SM-1 Episode 5 - "The Enemy Within"

[Dominic Evans]

1725 Zulu
1025 Local Time
Tasmania, Australia
Earth

Dominic leaned back in the co-pilot's chair as Chicago took the Jumper up and out of Cheyenne Mountain. For a moment it was quite impressive, SG-3's two Jumpers had gone in front and the convoy took the Captain's breath away, until all three engaged their cloaks. He glanced down at the paper briefing file that was clutched in his hand, a secret operative's photograph showed what looked like at least 50 Eastern European migrants being herded into a refrigerated container by armed guards. A second photograph from a drone showed that very same container on a shipping vessel at sea. He turned the page, a map displayed the route the vessels had taken - they'd ended up in Tasmania of course. Well, that explained the bodies. The Cult had been using their links to major organizations around the world to keep a fresh food supply of immigrants, the one type of people that nobody ever missed as they were never on anybody's books to begin with, smart.

Evans glanced up and was in awe of what he saw as Chicago smoothly took the Jumper up to the very edge of the atmosphere, this explained why it was such a short journey at any rate. He had no idea how fast they were travelling but it looked pretty speedy, the ancient inertial dampeners were doing a great job of hiding the fact. Turning in his seat to face the rest of the team in the rear compartment he asked,
"Hey have you wondered, why Tasmania of all places?"
"Actually yes," it was Daniel Jackson who replied first, "I can only assume that the Cult are seeking the Stargate and they know that Cheyenne Mountain is like the proverbial Fort Knox. Perhaps they believe we still have a second Stargate in Antarctica? Tasmania serves as the main port to and fro for most of our expeditionary crew. With the Anubis situation a few years ago, it probably drew their attention to the area."

The Captain cast a quick concerned glance at Pandora Banks sat quietly at the rear of the Jumper. She was absorbed in the briefing files, her gaze fixed on a corner of the page. He felt a pang of sorrow for her, being told you had a bloodline and a virus that when combined could potentially end life as you know it and turn you into a soul-sucking monster, how the hell do you handle news like that? He knew the rest of the team would do their best to try and fix this, for her and for the rest of the population.

Clearing his throat, Evans decided to step up to his role as team XO and finish briefing the team on the last few pieces of the puzzle before they arrived into the fray,
"Since they're on the IOA nowadays and part of the international gate treaty, the Australian government knows the real story here. The cover story for the military and the general public is there's a new, deadly strain of bird flu virus that has humans dropping like flies. We're there to contain the situation and," he patted the sidearm on his left thigh, "we have information that a terrorist organization may have gained control of the virus." Okay, so it wasn't too wild and it wasn't too far from the truth, it would certainly pass the bar with most people. He wasn't sure that those ground units who saw the corpses would buy it though, but that was something they could deal with later, Stargate Command had a close eye on this one.

As the Jumpers started the second half of their journey, the descent down toward the continent, the whole team was captivated. There was a beautiful morning ahead on the horizon, silvery slips on sunlight played on tops of the clouds and the light curved across the Earth as far as the eye could see. Evans checked the display screen, they were heading for a heavily forested area just south of the Capital city, Hobart. The caves systems lay within the national park somewhere. He pulled up the information for the L-Z secured by the local military as a transmission came in from SG-3's Jumper, it was Reynolds,
"Jumper One to Jumpers Two and Three, come in, over."
"Go ahead," Evans replied.
"We've established comms with the locals, they state there's a large forest fire a few clicks from our LZ. It shouldn't affect us and the wind is blowing the other direction, but bear it in mind and bank around it, our cloaks are next to useless in a cloud of smoke and we'll be spotted. Over."
"All received Jumper One, thank you." Evans closed the transmission and nodded to Chicago, she took them on a gentle port side bank as they descended into Tasmania.

<tag Ahrima Albus Mylan Chicago "Roo" Eastlyn Maggie Lefebvre James Mulholland Liam Hart Pandora Banks Plot Twist>

[Ahrima]

1636
Jumper Bay
Stargate Command
Earth

The briefing had finally pointed them in a single direction at which to strike, and hopefully they would be able to put an end to this particular threat once and for all. Of course, most of the Tau'ri weren't known for expeditiously eliminating threats. Quite a few seemed to suffer from a nasty nuisance known as mercy. They always seemed to believe that the opposition could be redeemed. It was a dream... what the young of the Tau'ri called a fairy tale. When confronted with a monster, there was likely only a single solution: slay it.

Having gathered her supplies, Ahrima began to make her way to the Jumper Bay. She was pleased when General Landry announced their mode of transportation. It was much more efficient compared to the Tau'ri's archaic modes of transportation. It certainly allowed them the opportunity to arrive timely to their destination. As she began to board the jumper, she heard Maggie's voice, but was at first unaware that the woman had addressed her.

