SG-1 fic: Choices, part 2
Oct. 14th, 2008 11:39 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
smg01Part 1 can be found here
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Full darkness had descended when Jack got down to business again with Kawalsky. “What’s your next move?” he asked.
“As a matter of fact, we’re making a run at assassinating Ra. Want in?”
“If we can,” Jack said with feeling. “When?”
“Thought you might feel that way,” Kawalsky smiled. “Tomorrow.”
“What is your strategy?” Teal’c asked.
“We’ve been working up to this for a couple of months. We’re working in conjunction with a couple of other units. There’s some sort of ceremony tomorrow at 4:00 in honor of Ra. We think that the time just prior to the time of the ceremony is our best window to make a move. There will be more Jaffa around, but their attention is also most likely to already be divided. We’ll be the first team in, then fifteen minutes later, team number two, then fifteen minutes after that, team number three. Charlie’s job is to sneak us in. At the same time, other operatives inside the pyramid will be setting explosions to create distractions. From there, it’ll be more explosions, sharp shooting, and skill.”
“It is a risky plan,” Teal’c said.
“It is,” Kawalsky acknowledged. “Luck is going to play a factor in our success or failure. But it’s time to make a bold move.”
“Maybe we can add an additional distraction,” Jack said thoughtfully.
“What are thinking?” Kawalsky asked.
“We could use Teal’c. If we can get hold of a Jaffa uniform, we could infiltrate by having Teal’c bring us into the pyramid as prisoners. I assume that we would be taken directly to Ra?” Jack appealed to Teal’c.
“That is probable,” Teal’c confirmed.
“So if we could be on the way in to Ra at the same time that you’re coming in, and explosions are going off, that should help create additional confusion that we can use to our advantage,” Jack said.
“This might be a good time for you to finally get a lead on some Resistance members,” Fletcher suggested to Charlie.
“What do you mean?” Charlie asked.
“I get it,” Campbell said. “If you tell them you know where some rebels are located, you can lead some Jaffa into an ambush.”
“You could tell them that you’ve found out where the strangers that came through the gate and escaped are hiding. Teal’c could be the lone Jaffa to return with O’Neill, Jackson, and Carter as prisoners, ” Fletcher embroidered.
“That would get us a Jaffa uniform and set it up so that they’re expecting incoming prisoners,” Campbell said.
“That could work,” Kawalsky said.
“I think so too,” Jack agreed. “Think you can sell it?” he asked Charlie.
“Yeah, I don’t see why not. I think I could probably get them there by midday. We’d easily be able to get to the pyramid before 4:00. I don’t think they’d send out more than five or ten Jaffa with me.”
“That would be expected,” Teal’c said.
“The location of our last camp would be a good place to lead them. There’s a lot of cover there and limited escape routes once they get into the clearing. That’ll make it easier for us to pick them off,” Fletcher suggested.
“I worried about that happening to us the when we camped there,” Chen commented.
“I did too,” Kawalsky admitted. “That’s why we moved on so quickly.”
“I know the place. I can make it work,” Charlie said confidently.
They spent the rest of the evening fine tuning their plan. They tried to work out solutions for every conceivable problem that might arise. It was late before they were satisfied with the plan. They all felt that the opportunity before them was a good one.
Charlie yawned and looked at his watch. “I didn’t realize it had gotten so late. I should be getting back.” He got to his feet.
Jack also stood up. “Be safe,” he said.
“I will. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Charlie promised. He saluted him as had when he was a young child.
Jack returned the salute. “See you tomorrow.”
Charlie turned to the group at large. “I’ll aim to arrive at the old camp around noon.”
“We’ll look for you then. Good luck,” Kawalsky said.
“You too,” Charlie turned and walked away.
Jack looked like it was all he could do not to call him back.
“We have a big day tomorrow,” Kawalsky said. “I suggest that we all get plenty of rest tonight.”
Once Kawalsky assigned the watches for the night, members of the unit dispersed. SG-1 was on their own at the dwindling campfire.
“Do you really think this plan can succeed?” Carter asked Jack.
“It’s risky, but we’ve beaten long odds before.”
“Shouldn’t we be concentrating on how to get home?” Daniel asked.
“Of course. But while we’re here, we might as well do what we can to help out,” Jack said.
“But we do need to be thinking about getting back. I doubt that we’re going to find a supply of tretonin anywhere around here for Teal’c,” Daniel reminded him.
“How long can you go?” Sam asked Teal’c.
“I always carry extra with me when we go off world. I kept ahold of it when our things were confiscated. If I am extremely frugal, I may be able to go as long as a month.”
“Can we bring Charlie with us? There wouldn’t be a cascade issue. At least not for awhile.” The hope and longing in Jack’s voice was palpable.
“I don’t think we can, sir,” Sam said reluctantly.
“Why not?”
“I’ve been thinking about this all day. I don’t think a potential cascade issue is the real problem. I’m not sure that we’re in an alternate reality per se,” she said.
“How do you figure that?” Daniel asked.
“I keep thinking of the Malacandrians explanation of the keyanna. They talked about it as a way of exploring other scenarios. I speculated at first that the device that it’s connected to is like a quantum mirror. But the timing of the energy surge doesn’t seem consistent with going into an alternate universe. You usually have to do something active to get there. I think the intuitive portion of the keyanna picks up what’s on the user’s mind. In your case, sir, it was Charlie. Then the machine looks into history and creates a situation that accommodates the thought. Remember that shimmer that passed through the room? Belnara mentioned it as being similar to a virtual reality. I think we might be in some sort of really advanced simulation.”
“Like on PJ7-989?” Daniel asked
“I haven’t noticed any observers in veils yet,” Jack said doubtfully. He involuntarily began scanning their surroundings.
“Well, the point of the simulation is probably not for the amusement of the Malacandrians, like it was with the Gamekeeper on 989,” Sam said.
“This all feels awfully real to me,” Jack said. “Why do you think it’s not?”
“Well, I’m not really sure. It’s a gut feeling mostly. The Malacandrians have technology that’s way beyond us. Maybe even beyond the Asgard. This just doesn’t have an alternate universe feel to me. I suppose it’s possible that the machine somehow changed history and we’re in an altered timeline,” Sam laughed at herself derisively. “But that seems way more far-fetched than being caught in a simulation. Whatever the case, whether it’s a parallel universe, an altered timeline, or an illusion, we can pinpoint the change in personal history that has created this situation.”
“Which was?” Jack asked.
“It was when you died on the mission before the stargate was activated,” Daniel realized. “You were gone, so Charlie didn’t find your gun. He never died. But you also weren’t there to go to Abydos. Cromwell didn’t change the nature of the mission like you did, or come around to me or the Abydonians like you did. It’s not just your history that changed when you died, it’s Earth’s history. And Abydos.
“And my history as well,” Teal’c said.
“Exactly,” Sam said. “One event casts a lot of ripples.”
“The keyanna is like a Djinn,” Daniel said, recalling Teal’c’s reference to Aladdin’s lamp. “It grants your wish, but in the worst possible way. The Malacandrians might have warned us something might happen. And told us how to resolve it.”
“Actually, I think in his way Carroan tried to. He didn’t seem very happy that the keyanna was on display in the first place. Then remember what he said at the gate when Colonel O’Neill made the joke about not hitting it with a hammer?” Sam said.
“Not unless you have to,” Daniel repeated.
“I think he was trying to tell us how to get out of the simulation. The device that Kellahn sent with us must be what holds the illusion in place,” Sam said.
“Then we simply need to find the keyanna and destroy it,” Teal’c said, returning to the main topic.
“Oh, is that all?” Jack said.
“It will probably be in Ra’s treasure chamber. They will not know what it is, but they will not wish to discard it. If our mission is successful tomorrow, we can locate it then,” Teal’c said.
“It’s a huge risk to take for an iffy theory,” Jack objected.
“At the least, I think we need to recover the keyanna. I really believe that Carroan had a specific reason for telling us that it could be destroyed,” Sam said. “It’s a leap, but I don’t think it’s an unreasonable one.”
“What happens to everything here if it succeeds?” Jack asked.
“It would be as if none of it had happened.”
“And everyone here?”
“They would disapp--” Sam stopped abruptly as she realized Jack’s real concern.
“I won’t do it,” Jack said.
“Jack, I’m sorry, but I don’t see any other way. Millions of people have died here--wherever here is. Millions of other lives are at stake. This affects the entire galaxy,” Daniel appealed to Jack’s sense of duty.
“I don’t care! We’re here now. We can make things better here,” Jack insisted.
“Sir, I know how you must feel--” Sam began.
“Don’t say that. You have no idea.” Jack’s voice was dangerously quiet.
No one dared speak for awhile.
“I care about one thing right now. I will not lose him again. The universe can go to hell.” Jack’s voice was thick with emotion.
“Jack, you’re not the only one with family to think about. I’m sure Teal’c would like to see Rya’c again and Sam would like to see Jacob,” Daniel pointed out.
Conflict was evident on Jack’s face. “Can you think of any way to bring Charlie out of this, or leave me here?” Jack asked Sam.
“I don’t--” Sam paused and gathered herself. “I don’t see how,” she said sadly.
“Then we’re not doing it. That’s final. It may make me the most selfish son of a bitch alive, but so be it. ” Jack stood up. “I’m going to join Fletcher on watch.”
Jack stalked away, leaving Daniel, Sam, and Teal’c staring miserably at each other.
“How can we bring him around?” Daniel finally asked.
“I do not believe that we will,” Teal’c said. “He knows what should be done. It will not matter to him.”
“We’re going to have to do this without him, aren’t we?” Sam said.
“I’m not sure he’ll ever forgive us,” Daniel said. “We’ll be the ones who took his son away again.”
“He’ll understand eventually, won’t he?” Sam said.
“Understanding and forgiving are two different things,” Daniel observed.
“Nevertheless, it must be done,” Teal’c said.
“What’s our plan?” Daniel asked.
“I will do it,” Teal’c told them.
“Teal’c,” Sam objected.
“I think we should do it together,” Daniel said.
“I agree,” said Sam.
Teal’c bowed his head in assent. “Very well. If we make it into the pyramid tomorrow, our priority must be finding and destroying the keyanna.”
“We should make a break to get to it as soon as possible. It’s most likely to be in the treasure room?” Sam asked Teal’c.
“Indeed.”
“Will you be able to find the room?” she asked.
“I believe so. The Goa’uld construct their structures in predictable ways. We should be able to find it with little difficulty.”
“What if it’s not there?” Sam asked.
“We must keep looking until we find it,” Teal’c said.
“If succeeding groups are able to invade the pyramid at the same time that we’ve gone in as prisoners, it might create enough confusion for us to operate,” Daniel suggested.
“That would be a great help,” Teal’c agreed.
“Then we have a plan,” Sam said. “While everyone else is going after Ra, we go after the keyanna.”
