These are simply the new additions to the rest of the complete site.
The page contains spoilers up to and including The Ties That Bind.
Many, many thanks to everyone who's pointed out mistakes and things I should add.
(If you've written to me and I haven't responded, I'm not ignoring
you, just swamped. I answer everything eventually, I promise.)
Break out of the frame | Updated April 12, 2006 | Get the frame back
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Ongoing plea to site users:
If you spot something that looks very badly punctuated (as though there's a comma, semicolon, or dash missing), please let me know. At some point in the past year, almost all of the semicolons on the site have been eaten by my HTML editor. The only way to replace them is to go find where they're missing. I'm catching as many as I can as I go along, but it's going to take me forever on my own -- I'm very fond of semicolons, and use them a lot. Or used to, anyway... Thanks!
Updated the Episode Summaries pages (all seasons and season nine) through The Ties That Bind.
Updated Arcs page through The Ties That Bind.
Updated Continuity page through The Ties That Bind.
Updated the episodes, writers, and directors pages through Crusade.
note: there are no spoilers on those three pages, other than episode titles.
Added the episode summaries for:
Avalon part 1
Avalon part 2
Origin
The Ties That Bind
Made corrections/amendments/additions throughout the site.
A coalition of smugglers and mercenaries who banded together to take advantage of the power vacuum left by the demise of the Goa'uld. (The Ties That Bind)
Updated through The Ties That Bind.
At some point in late 2004 or early 2005, Jack was promoted to major general (two stars). (Origin)
He took an assignment outside the SGC - no idea what or where. (Origin)
He was apparently assigned to the Pentagon. (The Ties That Bind)
As of early 2005, he had moved away from Colorado Springs, and signed papers on his car and motorcycle to transfer them to other people (presumably). (Avalon part 1)
According to General Landry, Jack said he never had the key to his desk -- he'd never opened a drawer in it in all the time he commanded the SGC. (Avalon part 1)
At some point in late 2004 or early 2005, Jack transferred out of the SGC to an unspecified new assignment. Major General H. Landry took over command of the base. (Avalon part 1)
Part of the move included a promotion to Major General (two stars). (Origin)
Jack himself went to Landry's home to tell him about the stargate program. (Avalon part 1)
He never bothered to tell Lt. Col. Cameron Mitchell that everyone on SG-1 had transferred or requested reassignment, when Mitchell chose SG-1 as the one posting he wanted more than anything else. (Avalon part 1)
He was apparently assigned to the Pentagon. (The Ties That Bind)
According to Major Gibson, Jack believed that the real reason the International Committee wanted to throw its full financial backing behind Atlantis wasn't because of Ancient technology, but because it was a civilian operation headed by an IC-chosen leader - Dr. Weir. He believed the IC wanted to back-burner the SGC in just a support role because they had no control over how the SGC is run. (The Ties That Bind)
He sent word through Major Gibson that he'd be willing to go to bat for Landry with the president, but that Landry should probably talk to the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee himself. (The Ties That Bind)
In early 2005, Daniel requested and received reassignment to Atlantis, and began packing up his things. Vala's arrival put a crimp in his plans -- she locked them into a pair of bracelets (kor mak) that caused collapse when their wearers were too far apart for too long, and he missed his shot at the Daedalus. (Avalon part 1)
When they found the treasure Vala had been looking for, Daniel also found a book that explained the origins of the Ancients -- they were the Altera, who had come to Earth (Avalon) after a journey of possibly thousands of years. (Avalon part 2)
Not strictly either being possessed or being controlled, but Daniel's consciousness was swapped with that of a man named Harrid when he used an Ancient long-range communication device to make contact with people in the Ancient's home galaxy. (Avalon part 2)
The Ori scared him more than the Goa'uld ever did. (Origin)
In early 2005, Sam transferred to Area 51 to take command of stargate-related R& D there. When Cameron Mitchell offered her a spot on the new SG-1 he was creating, she turned him down. (Avalon part 1)
He lef the SGC (on good terms) in late 2004/early 2005 to serve full time on the new Jaffa High Council. (Avalon part 1)
He came back to help Daniel when Vala bound them together with Goa'uld bracelets, but never intended it to be a permanent return. (Avalon parts 1& 2, Origin, The Ties That Bind)
In late 2004/early 2005, Teal'c left the SGC to take a seat on the Jaffa council. (Avalon part 1)
He came back to help Daniel when Vala bound them together with Goa'uld bracelets, but never intended it to be a permanent return - despite Cameron Mitchell's clear wish to have him back on the team. (Avalon parts 1& 2, Origin, The Ties That Bind)
Kept track of how many times SG-1 had saved the world -- and made sure to mention the number to Mitchell, 'quite often'. (Origin)
His grandmother was a bit of a 'Bible-thumper', in Cameron's words. She was a member of St. Hilda's Church of the Grand Epiphany. (Origin)
He used the past tense when he referred to her, so she's probably dead.
At least a bachelor's degree, to be an officer.
He was an F-302 pilot, the leader of blue squadron during the dogfight against Anubis's forces over Antarctica. (Avalon part 1)
During the fight his 302 was hit. He still managed to save SG-1's collective asses by taking out an al-kesh headed straight for them before he crashed into the ice. (Avalon part 1)
He transferred to the SGC proper to become part of SG-1, hoping to serve under Sam's command. He was startled, to say the least, to find out that he had command of the unit -- and that all of the original members had moved on. He put most of his effort into getting Daniel, Teal'c, and Sam back, although he also went through at least some of the stack of personnel reports and interviewed some applicants for the team. He wasn't especially impressed with any of them. (Avalon part 1)
Congressional Medal of Honor
For his actions and bravery during the dogfight against Anubis's forces over Antarctica. Sam presented it to him in his hospital room. (Avalon part 1)
His F-302 crashed into the ice of Antarctica during the dogfight, and he was trapped there for a while, badly injured and exposed to the elements (the cockpit cover had shattered on impact). His chances of being able to walk again were considered slim. (Avalon part 1)
Daniel, Sam, and Jack all visited him (at least separately) in the hospital to thank him. Sam also awarded him the Congressional Medal of Honor, and Jack offered him any posting he wanted once he got out of there. (Avalon part 1)
Hero-worshipped SG-1 before he ever met them (and afterward) -- not to a freaky degree, just a lot of admiration and respect, and he wanted to be a part of the unit specifically with original team members. (Avalon part 1)
Watched enough Sesame Street to use a Sesame Street line when presented with an Ancient device in a room full of treasure - 'One of these things is not like the others.' (Avalon part 2)
2005
Major General Landry takes command of SGC after Jack moves on to another assignment. (Avalon part 1)
Roughly two months into Landry's tenure as base commander, the International Committee meets to discuss the SGC's budget, and despite Landry's warnings about the effects of such a move on the day-to-day operations of the base, decides to throw its full financial backing behind the Atlantis mission, saying that the Ancient technology there makes it more important. Jack O'Neill, at the Pentagon, sends word back to Landry that he thinks the decision was really made because the IC has control over the civilian-led Atlantis mission, but none over the US-military-led SGC. He offers to go to bat for Landry with the president but suggests Landry deal with the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. (The Ties That Bind)
Senator Fisher, the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, after hearing Daniel's testimony and reading the reports, decides to ignore the warnings about the Ori, trusting to the Ancients to keep them under control. He reduces Stargate Command's budget to 30% of its previous operating budget, declaring that it will be sufficient if they de-emphasize new exploration. He wants more money put into planetary defense instead -- specifically, the building of more Daedalus-class ships. (The Ties That Bind)
When Landry continues to object to the 70% cut in the program's funding, Senator Fisher gives him two choices: accept the budget cuts, or convince the International Committee to contribute to SGC's funding. The only way that would happen would be for Landry to give the IC what it wants: allow them to appoint a civilian position, obviously to be filled by someone of the IC's choosing, with full access to the base and a voice in every major decision -- a watchdog. (The Ties That Bind)
Ancient long-range communication device
Made up of two parts: a base unit with spaces for many stones, and the stones themselves.