"Hey, ALF. What's a wraith, exactly?"

Ahrima paused and stared at the woman a moment. "ALF?" she asked. "My designation is Ahrima... not ALF." She began to ponder if this was yet another term of endearment, such as the one they had previously chosen... Mork. Ahrima rolled her eyes as Evans emerged to explain to her what a Wraith was. The Tau'ri felt the need to name and rename everything. It was rather annoying.

“A wraith is your worst nightmare. A being that sucks the very life force out of you leaving you nothing but a lifeless, withered husk. I suggest you read up quickly – briefing file should cover it.”

Ahrima proceeded to board the jumper and took her seat after stowing her equipment. As she buckled in, she made certain that the headband was affixed to cover her forehead. Considering the amount of time she was spending on Earth, and as much of it as she was seeing, she was considering the offer previously made to remove the tattoo. Thought for another time. She proceeded to read the file that had been given to her as Evans had suggested. Before they took off, Ahrima had to admit to some surprise at seeing that Doctor Banks had been assigned to the team as well.

---

1728 Zulu
1028 Local Time
Tasmania, Australia
Earth

She could feel the jumper begin to go into its descent. That meant that they were close to their destination. She had listened to much of the musings as they traveled, how the Ninlil were likely looking for the second Stargate in Antarctica. As they began their descent, Ahrima's eyes turned forward as she tried to catch a glimpse of what awaited them down below. As they landed, Ahrima rose from her seat and then proceeded towards the exit. Stepping on the ground, her eyes peered around only to find some of the members of SG-3 stepping out of what appeared to be nothing.

<TAG: Chicago "Roo" Eastlyn, Dominic Evans, Maggie Lefebvre, Liam Hart, Albus Mylan, Pandora Banks, James Mulholland, Plot Twist>

[Dominic Evans]

1730 Zulu
1028 Local Time
Tasmania, Australia
Earth

One by one the team filtered out of their Jumper, in the clearing opposite them SG-3 began to appear and the support team were further away still. Just across from the two ships was a dark cave that would serve as their entrance way into the caverns. It would normally be frequented by hiking groups and tourists, today it saw a different species altogether. Captain Dominic Evans whistled to the team, they had incoming. He cursed under his breath but thankfully Chicago had the foresight to uncloak Jumper One, Jumper Two quickly followed suit before the native patrol rounded the corner. Evans straightened himself out and approached them man, holding out a hand he introduced himself,
"Captain Dominic Evans, MI-6 and part of the international task force designed to mop up this mess. And you are?"
James Mulholland introduced himself in turn, the two shook hands.

Evans glanced up over the treeline, the distant smoke was black and thick, blotting out part of the sun.
"We'd better keep eyes on that, it's one problem we could do without right about now." 
After Mulholland replied, Evans turned to the Jumpers,
"These are our new flying pods, straight out of NASA. We have some specialist gear we need hauling into the caves, could you give us a hand?" He gestured toward SG-3 who were now lifting boxes into the cave entrance as directed by Daniel Jackson. Evans knew he wouldn't be able to keep up the facade for long, a military man would see straight through the likes of Jackson, Mylan and Banks being in a war zone. That and the multiple nationality rag-tag team was sure to arouse suspicion. The team set about off-loading the gear, it was quiet for now but if the cult really were based here, they didn't have long before it all went to hell in a hand basket.

<tag James Mulholland Albus Mylan Maggie Lefebvre @danieljackson Pandora Banks Chicago "Roo" Eastlyn Ahrima Liam Hart>

[Maggie Lefebvre]

1735 Zulu
1029 Local Time
Tasmania, Australia
Earth

Maggie made sure to apply more sunscreen before she stepped out of the Jumper. She was TOTALLY willing to turn in her badge NOW, actually...the desert. She didn't CARE that it was Australia-she wasn't here on Holiday, and this was NOT a place she would pick, anyway. They were like Brits, except LOUDER. And she could FEEL her hair starting to frizz from the lack of moisture. She flipped down her sunglasses, and moved her neckerchief from her neck to her head. That would DO, and yes, she was ENTIERELY out of uniform, and yes, Major Eastlyn could MAJORLY stuff it. She didn't care, the woman was gonna have BIGGER problems if they didn't find shade, STAT. Even the arrival of a new blonde didn't bouy her spirits. She leaned against the jumper, popped some gum, and did her best to look as bored as possible, which wasn't hard.