Teal’c suddenly stared at the edge of the encampment.
“What?” Daniel asked.
“I thought I heard movement in the trees,” said Teal’c. He walked softly to the spot where he had heard motion. He checked the area, then walked back to Sam and Daniel.
“Anything?” Daniel asked.
“Not that I could see.”
“Probably just an animal passing by,” Daniel said.
“Probably,” Teal’c agreed.
“Well, like Kawalsky said, we have a busy day tomorrow,” Sam said. “I’m going to turn in.”
The others followed suit. In the distance a motorcycle engine turned over. The sound gradually faded as the bike moved away.
* * * * * * * *
The camp was quiet and thoughtful the next morning as everyone prepared for the day ahead. Campbell and Rodriguez dug up weapons for SG-1. They all talked through the plans again to make sure that everyone was on the same page. If any of the men noticed the careful politeness between Jack and his team, they tactfully avoided making any comment.
Late in the morning, they geared up and began hiking to the spot of the planned ambush. Upon reaching the site, they gathered together for one final consultation.
The little clearing was bounded by the ever present creek on one side. There was a small cliff face on another side. The entire area was surrounded by heavy forest. The options for concealment and attack were plentiful.
“I can see why you didn’t stay here very long,” Jack commented.
“Yeah, it’s a beautiful spot for a camping trip. But the whole time we were here, we were looking over our shoulders. It was a relief to move,” Kawalsky said.
“So, they should be coming from the east?” Jack pointed that direction.
“Yeah, I expect them to be coming along the creek,” Kawalsky confirmed.
“My team will be here, then,” Jack said pointing at a spot by the remains of a campfire. “Keep your weapons at hand, but out of sight,” he added to SG-1.
Kawalsky pointed out the general areas he wanted his men. “Don’t shoot until they’re all in the camp,” he reminded them as they started to move to their spots. He turned to Jack. “Are you sure you want to be exposed like this as bait? You’re really going to be vulnerable.”
“Yes we will. I’m not wild about it, but it’s what will sell the ruse,” Jack said quietly.
“Okay,” Kawalsky nodded. “Good luck.” He began to move to his chosen spot.
“Good luck,” Jack replied.
SG-1 took their places. They arranged themselves so that they could be alert to the expected path the Jaffa would take.
“We’re taking a gamble that they want us alive and aren’t just going to kill us on sight, but we have to wait with drawing or using our weapons until Kawalsky’s men fire,” Jack said. “Otherwise, these guys are going to know right away that they’re walking into a trap.”
“We know Jack. We were there the other twenty times we went over the plan,” Daniel said with some irritation.
“Well, now you’ve been there for a twenty-first review,” Jack said mildly.
“I believe that it is safe to assume that they want us alive. They will want answers to where we came from and why. An execution will be scheduled, but not before Ra has done his own interrogation,” Teal’c said.
Everyone nodded. Teal’c’s words were also a reiteration of thoughts that had been expressed before. There was nothing new to say about the plan.
Jack looked at his team. He started to speak, then looked away. After a moment’s hesitation he looked back at them. “I’m sorry about last night,” finally said.
They looked at him cautiously. He was uncharacteristically regretful.
“Have you reconsidered your position, O’Neill?” Teal’c asked.
“No. I’m sorry, but no. I can’t do it. I won’t.”
“Not even to save world?” Daniel asked softly.
“I’m responsible for him dying once. I won’t be responsible for it again.” Jack could not meet their eyes. “I know what you must think of me.”
There was both pity and anger in the faces that looked at Jack.
“We think you’re a father who’s missed his son,” Daniel finally said.
All conversation halted. They checked and rechecked their weapons with nervous energy. After nearly an hour, Teal’c looked to the east.
“Hear something?” Jack asked.
“Indeed.”
Everyone stiffened and looked in the same direction as Teal’c. Suddenly Jack exhaled sharply. “This is no good,” he admonished. “Stop looking like we expect an army of Jaffa.”
“But we are expecting an army of Jaffa,” Daniel said logically. He flashed a quick grin.
“Well stop it,” Jack said. He smiled too.
In spite of the imminent danger, the tension had eased.
Now they could all hear a stealthy approach coming nearer to their position.
Charlie came into sight. He gave Jack a bright, insouciant grin. He turned to the Jaffa behind him and spoke with a carrying voice. “The eight of you should be able to take care of them easily enough.”
“Looks like the whole party is here,” Jack said to his team under his breath. “Get ready.”
As they took defensive postures, gunfire sounded. Bullets ricocheted around them. SG-1 hit the deck and drew their own weapons. SG-1 and Charlie scrambled for cover while the opposing Jaffa turned to meet the weapons fire coming from behind and beside them. Once SG-1 joined in the attack, the Jaffa were well and truly surrounded.
The battle was short but fierce. Within ten minutes it was over with eight Jaffa lying motionless on the ground. Kawalsky’s men, SG-1, and Charlie met in the middle of the clearing.
“Everybody okay?” Daniel asked.
“Ow,” Jack replied. He grabbed at his left upper arm. There was a scorch mark along his outer sleeve. “Son of a bitch!” he added feelingly.
“Are you badly injured, O’Neill?” asked Teal’c.
“No,” he said disgustedly. “It’s just a flesh wound. Hurts, but it’s not serious.” He caught sight of Sam. “What about you?”
Sam looked puzzled. Jack pointed at her right cheek. It was oozing blood. She touched her face.
“I didn’t even notice,” she said. “It must have been a ricocheting bullet. A spent one at that. It’s just a little cut.”
Kawalsky looked around at his own men. “Where are Steve and Pete?” he asked.
Colson joined them, limping badly. He pointed to a spot near the creek. “I think one of them was hit,” he said.
“Are you going to be okay?” Kawalsky asked.
“Yeah. I caught my foot when I was diving for cover and twisted my knee,” Colson said sheepishly.
Kawalsky nodded. “Pete? Steve?” he called.
“Over here,” Campbell’s voice came from the trees.
The group trooped across the clearing to the location of Campbell’s voice. Thomas’s limbs were flung about in unnatural positions. His vacant eyes stared upward. Scorch marks marred his midsection. Campbell was kneeling beside him. He reached out to close Thomas’s eyes.
“Damn it!” Kawalsky said. He ran his fingers through his hair in agitation. “I had hoped our set up would prevent casualties.”
“He was shifting position to get a better sightline and shifted into a random shot. It was pure bad luck,” Campbell said sadly.
“He would have been twenty-one tomorrow. This has to end. I’m tired of losing good kids,” Ramirez said angrily.
“We’ll have to mourn later. Right now we have a job to do,” Kawalsky said briskly. “Teal’c, you need to get suited up. Colson, O’Neill, Carter, let Reese take a look at you.”
“I’m fine,” Sam and Jack spoke simultaneously.
“Let him take a look anyway. Matt was a medic before all of this happened,” Kawalsky said sternly.
They acquiesced meekly as Reese came over to them carrying a pack.
“I’ll help you,” Charlie said to Teal’c.
“I do not require assistance--” Teal’c began. Seeing the expression on Charlie’s face, he amended his statement. “But company is always welcome,” he concluded.
They walked the fifteen yards to the fallen Jaffa and began searching for the one who was the closest to Teal’c’s size with the least damaged armor.
“Is there something you wished to say to me?” Teal’c asked.
Charlie checked to make sure that no one was within earshot. “Last night as I was leaving the camp, I dropped the key to my bike. It took me awhile to find it in the dark. By the time I did, I was close enough to hear my dad and all of you talking.”
Teal’c paused briefly in his task to give Charlie his full attention. “How much did hear?”
“I missed a lot because you were all talking softly, but I got the gist.”
Charlie stopped speaking. He was clearly trying to work out how to say what he wanted to say. Teal’c waited patiently.
“This place--how things are now--it’s not supposed to be like this, is it?” Charlie finally asked.
“It is not,” Teal’c answered.
“And you know how to change it back?”
“We believe so.”
“But Dad doesn’t want to?” Charlie’s question took the form of a statement.
“He does not.”
“Why not?”
Teal’c turned back to the Jaffa bodies as he formulated his answer.
“It’s because of me, right?” Charlie asked.
“Teal’c glanced at Charlie. “Yes,” he said.
“Teal’c, where am I in this other timeline or reality or whatever we’re talking about?”
“I think your father does not wish for you to know,” Teal’c said.
“I need to know.”
Teal’c studied Charlie. “I do believe that you have the right.” He looked at the body that was lying near his feet. “This one will do.” He knelt and began to remove the armor from the dead Jaffa.
“Teal’c?” Charlie prompted.
“In the timeline we come from, you died at eight years of age. O’Neill’s weapon discharged when you were handling it without supervision. He has always held himself responsible for the accident. Your father and mother separated sometime after that.”
“Oh.” Charlie thought for a moment. He helped Teal’c remove and gather the body armor. “I wondered why Dad acted like he hadn’t seen me in forever. I kept trying to ask him yesterday afternoon, but he wouldn’t say.”
They were both quiet as they finished retrieving the armor.
“Help me carry this to the trees over there so I can change,” Teal’c told Charlie.
Charlie followed Teal’c, still thinking hard.
“My dad’s pretty important isn’t he?”
“Indeed.”
“He died here, which means that I’m still alive. But it also means that Ra was able to invade Earth.”
“It would appear that O’Neill’s presence made a great difference in how events transpired,” Teal’c agreed. “He is also the reason that I made the final break from the Goa’uld.”
“Why doesn’t he care enough to make it right?” Charlie sounded confused and angry.
“He does care. He would fight until his final breath to rid this world of Ra. But right now, you are the only thing that he can see.”
“I’m not more important than the world. He’s just being stupid.” Charlie looked and sounded remarkably like Jack.
In spite of the gravity of the situation, Teal’c almost smiled at the similarity between father and son. “Perhaps. But to him, you are more important than anything else. If there was one day that he could undo, it would be the day that you died. In this timeline, that day never happened,” Teal’c said. He began laying out the armor that they had retrieved and prepared to don it.
“You plan to do something about it,” Charlie said.
“We do.”
“What does it involve?”
“There is an object that O’Neill carried. It is called a keyanna and was given to us by an alien race. It was confiscated by the Jaffa that met us when we came through the stargate. We believe that smashing it will end this situation and restore the proper one.”
“And all of this will go away,” Charlie commented.
“So we believe.”
“Or maybe our world will continue, but Dad and the rest of you will disappear from it and return to your own world.”
“Perhaps,” Teal’c aid.
“What does this kaytana look like?”
“Keyanna,” Teal’c corrected. He slipped the Jaffa body armor over his head. “It is blue. It looks like a large gemstone. It is between two and three inches in length. One of the aliens indicated that it could be destroyed by smashing it with a tool.”
