The Devil Made Me Do It
by Livi2Jack
Rating: T+ Mature Teens
Pairings: None
Category: Action/Adventure, Drama, Humor, Mystery, Point Of View,
Other
Related SG-1 Episode(s): 901 Avalon, Part 1, 903 Origin
Featured Character(s): Jack O'Neill, Daniel Jackson, Samantha Carter, Summary: Sometimes the natives just can't get it. Everything is a
Teal'c, Cam Mitchell
matter of perception. A mission goes horribly wrong.
Author Notes: Set in Season 9 with related spoilers.
Feedback is requested.
"Jack?" A soft soprano voice stirred his reverie. "Tell me about the Other Side?"
"What? Oh, yeah. Well, what do you want to know?" The silver haired "Tell me what is so different. I want to see it through your eyes."
"My eyes, well, let's see. Over there, see that buggy?" She looked "What is pulling the buggy, Jack?"
"Magnets." He grinned at the private joke. Seeing Kara did not "Oh. What makes the little wheels turn, Jack?" O'Neill sighed.
"Tiny itsy bitsy fires you can't see with your eyes." He looked at "Fire?" The small woman seemed to shrink from him.
"No, no, don't do that. It's not like that." He wished Carter or His calm demeanor and soft-spoken words were reassuring. But he "Jack, I am afraid."
"I know." Curiosity won. She sank down in the soft grass next to him. "May I ask you a question and you will not be angry?" O'Neill nodded. "Go on, touch it. It's just a hand." He watched her try to decide. He "Please, be gentle, you are so big and powerful." She looked at him "Ah, you are warm."
"So not dead?" She didn't answer. Interesting that she was so "Maybe it is a trick. Spirits can do that. Trick people. Maybe you "Oh for crying out loud," Jack grumbled. "Look, just suppose I were a She tried to think of an answer that would not anger him. "Some say "That would suck." Jack shifted his weight off a root. She pulled
general kindly looked down on the woman, called Kara.
where he pointed and nodded. "Imagine there is no horse pulling the
buggy."
understand, he thought for a moment and began again. "You know that
wheel that turns at the mill?" She nodded again. "Well imagine
smaller wheels, lots of them. Imagine them in a box all turning other
wheels as they touch." Again she couldn't understand. "Here, I'll
draw you a picture." He took a stick and drew a gear box." She still
did not understand. "Ok, then just imagine there are lots of wheels
that turn and then the buggy moves along by itself."
her recoil in fear. "What?"
Daniel were around. But they were off doing something elsewhere. Jack
held out his hand to the gentle lady. "Please, don't." He gave her
sad eyes of frustration with a small smile. She considered the
matter. "C'mere." He motioned for her to return. She looked like she
wanted to run. "I won't hurt you. Please, sit down, right here with
me."
looked so odd.
He was so big. His legs folded up to support him against the tree
trunk. She felt so small and yet, and yet, something. Her eyes lifted
up to his shyly. He made no sharp moves. He just let her look.
She gathered her courage. "Some say that you are not real, that you
came from the Afterlife. Are you dead?" He couldn't help but grin.
Then he realized she was serious. It probably seemed that way to
them. So he held out his hand again. She shrank back, but not too far.
could understand. He knew how he felt when hands were offered to him.
He always wondered if someone would stick the hand in his head again
as the Human Form Replicators did.
again. Then slowly she reached out to touch him. He held his hand
steady. She looked like she would flee at any sudden movement. First
contact could be so problematic. But after so many, he knew the drill.
cautious and skeptical. In another situation she might be a scientist
like Carter. He looked at her delicate fingers. These people were all
so fragile looking. How did they ever get a day's work done in the
fields? How did they manage to build these stone houses? Not one of
them looked strong enough to do very much.
put a spell on me. I only think you feel warm and alive. But you are
not real."
spirit, and I am not, repeat not a spirit, suppose I were. Then what?
What would happen right now, here this minute?" Kara looked
thoughtful.
that you will take some of us to claim our spirits so you can live."
Jack sighed heavily. He was losing his patience. This was really
Daniel's department.
back at his movement. His hand reached back and pulled out a large
nutshell. "Ah, that's what hurt." He tossed it away. "So is that why
all the villagers hide and refuse to say hello? I mean besides the
religious guy who told us to wait for your leader?"
