Storytime with Rachel F Hundred

Chapter 11

‘So what do you think?’ Daniel asked gesturing at Jack across the breakfast table in the SGC commissary.

Jack sighed and lowered his spoonful of Fruit Loops. ‘Daniel, did we not agree after the whole time loop thing that you would never ask me that question especially when we were having breakfast and I was eating Fruit Loops?’

‘We did not agree that.’ Daniel denied.

‘Yes we did.’ Jack shot back.

‘Did not.’

‘Did.’

‘Not.’

They both looked at Sam who tried hard not to laugh as she confirmed the archaeologist had made that promise to the General.

Daniel sighed. ‘When did you start eating those things again anyway?’

Instead of answering, Jack stuffed another spoonful in his mouth and chewed. He was grateful that Sam diverted the conversation onto the Atlantis data she and Daniel were both working on, in between helping to finalise the restructuring plans for the SGC.

Atlantis.

Jack shook his head. The day after Teal’c had left they had received an incoming transmission from the Pegasus Galaxy. One point three seconds of compressed data. Some of it had been messages home but some of it had been critically needed information and more importantly, a plea for help. The original expedition had got into a whole heap of trouble and were about to be overrun by some kind of life-sucking vampire-like aliens they called the Wraith. The newly found ZPM had been rushed into service to open a wormhole that delivered a team of Marines to help hold the beleaguered city. As soon as the wormhole closed, the ZPM was transported on the new and barely tested hyperspace-capable X303, the Daedalus, to Atlantis to help power the city’s defences. So, they had managed to find and relinquish a ZPM all within the space of a week. Easy come, easy go, mused Jack philosophically.

It had been the right call. They had held Atlantis against the odds. The senior officers of the Atlantis team had arrived back with the Daedalus to debrief in person. It had been good to see Doctor Elizabeth Weir again, Jack thought, and to see her in action. When Colonel Caldwell had questioned the suitability of John Sheppard in leading the Atlantis military command, the way she had replied had been a pleasure to watch. It had been Jack’s pleasure afterwards to promote the young Major to Lieutenant Colonel. The Atlantis team had left a ton of information before the Daedalus had taken them back. Sam and Daniel had been working through it every spare moment they got. It had even taken priority over the contents of Catherine Langford’s estate that had been bequeathed to Daniel. The archaeologist had reluctantly handed that over to his research assistants.

Jack watched them debating on the other side of the table, not really listening, as he finished his cereal. Since Teal’c’s departure, they had re-established their old routine of all meeting for breakfast in the commissary. Jack would never admit how much he enjoyed it or how much he had missed it since he had started to run the SGC. He also refused to admit how much he enjoyed the daily contact and working with his former team-mates on the restructuring. In some ways, it felt like old times. Daniel would put forward one argument; Jack would disagree; Sam would referee and usually they’d all find their way to a compromise position that was all the better for their different viewpoints. Of course, they were driving Woolsey loopy, Jack thought gleefully.

Richard Woolsey had worked for Senator Kinsey in a previous attempt to take control of the SGC but ultimately had acted honourably. He had turned over damning information on Kinsey to the President and ensured the future of the SGC. The President had made him a liaison to the IOA. When the IOA had protested that they had not been informed about the restructuring, Hayes had agreed to have Woolsey provide an oversight function for them to smooth ruffled feathers. Jack had given in less than gracefully to the order. He didn’t like the man and had thought his presence would stymie the whole process. He still didn’t like the man but he had to admit, albeit grudgingly, that Woolsey was doing a good job; had even provided some useful input like suggesting that since Sam was the foremost expert on the Stargate that she should be on permanent assignment to the SGC reporting directly to the Homeworld office. So despite all of the delays and interruptions that were part of the daily operation of the SGC they were on target to finish the plans within Daniel’s original estimate.

Only one week and four days to go and he would be officially retired from the US Air Force and running the SGC as its new civilian leader. Jack’s eyes flickered to Sam; one week and four days before he would finally be able to have the discussion with her. The one where he confessed he loved her and prayed she did the same. He wondered at the nerves crowding in his belly. He hadn’t been this nervous since he’d been a teenager. The signs were good. He felt the closest he had to Sam since…since forever and yet nothing had substantially changed in their relationship. He was just her CO and former team leader and she was still just a Lieutenant Colonel under his command and a former team-mate. There was still nothing more between them than professional respect, a deep, platonic friendship and feelings neither could admit to. But they had hope now, Jack mused. Hope that in one week and four days they would finally have a chance and Jack was determined he wasn’t going to screw it up.

At least, he considered as he regarded her animated face, his slight worry that Sam would be grieving too much and wouldn’t be ready for the discussion had all but dissipated. Not that she was ‘over’ her father’s death, and Jack briefly wondered if anyone ever really recovered from a loss of a parent and he knew for certain a parent never recovered from the loss of a child, but she seemed to have regained a lot of her…what had Carolyn called it…balance. He knew she had spent a lot of time off base with Cassie, some of it with him and Daniel. On base, it seemed the whole SGC team made sure she ate properly and rested. She hadn’t mentioned the grief counsellor and he hadn’t asked. Nor had they discussed the imminent session Jack would have with the SGC CMO on whether SG1 came off stand down especially as their new team member was arriving that morning. Jack put his spoon down and reached for his coffee, retuning into the others’ conversation to hear Sam asking Daniel if he was fine not going to Atlantis. The Daedalus was scheduled to leave for another trip to the Pegasus Galaxy in less than a week.

Daniel rolled his eyes. ‘I already told you, Sam, I’m OK with not going.’ He glanced over at Jack with an expression that clearly said help.

‘I need Daniel on the restructuring, Carter.’ Jack inserted easily. ‘He’s not going this time.’

‘Besides they’ll be other times now we’ve got the Daedalus to provide transportation.’ Daniel pointed out.

‘Yes, there will.’ Jack agreed.

Sam looked from Daniel and Jack, and back again. They both gazed back at her with seemingly innocent expressions. God, but she loved them, she thought even if a part of her felt that they were mollycoddling her unnecessarily. Not that she was ungrateful; she truly had no idea how she would have coped without them since her father’s death. But, she grumbled inwardly, she was much better. The past month of downtime had been exactly what she’d needed. As much as she loved her job going off-world, staying at the SGC and working through her projects, helping with the restructuring, spending the time with Cassie…it had been all been personal time she had needed. She wondered if Carolyn would approve her return to off-world missions…maybe not. She had formed something of an embryonic friendship with the other woman over the previous month and had found her very similar in a lot of ways to her late friend, Janet. Carolyn’s judgement would only be based on what she felt was best for her patient.

Sam sighed and glanced at her watch. She took another hasty sip of coffee and shoved her chair back. ‘I’d better get to the surface. I told Cam I’d meet him up top at oh-eight-hundred.’

Jack frowned at the mention of the young Lieutenant Colonel who was joining SG1. ‘Did I really say he could have anything he wanted if he made it out of that hospital bed?’

‘Yes, sir.’ Sam said. ‘You did and he’s really excited about joining SG1 so don’t tease him. Sir.’

‘Just checking.’ Jack smiled at her. ‘Be sure and give the kid a tour before he reports for duty.’

‘Yes, sir.’ Sam flashed a smile at him before she hurried away.

Jack sighed and put his own coffee down. ‘I’d better get the day started.’

‘Are you interviewing today for the SGC senior military commander?’ Daniel asked getting to his feet when Jack rose.

‘Oh yes.’ Jack sighed. ‘Three Colonels and another Brigadier General.’

‘At least General Landry agreed to take the Homeworld position.’ Daniel said as they made their way out of the commissary. ‘It seems like a good fit.’

