Truly Inspired

 

O'Neill is headstrong, brave and reserved. Only Jonas knows why.

Carter is a know-it-all with inborn intution and thinks everything is obvious. Jolinar comes later.

Daniel is an explorer but also an Alcohlic. Not abrassive but pretty withdrawn.

Teal'c left to be with his people after K'Tano appointed him his successor. Jonas replaces him.

JONAS is O'Neill's closest friend and confidant.

Jack O'Neill walked hesitantly into his friends office. He was running late getting up to the briefing room, which he didn't like. He was even less comfortable with having a bunch of Russian soliders loligagging through the halls, innocent and carefree as you please. For the past year Stargate Command had been free, (compelled) to share knowledge and technology concerning Gate Travel with the Russian scientists or military who came through their door. And now, for once it seemed they had the same problem. Daniel Jackson's presence in the coming breifing would be a welcome addition, as he was the only one on the base to have met with their guests in any capacity. The problem was whether Daniel would shut up when he needed to...keep himself in check.

“I don't need to say, you're expected upstairs?” O'Neill put forth from just outside his friend's lab.

“Are you sure you even want me up there anymore?” Came the drier than usual reply.

“Listen, to your mind, you're not the scientist he once knew. To him, you're the only true scientist in our group. Answering your questions is more worth his while, because you ask informed questions. I'm not asking you to put on a mask and pretend the last 3 years didn't happen. I'm asking you to help us solve a riddle...and maybe break free of the last remnants of the cold war.”

“Alright.” Daniel replied standing up form his desk and following his commanding officer out of the office. “But assuming we even find what those guys were looking for...I'll take this one step at a time.”

And Doctor Daniel Jackson was indeed on his best behavoir as the three Russian military officers and his own counterpart Lieutenant Tolinev stood and explained the off world mision their government had launched a few months before. Apparently the legend of the eye of Tiamen, as well as five other jewels belonging to five other egyptian deities, had been enough for one particular Russian Colnel to gather his three closest friends and go off world, without orders to the desert planet of Nyeraka. Having just recently learned the actual coordinates of this planet, this group of loyal Russian officers proposed going after that team, to save them if they could, and figure out if they had been successful.

“It makes a certain sense doesn't it?” Captain Carter asked of the group, once the briefing itself had reached a lull. “Both that they would have stayed where they were, not knowing what happened on this end, and that we all should go after them?”

“It's ah, not that simple Captain.” Jack O'Neill stated lamely as he stared acros the table at Colnel Zuchov. “It's as much a question of how far are any of us willing to go to achieve our mision parameters, and what our ultimate goals even are, before we go through this mess together.”

“Forgive me, but should we not attempt to discover what has gone wrong and how, before we try to solve or address such issues?” Teal's deep, solemn voice was a welcome perspective and reality check, to the other officers present.

General Hammond sighed. “Right as usual Teal'c. Colnel O'Neill you are in charge of this mission. But try to listen to Colnel Zuchov as far as how to deal with or interpret the memebers of the initial team. As for the rest of you, I'm pretty sure we all have our assignments and priorities. Get going.”

It only took 20 minutes for the combined team to locate and enter the ziggorat in which they assumed the would find the mising officers. It was literally the only structure left standing within sight of the stargate. A short look over the inside of the atrium told Lt. Vallarin pretty much everything he wanted to know of the origianl intent of this temple. It had been dedicated to the Babylonian god Mar-duke, who apparently was even more of a tyrant than the rest of his race. His own priests eventually locked him away in a casket.

“Here it says the snake will eat his guts and peel away his flesh, as he lies awake in the tomb for all enterity.” Daniel remarked, indicating the wall to the left of the entryway. It was agreed that the tomb in question was in fact a sarcophagus, which is not something that would be on display for any visitors to see. They began to search the room with their flashlights, looking for other doors or hallways which might lead to any other rooms. They soon found a narrow corridor at the farthest corner of the atrium, on the right-hand wall. It was only after several minutes of quiet walking they found the comparitively small room which held the casket. There were a few bags of supplies and a metal box on the far wall in this room. But for the moment, what everyone noticed was the casket. It was clear no particualr honor was owed this 'god' by the end of his life.The normally gold sarcophagus had been painted black and the lid had been sealed shut with fused iron.