SG-1 had made contact a few days ago. Carter's scans indicated a
power source somewhere. Considering the level of development here, it
was a mystery. The religious headman told them to return with their
leader in three days time. They had strict instructions not to talk
to strangers of any kind. But their leader would talk to SG-1's
leader under the great tree outside the village today. And they were
warned not to try and deceive them. Their leader would know if they
brought a fake. How that was possible was also a mystery. A UAV sent
to survey the territory reported other energy sources but could not
pinpoint any location exactly. Since the people seemed peaceful,
General O'Neill decided it was worth an off-world visit. Being a
general had its benefits. You could pretty much do what you wanted.
However, the Air Force did frown on risking its generals. So he came
with a platoon of heavily armed guards. He should have brought a
folding chair and some snacks. This was taking a really long time.
"SG 1 niner to SG3 niner, report." Jack spoke into his headset. He Daniel was just lapping all this up. To him, everything was "You speak to spirits, Jack? Why do you lie to me?" She looked "I spoke to Colonel Reynolds who is over in the woods across that "It's sweet! You drink nectar." Jack thought about it and pulled out "Good?" She nodded happily. He smiled back and ate another piece, "Jack, thank you." She wondered if the sweet prepared her somehow. "Do about you? We hope we shall become friends." He ate another piece "What does that mean to you?" She nibbled on the candy.
"Well, we could teach your people how to get better crops. We could "And what would you want us to do with these things? We would work "Aw, no, no. We would trade with you for stuff. We believe in fair "We all wonder what we could possibly have that would interest you "Well, remember how Carter got all excited about something she saw on "Power source?" That brought a concerned look of confusion.
heard Colonel Reynolds reply. "What's the ETA on this shindig? Over."
He listened and got no good answer. "Rodger that. O'Neill out." The
woman had retreated farther away. He did speak to voices. "What?" He
asked not expecting any reply. She was pretty brave to come in the
first place, considering how the others were all shut up in the city
with the gates bolted and the drawbridge up. He was just glad they
weren't launching trebuchets filled with boiling oil down on them.
interesting and everyone was fascinating. All this living history had
him chasing his tail to take it all in. After all these missions, you
would think this would get old. It was just one more hick planet
filled with primitive humans who might and it was a big maybe have
something worthwhile and not some easily explained phenomena. But
sitting behind a desk was also trying his patience.
offended.
field. This is a machine like your mill that grinds flour or the
mechanism that raises your drawbridge. That's all. It's just
smaller." He looked up at the sky. It was promising rain. Aw crap, he
really hurt when it rained. All his previously broken bones screamed
in agony. His joints protested reminding him why he had a desk job
these days. Jack reached into his vest for some aspirin and decided
on something stronger. He fished out of his pack a drink box and
swallowed the pill. The woman stared at the shiny container. Jack
thought about it and pulled out another juice drink. "Here, try it."
He opened it and poked in a straw. He gestured to her to take it. She
was very curious. Actually, he admired her courage. When you thought
about it, he must be very intimidating to someone so delicate and
uneducated. The woman approached and accepted the drink. She watched
him drink from the straw and did the same. A big smile appeared on
her face.
a chocolate bar. He loved doing this to the unsuspecting. Chocolate
should be taught as a tactical weapon at the Academy. He held it up
so she could see him unwrap it. Then he broke off a piece and ate it.
She watched him. Then he gave her a piece. Carefully she bit into it.
He just loved this part, when realization dawned on someone who had
never tasted chocolate. Wait for it…. ah, there it was. The wonder
came over her along with the sugar high. God, he missed going off
world.
breaking off a piece for her as well. Diplomacy by chocolate should
be regulation.
After some consideration, she made a decision. "What will you do with
us, now that you know about us?"
and offered her the rest. She accepted.
bring better tools and teach you how to make machines to help with
your labor. We could bring medicines to cure your sick. Oh, lots of
things, lots and lots of things are possible." He leaned back and
stretched. Sitting on the ground was getting to be painful. The storm
was gathering in the distance.
for you?"
trade. If we can find something here that we want, we would help you
even more. Our worlds would become friends. Friends help friends."
who travel to other worlds and talk to spirits." Jack sighed. She
wasn't going to let go of the spirits routine.
her box?" The woman nodded. "We think there is a power source here.
We want to look at it. If we can use it, then we would offer you a
trade."
"Don't worry. If we find it, we'll let you know." Jack tried to stand "Why do you bring a weapon to talk to me?"
