Chapter Text
“I’m not sure this is wise.” General Hammond sat down behind his desk, motioning toward the chair across from him. Major Paul Davis slipped into the chair, his back straight as he met the older man’s gaze.
“I’ve read the reports…”
“Let me stop you there, Major. You and I both know this is not about SG-1.”
“Isn’t it?” Davis asked. “From the Pentagon’s standpoint, there are gaps that are not explained. They want a more thorough interview with Dr Jackson.”
“Why him? Why not Jack?”
Davis thinned his lips, considering his reply. It was a delicate situation. One he would need to tread carefully if he was to be granted access to the elusive archaeologist. The one thing he had no doubt is Hammond’s loyalty to his people. That he would do whatever he needed to, to protect them.
“It is believed that Dr Jackson might have more insight into the events that occurred because of his training as an archaeologist. As you know, there are some concerns to the risk posed to Earth should the portal open in the future.”
Hammond sighed. These decisions were never easy. And he knew enough to know that it would not go away if he denied Davis the chance to do this.
“Very well. I will allow it, but I will vet the final report before you send it. I will also hold you personally responsible, Major Davis, should there be any leak whatsoever regarding this mission and its outcome.”
“It is purely a fact-finding interview, General. To close the gaps that were noticed in the report.”
“See that it stays that way, Major. Or you will have me and the rest of this mountain to deal with.”
***********************
The lake shimmered in the sunlight; small waves lapped at the shoreline. He stood on the edge, the feel of stones smooth against his feet. In the distance, ripples spread out as an object rose out of the water…
“Dr Jackson, you ready, sir?”
Daniel blinked. The lake disappeared, and then he was back in his room. Back on Earth. Back at Stargate Command. There was a dull ache behind his eyes, a lingering headache left over from his concussion that he was still struggling to shake.
The MP was standing patiently in his doorway. Seemingly aware that Daniel is going to need a minute.
“I’ll uh, be with you shortly.” Daniel mumbled. His vision dissipated into grey walls lined with books, knick-knacks and an open textbook of ancient Celtic drawings. Daniel closed the book with a sigh. The time he took to tidy his room gave him back some semblance of control.
“Dr Jackson?”
“Yes, sorry.”
“You might need shoes, sir.”
Daniel looked down at his feet. He gave the MP a brief smile and then sat down to grab socks and his boots. He followed the man down the corridor. The familiar markings on the wall were grounding. It helped to think he was here and not back there.
You ask too many questions, Daniel…
He didn’t slow his pace. The words washed over him, bringing a hint of nostalgia that he struggled to contain.
Not now…please. Don’t.
“Sir?”
“I’m fine.”
The MP gave him a look but turned and continued down the hallway. He pressed the button for the lift, standing at ease while Daniel fidgeted. At least no one was in the lift, and they went down two levels. This was a part of Stargate Command Daniel didn’t know well. He rarely needed to be here. He felt slightly lost by the time they entered a nondescript meeting room.
It was bland with a table, and three chairs arranged around it. Major Davis was already present, seated at one side, an aide sitting in a chair next to him with an open notebook and a few HB pencils that lay in a neat row. A water jug completed the picture with three glasses set out.
Daniel sat down in the remaining chair as the MP who had brought him closed the door with a nod from Davis. The major gave him a brief smile.
“Hello Daniel. How are you doing?”
“Under the circumstances, okay.” Daniel answered. “George said you had some questions about my report?”
“Yes. Will you be okay with it?”
No. But what choice did he have but to play along?
“Yes.”
Davis seemed to consider his answer before he gave a brief nod to the aide, who rose and poured water for all three of them. Daniel was drawn to the flow of water…
The spray that hit him from the waterfall was cold against his skin; his shirt was already wet, clinging to his body in a way that was quickly becoming uncomfortable…
“Do you understand that this is a debriefing and not a court-martial?”
Daniel blinked. The words took a moment to register on his periphery of conscious thought. The aid sat the glass of water down in front of him, breaking the spell he seemed to be under.
“Dr Jackson?”
Of course. Not that hard to see where they were going with this. Daniel shifted in his seat. Major Davis waited patiently, and the archaeologist realised he needed to provide an answer to the question.
“Fine. Yes.”
“Given the uh… … difficulties you have been experiencing, would you like a support person to be present?”
Daniel gave him a look of contempt. “No.”
“Very well. Please state your name and designation, facing the camera full on.”
He looked up. He hadn’t seen them come into this room. They sat flush in the corners of the room; the red indicator light was blinking slowly.