Captain Dominic Evans, MI-6 and part of the international task force designed to mop up this mess. And you are? INTERNATIONAL?! Right, stick a pretty French girl with a Khaki solider and you could call yourself "cultured." She fought back a snort, and raised her eyebrows at the men who had begun loading whatever gear they had lugged with them into caves. Effing caves. They JUST got back from ANOTHER freakin' desert full of caves to a SLIGHTLY more populated desert with caves?! This was unreal. What WERE they looking at?! Oh, right, her. It was a rare day when she was too upset to care. And would Dominic shut up already so they could move out?! We'd better keep eyes on that, it's one problem we could do without right about now. Apparently NOT. She stepped forward-the others rolled thier eyes, but she was serious this time. She let Dominic finish before she started.

These are our new flying pods, straight out of NASA. We have some specialist gear we need hauling into the caves, could you give us a hand? She stepped between the two men, and tossed a blonde braid out of her way. She indicated Chicago.

Hey, Major. Why don't they stay and help Dom, and Ahrima and I go scout that mess? She pointed to the fires. She'd take a coupla Marines with her, if she had to, but she needed to MOVE. She didn't CARE what she was doing, but baking in the heat was not it. Besides, it didn't take a genius to figure out that a bunch of aliens in close proximity to even MORE aliens was a surefire way to start the War of the Worlds, and Maggie fully intended to be down wind of THAT. She could keep at least Ahrima safe if they were further away. She didn't yet, of course, realize that Ahrima could hold her own, but even still. Maggie was starting to LIKE Ahrima, and at least she'd be out of everyone's hair. Seemed like a good idea to HER, anyway. And hey, the Blonde Aussie could be an EXCELLENT distraction from the heat, right?!

Tag:@dominic, Chicago "Roo" Eastlyn, James Mulholland, Albus Mylan, Ahrima, @laimhart, Plot Twist, and I am forgetting someone else, I just know it.

[James Mulholland]

1731
Tasmania, Australia
Earth

"Ne'er thought I'd say this to a Pom, but... You're a sight for sore eyes, Cap... Captain James Mulholland, Special Air Service Regiment. I'm in command of Red Troop here." James shook hands with the British Captain.

"As you can see, we just had a little run-in with a few blokes trying to kill us. We've held 'em off for now, but they'll be back sooner, rather than later. As long as I don't know their numbers, I'm reluctant to send a patrol after them" Jim said, looking at the trees. He could distinguish a few bodies lying there. While every time they went out, they risked this, it had never been on their own soil.

The Captain looked at the flying pod. It looked like... Not something the Americans would build. It had weird engravings, and it wasn't carrying any weapons. Definately not American. Didn't all their vehicles carry weapons?

"Oi! Wallace, Higgins, and Mikealson! Lend a hand!" the Captain shouted at three of his men, each in another patrol so as to not make any flank weaker. Jim moved towards the vehicle, and picked up a crate while his men did the same.

[Chicago "Roo" Eastlyn]

1735
Tasmania, Australia

SG-3 were milling about and helping Daniel get his various crates into the caves. Chicago let Dom handle the introductions with the local troop and she took a few steps away from them all to stretch her legs out after sitting in that chair the whole flight, and to familiarise herself with the landscape before things got hot again, which they inevitably would.

The end of the tragedy that was her hair right now nearly smacked her in the face, she turned so quickly when she heard a voice addressing her. ”Hey, Major. Why don't they stay and help Dom, and Ahrima and I go scout that mess?” Maggie’s words rolled around her mind for a moment before she gave the woman a nod. ”Alright then Lieutenant, take Ahrima and see what you can see - don’t get too close.” Roo didn’t have any qualms about sending the Jaffa out with the Frenchwoman - it was widely known in Stargate Command circles that Ahrima was a more than capable warrior (as all Jaffa were, let’s be honest). Chicago gestured to the walkie clipped to the shoulder of her own shirt, ”Stay on channel 3, keep us posted. We need to know what’s happening.” She figured she’d probably been displaying her exasperation at being saddled with France’s apparent problem child more than necessary and was yet to give the woman a chance. Besides, it wasn’t Lefebvre’s fault that they were having a less than thrilling first mission together. ”Once all of Jackson’s crap is in the caves, we’ll send a couple of SG-3 men along after you.”

With Ahrima and Maggie on their way off to investigate what may or may not be happening or not happening towards the smoke, Roo surveyed the activity of everyone else around her before whistling to grab their attention so she could give orders, even though it felt abit strange with the CO of SG-3 present and he outranked her - this was a continuation of their original mission and SM-1 would be taking point. ”Right, here’s what’s happening. Colonel Reynolds, if you’d be so kind, I need a couple of your men and half of Red Troop here to secure a perimeter outside the entrance to the caves - keep a close watch, we don’t know when our friends are going to come back. Radio check-ins every ten minutes. The rest of you will accompany the good Doctors Jackson, Banks and Mylan further into the caves so they can do their thing and hopefully get us on our way to getting a handle on this….outbreak..” Chicago figured that her and Dom would end up where-ever they were needed most. ”We need to move quickly, we don’t know how much time we have. If anyone has any questions, best ask ‘em now - otherwise, we’re rolling out.”