Used alone, the stones, once activated by someone with an Ancient gene, allowed users to see through each other's eyes when they were near the stones. When placed in the base unit, they allowed actual transference of consciousness, even across galaxies. (Citizen Joe, Avalon part 2, Origin)
The stones only needed to be activated by someone with the Ancient gene -- after that, they could be 'reset' to work with anyone. (Origin)
The SGC had possession of one of the stones since sometime in 1997, and gained a second one in late 2004 when Joe Spencer handed his over. (Origin)
The SGC got hold of a base unit in early 2005, as part of a cache of treasure found under Glastonbury Tor, left behind by Myrddin (Merline), an Ancient. (Origin)
The base unit and both stones were destroyed in early 2005 when Teal'c and Mitchell tossed them into a kawoosh, successfully cutting the connection between Daniel and Vala and the two people in another galaxy whose bodies they were inhabiting, and returning Daniel and Vala to the SGC's infirmary where their bodies were. (Origin)
Tau'ri (converted or invented):
The science staff at the SGC took an android body recovered from PX3-989 and began plans to incorporate the experiences of every SG team member since the inception of the program to create a viable AI. (Avalon part 1)
The scientists who wanted to do this hadn't received any funding yet, and wanted Mitchell to back them on it. They had a 'concise but thorough' 380 page report for him to read. (Avalon part 1)
personal note: They never say exactly what the android is, but P3X-989 is Altair -- Harlan's world, where the robot SG-1 was created. It's possible that what was recovered was a robot member of SG-1.
Flew second seat in Mitchell's F-302 in the dogfight over Antarctica. When they were hit a second time, Banks was knocked out, if not killed. By the time they hit the surface -- very very hard -- Banks was dead. (Avalon part 1)
According to Dr. Lee, Dr. Bennett was proficient at reattaching body parts that had been removed. (Avalon part 1)
One of the two men escorting Vala to the stargate when she was leaving. He inspected her bag for any stolen good, and discovered a small 'keepsake' - a priceless artifact. (The Ties That Bind)
She was assigned to be Vala's security escort while Daniel was working in his office. (The Ties That Bind)
Her first trip offworld was to Hanka (PX8-987), to try to determine what had killed all the people there, and whether SG-1 is infected with whatever it was. (Singularity)
Travelled offworld to PJ2-445, the planet with the naked singing white mimes, on a 'housecall' to try to figure out what was making them all so sick, and if SG-1 had somehow infected them. (One False Step)
Chief Master Sergeant Harriman
Personal note: With verbal confirmation from his own lips that Sgt. Davis is now Sgt. Harriman, I'm switching things around and making this the primary listing. I'm still annoyed, though. If they change it again, I'm going after some with a spork, so help me.
As of early 2005, he was aide to Major General Landry, newly in command of the SGC. (Avalon part 1)
She took over as chief medical officer from Dr. Brightman, as of early 2005. (Avalon part 2)
She may be civilian rather than military - she dresses very casually and doesn't wear dog tags. (Avalon part 2)
When Jack offered her the job, he failed to tell her that General Landry - her father - would be her boss. (Avalon part 2)
nb: Their relationship wasn't explicitly stated in Avalon 2, but their interactions made it pretty clear that they were at least slightly estranged father and daughter.
The first major event she had to deal with was Daniel and Vala falling unconscious when they began using the Ancient long-range communications device. (Avalon part 2)
He took over command of SGC in early 2005. (Avalon part 1)
He hadn't known about the program beforehand -- the first he heard of it was when Jack showed up on his front porch and said he wanted to tell Landry something about the 'stargate program'. Landry thought he was crazy at first. (Avalon part 1)
Has a fairly brisk approach to things, but isn't a martinet or unapproachable. (Avalon part 1)
Has a small basketball hoop (with a USAF backboard) set up in his office. (Avalon part 1)
Not fond of Marines. (Avalon part 1)
Personal life:
He has a daughter. (Avalon part 1)
He has a nice-looking home on what seems to be a decent amount of land. (Avalon part 1)
He drinks Coors Light (from bottles). (Avalon part 1)
After three attempts to cut the 'marriage' bracelet (kor mak) off Daniel's wrist failed -- destroying a cutting blade each time -- Lee suggested that he chop of Daniel's hand, saying that Dr. Bennett was proficient at reattachments so it wasn't as wild an idea as it might seem at first blush. (Daniel declined.) (Avalon part 1)
He appeared to be in charge of the testing on the Ancient device that Daniel, Mitchell, Teal'c, and Vala found under Glastonbury Tor, determining that it was a long-range communicator meant to work with the small black stones that Jack and Joe Spencer had used for years without realizing it, to see through each other's eyes. He wasn't sure exactly how it would work with the larger base unit. (Avalon part 2)
When Daniel and Vala used the unit and promptly collapsed, Lee refused to let anyone try turning off the machine, not knowing how much damage it might to to disconnec them suddenly. Later, when both Daniel and Vala were in distress, and Vala was dying, Lee literally put his body between the device and Mitchell's gun, protecting it while refusing to let Mitchell shoot it, pointing out that shooting it could cause a surge that would kill Daniel and Vala, or detonate the power source. (Avalon part 2)
When Daniel collapsed after Vala left Earth, even without still wearing the bracelets, Dr. Lee theorized that it had something to do with the communication device - that it somehow combined with the bracelets they'd been wearing to create a more permanent bond. (The Ties That Bind)
He tried running some experiments on them (apparently testing brainwave activity), but without much success, since neither of them really expected it to work. As soon as Daniel realized Vala knew someone who might know about how the bracelets really worked, he took her and left the lab. (The Ties That Bind)
She was an anthropologist assigned to P3X-421, helping the human population adjust to the loss of their (false) god. When a 'strange missionary' came through the gate and began performing miracles to prove his religion and gain followers - the first Prior in our galaxy - she called the SGC for help. (Origin)
An F-302 pilot, part of the group that met Anubis's forces over Antarctica in a dogfight. He saved Cameron Mitchell's life by taking out a glider that was going after Mitchell's wounded ship, but was himself killed moments later when his 302 was destroyed. (Avalon part 1)
SG-1:
General info:
As of early 2005, the unit was disbanded - Daniel had requested and received a transfer to Atlantis and was preparing to leave on the Daedalus's next trip, Sam had received a transfer to head R& D at Area 51, and Teal'c had left to serve full time on the new Jaffa High Council. Lt. Colonel Cameron Mitchell, a former F-302 pilot, transferred in to the SGC to take join the unit, not realizing that he was being given command of a unit that he was to build from scratch. (Avalon part 1)
Makeup
Seasons 9-
As of early 2005, SG-1 effectively no longer existed. Teal'c had left to take a seat on the Jaffa council, Sam had transferred to Area 51 to head the R& D department there, and Daniel had requested and received reassignment to Atlantis. (Avalon part 1)
Lt. Colonel Cameron Mitchell transferred to the SGC specifically to join SG-1 under Sam's command, and instead was given command of the unit and a stack of personnel files to go through to pick his team. He began a campaign to talk the original members into coming back to serve as a unit again, with no success initially. (Avalon part 1)
He did interview the personnel from the files, but was less than impressed with them. (Avalon part 2)
Captured, confined, imprisoned:
Origin
Daniel captured by a Prior in the village of Ver Ager and, with Vala, brought in chains to a sacrificial altar to be burned alive.
The Ties That Bind
Daniel, technically locked into a cargo hold with Vala. He'd planned it, though, and escaped very quickly.
SG-7: (...)