Daniel, what do you observe? Look carefully. Study…
The words echoed in his head. That lesson had been particularly hard. He should’ve seen it. It was obvious now. Not a great start to this interview…
“Is this being recorded?” Daniel asked the obvious question.
“Name and designation, please.”
Daniel grimaced. So, this is how it’s going to be.
Steady, Daniel.
He straightened in his chair. Faced the cameras fully and with a clear voice, said, “Dr Daniel Jackson. I’m a civilian archaeologist and linguist assigned to SG-1.” His eyes dropped, meeting Davis for the first time since he sat down in this room. “Is that what you wanted me to say?”
The aide made a note in his notebook. Daniel couldn’t see what he wrote. Decided in the end that it didn’t matter.
“That is fine.”
The major opened the file that was on the table before him for the first time. It was bulky, and Daniel could see typed notes and photos layered inside. A story told that he had lived.
He looked away. He didn’t want to do this. His courage felt like it was haemorrhaging from his soul. He wiped his hands on his pants and took a calming breath as Davis spoke.
“Very well, this is regarding PX7-34526 and the events that unfolded on the planet.”
All it takes is one act of courage, Daniel. It is enough to turn the tide of war…to lead men you have to care…
“Where do you want me to start?” Daniel asked softly. There was a strength in his voice that he didn’t feel. His heart was an aching beat in his chest. He wondered how much of his anxiety the others could see. If his pulse point was visible to all who were going to view the video.
“How about at the beginning?”
Daniel drummed his fingers on the table, scrutinising both of them, and then looked up at the camera. Anger was a steady emotion, burning away his fear when he turned his gaze back to Davis. It wasn’t hard to figure out the endgame in all of this.
“It’s not their fault.”
“Dr Jackson…”
“No!”
Daniel leaned forward and pointed a finger at both men. “I know what this is. What if I were to tell you that there was no choice? That we did what we had to. You can’t court-martial someone for events that are outside their control.”
“This is a debriefing…”
It was pathetic, really. Daniel didn’t know what to say to the company line. This wasn’t a debriefing. Not really.
“So you say...”
Mind your words, Daniel. You know what is at stake…
The encouragement helped. Even if the voice in his head would alarm others. McKenzie will have a field day if he knew. If he had seen what SG-1 had gone through. If they had put everything in the report, it would be the end of the team. Daniel was sure of it.
“Look, there was a prophecy…”
No. Maybe this borders on disbelief…Who would believe him?
He plopped back down on the chair, suddenly tired.
The sky was streaked with colour, spread out to the horizon. And before him, there was a lake; the waves lapped at his feet…
“There were things at play outside of our control on another plane…” He wasn’t aware that he had said the words out loud. Only realised it when Davis looked at him with confusion.
“Sorry…”
“Daniel?” There was so much that was unsaid in that one word.
“I’m fine.”
Davis clearly didn’t believe him. His hand rose to his ear, and he got the look of someone whose attention had been divided. The major glanced behind him at the camera and then made a gesture with his left hand.
“Okay, Daniel. Why don’t you start at the beginning?”
Which one? Daniel reached out. Took a sip of the now lukewarm water. It wet his lips. Wet his dry mouth as he tried to figure out exactly what they wanted to know.
“How far back do you want me to go?”
Davis turned the first page. There were photos and drawings, held together by a clip. They drew Daniel’s attention immediately. It wasn’t hard to guess anymore. He felt some relief. At least this he could deal with without spilling his guts on things he definitely didn’t want to share.
“According to the gate notes, you found the address for this planet on a dig site in England?”
***********************
“Daniel, you should see it. It’s pristine. We have never seen anything like it before. We sent a sample for carbon dating. It definitely falls within the period…”
Daniel smiled, hefting his carry-on onto his back. “You realise that over the many years that others have investigated or written about Arthur, there is quite a big age gap dating from the late 5th to late 15th century.”
“Don’t be a spoilsport, my dear chap. This site dates back to the post-Roman, early 6th century. Old enough for you?”
Daniel couldn’t help but chuckle. Professor Evans had always been a bit of a pariah. He had his own view of things and he didn’t much care for grumpy old farts, as he called his colleagues. The tweed jacket and peaked hat didn’t help with the image, but it is what made Professor Evans someone interesting. He clapped Daniel on the shoulder, pulling him towards an old Wolseley.
“Come, dear boy. Adventure awaits.”
***********************
“You and the rest of SG-1 were on an extended break during this time after PY3-45329?” Davis asked.