“The Goa'uld use this technology to heal sick, repair the injured and bring themselves back from the dead, right?” Lt. Tolinev remarked easily. O'Neill looked at her promptingly. “It doesn't seem much of a punishment, more like putting someone on ice for a lifetime or so.”

“...Unless the snake trapped with you isn't a Goa'uld parasite.” Daniel replied with a gentle laugh.

“How do you mean Doctor Jackson?” Lt. Vallarin posed calmly, obviously treadign carefully.

“Most people who worship the snakes as actual god's, don't realize they are actually snakes.” O'Neill responded firmly. “And anyone but me getting a creepier than usual feeling about this place?”

“No, not really sir.” Captain Carter answered quickly. “But it looks like the end of the line for this corridor and we haven't found any evidence of the original expedition. Let's get back to the lobby and follow one of the other corridors. If nothing else, it won't be so clausterphobic.”

Daniel could see either a question or a challenge in Colnel Zuchov's face and addressed the misconception. “One does not have to literally suffer that condition to be uncomfortable in tight spaces. And I second it.”

“Both the suggestion and the claustrphobia I take it?” Vallarin muttered to himself in Russian.

“Indeed so comrade.” Daniel replied in a gentle voice, in Russian. Walking up to the man he continued, as though bantering over a pint in a pub. “Quite simply, this room brings back unpleasant memories and I would much prefer to be gone from it. Also our task here is to find answers to questions. And there do not seem to be many answers to be found in this room specifically. It stands to reason we will find them elsewhere.”

“You have not lost you tongue, or your manners I see.” Colnel Zuchov commented in response.

“Come on, let's go, two by two.” O'Neill stated casually. “I tell you, and firmly believe something IS screwy here, no matter what the rest of you say.”

It was only after returning to the atrium and walking up to the entryway any of them reconsidered O'Neills assertion. And that was for the simple reason the door was now locked and barred.

“Are you getting the feeling we're not alone here?” Captain Carter suggested in a nervous tone.

“Nah, really?” O'Neill retorted.

“Actually she's right, but for the wrong reason.” A young, male voice answered from directly behind them. Every solider from earth turned around and raised their weapons. Daniel Jackson simply stepped in front of his teammates and asked for elaboration. Which it seemed the voice was perfectly willing to give. “You are not alone but that was not my doing. This place was redesigned as a trap after the uprising.The people who built this temple were pretty short-sighted. They couldn't imagine any one could come here and not be trying to resuce the 'false god' Marduke.” Here he chuckled a bit. “Having gone to such great lengths to free themselves, they naturally took equally extensive measures to stay free.”

“Well, that makes sense I guess.' O'Neill stated slowly. “What doesn't make sense is whover you are to have survived here this long, staying in the shadows like a ghost. And what's with the accent?”

“I don't recognize your weapons,” The voice began slowly. “I know that's what they are. Lower them enough so you won't shoot out my throat, and I'll come out. And this is how I usually speak.”

The American soliders did so at once. And slowly, each of the Russian soliders followed suit. There was a rustling sound directly in front of them, as though someone were standing up and pushing rocks out of the way to do so.

Pointing his flashlight where he judged the man's face would be Daniel was surprised to see, only a few meters ahead of him, a man very nearly his own age and with clothes made of natural fibers, but obvioulsy made by machine and not by hand. The red vest looked covered in dust and his pants were thick corduray. The beard on his face was very new, but he obviously had spent a great deal of time in the temple: his face looked worn.

“You're not from Earth are you?” Daniel asked in an almost nostalgically gentle voice.

“Never heard of the place for myself.” The stranger replied easily. “And introductions should come before explanations. My name is Jonas, Jonas Quinn.”

“Colnel Jack O'Neill Captain Sam Carter and the tall, silent one is Teal'c.” Daniel replied, indicating each of his friends in turn. “And I'm Daniel Jackson. Just call me Daniel if you like.”