<Tag: Dominic Evans, Maggie Lefebvre, Ahrima, James Mulholland, Jason Conway as Daniel Jackson, @pandora, Albus Mylan, anyone else I’ve missed >

[Dominic Evans]

1755
Tasmania, Australia

In fifteen long minutes things were moving again. SG-3 had helped Evans and Dr. Jackson move the gear down into the entrance of the cave through a security fire door they'd propped open. They were just now setting about unpacking the speakers and microphones the SG-1 member had elected to bring along. Major Eastlyn had been calling the shots and ad ensured Banks and Mylan were reasonably happy in the Jumper until it was time for them to make the short trek across the clearing and down into the cave. At least if things went south they could seal the Jumper and call for back-up. Ahrima and Maggie had taken a hike into the woods to investigate the forest fire and report back shortly. The Captain was getting bored of one of the members of SG-3 pointing to a Ginkgo tree nearby and describing the various attributes and how they aren't native to the area. Evans watched a Gingko leaf fall to the ground and decided it was time to move away from this nutjob before he died of boredom. He made his way back up to the Jumper to collect the final few cases wondering how such a high-octane mission could turn into a dreary delivery service job so quickly.

As soon as he stepped onto the metallic ramp of the ancient ship, he knew something was wrong. Pandora Banks was sat with her head in her hands, in tears. Albus Mylan, clearly a heartless coward, was sat on his laptop ignoring her. Evans stalked forward gesturing as he did so,
"What the hell?" he mouthed at Albus, who ignored him. He sat next to Banks and put an arm on her shoulder, she shrugged him off with a wail and continued crying, Evans frowned. Suddenly, Pandora sat bolt upright looking wild eyed. In an eerie calm and level voice she spoke out loud,
"They know about her. They know she is the one to free us of our burden." Silence followed for a few tense moments.
"Oh... Kay. That was creepy Banks, is everything alright?" Evans asked. Pandora looked at him and lowered her gaze, she looked... Angry, Focused... Hungry?
"Resist Pandora. We are on our way. We will help you find what you need." She said, again in that creepy tone as before. Evans was getting bad vibes, he unclicked the holster on his side arm and raised a hand at Albus, who was now paying attention, to stay put.

He tried again to get through to her and break this, trance - that was the only word for it, by placing his hand on her wrist. She immediately recoiled and hissed at him,
"DON'T TOUCH ME!" she was visibly upset. Just like that, Pandora took off and ran out of the Jumper. Evans immediately set off at a run after her, damn she was fast, but Evans was thankful for all those gym sessions before coming out here.
"Sh*t", he cursed before pushing the button on his radio, "All call signs this is Captain Evans, we have a situation. Requesting back-up, repeat, requesting back-up. Something is wrong with Doctor Banks, she took off from Jumper Two, I'm in pursuit." He finished, catching his breath as he pushed on to make up some ground.

After a short chase, they wound at the National Park Ranger's Land Cruisers parked on the edge of the secured zone. Keys in the ignition of course, how helpful... Dominic yelled after her,
"Pandora, wait! We need to talk!"
"Stay away from me!" She yelled back, "I need to FEED!!"
Evans gained enough ground just as she opened the cruiser door and got his hand on her shoulders, pulling her back. Heat and strength and desire surged up in Pandora so forcefully that she turned and swung a blow directly at Dominic's head. He crumpled to the floor and didn't move.
"Control, must keep control!" She said, but she had no idea why, "Wait, don't leave!" She tried to shrug it off but the voices kept coming. She threw open the rear door of the Land Cruiser and tossed Dominic's motionless body across the seat. Slamming the door she jumped into the driver's seat and started the engine. Gravel sprayed up behind the vehicle as she set off at speed. She had no idea what was happening, yet somehow she knew exactly where to go.

<tag Chicago "Roo" Eastlyn James Mulholland Ahrima Albus Mylan Maggie Lefebvre and anyone else I forgot>

[Maggie Lefebvre]

1748
Tasmania
Earth

She was already gearing up to move out. She wasn't really going to WAIT for Chicago's permission, but still, it would be nice to have it. Finally, the woman spoke.

Alright then Lieutenant, take Ahrima and see what you can see - don’t get too close. Stay on channel 3, keep us posted. We need to know what’s happening... She was already off, and waved her hands at Eastlyn.

Yeah, yeah, keep you posted, don't get myself killed. Thanks for the advice! She was pulling Ahrima along with her, desperate to get out. Chicago finished.