In early 2005, they were working with Major Davis to try to help the new Jaffa council's efforts to form a new government. It wasn't going particularly well, since many of the newly free Jaffa didn't trust the Tau'ri, and believed they were helping the government in order to control the Jaffa. (Avalon part 1)
A Marine unit as of 2005. (Avalon part 1)
They were the ones to bring Vala back to the SGC. (Avalon part 1)
Assigned to go with Colonel Mitchell to P3X-421 to check out reports of a 'strange new missionary' who had arrived and begun preaching his religion complete with miracles to prove his claim - the first Prior to reach our galaxy. (Origin)
Jack appeared to be stationed at the Pentagon as of early 2005 - the Pentagon liaison who brought Landry news of the International Committee's decision about financing for the SGC and the Atlantis expedition also brought Jack's opinions on the matter, and his backing for Landry. (The Ties That Bind)
In early 2005, he was working with SG-7 to try to help the new Jaffa council's efforts to form a new government. It wasn't going particularly well, since many of the newly free Jaffa didn't trust the Tau'ri, and believed they were helping the government in order to control the Jaffa. (Avalon part 1)
She was the liaison the Pentagon sent to tell General Landry about the latest developments on SGC's budget. (The Ties That Bind)
As of 2005, he appears to be stationed at the Pentagon. (Avalon part 1, The Ties That Bind)
For details, see Jack.
For specific post-SGG information, see Jack, post-SGC.
As of early 2005, Sam was head of R& D at Area 51. (Avalon part 1)
Government
As of early 2005, he was the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. With the demise of the Goa'uld and the Replicators, he decided that it was time to look to purely planetary defense, rather than exploration in hopes of new technology. He cut Stargate Command's budget to 30% of its previous operating budget, and put more money into producing more Daedalus-class ships. (The Ties That Bind)
When Landry continued to object, Fisher gave him two choices: accept the budget cuts, or convince the International Committee to contribute to SGC's funding (the IC had decided to throw its full financial support behind the civilian-led Atlantis expedition, ostensibly for the study of the Ancient tech, but in both Landry and Jack's estimation, really because they had more control over it than over the US-military-led SGC). (The Ties That Bind)
A civilian group made up of representatives from all the countries currently involved in the Stargate or Atlantis projects. (The Ties That Bind)
It appears to have grown out of the international negotiations for control of the Ancient outpost in Antarctica. (New Order, The Ties That Bind)
In early 2005, despite General Landry's warnings about how it would affect the day-to-day operations of the project, the International Committee decided to throw its full financial backing behind the Atlantis project, with the SGC serving a support role. They claimed that this was because of the importance of the Ancient technology on Atlantis, but both Landry and Jack believed it had more to do with the fact that the Atlantis expedition was civilian-led, and that its leader had been chosen by the Committee -- they had more control over it than the US-military-led SGC. (The Ties That Bind)
The only way the IC would grant funding (which the SGC desperately needed, after the Senate Appropriations Committee chaired by Senator Fisher cut their funding by fully 70%) would be if Landry allowed them to appoint a civilian position, obviously to be filled by someone of the IC's choosing, with full access to the base and a voice in every major decision -- a watchdog. (The Ties That Bind)
Baal:
One of the minor Goa'uld in his service was Montu, who fell in with Baal after Ra was killed. (Origin)
Grannus, a minor Celtic god, was one of his lieutenants. (The Ties That Bind)
According to Teal'c, Cronus used to use kor mak -- twin bracelets linked together by some sort of signal -- when important prisoners needed to be transported somewhere. One bracelet would go on the prisoner, and one on the Jaffa assigned to guard him. If they were separated for more than a short period, both would fall ill and die (the guard died to punish him for his failure to control the prisoner). (Avalon part 1)
nb: Horus is never specifically mentioned as a System Lord, but it's unlikely that he was a minor Goa'uld. The various incarnations of Horus traditionally all had to do with kingship and royalty. It's also possible that Gerak, referring to Horus, was using it as " Horus the Elder" , aka Heru'ur, but I can't be sure of that so he's getting a separate listing. (Origin)
At some point within the past hundred or so years (an adult Jaffa lifetime), Horus's First Prime was Karrok of the High Plains. (Origin)
He was a minor Celtic god, one of Camulus's lieutenants. (The Ties That Bind)
He died at the hands of his own Jaffa during the general uprising. (The Ties That Bind)
One of the primary religious icons among Grannus's worshippers was the legendary Ring of Shen-Marak. 'Sister Vestina' (Vala) donated it to a shrine inhabited mainly by monks, turning into a place of pilgrimage for worshippers throughout the system. Unfortunately, it turned out to be nothing more than a power coil from an obsolete cargo ship - which Vala had been well aware of, naturally. The worshippers(The Ties That Bind)
The shrine's most precious relic, the Livanna Crystal, went missing right around the time 'Vestina' made her donation and departed. (The Ties That Bind)
The monks's duties included fasting, chanting, and bathing of the poor, along with weaving prayer-baskets. (The Ties That Bind)
The worshippers of Grannus declined in number but increased in fanatacism after he was executed. (The Ties That Bind)
He was a minor Goa'uld in Ra's service. When Ra was killed, he entered Baal's service. (Origin)
His First Prime was Gerak. (Origin)
nb: While it's at least as likely that she was a System Lord at some point - Vala thought it possible that Daniel had heard of her, and minor Goa'uld are less likely to be widely known, plus Nut was an important goddess in Egyptian mythology - I'm listing her as a minor Goa'uld because there's no confirmation of her System Lord status.
Absolutely nothing is known about her, since Vala's story about Nut having a pair of ceremonial marriage bracelets -- she wore one, and her husband 'of the moment' wore the other -- turned out to be a lie. (Avalon part 1)
kor mak
A pair of matched bracelets used to control prisoners during transport -- one went on the prisoner's wrist and one on the wrist of the Jaffa guarding him. If the two were separated for too long, both of them would collapse and die. (Avalon part 1)
The Ancients' name for themselves. (Avalon part 2)
nb: The usage seems to be 'the Altera' for the name of the people, but 'Alterans' or 'the Alterans' on a more casual level, somewhat like 'the Azerbaijani people' and 'many Azerbaijanis'.
They didn't originate on Earth - they found it after a journey of possibly thousands of years, and called it Avalon when they settled here and began building stargates (astria porta). (Avalon part 2)
According to a book Daniel found under Glastonbury Tor, written as a fictional story: 'Once upon a time, there was a race of people that went on a great journey through space, across the universe. They were called the Altera. After much time [thousands of years] they found a great belt of stars.' The Alterans named their new home Avalon and built many 'astria porta' - stargates. (Avalon part 2)
They appear to have also been the ancestors of the Ori. (Avalon part 2, Origin)
Their name for themselves was the Altera. (Avalon part 2)
nb: The usage seems to be 'the Altera' for the name of the people, but 'Alterans' or 'the Alterans' on a more casual level, somewhat like 'the Azerbaijani people' and 'many Azerbaijanis'.