“I’ve seen in!” Charlie exclaimed softly. “No one knew what it was or what it did, so they just put it aside in the treasure room.”
“As I anticipated. Where is this room?”
“From the font door, you go to the back of the pyramid. If you go down the stairs near the back wall, you come out in the treasure room. They keyanna is on a shelf that runs along the same wall as the stairway.”
Is the room usually guarded?”
“No. You’re going to try this afternoon aren’t you? While everyone else is going after Ra?”
“We are,” Teal’c affirmed.
“Dad’s going to be pretty mad at you isn’t he?”
“Indeed.” Teal’c looked closely at Charlie who stared resolutely back at Teal’c. Teal’c was again struck by how much his manner resembled Jack’s. “Are you angry that we are planning this?” Teal’c asked him.
“No,” Charlie said quietly. “The way I see it, I’ve had at least eight years that I wasn’t supposed to have. Since Ra invaded Earth, it’s been hell here. Wherever you came from has to be better than this. If you can end it, you should. It’s the right thing to do.” His voice wavered as he finished speaking.
Teal’c looked at Charlie with undisguised admiration. He clasped Charlie’s shoulder. “I cannot say with any certainty what will happen. This I know: for as long as your father has memory, and for as long as I have memory, you will not really be gone.”
“Thank you,” Charlie whispered.
“Shall we rejoin the others?” Teal’c asked.
Charlie straightened his shoulders. “Yes.”
They walked out of the trees and back into the clearing. Everyone looked at them curiously.
“What’s with the confab?” Jack asked. His left arm had a freshly applied bandage. He was putting on his shirt with a now-tattered left sleeve.
“Charlie was offering additional information about the habits of Ra’s guards,” Teal’c said.
“Such as?”
“Oh, things like there are always a minimum of two guards around Ra at all times. And the name of the guy whose armor Teal’c is wearing was Rik’tin,” Charlie said smoothly.
“Ready to do this?” Jack asked Teal’c.
“Indeed.”
“Let’s move out then,” Kawalsky said. “Colson, I think you’re going to have to sit this one out.”
Colson nodded his understanding. “I’ll only slow you down.” He looked at Thomas’s body which they had brought to the edge of the woods.” I’d hate to leave Steve alone, anyway.”
“We’ll do a proper memorial when this is over,” Kawalsky promised.
After more glances at Thomas’s body, they deliberately focused their attention on the mission at hand.
“Let’s go,” Kawalsky said.
Campbell nodded and began walking. Charlie followed, with Jack on his heels. One by one they all stepped onto the path.
“Good luck,” Colson called softly.
From the end of the line, Fletcher turned to look at Colson. “We’ll see you soon. I would think that someone should be back here to catch you up well before nightfall. If any of us make it out, that is.”
Colson nodded. Fletcher turned to catch up with the group.
Once the path widened, they allowed themselves to spread out a bit. Jack lengthened his stride to pull even with Charlie.
“You have any trouble selling the story?” Jack asked.
“Not really. When I told them that I knew where the fugitives were, it was like I said the magic words. All they cared about was getting hold of you.”
“How long a hike do we have?” Jack asked.
“About forty-five minutes. Probably closer to an hour since we have to be a little more stealthy,” Charlie said.
They subsided and walked beside each other in comfortable silence. Very little conversation took place among the group as they hiked for the next hour. They moved carefully, remaining vigilant for enemy patrols or other threats. After skirting the lake and cresting a short incline, they stopped at the edge of the forest. They could now see a pyramid dominating the landscape. It looked just like pyramids that SG-1 had seen on Cimmeria, Juna, and dozens of Goa’uld occupied planets.
“Do those things come prefab?” Jack asked.
“The design rarely varies from Goa’uld to Goa’uld or planet to planet,” Teal’c agreed.
“It’s showtime,” Kawalsky said. “Everybody ready?”
There were nods all around.
“I’ll run ahead to lay the groundwork,” Charlie said. “I’ll let them know that only one of the guards survived and that he’s coming in with three prisoners. Give me ten minutes or so and then follow.” He turned to Kawalsky. “If you circle around to the back,” he pointed out a direction that allowed for cover, “I’ll get you in the back way.”
Kawalsky nodded. He checked his watch. It was 3:30. “Whenever you’re ready,” he said. “Good luck. See you on the inside,” he added.
“And to you. See you in a few,” Jack said.
Kawalsky nodded and led his men in the direction Charlie had pointed.
Charlie started toward the pyramid, then stopped. He turned back and impulsively gave Jack a quick hug. “It’s good to see you. I love you Dad,” he said softly.
“I love you too.” Jack looked suspiciously at Charlie. “What are you up to?”
“You know the plan,” Charlie said.
“Charlie,” Jack admonished.
“Got to go. There’s a schedule to keep.” Charlie turned and began moving toward the pyramid.
“Jonathan Charles O’Neill. Get back here right now!” Apprehension underlay the authority in Jack’s voice.
Charlie turned around but made no attempt to move back toward Jack. The two of them locked eyes. Time seemed to stand still for a moment.
“I’ve got a job to do.” Charlie gave Jack a salute and an impudent grin. “You should call Mom,” he said.
“What?”
Charlie began sprinting to the pyramid.
SG-1 was left on their own at the edge of the woods. They waited restlessly, checking their watches frequently.
“Seriously, what’s Charlie planning?”
Sam and Daniel looked at Jack blankly.
“I know of no intent to deviate from our plan,” Teal’c said, activating his helmet.
“You didn’t put together some sort of Plan B while you the two of you were chatting earlier?” Jack remained unconvinced.
“We did not.”
“He’s up to something,” Jack said uneasily. He looked at his watch again. “It’s time to move.”
“Shouldn’t we be shackled or restrained or something?” Daniel asked.
“Indeed.” Teal’c pulled a long thin chain from within his uniform. He wrapped it loosely around each of their hands, connecting Daniel, Sam, and Jack to each other. “Hold on to the chain. Once we are inside, you may drop it and operate freely.”
“Okay, then. Let’s go,” Jack said.
They began the trek across the clearing, following the same route Charlie had taken a few minutes earlier. Their demeanor was grim. The realization had set in in for all of them that their plot would require a great deal of luck in order to succeed.
“We’re going to have to act quickly once we’re in the presence of Ra,” Jack said.
“I will begin firing as soon as we enter the room,” Teal’c said.
“The second he does, drop the chain and follow suit,” Jack instructed Daniel and Sam. “We’ve got to take as much advantage of the surprise as we can.”
“And count on Kawalsky’s group coming in at the same time,” Sam said.
“That would help,” Jack said.
They were about twenty yards from the pyramid. Two Jaffa stood at attention on either side of the entrance. SG-1’s steps slowed involuntarily. Noticing that, Teal’c prodded the other three with his staff weapon.
“Move!” he said sternly.
“All right, all right!” Jack said irritably.
One of the Jaffa began moving toward SG-1.
“This might be a problem,” Jack said. He moved his hands closer to his own weapon.
“He is likely coming forward to provide an escort,” Teal’c said.
At that instant, they heard an explosion and the sound of gunfire. Both Jaffa shifted their attention to the pyramid. The commotion within the pyramid and the distraction of the guards prompted Teal’c to action. Hefting his staff weapon he shot both Jaffa without hesitation.
“Dammit! They’re early. We’ve got to move,” Jack said. He threw aside the chain that they were using as a fake binding and drew his own weapon.
All four members of SG-1 ran for the pyramid. They crossed the threshold into a chaotic scene. They could hear the sound of weapons’ fire coming from the back. Another explosion could be heard in a distant part of the pyramid. The Jaffa in sight were either running for the hallway to the rear of the pyramid or facing that direction. SG-1 began firing, working their way through the room from one place of cover to another. Confused Jaffa turned to face this new, unexpected threat.
The intensity of battle increased. They could hear more explosions. They caught a glimpse of men running across a hallway in the distance and firing. A few Jaffa had come to the front part of the pyramid to lend support to the embattled guards. Gunfire and staff blasts echoed through the chamber. SG-1 had held their own, but they were unable to advance. Sam called out a warning and turned her weapon on a Jaffa who had Daniel in his sights. As both of them prepared to fire their weapons, the air shimmered around SG-1.
* * * * * * * *
“What?” Daniel blinked confusedly.
Teal’c retracted his helmet. “We appear to be in the Malacandrian meeting room.”
“How did we get back, though? None of us found, much less destroyed the keyanna,” Sam said.
“Or went through the stargate. Obviously,” Daniel added.
“Charlie.” Jack’s voice was strained.
“I believe so,” Teal’c said. “He overheard our conversation last night.”
“I must congratulate you,” Kellahn said, leading Belnara and Carroan into the room. “No one else has figured out the solution to the keyanna before. Even the ones who are given hints.”
Carroan flushed slightly at Kellahn’s pointed glance, but he offered SG-1 a weak smile. “I am pleased to see your safe return.”
SG-1 looked anything but pleased.
“Was it real?” Sam asked. She touched her cheek, tracing the cut she had received earlier in the day from a stray bullet.
“Oh yes, it was genuine,” Kellahn said.
“Not a simulation then,” Daniel said.
“Oh no. It was very real,” Belnara explained. “The keyanna jewel forms an empathic connection with the person holding it. Then the device that the jewel is connected to finds and alters an event in the user’s personal history that will create the new course. The jewel is what holds the new timeline in place. Destroying the keyanna restores the original timeline.”
“I was joking when I suggested that. I can’t believe that’s true,” Sam said.
“That is the way it operates,” Kellahn said.
“If the keyanna had not been destroyed, would the newly created timeline have permanently replaced the original one?” Sam asked.
“A new timeline will continue as long as nothing is done to interrupt it,” Belnara said.
“Of course, it helps to actually know that going in,” Daniel said testily.
“What would be the fun of that?” Kellahn asked with infuriating calm.
“Fun for whom?” Daniel demanded.
“Fun for us.” Kellahn said. He spoke as if he stated the obvious.
“How many altered timelines are running because unsuspecting people have been pulled into a keyanna’s scenario? Are we living in the midst of someone else’s changed history right now?” Sam asked.
“A handful of outsiders have used a keyanna. After a period of time goes by without the user ending the scenario, we do it from here. You may be assured that while any of the altered timelines could become permanent, it is our policy to assure that they do not,” Belnara said.
“And if any of us had died in that altered timeline, would we still be dead when the original timeline was reset?” Daniel wanted to know.
“Resetting the timeline undoes the change that created the alternate in the first place. It does not undo anything that might happen to individuals who were in it. It is regrettable, but there have been occasional deaths,” Kellahn’s casual indifference was shocking.
“We frequently employ keyannas for our own use and enjoyment. Outsiders often appreciate the experience too. You appear to have had quite an adventure. We are eager to hear about it,” Belnara added.