Once all of Jackson’s crap is in the caves, we’ll send a couple of SG-3 men along after you. She turned, and smiled, hollering.

Make sure they're cute! She flipped down her sunnies, and turned back to Ahrima. She WAS careful to look, mostly for snakes (ew), and the two blondes proceed further into the desert. It was hilly terrain, but she was fit, and it was not a big deal for her. Ahrima seemed able to hold her own, too, and so Maggie engaged her in conversation.

So, how long have you worked with the Stargate? Where are you even FROM? Maggie didn't mind that she was talking to an alien, and she didn't want to stop to think about it. She just wanted to get some recon, then get the hell out of there. Back to a large city, preferably, with shopping, men, and resturants. The two women went back and forth for a bit, chatting about themselves. Maggie was careful to not reveal TOO much about herself-getting too close meant she got hurt, and she didn't know is she could handle more of THAT.

Finally, they had arrived at the treeline, and she stopped. Fires, certainly, burning...bodies?! What the HELL?! She turned her radio on and buzzed back to Eastlyn.

Barbie to base camp. We got bodies on fire...LOTS of bodies....a good several dozen. Barbie out. She looked to Ahrima. THIS was not good. She poked at one of the fires with the butt-end of her rifle. It STANK. She sighed, and looked at Ahrima.

What do we do, take the bodies?! Leave 'em out here? It was more or less rhetorical; SHE wasn't gonna touch the bodies. She did her best to organize them, and made sure there were no live ones. There weren't. She sighed. THIS was gonna be bad. She radioed back once more. Barbie to base, we're going to need fire retardant. No live ones, several dead. I'll do my best to ID them. Barbie out. She sighed, and set about looking around. There was nothing OBVIOUS-these people had been snatched, for whatever reason, from their daily activities, and...something caught her eye. Were those...bite marks?! Must be a large animal of some sort...or Wraiths. She sighed, and showed Ahrima.

Wraiths...keep my flanks covered, just in case they're watching us. She was now kneeled over the bodies, looking for something to identify them with. THAT, however, was outside of her training, and so when she realized that any sort of paper or plastic IDs would've been burnt, she stood. I suppose we better go help the three with the fire extinguishers. The two women headed back in the direction they came, this time quiet. It was just a few steps when a brush nearby caught fire-seemingly randomly. What?! She turned around...

Ahrima, look out! The Jaffa was able to move just as a fire began below her. Maggie herself jumped sideways. She radioed once more. Barbie here, if that scout team would HURRY, there's been developments. We're being fired on. Literally. Barbie out. She motioned to Ahrima to move sideways towards a large rock. Maggie was PRETTY sure rocks didn't catch fire. Or she HOPED she'd paid enough attention during science class that that was the case.

She was now a little scared.

Tag:Ahrima, Dominic Evans, Chicago "Roo" Eastlyn, James Mulholland, @albusmylan, Plot Twist.

[Jason Conway]

1755
Caves
Tasmania, Australia

The team were almost all done loading the gear down the steps, through the fire door and into the first chamber of the caves. They'd set up a generator to power the lighting and Jackson was instructing a couple of the soldiers on the set up he wanted for his speaker and microphone stand. Everyone was still a little confused as to why exactly the famous SG-1 member was holding open mic night for the Cult. He'd mentioned something about harmonic resonance in the brain, an ancient tablet and then had given up and waved them off with the promise of an explanation later on when they needed it.

Dr. Jackson heard it all unfold over the radio. Maggie and Ahrima had found the edge of the forest fire and on their way back had witnessed another one seemingly spring up in front of them. Then, Pandora Banks had run off with Dominic Evans in hot pursuit. Of course, things were going to get difficult just before they confronted their enemy who lay further down the passageways into the caverns. No doubt the cult knew the team were hear and this was all part of their tactics. Daniel had to give the Wraith their due, they were master strategists after all.

He climbed the steps back out to the entrance to get a better view of the Jumpers and see what he could do to help out. It was then that something caught his eye. There was smoke coming from a point just beyond Jumper Two, way closer than the distant forest fire.
"Okay..." He muttered to himself, "Looks like somebody doesn't want us to be here."
One of the soldiers from SG-3 ran up behind him,
"Sir, we've got noise coming up from the cave system now, all sorts of rumbling and shouting. It's not coming our way just yet but somethings down there."
"Thank you." He said before activating his radio, "This is Jackson, we've got fire near the cave entrance as well."
It was all up to Major Eastlyn now to bring it all together. Jackson ushered the rest of SG-3 and Mulholland's team down into the chamber,
"Come on, at least we can shut this door and wait it out if we have to."

