Nothing is Alone
“To date, we’ve only come across a handful of planets with direct Eastern influence, mainly because the gods of that culture were not as, um, malevolent as gods in Egyptian, Roman, Greek mythology have apparently turned out to be. At least as the Goa’uld have manifested them,” Daniel explained with a slight cringe of distaste. “The village doesn’t look to be occupied by the Goa’uld. The only life signs we’ve picked up have been human. I think this is worth checking out.”
“Furthermore, sir,” Sam quickly stepped up to continue where Daniel left off, “UAV and MALP readings indicate possible naquadah deposits about 5 kilometers away from the ‘gate, quite possibly a mine of some sort. While I believe it is in disuse, as the readings are nominal, I would still like to investigate.”
General George Hammond gazed around the briefing room at the gloom tinged faces surrounding him, worry creeping into his veins stealthily. After the undercover operation to weed out Maybourne’s rogue crew, the members of SG1 were on edge. Major Carter, Teal’c and Daniel seemed a bit leery around Colonel O’Neill yet, and truth be told, Hammond thought he could sense some underlying tension even amongst the three.
He hadn’t liked the way the Tollan, Nox and Asgaard manipulated him and O’Neill into deceiving their own people, especially SG1. The three members not included in the sting had proven their trustworthiness as often as O’Neill had, and he had argued vainly for their inclusion. There was nothing Hammond disliked more than being controlled by people who considered themselves superior. Chuckling to himself, Hammond realized he should be used to that feeling by now—it was pretty much status quo in his position. The President, while professing complete innocence, had successfully backed him into a corner on far too many an occasion.
“Sir? Your thoughts? Doesn’t look like the inhabitants will pose a threat.” Colonel O’Neill’s voice broke into his wandering thoughts.
The curious look on Jack’s face snapped Hammond into full attention, a blush working its way up his neck to the tip of his bald crown. How embarrassing to be caught daydreaming in the middle of a briefing. Hammond pulled himself erect in his chair, cleared his throat and took one more cursory look at the team. He wasn’t satisfied they were fully ready to go on any missions—their lack of cohesiveness could prove a major obstacle. If Daniel and Sam were correct, this mission should be straightforward, in and out in a matter of days. Hammond couldn’t think of a plausible reason not to approve it.
“Yes. Very well.” Hammond cleared his throat before continuing, “You have a go. Dr. Jackson, Major Carter? Do you feel 48 hours is sufficient time to complete your research?”
“It should be, sir.”
“Yes, sir.”
The pair of them responded at the same time, both normally exuberant scientists somewhat subdued. Hammond raised his eyebrows, afraid for a fleeting moment his decision was an incorrect one. Sam was always enthusiastic to find possible sources of naquadah for the reactor she was working on, and her lack of interest was highly disconcerting. Daniel’s lack of verve at the chance to explore ancient Eastern culture was just as disturbing, all too reminiscent of Daniel’s difficulty after his wife died.
Looking back, Hammond couldn’t help but feel a pang when he thought of Daniel’s withdrawal after the death of his wife, a grief he understood far too well. It had only been after many months of depression he himself was able to move on with his life after the loss of his beautiful wife. Hammond missed her just as much today as he did only days after her death, the emptiness at times threatening to consume him.
At those times, Hammond had only to think of his children, grandchildren and adopted family to pull him out of the funk. SG1 had somehow sneaked into that space in his heart, unknowingly filling it exactly when it was needed. As the months progressed, he saw Jack O’Neill, Teal’c and Samantha Carter do the same for the young archaeologist. Their work was laborious, but done with love and patience, eventually leading Daniel a little further away from misery.
Daniel wasn’t unique in his sufferings. The past six months had brought little but grief to SG1—since Hathor’s demise. Having to watch team after team search for the three human members while Teal’c lay in what can only be termed a coma had been agony. Teal’c was so weakened when he awoke, but so damn determined to find his friends, so damn sure they were alive, despite his own horrifying condition when he was found. Hammond took great stock in the Jaffa’s strength of spirit, wiggling his way out of the Pentagon enforced corner to aid the noble warrior in his search. But, every once in a while, Hammond was certain he caught Teal’c studying his three companions as though they might disappear before his very eyes. Afraid of what might have been. Hammond silently commiserated with him, honoring Teal’c's stoic reservation.
Hammond switched his gaze to the young major, who only a few short weeks ago almost lost her father. Her anguish had been evident to all, worry lines etching around her eyes, lower lip refusing to remain steady. SG1 rallied around her as they only can—saying few words, but conveying their support through unfailing dedication to find Jacob or die trying. Each knew they were volunteering, literally, to go through hell and there was no question as to their determination. Hammond knew it had helped Carter tremendously to have them and Martouf with her as she had to endure accessing the memories of Jolinar and the uncertainty of whether her father was alive or dead.
Nor had life been kind to Colonel O’Neill. Hammond was feeling immense guilt at being required to ask the colonel to lie to his friends only a short couple of weeks after returning from Edora. Duty was a bitch. As if being trapped on a distant planet, thinking you’d never get home again, wasn’t enough of a burden to handle. Jack didn’t have the opportunity to regain his footing, to gather his family around him, before duty called again.
Hammond had been shocked to find Jack in his office late one evening, tucked into a corner as if to hide. He was positive he’d seen a hint of tears in the younger man’s eyes as Jack unleashed all his pent up emotion on Hammond, explaining how awful it had been to lie. How he had cut Daniel to the core at his house; how Jack hurt because of it. Such a show of rare emotion should not have been demonstrated to him, Hammond knew. It should have been expressed to Jack’s team, but SG1′s relationships had become fragile and unstable where once it was a formidable brick wall.
A rift was torn wide open, disrupting the balance SG1 worked so hard at obtaining, given their wide varying backgrounds and styles. Hammond could see the foundation slowly but surely being laid again, and he only hoped it would not crumble. The lack of trust, the wariness each of them expressed toward each other was disheartening, but deep in his heart he knew they would pull through this. Together, as always.
“You’re scheduled to leave at 0900 hours. Dismissed.”