Jack made a strangled sound in response to the invitation. Daniel took one look at his face and stepped between Jack and the Malacandrians. Teal’c stepped closer and laid a hand on Jack’s shoulder. It was a gesture of both support and restraint.
“We’re due at home,” Sam said coldly.
“As you wish,” Kellahn said. “We would, of course, welcome your return at any time. Your ability to solve the timeline issue on your own is most impressive.”
“Oh, well, thank you very much,” Daniel’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
Kellahn chose to accept his words at face value. “You are most welcome. Carroan, will you escort our guests to the gate?”
“Certainly,” Carroan said. “I’ll take you now if you wish.”
SG-1 followed Carroan out of the room without comment. Teal’c, Daniel, and Sam took covert, concerned glances at Jack as they walked across the courtyard one more time. No one knew what to say to him.
“Will this trip through the stargate take us to our proper destination and time?” Teal’c demanded.
“Yes. I promise,” Carroan said.
“For what that’s worth,” Sam said crossly.
“I understand your mistrust,” Carroan said regretfully. “I assure you that you will be returning to your expected time and place.”
Despite her anger, Sam could not resist the puzzle presented by the situation. “I’m not sure that I understand. At first I thought we would be returned to the moment when the keyanna first engaged, but it seems that time has passed here since we left. Has it?”
“About a day,” Carroan told her.
“The same amount of time as for us,” Sam said.
“Yes.”
“If we’re a day overdue, has the SGC been making enquiries or sent people after us?” Sam asked.
“Time does not always move in a straightforward manner here relative to outside worlds. We can make adjustments. In this case, you will find that while a day has passed for you and for us, when you return to Earth, you will not be overdue. All will be as it should,” Carroan explained.
They arrived at the stargate. Daniel turned to the others in alarm. “I just realized--we don’t have a GDO. It was confiscated along with everything else.”
Sam pulled a device from her pocket. “I have it. Kawalsky’s men opened fire before Ra’s Jaffa picked up all of our things. The GDO was still in front of me so I snatched when the bullets started flying.”
“Way to go Sam,” Daniel said.
“Thanks. Let’s go.” she said.
“Well, until we meet again,” Carroan said softly.
“Yeah, don’t hold your breath,” Jack said flatly.
“I don’t always agree with the things we do, but as one of the youngest ones here, I don’t have the standing to override tradition. I don’t know what happened where you were. I am truly sorry for any pain you may have experienced. But in the end, no real damage has been done has it?”
“I don’t think we know what the damage is yet,” Daniel cast another quick, concerned look at Jack’s closed face. He pressed the glyphs on the DHD with more force than necessary.
The gate engaged. Sam submitted the iris code. SG-1 took a last look around the room and then stepped into the puddle. This time, they exited onto the familiar ramp inside the SGC.
“Right on schedule. Welcome home, SG-1.” General Hammond was in the gate room to greet them.
“It’s good to be home,” Daniel said.
“We had some concerns. Shortly after you left we received a message from Thor. He advised caution with regard to the Malacandrians.” Hammond stopped speaking as he observed Teal’c’s body armor, the cut on Sam’s face, and the distraught state of the entire team. “I take it that the warning was warranted?”
“You could say that,” Daniel said. “Did Thor say any more about them?”
“He said that they basically keep to themselves and they don’t get involved in outside events, but that they do enjoy manipulating situations. He referred to them as sprites.” There was a question in his voice as Hammond finished speaking.
Daniel thought for a moment. “They do strike me as an entire race of Pucks.”
“How does hockey pertain to this?” Teal’c wanted to know.
“Uh, it doesn’t. Puck is a character in play by Shakespeare. He’s a fairy and a trickster. He gets enjoyment out of playing tricks on people and manipulating their situation for his own amusement,” Daniel explained.
“Lord what fools these mortals be,” Hammond said.
Daniel gave Hammond a surprised smile. Teal’c frowned.
“It’s a line from that play,” Daniel clarified.
“My daughter played Titania in her high school play,” Hammond smiled. “She was very good.” Hammond said. He noted again Jack’s pale, forlorn face. “Colonel, are you all right?” he asked with concern.
“Not really.” Jack gave them all an unhappy look, then walked dejectedly from the room.
The rest of SG-1 watched his departure with worried eyes.
“I was thinking of when Malakai put us in that time loop a few years ago,” Daniel said. “I remember when Jack argued with him he said ‘I could never live that over again.’ I knew what he meant, but I’m not sure that I ever really understood it until now.”
“What in God’s name happened?” Hammond asked.
“It’s a long story,” Sam said.
“I’d better hear it. Let’s go upstairs.”
“Should Jack be alone?” Daniel asked.
“I will check on him,” Teal’c said.
They reached the door of the gate room. Hammond, Sam, and Daniel turned in the direction of the briefing room. Teal’c turned down a different hallway.
* * * * * * * *
In Hammond’s office, Daniel and Sam gave a quick rundown of everything that had happened. He listened quietly, interjecting questions from time to time. By the end of the recital, his indignant anger matched SG-1’s.
“Emotional reactions aside, do you think there’s potential for a real alliance with the Malacandrians?” Hammond asked.
“Their technology is enviable. Way beyond ours. At the very least it’s equal to the Asgard. Maybe even be beyond. But...” Sam said.
“How can we trust them?” Daniel finished Sam’s thought. “They used us for their own fun. And they didn’t have the smallest concern about what it might do to us. I don’t think there’s any assurance that they wouldn’t continue to do that. I’m not sure what we could do to stop it.”
“It sounds like you’re telling me that with friends like them, we wouldn’t need enemies,” Hammond said.
“Pretty much,” Daniel said.
“Everything you say supports Thor’s advice. Ultimately, it may not be our decision to make, but pursuing an alliance with the Malacandrians sounds like a dicey proposition.” Hammond sighed. “All right. SG-1’s leave time begins now. We’ll see you in a few days.”
“Thank you sir,” Sam said.
* * * * * * * *
Teal’c stood in the locker room doorway. Jack was sitting on the bench in front of his open locker. His forearms rested on his knees. He stared blankly into his locker.
“I don’t want company,” Jack said without moving.
“I know.” Teal’c removed the torso section of his armor and tossed it aside with distaste. He walked softly across the room. He gripped Jack’s shoulder briefly, then sat down next to him.
Jack gave a small, resigned shrug. Teal’c’s undemanding presence was not unpleasant.
The two men sat quietly for several moments.
“You can be very proud of Charlie,” Teal’c said.
“I was always proud of my son,” Jack said fiercely. He reached for his locker door and slammed it shut with such force that it bounced open again, hitting the adjacent locker. It swung gently for a few seconds before coming to rest.
Teal’c neither recoiled nor spoke. He waited calmly.
“You never get over losing a child, but you get used to it,” Jack said dully. He continued to stare ahead into his locker. “Someone quoted that to me once. It took me a long time, but I had gotten used to it. To see and talk to him, only to lose him again. It’s--” He stopped, his voice breaking. He looked away.
“I am very sorry O’Neill.”
“I know.” Jack looked briefly at Teal’c, then away again. “You were planning to destroy the keyanna weren’t you?”
“I was.”
“How did Charlie know about it?” Jack sounded tired.
“He overheard part of our conversation of last night. He had questions. I believed that he deserved to know the truth.”
Jack nodded. “Did you ask him to do it?”
“He did not disagree with the plan, but I neither expected nor asked him to participate.” Teal’c paused thoughtfully. “In retrospect, his action is not a surprise.”
“Why? Why would he do this?”
“He is his father’s son,” Teal’c said simply.
Jack faced Teal’c. He started to speak, then stopped.
“Many times I have seen you follow the most difficult course because it had to be done,” Teal’c said.
“Not this time,” Jack sighed. “If I had it to do again, I’m not sure I could make a different choice. I know I was wrong, though. For what it’s worth, I am sorry.”
“In your place, I would have felt the same,” Teal’c said. “Charlie made the choice for all of us. It is a tremendous gift that your son gave you--and us. He showed great courage.”
“Yes, he did. Well,” Jack said rising to his feet and moving toward the door, “I’m going to check in with Hammond and then head for home.”
“Do you require company during your leave time?” Teal’c asked.
Jack faced Teal’c. They exchanged a long look filled with understanding.
“That won’t be necessary.” Jack paused. “I’m not okay, but I will be. Thank you Teal’c.” He started to turn away.
“O’Neill.”
Jack halted again.
“It was a privilege to meet your son,” Teal’c said.
Jack turned back to Teal’c. His face held immense sadness, but a hint of his usual spark was also there. “For me too,” he said quietly. “I’ll see you on Tuesday.”
* * * * * * * *
Jack knocked on General Hammond’s door.
“Come in,” Hammond said. “Have a seat Colonel.”
“Thank you sir.”
“Major Carter and Dr. Jackson brought me up to speed on everything that happened. I won’t bother asking if you’re all right.”
“Yes sir.”
“They are not inclined to favor establishing further relations with the Malacandrians. I assume that you feel the same?”
“You could say that,” Jack said wearily.
“Based on everything that has happened, I will not recommend entering formal negotiations.”
“Good.”
“As I say, though, others may decide that the potential rewards outweigh the risks.”
“I realize that I may be taking all of this a bit more personally than most, but that would be a monumentally stupid decision,” Jack said bitterly.
“I agree. Others may take more convincing,” Hammond said in a level voice.
“Sir,” Jack fidgeted uncomfortably. “It’ll all be in my report, but I think you should know that my decisions were not entirely proper.”
“I gathered as much from what Major Carter and Dr. Jackson said and left unsaid.”
“If I’d had my way, that timeline would not have ended.”
“As I understand it, the timeline would have ended eventually regardless of your actions or inactions,” Hammond said.
“I didn’t know that then,” Jack said doggedly. “I can’t say that I wouldn’t do the same again.”
Hammond sighed. He spoke bluntly. “You let personal feelings get in the way of your judgment, though anyone would understand why. I won’t say it’s “all right,” but I see no reason to dwell on it or for recriminations. No one could foresee a situation like this one.”
“Thank you sir,” Jack said quietly.
“Your scheduled leave begins now,” Hammond told him. “Dismissed.”
“Thank you sir.” Jack rose to his feet.
“Jack.”
Jack stopped.
Hammond had dropped his official manner. He looked at Jack with compassion. “If there’s anything you need from me, all you have to do is ask.”
Jack nodded. “I know.”
“Have a good long weekend.”
“Thank you sir. I’ll see you Tuesday.”
* * * * * * * *
Nighttime found Jack on his roof, studying the night sky as he often did. He was not sure whether knowing that everything that had happened was real made things better or worse. He was exhausted and emotionally drained, but as he watched the stars he could feel his mind begin to clear. He had survived worse. He knew that he would survive this too.
-------
Full darkness had descended when Jack got down to business again with Kawalsky. “What’s your next move?” he asked.