<tag Liam Hart Dominic Evans Chicago "Roo" Eastlyn Maggie Lefebvre Ahrima Albus Mylan James Mulholland>

[Liam Hart]

1755
Tasmania, Australia

This was a hell show, and it happened to be in Australia of all places. It appeared that the Major and the team forgot about Liam, it didn't bother him much since he is the independent time of guy anyways. After all spending a year with alien hybrids, granted they were great people... you could say, having some alone time is always nice. Of course that didn't last long with fires spreading all over the place, the blonde women being together finding more fires, the Captain, Albus and Pandora opening Pandora's box doing whatever it is that they're doing. Doctor Jackson setting up speakers trying to negotiate or something, then well Liam didn't really track of what people are doing since things changed rapidly.

Liam wasn't far away from the jumpers when he had his sidearm out and ready to shoot anyone should they try and sneak up on him when he heard the British lad, Captain Evans over the radio saying something about Pandora's box, "All call signs this is Captain Evans, we have a situation. Requesting back-up, repeat, requesting back-up. Something is wrong with Doctor Banks, she took off from Jumper Two, I'm in pursuit." Liam turned around and ran back to the jumpers and looked around when he saw a shadow and he assumed it was Evans in pursuit, Liam quickly joined the pursuit and was a little ways behind the Captain when he went to the left to try and tried to speed up to cut her off or just to have another vantage point should he need to take action.

"Pandora, wait! We need to talk!" Evan's shouted.

"Stay away from me!" She yelled back, "I need to FEED!!"

Pandora took the Captain somehow and apparently knocked him out when she threw him in an Australian outback truck commonly used for off-road travel and for expeditions to see the wildlife. Liam knew what he had to do and she was about to take off with the Captain, Liam fired multiple shots at the car, not trying to wound the Captain or Pandora but trying to get the vehicle to stop. The car took off and Liam aimed for the tires and started shooting, apparently they missed but the dirt kicked up from the truck made it impossible to tell if any of the shots actually hit the truck. Shortly after the truck was gone and Liam reloaded his gun while getting on the radio, "This is Special Agent Hart, Pandora has the Captain captive, they're taking off in a truck heading west from the Jumpers, I fired multiple shots at the vehicle, a tire or two may have been shot out. We need eyes on that vehicle, Pandora is not herself, be prepared to shoot to kill." Liam wasn't a part of their team and had no idea what they thought about Pandora who also isn't part of the team but they have more experience with her but it is clear she isn't in control of herself anymore.

<Tag: Dominic Evans Chicago "Roo" Eastlyn Maggie Lefebvre Ahrima Albus Mylan James Mulholland Doctor Jackson>

[Jason Conway]

1805
Chamber One
Lilith Cave Network
Tasmania, Australia

The situation had very quickly gone from all under control to hell in a hand basket and the team had no idea why. Jackson had made one last trip from the comfort and safety of the cave entrance back toward the Jumper, he was surprised to see that in just a matter of five minutes the forest fires had spread. No, there were multiple separate fires. This had to be the work of the Cult, trying to stop them before they got too close. When he reached the Jumper, knowing that Pandora, Dominic and Agent Hart all had a situation of their own, he was surprised to find Albus Mylan missing as well. No time to think, the fires were too close now. He grabbed the last bit of kit he needed from under the seats and sprinted back down into the cave, hitting the Jumper's hatch button as he ran. He knew the ancient ship could survive the fire by itself as it threatened to engulf the clearing they'd landed in.

Inside the cave, things had taken a turn for the worst as well. The moment Dr. Jackson slammed the fire door shut and pulled the bar across, the noise began. He heard Colonel Reynolds and Mulholland shouting orders as SG-3 and the local team ran to take up defensive positions on the two tunnels leading off the chamber they were in. Jackson wasted no time, ducking under a dripping stalagmite he set to work assembly the kit. Naqaudah generator first, then speakers either side, then the laptop which would take a few moments.
"Jackson, did you bring guitar hero to a gunfight?" asked Reynolds.
"A speaker and a microphone, yes. You see the theory is that by invoking the names of three angels, Saney, Sansenoy and Samangelof, in a particular harmonic resonance, that we can keep the children of Lilith subdued, there is something in their genetic make-up that's like a kind of killswitch and-" Jackson replied. But before he could continue there was a shout from one of the SG-3 members, there was a great noise coming up from the cave network, it sounded like a LOT of boots and voices.
"God damn it, how many of them are there." Reynolds said to himself before setting about order a strategic defense of the tunnels.

Jackson could now hear the roaring fire outside trapping them in this chamber. This had to be a typical wraith tactic, cut off their only escape route and then swarm in for the feed. He hoped he was right about the angels. They all hoped he was right. While he desperately tried to get the laptop interface up and running in time, SG-3 and Mulholland's team opened fire. The Cult had were here, and they weren't going down easy.