“Thank you.” Jonas responded simply. O'Neill cocked his head to one side. “For giving me personal names as well as family names. You must be either very seasoned or very new at this to do so.” He saw in a moment this didn't suffice as an explanation. “Where I'm from this situation would not warrant personal names. Unless we already percieved ourselves as equals, family names would suffice.”

“How do you live so guarded and secretive?” Captain Carter inquired calmly. O'Neill cleared his throat loudly. And Daniel coughed into his hand. “Excuse my not letting Earth politics and preconceptions get in the way of understanding the culture of another planet.” Carter replied testily.

“Lt. Tolinev laughed softly. “Even I am curious how another culture explains such behavior.” She paused a moment. “Even if we have similar behavioral norms, we might not share the same reasoning for it.”

“Besides, it might be just this situation which suggests such a response. Perhaps at home things are different for his people.” Daniel reminded his Commanding Officer in a cautious tone.

Jonas put his hands at out at each side, palms forward. “Things are just more ritualized and formalized in Kelowna, espeically off-world things. I'm trying to break free of that...persisting annoyance.”

“Do your own people not serve the Goa'uld?” Teal'c inquired gently.

“We did about 600 years ago.” Jonas replied easily. “We've had access to gate travel for almost half that time. It was just a few...well it was comparatively recently we got over ourselves and our planet enough to pursue gate travel.”

“Conflict between nations?” O'Neill suggested more than a little sardonically.

“The other nations on my planet don't know or care about the stargate...and yes that's right.” Jonas looked rather hard at the other members of the team, those who had not yet spoken directly to him. It was a long, cold stare that lasted several moments. When Colnel Zuchov insited on an explanation, he gave one. “I assume you yourselves are of a different state or nation than these three?” He pointed to the human members of Sg-1. “ I don't just say that because your uniforms are different. My first thought is this a joint mission on your parts, meant as much to clear the tension between your countries as to find anything of value on this planet.”

“Okay, not denying that actually makes sense but...” O'Neill seemed at a loss for words.

“What of value could be found on this planet in the first place?” Colnel Zuchov answered.

It was an unwelcome reminder of the real reason any of them were here. Technically if Yazimov's team had gone to such insane risks for the jewel, it was worth searching for again, even risking the same fate befalling this team. Of course, no one felt any desire to explain this to a man who apparently had spent several weeks locked away in the middle of a crypt.

“I hope you don't think this rude or otherwise inappropriate...” Sam Cater began slowly. “How long have you been here? Have you seen anyone else at all before we came?”

“There was another group here, some weeks ago. They didn't last long though.” Jonas stated in a withdrawn voice. “Give me liberty or give me death must have been seared pretty deep into their pysche's. I tried to be their friend and their guide in these halls. I could tell they weren't very interested in history or exploration, strictly speaking...I even handed them what I thought they came here for. Nothing helped. They swallowed their own poison one by one. Although only the last one, Brin-ske called it that.”

“What you thought they came for?” Daniel and O'Neill persisted.

“Something called the eye of Tiamen.” Jonas answered at once. “It's back down a hallway, in that box. Not the safest place for it I know. But hiding these 'treasures' is not a very good stratagy for meeting friends.” From the glances between teammembers, it was clear to Jonas that his remark made little sense. Or maybe they just didn't see his meaning. “Follow me back, I'll show you.” He insisted. And two by two, with Jonas in the lead, the Earthlings walked the narrow corridor to the sarcophagus. It wasn't until Jonas led them to the far wall of the tiny room, and picked up the small metal box he'd brought with him, that they understood his words. It was made of what looked like polished silver, with a combination lock on the front of it. Jonas pressed on the top of it on either side and the lid popped off. He showed it to O'Neill first. “Anyone can have it far as I care.”

“Do you know what this supposedly does?” Daniel and Lt. Tolinev asked in the same breath.

“My government sent me out here after it.” Jonas replied, almost bitterly. “But my people don't need any more ways to blow themselves, or each-other, out of the sky.”

“I take it that's why you've stayed here all this time?” Captain Carter mentioned blithely.