“As a matter of fact, we’re making a run at assassinating Ra. Want in?”
“If we can,” Jack said with feeling. “When?”
“Thought you might feel that way,” Kawalsky smiled. “Tomorrow.”
“What is your strategy?” Teal’c asked.
“We’ve been working up to this for a couple of months. We’re working in conjunction with a couple of other units. There’s some sort of ceremony tomorrow at 4:00 in honor of Ra. We think that the time just prior to the time of the ceremony is our best window to make a move. There will be more Jaffa around, but their attention is also most likely to already be divided. We’ll be the first team in, then fifteen minutes later, team number two, then fifteen minutes after that, team number three. Charlie’s job is to sneak us in. At the same time, other operatives inside the pyramid will be setting explosions to create distractions. From there, it’ll be more explosions, sharp shooting, and skill.”
“It is a risky plan,” Teal’c said.
“It is,” Kawalsky acknowledged. “Luck is going to play a factor in our success or failure. But it’s time to make a bold move.”
“Maybe we can add an additional distraction,” Jack said thoughtfully.
“What are thinking?” Kawalsky asked.
“We could use Teal’c. If we can get hold of a Jaffa uniform, we could infiltrate by having Teal’c bring us into the pyramid as prisoners. I assume that we would be taken directly to Ra?” Jack appealed to Teal’c.
“That is probable,” Teal’c confirmed.
“So if we could be on the way in to Ra at the same time that you’re coming in, and explosions are going off, that should help create additional confusion that we can use to our advantage,” Jack said.
“This might be a good time for you to finally get a lead on some Resistance members,” Fletcher suggested to Charlie.
“What do you mean?” Charlie asked.
“I get it,” Campbell said. “If you tell them you know where some rebels are located, you can lead some Jaffa into an ambush.”
“You could tell them that you’ve found out where the strangers that came through the gate and escaped are hiding. Teal’c could be the lone Jaffa to return with O’Neill, Jackson, and Carter as prisoners, ” Fletcher embroidered.
“That would get us a Jaffa uniform and set it up so that they’re expecting incoming prisoners,” Campbell said.
“That could work,” Kawalsky said.
“I think so too,” Jack agreed. “Think you can sell it?” he asked Charlie.
“Yeah, I don’t see why not. I think I could probably get them there by midday. We’d easily be able to get to the pyramid before 4:00. I don’t think they’d send out more than five or ten Jaffa with me.”
“That would be expected,” Teal’c said.
“The location of our last camp would be a good place to lead them. There’s a lot of cover there and limited escape routes once they get into the clearing. That’ll make it easier for us to pick them off,” Fletcher suggested.
“I worried about that happening to us the when we camped there,” Chen commented.
“I did too,” Kawalsky admitted. “That’s why we moved on so quickly.”
“I know the place. I can make it work,” Charlie said confidently.
They spent the rest of the evening fine tuning their plan. They tried to work out solutions for every conceivable problem that might arise. It was late before they were satisfied with the plan. They all felt that the opportunity before them was a good one.
Charlie yawned and looked at his watch. “I didn’t realize it had gotten so late. I should be getting back.” He got to his feet.
Jack also stood up. “Be safe,” he said.
“I will. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Charlie promised. He saluted him as had when he was a young child.
Jack returned the salute. “See you tomorrow.”
Charlie turned to the group at large. “I’ll aim to arrive at the old camp around noon.”
“We’ll look for you then. Good luck,” Kawalsky said.
“You too,” Charlie turned and walked away.
Jack looked like it was all he could do not to call him back.
“We have a big day tomorrow,” Kawalsky said. “I suggest that we all get plenty of rest tonight.”
Once Kawalsky assigned the watches for the night, members of the unit dispersed. SG-1 was on their own at the dwindling campfire.
“Do you really think this plan can succeed?” Carter asked Jack.
“It’s risky, but we’ve beaten long odds before.”
“Shouldn’t we be concentrating on how to get home?” Daniel asked.
“Of course. But while we’re here, we might as well do what we can to help out,” Jack said.
“But we do need to be thinking about getting back. I doubt that we’re going to find a supply of tretonin anywhere around here for Teal’c,” Daniel reminded him.
“How long can you go?” Sam asked Teal’c.
“I always carry extra with me when we go off world. I kept ahold of it when our things were confiscated. If I am extremely frugal, I may be able to go as long as a month.”
“Can we bring Charlie with us? There wouldn’t be a cascade issue. At least not for awhile.” The hope and longing in Jack’s voice was palpable.
“I don’t think we can, sir,” Sam said reluctantly.
“Why not?”
“I’ve been thinking about this all day. I don’t think a potential cascade issue is the real problem. I’m not sure that we’re in an alternate reality per se,” she said.
“How do you figure that?” Daniel asked.
“I keep thinking of the Malacandrians explanation of the keyanna. They talked about it as a way of exploring other scenarios. I speculated at first that the device that it’s connected to is like a quantum mirror. But the timing of the energy surge doesn’t seem consistent with going into an alternate universe. You usually have to do something active to get there. I think the intuitive portion of the keyanna picks up what’s on the user’s mind. In your case, sir, it was Charlie. Then the machine looks into history and creates a situation that accommodates the thought. Remember that shimmer that passed through the room? Belnara mentioned it as being similar to a virtual reality. I think we might be in some sort of really advanced simulation.”
“Like on PJ7-989?” Daniel asked
“I haven’t noticed any observers in veils yet,” Jack said doubtfully. He involuntarily began scanning their surroundings.
“Well, the point of the simulation is probably not for the amusement of the Malacandrians, like it was with the Gamekeeper on 989,” Sam said.
“This all feels awfully real to me,” Jack said. “Why do you think it’s not?”
“Well, I’m not really sure. It’s a gut feeling mostly. The Malacandrians have technology that’s way beyond us. Maybe even beyond the Asgard. This just doesn’t have an alternate universe feel to me. I suppose it’s possible that the machine somehow changed history and we’re in an altered timeline,” Sam laughed at herself derisively. “But that seems way more far-fetched than being caught in a simulation. Whatever the case, whether it’s a parallel universe, an altered timeline, or an illusion, we can pinpoint the change in personal history that has created this situation.”
“Which was?” Jack asked.
“It was when you died on the mission before the stargate was activated,” Daniel realized. “You were gone, so Charlie didn’t find your gun. He never died. But you also weren’t there to go to Abydos. Cromwell didn’t change the nature of the mission like you did, or come around to me or the Abydonians like you did. It’s not just your history that changed when you died, it’s Earth’s history. And Abydos.
“And my history as well,” Teal’c said.
“Exactly,” Sam said. “One event casts a lot of ripples.”
“The keyanna is like a Djinn,” Daniel said, recalling Teal’c’s reference to Aladdin’s lamp. “It grants your wish, but in the worst possible way. The Malacandrians might have warned us something might happen. And told us how to resolve it.”
“Actually, I think in his way Carroan tried to. He didn’t seem very happy that the keyanna was on display in the first place. Then remember what he said at the gate when Colonel O’Neill made the joke about not hitting it with a hammer?” Sam said.
“Not unless you have to,” Daniel repeated.
“I think he was trying to tell us how to get out of the simulation. The device that Kellahn sent with us must be what holds the illusion in place,” Sam said.
“Then we simply need to find the keyanna and destroy it,” Teal’c said, returning to the main topic.
“Oh, is that all?” Jack said.
“It will probably be in Ra’s treasure chamber. They will not know what it is, but they will not wish to discard it. If our mission is successful tomorrow, we can locate it then,” Teal’c said.
“It’s a huge risk to take for an iffy theory,” Jack objected.
“At the least, I think we need to recover the keyanna. I really believe that Carroan had a specific reason for telling us that it could be destroyed,” Sam said. “It’s a leap, but I don’t think it’s an unreasonable one.”
“What happens to everything here if it succeeds?” Jack asked.
“It would be as if none of it had happened.”
“And everyone here?”
“They would disapp--” Sam stopped abruptly as she realized Jack’s real concern.
“I won’t do it,” Jack said.
“Jack, I’m sorry, but I don’t see any other way. Millions of people have died here--wherever here is. Millions of other lives are at stake. This affects the entire galaxy,” Daniel appealed to Jack’s sense of duty.
“I don’t care! We’re here now. We can make things better here,” Jack insisted.
“Sir, I know how you must feel--” Sam began.
“Don’t say that. You have no idea.” Jack’s voice was dangerously quiet.
No one dared speak for awhile.
“I care about one thing right now. I will not lose him again. The universe can go to hell.” Jack’s voice was thick with emotion.
“Jack, you’re not the only one with family to think about. I’m sure Teal’c would like to see Rya’c again and Sam would like to see Jacob,” Daniel pointed out.
Conflict was evident on Jack’s face. “Can you think of any way to bring Charlie out of this, or leave me here?” Jack asked Sam.
“I don’t--” Sam paused and gathered herself. “I don’t see how,” she said sadly.
“Then we’re not doing it. That’s final. It may make me the most selfish son of a bitch alive, but so be it. ” Jack stood up. “I’m going to join Fletcher on watch.”
Jack stalked away, leaving Daniel, Sam, and Teal’c staring miserably at each other.
“How can we bring him around?” Daniel finally asked.
“I do not believe that we will,” Teal’c said. “He knows what should be done. It will not matter to him.”
“We’re going to have to do this without him, aren’t we?” Sam said.
“I’m not sure he’ll ever forgive us,” Daniel said. “We’ll be the ones who took his son away again.”
“He’ll understand eventually, won’t he?” Sam said.
“Understanding and forgiving are two different things,” Daniel observed.
“Nevertheless, it must be done,” Teal’c said.
“What’s our plan?” Daniel asked.
“I will do it,” Teal’c told them.
“Teal’c,” Sam objected.
“I think we should do it together,” Daniel said.
“I agree,” said Sam.
Teal’c bowed his head in assent. “Very well. If we make it into the pyramid tomorrow, our priority must be finding and destroying the keyanna.”
“We should make a break to get to it as soon as possible. It’s most likely to be in the treasure room?” Sam asked Teal’c.
“Indeed.”
“Will you be able to find the room?” she asked.
“I believe so. The Goa’uld construct their structures in predictable ways. We should be able to find it with little difficulty.”
“What if it’s not there?” Sam asked.
“We must keep looking until we find it,” Teal’c said.
“If succeeding groups are able to invade the pyramid at the same time that we’ve gone in as prisoners, it might create enough confusion for us to operate,” Daniel suggested.
“That would be a great help,” Teal’c agreed.
“Then we have a plan,” Sam said. “While everyone else is going after Ra, we go after the keyanna.”
Teal’c suddenly stared at the edge of the encampment.
“What?” Daniel asked.