‘It is.’ Jack smiled. He’d been pleased Hank had agreed to the assignment. He and Hank had served together. Hank didn’t have much tolerance for incompetence, which endeared him to the Pentagon, but when he believed his people were competent, he gave them a great deal of latitude. He actually reminded Jack of Hammond.

‘Is he coming for the interviews?’ Daniel asked.

‘Yeah. So’s Hammond.’ Jack shook his head as they entered the elevator. ‘I have to wear the suit again.’

‘How awful for you.’

Jack shot him a look. ‘You want to sit in?’

‘As fascinating as it sounds, no. Thank you.’ Daniel pushed his glasses up his nose. ‘I need to catch up with Nyan on where he is with Catherine’s estate and I want to re-look at the some of the Atlantis data. You know there’s a fascinating section…’

‘Sounds like a busy day.’ Jack said cutting in before Daniel got started.

Daniel smiled. ‘Thanks for the save with Sam.’

‘She’s doing better, don’t ya think?’ Jack said pushing his hands in his pockets.

‘You’re getting the second evaluation report today, aren’t you?’ Daniel asked perceptively.

‘Carolyn should be waiting in my office.’ Jack admitted.

‘She is doing better, Jack.’ Daniel reassured him. ‘Have you heard from Teal’c yet?’

‘Not since the message he sent when Bra’tac visited.’ Jack said. There had been only one visit to the SGC from the Jaffa at Dakara since Teal’c’s departure; Bra’tac had accompanied the returning SG7 team along with Major Davis. Jack figured Teal’c was making a conscious effort not to return and let them all adjust to the reality he wasn’t there anymore. His message had been brief; he sent greetings and hoped they were in good health. Jack’s reply had, for once, been even more succinct than his friend’s as he told Bra’tac to tell Teal’c that they missed him too.

‘Have we heard anything from the Jaffa since then?’ Daniel asked.

‘Nope.’ Jack shook his head.

‘That’s a little worrying, isn’t it?’ Daniel mused. ‘I mean, they ask us to leave and then don’t talk to us?’

Jack shrugged. ‘Bra’tac didn’t seem that worried. He just said that the Council felt they needed to find their own way.’

‘What did Major Davis say?’ Daniel asked.

‘That the Council felt they needed to find their own way.’ Jack repeated.

Daniel looked at him sceptically.

‘OK,’ admitted Jack, ‘so Davis may have mentioned that he believed there might be some problems, some vague anti-Tau’ri thing going on.’

Daniel frowned heavily. ‘Is Teal’c going to be OK?’

‘You know Teal’c.’ Jack said as they stepped out of the elevator. He was pleased when Daniel sighed but didn’t press it further. They separated at a corridor junction and Jack made his way to his office. He paused in the doorway at the sight of Carolyn Lam and her father, General Landry both standing inside staring at each other angrily in absolute silence. The air was thick with tension.

Jack cleared his throat and tried a cheerful smile as he entered the room. ‘So…I believe you two have met before.’

Carolyn shifted awkwardly as Landry took a deep breath. ‘General.’

‘General.’ Jack answered.

‘I just came to let you know I’d arrived, Jack.’ Landry glanced over at his silent daughter. ‘I know you have a meeting so I won’t keep you.’

‘Good to have you here, sir.’ Jack replied. As a Major General, Landry outranked him and could have insisted on full protocol.

Landry nodded. ‘I’ll see you for the interviews.’ He turned back to Carolyn. ‘Perhaps we can speak later?’

‘I have a busy day.’ Carolyn said shoving her hands deep in the pockets of her white lab coat.

‘Then I won’t hold you up any longer.’ Landry strode out of the office shutting the door behind him.

Jack sat down and indicated for Carolyn to take a chair.

‘Why didn’t you tell me he was taking the Homeworld job?’ Carolyn said angrily.

‘You didn’t get the memo?’ Jack joked trying to avoid the conversation.

She stared at him and he sighed at her furious expression.

‘Would it really have made a difference?’ Jack asked gently. ‘Under the new structure, all civilians will report to me including yourself so it’s not like he’s just become your new boss.’

‘You should have told me.’ Carolyn insisted.

‘I admit I should have told you.’ He admitted. ‘Now can we move on?’ He waited until she gave a sharp nod.

Carolyn settled back in the chair. ‘I’ve completed the second evaluation on Colonel Carter. Doctor Kenny confirms that the Colonel has been very cooperative and is making remarkable progress. She’d like to continue her counselling sessions but she sees no reason to prevent Colonel Carter from returning to full duty particularly given the Colonel has passed her physical.’

‘I can take SG1 off stand down?’ Jack checked.

‘Yes.’ Carolyn tapped her fingers on the arm of her chair. ‘On the condition that Colonel Carter continues with Doctor Kenny.’

‘OK. I’ll give her the good news.’ Jack said.

Carolyn nodded and waved at his desk. ‘I’ve also completed my comments on the latest draft of the new procedures.’

‘Great.’ Jack saw the buff folder and his heart sank. One week and four days, he reminded himself. ‘Thank you, Carolyn.’

‘General.’ She rose gracefully and exited through the door to the corridor.

Jack started at the knock on the other door and gestured for Walter to enter. He half-listened to the run down of his day and accepted the briefing folders Walter gave to him. ‘Walter, I’m going to need ten minutes with Colonel Carter when she brings Colonel Mitchell to report to me and you’ll need to add SG1 back into the mission rotation as of tomorrow.’

‘Yes, sir.’ Walter suppressed the urge to sigh. ‘I’ll make the adjustments in your schedule as required, sir.’

Jack glanced up at the recently promoted Chief Master Sergeant and smiled. ‘You’re doing a great job, Walter.’

‘Thank you, sir. You have a briefing with SG12, sir.’ Walter indicated the team waiting in the briefing room before he left Jack with the briefing folder for the mission.

He flipped through it on his way as he wandered into join the SG team; the mission seemed a straight-forward meet and greet. He approved it and made a notation on the relevant form for the mission to be included into the gate travel schedule. He was heading back into his office when he heard Sam’s voice coming up the stairs. He spun on his heel and waited for her. She appeared with the smartly dressed Lieutenant Colonel Cameron Mitchell.

God, but he made him feel old, thought Jack ruefully. Mitchell could have been a poster boy for the Air Force; a thirty-something all-American male with piercing blue eyes, an attractive face and short brown spiky hair. There was no sign of a limp from the young pilot’s past injuries sustained when his F302 had crashed protecting SG1 in their battle with Anubis over Antarctica over a year before. Mitchell’s doctors had been astounded at his recovery rate and he had passed every fitness test and the Stargate training programme with flying colours. Jack was amused when Mitchell caught sight of him and came abruptly to attention.

‘Lieutenant Colonel Mitchell reporting for duty, sir.’

Jack didn’t look at Sam for fear they would both start laughing at Mitchell’s formality. ‘At ease, Mitchell, before you sprain something.’

‘Ah, yes sir.’ Mitchell breathed out.

‘Carter given you the grand tour?’ Jack asked.

‘She has, sir.’ Mitchell’s blue eyes gleamed with excitement. ‘I can’t wait to get started.’

Jack smiled. ‘I like your enthusiasm and I have to tell ya, SG1’s the best gig on or off the planet.’

‘That’s why I requested it, sir.’ Mitchell couldn’t prevent the smile forming.

‘Well, welcome aboard. You’ve been told about the restructure?’

‘Yes, sir. Sa…Colonel Carter mentioned it to me, sir.’