"I didn't bring it to talk to you. You just happen to be here. And I "Protection? You who are so powerful are afraid of me?" She stared at "Maybe he is out of range." Jack turned to her. "Look, it's going to "You care about getting wet? Why?"
"Because I don't want to get sick. It's getting colder and I would "Yes, Jack." Jack looked up as the first drops were falling.
"Look, I don't have another one, so come here and I can cover you "Jack, are you sure?"
"I just said so, now c'mon." He raised his arm and offered her "Come with me."
"Where?"
"To the Stargate. You will show me your world." Jack coughed.
"Um, no. We can't do that."
"Why not? Are you afraid to show me the Afterlife?"
"No, it's just that we don't allow aliens to come to Earth without a "It's raining. That's a good reason." He smiled. That was a new one "Well, then I shall not permit you to find what you seek. Is that a "What?" Jack looked down at the small woman sheltering under his "You heard me."
"Ah, you are the leader?"
"Yes, Jack. And, if you want what we have, you will show me you are Walking together through the downpour, Jack had time to think this At the Gate, Jack dialed the Alpha Site. Daniel was about to object "Is this wise, sir?" He gave a nod to the bedraggled woman under the "Maybe. Maybe not, Mitchell," said Jack. "But we are choiceless. We "Yes, but would I come back?" Kara's grim determination was "Aw crap. You aren't going to die. And my teams had better not The noises, the blinking lights, the PA system making announcements Jack pulled off his rain gear and hat. A servant took his things "You brought her. She's their leader. You are ours. Diplomatically "Ma'am, allow me. We all have to go to the doctor to be sure we "Oy." Jack looked down at her shivering form. "Let's go. C'mon. You
up. He was really stiff. The woman came closer. She touched his
sleeve. Then she fingered the material in curiosity. Her hand touched
the vest. Then it came close to his P90 gun. "Ack! Don't touch that."
She jumped back, afraid. "I'm sorry. But that is dangerous. It's a
weapon. Don't please, just come back. I over reacted. I'm sorry." She
was alarmed but did not run.
always carry one when I travel to other worlds for protection." Jack
looked around wondering what was keeping Daniel.
him in disbelief.
Jack was having the feeling this was getting weird. He just shrugged
and looked around. Activating his communicator, Jack called for
Daniel and got no response.
rain. Do you mind if we go somewhere else to keep dry?" She looked at
him suspiciously.
really like to go inside somewhere." Jack took out his hat and
reached into his pack for rain gear. Unwrapping his poncho, Jack
pulled it over his head. The woman was still staring at him. "Right.
Look if you don't want to get soaked, let's get a move on. What d'ya
say? Got a place around here?"
too." She solemnly considered it.
shelter. She let him gather her in. "Now what?"
really good reason."
he had to admit.
better reason?"
arm. "Not permit me to what?"
not an evil spirit, or an evil anything." She had courage. He smiled
at the notion of showing her the future. Well, he was a general. He
could decide to do this. Well, maybe take her to the Alpha Site, he
decided. So he radioed the Team to meet him at the Gate.
over. She was shivering. He could feel her body against his. She
couldn't weigh more than 90 pounds. And she was maybe 5 feet 6
inches. But she didn't look emaciated. Something was off here. He
would ask Carter.
when he saw Jack give him a look and a finger to his lips. Sam was
just waiting for the kawoosh. Teal'c well, he was inscrutable.
Mitchell objected.
General's poncho.
can't find SG-3 or 7. And she isn't talking. If the price is a tour
of the base, I can live with that." He looked down at her determined
expression. "You know, you didn't have to take my people hostage. I
said you could come."
obvious. "No one has ever returned from the Afterlife. I am content
to go, knowing that your people will join me in the Afterlife if I do
not return. And my people are instructed to bury the Gate if I am not
back in a fortnight. The Gate to Hell will be sealed forever."
either." Jack didn't like this one bit. But he figured he could
handle one small woman. He couldn't have been more wrong.
had Kara clinging to Jack. She was doing her best not to be afraid
and it wasn't working. What was this place? They all seemed to serve
the one called Jack. He told the truth. He was the leader. Was he the
Evil Overlord? Or was he just a man as the others claimed? It had to
be a trick. One moment they were on the Doorway's Throne and the next
some other place some other where.
away. Kara could not let go of his shirtsleeve. She clutched it tight
with one hand and wrapped her arm around his for dear life. Jack was
both annoyed and amused. "Now, Kara, let go. No one is going to hurt
you, just, ack, Daniel? Do something." Jack gestured to the clinging
female. Daniel wiped his glasses and shrugged. Everyone was taking
off his wet things.
