, until, finally; the followers of the Orii invaded in force, & the battle had been truly joined. Of the unstoppable Orii motherships & their relentless conquest, as world after world after world succumbed to the Orii or perished at the hands of their fanatical followers. Most had acquiesced. Others, like Dakara, had been utterly devastated; destroyed shattered, broken, laid low & made unto dust for daring to challenge the will of the Orii.
The Free Jaffa Nation had struggled to find it’s feet after the defeat of the Goa’uuld, & they had done so again after their defeat at the hands of the Orii. The Jaffa, however, were a proud people, strong & resilient; they were fighters & survivors. They would move on, they would prosper, they would survive. The rebuilding of Dakara was a testimony to that dream, to the indomitable spirit of the Jaffa. Life moved on, & they would too, or be swept aside & forgotten to the ravages of time; like so many before them.
“Live strong, Teal’c”
Teal’c opened his eyes to see his mentor, former teacher & surrogate father, the Jaffa Master-turned-politician, Bra’tac, standing before him; his robes of office swaying gently in the breeze.
“Die Free, old friend” Teal’c replied, completing the traditional Jaffa greeting that was once used by the Rebel Jaffa during their uprising against the Goa’uuld, which had sine become a standard way of formalling greeting another amongst Jaffa society since their liberation from the tyrannical clutches of the System Lords.
“Never in my wildest dreams would I ever think that I would live to see the day when Jaffa, Tok’Ra, Tau’ri & others would stand shoulder to shoulder; working as one as brothers & sisters”
“It is a truly remarkable accomplishment” Teal’c agreed, watching as a group of Jaffa worked to restore a crumbling building nearby, two Tok’Ra, a Tollan scientist & several SGC personnel helping in the enterprise.
“With the help of our allies, we shall rebuild Dakara to it’s former glory in no time” Bra’tac added, watching as the Tollan scientist used a phase shifting device brought from Tollan to re-order the building on the sub-atomic level, the Tok’Ra & Jaffa aiding in the effort as the building was reshaping & rebuilt - literally - from the ground up in a matter of minutes, the SGC scientists monitoring the construction & inspecting the building inside & out; the group making sure all was as it should be before moving on to the next building on their list, the schedule of re-construction marked & itemized on a clip board carried by an SGC aide worker, who compared notes with a Jaffa & collated data with a Tok’Ra scientist carrying a holographic dataslate as they moved from building to building, going about their tasks.
“Let us hope we learn from the mistakes of the past, lest we repeat them”
“Indeed” Teal’c replied, turning his head to regard his mentor & friend with a serious, brooding look, his hair having grown longer in the past year he had been away from the SGC, his streak of grey giving him a distinguished look; Teal‘c having obtained it on a mission almost a year & a half before when he & the rest of SG-1 had been trapped within a time dilation field aboard the Odyssey.
Since that time he had split his time between the SGC as a member of SG-1 & his duties & obligations as a member of the High Council of the Free Jaffa Nation; balancing his commitments to his friends from Earth with the responsibilities of having become a leader & guide for his people.
“Master Bra’tac, Teal’c” Olaf nodded in greeting as he came up to the pair of Jaffa, the Tollan squinting his eyes under the intense glare of Dakara’s sun, the brigt desert world giving his already olive-complex a deep tan that had only darkened his skin the last few weeks he had spent on the shattered & slowly healing world. “How goes the re-construction?”
“Better than can be expected” Master Bra’tac replied, “And faster than could have been hoped”
“The support & aide of our allies has been both generous & overwhelming” Teal’c replied, bowing deeply in respect to the Tollan scientist, “The Tollan’s ability to re-order matter at it’s primal level has greatly expedited the re-construction process, & for that, I thank you on behalf of all Free Jaffa”
“The pleasure is ours Teal’c, the Tollan are happy to help where & when we can” Olaf replied, smiling. “The re-construction & re-partition of New Tollana is almost completed - thanks, in large part, to the efforts of the Gadmeer - & the colony worlds, as well as the Tok’Ra, have aided us greatly in rebuilding after Anubis’ forces ravaged our world. I sometimes feel guiltily that we were spared the brunt of the Orii invasion when so many worlds such as Dakara, were so thoroughly ravaged by their Holy Crusade”
“The Tollan may have been spared the war with the Orii, but that does not diminish your suffering at the hands of the Anubis” Teal’c replied.