Jack caught the almost mention of Sam’s name. He knew the two were friends from their Academy days and Mitchell had actually gotten his promotion before Sam. In theory, he was the senior officer. ‘OK. So, some ground rules. Firstly, we don’t leave our people behind. Ever.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Secondly, try not to get possessed by an alien today. It’ll ruin your first day and quite frankly, I don’t need the paperwork. Thirdly, Carter’s the boss. She’s the SG1 leader and she’s logged the most off-world time of anyone in this facility including myself…’

‘Well, only if you don’t count the times you’ve been stuck on a planet, sir.’ Sam interrupted. ‘And Daniel’s time on Abydos or his whole Ascension thing.’

Jack’s gaze flickered to her. ‘Trying to make a point here, Carter.’

‘Sorry, sir.’ Her lips twitched as Jack’s gaze moved back to Mitchell.

‘If you’ve got a problem answering to Carter, now would be the time to tell me.’ Jack held the younger man’s gaze evenly.

‘Not a problem sir.’ Mitchell answered sincerely. ‘I’m here to learn.’

‘Good. In that case, why don’t you take this to Sergeant Harriman,’ Jack handed him the folder he was holding, ‘and have a look at the gate control room. I need a moment with Colonel Carter.’

‘Yes sir.’ Mitchell took the folder and snapped off another salute before he headed for the stairs.

‘And Mitchell,’ Jack called over to him as he took the first step.

‘Sir?’ There was a quizzical expression in the blue eyes.

‘The fourth rule is; don’t touch anything.’

‘Sir.’ Mitchell nodded and headed down.

Jack smiled at Sam’s obvious amusement. ‘My office, Carter.’

‘Yes, sir.’ She followed him inside and took a deep breath as he closed the door to the briefing room.

Her anxious expression got to Jack and he decided not to prolong the wait. ‘SG1 is officially off stand down. You’ll go back on mission rotation tomorrow.’

‘Thank you, sir.’ Sam breathed out in relief.

‘There is a condition.’ Jack said.

‘Oh?’

‘You have to continue with Doctor Kenny.’

He saw her absorb it and the slow nod of her head as she accepted it. ‘Yes, sir.’

‘OK…well…’

‘Unscheduled incoming wormhole.’ The announcement came over the tannoy at the same time the alarms and sirens initiated.

Both of them ran for the stairs and clattered to a halt behind Walter in the control room.

Mitchell glanced across at them and held his hands up. ‘I swear I didn’t touch anything.’

Chapter 12

Jack gave a fleeting smile at Mitchell’s comment. Damned if he didn’t like the guy. ‘What have we got Walter?’

‘Incoming wormhole, sir.’ The Sergeant checked the computer. ‘Receiving IDC now.’

‘It’s the Jaffa, sir.’ Sam said reading the code on the computer.

‘Open the iris.’ Jack ordered.

Both Sam and Jack were already moving towards the stairs when the General glanced back at Mitchell. ‘You coming, Mitchell?’

The surprise showed briefly before Mitchell replied. ‘Yes, sir.’

They entered the gate room and Mitchell’s eyes widened at the glistening pool of blue. ‘Wow.’

Daniel raced in from the corridor to join them. ‘Who is it?’

‘The Jaffa.’ Jack said. He waved a hand at Mitchell. ‘You guys have met.’

‘Sure. Hi.’ Daniel shook Mitchell’s hand warmly. ‘It’s good to see you again.’

‘I’m looking forward to working with you.’ Mitchell replied with an easy smile.

‘Just don’t let him touch anything.’ Jack warned.

‘Which one?’ asked Sam as the event horizon rippled and Teal’c stepped through onto the ramp.

‘Teal’c. Buddy.’ Jack stepped forward and hugged him forcefully causing the sturdy Jaffa to stagger a little. Sam and Daniel looked on amused.

‘O’Neill.’ Teal’c acknowledged as he endured the hug stoically. ‘I am here on a matter of great urgency.’

‘Right.’ Jack eased off and patted Teal’c’s shoulders. ‘It’s just so good to see you.’

Teal’c’s expression softened. ‘It is good to be seen.’ He accepted a quicker hug from Sam and Daniel patted his shoulder as they all followed Jack up to the briefing room.

‘So, what brings you to Earth?’ Jack asked as everybody took a seat at the table.

Mitchell wondered briefly if he should be there but when no one protested, he sat down and leaned back in his chair.

‘Two days ago, a group of Jaffa were exploring the ruins at Dakara when they chanced upon a cave in the mountain under the old city.’ Teal’c folded his hands over his stomach. ‘The chamber contained an Ancient machine.’

‘Don’t tell.’ Jack said gesturing at the Jaffa. ‘Somebody touched it.’

‘Indeed.’ Teal’c inclined his head. ‘Since then ten of our people have mysteriously disappeared from Dakara along a section of the old city we had been using for shelter.’

‘Disappeared?’ Sam asked.

‘They were enveloped by a bright green light, Colonel Carter.’

‘You’ve witnessed it?’ Sam asked excitedly.

‘I have.’ Teal’c scowled. ‘I saw Bra’tac disappear in such a manner only a few hours ago.’ He paused. ‘I could do nothing to stop it.’

‘This may sound like a dumb question but has someone tried turning the machine off?’ Daniel asked.

‘We have, Daniel Jackson, without success.’

‘Teal’c, I don’t understand.’ Sam said confused. ‘If your people have been disappearing for the last two days why didn’t you come to us sooner?’

A muscle worked in Teal’c’s jaw and he didn’t speak for a long moment. ‘The Jaffa High Council believes that until we learn to stand on own, we will be like a young deer that never learns to walk.’

‘I guess that makes sense.’ Daniel said.

‘It does?’ Jack asked.

‘Well, when you think about it the Free Jaffa nation is like a newly born animal. In most cases, young animals are encouraged to stand on their own legs as soon as possible so they’re able to flee from predators. Without that ability they are vulnerable.’ Daniel expanded.

‘So, your Council think that coming to us for help is a sign of weakness.’ Sam made a face.

‘They do.’

‘But they must have changed their minds if you’re here now.’ Daniel said.

Teal’c met his friend’s worried gaze across the table. ‘They did not.’

‘You mean you came without permission?’ Jack’s eyebrows shot up although he was more amused than shocked. ‘Teal’c.’ He made a tutting sound.

‘I believe that we do not yet possess the skills required to solve this particular situation.’ Teal’c stated. ‘I believe we will need the help of the Tau’ri, and specifically Colonel Carter and Daniel Jackson, if we are to determine the true purpose of the machine and recover our people.’

‘Carter?’

‘It may not be possible to do either, sir.’ She gestured. ‘The Ancient technology is still well beyond our understanding. However there may be something in the information that was provided by the Atlantis team that could help.’ She looked at Teal’c. ‘I’d like to try.’

‘What’s stopping this machine making you disappear?’ Jack asked.

‘By the sound of it the effect is localised.’ Sam explained. ‘As long as we stay away from the area Teal’c was talking about, we should be fine.’

‘We have already sealed off that section of the city.’ Teal’c confirmed. ‘Without your assistance, O’Neill, the Council will destroy the machine and any hope of recovering Bra’tac or the others will be lost completely.’ He added.

‘We do owe, Bra’tac.’ Daniel slid in gently.

‘We do.’ Jack sighed.

‘Teal’c, you say the Council aren’t that keen on us helping you out, are we talking violent resistance here or passive hostility?’ Mitchell asked speaking up for the first time.

‘Colonel Mitchell.’ Teal’c acknowledged him with a small bow of his head. ‘I do not believe SG1 will be physically harmed.’