speaking, you have to be the one to host her." Daniel wandered off to
the infirmary to get water out of his ear. Carter gave him a
disgusted look and followed. Teal'c raised one eyebrow and did the
same. Mitchell just shook his head.
aren't sick. Let me show you the way." Mitchell smiled at her and
offered his arm and sleeve. She trembled and held on to Jack without
moving. "I tried, sir." And he followed the rest of the group.
wanted to see this." He started to walk off with or without her. She
was so light he practically dragged her off her feet. Turning the
corner into the medical center, his companion gasped. Things were
being stuck into the Overlord's minions. It was the Place of
Punishment. She was dead. "What now?" He looked down at her not
comprehending until he saw the direction of her gaze. "Oh, that, it's
just a test." Well that was the wrong thing to say. She screamed.
Everyone looked at them. The SFs drew their weapons. Jack took hold
of her and shook her. "Knock it off. Nothing bad is going to happen
to you. We just need some of your blood." And then she
fainted. "Somebody do something about this. Doc!"
Kara woke up on a soft bed. At first she didn't remember and then it
hit her. She was dead in the Afterlife suffering the Punishment for
daring to tell the Overlord of Hell she wanted to know if he was
evil. Of course he was evil. He was the Overlord. She began to weep.
Security notified Daniel that Kara was awake and in distress. He made
a beeline for her room. He found her kneeling beside her bed praying
for deliverance.
"Oh, please, you don't have to do that. Please, get up." He reached Then he got the story out of her. It was a whopper. She thought Jack Daniel picked up the phone in the hall. "Jack. We have to go back to
down to help her up to the bed. She was really light. "Please, stop
crying. I know this is scary for you but you are safe." She just
shook with terror. "My name is Daniel. I'm here to help you." That
didn't register. So he did what any man would have done, he held her
until she stopped being hysterical and cried herself to exhaustion.
was the Devil and she had passed through the Gates of Hell to the
Afterlife to save her people as a sacrifice pretending to want to
know if the Overlord was good or evil. She knew perfectly well he was
evil. It was a brave act. He was worried now that SG-3 and SG-7 would
be put to death. After all, if they worked for the Devil they had to
be demons and therefore were already dead. Someone had to go back
there and rescue the others if they were still alive. And they had to
take her back ASAP.
the planet NOW and take her with us. Don't ask. Just trust me. If you
ever want to see the other teams alive again, we can't wait." He
didn't mention that the locals may have already buried the Gate.
In the Alpha Site's Gate Room, the Team assembled again. Kara was
brought between two very large SFs. They each had hold of one of her
arms. She tried to look defiant. But one look at Jack with his angry
aggressive stance and she knew it was not going to be a good thing.
"Just tell me, are my people still alive?" Kara nodded yes. "You Cam Mitchell checked his compass and pointed. They set off for the "Sergeant, secure the Gate. Corporal set the claymores on the ridge At the gate to the walled city, the teams saw the drawbridge was
sure? Because if you aren't the Devil will look good to you compared
to me." She couldn't react. She was too frightened. "Aw crap let's
get this over with. Dial it up. Mitchell, keep in radio contact at
all times on the half hour. Carter, you are not going. This is a
simple op that does not require you until the site is secured. Stand
down." Jack gave the go ahead to the teams who stepped back through
the Gate to the rain soaked field. Carter gave Jack a look that said
we are going to talk about this. He gave her a look that said don't
start with me.
walled city. The SFs carried RPGs and mortars to blast holes in the
city walls if necessary. A UAV came through after them to paint the
targets and direct the SAMs at the walls. Someone from the Alpha Site
directed using the M.A.L.P. stationed next to the Stargate. The
transmission would keep it open for 38 minutes. That's about how long
it would take to get to the city and blow a big hole in the wall.
after we go over about 20 feet apart. Station a picket to watch our
six. Keep an eye out for hostiles. Zat them if you can, but remember
they have our troops." Mitchell turned to survey the site and was
satisfied. "Ok people, we try this diplomatically if we can. If we
can't, God help them. Move out."
down. Mitchell had Kara brought forward to him. "Call whoever you
left in charge to come out here. And tell them if they raise the
drawbridge, I shall just blow it up." She didn't understand the
term. "That mean's I shall make it disappear for good." Her eyes
widened with fear. The few people who had been on the road were gone.