Hammond sighed. He hated not being able to say what he wanted to say, to tell them to be careful and to get better. They wouldn’t know what he was talking about anyway, or at least they’d pretend they didn’t. Shaking his head as SG1 silently left the briefing room, Hammond longed for the banter and teasing that was now conspicuously absent. He rubbed his head and turned back into his office, to try and focus on the rest of his work and not his troubled flagship team.
Jack pulled on his boots, staring at the wall blankly with his back to his team. The locker room was filled only with the sounds of zippers and Velcro. The spaces in between were as grim and silent as a cold winter morning. Jack closed his eyes and stamped down the need to hit something in frustration. He had received absolution from Carter, Teal’c and Daniel, but their actions conflicted their words.
Carter seemed extremely uncomfortable…all the time. Jack could usually count on her support, however ever since Edora and the damn NID thing, she avoided being alone with him. At first he had tried his usual method of stupid jokes to relieve the tension, but it didn’t induce her customary smile. It didn’t take him long to figure out he would have to go above and beyond to determine exactly what was eating at Carter and then even further to fix it.
His second in command wasn’t the only one giving him a cold shoulder. Though Teal’c was naturally reserved, Jack had been slowly breaking through his Jaffa skin. Teal’c had progressed so far Jack thought he might actually crack a joke of his own soon. That all changed upon his official return to the SGC. Jack could sense Teal’c was glad to have him back, but the wall was back up as solid and high as ever.
Jack drew his laces in snugly, pulling at the hapless strings as if the action would somehow rein in his feelings of helplessness. Tamp them down before things got really out of control. It didn’t help, and Jack knew he could anticipate sore feet in a few hours. In an odd way, the pain would be welcome, a tangible reminder with every footstep of his actions. The fact he was ordered to keep SG1 in the dark didn’t matter. He should have trusted them with the truth—should have demanded it. They would have if in the same situation. No, military protocol would have forced Carter’s hand as it did his and Teal’c also honored their rules. Only Daniel…
God, Daniel was the worst of all. Jack took off his hat and viciously rubbed a hand through his hair, now oblivious to the fact he wasn’t physically alone in the room. He kicked the wall stubbornly.
“Sir?”
Oops. “Carter?” he snapped back, shooting her a look that would have fried an egg.
“Are you…nothing,” she replied and slunk out of the room.
Jack wanted to call an apology, confused at his inappropriate reaction to her innocent concern. Tensions had built so high, he was practically shaking. Jack couldn’t take it much longer.
“Jack.”
Jack sighed, but didn’t turn toward Daniel. He just couldn’t look at the younger man and see the hurt in his eyes anymore. After nearly four years together, did Daniel actually think Jack couldn’t read him easier than a children’s book? Hell, they’d spent a few days on Abydos a short time after having met and had developed an almost instant simpatico. It was strange to think about it that way—but it was truth. He and Daniel rubbed each other the wrong way at first, but then there was a moment of realization. They were just in sync.
“What, Daniel?” Jack asked softly.
“Are you ready? Teal’c and Sam are probably already in the ‘gateroom,” Daniel replied equally softly.
He looked around, surprised. Damn that Jaffa was stealthy. Daniel stayed behind and was staring at Jack’s overly tight bootlaces as if he understood the reason for their assault on Jack’s feet. He averted his gaze from the younger man, Daniel’s expression too similar to his own inner feelings to bear at the moment. Jack shrugged. Daniel’s expression was because of him.
“Yeah, go ahead. I’ll be right there.”
“We are trying you know, Jack,” Daniel said hesitantly.
“I know. I know,” Jack murmured almost inaudibly.
“Do you?” Daniel pressed.
“Yes, I do, Daniel. Look, can we talk about this later? Now’s not a good time. When we get back,” Jack replied quickly.
Daniel shuffled out of the room with no further comment. Jack gaped at the open door, the footsteps receding from him rapidly. Why wasn’t now a good time? It was the first time any of his team even approached the subject and Jack snuffed it out before it could really get lit. Both with Carter and Daniel. Sometimes Jack believed there couldn’t be a bigger idiot in the universe.
Jack stared regretfully at the empty room, trying to convince himself there wasn’t time to hash out all the pent up resentment and distrust floating around. He noticed all three of his teammates seemed more reserved and wary with each other as well as with him. What Jack couldn’t figure out was if it was simply a residual effect from his own actions or something deeper.
Regardless, Jack had seen Hammond study all of them during the briefing. Jack could tell his commanding officer obviously had some pretty heavy reservations about sending them on this mission. Daniel wasn’t the only one whose face revealed more than its owner thought. Ever since Jack had his embarrassing little ‘breakdown’ in Hammond’s office, he’d caught the older man examining him surreptitiously. The fact he’d opened up the concern to include his entire team worried Jack considerably, but if Hammond could overlook his misgivings, then SG1 could pull themselves together to get through a routine trip through the Stargate.
If they couldn’t manage that, Jack didn’t know what they were going to do.
He was tired of being alone.
There really wasn’t a good reason for his behavior over the past week. Sure, Jack had gone behind their backs. All in the line of duty. Daniel scoffed at the antiquated and, in his mind, moronic military excuse. It was a quick fix, a bandage to slap over gory moral atrocities. Daniel stopped in the middle of the hallway. Gory moral atrocities? That was slightly melodramatic, but the long and short of it was his teammates were often forced to take actions they wouldn’t as regular, non-military people. To kill, to lie, to…steal.
Daniel understood that. He himself had had to do things he was against during his time at the SGC. That’s why he should feel no bitterness toward Jack or General Hammond for their participation in the subterfuge. But he was only human, and the feelings rose in him more often than he’d like to admit. There were times when Daniel wished he could achieve the level of Kel No’reem Teal’c did. He had advanced significantly with practice, but not so much to ease this strain.
This strain which was eating away at him, turning him into a strange deviation of his usual self. Normally, he used the closeness of SG1 as a built in comfort blanket. Sam, Teal’c and Jack were always there for him when he needed it the most, but now he sensed the blanket had been snatched ruthlessly away from him. When he jokingly told Jack he, Sam and Teal’c had drawn straws to determine who would try to persuade him to stay with the SGC, Daniel hadn’t realized how appropriate the analogy was. Except he hadn’t only drawn the losing straw, he’d drawn the final straw.