“I thought I heard movement in the trees,” said Teal’c. He walked softly to the spot where he had heard motion. He checked the area, then walked back to Sam and Daniel.
“Anything?” Daniel asked.
“Not that I could see.”
“Probably just an animal passing by,” Daniel said.
“Probably,” Teal’c agreed.
“Well, like Kawalsky said, we have a busy day tomorrow,” Sam said. “I’m going to turn in.”
The others followed suit. In the distance a motorcycle engine turned over. The sound gradually faded as the bike moved away.
* * * * * * * *
The camp was quiet and thoughtful the next morning as everyone prepared for the day ahead. Campbell and Rodriguez dug up weapons for SG-1. They all talked through the plans again to make sure that everyone was on the same page. If any of the men noticed the careful politeness between Jack and his team, they tactfully avoided making any comment.
Late in the morning, they geared up and began hiking to the spot of the planned ambush. Upon reaching the site, they gathered together for one final consultation.
The little clearing was bounded by the ever present creek on one side. There was a small cliff face on another side. The entire area was surrounded by heavy forest. The options for concealment and attack were plentiful.
“I can see why you didn’t stay here very long,” Jack commented.
“Yeah, it’s a beautiful spot for a camping trip. But the whole time we were here, we were looking over our shoulders. It was a relief to move,” Kawalsky said.
“So, they should be coming from the east?” Jack pointed that direction.
“Yeah, I expect them to be coming along the creek,” Kawalsky confirmed.
“My team will be here, then,” Jack said pointing at a spot by the remains of a campfire. “Keep your weapons at hand, but out of sight,” he added to SG-1.
Kawalsky pointed out the general areas he wanted his men. “Don’t shoot until they’re all in the camp,” he reminded them as they started to move to their spots. He turned to Jack. “Are you sure you want to be exposed like this as bait? You’re really going to be vulnerable.”
“Yes we will. I’m not wild about it, but it’s what will sell the ruse,” Jack said quietly.
“Okay,” Kawalsky nodded. “Good luck.” He began to move to his chosen spot.
“Good luck,” Jack replied.
SG-1 took their places. They arranged themselves so that they could be alert to the expected path the Jaffa would take.
“We’re taking a gamble that they want us alive and aren’t just going to kill us on sight, but we have to wait with drawing or using our weapons until Kawalsky’s men fire,” Jack said. “Otherwise, these guys are going to know right away that they’re walking into a trap.”
“We know Jack. We were there the other twenty times we went over the plan,” Daniel said with some irritation.
“Well, now you’ve been there for a twenty-first review,” Jack said mildly.
“I believe that it is safe to assume that they want us alive. They will want answers to where we came from and why. An execution will be scheduled, but not before Ra has done his own interrogation,” Teal’c said.
Everyone nodded. Teal’c’s words were also a reiteration of thoughts that had been expressed before. There was nothing new to say about the plan.
Jack looked at his team. He started to speak, then looked away. After a moment’s hesitation he looked back at them. “I’m sorry about last night,” finally said.
They looked at him cautiously. He was uncharacteristically regretful.
“Have you reconsidered your position, O’Neill?” Teal’c asked.
“No. I’m sorry, but no. I can’t do it. I won’t.”
“Not even to save world?” Daniel asked softly.
“I’m responsible for him dying once. I won’t be responsible for it again.” Jack could not meet their eyes. “I know what you must think of me.”
There was both pity and anger in the faces that looked at Jack.
“We think you’re a father who’s missed his son,” Daniel finally said.
All conversation halted. They checked and rechecked their weapons with nervous energy. After nearly an hour, Teal’c looked to the east.
“Hear something?” Jack asked.
“Indeed.”
Everyone stiffened and looked in the same direction as Teal’c. Suddenly Jack exhaled sharply. “This is no good,” he admonished. “Stop looking like we expect an army of Jaffa.”
“But we are expecting an army of Jaffa,” Daniel said logically. He flashed a quick grin.
“Well stop it,” Jack said. He smiled too.
In spite of the imminent danger, the tension had eased.
Now they could all hear a stealthy approach coming nearer to their position.
Charlie came into sight. He gave Jack a bright, insouciant grin. He turned to the Jaffa behind him and spoke with a carrying voice. “The eight of you should be able to take care of them easily enough.”
“Looks like the whole party is here,” Jack said to his team under his breath. “Get ready.”
As they took defensive postures, gunfire sounded. Bullets ricocheted around them. SG-1 hit the deck and drew their own weapons. SG-1 and Charlie scrambled for cover while the opposing Jaffa turned to meet the weapons fire coming from behind and beside them. Once SG-1 joined in the attack, the Jaffa were well and truly surrounded.
The battle was short but fierce. Within ten minutes it was over with eight Jaffa lying motionless on the ground. Kawalsky’s men, SG-1, and Charlie met in the middle of the clearing.
“Everybody okay?” Daniel asked.
“Ow,” Jack replied. He grabbed at his left upper arm. There was a scorch mark along his outer sleeve. “Son of a bitch!” he added feelingly.
“Are you badly injured, O’Neill?” asked Teal’c.
“No,” he said disgustedly. “It’s just a flesh wound. Hurts, but it’s not serious.” He caught sight of Sam. “What about you?”
Sam looked puzzled. Jack pointed at her right cheek. It was oozing blood. She touched her face.
“I didn’t even notice,” she said. “It must have been a ricocheting bullet. A spent one at that. It’s just a little cut.”
Kawalsky looked around at his own men. “Where are Steve and Pete?” he asked.
Colson joined them, limping badly. He pointed to a spot near the creek. “I think one of them was hit,” he said.
“Are you going to be okay?” Kawalsky asked.
“Yeah. I caught my foot when I was diving for cover and twisted my knee,” Colson said sheepishly.
Kawalsky nodded. “Pete? Steve?” he called.
“Over here,” Campbell’s voice came from the trees.
The group trooped across the clearing to the location of Campbell’s voice. Thomas’s limbs were flung about in unnatural positions. His vacant eyes stared upward. Scorch marks marred his midsection. Campbell was kneeling beside him. He reached out to close Thomas’s eyes.
“Damn it!” Kawalsky said. He ran his fingers through his hair in agitation. “I had hoped our set up would prevent casualties.”
“He was shifting position to get a better sightline and shifted into a random shot. It was pure bad luck,” Campbell said sadly.
“He would have been twenty-one tomorrow. This has to end. I’m tired of losing good kids,” Ramirez said angrily.
“We’ll have to mourn later. Right now we have a job to do,” Kawalsky said briskly. “Teal’c, you need to get suited up. Colson, O’Neill, Carter, let Reese take a look at you.”
“I’m fine,” Sam and Jack spoke simultaneously.
“Let him take a look anyway. Matt was a medic before all of this happened,” Kawalsky said sternly.
They acquiesced meekly as Reese came over to them carrying a pack.
“I’ll help you,” Charlie said to Teal’c.
“I do not require assistance--” Teal’c began. Seeing the expression on Charlie’s face, he amended his statement. “But company is always welcome,” he concluded.
They walked the fifteen yards to the fallen Jaffa and began searching for the one who was the closest to Teal’c’s size with the least damaged armor.
“Is there something you wished to say to me?” Teal’c asked.
Charlie checked to make sure that no one was within earshot. “Last night as I was leaving the camp, I dropped the key to my bike. It took me awhile to find it in the dark. By the time I did, I was close enough to hear my dad and all of you talking.”
Teal’c paused briefly in his task to give Charlie his full attention. “How much did hear?”
“I missed a lot because you were all talking softly, but I got the gist.”
Charlie stopped speaking. He was clearly trying to work out how to say what he wanted to say. Teal’c waited patiently.
“This place--how things are now--it’s not supposed to be like this, is it?” Charlie finally asked.
“It is not,” Teal’c answered.
“And you know how to change it back?”
“We believe so.”
“But Dad doesn’t want to?” Charlie’s question took the form of a statement.
“He does not.”
“Why not?”
Teal’c turned back to the Jaffa bodies as he formulated his answer.
“It’s because of me, right?” Charlie asked.
“Teal’c glanced at Charlie. “Yes,” he said.
“Teal’c, where am I in this other timeline or reality or whatever we’re talking about?”
“I think your father does not wish for you to know,” Teal’c said.
“I need to know.”
Teal’c studied Charlie. “I do believe that you have the right.” He looked at the body that was lying near his feet. “This one will do.” He knelt and began to remove the armor from the dead Jaffa.
“Teal’c?” Charlie prompted.
“In the timeline we come from, you died at eight years of age. O’Neill’s weapon discharged when you were handling it without supervision. He has always held himself responsible for the accident. Your father and mother separated sometime after that.”
“Oh.” Charlie thought for a moment. He helped Teal’c remove and gather the body armor. “I wondered why Dad acted like he hadn’t seen me in forever. I kept trying to ask him yesterday afternoon, but he wouldn’t say.”
They were both quiet as they finished retrieving the armor.
“Help me carry this to the trees over there so I can change,” Teal’c told Charlie.
Charlie followed Teal’c, still thinking hard.
“My dad’s pretty important isn’t he?”
“Indeed.”
“He died here, which means that I’m still alive. But it also means that Ra was able to invade Earth.”
“It would appear that O’Neill’s presence made a great difference in how events transpired,” Teal’c agreed. “He is also the reason that I made the final break from the Goa’uld.”
“Why doesn’t he care enough to make it right?” Charlie sounded confused and angry.
“He does care. He would fight until his final breath to rid this world of Ra. But right now, you are the only thing that he can see.”
“I’m not more important than the world. He’s just being stupid.” Charlie looked and sounded remarkably like Jack.
In spite of the gravity of the situation, Teal’c almost smiled at the similarity between father and son. “Perhaps. But to him, you are more important than anything else. If there was one day that he could undo, it would be the day that you died. In this timeline, that day never happened,” Teal’c said. He began laying out the armor that they had retrieved and prepared to don it.
“You plan to do something about it,” Charlie said.
“We do.”
“What does it involve?”
“There is an object that O’Neill carried. It is called a keyanna and was given to us by an alien race. It was confiscated by the Jaffa that met us when we came through the stargate. We believe that smashing it will end this situation and restore the proper one.”
“And all of this will go away,” Charlie commented.
“So we believe.”
“Or maybe our world will continue, but Dad and the rest of you will disappear from it and return to your own world.”
“Perhaps,” Teal’c aid.
“What does this kaytana look like?”
“Keyanna,” Teal’c corrected. He slipped the Jaffa body armor over his head. “It is blue. It looks like a large gemstone. It is between two and three inches in length. One of the aliens indicated that it could be destroyed by smashing it with a tool.”
“I’ve seen in!” Charlie exclaimed softly. “No one knew what it was or what it did, so they just put it aside in the treasure room.”
“As I anticipated. Where is this room?”