‘So, they’ll grumble a bit when we arrive but then grudgingly let us help?’ Mitchell clarified.

Teal’c raised an eyebrow. ‘I believe you are correct.’

They all looked at Jack.

‘OK, you have a go.’ Jack said. ‘Gear up.’

The members of the current SG1 team deserted the briefing room leaving Teal’c and Jack alone.

‘My thanks, O’Neill.’ Teal’c murmured.

‘Don’t mention it.’ Jack said. ‘Happy to help.’ He reviewed his friend’s stern face. After years of working with him he could tell the big guy was unhappy and about more than the disappearance of his mentor. ‘Teal’c, is there something else I should know?’

Teal’c shifted in his chair at Jack’s question. ‘Many Jaffa are ashamed that we were unable to free ourselves without the assistance of the Tau’ri. Many others dislike our dependence on the supply of tretonin.’ He noted. ‘There are those who would seek to end the alliance between the Free Jaffa and the Tau’ri. They are gaining in numbers and gathering political support.’ He paused. ‘There is even a small faction that believes that we should use our superior strength, our warrior skills and knowledge of the Goa’uld technology to enslave humans to help with reconstruction.’

‘Sweet.’ Jack muttered. ‘And you and Bra’tac are on the other side of the political debate?’

‘We are.’ Teal’c leaned forward resting his clasped hands on the polished surface of the briefing table.

‘You don’t agree with the whole deer thing?’ Jack asked.

‘I do but a young deer finds protection amongst others in the herd.’ Teal’c said.

Jack nodded sagely before a small frown crossed his face. ‘You’re talking about us, I mean, humans being the others in the herd, right?’ He checked.

Teal’c inclined his head. ‘It is difficult for many Jaffa to realise that our years of serving the Goa’uld have left us weakened in many things vital to rebuild our civilisation. We have too few farmers and scholars. We require assistance to help rebuild our cities and planets. There is much the Tau’ri can teach us.’

‘Which we would do willingly, without the whole being enslaved thing just for the record.’ Jack said.

‘Bra’tac was beginning to win support for our cause before his disappearance.’ Teal’c said.

‘Bra’tac.’ Jack looked over at his friend. ‘But not you?’

‘My opinion is considered biased because of the years I spent with the Tau’ri.’ Teal’c stated. ‘When I return with SG1 I believe I will have forfeited my place on the Jaffa High Council which was opposed to seeking help in this matter.’

Jack reached across and clasped Teal’c’s shoulder as he met his friend’s serious gaze with one of his own. ‘You know you can come back. Anytime.’

The sound of approaching footsteps had Jack dropping his hand. Walter hurried in. ‘SG1 are en route to the gate room, sir.’

Jack nodded. ‘Start dialling Dakara, Sergeant.’

‘Yes, sir.’ Walter took the stairs and when they followed him a few moments later they could hear the sound of the gate as it spun and the confirmation of the chevron locks. They took the stairs and joined the gathered SG1 team in the gate room.

‘Ready to go, Carter?’ Jack asked.

‘Ready, sir.’

‘I want you kids to check-in in twenty-four hours.’ Jack noted.

‘Yes, sir.’ Sam clipped her P90 to her vest and rested her hands on it.

Daniel grabbed Mitchell’s vest and pulled him back. ‘You might want to stand back a bit more.’

Mitchell looked at Daniel and opened his mouth to say something when Walter announced the seventh chevron lock and the wormhole activated. The blue backwash had Mitchell staggering back a little.

‘Woah.’

‘Told you.’ Daniel said smugly.

‘They warned us in training but they never told us it would be like that.’ Mitchell said his voice filled with wonderment.

Sam smiled and looked over at Jack. ‘With your permission, sir.’

Jack nodded. ‘Have fun.’

Teal’c bowed his head and walked swiftly up the ramp and into the wormhole. Daniel followed after him. Mitchell halted at the top of the ramp and Sam stopped next to him.

‘This isn’t going to hurt is it?’ Mitchell checked sticking his gun into the event horizon and making a lazy circle.

‘Not as much as it used to.’

‘Not as much as it used to?’ Mitchell turned his head to look at her. ‘What kind of answer is tha…’ She pushed him through and followed after him.

Chapter 13

‘…that.’ Mitchell said as he staggered out of the wormhole and onto the dusty planet of Dakara.

‘Good trip, Mitchell?’ Sam asked sweetly as she walked up to him, the event horizon disappearing behind her.

‘You pushed me!’

‘It’s an initiation thing.’ She said putting on her sunglasses and pulling her cap lower. Her eyes were already scanning for trouble. The Jaffa guarding the gate didn’t look happy but they had lowered their weapons. ‘Teal’c?’

‘This way, Colonel Carter.’ Teal’c pointed his staff weapon in the direction of the ruins and started to make his way toward them.

Mitchell glanced around eagerly, taking everything in. ‘This is incredible. I mean, look at this, I mean…’

‘Definitely not in Kansas anymore.’ Daniel noted. He smiled at the awestruck expression as Mitchell’s head swivelled from side to side taking in the sights. ‘You’re actually really lucky this looks like an alien planet. Normally you step out of the gate and all you see is trees.’

‘Trees?’

‘Something to do with oxygen in the atmosphere…’ Daniel murmured hesitantly; Jack had hated explanations.

‘Sure, plants generally produce oxygen.’ Mitchell noted. ‘So, makes sense I guess.’

There was an enthusiasm in Mitchell’s voice that made Daniel smile again. He found himself relooking at his surroundings, trying to put himself in the other man’s shoes not just seeing Dakara for the first time but seeing another planet for the first time. He remembered his own bewilderment at Abydos; the sense of awe, of amazement. When had travelling to another planet become commonplace to him, Daniel wondered. He hadn’t even realised it had. He shook his head.

They walked on for another ten minutes sliding down a steep path before Teal’c declared they had reached their destination and brought them to a halt. Another couple of hundred metres in front of them was a small group of Jaffa guarding what looked like a square entry-way carved into the side of a mountain.

Sam looked up to get her bearings and realised they had travelled down-hill from the Dakara Stargate in the opposite direction to the old weapon. The old city was directly above them on the side of the mountain.

‘This is the entrance where the underground chamber was discovered.’ Teal’c noted.

‘Will there be a problem gaining entry?’ Sam asked wiping the sweat from her brow.

‘I do not believe so, Colonel Carter.’ Teal’c said. ‘Jav’nec was once trained by Bra’tac as were the two who stand alongside him.’ He started forward again. He stopped in front of the three Jaffa who had straightened on their approach. ‘Jav’nec.’ He bowed his head. ‘It is good to see you, old friend.’

‘Teal’c.’ Jav’nec returned the greeting and glanced at Teal’c’s companions questioningly.

‘My friends are here to help find Master Bra’tac and return him to us.’ Teal’c explained. ‘I bid you let us enter.’

‘I have orders from the Council, Teal’c, that no one is to enter.’ Jav’nec said regretfully.

‘Am I not a Council member, Jav’nec?’ Teal’c argued. ‘I will ensure the rest of the Council know it was my order you were following.’

Jav’nec nodded slowly. He glanced across at the other two Jaffa and gestured. ‘Let them through.’

‘Thank you, Jav’nec.’ Teal’c said as the Jaffa stood aside.

‘Thank me by bringing our respected teacher back to us.’ Jav’nec said. ‘Here you will need a lantern.’ He handed Teal’c a nearby lantern that radiated with light.

Teal’c held it in front of him and ducked under the low ceiling of the doorway as he led the way inside. Sam was right behind him and she switched the light on her P90 noting that Mitchell followed suit. They were all relieved that there was plenty of height in the actual passageway and more than enough space to walk two abreast.