They didn't originate on Earth - they found it after a journey of possibly thousands of years, and called it Avalon when they settled here and began building stargates (astria porta). (Avalon part 2)
According to a book Daniel found under Glastonbury Tor, written as a fictional story: 'Once upon a time, there was a race of people that went on a great journey through space, across the universe. They were called the Altera. After much time [thousands of years] they found a great belt of stars.' The Alterans named their new home Avalon and built many 'astria porta' - stargates. (Avalon part 2)
All along, the Ancients/Ascendants had been shielding the Milky Way (and probably Pegasus) from the Ori, so the Ori wouldn't know there were people living there who didn't worship them. (Origin)
Once the Ori became aware, because of Daniel and Vala's mental visit, the shielding was no longer effective. The Ancients/Ascendants wouldn't interfere with anything that occurred on the lower planes of existence, so they wouldn't stop any human followers of the Ori from coming through the stargate and trying to convert people. (Origin)
astria porta
stargates (Avalon part 2)
Onno matta netario
'This is really unnecessary.' (Avalon part 1)
Tua puta ego
'I believe you.' (Avalon part 1)
Proverbs
'There is only one real truth -- the universe is infinite.' (Avalon part 2)
The base device was fairly large - for use on a table, not in one's hand. It had its own power source, and the communicating per se was done with the small palm-sized stones that create a psychic bond between the holders, allowing them to see through each other's eyes. (Avalon part 2)
It draws power directly from subspace. (Origin)
It also uses subspace to communicate across galaxies. (Origin)
The stones themselves need someone with the Ancient gene to initialize them, but once that's done, they can be reset to be used by anyone. (They get 'programmed' to work only with the people actively using them unless they're 'reset' to start clean again.) (Avalon part 2)
When a stone is placed in the base unit, it creates a connection with someone else near a stone, much stronger than simply seeing through their eyes: they actually exchange consciousnesses into each other's bodies. If only one base unit is in use, the person (or people) using the base unit are conscious after the transfer, living inside the other person's body. The person (or people) without the base unit are unconscious after transferring their borrowed bodies. With two base units in play (each holding a stone/stones), everyone is conscious after the transfer. (Avalon part 2, Origin)
One of the Ancients who left Atlantis during the Wraith siege and returned to Earth some 10,000 years ago. (Avalon part 1)
At some point after reaching Earth, he carved a tablet that gave information about the location of some Ancient 'treasure'. Daniel believed that 'Myrddin' was the Merlin of Arthurian legend. (Avalon part 1)
Daniel believed that he wasn't an ascended Ancient, just someone on the evolutionary path to ascension, and that the legend of him taking Arthur to Avalon (and Arthur not really dying) meant that he'd helped Arthur to ascend. (Avalon part 1)
In a hidden chamber (set of chambers, really) beneath Glastonbury Tor, Mitchell, Daniel, Teal'c, and Vala triggered the arrival of a sword stuck through a stone, then a hologram of Myrddin. 'Myrddin' greeted them with this:
'Welcome, ye knights of the Round Table. Men of honor, followers of the path of righteousness. Only those with wealth of knowledge and truth of spirit shall be given access to the underworld, the storehouse of riches of Ambrosius Aurelianus. Prove ye worthy, and all shall be revealed.' (Avalon part 1)
There were at least two tests set up, each in a round chamber at the end of a corridor with firepots around the perimeter that sprang to life when someone entered the room, and a table with the test on it in the middle of the room. (Avalon part 1)
The first test had two covered bowls on the table, one silver, one gold. The silver bowl was labeled 'The treasure is in this pot' and the gold was labeled 'the universe is infinite'. Opening the silver bowl was the wrong move - it triggered a slow descent of the ceiling. It was possible to replace the cover(s) and redo the test, though, choosing the gold bowl because of the Ancient proverb 'there is only one real truth - the universe is infinite'. (Avalon part 1, Avalon part 2)
The second test had a row of flat oblong stones on the table, each with a symbol on it (an Arabic numeral from 1 to 8 and its mirror image), and with 'Reflect on the eightfold path' written below. The stones had to be rearranged into the correct pattern -- lined up numerically. Picking the wrong pattern triggered a slow descent of the ceiling. As the ceiling came down, the table began retracting into the floor, so that eventually the ceiling would be flush with the floor and the occupants would be crushed. Again, though, it was possible to keep trying, and if the correct sequence was discovered before the occupants were crushed, the ceiling would retract again. (Avalon part 1, Avalon part 2)
Once the test was passed, the seeker would pull the sword from the stone and face battle with a hologrammatic knight in full armor -- it inflicted no actual physical damage, but its blows hurt, and it could be struck in turn. Once the knight was defeated and the sword was returned to the stone (and assuming nothing had been taken out of the chambers), the promised riches were revealed: piles of gold, gems, small statues, a book, and a bit of Ancient technology that Daniel believed functioned as a long-distance communicator. (Avalon part 2)
The book was written as a fictional story: 'Once upon a time, there was a race of people that went on a great journey through space, across the universe. They were called the Altera. After much time [thousands of years] they found a great belt of stars.' The Alterans named their new home Avalon and built many 'astria porta' - stargates. (Avalon part 2)
All along, the Ancients/Ascendants had been shielding the Milky Way (and probably Pegasus) from the Ori, so the Ori wouldn't know there were people living there who didn't worship them. (Origin)
Once the Ori became aware, because of Daniel and Vala's mental visit, the shielding was no longer effective. The Ancients/Ascendants wouldn't interfere with anything that occurred on the lower planes of existence, so they wouldn't stop any human followers of the Ori from coming through the stargate and trying to convert people. (Origin)
According to Daniel and Vala's theory, the Ori were the Alterans (Ancients) who stayed behind in the home galaxy. When they ascended, they became the Ori. (Avalon part 2)
They consider themselves the true gods of their galaxy, and demand utter, unquestioning obedience and worship from everyone on the lower planes of existence, with the Book of Origin as the guide to worship/belief. (Avalon part 2)
They appear to actually believe themselves to be the creators of humankind in their galaxy, or at least are unwilling to admit otherwise even to a visitor from another galaxy who clearly understands what an ascended being is (Daniel). (Origin)
Depending on the evolutionary cycle -- which has never been made totally clear for Ancients and humans -- the could consider the humans in their galaxy to be the 'second evolution' of their kind, and could believe that they seeded the galaxy with humans (the way the Ancients seeded the Pegasus galaxy). Who knows.
They actually communicate directly with their worshippers, through the Doci (the head Prior), who can be possessed by them and speak with their voice. (Avalon part 2)
They believe the Alterans -- Ancients -- to be evil, for abandoning the path of enlightenment. Specifically, for shielding the people in the Milky Way (and presumably Pegasus as well) from the Ori, so that 'the truth of the universe has been obstructed'. (Origin)
With the Milky Way opened to them thanks to Daniel and Vala's mental visit, the Ori intended to bring everyone to the 'path of enlightenment' - worship of them in return for the promise of eventual ascension. (Origin)
The Plains of Celestis appear to be an actual physical place - the Prior, Daniel, and Vala arrived there via transporter rings. (Origin)
The City of the Gods, on the Plains of Celestis, is where the Ori turn humans into Priors -- again, a physical place, an actual city (very pretty, all golden marble-type stone and fancy wrought-iron metalwork as accents). (Origin)
The Doci appears to dwell permanently in the City of the Gods, and is the voice of the Ori. (Origin)
The room where the Doci -- is (meditates? communes? I have no idea.) includes a gated-off section that consists of a short floor and a wall of flame that goes down very deep, called the Flames of Enlightenment. (Origin)
The Ori 'live' here -- not really, obviously, but it's their point of contact with the lower planes of existence. They 'erupt' from it as a golden glowy energy squid and possess the Doci when they need to speak physically to someone, and humans are presented to the wall of flame when they become Priors - the Ori flare up brightly (white) and do something physically to them to change them into the pale, dead-eyed Priors. (Origin)
Once the Ori found out about the Milky Way - thanks to Daniel and Vala's mental trip to their galaxy, and Daniel's explanation about who and what they were - they decided to bring the Path of Origin there, to save the galaxy from the evil in which it had been raised (i.e., the influence of the Ancients who let the galaxy's people develop on their own). (Avalon part 2, Origin)
Before Daniel and Vala had even managed to leave the Ori galaxy, the Ori had sent through the first Prior to the Milky Way. He arrived on a desert world and began preaching the way of Origin to the humans he found there. Mitchell and SG-12 met the Prior there, and after a little chat, he went back with them to the SGC, hoping to spread the word of the Ori to Earth. When Landry found out the truth about the Priors and the Ori, he tried to take the Prior into custody. The Prior, having failed his mission, very calmly self-immolated in a wash of flame, burning away to nothing. (Origin)
After the Administrator of Ver Ager was turned into a Prior for cleansing Ver Ager of unbelievers (burning alive Harrid and Sallis, the two whose bodies Daniel and Vala had inhabited), the Doci, presumably speaking for the Ori, declared a holy war: (Origin)
'Great holy armies shall be gathered and trained to fight all those who embrace evil. In the name of the gods, ships shall be built to carry our warriors out amongst the stars, and we will spread Origin to all the unbelievers. The power of the Ori will be felt far and wide and the wicked shall be vanquished.' (Origin)
Origin, or the Path of Origin, is the sole acceptable form of worship to the Ori - they demand utter adherence to it by everyone. Anyone who refuses to follow Origin must be destroyed. (Origin)
The central icon of the religion is fire. (Origin)
Origin is taught through the Book of Origin. (Avalon part 2, others)
The Ori, through their Priors, made sure that everyone on the lower planes of existence was given the Book of Origin -- creation myths and rules of worship (prayers, ritual, teachings) to bind them to the Path of Origin. (Avalon part 2)
The book teaches that the Ori created (human, at least) life. (Avalon part 2)
It also teaches that the Ori see and know all, both in the world and within people's hearts and minds. The belief is that if your heart is pure and your faith unwavering, death will bring you to the Ori. (Avalon part 2)
According to Daniel, the Book was mostly composed of teachings in the form of fairly simple fables with easily recognizable characters, meant to teach meditation on one's worth and significance, and the path of righteousness toward a higher state of being. (Origin)
Readings from the Book of Origin:
... So said [someone] before the Battle of Ages. He spoke to the sky and said, 'And the people shall deliver unto you the wicked for your divine judgement, where their sins shall be weighed in the balance of all that is just and true.' (Avalon part 2)
Read by the village Administrator when Vala/Sallis was being brought forth to be placed in the sacrificial altar to be burned alive as a heretic. (Avalon part 2)
Quoted again in part by the Prior who asphyxiated Fannis with the power of his staff. (Origin)
'Amica was forgiven his transgression and returned to the Path.' (Origin)
Quoted by a Prior trying to sway Daniel and Vala to the Path of Origin. (Origin)
'Like Egidius of Vil Dare, I need to speak things that can only be spoken in the light of the fire.' (Origin)
Daniel, referring to the Book to convince a Prior to let him speak to the Doci. (Origin)
'As he lay there, dying in the sun, the sands of the desert all around him, Petrus spoke to the rock, not with his lips but with his mind, and the rock wept tears of fresh water and this thirst was quenched.' (Origin)
A prior preaching to desert-dwelling humans in our galaxy, trying to convert them to worship of the Ori. (Origin)
'The Book of Origin says, Those who seek the path of enlightenment must not be led astray.' (Origin)
Quoted by the Doci, explaining Origin to Daniel. (Origin)
'When Hannor Mir fell from above and learned to fly on the way down, that was a miracle.' (Origin)
Quoted by the Prior who had been brought to the SGC in hopes he could help them figure out why they couldn't dis-attach the communication device from Daniel and Vala. (Origin)
This may not be a direct quote, but rather a paraphrased parable about Hannor Mir.