“A two-week holiday. Jack had gone fishing. I think Sam ended up going to her brother and Teal’c went off-world to visit his son.”
“Very well. Coming back to your trip…you were on site at the dig?”
“It was the third day when I found a fragment hidden in a jar…”
***********************
The jar was fragile. How it had survived was beyond Daniel’s understanding. Once upon a time, something had been painted on the clay. There are shades of ink that are now nothing more than darkened shadows. Barely discernible as something more than water damage. His hand was steady as he removed the lid. He didn’t dare to breathe. Waited until he was certain that no wind stirred inside the tent.
Only then did he carefully remove the single fragment of paper that was still viable. He was careful as he slid it between two glass panels. Ensuring that it was secure before he bent over the table to study it.
The script was scarcely legible. He was careful as he traced the letters into his own notebook. Sounding the words out as he did.
He was halfway through his translation of the fragmented words when he saw the symbol drawn in the margin. He frowned. Searching through the paraphernalia on the table, he found what he was looking for. Underneath the magnifying glass, the symbol was clear as day.
Daniel swore.
***********************
“Except that wasn’t the only thing you found?” Davis said, pulling out a set of photos.
“No….”
***********************
“What do you think this means?”
Daniel heard half of the question. Distracted as he paged through his notes. Prof Evans had carefully turned the sandwiched fragment and was bent over the table.
“What?”
“It looks like a doorway…you know. Like Lord of the Rings when Gandalf stood in front of Moria.”
Daniel frowned and then joined the professor at the table. He hadn’t even checked the back of the fragment yet. Had been too distracted by the gate symbol in the margin, trying to find a similar one in his notes.
It looked like the doors of Durin. Vines curled around the doorposts, and some sort of flower bloomed; its petals were broad, thinning out so that it almost resembled an orchid. There were words written next to it in a neat script.
Here waits Arthur Pendragon, high king of Briton and the Once and Future King
***********************
“You knew what it meant?”
Daniel scrunched his eyes as if he were in pain. He removed his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. With a tired sigh, he said, “Of course. Look, you have all of this already.” He leaned back in his chair. His glasses were on the table, forgotten. Daniel pointed to the file that was open before them on the table. “Why do I need to go over this again?”
The small, tinny voice was barely audible, but enough that Davis grimaced. Daniel was fed up. With a disgusted sneer, he rose from his seat and paced. Trying to burn off his agitation.
This wasn’t right. He shouldn’t be the one doing this. It’s all in his report…
Abruptly, Daniel turned and looked up at the cameras. “Uh…you know what. I think I’m done. Court-martial me, or better yet, fire me. I don’t care.”
He backed towards the door, opened it, and found that the two airmen who had escorted him down to this level barred his way.
“Doctor Jackson, do you need a minute?” Davis asked him.
Daniel turned, not even trying to disguise his anger anymore. “No! I don’t need a minute. Or an hour. You can’t... damn it. Just… I should’ve seen it. That the Ancients were involved, playing us for fools. We were chess pieces on their board, part of a cosmic game we didn’t understand.”
Davis frowned. Daniel tried to remember. Tried to think about what he had said when he had done his initial report. Whether he had mentioned the Ancients at all.
It was all a blur. It was frustrating as hell when he realised, he might’ve just given the men behind the camera something to speculate about.
“You think you were targeted? Specifically, SG-1?” Davis asked, bringing Daniel’s attention back to the room and the reason they were here.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Daniel threw his hands up in the air. He added Jack’s sarcasm and an eye roll at their stupidity as he replied, “Because we’ve defeated Ra. And then we defeated Apophis. And as you know, other System Lords...”
“Sure…. now let’s get back on track. You found a gate symbol on an ancient scroll…” Davis said smoothly, looking down at his file.
“It wasn’t a scroll.” Daniel said as he stepped back towards the table. He spread the photos out on the table. “It was a fragment. Nothing more than that.”
“Very well. Why don’t you sit down and tell us about the tomb?”
***********************
“Do you think he’s still in there?” Professor Evans whispered. Daniel didn’t blame him. Opening the tomb had taken effort and involved the National Trust, a local digger, and a signed-off affidavit from a notary that they weren’t about to rob the place.
They had found cups and plates neatly placed in crates against the entrance wall. There were some gold coins, the stamp of some Roman governor on them that Daniel couldn’t comfortably point to who it was. Against the opposite wall stood a few shields and a bunch of rusting swords completed the picture.