Daniel could catalogue every event from the last six months into nice, neat boxes. He could label each as significant factors leading to the ultimate collapse of SG1. Their separation on Hathor’s world, Sha’re’s death, Netu, Edora…all things which should have gathered them closer in actuality tore them apart with the destructiveness of a tornado. He felt as though he had been flung a great distance away from everyone, left to dangle in the wind.
He saw it all happening. Saw it and did nothing to stop the downward spiral, reverting instead to childhood defense mechanisms. To cope with the loss, he shut himself off from his surroundings, playing that everything was nice and normal. On the outside, he was positive the ‘nice and normal’ act was successful. He and Sam still compared notes and worked together, but lately the element of camaraderie Daniel had come to depend on was absent. Their time together became almost clinical—of coworkers and nothing more.
When Jack was trapped on Edora, Sam’s time was consumed by the need to bring him back home. Not that Daniel resented her drive. He had been as worried as she about the colonel. But her devotion seemed to be spawned by something deeper, something that was intangible to him and Teal’c. Daniel’s attempts to break into her dogged research routine were met with snappish and sometimes even rude responses.
Daniel wasn’t stupid. He saw the…friction between Jack and Sam. The only proof he needed to confirm his suspicions was her stunned reaction at Jack’s bittersweet goodbye with Laira. That had wounded Sam more than it should have, and then with Jack seemingly turning his back on them, well, Daniel couldn’t blame Sam for being a bit distant with the man. Even looking back at his own behavior, he could see why she was irritated with him. He’d been pretty snarky with Makepeace and Hammond and put her on the spot inappropriately.
And Jack. Daniel hadn’t really given his friend the chance to explain or really apologize for the deception. Jack’s words, though he now knew were spoken as protection for Daniel and to safeguard the secret operation, still hurt considerably. What is it people say? Hidden behind every statement said in jest is an element of truth. The mere possibility Jack actually harbored some of those feelings was bothersome. Did Jack consider all of Daniel’s ideals to be worthless? If that was the case, he might just as well consider Daniel worthless.
“Dr. Jackson?” A mild voice edged into his dreary reverie. “Are you all right?”
Looking up to find the friendly face of Sergeant Siler looking down at him in concern, Daniel realized he’d been standing stock still in the hallway far too long. “Uh, yeah. I’m fine. Thanks,” he said quickly and hastily walked away. He could feel worried eyes following his progress. Great. It seemed he was more transparent than he’d led himself to believe. General Hammond was sure to get a report. At least he could trust the general to exercise discretion when he approached SG1, which he no doubt would.
Approaching the ‘gateroom, Daniel suddenly hesitated again. He saw Sam and Teal’c standing at the ready, neither speaking. Not even facing each other. His eyebrows instantly furrowed. Daniel’s relationship with Teal’c had always been somewhat tentative, but it was one he valued highly. The Jaffa proved time and time again his dedication to the ‘greater good’, the battle against the Goa’uld. His dedication to his friends was equally strong. Then Teal’c killed…was forced to kill…Sha’re, and Daniel was blinded to Teal’c's friendship. It had taken him a long time to really believe Teal’c had done the right thing. Maybe too long.
Daniel studied Teal’c for a few minutes. Though it had taken months, Daniel was positive their friendship was not in jeopardy, but that didn’t preclude the fact Teal’c had been even more reserved than usual around all of them. He hadn’t shirked any of the stalwart support when it was necessary. When it wasn’t? Teal’c all but disappeared. Daniel shook his head. While he was trying to coax Sam away from her lab with such die-hard enthusiasm, he hadn’t thought twice about Teal’c or how he was handling Jack’s absence. He could excuse it away as remnants of discomfort about Sha’re, but that would be a lie. Daniel just hadn’t thought. He was pretty sure Sam hadn’t either.
Daniel sucked in a huge breath and walked toward his teammates. He wished Jack would hurry up and get here so they could get this over with. He should be intrigued at the chance to gain firsthand knowledge of ancient Eastern culture, but his heart wasn’t in it. The rift between him and his teammates spanned miles. He never realized how vital each friendship was to him until it had disappeared. Vital not only personally, but professionally as well. He’d not felt the thrill of discovery when stepping through the ‘gate for some time. He missed that feeling.
The instant they came back, he was going to have a good, long conversation with Sam, Teal’c and Jack to attempt healing the wounds. There wasn’t anything else he could do.
He missed his friends.
Why was Daniel staring at them? It was extremely uncomfortable for Sam to be held under his microscope for any period longer than thirty seconds. He didn’t mean anything by it, she knew, but it still made her want to squirm and shout ‘Make him stop looking at me!!’ to Jack. Both Daniel and Teal’c had that affect on her. There was just too much they could be thinking that was never revealed.
Not that Jack was easy to read. God only knows she’d spent hours trying to discern his behavior patterns. It just wasn’t going to happen. She knew that, but it didn’t stop her from thinking about it. She was a foolish teenager with a crush and she was pretty sure the same applied for the colonel. Nothing harmful, just a little chemistry.
Well, that’s what she’d thought until Edora. All those months, thinking of no one but him and he didn’t even appear grateful for the rescue. Nor did he seem to want to leave. To top it all off, he chose there to spend his retirement. So it was a fake retirement. It still rankled her. Sam realized she was now staring at Daniel staring at them. She shook her head at her pointless thoughts. She had no right to be angry with Jack…Colonel O’Neill… about her misplaced feelings. She had better just suck it up and move on with her life.
Sam found it so much easier to forgive the colonel his transgressions in the NID affair than his inability to return her affection. He’d been undercover, under direct orders from General Hammond. She had the impression he was still beating himself up over it, though they had all assured him of their understanding. When they got back from this mission, Sam intended to have a little discussion with her commanding officer to clear the air and set things right.
Studying her shoes, Sam didn’t notice Daniel finally join them. He looked pathetic in his misery, his expression should have reflected wonder and excitement for the upcoming days and instead was sallow, almost dour. It couldn’t have happened overnight. How had she not noticed?
