Chapter 14: Mission Unveiled, Part 2

Beautiful creation

“Understood, General. I look forward to the challenge of helping the people of 987 to heal and redeem themselves, just as I have tried to heal and rebuild my own life,” Sister Helena said. Her words sat uncomfortably with Colonel Larkin. He cast a weary glance at Sister Helena and clenched his jaw.

“Thank you, Sister. SG-24, your mission will be two-fold. Firstly, I want you to establish a long-term presence and build trust with the villagers. Secondly, to assess the situation with this new Goa’uld threat from the planet and to eliminate it. You will also need to protect the planet from current and other further Goa’uld exploitation. Sister Helena, your unique background and faith expression will be vital to this mission.”

“I'll do my best, General,” said Sister Helena. “You’ve been given a special mission by the Bishop of Fargo. After consultation with the Holy See and the Prior General of your Order, you’re to assess the spiritual needs of P4X-987, determine the state of their liturgy, do any catechesis if necessary, and report your findings to the Holy See.”

“Sister Helena blushed. I beg your pardon, Colonel. I didn't know.”

“That's all right,” said Colonel Larkin. “So, what you're saying is we have a new Goa’uld threat to the galaxy.”

“I guess so,” Sister Helena said.

“Ever since the downfall of the System Lords we seen several Goa’uld who were former underlings to the System Lords attempt to fill the power vacuum and create a new Goa’uld empire,” General Carter said. “P4X-987 is an ideal location to establish a power base. Sokar chose 987 as it was far away from any Goa’uld world at the time.” Sister Helena nodded.

“My second to last communication with 987 revealed an awful truth: the Goa’uld have returned to 987. I was shown a group of villagers who were being visited by a beautiful woman. But I noticed along with my young friend that her eyes glowed and for a brief time she had a flanged voice. However, the people were oblivious to who she really was.”

“Whoever this Goa’uld is might be using a form of nish’ta to control her audience,” said Colonel Larkin.

“It's possible,” said General Carter. Sister Helen was confused. “What's nish’ta?” “It's a biological agent employed by the Goa’uld is a form of mind control. The effects can be stopped by a zat discharge,” said the general.

“I see,” Sister Helena replied. “In any case P4X-987 is under attack from a Goa’uld, be it Sokar or some harbinger for him.”

“Excuse me sister,” interrupted Colonel Larkin. “But Sokar is dead. SG-1 killed him twenty-five years ago.”