“I agree” Master Bra’tac a-joined, adding his voice to Teal’c’s, “We must all help each other & work together if we are to rebuild that which was lost during the war. But come” - Brat’ac gesturing towards the newly constructed Ancient monument behind them, Teal‘c & Olaf joining him as they walked from the re-construction work near the Stargate & into the maze of catacombs, hallways, rooms & chambers that made up rebuilt structure which served as the hub of political, military & social activity on the capital world of the Free Jaffa Nation. How goes things with the Tok’Ra?”
“They are good” Olaf replied, Verak, the Tok’Ra symbiont within him, relaying his thoughts for his host to convey. “We are close to finally choosing a world on which to make our home, although we shall continue to maintain bases all over the galaxy - old habits are hard to break after all, even if we have started to finally settle down & focus on the future”
“Indeed” Teal’c replied, nodding as they walked deeper into the belly of the monument “And what of Atlantis?”
“Atlantis has successfully been re-located & is doing well since the Asuran attack on Lantea” Olaf replied, frowning at the memory of those terrible events his own grey streak - an elegant line sweeping over one eyebrow & back through his short cropped hair, a reminder of his encounter with a Wraith Hive Queen a little more than 2 years earlier - “The loss of Dr. Weir was. . .regrettable. She will be sorely missed. Your friend Colonel Carter is doing a wonderful job in her absence”
“You are still hopeful Dr. Weir can be saved from the Replicators?” Master Bra’tac asked.
“Of course” Olaf replied as they made their way into Council Chambers, “Where there is hope, there is life; where there is a will, there is always a way”
“Indeed” Both Bra’tac & Teal’c said in unison, echoing Olaf’s statement as Jaffa High Council convened & the pair of Jaffa warriors took their place alongside their fellow council men & women as Olaf stood back & to one side as he listened to the council debate & wrangle, hammering out ideas & making agreements as he waited - along with General Hank Landry, whom had recently arrived through the Stargate especially for this meeting, until it was his turn to speak.
“Esteemed council men & women, leaders of the Free Jaffa Nation, I thank you for your warm words of welcome & on behalf of the people of New Tollana, wish to formally extend the hand of friendship between our two great nations” Olaf began, “The process of rebuilding your great civilization, like our own, has not been without it’s ups & downs; but if the Jaffa remain steadfast & strong in their resolve, they shall emerge wiser, stronger & more prosperous than before”
Looking about the council chamber, Olaf paused to let those words sink in to nods & silent stares of approval, noting the reaction to his words before continuing his speech:
“As the Free Jaffa Nation once again finds its feet & re-establishes its lost empire, I urge this council & all Free Jaffa to consider the multitude of other worlds which have also fallen to the ravages of the recent Holy Crusade by the armies of Orii. Whilst the Jaffa have suffered a great many, heavy losses, many other worlds have not even been that fortunate; & stand on the brink of total ruin, if not extinction. I urge the Jaffa to consider the plight of these worlds, & help where & when they can, as the Tollan & the Tok’Ra have done with our friends & allies”
Nodding to the council members, Olaf gestured to General Landry, whom, after being acknowledged by both Olaf & the council, stepped forward to stand next to Olaf & near Teal’c & Bra’tac – whom were seated nearby – as he also addressed the Jaffa High Council:
“The people of Earth also extend the hand of friendship & offer our support in helping rebuild Dakara & reclaim your ravaged worlds. I also urge the Council to strongly consider the proposal of Humanitarian aid to other, less fortunate worlds. I am sure that by continuing to work together; we all can all help make the galaxy a safer & securer place for all”
“Thank you Ambassador Olaf/Verak, General Landry” One of the female senior members of the Jaffa High Council replied, “Your words are duly noted, shall be given all the weight they deserve during future meetings of this Council”
Waiting for a moment to look about the chamber before continuing, she added:
“It is now, with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of a new leader to head of this esteemed Council; one who’s bravery, cunning, skill, diplomacy, & courage have made him a living legend amongst the Jaffa & esteemed him to our friends & allies”
Everyone in the Council chambers looked about as if to see whom she may be speaking of, when they already knew the result.
“By secret ballot of this Council & by the will of the Free Jaffa Nation, it is my pleasure to announce the appointment of Master Bra’tac as the new, duly elected leader of the Free Jaffa Nation & head of this esteemed High Council”
“My word. . .” Bra’tac gasped, his jaw dropping as far as anyone in the room had seen it, humbled by the honour, almost speechless.