Duh.
Daniel had tried to keep her company, demonstrating frustration because he couldn’t assist her in any other fashion as she worked to bring the colonel home. For his trouble, she treated him like a wayward puppy, always underfoot and unceasingly annoying. It had been wrong of her and the memory made her twinge with embarrassment. That isn’t the way you treat a friend.
What exactly went on at the colonel’s house that day, Daniel never told her. Likely never would. It had to have been bad, though, if the colonel’s dead on performance as heartless, bad-ass military man with her was any indication. Those two had known each other the longest, the feelings ran the deepest between them, whether they wanted to admit it or not. She couldn’t help but wonder if that conversation wasn’t the root of their current conditions. Daniel was acting exactly the way he had been for a month after Sha’re’s death…
“Where is Colonel O’Neill?” Teal’c asked.
Sam jumped, caught a little off guard at his deep voice. She felt her cheeks redden when her two teammates gave her identical eyebrow quirks, both delivered with an air of understanding. She was embarrassed when she understood they knew exactly where her thoughts were.
“He’ll be here any second. When I left he was just finishing up,” Daniel answered, looking like he didn’t believe his words.
Teal’c bowed his head once, but said nothing. Sam wondered what was going on in the Jaffa’s mind. On a good day, Sam couldn’t figure him out. Now it was absolutely impossible. His reaction to the colonel’s absence was as she would have predicted—he had carried out his duty like an efficient soldier, but the light she swore filled his eyes had dampened to a mere flicker. The colonel’s playful presence gone, Teal’c became the same Jaffa which had first joined them four years earlier. He was stoic and sensible. Sam hadn’t even realized how much Teal’c had changed over time and how much she relied on his strength. And that was not limited to his physical strength.
Checking her watch, Sam was worried. It wasn’t like the colonel to be this late. Actually, he was never late. Usually it was Daniel they waited for, the archaeologist cramming as much research in before embarking as he could and delaying them all. There had been several instances where someone had to go collect him. Sam smiled at the memories. The colonel would feign disgust for outward show, muttering under his breath complaints against Daniel. Underneath the gruff and grumble, though, he appreciated the younger man. More than appreciated all of them. If he was this late, Sam was more certain than ever it was because he needed some self-recrimination time.
“SG1, what’s the delay?” General Hammond’s disembodied voice echoed in the ‘gateroom.
“No delay, sir. We’re ready,” the colonel barked as he marched into the room and took his place at the front of the team. “Let’s go, people.”
Sam was relieved her commanding officer seemed to be himself again until she noticed his refusal to meet any of their eyes. He didn’t even spare a look in their general vicinity. Daniel shifted slightly, clearing his throat. The sound hung in the air like a bad omen. The colonel shot him a stare Sam couldn’t interpret, but Daniel apparently could, as he made a couple of sidesteps to stand directly behind Teal’c. Teal’c, in turn, moved away from Daniel and the younger man’s face beaconed her own feelings. He blanched, openly pained.
No matter what it took, Sam was going to figure out a way to fix whatever had broken her team.
Teal’c calmly ignored the shocked expressions of his two young companions and the non-reaction of O’Neill at his withdrawal from Daniel Jackson. He felt their surprise unfounded, based upon their recent lack of interaction with him. Teal’c was feeling uncharitable of late and, if he admitted to himself, hurt at his Tau’ri friends’ callous behavior. Finding himself embroiled in the ‘you get what you give’ mentality, Teal’c was having a difficult time avoiding traipsing further down that unsavory path.
When O’Neill had first been left behind on Edora, Teal’c accepted the responses from the remaining members of his team. They were undoubtedly upset and merited some time to deal with their emotions on the personal level. Teal’c had thought they, as a team, would then be able to come together to cope with the vast loss. This did not happen, though it was apparent to him Daniel Jackson made some attempts toward Major Carter while offering nothing to him.
The thoughts seemed petty to Teal’c. He was quibbling about reactions to an unusual and stressful situation. His interactions with Daniel Jackson had decreased naturally after the death of Sha’re and the current wall could still be attributed to that event. However Teal’c did not believe it to be the cause for his young friend’s disregard. Perhaps Teal’c had allowed himself to become too unemotional and rigid. Jaffa training dictated him to be stalwart in his actions, so as to keep the enemy off balance. It was a trait most cumbersome to him with the Tau’ri, who conveyed emotions readily and considered those who did not were cold and heartless.
Teal’c was not cold and heartless. Rather, he felt and experienced everything with utmost sensitivity. It was only his outward appearance that reflected unceasing calm. Inside he churned with all the feeling they were able to display. His friends were slowly drawing Teal’c's innermost feelings to the surface, a feat he would have deemed impossible a few short years ago. It takes time to break down mechanisms that have been in place for many years.
Truth be told, it was mostly the work of O’Neill Teal’c attributed his newfound ease to relay emotion. The leader of SG1 possessed will so mighty as to rival Master Bra’tac, coupled with a lighter side. Teal’c had not understood O’Neill at first, but as time went on, he had come to respect and appreciate both facets of the warrior he served for and with. He saw O’Neill keep the respect of so many, yet relax and joke casually. It was a mix of which Teal’c was somewhat envious.
Without the steady stream of O’Neill-induced facetious comments, Teal’c found it easy to retreat back into his shell. Major Carter revealed very little amusement at O’Neill’s antics and Daniel Jackson even less, and since they had demonstrated no interest in his company, Teal’c spent countless hours on physical and mental training, alone.
The Stargate whooshed to life and O’Neill immediately stomped up the ramp and through the event horizon, not hesitating for his team. Teal’c watched with deep regret upon his heart. He missed the familial atmosphere of SG1. Despite being upset at them, Teal’c was concerned for his Tau’ri friends. He took many opportunities to covertly survey their states and he was not pleased with what he saw.
The scientists both were paper cut outs of their former selves, already slight statures now alarmingly slender. Identical bruised purple shadowed their eyes, cheekbones more defined. More worrisome than the physical signs was the apparent lack of spirit each contained. Their actions reflected a weariness borne not of lost sleep. Through his own hurt, he had observed Daniel Jackson’s futile attempts to aid Major Carter and the dejection both took on as time passed.