And the sentries on the wall were not expecting them until they were
too close. The bridge began to rise.
"I am Kara, Leader of the Six Tribes. Who dares raise the bridge? I "We do not recognize you as Kara, Demon. Go your way and trouble us "I say I am Kara and no demon. The Overlord has returned me to this "You are come from the Domain of the Overlord, demons. Speak. What "We have come to know good from evil. Will you show us the way?" "We have nothing to say. Go your way and trouble us no more."
"We must ask for you to give us back our friends alive," Daniel tried "The tricks of spirits cannot be trusted."
"Well, can you just tell us if our friends still live?" Daniel was "Your friends were never alive and neither are you, demon." Murmurs "Look, we just want our friends back. Then we shall leave and never "And you will take the demon that was Kara?" He seemed doubtful.
"Yes, yes we will if that's what you want. You should know she is a "You must have had some good in you at one time, demon. Or you could "I don't know. You need a little faith in good not evil." More than "Captain, go to the place of prayer and place your hand on the stone. "Come, you are part of our family now. They are safe." She looked up
say lower it, now." The sentries on the walls were confused. They had
been told she had departed this life. She was seen entering the Gate.
But here she was. Was she a demon now like these others? A captain of
the guard came to the parapet and surveyed the scene.
no more. We have seen Kara step through the Gate to the Afterlife.
Your tricks will not work on us." He started to move off. She had to
think fast.
life in exchange for his minions. I have suffered for all of you. At
least send someone to speak and judge." There were consultations and
then the Captain called to her that the Teacher would come to speak
only at the parapet. Kara turned helplessly to Daniel. He just
waited. Eventually the Teacher appeared. He took a good look at her.
She seemed fine.
will you have of us?" He threw out the challenge as written in the
holy writings. Kara knew the response.
Daniel looked at her not believing the cornball exchange. He was
really glad Jack wasn't here for this. Mitchell shot him a look of
disbelief.
his hand at it. At least they were still talking to him. "They are
dear to us as Kara is dear to you. And don't say she is not Kara. She
is. There must be some kind of proof you will accept." Heads up there
were shaking a no. "Look, if we were demons would we need to ASK
you?" That caused some pondering. "If we are spirits, then how could
walls stop us?"
grasping at straws until Mitchell had the guns in place. There was a
time when he would have objected. But ten years with Jack altered his
view of military action. This situation was out of control. If they
would not even consider reviewing the case, then it was time for
action.
and loud assent rang out from the top of the walls.
come back if that's what you want." There was no movement. "If you
really know good from evil, then you will show mercy especially to
those you think do not know mercy. Do good today, not evil, not
murder. Let our friends go. Then you can bury the Stargate and no
more demons will ever come through again." Daniel was pleading as
hard as he could. The Teacher was moved that a demon could understand
mercy.
very brave soul. She did her best to save you all. I hope you will
pray for her when we are gone." Daniel could see such words were
softening the religious leader.
not remember to talk this way. But how do we know you will leave once
you have what you want?"
that, Daniel was stumped. The Teacher left. Daniel was distraught.
Mitchell was readying the attack. It was almost in place, when the
drawbridge lowered and the SG teams exited the walled city. Kara
called out to the Captain.
You will protect our people so that the demons cannot enter the city.
After you see we are gone, then touch the stone again so that the
people can come and go again. Then bury the Gate to Hell and never
look upon it again." The Captain had tears in his eyes. He had known
her since childhood. That this demon that resembled her could make
such a request meant Kara's soul was there in spirit somehow. He
saluted her and left. A force field rose around the city, lifting it
while glowing in the evening sunshine. A rainbow formed from the
refraction of the light. Daniel noticed and saw the tears of joy on
Kara's face.
at him resigned and turned to leave, but took one last look to
remember why she sacrificed herself. It had worked. The Overlord was
appeased and would not come again.
"Jack, I really think we should do this. I mean she did sacrifice "Why can't we just send her to some little world she can understand? "Jack, please, you owe her. She's traumatized enough. Don't let her "I don't owe her anything, Daniel. She nearly got my people killed."
herself thinking the absolute worst would happen to her for the sake
of her people. It's not her fault. And no one was hurt." Daniel spoke
quickly as the general stood ready for departure.
Maybourne has a nice little set up, send her there." He turned to
walk up the steps to return to the SGC.
think you are the Devil for the rest of her life.