Landry & Teal’c nodded to Bra’tac as he looked at each of his friends, & Olaf smiled, nodding in agreement along with the rest of the Council. The decision to install bra’tac as the head of the Jaffa High Council & new leader of the Free Jaffa Nation after the defeat of the Orii army was a natural choice in these precarious times, & one that was, in his & many others’ opinions, an appointment that was long overdue.
“I accept this appoint with humility & grace, it is indeed a great honour indeed to represent my brothers & sisters in this way, & I promise to be a voice & guiding light for all Free Jaffa, to maintain & strengthen our ties with not just one another, but our friends & allies as well” – at that he nodded towards Landry & Olaf, acknowledging the pair standing in the wings of the council chambers – “I know in my heart of hearts that working together, as brothers, sisters, friends & allies, we shall make this Free Nation of ours great again”
“Indeed” Teal’c added.
“The people of New Tollana & the Tok’Ra acknowledge & approve of this appointment, & wish to extend our warmest condolences to Master Bra’tac & his new appointment as leader of the High Council & the Free Jaffa Nation”
“As do the people of Earth” General Landry adjoined, echoing Olaf’s sentiments.
“Now, let us make this official & mark this moment for all time” The female Jaffa Councilwoman said, getting Bra’tac to sign the necessary documents & marked them with his seal before the High Council – with General Landry & Oalf in toe, made their way from the Council chambers to the outside of the monument to share the good news with the Jaffa & others gathered there – the event being televised to all Free Jaffa worlds via communications orbs, or where none such methods existed, via Stargate – as Bra’tac stood before his friends, allies & fellow Jaffa as a sea of fists pumped the air & three cheers went out for Bra’tac’s appointment as leader of the Free Jaffa Nation & they ushered in a new age for Free Jaffa everywhere.
Meanwhile, in Holy City of Celestis, somewhere in the Alterran Galaxy. . .[/i]
Tomin sat at his place around the ornate table, a bowl of fruit pile high in the middle of the table, a large leather-bound copy of the revised copy of the Book of Origin to one end of the room, the symbol of the origin faith on the other, frescos & other artworks depicting inspiring scenes from some of the Book of Origin’s most well-known fables & others immortalizing some of the greatest moments in galactic history scattered here & there; his eyes surveying the mix of warriors, Priors & administrators gathered at the conference, all eyes currently fixed on the Doci as he bide they all welcome to this most auspicious of meetings:
“Brothers, sisters, one & all, I welcome you to Celestis, City of the Gods, & in their Hallowed name, I declare this, the 100th meeting of this esteemed council, to be in session”
So saying, he nodded to those gathered about him & resumed his seat as discussions began, slowly at first, then in earnest, as the newly-formed Alterran High Council went about the business of politics. Tomin followed suit carefully, listening to everything that was said, but could not help slip into the realms of waking fantasy – if ever so slightly – his mind wandering with thoughts of Vala, his estranged wife & now member of SG-1. He wondered how she was doing, off on daring adventures & exploring uncharted worlds in a distant, far-off galaxy. . .
“What about you, Tomin?” An elderly female administrator from the nearby village of Ver Eger asked; snapping Tomin out of his day dream.
“I am sorry, my mind must of wandered for a second; could you please repeat the question?” Tomin asked, his going a slight shade of red at having been caught unawares.
“I am asking your opinion on the matter at hand” The administrator replied, “As Supreme Commander of the armed forces, your opinion on whether or not we should send an entreaty through the Astria Porta Megaliginus[/i] is vitally important”
Tomin nodded, standing to address his fellow High Councilors. The decision to send ships through the Supergate to the Milkyway Galaxy to promote peace between the two galaxies & re-establish contact with the worlds converted &/or still loyal to the Orii & their followers had been a discussion that had raged on for many months, & had been an issue of heated debate & passionate arguments from those for & against the move; & was one that had plagued the Council almost since its’ inception.
“I don’t think that the decision we make will be easy” Tomin replied, looking first at the administrator from Ver Eger, then to the rest of the Councilors & Priors seated around the tabe, his eyes finally coming to rest on the Doci himself. “Either choice presents us with a variety of options, both good & bad. If we go, we don’t know exactly what will happen, or how the multitude of people on the thousands of worlds will react; considering what happened during the Holy Crusade not less than a year before. We don’t know if we will welcomed as conquering heroes or seen as blood-thirsty tyrants; but I for one am committed to righting the wrongs we did & to those loyal followers of Origin whom still might exist on the worlds we helped convert in the name of the Orii”
“The Orii are dead” One of the administrators, formerly of the Anti-Orii Underground, interjected, the room going silent & cold at his words.