Major Carter slouched into the wormhole, followed momentarily by Daniel Jackson. Both exhibited defeated expressions. Teal’c frowned at the sight. He was responsible for a portion of that and he was struck by a sudden onset of guilt. No good could come from him refusing to let go hard feelings. He should have approached them earlier, but nothing could be done about it now, except to remedy the wrongs.
Teal’c solemnly walked up the ramp, the thought most prevalent in his mind was how to accomplish that task. He knew his friends would likely not even understand his need for absolution. That did not matter. His confession would reveal all and allow his conscience to be cleansed completely. That is what mattered.
Nearing the event horizon, Teal’c could feel eyes upon his back. He turned briefly and looked up to the briefing room observation window. General Hammond was framed dead center in the glass, a distressed expression radiating from his face. Teal’c's admiration for the Air Force commander increased exponentially each day he knew General Hammond. The concern was not for their physical beings. Teal’c was certain the general was fully aware of the underlying tension and hoped SG1 could overcome it.
Teal’c would ensure their survival as a team. Perhaps there would be a time on this mission to begin down the long road back home. He stepped the open ‘gate with hope high in his heart.
Jack looked at his surroundings with disinterest. The terrain was not abnormal, more prairie than forest and the landscape was calm and peaceful, with no signs of life. The UAV had revealed a village eight kilometers north of the ‘gate, a naquadah mine five kilometers south. As time was limited, Jack felt it best they divide into pairs.
“All right, we’ve only got two days. Carter, you and Teal’c head to the mine to scope out the naquadah deposits. Daniel and I will head to the village to make friendly with the natives. Join us there when you’re done. Check in every three hours,” Jack spoke quickly, trying to make his voice normal.
“Yes, sir,” Carter said simply and began to walk away.
Teal’c spared a slight nod and strode with a long gait to catch up to her. Jack paused and watched them for a few seconds. Maybe the time alone would prompt conversation, both for Carter and Teal’c as well as him and Daniel. He had planned to just get through this mission and then address his personal worries, but now Jack strangely found himself wanting to get things out sooner rather than later. It would be easier to talk with Carter and Teal’c, so Jack purposely chose Daniel as his partner. Like eating your least favorite thing at Thanksgiving dinner first, saving the best for last, Jack wanted the most difficult task out of the way first.
Out of the way. That wasn’t exactly the best angle to look at things. Daniel, though, had been the one receiving the most unfavorable and hurtful lies from him. Daniel was the one he couldn’t even look at anymore. Daniel was the one who had made a concerted effort to speak with him. It seemed only right to start mending holes with his young friend first.
“Jack?” Daniel asked timidly.
The colonel turned to the voice, dismayed to see Daniel half raise his hand to snag Jack’s sleeve only to jerk it back down rapidly. Almost as though Jack was a too-hot pan and he’d accidentally forgotten the hot pad. Damn. He really had burned his team, hadn’t he? Not only that, he’d been treating the wounds with bandages and salve, covering the pain and locking it in rather than letting it breathe.
“Right. I’m coming,” Jack mumbled.
Trouble was, Jack didn’t have a clue where to begin. What should he say? The great O’Neill intellect was giving him nothing. He shoved Daniel away before, would any attempt even be welcome now? Jack hated the indecisiveness he was feeling. There was no reason to wait until they got back home. He had Daniel here now. Alone, with eight kilometers to go and nothing but the wind to fill the silence.
“Jack?” Daniel repeated, concern now edging the enquiry.
Right. Walking would be a good idea. Carter and Teal’c were probably already halfway to their destination, while he seemed to have taken up permanent residence at the ‘gate. Jack squared his shoulders and turned to face Daniel again. Maybe he should just try standard mission talk first, then work up to the dirty stuff.
“So, Daniel. Tell me more about Eastern traditions. Anything I should be aware of before we run into people?” Jack asked, pleased to find his voice was not laced with tension.
Daniel loosened up slightly, shoulders notching down from their stiff state. He began speaking softly and Jack found himself relaxing. Daniel’s voice soothed him and gave him confidence that all would be well. He only listened partially to the words because they weren’t necessary. Jack knew the rules with first contact—allow Daniel full reign until the younger man was positive the native people were comfortable with them. Only after this point was Jack permitted to speak. It was standard operating procedure.
They journeyed for several kilometers this way, conversation never diverging from Daniel’s history lesson. Jack asked questions to fill in the spaces and Daniel answered them, perhaps with little enthusiasm, but at least they were speaking with each other. Jack’s confidence grew with each step. They would find their way out of the gray and into full color. It was only a matter of time.
Sam trod through the waist-high grass, uncharacteristically paying little mind to her environment. She and Teal’c hadn’t come across anything threatening and they were making excellent time. The naquadah deposits were only another kilometer away and they could gather the information she needed and head to the village, reaching it before nightfall.
Her thoughts wandered to the colonel and Daniel. Was their hike as quiet as her and Teal’c's? Sam didn’t know what to say to her companion, not an uncommon occurrence. Words seemed out of place with the big Jaffa, more being said with a tilt of the head and elevation of an eyebrow then a filibuster of pointless rambling. She thought his quiet manner at once comforting and disturbing. She wasn’t one to chatter, but she’d give her right arm for anything verbal right now.
“Major Carter.”
Sam jumped and bit back a screech. Okay, so wish granted. Her heart thumped spastically in her chest, startled by the abrupt interruption. She spun around to look at Teal’c. He had stopped several feet behind her and was standing like a statue, left hand raised a little, right grasping his staff weapon tightly. Uh oh.
“Teal’c?” she whispered.
“I do not believe we are alone,” Teal’c called mutedly, as though to prevent his words from being heard by someone other than her.
“What? How do you know…never mind,” Sam began. Teal’c's tracking skills were unquestionably keen. If he thought they had company, they likely did. “Daniel said the people were probably peaceful. Are there any signs to indicate he was incorrect?”
“Indeed. I believe we are, in fact, surrounded by Jaffa,” Teal’c returned grimly.