‘This is amazing.’ Daniel said as he ran his hands along the wall. ‘These passageways look as though they were carved out of solid rock.’

‘Advanced technology though, right?’ Mitchell asked.

‘Definitely.’ Daniel’s nose wrinkled in thought. ‘Just look at the right angles to the ceiling and the floors.’

Teal’c stopped and gestured in front of him. ‘There.’

Sam shone her light on the arched entrance in front of her. ‘This is a doorway.’

‘Indeed.’

‘No, Teal’c, I mean this is an actual doorway.’ Sam pointed with her light. ‘Look, the door mechanism has obviously stopped working but you can see the different material under the rock and dirt. This was an artificial doorway, possibly to a building of some kind.’

‘Maybe it was buried by an earthquake.’ Daniel asked.

‘Maybe.’ Sam glanced back down the passageway. ‘It’s possible that the Ancients made the passageway as some kind of access tunnel when the building became inaccessible.’ She stepped forward eagerly into the chamber and did a cursory sweep with her P90. The glow of the active machine in the centre of the chamber caught her attention momentarily but it was the chamber itself that held it. ‘Oh boy.’

It was a huge dome-like structure. The curved ceiling seemed to extend upwards to a great distance. It was definitely not a natural formation. Sam could see that the walls were not made of rock but of some smooth white material. The floor was covered in dirt and debris so she couldn’t tell if it was made of the same thing but it was flat and even.

‘Woah.’ Mitchell stared up at the ceiling.

‘I believe you are correct, Colonel Carter.’ Teal’c said as his eyes followed Mitchell’s light. ‘This was a building of some kind.’

‘Teal’c, you’d better stand guard at the entrance.’ Sam said. ‘It’s probable we’re going to get company.’

‘Yes,’ Teal’c agreed, ‘our arrival will not have gone unreported to the Council.’ He moved back to the doorway.

‘Daniel, Mitchell,’ Sam’s light landed on their faces, ‘we’re going to need more light.’

‘If this was a building, maybe there’s a light switch?’ Daniel suggested.

Sam shrugged. ‘Start looking. I’m going to take a look at the machine.’ She saw the two men move off in opposite directions, their lights sweeping the walls for the elusive light switch. She made her way to the machine and knelt down beside it. She removed her backpack and started pulling items from it. She snapped on two temporary lights and placed them near to the device so there was enough light for her to work. Her laptop came next and she switched it on and powered it up. Her eyes started assessing the device with interest.

It was unlike the Dakara weapon which was a stone rectangular table-like shape with square panels that modified the device’s energy. This seemed more sophisticated like the time machine they had come across, or the control chair in Antarctica. She frowned as she made a slow circle around the device. It was a raised semi-circle to waist height in a strange grey metallic substance. She placed her hand curiously on the surface and found it cool to the touch. It felt like steel. The sides seemed smooth were no obvious openings and the device seemed rooted into the floor. The light was coming from one half of the top.

Sam reached into her pack and took out a small brush. She used it to gently brush away some dirt and peered at the faint glow. It was almost like a monitor that had lost full power, she mused. She cast one of the torches over the other half of the semi-circle. It was covered in more dirt which she had to remove. Buttons, like a keypad, all inscribed with faint symbols.

‘Daniel!’ She searched the darkness for the archaeologist and found him staring at a wall. ‘Daniel!’

‘Huh?’ His surprised face blinked in her torch light for a moment.

‘I found some symbols you might want to take a look at.’ Sam said standing in the curve of the semi-circle.

Daniel quickly joined her.

‘Ancient?’ Sam asked.

‘I think so.’ Daniel peered at the symbols. ‘They’re very faint.’

‘Can you read them?’

‘Yeah…I’m going to need my notes.’ Daniel looked up. ‘I left my back-pack somewhere by the door, I think…?’

There was a muffled curse and a thud.

‘Found it!’ Mitchell shouted.

Sam and Daniel smiled in amusement as the other man brought over the archaeologist’s bag.

‘Thanks.’ Daniel said. He immediately dug into it and brought out a tattered note-book. ‘OK.’ He flipped to the page he was looking for as Sam held the torch. He pointed at one of the buttons. ‘I think this is the symbol for light.’

He pressed it.

‘Do you think that was wise?’ Mitchell asked remembering General O’Neill’s rules.

There was a hum and suddenly the chamber was filled with a dim white light that radiated from the walls. They all winced and blinked as their eyes adjusted. In the brightness they could see the room better. There were two more semi-circular consoles in the centre of the room; both seemed inactive. Everything else was covered with a film of red dust.

‘OK, so this is a control panel.’ Sam deduced as she snapped off the torches.

‘Yeah but for what?’ Daniel murmured.

‘The room, right.’ Mitchell speculated. ‘I mean you pressed the button and, hey presto, the lights came on.’

‘I don’t think it’s just the room.’ Daniel said doubtfully. ‘Sam, isn’t there a control panel like this in Atlantis?’

‘Right. I remember reading about it in McKay’s report.’ She tapped into the information on her computer. ‘Here.’ She gestured at the monitor. ‘They have consoles like this throughout the city. They monitor environmental conditions, light, life support, that kind of thing, oh and security…’

‘Security?’ Mitchell questioned.

‘Well, they scan the inside of the city constantly looking for intruders…’ she stumbled to a halt and her wide eyes snapped to Daniel’s. ‘That must be it.’ She said excitedly.

‘What must be it?’ Mitchell asked.

‘You’re right.’ Daniel agreed nodding. ‘That has to be it.’

‘What?’ Mitchell asked again.

‘It’s the only thing that makes sense.’ Sam said.

‘What?’ Mitchell inquired for the third time.

Sam took pity on him. ‘When the Jaffa entered this structure they must have automatically set off some kind of Ancient security system.’ She gestured. ‘The Atlantis team reported that when they entered the city, it seemed to come to life around them and they later learnt that actually it had been programmed to do so at their arrival. It’s possible something similar was programmed into this system.’

‘OK, the Jaffa enter, and this device activates but why doesn’t everything come on?’ Daniel asked.

‘Maybe the power’s running out.’ Sam deduced.

‘A ZPM?’ Daniel speculated.

‘We’ve never picked up readings for one on Dakara but maybe.’ She nodded. ‘Now, I can see better I might be able to interface my laptop with the control panel. We might be able to access the system.’ She gestured at the blank panel at the side of the keypad on the device. ‘I think this is broken.’

Daniel nodded. ‘I’ll keep translating these symbols.’

Sam glanced at Mitchell. ‘Why don’t you head out and keep watch with Teal’c?’

‘Yes, ma’am.’ Mitchell said.

Sam nodded absently, her mind already working out the best way to tie the device into the computer. It took her longer than she had hoped but fifteen minutes later the image that should have been on the panel was displayed on her laptop. ‘Bingo.’

Daniel read over her shoulder. ‘OK. This is interesting.’ He tapped at the screen. ‘Can you zoom in?’

She made the image larger. ‘My God.’

‘There’s a city.’ Daniel said gleefully. ‘A whole Ancient city buried under the rock. This is incredible.’ He whirled away and gestured wildly. ‘OK, so we know the Ancients came to Dakara and built the weapon but what if they arrived earlier than that. What if they came and decided to rebuild Atlantis here?’

‘I don’t know, Daniel…’ Sam said trying to keep him from getting carried away. ‘It looks more like the size of an outpost to me.’

‘Even so.’ Daniel grinned her. ‘There could be a ZPM here. Or another chair like the one in Antarctica. Just think of the possibilities.’