'Glorious are the Ori, who lead us to salvation, who didst fight the evil that would doom us to mortal sin, did they defeat the old spirits, and cast them out, and now, with the strength of our will, do they call upon us to prevail against the corruption of all unbelievers.' (Origin)
Probably not a direct quote from the Book, but what the Administrator of Ver Ager said when Daniel and Vala were about to be burned to death. It had the feel of a traditional saying/ritual. (Origin)
'Guide us on the path, so that we may triumph over the enemy of our salvation and be with you in the end of ends on the Plains of Enlightenment.' (Origin)
The Administrator of Ver Ager, reading from the Book just before Daniel and Vala were to be set on fire to 'cleanse' them. (Origin)
Not Ori themselves, but the primary (human, but altered) servants of the Ori. (multiple eps, beginning in Avalon part 2)
Priors are regular humans who, if they serve with enough distinction, are brought to the City of the Gods and presented to the Flames of Enlightenement, and told to 'let its power wash over you'. The Ori within the flames flare up with a white light and do something physically to change the person (always male, to date) into a Prior, with waxy skin and dead white eyes, and not much in the way of expression. (Origin)
Each Prior carries a long staff with a twisted top that holds an oval 'gem' - some sort of crystal, by the look of it. This gives them their power. (Avalon part 2, Origin)
The first Prior to go to the Milky Way went to P3X-421 and began preaching to the local humans there. Dr. Lindsay was also there, and sent word back to the SGC about it. Mitchell and SG-12 met the Prior on 421, and after a little chat, he went back with them to the SGC, hoping to spread the word of the Ori to Earth. When Landry found out the truth about the Priors and the Ori, he tried to take the Prior into custody. The Prior, having failed his mission, very calmly self-immolated in a wash of flame, burning away to nothing. (Origin)
The Administrator of Ver Ager became a Doci after 'cleansing' his village of the unbelievers Harrid and Sallis -- burning them alive (with a Prior's help) for having been 'overcome'. (Origin)
(pronounced 'doh-sigh')
The 'boss' Prior, the one who speaks the word of the Ori. (Origin)
This is literal. Part of the City of the Gods includes a wall/well of fire, which appears to be where he calls to the Ori when he needs them. It/They manifest as a golden fiery version of the Ascendants' white glowy energy squid, and possesses him. His eyes glow golden and he literally speaks with the voice of the Ori. (Origin)
He wasn't terribly impressed with Daniel's impassioned statements about how all people should be allowed to seek enlightenment or not of their own free will, and that ascended beings should be respected but not revered. (Origin)
After the Administrator of Ver Ager was turned into a Prior, the Doci declared a holy war: 'Great holy armies shall be gathered and trained to fight all those who embrace evil. In the name of the gods, ships shall be built to carry our warriors out amongst the stars, and we will spread Origin to all the unbelievers. The power of the Ori will be felt far and wide and the wicked shall be vanquished.' (Origin)
Technology
Ori tech is at roughly the same level as Ancient tech - rings, stargates. (Avalon parts 1 & 2, Origin, others)
Priors are given staffs that are capable of a lot of technological things, from healing to destruction. (Avalon part 2, Origin)
A Prior healed Vala completely when she was burned to death, including repairing her clothes. (Avalon part 2)
A Prior killed Fannis by asphyxiating him, apparently just with the power of his mind and/or staff. (Origin)
The first stages of freedom were rocky ones, with many Jaffa highly distrustful of the Tau'ri who were trying to help them form their new government. (Avalon part 1)
The Jaffa of the Onac Ka equaled the numbers of all the other regional coalitions, and strongly supported Gerak. (Avalon part 2)
While Teal'c was on Earth helping out with the situation with Vala, the council held its final vote on governance. Rak'nor voted as Teal'c's proxy, but Gerak's resolution passed by a slim margin: the Jaffa would be ruled by a High Council, with votes attributed to the various coalition representatives based on their military assets. The result was to make Gerak the new leader of the Jaffa nation. (Avalon part 2)
As the free Jaffa struggled to agree on a form of government, Bra'tac and Rya'c went out to negotiate with coalitions who hadn't yet declared their allegiance to one faction or another. (Avalon part 2)
After swaying just barely enough people to his side, Gerak got his resolution passed regarding the makeup of the Jaffa High Council: each coalition representative would be granted votes according to their military power. That made Gerak the leader of the Jaffa nation, since he controlled the most military forces. (Avalon part 2)
He was the First Prime to Montu, a minor Goa'uld in Ra's service who fell in with Baal when Ra was killed. (Origin)
At some point, after what he called 'one of the greatest battles in history', he killed Horus's First Prime (who had lost the battle), Karrok of the High Plains. (Origin)
Teal'c had suspicions that Gerak had caused the disappearance/death of Hubrok, an ally of Bra'tac's who would have supported their bid for a truly democratic High Council. With Hubrok out of the way, Gerak emerged as the spokesman for the more conservative factions, and began manipulating his way to a position of great power. (Origin)
Once Gerak had effectively become the leader of the Free Jaffa, he was invited to the SGC to meet General Landry. He arrived with a small but well-armed entourage of Jaffa warriors. Shortly after his arrival, a Prior arrived (the first in the galaxy), intriguing him. When a meeting to discuss Jaffa/Tau'ri interactions was getting a little tense, he interrupted the proceedings to insist on meeting with the Prior, wanting to know what false religion he preached. He said it was a matter of importance to everyone, after everything. (Origin) (Origin)
He was an ally of Bra'tac's. (Origin)
He led Baal's armada after the fall of the Goa'uld. (Origin)
He would have supported Teal'c and Bra'tac in their bid for democracy among the Jaffa, but disappeared some four months before the final votes -- likely at Gerak's hands (or orders, at least). (Origin)
First Prime to Horus. (Origin)
According to Gerak, he once said, 'There is more honor in dying at the hand of a brother than there is in killing a would-be friend.' (Origin)
Gerak killed him shortly after Karrok lost 'one of the greatest battles in history' - he said Karrok was a fool who didn't deserve an honorable death. (Origin)
One of the Jaffa apparently living on Dakara during the formation of the new government. Although he didn't sit on the council, he came and told Teal'c when the council was ready to re-convene. (Avalon part 1)
He was frustrated at how Gerak seemed to be gaining power by sheer force of numbers (of warriors). Rak'nor didn't want the free Jaffa to be ruled by a few power-hungry individuals after all the hard work and fighting that had gone into winning their freedom. He was also frustrated that Teal'c was spending so much time with the Tau'ri, instead of focusing on the council and the votes they needed. (Avalon part 2)
nb: The frustration with Teal'c's continued association with the Tau'ri is telling, since Rak'nor is one of the Jaffa who'd worked with the Tau'ri himself in the past, and had seemed to be okay with the alliance when it was stronger.