Shit. If Teal’c ‘believed’ anything, Sam was positive it had to be true. They were stuck wide out in the open, the grass providing no protection. The Jaffa probably already realized their presence was known and there was nowhere for she and Teal’c to hide. Sitting ducks in some twisted carnival game—twenty points for Teal’c, ten for her. Maybe if they pretended they didn’t know…
“Major Carter, do you see the grove of trees ahead of us?”
Sam turned back around and began walking slowly. She nodded carefully, resisting the urge to hoist her MP5 and shoot into the steppe all around them. That would only get them killed and therefore not an option. She had to warn the colonel and Daniel. All of a sudden, Teal’c began to sprint, grabbing her elbow as he passed her.
She ran, struggling to keep up with Teal’c. Their burst of speed finally resulted in movement behind them. Jaffa popped out of the grass and the duck game shifted into a bizarre version of a cheesy military training sequence in an action film, where cardboard targets sprang forth at random. Except these cardboard figures were shooting at them.
Breath rasping, Sam saw the blue sparks of zat guns flaming past them, some coming far too close to their mark. She stumbled slightly, buoyed instantly back up by Teal’c's strong arm. They weren’t going to make it, the trees were too far away yet. They would only provide limited cover anyway. There were too many attackers for the pair of them to handle. Shit. Fumbling with her radio, Sam switched it on, frantic to forewarn the colonel.
Her fingers hit upon the button and she screamed breathlessly into it, “Colonel!…Jaffa…surrounded…one…”
That was all she managed before one of the Jaffa hit their targets. Together, she and Teal’c crumpled, enveloped in the cold embrace of a zat blast.
Daniel was grateful for Jack’s random questions. He understood the true motivation behind the ongoing remarks, knew Jack wasn’t seeking information about the mission. Daniel had been disheartened by Jack’s unwillingness to talk in the locker room, but found that sick feeling diminishing. He even thought a glimmer of interest was forming inside himself for the mission at hand. As he expounded on Eastern culture and traditions, Daniel was getting lost in the history of it. He found himself prattling on and on, shooting sidelong glances at Jack as he went.
Jack appeared to need Daniel’s voice, if not his words. With the passage of time, the tight shoulders and face of his friend gradually eased. Good. If he could get Jack unwound a bit, maybe he could start the conversation he had planned for when the mission was over. No time like the present, and if Jack thought the time was right, Daniel should make good use of the opportunity. It was all or nothing with Jack. He opened his mouth to speak.
Their radios exploded to life, startling both men. Sam’s voice pummeled them, her words desperate and alarmed, “Colonel!…Jaffa…surrounded…one…”
A zat blast, followed by a muffled grunt sounded and then the transmission ended. Stunned, Daniel stared at Jack’s radio. Jaffa? Here? There had been no indication, no reason to believe the Goa’uld were here. Oh, this was not happening.
“Shit,” Jack swore, hand automatically traveling to his radio. He stopped himself before activating the device.
Daniel searched Jack’s face and understood the man’s hesitation. Communicating would only confirm their presence. They’d be of no use to Sam and Teal’c if they were captured as well. Daniel hoped his friends were captured and not…dead. He could see the exact same thoughts mirrored in Jack’s expression. Cronus’ departing words from the treaty filled his head suddenly. No mercy if caught on a Goa’uld planet. No mercy. Daniel’s stomach stirred brutally.
“Daniel. Daniel!” Jack’s harsh voice snapped him back into awareness.
What was he doing, zoning out when immediate action was needed? No wonder Jack thought him useless. Daniel shook his head. No. Not now.
“Sorry, Jack,” he mumbled.
“Whatever. You with me now?”
Daniel nodded, embarrassed to hear Jack speak to him slowly as if he were stupid.
“Okay, we head back to the ‘gate, contact the SGC and request back up. We don’t know what or whom we are dealing with here and I don’t want to be surprised. We wait for the back up and then look for Teal’c and Carter. My guess is they’ll be taken to the mines or to the village.”
Daniel nodded mutely again. He had somehow turned into one of those bauble headed dolls. Jack shot Daniel one more look, clasped his shoulders once and took off at a fast but stealthy jog. Daniel followed, easily matching strides with the older man. They were only halfway to the village and at this pace, Daniel guessed they’d get back to the ‘gate in about thirty minutes. He hoped their course of action wouldn’t cause his friends harm. Part of him wanted to just go find them, though he knew it would be foolish.
They neared the Stargate and Jack slowed down to a cautious trot. He held up a hand and Daniel stopped. Both of them eyed the clearing for signs of activity. Daniel was worried the Jaffa might have brought Sam and Teal’c to transport them through it. They could already be on some distant and unknown planet…but he couldn’t see anything to suggest that. Jack waved them forward, apparently reaching the same conclusion. They crouched behind the ritualistic boulders interspersed throughout the cleared area, slowing heading for the DHD.
Daniel hunched over the device and began to dial while Jack kept his eyes out for danger. He punched in three symbols before Jack hissed, grabbed him by the waist and hauled him down and away from the ‘gate. Loud voices and footsteps floated their way and Daniel fought back a gasp when he spotted the approaching entourage. Twenty Jaffa encompassed two unconscious figures strapped crudely to sturdy poles by their wrists and ankles, carried horizontally between several of the guards.
Sam. Teal’c.
Their heads flopped lifelessly as the Jaffa jumbled their prisoners thoughtlessly. To Daniel’s surprise and relief, the group did not stop at the ‘gate, sojourning past it toward the village. He sighed when it appeared he and Jack had not been discovered, but the sense of semi well being was short lived. He heard a Jaffa call out in alarm.
“Kree! Lem tok nokra!”
Crap. The symbols were still lighted on the DHD, as effective a give away as a flashing neon arrow pointed at them. The Jaffa carrying his friends dropped their loads unceremoniously and armed themselves, all of them now searching the area with wary eyes. Daniel sharply looked at Jack for direction. What the hell could they do? If they moved, they’d give away their position. If they didn’t, the Jaffa would find them anyway.
