Stargate: The Avalon conundrum

Chapter six

2012 August 10

Sosohr

Forest

It had been nearly an hour since they had left Agrue, bidding him farewell after ensuring him that they would return the next day. The sun was already setting, the sky a beautiful bright orange and pink swirling together as John's radio activated and Ry'tac told them they were nearly at his location.

"Anyhow, I should tell you both this right now before we return to Earth. The IOA has been trying to get me transferred to one of their bases to help with experimentation. Which means nothing good. They have no right to do this of course, so if I am gone and they claim I went voluntarily do not believe them for a single second! Ok?"

Surprised the IOA were so brazen Rodney quietly asked John, "So what have they been up to now?"

"They tried to have me transferred by using falsified documents with General Landry. Who of course did not fall for such a scam, but it was only their first step." Sighing, John closed his eyes, wondering how Elizabeth would have solved this dilemma with the IOA.

"Before we left two of their people approached me as well which was quite bold. One of them introduced himself as Dayson Cole, a direct representative of Mr. Strom. So you two, please remember that name."

Curious about this research he had not heard about, Rodney asked John if this Dayson mentioned what kind of research it was they were doing. Wondering what they would need John's help with.

Thinking back to the short exchange John sighed again before answering with a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"Those men mentioned research to better understand the ATA gene. Since Dr. Becket's research is tightly locked away after testing found they could not improve the rate of success I doubt it has to do with the gene therapy. Most likely they are interested in creating some sort of ATA gene interface. Just like the one the Travelers were making. They probably want to be less reliant on the cooperation of gene holders once they get their sticky hands on some Ancient technology."

Slightly confused at the Earth terms used Lesya asked, "Colonel Sheppard, what do sticky hands mean?"

"Sticky hand is a term for thieves. They steal stuff, as in everything sticks to their hands and disappears in their pockets. Does that make sense Lesya?" John asked the Jaffa, while making a mental note to get a list of idioms and sayings together for her and Ry'tac to read through.

Nodding Lesya thought about it for a moment. "And who are the travelers?" Lesya asked while fastening the strap of her backpack.

Contacting Ry'tac on his radio to ask how far ahead he was John answered Lesya, while waiting for Ry'tac to answer.

"They are a group of nomadic humans who live aboard their spaceships and travel the galaxy, specifically the Pegasus galaxy. Only landing to resupply, trade, or to perform repairs."

Before John could continue in more detail on Larrin and the other people they had met over the years, Ry'tac contacted them.

"I am roughly one minute of walking to your west, Colonel Sheppard."

Turning around to walk west the three members of SG-14 reached a small clearing in which the Jumper immediately de-cloaked. Walking onto the already lowered ramp, John, Rodney and Lesya entered the Jumper.

"So Ry'tac, how was your first experience flying the Jumper," John asked the young Jaffa, curious how talented he was with the Jumper its mental interface.

Excited to share his first flight Ry'tac quickly turned the chair to face the three of them.

"It was incredible Colonel Sheppard! The mental interface works fluently and swiftly, responding to commands incredibly quick. It did take me a few minutes to activate the flight system at first, but I still feel connected. My best guess would be that the Jumper needs to get used to someone who is connecting for the first time, creating some sort of profile of their mental responses."