“Well, yeah.” Jonas replied easily. “Plus I don't really have anywhere to ring TO.” O'Neill joined the rest of his team in growing very surprised looks on their faces. Noticing this, Jonas smiled broadly. “This little room was along one side wall and all the way down. Do the same on the other side, left versus right from the front door and eventually you'll come to a ring transporter. But from what I could tell those things basially beam a person UP...not across the land.” He hesitated a moment. “As a matter of curiousity, are you new at this, or are you pretty seasonsed travelers?”

“That's...actually an interesting question.” Lt. Vallarin replied slowly. “My group are fairly new at gate travel.” He thought for a moment. “The Russian members of this group, don't have much expereince in gate travel compared to the Americans...known as Sg-1. But we are learning.”

“In that case,” Jonas began, setting the silver box down finally and picking some kind of satchel up from the floor. “I have a feeling this thing, might mean more to you than to me.” He drew a small notebook out of the satchel and handed it to the Russian Colnel. It was accepted with a grateful bow of the head.

“Do any of you happen to know what date it would be in their calendar?” Jonas mentioned quickly.

“What is the significance of the date?” Teal'c pondered aloud.

“I'm not asking the Babylonian calendar.” Jonas replied at once. “I've been thinking in circles trying to carbon date this place but then I realized the Goa'uld probably have their own system anyway. And I know enough to know that your people, Teal'c, once served them...probably most of them still do. Either way, if I'm reading these symbols and the schedules right...we need to get out of here as if our feet were on fire.”

Right on cue the temple shook. There was sand coming down from the roof. Everyone bolted back down the corridor and into the atrium. Everyone followed Jonas across the room and down the corridor he'd mentioned. The room shook again and again. Tiny stones were flying everywhere. “The first two lefts, then three right turns and your there!” Jonas yelped, from behind them. Daniel Jackson, Captain Carter and the Russian team all followed his very sound advice.

O'Neill, having brought up the rear, stopped and stared at Jonas. “Aren't you coming with us?” He questioned.

“Yeah what exactly would I do in your world?” Jonas replied shortly. “Assuming you don't just send me back where I'm from?”

“I thought you were smart!” O'Neill yelped in a mix of shock and sarcasm. “It strikes me anything is better than being buried in this mess!” The room shook violently. Larger stones and boulders were falling now.

“I have to agree with you!” Jonas replied as he followed the others to the ring room.

The rings were wide enough to carry four of them at at time, if the went in pairs. As it was they went by teams: the four Russian members together in military formation and the four members of Sg-1 together, with Jonas in the center. They all materialzied within a few meters of the gate itself. Which, as Daniel would later note, made sense. The Goa'uld were both secretive and paranoid. Direct temple to gate access added to both interests. It wasn't until they actually made it through the gate and were back at Stargate Command anyone noticed Lt. Tolinev was lagging behind. The explanation was obvious: there was a gash in her head.

“I guess those people were pretty good at things when they set their mind to it.” O'Neill muttered.

Jonas nodded. “Whether planned by the Goa'uld for Ragnorok or insurance from the fearful, I'd have to agree.”

General Hammond walked to the bottom of the ramp, which led to the gate. It was only after noticing his presence that Jonas took his eyes off of his rescuers.

“General Hammond,” Colnel O'Neill stated formally. “May I introduce you to Jonas Quinn: the single bravest science nerd I have ever met off world.” O'Neill stood aside to let the medical staff through, careful not to get in anyone's way. “And may I present, the eye of Tiamen,” He continued, holding up the jewel. “the single most over-rated rock in the known gate-network.” He handed his superior officer the medalion.

“It's going to be a long debriefing people, we'll get you all checked out by our doctors and start in three hours.” Hammond stated in a cool tone. “Except you mister Quinn. I'd like to see you immediately after you're medically cleared.”

Jonas looked confused and slightly alarmed. At least, this was the impression Doctor Jackson got watching his reaction. “It's alright.” The historian told the young explorer. “The general thinks you can talk more freely to him when you're not worried about what the rest of us think. We know your character, he is more interested in your culture and history, how things are in your world.”