Jack flashed him signals to stay put while he distracted the Jaffa. Daniel could then go free Sam and Teal’c. Daniel fiercely shook his head. No. No way was Jack going to sacrifice himself, which is precisely what his friend had in mind. Did Jack really think Daniel couldn’t read him like a book, after four years together? Jack sighed silently. He grabbed Daniel’s right arm and squeezed it.
‘The only way,’ Jack mouthed, catching Daniel’s eyes with his own intense stare.
Daniel shook his head again, this time in resignation. Damnit. This would never work and they’d all get captured. He looked over to Sam and Teal’c's bound forms and thought he saw Teal’c moving. Jack squeezed his arm again, prompting him to turn toward him. Daniel nodded and Jack began to move away.
“Jaffa, kree!” a metallic voice resounded through the clearing.
Daniel and Jack froze. Goa’uld. They watched together as one of the Jaffa…First Prime?…withdrew a communications orb and studied it intently. The speaker on the other end was muffled and Daniel couldn’t totally make out the conversation. What he could catch was the Goa’uld ordering his Jaffa back to the village with the prisoners, to ignore the possibility of other trespassers for now.
Gathering up the two trussed up members of SG1, the Jaffa shot disgusted glares into the outlying area and stormed off. Daniel was perplexed. Why were they spared?
One thing he was sure of. It could only get worse.
They were leaving, but not all of them. A sizable contingent stayed behind to guard the ‘gate. Eight, Jack counted. They should be able to take them out, but Jack was torn between doing so and proceeding with his original plan or taking off after his downed teammates.
His decision was made for him as he saw the Jaffa fiddling with the DHD. They attached a small metallic box to the underside, pressed a button and backed away quickly. Jack could see some type of barrier encase the DHD. Damnit. Plan B it was. Satisfied their diversionary tactics would be successful, the eight Jaffa strode away without a backwards glance to rejoin the rest of the group. He and Daniel were left alone again.
Jack suddenly became aware he had clamped his hand on Daniel’s arm, either as a subconscious effort to keep the younger man at his side or a subconscious need to actually feel his presence. Daniel was staring at Jack’s white knuckled grip with a pained look on his face. Guess it wouldn’t hurt if Jack let up on some of the pressure. He released Daniel to run both hands across his eyes. Jack wondered if it was possible to get Daniel out of here. He didn’t want to have to worry about the younger man.
“What now, Jack?” Daniel questioned when the Jaffa were out of hearing range.
“We see if we can figure out what they did to the DHD and dial out as planned. You’ll go through to get back up and you’ll stay at the SGC…”
“No,” Daniel interrupted angrily, “I won’t. Not when Sam and Teal’c are in danger.”
Taking in the archaeologist’s stubborn set of jaw, Jack gave in. He had to try. “Right. Well, the point may be moot anyway. Without Carter, I doubt we’ll be able to crack that shield. Hell, even with her we’d have poor odds.”
Jack made one last search for Jaffa before moving toward the DHD. He snatched up a rock and chucked it at the pedestal, unsurprised when it bounced back at him at great velocity. He dodged the stone, cursing himself when he heard Daniel grunt behind him. Damnit. He swung around to find Daniel shooting virtual daggers at him and clutching his right thigh in discomfort.
“Sorry. Sorry! You all right?” Jack hastily asked.
“I’ll live. Just warn me next time you do something like that,” Daniel scowled and straightened. “Okay, we know personal shields work based upon the speed of the object being shot at them, right? This is probably unlikely, but do you think we can use your gun to dial out? If we push it slowly through the barrier, it should work.”
“Worth a shot.”
Lifting the strap over his head, Jack moved closer. He extended his automatic to the shield with trepidation. It couldn’t possibly be this easy. The gun hit the field and Jack’s arm suddenly felt like it was on fire. Hairs raised on the back of his neck and he could hear Daniel calling out to him, but he couldn’t move. The pain scored up his arm and across his chest like a boa constrictor, tightening with each breath. Daniel’s voice was getting distorted and deep, sounding almost Goa’uldish.
A sudden force propelled him away from the painful trap and he landed in a heap several feet away. The remaining air in his lungs gushed out and a heavy weight pinned his legs. Jack feebly tried to kick it off, fighting the haze attacking his vision. Legs were made of putty and wouldn’t move, uncooperative and limp.
With one last pitiful heave, Jack succumbed to darkness.
Upside down. Teal’c swayed left and right, dizzy from the unnatural position in which he was placed. Consciousness began to return to him some time ago, but he found it difficult to focus. Muffled voices entered his ears, though they were nonsensical. Due punishment? Torture of the captured to torture the uncaptured?
The words’ meaning came to him with unkind clarity. He and Major Carter were to become bait to aid in the capture of O’Neill and Daniel Jackson. Rage at the prospect surged through Teal’c's veins and he struggled at his bonds. He would not be a pawn in this game.
“Shol’va, kree!”
Teal’c was jostled harshly and a vicious kick caught him in the side. Eyes flying open from the pain, Teal’c spied Major Carter restrained in the same manner as he. She showed no signs of wakefulness, head hanging limply, body lax. Teal’c ceased his struggles for fear his actions would cause the Jaffa to turn on the young woman. Several more jabs to his ribs silenced the protests poised on his lips. He would submit now, but they would pay should any harm come to his companion.
Traveling in silence now, Teal’c kept his eyes to the perimeters. He thought perhaps they would come across the path O’Neill and Daniel had taken. The Jaffa were not demonstrating caution and Teal’c knew the team leader would become aware of their arrival long before he was discovered. There had to be some way to tell his friends not to come for them, not to witness their torture.
A spasm of regret corded through Teal’c. Death was acceptable for him, but he did not wish the same for Major Carter. The loss of a mere soldier was detrimental enough, but she was more than that—a brilliant mind capable of so much good. It had long been Teal’c's opinion that while he and O’Neill were expendable, Daniel Jackson and Major Carter should be protected at all costs. During the past weeks he had somehow lost sigh of this reality and had subsequently failed in his duty. He would make sure the focus of the upcoming events would be on him.