"Sir, I have to agree with Daniel on this one. Otherwise she's going "I concur, O'Neill. It would be wise and have no impact on your own "Oy. You got anything to add, Mitchell?"
"No sir, except I think they are right. If my bible thumping Grandma "I thought you had nothing to add." Jack sighed again. "Fine, but Kara came into the Alpha Site Gate Room again. Her eyes were red from "Kara, for the last time, you are not dead. This is not Hell. And we This place looked much like the other. Kara tried to look around but "Who's driving?" Sam asked Daniel.
"Jack ordered a car for us with two guards and a second car to Rounding the corner into the bright sunshine, Kara gasped. It looked Sam had the driver stop at the main shopping street. They got out for Sam saw it and then understood. "Look there's a place to have a "Oh God, Daniel, we forgot to feed her. Let's go get a bite over "Um, no, I think we should go more casual for finger food don't you "Are you feeling better now?" Sam asked casually. Kara had a mouthful "This chocolate is how the Overlord enforces our obedience?" Kara "Now what?" Jack took a chair next to Sam. He smiled at her from "Oh, you found us, sir. Hungry?"
"Not really. I ate on the base. What's making her so upset now? She's "Why are you crying, Kara? Didn't you just see how nice our world is? "He will start the Punishment now?" Kara had no more tears to cry. "I "You think chocolate is some drug to make you behave?" Kara nodded.
"It's the magical black substance the Overlord puts in his demons to The sun had shifted behind the building. Jack took off his sunglasses
to think she is dead and in Hell for the rest of her life. It's just
wrong, sir." Sam was going to win this one. "Maybe someday we can go
back by ship and take a look at that force field and levitation
device. It explains why people so fragile could get anything done.
But at least, give her some peace. Please, Jack." He saw her doe eyes
and knew he had to give in or he would never hear the end of it.
society." Teal'c gave him a smug look of superiority.
ever thought she had gone to hell, well she'd go crazy. It would be
an act of mercy, sir."
just to Colorado Springs and then off to Maybourne. Daniel?" Jack
nodded to the direction of the holding cells.
crying. She was wearing the same green clothing as the others now.
Her pretty dress was discarded since she was an inmate of the
Afterlife. The one called Daniel said they were going with the
Overlord to another level of Hell called the SGC. She didn't know
that term. But it sounded awful. It was no kind of name at all. And
now they had to go through this second Gate. The SFs took her by her
arms and brought her before the Overlord.
are going to prove it. So just don't do anything stupid." Jack
gestured to the SFs to go first with her. He looked at Daniel and
sighed heavily. They went through to the other side.
the big guards propelled her through the doors and off to a cell. The
one called Daniel got in the tiny room with her and the female called
Carter. The room began to rise. She pressed herself against the far
wall. They seemed to find it amusing. The room stopped moving and the
doors opened. She followed them down a long corridor to what appeared
to be bright light.
follow. He's not taking any chances." Daniel pushed his glasses back
up his nose. "Now, Kara. I said we would prove that this is not hell
and you are not dead. But I should warn you, if you misbehave or try
to run away you will be punished. Do you understand?" Kara nodded in
terror. "Good girl. Let's go see my world." He offered her his hand.
She automatically accepted it. At least he hadn't done anything awful
yet. His hand was warm and he spoke more gently than the Overlord.
like home. There were trees and birds and sky and sun. Only one sun
was in the sky. How strange. Maybe the other had not risen yet. But
this one was too high in the sky for the other not to be above the
horizon. Then she saw the horseless buggy that Jack told her about.
It moved forward without a horse and stopped next to them. A man was
already in the buggy. He must be a wizard type demon. She was afraid
but the others acted as if this was normal. They pushed her head down
as she got in between Sam and Daniel. The buggy went fast, very fast.
The whole ride was a blur.
a walk. Kara could not believe how many bodies roamed around with no
purpose. They seemed to be in a hurry. She looked around for signs of
a blacksmith, a baker, a tanner, a butcher, and could not see
anything like it. The streets were clean. The people were clean. The
buildings were clean. The walls to buildings were transparent. She
bumped into one. It was hard and clear. Behind the window with hard
clear material were items she could not identify. Some were brightly
colored. Others were shiny. Wonderful smells came from a doorway that
opened and closed automatically so people approaching could enter or
leave. There was powerful magic here. A fountain sprayed water high
in the air. She walked over too it and bent down to drink. Strong
hands lifted her away. She was to suffer thirst in this level of hell
never to drink but always to see water. A tear stole down her cheek.
drink. Come." She took Kara to a drinking fountain and operated the
button for her. Out came cold clean water. Kara looked up for
permission. Sam nodded. Kara drank gratefully. She had not had
anything since early morning. Then Sam realized Kara must be hungry.
there. A hamburger sounds good."
think, Sam?" Daniel raised his eyebrows to say you would rather do it
my way cuz she doesn't know table manners. He looked around the plaza
and saw outdoor seating. They got a table. The SFs stood guard.