While Teal'c was away on Earth helping to deal with the Vala situation, Rak'nor voted for him in council as his proxy. (Avalon part 2)
As the free Jaffa struggled to agree on a form of government, Bra'tac and Rya'c went out to negotiate with coalitions who hadn't yet declared their allegiance to one faction or another. (Avalon part 2)
One of the two who made a deal with Vala to trade a crate of weapons-grade refined naquadah for a large ship - which turned out to be the Prometheus. He and Tenat were less than pleased when Daniel showed up for the trade instead of Vala, and even less so when Daniel refused to trade. It only got worse when the death gliders showed up. (Prometheus Unbound)
The Lucian Alliance wasn't happy with Tenat and Jup for losing a caseload of weapons-grade refined naquadah because of Vala, and used them as bait to capture her. The Lucian representative told Tenat that if they didn't hand over Vala, the Alliance would be just as happy to take out the loss of the naquadah on the two of them, since someone had to pay. (The Ties That Bind)
A 'bounty hunter' -- Cam Mitchell, and his Jaffa partner -- answered the call they put out, and offered up Vala and her partner (Daniel).
Tenat and Jup planned to get Daniel and Vala aboard their cargo ship with Jup, while Tenat stayed on the ground and killed the 'bounty hunters' as soon as Jup arrived overhead in the ship. Daniel and Vala, prepared for that, escaped their handcuffs and overpowered Jup, ringing him down unconscious while ringingTeal'c and Mitchell up. Tenat, not happy but resigned, triggered the remote signal he was wearing, calling the ships of the Lucian Alliance to capture the cargo ship carrying Vala. (The Ties That Bind)
Using some of the special modifications in the cargo ship - she'd chosen this one specifically - Vala managed to escape the Lucian Alliance with the others. Tenat and Jup probably weren't in for a very good time of it after that. (The Ties That Bind)
The Lucian Alliance wasn't happy with Tenat and Jup for losing a caseload of weapons-grade refined naquadah because of Vala, and used them as bait to capture her. The Lucian representative told Tenat that if they didn't hand over Vala, the Alliance would be just as happy to take out the loss of the naquadah on the two of them, since someone had to pay. (The Ties That Bind)
A 'bounty hunter' -- Cam Mitchell, and his Jaffa partner -- answered the call they put out, and offered up Vala and her partner (Daniel).
Tenat and Jup planned to get Daniel and Vala aboard their cargo ship with Jup, while Tenat stayed on the ground and killed the 'bounty hunters' as soon as Jup arrived overhead in the ship. Daniel and Vala, prepared for that, escaped their handcuffs and overpowered Jup, ringing him down unconscious while ringingTeal'c and Mitchell up. Tenat, not happy but resigned, triggered the remote signal he was wearing, calling the ships of the Lucian Alliance to capture the cargo ship carrying Vala. (The Ties That Bind)
Using some of the special modifications in the cargo ship - she'd chosen this one specifically - Vala managed to escape the Lucian Alliance with the others. Tenat and Jup probably weren't in for a very good time of it after that. (The Ties That Bind)
Planet: Adora (The Ties That Bind)
The planet has at least two moons ('We would ... lie, naked, under Adora's moons'). (The Ties That Bind)
The local civilization was at least somewhat technological - several people on the planet were familiar with alien technology and had researched it well enough to know how it worked. (The Ties That Bind)
There was at least one city. (The Ties That Bind)
Near the city were the springs of Aragatan. (The Ties That Bind)
He was one of the leading scientists on the planet, or at least one of the top researchers into alien technology. (The Ties That Bind)
He had a relationship with Vala - including stealing away from the city at night to bathe in the springs of Aragatan and lie naked under the moons together doing things Mitchell refused to let him go into detail about. (The Ties That Bind)
When Mitchell and Daniel arrived to ask him if he knew how the Goa'uld bracelets worked, he immediately figured out they were his stolen bracelets, and told them he wouldn't give them any information until he saw Vala again. (The Ties That Bind)
When Vala arrived he told her he was over her (and that he wasn't going to have her killed, since the lifelong memory of her callous treatment of him should be punishment enough), and all he wanted was his mother's necklace back - which Vala had stolen along with the bracelets. When it was clear he wouldn't deal unless it was returned, Mitchell promised they'd get it. (The Ties That Bind)
Nothing known about them, not even if they're a human race or not, or if this is the correct race name. One of the applicants Mitchell interviewed for SG-1 was fluent in Golap. (Avalon part 1)
Nothing known about them, not even if they're a human race or not, or if this is the correct race name. One of the applicants Mitchell interviewed for SG-1 was fluent in Teneeze. (Avalon part 1)
Vala
She may be claustrophobic. (Avalon part 1)
'So now is a bad time to tell you that I hate small spaces?'
She returned to the SGC in early 2005, demanding to see 'my Daniel' so he could help her with a tablet she'd acquired -- it had coded Ancient writing on it. To make sure of his help, she whapped matching bracelets onto their wrists that forced them to stay within about a hundred feet of each other. If they went beyond that distance for more than about half an hour, they'd both collapse and risk death. Daniel was less than thrilled. (Avalon part 1)
When Daniel figured out that the tablet had been written by Myrddin - presumably an Ancient who'd fled Atlantis during the Wraith siege some 10,000 years ago - and that Myrddin was the Merlin of Arthurian legend, they got clearance to take the Prometheus to search Glastonbury Tor for hidden chambers, using Asgard sensors. They found what they were looking for, and Mitchell, Teal'c, Daniel, and Vala all ringed down. Shortly after their arrival, they triggered the appearance of a sword in a big block of stone, as well as a hologram of Myrddin, welcoming them as knights of the Round Table and saying that with a wealth of knowledge and truth of spirit, they could prove themselves worthy and gain access to the treasures hidden there. Vala was very pleased to hear it. (Avalon part 1)
They split into teams, and she and Daniel headed down a corridor to explore. They found a small chamber with a table in it, with fire springing to life in a line of pots around the perimeter as soon as they got close enough. They went in and were promply trapped by the closing of a thick stone door, and were forced to take the test laid out for them: two pots, one silver and one gold. The gold one had a label that said 'The universe is infinte.' The silver's label said 'The treasure is in this pot.' While Daniel was still thinking, Vala opened the silver pot, which turned out to be empty. A few seconds later, the stone ceiling began to descend. (Avalon part 1)
Daniel managed to redo the test and save their lives, and both of them realized that Mitchell and Teal'c would be in the same danger. Daniel took off, but Vala waited long enough to steal the coin that had appeared in the gold pot. (Avalon part 2)
After Mitchell and Teal'c had been saved, and Mitchell had drawn out the sword in the stone and successfully faced down the oddly solid hologrammatic knight that appeared to challenge him, the other three left the chamber, assuming the treasure would appear when only Mitchell was there, since he'd taken the sword. Instead, the chamber began collapsing as though in an earthquake. Daniel immediately wanted to know what Vala had taken, and she had to give up her stolen coin. She was pleased with the tradeoff - once the coin was returned, the chamber filled with gold, gems, and other trinkets - but in the end wasn't allowed to keep any of the treasure for herself. (Avalon part 2)
She decided that the knowledge Daniel seemed on the verge of discovering, of the secrets of the gatebuilders, was worth more than a few trinkets anyway. (Avalon part 2)
When Daniel put himself forward for testing the communications device they found in the chamber, Vala promptly grabbed the second black stone and insisted she try as well, using the fact that they weren't sure if it was a transporter of some sort to bolster her argument - if she and Daniel were separated, they'd both die. (Avalon part 2)