“From the font door, you go to the back of the pyramid. If you go down the stairs near the back wall, you come out in the treasure room. They keyanna is on a shelf that runs along the same wall as the stairway.”
Is the room usually guarded?”
“No. You’re going to try this afternoon aren’t you? While everyone else is going after Ra?”
“We are,” Teal’c affirmed.
“Dad’s going to be pretty mad at you isn’t he?”
“Indeed.” Teal’c looked closely at Charlie who stared resolutely back at Teal’c. Teal’c was again struck by how much his manner resembled Jack’s. “Are you angry that we are planning this?” Teal’c asked him.
“No,” Charlie said quietly. “The way I see it, I’ve had at least eight years that I wasn’t supposed to have. Since Ra invaded Earth, it’s been hell here. Wherever you came from has to be better than this. If you can end it, you should. It’s the right thing to do.” His voice wavered as he finished speaking.
Teal’c looked at Charlie with undisguised admiration. He clasped Charlie’s shoulder. “I cannot say with any certainty what will happen. This I know: for as long as your father has memory, and for as long as I have memory, you will not really be gone.”
“Thank you,” Charlie whispered.
“Shall we rejoin the others?” Teal’c asked.
Charlie straightened his shoulders. “Yes.”
They walked out of the trees and back into the clearing. Everyone looked at them curiously.
“What’s with the confab?” Jack asked. His left arm had a freshly applied bandage. He was putting on his shirt with a now-tattered left sleeve.
“Charlie was offering additional information about the habits of Ra’s guards,” Teal’c said.
“Such as?”
“Oh, things like there are always a minimum of two guards around Ra at all times. And the name of the guy whose armor Teal’c is wearing was Rik’tin,” Charlie said smoothly.
“Ready to do this?” Jack asked Teal’c.
“Indeed.”
“Let’s move out then,” Kawalsky said. “Colson, I think you’re going to have to sit this one out.”
Colson nodded his understanding. “I’ll only slow you down.” He looked at Thomas’s body which they had brought to the edge of the woods.” I’d hate to leave Steve alone, anyway.”
“We’ll do a proper memorial when this is over,” Kawalsky promised.
After more glances at Thomas’s body, they deliberately focused their attention on the mission at hand.
“Let’s go,” Kawalsky said.
Campbell nodded and began walking. Charlie followed, with Jack on his heels. One by one they all stepped onto the path.
“Good luck,” Colson called softly.
From the end of the line, Fletcher turned to look at Colson. “We’ll see you soon. I would think that someone should be back here to catch you up well before nightfall. If any of us make it out, that is.”
Colson nodded. Fletcher turned to catch up with the group.
Once the path widened, they allowed themselves to spread out a bit. Jack lengthened his stride to pull even with Charlie.
“You have any trouble selling the story?” Jack asked.
“Not really. When I told them that I knew where the fugitives were, it was like I said the magic words. All they cared about was getting hold of you.”
“How long a hike do we have?” Jack asked.
“About forty-five minutes. Probably closer to an hour since we have to be a little more stealthy,” Charlie said.
They subsided and walked beside each other in comfortable silence. Very little conversation took place among the group as they hiked for the next hour. They moved carefully, remaining vigilant for enemy patrols or other threats. After skirting the lake and cresting a short incline, they stopped at the edge of the forest. They could now see a pyramid dominating the landscape. It looked just like pyramids that SG-1 had seen on Cimmeria, Juna, and dozens of Goa’uld occupied planets.
“Do those things come prefab?” Jack asked.
“The design rarely varies from Goa’uld to Goa’uld or planet to planet,” Teal’c agreed.
“It’s showtime,” Kawalsky said. “Everybody ready?”
There were nods all around.
“I’ll run ahead to lay the groundwork,” Charlie said. “I’ll let them know that only one of the guards survived and that he’s coming in with three prisoners. Give me ten minutes or so and then follow.” He turned to Kawalsky. “If you circle around to the back,” he pointed out a direction that allowed for cover, “I’ll get you in the back way.”
Kawalsky nodded. He checked his watch. It was 3:30. “Whenever you’re ready,” he said. “Good luck. See you on the inside,” he added.
“And to you. See you in a few,” Jack said.
Kawalsky nodded and led his men in the direction Charlie had pointed.
Charlie started toward the pyramid, then stopped. He turned back and impulsively gave Jack a quick hug. “It’s good to see you. I love you Dad,” he said softly.
“I love you too.” Jack looked suspiciously at Charlie. “What are you up to?”
“You know the plan,” Charlie said.
“Charlie,” Jack admonished.
“Got to go. There’s a schedule to keep.” Charlie turned and began moving toward the pyramid.
“Jonathan Charles O’Neill. Get back here right now!” Apprehension underlay the authority in Jack’s voice.
Charlie turned around but made no attempt to move back toward Jack. The two of them locked eyes. Time seemed to stand still for a moment.
“I’ve got a job to do.” Charlie gave Jack a salute and an impudent grin. “You should call Mom,” he said.
“What?”
Charlie began sprinting to the pyramid.
SG-1 was left on their own at the edge of the woods. They waited restlessly, checking their watches frequently.
“Seriously, what’s Charlie planning?”
Sam and Daniel looked at Jack blankly.
“I know of no intent to deviate from our plan,” Teal’c said, activating his helmet.
“You didn’t put together some sort of Plan B while you the two of you were chatting earlier?” Jack remained unconvinced.
“We did not.”
“He’s up to something,” Jack said uneasily. He looked at his watch again. “It’s time to move.”
“Shouldn’t we be shackled or restrained or something?” Daniel asked.
“Indeed.” Teal’c pulled a long thin chain from within his uniform. He wrapped it loosely around each of their hands, connecting Daniel, Sam, and Jack to each other. “Hold on to the chain. Once we are inside, you may drop it and operate freely.”
“Okay, then. Let’s go,” Jack said.
They began the trek across the clearing, following the same route Charlie had taken a few minutes earlier. Their demeanor was grim. The realization had set in in for all of them that their plot would require a great deal of luck in order to succeed.
“We’re going to have to act quickly once we’re in the presence of Ra,” Jack said.
“I will begin firing as soon as we enter the room,” Teal’c said.
“The second he does, drop the chain and follow suit,” Jack instructed Daniel and Sam. “We’ve got to take as much advantage of the surprise as we can.”
“And count on Kawalsky’s group coming in at the same time,” Sam said.
“That would help,” Jack said.
They were about twenty yards from the pyramid. Two Jaffa stood at attention on either side of the entrance. SG-1’s steps slowed involuntarily. Noticing that, Teal’c prodded the other three with his staff weapon.
“Move!” he said sternly.
“All right, all right!” Jack said irritably.
One of the Jaffa began moving toward SG-1.
“This might be a problem,” Jack said. He moved his hands closer to his own weapon.
“He is likely coming forward to provide an escort,” Teal’c said.
At that instant, they heard an explosion and the sound of gunfire. Both Jaffa shifted their attention to the pyramid. The commotion within the pyramid and the distraction of the guards prompted Teal’c to action. Hefting his staff weapon he shot both Jaffa without hesitation.
“Dammit! They’re early. We’ve got to move,” Jack said. He threw aside the chain that they were using as a fake binding and drew his own weapon.
All four members of SG-1 ran for the pyramid. They crossed the threshold into a chaotic scene. They could hear the sound of weapons’ fire coming from the back. Another explosion could be heard in a distant part of the pyramid. The Jaffa in sight were either running for the hallway to the rear of the pyramid or facing that direction. SG-1 began firing, working their way through the room from one place of cover to another. Confused Jaffa turned to face this new, unexpected threat.
The intensity of battle increased. They could hear more explosions. They caught a glimpse of men running across a hallway in the distance and firing. A few Jaffa had come to the front part of the pyramid to lend support to the embattled guards. Gunfire and staff blasts echoed through the chamber. SG-1 had held their own, but they were unable to advance. Sam called out a warning and turned her weapon on a Jaffa who had Daniel in his sights. As both of them prepared to fire their weapons, the air shimmered around SG-1.
* * * * * * * *
“What?” Daniel blinked confusedly.
Teal’c retracted his helmet. “We appear to be in the Malacandrian meeting room.”
“How did we get back, though? None of us found, much less destroyed the keyanna,” Sam said.
“Or went through the stargate. Obviously,” Daniel added.
“Charlie.” Jack’s voice was strained.
“I believe so,” Teal’c said. “He overheard our conversation last night.”
“I must congratulate you,” Kellahn said, leading Belnara and Carroan into the room. “No one else has figured out the solution to the keyanna before. Even the ones who are given hints.”
Carroan flushed slightly at Kellahn’s pointed glance, but he offered SG-1 a weak smile. “I am pleased to see your safe return.”
SG-1 looked anything but pleased.
“Was it real?” Sam asked. She touched her cheek, tracing the cut she had received earlier in the day from a stray bullet.
“Oh yes, it was genuine,” Kellahn said.
“Not a simulation then,” Daniel said.
“Oh no. It was very real,” Belnara explained. “The keyanna jewel forms an empathic connection with the person holding it. Then the device that the jewel is connected to finds and alters an event in the user’s personal history that will create the new course. The jewel is what holds the new timeline in place. Destroying the keyanna restores the original timeline.”
“I was joking when I suggested that. I can’t believe that’s true,” Sam said.
“That is the way it operates,” Kellahn said.
“If the keyanna had not been destroyed, would the newly created timeline have permanently replaced the original one?” Sam asked.
“A new timeline will continue as long as nothing is done to interrupt it,” Belnara said.
“Of course, it helps to actually know that going in,” Daniel said testily.
“What would be the fun of that?” Kellahn asked with infuriating calm.
“Fun for whom?” Daniel demanded.
“Fun for us.” Kellahn said. He spoke as if he stated the obvious.
“How many altered timelines are running because unsuspecting people have been pulled into a keyanna’s scenario? Are we living in the midst of someone else’s changed history right now?” Sam asked.
“A handful of outsiders have used a keyanna. After a period of time goes by without the user ending the scenario, we do it from here. You may be assured that while any of the altered timelines could become permanent, it is our policy to assure that they do not,” Belnara said.
“And if any of us had died in that altered timeline, would we still be dead when the original timeline was reset?” Daniel wanted to know.
“Resetting the timeline undoes the change that created the alternate in the first place. It does not undo anything that might happen to individuals who were in it. It is regrettable, but there have been occasional deaths,” Kellahn’s casual indifference was shocking.
“We frequently employ keyannas for our own use and enjoyment. Outsiders often appreciate the experience too. You appear to have had quite an adventure. We are eager to hear about it,” Belnara added.
Jack made a strangled sound in response to the invitation. Daniel took one look at his face and stepped between Jack and the Malacandrians. Teal’c stepped closer and laid a hand on Jack’s shoulder. It was a gesture of both support and restraint.