Daniel ordered soup and a sandwich for her and added a hot fudge
sundae for dessert. He figured she would know how to use a spoon.
Well close enough as it turned out.
of the substance called chocolate. She nodded.
said after she swallowed. Sam nearly choked on that one. Daniel's
hands shot to his face and over his mouth. He couldn't believe that
remark. In all the years traveling to other planets, no one ever
thought chocolate was issued from the Devil. Most people associated
it with Heaven. Kara saw their reactions and knew she hit the truth.
Well, it was pleasant enough. So not everything would be awful.
She wondered what would be. And tears welled up again.
behind his dark glasses.
got chocolate. How bad can it be?" Oh that was exactly the wrong
thing to say. Tears flowed freely. The Overlord's eyes were big and
black. He was considering how bad he could make it for her now that
she was full of this chocolate. Sobs racked her small frame. A waiter
approached and asked if there was a problem. The four SFs moved
forward. "No, thanks, we had a death in the family. Thank you for
your concern." The waiter nodded and went to get the check.
Didn't you just eat something wonderful? Wasn't the ride over here
lovely?" Sam didn't get it. "C'mon, let's go talk just us girls."
They went to the ladies room. Kara was dying to go. Sam helped her
with the plumbing and waited with a cold wet towel. "You have to stop
crying, Kara. It upsets everyone. No one is hurting you. I know it is
tough not to be able to go home. It's a terrible loss. But you are
going to be fine. Really. You have to believe me."
have eaten the chocolate. I cannot resist." Sam thought she hadn't
heard correctly.
make them do his bidding. No wonder they all do. He makes it taste so
good." Sam was incredulous. No matter what they tried to show her,
she twisted it all up into an evil plot by the Devil. "Oh boy. Let's
go back to the table."
and rubbed his eyes. "Jack, ever notice that women always seemed to
go in pairs to the bathroom. There's probably some international
cabal being organized in the ladies rooms around the world. Do they
check in every so often to report on the progress towards making men
their mindless slaves?" Daniel noticed the women were returning.
"Daniel, that is probably the strangest thing you have ever said. And "You shed your eyes for new ones." Kara was horrified looking at the "Shed his eyes? What does that mean?" Sam looked at Daniel who picked Jack grinned an evil grin. "Well then, I'll have to remember that, Sam."
"I like the dark kind with nuts." She retorted. "What? After today, I "Okay, I've seen enough, back to the base. We sent ahead to tell "Yes, sir?" Sam looked around.
"So Overlord, eh?" He smirked. She just pushed him in the chest
no." Jack looked up at the pair standing before him. Kara was in
shock again. "What?"
sunglasses on the table. Jack gave his patient look at Sam. He was
about to give up.
up the sunglasses and offered them to Kara who jumped away. The SF
had to catch her before she toppled over a chair. "Oh great. Sir, I
have to concede. You were right and I was wrong. Everything we show
her just gets twisted into something evil from the Overlord, that's
you. She thinks chocolate is the magical black substance you use to
control your demons and make us do your bidding."
deserve them. And I want it in a pretty box with a red ribbon."
Daniel started to laugh. Jack smirked. Kara was horrified. This demon
was giving orders to the Overlord?"
Harry she's coming." Jack rose and took the check. "Company expense."
He threw down some bills and gestured to the ladies to go. "A moment,
Colonel." The others walked over to the waiting cars.
smiling and started to join Daniel. "Nah," Jack held her back. "He
and Mitchell can handle it. Let's go find some chocolates, with a red
ribbon. Remember, that's the deal!"
DISCLAIMER: "Stargate SG-1" and its characters are the property of
MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, Gekko Film Corp., Showtime/Viacom
and USA Networks, Inc. This story is for entertainment purposes only
and no money has exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is
intended. The original characters, situations and story are the
property of the author(s), and may not be republished or archived
elsewhere without the author's permission.