They used the communicator and their consciousnesses were swapped with the minds of two people - a married couple, Harrid and Sallis Cicera - in another galaxy. Vala did her best to play along with Daniel's attempts to gather information, but having to sit through a face-to-face tea ritual with a local woman ('drinking the leaves') proved impossible, and Vala was declared to have been 'overcome' - possessed. She was taken to a sacrificial altar where burning oil traveled through an array of channels until it reached her, engulfing her in flames. (Avalon part 2)
She died horribly in the flames, but moments later, a Prior arrived and doused the flames, then healed and revived her with his staff. He wanted her and Daniel to follow him, so they did. (Avalon part 2)
Daniel and Vala were brought by the Prior to the Plains of Celestis, where they walked to the City of the Gods and waited to be seen. Vala winds up bored out of her mind, while Daniel managed to say the right thing (quoting frmo the Book of Origin) and get an audience with the Doci. Afterward, he and Vala were sent back to Ver Ager to be used to 'cleanse' it -- meaning that the Priors would follow them to other unbelievers and kill them. Fannis went to them and helped them find the base unit for the communication stones despite the danger. The base allowed them to transfer briefly back into their own bodies, but when a Prior showed up and killed Fannis and destroyed the Ver Ager base unit, Daniel and Vala switched back into Harrid and Sallis's bodies. They were taken to the village center and chained to the sacrificial altar to be burned to death. (Origin)
They switched back to their own bodies when the Earth base unit was destroyed by Teal'c and Mitchell, just in time to avoid burning to death (Harrid and Sallis died in the fire instead). They were still connected by the bracelets. (Origin)
At some point after the bracelets were safely removed, she was escorted to the gateroom where Daniel was waiting for her - to make sure she was thoroughly searched before she left. Sgt. Bradley found a small 'keepsake' - a priceless artifact - in her bag, which she gave up with reasonably good grace. She tried to steal it back by picking Daniel's pocket after asking for a goodbye hug, but he knew she'd done it and took it back. Finally, she left. (The Ties That Bind)
An hour or so later, she was back - both she and Daniel collapsed after being too far apart for too long, because the bracelets's effect hadn't worn off yet. (The Ties That Bind)
When Dr. Lee was having trouble determining exactly what had happened and how to break the connection permanently, Vala admitted she knew someone who might help - the man she stole the bracelets from. (The Ties That Bind)
Arlos refused to help unless she returned his mother's necklace, which she'd also stolen when she left him. (The Ties That Bind)
She went with Daniel and Mitchell to find Inago, the Jaffa merchant she'd dealt with after she left Arlos - they traded the necklace ('a priceless heirloom from the House of Verenna') for what Inago claimed was a Goa'uld force shield inhibitor (actually a power coil from an obsolete cargo ship). Inago wanted to kill her, but she got the drop on him and offered to buy the necklace back, despite her annoyance at getting a power coil instead of what she'd expected. He refused, but said he'd be willing to buy the power coil back. Eventually they agreed to an even trade. (The Ties That Bind)
Vala, Daniel, and Mitchell went to the shrine of Grannus where she was greeted as 'Sister Vesina' by 'Brother Caius', a former smuggler turned monk of the god Grannus - a minor Goa'uld in Camulus's service, whose worship had fallen off sharply after he was executed by his own Jaffa. (The Ties That Bind)
Landry wouldn't allow them to go after the Lucian Alliance - he wanted Daniel on hand in three days to speak before the Senate Appropriations Committee. To keep them both from collapsing, Vala had to go with them. She kept quiet for most of it, but when the chairman announced that despite the reports and testimony he was cutting Stargate Command's budget to just 30% of its former budget (he suggested they cut back on exploration), and instead putting extra money into building more Daedalus-class ships to defend the planet, Vala took the opportunity to impugn his manhood, saying the only reason he could possibly want to put that much effort into big ships with big engines would be to compensate for his own 'shortcomings'. (The Ties That Bind)
Landry was less than pleased with her, and when they arrived back at the SGC, he sent them all off to find the Lucian Alliance after all, to expedite her departure. (The Ties That Bind)
They wound up meeting with Tenat and Jup (who had Caius's ship), the traders Vala had tried to swap the Prometheus for weapons-grade naquadah for the year before, a deal that fell through when Daniel got involved. They set it up as a bounty sale -- 'Cam Mitchell, bounty hunter' and his Jaffa partner contacted Tenat and Jup to sell Vala and her partner (Daniel). (The Ties That Bind)
They were planning a double-cross, to beat Tenat and Jup's expected double-cross. Tenat and Jup planned to get Daniel and Vala aboard their cargo ship with Jup, while Tenat stayed on the ground and killed Teal'c and Mitchell as soon as Jup arrived overhead in the ship. Daniel and Vala, prepared for that, escaped their handcuffs and overpowered Jup, ringing him down and Teal'c and Mitchell up, then fleeing the planet, very pleased with themselves. (The Ties That Bind)
The Lucian Alliance showed up moments later, called by a remote signal Tenat triggered once he realized the others had taken his ship - triple-cross. (The Ties That Bind)
Vala figured out how to use some of Caius's modifications: she generated multiple false energy readings with projected ships, confusing most of the Alliance ships, and took off. Two Alliance ships followed. She drew ahead, turned around, and went dark. As soon as they got close enough, she sent an energy pulse at them, knocking out their ships' systems long enough to open up a hyperspace window and escape. (The Ties That Bind)
In order: the ship went back to Caius (who tormented Vala by thanking her for not taking the swag out of the secret compartments), the engine coil went back to Inago, and the necklace went back to Arlos, who was very happy because now his mother would stop bugging him. When Mitchell and Daniel pressed Arlos to fulfill his half of the bargain, Arlos shrugged and said that his 'extensive research' had come up emtpy, but that he thought the effect would wear off eventually on its own. (The Ties That Bind)
General info
They live in the Ancient (Alteran) home galaxy. (Avalon part 2)
Their civilization appears to be roughly medieval - buildings and furniture, etc., are largely stone and wood, and metalworking appears to be fairly basic (smithy work for tools). (Avalon part 2)
They're followers of the Path of Origin, as guided by Priors of the Ori. (Avalon part 2)
Everyone has a copy of the Book of Origins (on the front cover, it says 'The Book of Origins. Blessed are the Ori.') (Avalon part 2)
All religious iconography - paintings, embroidery, stonework, ara/altar - consisted of images of a Prior's staff, whether direct representation or somewhat stylized. (Avalon part 2)
As part of the worship, everyone met for Prostration -- six hours on their knees with lowered heads, with at least part of it being a call-and-response format led by one man, the Administrator (the response always seemed to be 'All hallow the Ori'). (Avalon part 2)
According to the Book of Origin, the people were created by the Ori. (Avalon part 2)
Part of their faith included an 'ara', a sacrificial altar in the village square. It was almost a low circular maze - a heretic would be placed in the middle near a large stone and chained to it, and blazing oil would flow down the channels of the maze until the heretic was consumed and burned alive. (Avalon part 2)
Heretics were said to have been 'overcome' - presumably meaning 'possessed', probably by evil forces, but definitely with heretical overtones. (Avalon part 2)
Not everyone follows Origin. There was a resistance building, including Harrid and Sallis. (Avalon part 2)
The resistance was very small, and very secret. They met in secret to share knowledge, and hid any artifacts they found (in different places) so that if one of them were discovered, the rest would be safe. (Avalon part 2)
Those who investigate their own history are called 'curators' - and are heretics. No one is permitted to study anything that contradicts the Book of Origin. (Avalon part 2)
Harrid and Farris were both curators. (Avalon part 2)
Name unknown.