‘I admit it’s all very exciting.’ Sam said. ‘But we have a specific problem to focus on.’ She reminded him.

‘Right. Bra’tac and the other missing Jaffa.’ Daniel moved back to stand beside her.

‘OK. So we think the security system was triggered when the Jaffa entered the structure.’ Sam said.

‘Which led to the system scanning a particular area of the city.’ Daniel gazed at the keypad and pressed another symbol. The image on Sam’s monitor changed.

‘What is this?’ Sam asked.

‘A security menu, I hope.’ Daniel said. He gestured at an option on the screen. ‘Click this.’

She followed his instruction and a large block of text appeared. ‘What does it say?’

‘I think it says that the security system is active.’ Daniel murmured. His finger traced a line across the screen. ‘OK. I think the system is designed to operate on three settings.’

‘Three?’

‘Three.’ Daniel confirmed. ‘The first is just to scan for intruders. The second is to identify intruders and transport them to…to some kind of holding area and the third…’ His voice trailed away.

‘And the third?’ Sam prompted.

Daniel met her eyes worriedly. ‘Eliminated the intruders completely. It killed them.’

Chapter 14

Sam held Daniel’s eyes firmly and forced herself to ask the question. ‘And which setting is it on?’

‘I don’t know.’ Daniel admitted. ‘We need to go back to that previous menu. Maybe there’s a way to see…’

‘Colonel Carter!’

Teal’c’s shout had both of them turning to the doorway to see Teal’c and Mitchell entering the chamber.

‘What is it, Teal’c?’ Sam asked.

‘I can hear a number of voices outside the entrance way to the passage. I believe it is the rest of the Council.’ Teal’c said. ‘Have you been able to make any progress?’

Sam and Daniel exchanged a quick look.

‘This is a control device.’ Sam said gesturing at it. ‘We think the Jaffa triggered it when they entered this structure and it switched on some kind of dormant security system that was tied to the area where your people have been disappearing.’ She sighed. ‘But we haven’t found out much more than that yet.’

‘We’ll keep working on it, Teal’c.’ Daniel promised.

Teal’c nodded. ‘I will speak with the Council.’

Mitchell gestured back at Teal’c as he disappeared through the doorway. ‘Should I…?’

‘Go with him.’ Sam said.

Mitchell hurried back through the passageway and caught up with Teal’c just as he stepped out of the darkness and into the bright Dakara sunlight.

There were five Jaffa stood arguing with Jav’nec and the other two guards. They stopped as they caught sight of Teal’c and Mitchell.

An elderly Jaffa disengaged himself from the group and headed towards them, a younger male following at his heels.

‘Teal’c.’ There was a cursory head bow from the older man.

‘Byn’c.’ Teal’c answered respectfully. His dark eyes slid to the younger. ‘Cral’k.’

Byn’c’s stern visage hardened as his dark gaze landed on the human standing next to Teal’c.

Mitchell gave a small hand-wave. ‘Lieutenant Colonel Mitchell, pleased to meet you.’

‘What is the meaning of this, Teal’c?’ asked Byn’c, ignoring Mitchell.

Teal’c raised an eyebrow. ‘My friends have come to assist me in finding Bra’tac and the other missing Jaffa.’

‘The Council voted against asking the Tau’ri for help in this matter.’ Byn’c snapped.

‘I believe the Council made an error.’ Teal’c said firmly.

‘And who are you to decide that we made an error?’ Cral’k said angrily.

‘I mean the Council no disrespect,’ Teal’c began, ‘but we do not understand the technology of the Ancients who built Dakara. Colonel Carter and Daniel Jackson have already ascertained that the device is linked to a security system once used by the Ancients that inhabited this world.’

‘They have no right to examine the device.’ Cral’k gestured furiously at Mitchell. ‘They are not welcome here.’ He sneered. ‘We do not need their help.’ He turned to Byn’c. ‘They should be made to leave immediately and the device destroyed as the Council planned.’

Teal’c ignored him and spoke to Byn’c. ‘My friends are confident that they will be able to find out what has happened to Bra’tac and the others.’

Byn’c seemed torn. He looked from Teal’c to Mitchell and back. ‘Wait here.’

The two Jaffa went back to the rest of the group and a discussion took place.

‘You think they’ll let us stay?’ Mitchell asked quietly, keeping his voice low so the words didn’t carry.

‘Byn’c is an old friend of Bra’tac’s.’ Teal’c noted. ‘I believe he will argue to give us the time to find him.’

‘And Cral’k?’

‘He is young and headstrong.’ Teal’c said. ‘I do not believe he will prevail against Byn’c’s wisdom.’

Mitchell nodded and as Cral’k stormed angrily away from the group discussion, he figured Teal’c had been right. Byn’c gathered his robes around him and returned to Teal’c.

‘You have until sunset, Teal’c.’ Byn’c said. ‘At that time, we will destroy the device.’

‘I understand, Byn’c.’ Teal’c bowed his head. ‘My thanks.’

‘However, your actions in bringing the Tau’ri have raised questions about your suitability to sit on the Council.’ Byn’c said. ‘The matter will be discussed at sun-rise tomorrow and your presence will be required.’

Teal’c acknowledged the summons with a nod of his head. Byn’c whirled away and they watched as he and the rest of the Council walked away.

‘They going to kick you off the Council, Teal’c?’ Mitchell asked casually.

‘I believe that is their intention, Colonel Mitchell.’ Teal’c said calmly as he turned and headed back to the chamber.

‘You don’t seem that bothered.’ Mitchell noted.

‘I accepted such a likelihood when I chose to return to the Tau’ri and ask for assistance.’ Teal’c said in reply.

They entered the chamber to see Sam sitting tapping on the computer and Daniel scribbling into his notebook beside her.

‘What happened?’ Sam asked.

‘We have been given until sunset, Colonel Carter.’ Teal’c said.

‘When is that?’ Daniel asked.

Teal’c raised an eyebrow. ‘It is four hours from now.’

Sam’s eyes widened. ‘So no pressure.’ She muttered and motioned at Daniel to keep working.

It was a couple of hours later when Daniel took a break and headed out to the entrance-way to talk to Teal’c. He took a deep breath of fresh air and slouched against the red rock. He nudged Teal’c arm with a paper-wrapped sandwich. ‘Sam packed an extra turkey sandwich in case you were hungry.’

Teal’c took it almost hesitantly but unwrapped it and bit into it enthusiastically.

‘So…’ Daniel began as he unwrapped his own sandwich.

‘Have you and Colonel Carter made any further progress, Daniel Jackson?’ Teal’c asked.

‘Some.’ Daniel said. ‘From what I’ve been able to translate from the information in the system itself, there was once an outpost here much like on Antarctica on Earth. Now we think there was some kind of natural cataclysm which buried the outpost under heavy rock. Maybe a volcanic eruption, a violent earthquake, something.’ He chewed and swallowed a bite of his sandwich hastily. ‘The Ancients abandoned the lost buildings but at some point they rebuilt the city on the rock above which are the ruins you’ve been using for shelter.’

‘I see.’ Teal’c stated with an understanding stare.

‘Now we think the security system transported Bra’tac and the others to a holding area like a jail or a…’ Daniel gestured with his sandwich, ‘a jail of some kind in the city.’

‘Where?’

‘That’s the thing we haven’t been able to work out yet.’ Daniel admitted. ‘Sam’s still working on it.’

‘I have much confidence in your and Colonel Carter’s abilities to find a solution.’ Teal’c stated.

Daniel nodded. ‘I know.’ He cleared his throat. ‘You know this is really an incredible find for the Jaffa. The knowledge and information your people could gather from the database of an Ancient outpost could be immensely valuable. There may even be a working ZPM or another chair somewhere on Dakara.’