As they neared the village, the Jaffa called out for assistance. A mass of people thronged around them, removing the bindings from Teal’c's wrists and ankles, replacing them with human iron grips. Teal’c looked behind him to Major Carter. She stirred at last, eyes slitting open to determine their situation. When full consciousness returned, Major Carter started to wrest herself from her captors. Her attempts were quickly quelled by sharp blows to her face by the Jaffa.
Teal’c bit down on his lip at her mistreatment, still afraid that if he tried to help it would only harm. To his relief, she fought no longer, stunned by the slaps. Growling at the villagers restraining him, Teal’c endeavored to learn which Goa’uld occupied this planet. The markings on the Jaffa were oddly familiar, but not instantly recognizable. He could not remember. It was not important. They would find out soon enough.
They were dragged to a large pagoda shaped temple in the center of the village. A vast courtyard encircled the palace, littered with ornate sculptures and fountains. Daniel would be thrilled at the sight, though Teal’c was extremely glad his young friend was absent. He hoped once again that O’Neill wisely went through the Stargate. As he thought it, Teal’c realized how unlikely that to be. O’Neill would not leave them, even if it meant trading his life for theirs.
Major Carter groaned as they were dragged to the top of the stairs and forced to kneel. She looked at Teal’c, trying to communicate to him with her eyes. She wanted to know who had them. Teal’c shook his head minutely and turned to stare straight ahead.
“Well, well. What have we here?” a distant, deep voice rumbled in the enclave.
Reactively, Teal’c swiveled his head to the sound. Emerging from the dark shadows of the temple, with an air of superiority ingrained so completely in all Goa’uld, was Yu. Brilliant red robes swirled behind him as he made his grand appearance, coming to a stop only when he was a foot away from the kneeling pair.
“Shol’va. Tau’ri. Were you not warned of the consequences of being caught on a System Lord’s planet?” Yu spat jovially. “You will gain first hand experience shortly. But first you will tell me all you know of the Tau’ri defenses and the Tok’ra.”
The Goa’uld ran a small hand down the side of Major Carter’s face tenderly. She simply glared at Yu, lips pressed together firmly. The hand cupping her chin began ruthless in its grip. Teal’c flexed his muscles and clenched his own jaw when Major Carter was unable to withhold a wince of pain.
“Speak or you will know pain most unbearable!” Yu threatened.
“You’re going to kill us anyway,” Major Carter hissed. “Go to hell.”
“So be it. You will speak, but I can see it will take some persuasion. Place the woman in the box,” Yu ordered with a snap of his fingers. He turned to Teal’c. “Shol’va. The instrument of your demise will be far less pleasant. It is being constructed as I speak. I assure you, in minutes you will wish you never betrayed the Goa’uld.”
Teal’c said nothing as he and Major Carter were dragged back down the stairs to their fates.
Sam fought against the strong hands pulling her away from Teal’c. Yu laughed above them, taking great delight in their futile efforts. Sam observed Teal’c being hauled to a large wooden pole and noticed a shorter crossbeam being secured near the bottom of the post. It looked like…oh God…it was shaped like an upside down cruciform.
Teal’c saw the contraption and tried to dig his heels into the ground. Jaffa buried their fists in his stomach severely, doubling him over with agony Sam could only imagine. Her guards easily kept her in place as four Jaffa pivoted Teal’c's head downward. They removed his boots before fastening him to the cross with heavy wires. Sam could see the binding cutting into his flesh even through his socks.
“Stop! Don’t…” she screamed, unable to remain passive at her friend’s torture.
“Silence!” Yu yelled from his perch at the temple entrance. “The Shol’va will receive punishment fitting his crime. You will as well.”
Tearing her eyes momentarily from Teal’c, Sam glowered at the smug Goa’uld. She knew she would be dead before Yu could gain any information from her, no matter how hard he tried. Teal’c would not tell him anything either.
“You might as well kill us now. We won’t tell you anything,” Sam called irrationally, losing her military cool.
“What would be the delight in that? No, if you do not reveal your knowledge to me, I will at least have the satisfaction of seeing you writhe. And so will the rest of the System Lords and your friends still on this planet. I will record your pitiful deaths for all to see,” Yu taunted her and pulled out a flashing globe. “You will beg for your lives.”
“Don’t count on it,” Sam muttered inaudibly.
Friends? The colonel and Daniel…No! They were out there somewhere, possibly watching them right now. Sam wasn’t going to count on the colonel to do the sensible thing and get the hell off the planet. He probably wouldn’t even call for back up before coming after them—his greatest strength and weakness was his dedication to his team. Sam only hoped Daniel could talk some sense into him.
A snarl from Teal’c pulled her attention back to him. He was fully strung up now, thick wires biting into his wrists as well. Blood streaked down his legs and soaked his pants, turning the olive into deep brown. His eyes were open and focused on her, sparking ferocious strength in her direction.
“Teal’c,” Sam whispered, though she knew he could not hear her.
How long could he last like that? Sam didn’t know if his larvae would protect him from this type of torture. It could work wonders, but could it save him now? Chances are if he could hold out for a couple of hours, the colonel and Daniel would arrive. Sam flinched a bitter smile. Yes, the colonel and Daniel would arrive.
Teal’c nodded to her as if he could read her thoughts. Only when she received that reassurance did she wonder what Yu had in mind for her. He mentioned something about a box…that didn’t sound so bad.
The Jaffa towed her toward a large metal structure about twenty-five feet from Teal’c. It was raised on poles and encompassed by a man made moat of sorts, though it was empty. The only openings she could identify were the door and small air holes lining the top edge of the rectangular building. Sam peered up at the bright sun and back to the prison and she knew.
She would roast in there. No food, no water. She’d be delirious in a day. Delirious enough to give in to Yu’s questions?
Sam chewed her lip in frustration. No way. No way would she allow herself to reach that point. If the colonel didn’t come for them by nightfall, she would find a way to stop Yu from succeeding. Teal’c would, too.
She was twisted around, hands bound tightly in front of her. The Jaffa shoved her up the short ladder and threw her brusquely into the prison, slamming the door shut with finality. Sam landed with a thud on the far wall of the box, wind knocked out of her. Lungs frantically sucking for air, Sam sagged on the floor and began trying to loosen her bonds.