“We’re due at home,” Sam said coldly.
“As you wish,” Kellahn said. “We would, of course, welcome your return at any time. Your ability to solve the timeline issue on your own is most impressive.”
“Oh, well, thank you very much,” Daniel’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
Kellahn chose to accept his words at face value. “You are most welcome. Carroan, will you escort our guests to the gate?”
“Certainly,” Carroan said. “I’ll take you now if you wish.”
SG-1 followed Carroan out of the room without comment. Teal’c, Daniel, and Sam took covert, concerned glances at Jack as they walked across the courtyard one more time. No one knew what to say to him.
“Will this trip through the stargate take us to our proper destination and time?” Teal’c demanded.
“Yes. I promise,” Carroan said.
“For what that’s worth,” Sam said crossly.
“I understand your mistrust,” Carroan said regretfully. “I assure you that you will be returning to your expected time and place.”
Despite her anger, Sam could not resist the puzzle presented by the situation. “I’m not sure that I understand. At first I thought we would be returned to the moment when the keyanna first engaged, but it seems that time has passed here since we left. Has it?”
“About a day,” Carroan told her.
“The same amount of time as for us,” Sam said.
“Yes.”
“If we’re a day overdue, has the SGC been making enquiries or sent people after us?” Sam asked.
“Time does not always move in a straightforward manner here relative to outside worlds. We can make adjustments. In this case, you will find that while a day has passed for you and for us, when you return to Earth, you will not be overdue. All will be as it should,” Carroan explained.
They arrived at the stargate. Daniel turned to the others in alarm. “I just realized--we don’t have a GDO. It was confiscated along with everything else.”
Sam pulled a device from her pocket. “I have it. Kawalsky’s men opened fire before Ra’s Jaffa picked up all of our things. The GDO was still in front of me so I snatched when the bullets started flying.”
“Way to go Sam,” Daniel said.
“Thanks. Let’s go.” she said.
“Well, until we meet again,” Carroan said softly.
“Yeah, don’t hold your breath,” Jack said flatly.
“I don’t always agree with the things we do, but as one of the youngest ones here, I don’t have the standing to override tradition. I don’t know what happened where you were. I am truly sorry for any pain you may have experienced. But in the end, no real damage has been done has it?”
“I don’t think we know what the damage is yet,” Daniel cast another quick, concerned look at Jack’s closed face. He pressed the glyphs on the DHD with more force than necessary.
The gate engaged. Sam submitted the iris code. SG-1 took a last look around the room and then stepped into the puddle. This time, they exited onto the familiar ramp inside the SGC.
“Right on schedule. Welcome home, SG-1.” General Hammond was in the gate room to greet them.
“It’s good to be home,” Daniel said.
“We had some concerns. Shortly after you left we received a message from Thor. He advised caution with regard to the Malacandrians.” Hammond stopped speaking as he observed Teal’c’s body armor, the cut on Sam’s face, and the distraught state of the entire team. “I take it that the warning was warranted?”
“You could say that,” Daniel said. “Did Thor say any more about them?”
“He said that they basically keep to themselves and they don’t get involved in outside events, but that they do enjoy manipulating situations. He referred to them as sprites.” There was a question in his voice as Hammond finished speaking.
Daniel thought for a moment. “They do strike me as an entire race of Pucks.”
“How does hockey pertain to this?” Teal’c wanted to know.
“Uh, it doesn’t. Puck is a character in play by Shakespeare. He’s a fairy and a trickster. He gets enjoyment out of playing tricks on people and manipulating their situation for his own amusement,” Daniel explained.
“Lord what fools these mortals be,” Hammond said.
Daniel gave Hammond a surprised smile. Teal’c frowned.
“It’s a line from that play,” Daniel clarified.
“My daughter played Titania in her high school play,” Hammond smiled. “She was very good.” Hammond said. He noted again Jack’s pale, forlorn face. “Colonel, are you all right?” he asked with concern.
“Not really.” Jack gave them all an unhappy look, then walked dejectedly from the room.
The rest of SG-1 watched his departure with worried eyes.
“I was thinking of when Malakai put us in that time loop a few years ago,” Daniel said. “I remember when Jack argued with him he said ‘I could never live that over again.’ I knew what he meant, but I’m not sure that I ever really understood it until now.”
“What in God’s name happened?” Hammond asked.
“It’s a long story,” Sam said.
“I’d better hear it. Let’s go upstairs.”
“Should Jack be alone?” Daniel asked.
“I will check on him,” Teal’c said.
They reached the door of the gate room. Hammond, Sam, and Daniel turned in the direction of the briefing room. Teal’c turned down a different hallway.
* * * * * * * *
In Hammond’s office, Daniel and Sam gave a quick rundown of everything that had happened. He listened quietly, interjecting questions from time to time. By the end of the recital, his indignant anger matched SG-1’s.
“Emotional reactions aside, do you think there’s potential for a real alliance with the Malacandrians?” Hammond asked.
“Their technology is enviable. Way beyond ours. At the very least it’s equal to the Asgard. Maybe even be beyond. But...” Sam said.
“How can we trust them?” Daniel finished Sam’s thought. “They used us for their own fun. And they didn’t have the smallest concern about what it might do to us. I don’t think there’s any assurance that they wouldn’t continue to do that. I’m not sure what we could do to stop it.”
“It sounds like you’re telling me that with friends like them, we wouldn’t need enemies,” Hammond said.
“Pretty much,” Daniel said.
“Everything you say supports Thor’s advice. Ultimately, it may not be our decision to make, but pursuing an alliance with the Malacandrians sounds like a dicey proposition.” Hammond sighed. “All right. SG-1’s leave time begins now. We’ll see you in a few days.”
“Thank you sir,” Sam said.
* * * * * * * *
Teal’c stood in the locker room doorway. Jack was sitting on the bench in front of his open locker. His forearms rested on his knees. He stared blankly into his locker.
“I don’t want company,” Jack said without moving.
“I know.” Teal’c removed the torso section of his armor and tossed it aside with distaste. He walked softly across the room. He gripped Jack’s shoulder briefly, then sat down next to him.
Jack gave a small, resigned shrug. Teal’c’s undemanding presence was not unpleasant.
The two men sat quietly for several moments.
“You can be very proud of Charlie,” Teal’c said.
“I was always proud of my son,” Jack said fiercely. He reached for his locker door and slammed it shut with such force that it bounced open again, hitting the adjacent locker. It swung gently for a few seconds before coming to rest.
Teal’c neither recoiled nor spoke. He waited calmly.
“You never get over losing a child, but you get used to it,” Jack said dully. He continued to stare ahead into his locker. “Someone quoted that to me once. It took me a long time, but I had gotten used to it. To see and talk to him, only to lose him again. It’s--” He stopped, his voice breaking. He looked away.
“I am very sorry O’Neill.”
“I know.” Jack looked briefly at Teal’c, then away again. “You were planning to destroy the keyanna weren’t you?”
“I was.”
“How did Charlie know about it?” Jack sounded tired.
“He overheard part of our conversation of last night. He had questions. I believed that he deserved to know the truth.”
Jack nodded. “Did you ask him to do it?”
“He did not disagree with the plan, but I neither expected nor asked him to participate.” Teal’c paused thoughtfully. “In retrospect, his action is not a surprise.”
“Why? Why would he do this?”
“He is his father’s son,” Teal’c said simply.
Jack faced Teal’c. He started to speak, then stopped.
“Many times I have seen you follow the most difficult course because it had to be done,” Teal’c said.
“Not this time,” Jack sighed. “If I had it to do again, I’m not sure I could make a different choice. I know I was wrong, though. For what it’s worth, I am sorry.”
“In your place, I would have felt the same,” Teal’c said. “Charlie made the choice for all of us. It is a tremendous gift that your son gave you--and us. He showed great courage.”
“Yes, he did. Well,” Jack said rising to his feet and moving toward the door, “I’m going to check in with Hammond and then head for home.”
“Do you require company during your leave time?” Teal’c asked.
Jack faced Teal’c. They exchanged a long look filled with understanding.
“That won’t be necessary.” Jack paused. “I’m not okay, but I will be. Thank you Teal’c.” He started to turn away.
“O’Neill.”
Jack halted again.
“It was a privilege to meet your son,” Teal’c said.
Jack turned back to Teal’c. His face held immense sadness, but a hint of his usual spark was also there. “For me too,” he said quietly. “I’ll see you on Tuesday.”
* * * * * * * *
Jack knocked on General Hammond’s door.
“Come in,” Hammond said. “Have a seat Colonel.”
“Thank you sir.”
“Major Carter and Dr. Jackson brought me up to speed on everything that happened. I won’t bother asking if you’re all right.”
“Yes sir.”
“They are not inclined to favor establishing further relations with the Malacandrians. I assume that you feel the same?”
“You could say that,” Jack said wearily.
“Based on everything that has happened, I will not recommend entering formal negotiations.”
“Good.”
“As I say, though, others may decide that the potential rewards outweigh the risks.”
“I realize that I may be taking all of this a bit more personally than most, but that would be a monumentally stupid decision,” Jack said bitterly.
“I agree. Others may take more convincing,” Hammond said in a level voice.
“Sir,” Jack fidgeted uncomfortably. “It’ll all be in my report, but I think you should know that my decisions were not entirely proper.”
“I gathered as much from what Major Carter and Dr. Jackson said and left unsaid.”
“If I’d had my way, that timeline would not have ended.”
“As I understand it, the timeline would have ended eventually regardless of your actions or inactions,” Hammond said.
“I didn’t know that then,” Jack said doggedly. “I can’t say that I wouldn’t do the same again.”
Hammond sighed. He spoke bluntly. “You let personal feelings get in the way of your judgment, though anyone would understand why. I won’t say it’s “all right,” but I see no reason to dwell on it or for recriminations. No one could foresee a situation like this one.”
“Thank you sir,” Jack said quietly.
“Your scheduled leave begins now,” Hammond told him. “Dismissed.”
“Thank you sir.” Jack rose to his feet.
“Jack.”
Jack stopped.
Hammond had dropped his official manner. He looked at Jack with compassion. “If there’s anything you need from me, all you have to do is ask.”
Jack nodded. “I know.”
“Have a good long weekend.”
“Thank you sir. I’ll see you Tuesday.”
* * * * * * * *
Nighttime found Jack on his roof, studying the night sky as he often did. He was not sure whether knowing that everything that had happened was real made things better or worse. He was exhausted and emotionally drained, but as he watched the stars he could feel his mind begin to clear. He had survived worse. He knew that he would survive this too.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2008-10-15 05:58 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-10-15 12:08 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-10-16 05:38 am (UTC)(The whole killing people's loved ones by surprixe is getting a little old though...)
no subject
Date: 2008-10-16 08:54 pm (UTC)