<tag James Mulholland for the gunshow>

[James Mulholland]

1805
Chamber One
Lilith Cave Network
Tasmania, Australia


"Red Troop, we are cut-off. I want you to hold your positions, but pull out the moment this get too dicey. the Captain said to the members of his Troop that were outside. He didn't want them to take any risks. He arrived with 24 men, and by God he was going to bring them all home again tonight.

Then he turned to the six men he had with him. "Okay, boys. The way I see it, there's two caves, and there's enemies in both. What say you to a little expedition? he said with a slight hint of a grin on his face. Each and every one of his men was with him, they said. With that, Jim gave the order to move out.

His rifle raised, the Captain had the lead. He followed the tunnel, and it wasn't long till they hit resistance. They fell into a double rank formation. Three kneeling on the ground, and four standing behind them. All of them opened fire in short bursts. Four. Ten. Fifteen. Nineteen. Twenty-two. Twenty-six. Thirty. Reload.

Several enemies fell. All but one... A weird bloke, with long white hair and.. Gashes in his face? Reptillian eyes? "Take that bastard down!" Jim shouted. The seven guns trained on what he would later be told was a Wraith, and all at once they opened fire at the thing. Eventually it went down. But not before it had gotten two shots off, which stunned two of Jim's men.

Jim told two of his guys to pick up the unconsious ones, and for two others to watch their backs. "Red Troop to you science geeks. We're coming back, but we have casualties. Two men down. They're alive, but something knocked them out. he said over the radio as they made their way back to the others.

[Ahrima]

1748
Tasmania
Earth

"So, how long have you worked with the Stargate? Where are you even FROM?"

Ahrima continued to follow Maggie as the two of them moved along the treeline. She contemplated the words and wondered if this was a test. Ahirma actually paused a moment as she recalled the facts from her 'cover story.' "I hail from Western Philidelphia," she replied evenly. She paused a moment to see if Maggie was satisfied with her response. "You were inquiring to test the recollection of my falsified credentials, were you not?"

The conversation seemed to give way to the discovery of even more bodies. Maggie wasted no time in calling it in and reporting it to Eastlyn. Of course, at that point, that seemed to be all that they could do... report. Maggie made a suggestion about helping the people they'd passed with the fire extinguishers. She then heard Maggie's warning and quickly moved. She watched as some of the shrubbery beneath their very feet began to simply combust. Ahrima looked towards Maggie. She didn't even get to say anything as her ears were filled with radio chatter. There seemed to be incidents with Doctor Banks... abducting Captain Evans. And then Lieutenant Mullholland reported that they had engaged an enemy... enemies that sounded like the Wraith.

"Do we go to the caves... or after Captain Evans?" Ahrima asked. It should have been a simple question, with a simple answer. The mission should come first. That's what any commander would have wanted them to do. It's what any real soldier would have done. And yet, here and now, Ahrima struggled to find an answer of her own.

TAG: Maggie Lefebvre

[Maggie Lefebvre]

1748
Tasmania
Earth

Maggie and Ahrima were moving at quick time; she was eager to get the hell away from Eastlyn and Evans, and that Banks woman creeped her out. Which Maggie supposed was kind of odd, considering that she'd been fliriting with Albus not just a few hours before, but whatev.

Ahrima replied.

I hail from Western Philidelphia... Maggie blinked. Was that supposed to be a joke?! Maggie wasn't that much older than Ahrima, as far as she could tell, and Maggie had RAN the social circles in West Philly in junior high and High school; she'd have remembered Ahrima. She remembered MOST people. There were only four high schools in the area, and Maggie was known at each one...even back then, she'd had a reputation for sleeping around, and each year she was invited to proms, homecomings, and random football games at each of them. Maggie knew everyone who was anyone, especially the pretty girls. She had either hung out with them, or had competed with them.

Really?! Which school did you go to? Then Ahrima continued.

You were inquiring to test the recollection of my falsified credentials, were you not? Maggie shook her head. What?!

Falsified credentials?! Ahrima, if you're gonna say West Philly, tell them that you went to Overbrook high, and you ran with ME. No, Ahrima. I really wanted to know about YOU... That's what teammates do. They get to know each other so they can TRUST each other. Or at least that's how it was SUPPOSED to go; she was pretty sure that none of the rest put that trust in HER. They moved on, deeper into the forest. Something wasn't adding up, but she'd not yet totally figured out that it was a trap. As they moved on, Maggie continued. I spent my teenage years in Philly; my father was American, and grew up there. When he and my mother divorced, he moved back there, and lived there until he died when I was 19. She sighed.

Finally, they'd arrived at the clearing. She'd made the reports, and then turned to Ahrima as they fought the fires.

