Chapter 23: The Arrival, Part 1

Well done-thanks for adding me in-I don't want to miss out. 👍😍👍

Like the four illustrations.

And extra applause for the Monty Python reference!

Very well done. The pacing and dialogue is fantastic, 10/10 brother.

“Then why did she gather us together for the meeting she wanted us to be a part of?” Edward retorted.

“We'll see what Simon has to say about this about you lot! Lower your weapons and come with us,” said Godric. Colonel Larkin and the team lowered their weapons. Godric motioned for them to follow him down the path.

“Eleven Klicks! Oy!” Colonel Larkin said to himself out loud. He knew that that trip would take two hours at walking speed according to General O’Neill’s report on their mission to the planet.

“I don't think they're buying it, sir,” said Fairbairn, eyes darting around.

“Silence!” said the leader “Or will be forced to slay you! Colonel Larkin knew when to shut his mouth and this was one of those times. He shot a glance at his XO who shrugged as if to say “Oh well! At least you tried, sir.” One of the men, the youngest of the four, stared at Sister Helena. After some time, he spoke.

“Is she real? Could she be here?” He took one hard look at the blonde woman. It was her all right. She was dressed in strange clothes, but it was her. “It is the lady!” He exclaimed.

“Edward, what are you talking about?” the leader asked, baffled.

“The lady in brown, Godric! The one who has been appearing to Maerwynn!”

“Are you believing her too, brother? The child has a wild imagination,” Godric replied.

“I can,” Sister Helena replied, a hint of determination in her voice.

“Good. We’ll set up base camp about a half a klick outside the village until we can find a more permanent base. Understood?” Three heads silently nodded. “Fairbairn, dial the Gate.”

As moved towards the DHD, four men emerged from the dense foliage, their faces stern and their weapons drawn. The leader’s eyes scanned SG-24 with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity. SG-24 instinctively raised their weapons, a tense standoff ensuing. Three men were armed with bows and arrows, the fourth was armed with a long sword.

“Aw shit,” said Colonel Larkin. “Just when you thought it was safe, the knights who say ‘Ni’ arrived.” After a few moments of intense standoff between the two parties, Colonel Larkin attempted to break the ice with humor. “Look, fellas,” he chuckled, “there's been a big misunderstanding. We come in peace.” He flashed the Vulcan salute. “Dilly, dilly!”

“Sir, did Commander MacGregor tell you about the whereabouts of SG-8? I didn’t see them at the Gate Room when we departed. “Yes,” Colonel Larkin replied. “They are going to remain on Zulu Station for a brief time and then escort the prisoners to a POW camp at the Alpha Site.”

Fairbairn nodded. “I was hoping to see Major Braden before we left. I wanted to say goodbye.”

Colonel Larkin gave a sympathetic smile. “I understand, Fairbairn. It’s never easy when comrades are assigned different tasks. Braden spoke highly of you before we left.”

A gentle smile touched Fairbairn’s lips. “Thank you, sir. I’ll make sure to send him a message to wish him well.”

“Good idea, Squadron Leader. I’m sure he’d appreciate that. But we must get on with our mission. Bjornson, take point again. Fairbairn, dial the Gate back to Earth so we can get our gear. Sister Helena, can you guide the MALP?” Colonel Larkin’s tone was brisk, professional, and tinged with underlying tension.