‘I do not believe the Council will agree with your assessment, Daniel Jackson.’ Teal’c said.

‘But you’ve seen what an Ancient outpost can do, Teal’c.’

‘I have indeed, Daniel Jackson, but many of the Jaffa have not.’ Teal’c finished his sandwich. ‘And they will no longer listen to me.’

Daniel sighed and looked briefly at the ground before he looked at his friend. ‘Mitchell mentioned about the Council and…you.’

Teal’c’s lips firmed.

‘What’s happened since you came back here, Teal’c?’ Daniel asked quietly. ‘It can’t all be related to a…a dislike of the Tau’ri.’

Teal’c was silent for so long Daniel thought he wasn’t going to answer him. ‘I remember Sho’nac once said to me that I had become as feared on Chulak as once the Gods were.’ The Jaffa murmured. ‘So it is here.’

‘They fear you.’ Daniel said. His quick mind worked out the rest. ‘The other leaders realised that you were the most likely person to lead the new Jaffa nation. You’re the one who had the strength to rise up against the Gods, and free your people. You have support across the Jaffa that few others have. So what? They decided they had to reduce your influence and your power so they can keep hold of theirs? Is that why there’s been a rise in this anti-Tau’ri movement? To undermine you?’ He sighed as he read the truth in Teal’c’s harsh face. ‘I’m sorry, Teal’c.’

‘It is not your fault, Daniel Jackson.’

‘It’s not yours either, Teal’c.’ Daniel said softly. ‘Will you be OK? Tomorrow, I mean.’

‘I will.’ Teal’c looked over at him.

‘I could stay.’ Daniel offered.

‘Hey, guys!’ Mitchell’s excited yell had both of them turning as the young pilot stuck his head through the opening of the passageway. ‘Sam’s got an idea.’

They all hurried back into the chamber.

‘Colonel Carter?’

‘Have you figured it out?’

Teal’c and Daniel spoke almost at the same time.

Sam looked up from her laptop. ‘I began thinking what if we were looking at this the wrong way?’

‘The wrong way?’ Daniel questioned with a perplexed frown.

‘Well, we’ve been searching for where the device sent them as though it were a physical location.’

‘Yes?’ Daniel agreed hesitantly.

‘But what if it’s not?’ Sam gestured. ‘What if the holding area refers to a buffer of some kind in the security system? Maybe even an area of sub-space itself.’

‘I guess that makes sense. We know the Ancients use sub-space all the time in their devices right.’

‘Right.’ Sam nodded happily. ‘So I began to scan the memory of the Ancient device for recent additions.’

‘And?’

‘And I’ve found eleven new entries that all correspond within the time-frame.’

‘OK.’ Mitchell said. ‘If they’re stored in that thing, how do we get them out?’

‘Well, thanks to Daniel’s translations, I’ve been able to work out how the transportation system works.’ Sam said simply.

‘As I knew you would.’ Teal’c stated proudly.

‘It should just be a question of resetting the controls.’

‘You can do that?’ Mitchell asked astonished.

Sam blew her bangs out of her eyes. ‘I think so but I’m going to need Daniel’s help with the language.’

‘Let’s get to work.’ Daniel said.

It took time to translate and reset the parameters. Teal’c watched anxiously at the entrance to the passageway as the sun began to set. He could see the approaching Council members approaching; the fire of their torches bobbing in the distance.

He made his way back to the chamber. ‘The Council approaches to destroy the device.’

‘I need a minute.’ Sam said. ‘This one?’ She asked Daniel who pointed at the right symbol.

‘I don’t want to hurry you guys but,’ Mitchell said nervously, ‘we’re kinda on a clock here.’

‘We’re done.’ Sam said.

Daniel nodded. ‘We’re done.’

Sam took a deep breath. ‘Well, here goes nothing.’ She hit the enter key.

Chapter 15

‘Nothing happened.’ Mitchell said looking round at the empty chamber.

‘I don’t understand.’ Sam rubbed her brow. ‘That should have worked.’ She tapped an instruction into the computer and gestured at the monitor. ‘It did work. The previous entries aren’t in the buffer anymore?’

‘But where are they?’ Daniel asked.

There was a movement by the doorway and the Jaffa High Council entered along with a number of guards. They all took a moment to stare at the chamber before their attention fell on the group of Tau’ri around the console and Teal’c who stood in front of them.

Byn’c’s lips firmed. ‘Your time is up, Teal’c.’

‘Stand aside.’ Cral’k snarled. ‘We are here to destroy the device.’

Sam walked around the device to stand next to Teal’c. ‘Destroying this console will not disable the security system that it controls.’

‘You were not given permission to speak, woman.’ Cral’k’s dark, angry eyes fell on her.

Sam’s eyebrows shot up. ‘Woman?’

‘You will speak with respect to Colonel Carter.’ Teal’c said forcefully. ‘She is a sister of my house.’

‘And besides you should listen to her.’ Daniel said. ‘She’s telling you the truth.’

‘I would hear her speak.’ The female Council member from a group of female warrior Jaffa snapped at Cral’k.

‘As would I.’ Another more mature male added.

‘Look, we believe this console is one of several that used to exist in the city to access a central computer system that helped monitor all of the city’s defences and environmental controls.’ Sam explained. ‘When the first Jaffa entered this structure, it triggered an automated defence system. Now until the automated system is shut down completely, there’s a possibility that your people could continue to…disappear.’

‘How do you propose we shut it down?’ The female Jaffa asked.

‘The only way to do that would be to find the power source and disconnect it.’ Sam said.

‘I have often observed that it is wise to heed Colonel Carter’s advice in these matters.’ Teal’c said supportively.

‘Can you do this?’ Byn’c asked. ‘Can you locate the power source?’

‘I’ve taken some initial readings, and yes, I think I can locate it.’ Sam agreed.

‘They haven’t been able to bring our people back, why should we believe they can do this?’ Cral’k argued.

‘Actually, I think you’re wrong about that.’ Daniel said. ‘I think we did bring your people back.’

‘Daniel?’ Sam asked nervously.

‘You said it yourself, Sam. It should have worked and the entries are no longer there.’

‘But…’

‘We didn’t reset location parameters so we were wrong on where they were going to reappear.’ Daniel gestured. ‘Think about it. Why would they reappear in this chamber when we didn’t tell the system to bring them here and that’s not where they disappeared from?’

‘The old area of the city.’ Teal’c deduced.

‘We should check the…’ Daniel began.

‘Go.’ Sam said motioning for the two of them to leave. Teal’c marched through the Council members to the doorway, Daniel followed after him.

The Council indicated for a proportion of the guards to go with them on the search for the missing Jaffa and when they had left, their attention fell on Sam.

She cleared her throat nervously. ‘About the power source?’

The Council looked at each other.

‘Very well,’ said Byn’c, ‘you may find the power source and remove it.’

‘I cannot believe we are listening to this Tau’ri female.’ Cral’k said. ‘All she wants is the power source for herself.’

‘I promise I will handover the power source to the Council personally.’ Sam said firmly.

‘It is agreed.’ Another member of the Council noted and swept out.

‘Thank you.’ Sam said to the disappearing group.

‘It is we who should thank you.’ The female Jaffa bowed her head and left the chamber.

Sam glanced over at Mitchell.

‘Can you find the power source?’ He asked.

‘Sure.’ Sam said pinning a smile on her face. ‘Why not?’ She rubbed the back of her neck.

