Chapter 25: Faith and Intrigue, Part 6

Cool!

Very interesting. I want to know what is in the cave!

“Is it possible that the ATA gene could skip a generation? Say if one of Maerwynn’s grandparents had it and one of her relatives had it, like an uncle or an aunt?” Colonel Larkin asked, leaning forward with genuine curiosity.

“I’m not an expert on the ATA gene, as I have it through therapy,” Fairbairn admitted, her tone measured. “We could ask Dr. Jackson and possibly Dr. Lam the next time we contact the SGC. We could medically scan people with the Asgard scanner in our medkit, but we’ll need their consent first.” Colonel Larkin and Sister Helena nodded in understanding.

“We need to find out how the villagers were using the Stargate to get their message to Sister Helena. Their last communication did compromise the SGC’s security measures,” Colonel Larkin said.

“I wonder if this is a trap set by the Goa’uld,” Bjornson pondered, a hint of concern in his eyes. “We should remain on alert.”

Colonel Larkin took a measured bite of his meal, savoring the rich flavors before speaking. “Changing the subject, what are your first impressions of the people of Eversham? We’ll go around the table. Fairbairn?”

Fairbairn finished her bite of beef goulash, wiping her mouth with a napkin before she spoke. “They seem friendly, sir. Though I’m not sure about Godric.”

“He did seem a bit uncomfortable at our meeting with Father Anslem,” said Sister Helena, gently stirring her chicken burrito bowl, the aroma of spices wafting through the room.

“I do think we need to keep an eye on him,” Bjornson said, his voice low and cautious. “Agreed,” concurred Colonel Larkin, nodding thoughtfully. “But don’t do anything to arouse his suspicions further.” The three nodded in agreement. “Sister Helena?”

“I would like to know how and why Maerwynn has the ATA gene,” Sister Helena mused, her brow furrowed in contemplation. “Why did she appear to me in her communications and not one of her parents?”

“We made some progress,” Colonel Larkin replied. “Sister Helena and I found some tracks that led to a cave about four Klicks outside the village. We saw several young people near the mouth of the cave talking about supplies and secret meetings. We went inside the cave briefly.”

“And what did you find?” Fairbairn asked. “We found a lot of crates, but we didn't have a chance to investigate further because Godric's horn blew, and we had to return to the village.

“I see. So, we'll have to recon the cave, the camp and complete the recon of the surrounding area of the village,” said Fairbairn.

“That's affirmative,” said Colonel Larkin. “We'll go tomorrow afternoon as we finish exploring the monastery and setting up our base.” “Sounds like a plan,” said Bjornson.

“Yes, Colonel, Sister Helena replied she reached into the chest and picked out four MREs at random. She placed them on the table and the team chose which one they wanted. After preparing their meals, they sat down at one of the tables. Sister Helena said grace, and then the four began to eat.

“Fairbairn, how did your ride to and from the Stargate go?” Colonel Larkin asked as he took a bite of his Italian sausage with vegetables.

“Alright,” replied Fairbairn as she spread some jalapeño cheese spread on a cracker. “Nothing to report, although Bjornson got to ride a horse.”

“How did that go, Sergeant? Sister Helena asked, her interest piqued.

“Surprisingly well,” the Norwegian replied. “I've asked the Squadron Leader to teach me, and she agreed.”

“How did your reconnaissance go, sir?” Fairbairn inquired.