Does this seem like a trap of some sort to you?! Ahrima then inquired if they were to return to the meeting place, or go after Dom. Maggie sighed. On the one hand, he WAS a teammate, even if he WERE a pain in her ass. On the other, she wasn't given permission to go after him. She'd been taught by the only person who mattered to her that no matter what your personal issues were with someone, you kept your team together and dealt with the peripherial later. But Mike's team was guys she LIKED. Not that she didn't LIKE Dom, but she didn't..never mind.

Do we go to the caves... or after Captain Evans?

She sighed, but nodded, and got her radio out from her pocket.

Ahrima and I are the closest to the direction that Banks went. We'll go. Send a team into the forest. I am not ASKING, Eastlyn, ship me back home, but there is a serious amount of damage out there. Ahrima and I will head West; we could use a few more guns... Maggie had a few moments of sanity in her head, and this was one of those times her intense focus kicked in. She didn't do it for Ahrima, or Eastlyn, or even Dominic himself. She did it because Mike would've been proud.

Tag:Ahrima, @sm-1. Let's wrap this party up...

[Dominic Evans]

1810
Tasmania, Australia

Captain Evans came to, he was draped over the back seat of the Land Cruiser, Pandora was driving. She pushed down on the accelerator and erratically maneuvered around the blockade on the park perimeter.
WAIT!
Dominic clutched his head in agony, what was that!? A powerful voice had called out only, he couldn't hear it, it seemed to just echo through his mind.
PANDORA, WE CAN HELP YOU, WAIT FOR US!
There it was again. He wondered if this had the makings of a Wraith trap written all over. Dom reached for his radio, gone, it must have fallen off during the scuffle as she'd thrown him into the car. How had she done that? It was like she suddenly had super human strength.

Before Dom had a chance to plan anything, SLAM! The car crashed into something and momentarily flew down a steep embankment into a gully, Dom's head thrashed back and forth with the impact, dirt poured in through the cracked windshield. Suddenly, Dom could feel Pandora inside his mind, some sort of telepathic link was forming, and he wasn't comfortable with it at all.
He didn't understand it but he felt her emotions, her pain.
She could smell the sweet, succulent warmth beside her, crumpled against the upturned roof of the car, warm blood oozing from a hundred cuts and grazes. She wanted to feed. She NEEDED to feed. Food. Beside her was food. She simply had to reach across and take it - NO! FIGHT IT! WE WILL BE THERE SOON!

Pandora crawled out through the remains of the battered truck, ignoring the fresh cuts inflicted by the broken shards of glass. She stumbled forward. Away. She had to get away.
People will need your help Pandora, here, let us guide you.
That voice again penetrated Dom's skull. He writhed and turned in the car, desperately looking to where she'd gone, trying to keep eyes on his captor despite feeling his life draining away by the second as he lay there. He winced as he moved, feeling two or three fractured ribs under his body armour. She was stumbling toward something, a lump, a shape in the dirt. It was a cow, must have fallen down the ravine and been forgotten about by the farmer. It looked alive but... Barely. He could see Pandora silhouetted against the twilight, staring at the open palms of her hands with a look of horror washing across her face. A realization dawned on Dominic, and he felt fear. Pandora crawled toward the beast and gently placed a hand on it's body. Then, she tilted back her head with a jerk and an inhuman scream pierced Dom's ears.

A moment or two later, there was peace. Dominic felt a wave of calm rushing through him, it must be the Wraith link still, what the hell was going on!? He tried to pull himself free of the wreckage when a motion caught his eye. Suddenly, hands were upon him, trying to pull him safely free of the wreckage. Every inch of his body screamed in pain, every slight movement was torture. He begged to be put down but it was futile as they still pulled at him, Dom sought the loving embrace of unconsciousness and wished it would take him and ease his agony. He looked up, hoping to see Chicago and the others fighting fit and ready to go. Instead, his heart beat increased ten-fold and his eyes widened. Before he could do anything, a bony hand latched on to his chest with a forceful impact. A wraith hand. Dominic screamed.

After a few moments, Dominic realized that he was kneeling again, the hand wasn't gripping him. His pain, had it gone? He felt able to stand by himself and wiped a smear of blood from his eyes as he slowly got to his feet. Gazing around, vision still settling his eyes set on three figures garbed in dark clothing, the middle of the three looked familiar.
"Rest your mind Dominic Evans. Although this once was been awakened, the retrovirus remains dormant in the population at large for the moment. We have come to help."
"H... Hanaan?" Dominic asked just as they heard the sound of tyres skidding to a halt on the gravel somewhere behind him.

<tag Chicago "Roo" Eastlyn Liam Hart Maggie Lefebvre Ahrima>