He led the Prostration services on the steps of what appeared to be the temple (it's not clear why the services weren't held inside, but possibly they only went in for special occasions). (Avalon part 2)
When Vala - whom he and his wife thought was Sallis - said things while 'sharing leaves' with the Administrator's wife that seemed heretical, he had her brought to the 'ara', a sacrificial altar designed to burn heretics alive. (Avalon part 2)
He seemed absolutely sincere in his belief, telling Vala not to fear - that if her heart was pure and her faith unwavering, her death would bring her to the Ori. (Avalon part 2)
After she died in the flames and was brought back to healthy uncharred life by a Prior, the Administrator's only comment was a sincere, 'Hallowed are the Ori.' (Avalon part 2)
A friend of Harrid and Sallis's - and one of their co-conspirators. (Avalon part 2)
Like Harrid, he was a curator - an investigator of the past. He and Harrid discovered the communication stones in an ancestral burial ground. (Avalon part 2)
He was worried when Harrid and Sallis began behaving oddly, and relieved to find out that it was because they were effectively 'possessed' by Daniel and Vala - he believed Daniel's explanation immediately. He freely told Daniel about the resistance movement and what they hoped to accomplish. (Avalon part 2)
After Daniel and Vala (still appearing to be Harrid and Sallis) returned to the village from their trip to the City of Gods, Fannis went to see them to offer what help he could. He knew that the Priors/Ori were hoping to use Daniel and Vala to find more unbelievers, and knew he was risking his life by being seen with them, never mind actively helping them, but he was resigned, even cheerful, about his possible fate. He hoped that by helping them to spread the word back to their people about the truth of the Ori, they might someday spread the word back again to his own, to show his people what they were really worshipping. (Origin)
He brought them directly to a communications-device base unit identical to the one found on Earth, and they put their stones in. Almost immediately, Harrid and Sallis were back in their own bodies. Fannis seemed to sense the difference - he lit up with a smile. But a Prior was coming down the stairs, his staff glowing with power, and Fannis began to asphyxiate. He died on the floor. (Origin)
Married to Sallis. (Avalon part 2)
He was a curator - an investigator of the past. He and Farris discovered Ancient (Alteran) communication stones in an ancestral burial ground, and Harrid brought them home and hid them. He'd only assumed they were for communication, but it wasn't confirmed until he and Sallis swapped consciousnesses with Daniel and Vala. (Avalon part 2)
Harrid wound up back on Earth in Daniel's unconscious body. (Avalon part 2)
After a fair bit of time -- several hours, at least -- Daniel and Vala put the communication stones on the other end into a matching base device, triggering the return of everyone to their own bodies, awake and aware. Harrid and Sallis came to themselves standing in a small room with their friend Fannis -- but with a Prior coming down the stairs behind them. Fannis began to asphyixiate. Harrid and Sallis were only there for a moment before the device turned off, switching Daniel and Vala back into their bodies. (Origin)
Daniel and Vala were taken to be burned, but at the last moment before they died, Harrid and Sallis were switched back into their own bodies when Teal'c and Mitchell destroyed the communicator connecting them. They almost certainly died horribly. (Origin)
Married to Harrid. (Avalon part 2)
It's not clear if she was also a curator, an investigator of the past, but she certainly knew about Harrid's actions in any event, and shared his belief that the Ori were not the creators of their people. (Avalon part 2)
Sallis wound up back on Earth in Vala's unconscious body when the communication stones she and Harrid had in their home apparently triggered a link with the communication stones Daniel and Vala places in the base unit of the long-distance communicator. (Avalon part 2)
When Vala, in Sallis's body, died engulfed in flames as a heretic, Sallis, in Vala's body, died of heart failure in the SGC's lab. Sallis recovered when the Prior revived and healed Vala on Sallis's homeworld. (Avalon part 2)
After a fair bit of time -- several hours, at least -- Daniel and Vala put the communication stones on the other end into a matching base device, triggering the return of everyone to their own bodies, awake and aware. Harrid and Sallis came to themselves standing in a small room with their friend Fannis -- but with a Prior coming down the stairs behind them. Fannis began to asphyixiate. Harrid and Sallis were only there for a moment before the device turned off, switching Daniel and Vala back into their bodies. (Origin)
Daniel and Vala were taken to be burned, but at the last moment before they died, Harrid and Sallis were switched back into their own bodies when Teal'c and Mitchell destroyed the communicator connecting them. They almost certainly died horribly. (Origin)
The Ties That Bind
While listening to 'Brother Caius' talk about wanting his old cargo ship back in return for the power coil that was masquerading as the 'Ring of Shen-Marak' in a shrine of Grannus:
Caius: 'You bring it back, and I give you the Ring.'
unison: 'Power coil.'
Timeline glitch: Walter says the dogfight over Antarctica happened 'two years ago', but that happened at the end of seventh season, so there was basically just one year (or a bit more) between the dogfight and Walter's statement.
How long do Ancients live, anyway? Myrddin returned to Earth 10,000 years ago, and is known in English as Merlin - but the historical Arthur, if he existed, has been dated back to roughly 400 CE, give or take a few decades. (The literary Arthur cycle doesn't even go back that far, if you judge by weaponry, religion, and culture.) Either Ancients live for many millennia, or this is another example of the writing staff assuming that anything more than 1500 years ago is such ancient history that there can be no record of it and no one could possibly know what really happened when, and therefore it all happened at the same time. Except there were really a lot of records kept then, in various parts of the world, and we have a pretty good idea of what going on in a whole lotta places.
If they do live for many millennia, so that 8,000-10,000 years is a lifespan, why aren't there more of them around? All if would have taken would be one or two generations of pureblood births between the time the Ancients returned and the time Myrddin made his mark as Merlin, and we would still have living, breathing Ancients among us.
This actually all becomes moot later in the season, when Daniel says Merlin must have ascended then descended -- but that was very very late in the season, and before that, they seemed to be assuming he'd been alive the whole time, without anyone blinking at the thought of a 10,000 year old Ancient wandering around. Why didn't anyone at least question that?
Did I mention that going with the Arthur legend was just ridiculous? sigh. Most of the existing legend was created out of whole cloth by Geoffrey of Monmouth in the 12th century, in a politically directed propaganda piece based only loosely on tales of the day about a Celtic hero named Arthur. Later, Chretien de Troyes and eventually Sir Thomas Malory added to it and developed the more modern tales we know now. I love the legend, but it's far too recent, and there's no way it fits into the overall history and timeline the show has created for itself. And the Dumbledore outfit was just painful.
Not a nitpick, just a note: When the scientists talking to Mitchell about their hoped-for AI project mentioned an android the SGC recovered from P3X-989, they were talking about Harlan's world (from first season - Tin Man).
Why did the stone 'cards' for Mitchell and Teal'c's test have Arabic numerals on them? Those weren't introduced widely to Europe until the 1100s (a few people in Europe used them after 950 or so, but not many), roughly 700 years after Myrddin would have set this challenge. The knights who tried it would have been completely clueless - if they knew how to write numbers, it would have been Roman numerals.
If Daniel and Vala weren't mentally connected to Harrid and Sallis, why were they reacting to the danger Vala was in before she died?
I realize it would have ruined the dramatic moment to do this right, but - burned Vala would have been instinctively revolting for Daniel to touch, I would think, even though his gesture to reach for her was totally in character. Burned human flesh smells horrific (because it smells like meat), and would have felt even worse to touch. Even if the Prior had cooled her down (which he appears to have done), it's hard to believe Daniel could cradle her like that with no real reaction to what had actually been done to her, just to her death.
The Ties That Bind
Not a nitpick - I just wanted somewhere to say how happy I was to see the forehead tattoo on Inago. It's the same as the markings on the Jaffa in Fifth Man (the one with the alien disguised as a human (Tyler) who had all of SG-1 convinced he was part of their unit). That tattoo has never been seen before or since, and the continuity there of pulling out that one marking from four years ago, without making a big deal of it, was just fantastic.
The Lucian Alliance said they'd lost out on the weapons-grade naquadah that Tenat and Jup were supposed to have traded to Vala for a ship, but she and Daniel took off without the naquadah, and the Goa'uld were routed by Hammond and his men. Did she go back for it by herself in the al-kesh?
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