‘You should take a break.’ Mitchell said noticing how tired she looked. She hadn’t rested, he realised. She’d ordered him to, and Daniel, but she’d continued working.

‘I will.’ Sam said. ‘I want to pinpoint these power readings first. Can you guard the entrance and wait for Teal’c and Daniel, let them know what’s happened when they get back?’

‘Yes, ma’am.’ Mitchell smiled and tipped his baseball cap at her. He glanced back before he left the chamber and shook his head at the sight of her already immersed in her calculations. He headed through the dark passageway almost completely familiar with its twists and turns before he took position at the entrance way. The other Jaffa who had been guarding the entrance were no longer there; they had probably gone to search the old city with the others, Mitchell mused. The last of the light outside was fading and Mitchell peered into the gloom, scanning the area.

His blue eyes caught on the figure of Cral’k talking with two Jaffa animatedly near to the path back to the Stargate. He frowned. The young male Jaffa worried him, not because of the dislike in his eyes but mainly because of the way he had looked at Sam. He’d seen that look before on men who had no respect for women. He relaxed a little when they turned and walked away.

It could have been considered to be a boring duty, standing and keeping watch as Sam worked inside but Mitchell was content even as the seconds turned into minutes and the minutes to an hour. He was breathing the air of another planet; its warm breeze brushing over his face and through his hair. This was what he had worked for through months of physiotherapy and training; to be part of the Stargate programme and, more than that, to join the elite SG1 team. He truly didn’t care if Sam ordered him to do nothing more than carry her bags, he thought with a wry smile. A movement by the pathway caught his attention and he stared into the darkness to see three figures approaching.

Great, he thought, Cral’k and his two goons were back. He tensed, his hand sliding to the trigger on the P90 he carried as the three Jaffa started to walk towards him. His other hand reached for his radio.

‘Colonel, we got some trouble out here. Three Jaffa. I suggest we call Jackson for some back-up.’ Mitchell said.

There was a pause before she replied, her voice calm and controlled. ‘Copy that.’

The Jaffa were almost right up to him before Mitchell shifted so he was directly in the entrance way; his P90 braced and pointed.

‘Hello, boys.’ He greeted them with a mock cheeriness. ‘Out for an evening stroll?’

‘You have no rights here, Tau’ri.’ Cral’k said. ‘Move aside.’

‘I don’t think so.’ Mitchell said.

They all stared at each other.

Cral’k began to smile.

Mitchell watched him puzzled. He saw the hand movement of the Jaffa on his left too late, barely saw the gleam of the zat and the bright flash of blue as its electrical charge hit him. He was already too much in pain to feel the blow as his head was cracked onto the rock behind him by the Jaffa on his right and he was unconscious when he hit the ground.

‘Mitchell?’ Sam tried to raise him again. ‘Cameron?’ She frowned. OK, she could understand not being able to reach Daniel. It was likely he was out of range or the rock around her was distorting the signal but Mitchell should have responded. Her ears picked up the sound of footsteps approaching in the passageway.

She reviewed her situation. Mitchell was likely injured or dead; she was trapped in the chamber with a P90, a knife and her 9mm. There were three of them and one of her. She hit the light symbol and the room went dark. Her knowledge of the chamber was the only advantage she had. She dived down behind another console to the one she had been working at and aimed the P90 at the doorway.

When the shadows appeared, she didn’t hesitate; she squeezed the trigger. The bright flash of the spitting bullets streamed across the chamber. One of the targets went down as the other two dived for cover. She put down the P90 silently as she changed position and switched to her 9mm.

‘Hiding will only make this worse for you.’ Cral’k’s voice sent a shiver down her spine. ‘If you reveal yourself, I will be kind.’

Sam knew better than to respond. She took shallow even breaths, and waited. They were circling the room like sharks. She could see them moving towards the faint glow of her laptop monitor. One of them knelt down and placed something on the base of the console. A bomb, she realised. They were going to blow it up. She aimed her gun and fired, once, twice; the body jerked and fell to the side. She immediately made to move but Cral’k was on her in a heartbeat. He smashed his hand across her face and his arms banded around hers to render her immobile; his hand slapped over her mouth as he grabbed her.

‘There you are.’ His breath was hot at her neck and she reacted with all the basic and advanced training at her disposal slamming her head into his face behind her. She heard the grunt and, as his hold momentarily lessened, she stamped hard down on his foot. She gained more freedom; her elbow went into his stomach and she lurched away from him. He tackled her and they went sprawling across the floor of the chamber, one of her ankles twisting badly beneath her. She cracked her forehead on the floor but fought the impending darkness to kick out. Her boot caught him across the jaw and she crawled further away from him; reached for her knife. When he came at her again, she thrust it between his ribs with a desperate cry. He staggered away from her and ran out.

Dizziness threatened again but the nagging voice in her head told her she had to get up; she had a man down. Mitchell, she had to check on Mitchell. She blinked past the blurred vision and tried to sit up. Her head swam. The rush of nausea had her turning her head to the side to vomit violently. Her body shivered as the retching stopped. She moved slowly. Her ankle was throbbing; sprained rather than broken, she thought, but she wouldn’t be able to walk on it. She probably had concussion from the head injury.

The flickering lights on the base of the console caught her attention and she crawled over to it. The bomb was of Goa’uld design; very nasty and probably naquadah enhanced. It was going to make a hell of an explosion and she had no time to get out or disarm it, she realised, seeing how many of the sectioned panels were already alight. She could barely walk and she would be lucky if she made it half-way down the passage when it blew and even then…what if Cral’k was waiting at the entrance? Physically, she wasn’t up to another fight. She reached for her laptop and Daniel’s notebook before she crawled around the other side of the console away from the stirring Jaffa she had shot. She knew she only had moments as she hastily reset the parameters again for the security transportation device. She just hoped her plan to transport out of the chamber worked; without Daniel she couldn’t double check her entries. She grabbed her backpack and stuffed the notebook inside. She kept hold of the laptop and said a prayer as she hit the enter key.

There was a flash of green light.

Sam reintegrated in mid-air, flew through it for a moment at speed before her body hit the immovable object of a console; she literally bounced off it and onto a set of stairs at its side, where she tumbled downwards before coming to rest in a heap at the bottom. She dimly realised she was clutching her laptop.

OK, she thought tiredly, that had hurt. She tried to move and cried out as a fiery pain shot up her arm and into her shoulder. She panted. OK, the arm holding the laptop was broken. She gritted her teeth and sat up, almost blacked out with the pain and took a deep breath. She slowly swivelled and braced her good leg before reaching up with her good arm to wrench her whole body upwards. Her vision swam but she was upright. She looked around her.

The location she had entered had been the coordinates of the power source she tracked just before Mitchell’s radio message. At least, she hoped they were. Finding the location parameters and changing them had been a little touch and go. Her Ancient was a little rusty. The same dim lighting that had filled the old chamber when they had activated the lights was already on in the room she had transported to. So at least she wasn’t in the dark, she mused. The room was large and it was a hexagon with a split level. She focused on the level she’d fallen onto. She couldn’t imagine making it up a flight of stairs with her injuries. Her eyes fell on the metal chair in the centre of the room; the same chair that existed in Antarctica. She limped over and lowered herself gingerly into it. She didn’t have the gene and it didn’t activate when she sat down and dumped her backpack by its side.

She’d rest, just for a moment, she told herself tiredly. Then she’d work out a way to get out and back to Mitchell, check he was OK and she needed to investigate the ZPM. There had been something off in the energy readings that suggested it wasn’t actually a ZPM but what else could it be? She slipped into unconsciousness; her arm still wrapped around her laptop.

Next: Butterflies, Chapters 16-20