It was consistent with post-Roman Britain. But what had drawn his attention, and almost anyone else who stepped into the cramped room, was the tomb set in the back of the room. Four menhirs stood upright, holding up a stone slab over the tomb. Intricate petroglyph carvings were etched into the pillars.
Daniel reverently stepped closer, reaching out and touched the Ogham script. Without thinking about it, he read the words it as he murmured into a voice recorder.
It told the story of a great sacrifice. Of loyalty. Of a friendship that stood against great evil.
It spoke of the intervention of the Emrys that saved a world from destruction.
***********************
“And you thought this pointed to Arthur and Merlin?”
“Off course. Why wouldn’t I make that inference?” Daniel said with exasperation.
“That wasn’t all, was it, Doctor Jackson? There was more…”
“Yes,” Daniel pulled a photo from the pile unerringly. Pointing to the edgings visible, he continued, “Beneath the story, they had carved seven symbols that would point to a new world for all those who seek peace.”
“There were no remains?”
“No. The tomb was empty.” Daniel pushed the photo away from him. He could feel the beginnings of his anxiety stir. A tight knot in his stomach that didn’t want to unwind.
“Hindsight is always 20/20,” he breathed. “That alone should’ve been a red flag. I…I just didn’t see it.”
“According to the logs, the address was added to the list?”
Daniel’s hands tingled. He rose from his seat, glancing up at the cameras again. “Um…I convinced General Hammond to put the address in rotation. You have to understand,” he implored, “in the legends Arthur was mortally wounded and he was carried off to the mystical isle of Avalon. If this address pointed to Avalon,” he raised his voice, stabbing with his finger at the offending photo, “then it would be a massive find.”
Davis leaned back in his seat. His voice was calm when he stated, “As part of your argument, you mentioned the likely location of Atlantis.”
“Yes,” Daniel paced away from the table. His chest was tightening. An uncomfortable band that stretched across his rib cage, making it hard to breathe. He continued, hoping that it would be enough. “Because I believed they were linked. If there were an ancient outpost or city, it could very well contain the history of ancient Britain and maybe with it the address to the mythical Atlantis.” Turning, so he faced the pair, he took a deep breath, but it didn’t seem to help. “Some think the Isle of Avalon was part of the legend of Lyonesse, which again pointed to Atlantis.”
Davis grimaced. “A bit of a stretch?”
“I will not debate this here.” Daniel’s voice rose, his breathing increased. He blinked against the dark spots that appeared in his vision. “I stand by my reasons on why I wanted to visit the planet.”
“Very well. You dialled the gate.”
“Well, yeah, um, I mean, Walter did his thing. The lock was good, and we sent the MALP through. It was normal, like any of the other myriad worlds we’ve visited. It looked like a temperate climate. Old-growth forest surrounded the gate. There was no hint of any kind of civilization. There were no pyramids. We didn’t see any ha’taks. There were no Jaffa guarding the gate. There was no sign or indication of any advancement or that this could be a stronghold for a go’auld. It looked serene…um, peaceful.”
“There was no warning?”
“No!” Daniel snapped. Hugging himself in a desperate attempt to self-soothe, he crouched down. “The MALP showed that the sky was blue and the sun was shining…” he finally whispered, closing his eyes. He remembered it well. Could feel the sun on his skin, the shadows in the forest that surrounded them. The feel of the wind stirring the grass…
“…It was…” Daniel wasn’t aware anymore of the room with Davis. “I…It was…”
“Dr Jackson, are you okay?” He heard the question, but it was a long distance away from this room. The Stargate stood, a sentinel to this place that held so many secrets.
“Dr Jackson?”
A hand touched him. Daniel blinked, trying to make sense of it. He pushed away, scrambling backward until his back hit something solid.
“Wait! Don’t touch him.”
The scrubs rustled, and there was a movement as something big stepped forward…sun dappled fur, a ripple of shadow and light as horns parted the trees…
“Hey, Dr Jackson…Daniel. Are you with us?”
Daniel murmured a name. Watched in fascination as the forest opened up before him.
“Can you make it out? It’s something about …Nim…Nemo?”
Brown eyes met his own. Wise with age, a head heavy with its crown. A foot pawed at the ground, leaving furrows edged into the soil.
“It was Nimue.” He said with finality. Heard a voice, clear as day, speak inside his soul.
Daniel. You came…
“What?” It was Davis, but he wasn’t here, in this place. He wasn’t real. Daniel smiled and then said, “The sun…it was gone when we stepped through the gate because of Nimue…”