“The Orii might be dead, but we carry on in their name” Tomin replied, “Things, both good & evil, have been done in their name; things I myself have done. Things that I am not necessarily proud of”
At that, Tomin paused for a second, a look of extreme pain & sadness on his face as the memories came flooding back to haunt him; then he regained his composure & carried on:
“They left us the Book of Origin as a guide to enlightenment & ascension, we now must use our own morale compasses as a guide to help get their on our own, with or without the help of the gods. Now we have a lot to answer for, but we also have a great many True Believers out there that need our guidance, help & support. I say we go”
Looking at the Doci, he was pleased to see him nod slowly in agreement, the supreme religious authority of the Origin faith raising a hand in support of Tomin’s motion.
“Whom shall join me in support of this most noble journey?” The Doci asked, looking about him as, one by one, each member of the High Council raised their hand or tipped their staff in agreement.
“It is settled then” The Doci announced once all votes had been cast ^ counted, “We shall venture through the Astria Porta Megaliginus[/i] & extend the hand of peace to our brothers & sisters in the far-off place called the Milkyway, & hope that we can come together as one in enlightenment. I thank the Council for its wisdom & we thank the gods & put our faith in them that venture is successful: Hallowed are the Orii”
“Hallowed are the Orii” The Council intoned, bowing their heads in reverence; before the session was formally ended & the councilors dispersed to speak amongst themselves before they went about their normal duties, some administrators & a handful of Priors going back to the communities they served, some staying in Celestis itself, others still lingering to discussion matters of state & policy.
Amongst those that stayed behind, Tomin made his way to his temporary quarters - the room where he always stayed when at Celestis as plain & simply adorned as his house in Ver Isca, or his quarters aboard his ship, the Enlightenment’s Fire[/i] – dis-robing & changing into the more simpler garments of his worker origins, rather than the full regalia of a warrior, before making his way to the Chamber of the Doci.
He found the Doci with his hands clasped behind his back, standing in the open gateway of the Hall of Enlightenment, gazing silently into the light of the rolling wall of fire before him.
“Come, Tomin” The Doci intoned, his back still to the Supreme Commander, his gaze never leaving the Flames of Enlightenment. “You are troubled”
“Yes, Doci” Tomin replied, looking into the Flames himself, marvelling at wonders bequeathed them by both the Orii & the Ancients.
The Flames of Enlightenment had been re-kindled a few months earlier, even though no ascended beings resided there-in. It was all an elaborately constructed, but nonetheless very convincing illusion, produced by the means of holographic emitters which had been installed throughout the chamber, which gave the impression of a never-ending wall of rolling fire. The anti-Orii Semitist had been right – the Orii were indeed dead, but their legacy lived on.
“I am worried about the outcome of this mission” Tomin said, a furrow creasing his brow, a look of concern crossing his features as he gazed into Flames of Enlightenment, shadows from the fire playing on his already troubled features.
“You are worried about whether or not we might start another war by venturing back through the - ” He paused, thingying his head to one side, searching for the term he wanted, “ – what is your friends from Earth called it, the Supergate? - ”
Tomin nodded, letting the Doci continue:
“That is a risk we must take. We shall do our best not to, but you yourself mentioned to the High Council that clearing our name with our former enemies & helping those followers of Origin is a quest of great import”
Sensing a shift in Tomin’s mood, he added: “There is something else which troubles you?”
“It is my wife, Vala” Tomin replied, “Almost a year on, I still have not the heart to take another, even though she is there & I here”
“Mayhap you can reconcile with her, if it be what you both want?” The Doci replied, raising an eyebrow in Tomin’s direction as if query.
“Last I spoke with her, her place was with her friends, SG-1, & with the people of Earth” Tomin replied, frowning memory, then smiling, almost to himself. “Still, my heart can deny her nothing. Her happiness is all that matters to me, I love her still”
“Then love her enough to let her go in kindness” The Doci replied smiling, remembering a time, long ago, when he too had fallen in love, a time buried in distant memory, before he was called by the Orii themselves to serve them in the highest honour any mortal could hope to achieve. “And trust in the Orii. Let the Book of Origin be your guiding light along the Path to Enlightenment, Tomin. We will need all our faith & our strength if we are to succeed in this coming venture”
“Indeed we shall Doci” Tomin replied, turning to gaze at Fires of Enlightenment once more with the Doci at his side as they contemplated the monumental task that lay before them. “Indeed we shall. . .”
