Tests of Faith Series

Trial by Fire: Yes Virginia, there is a Star Gate!

Wednesday 0712hrs: "You're thinking about this to hard Major Hills. You'll fit right in with the others." Sam said to SG1's newest member handpicked by her. "I'll take your word for it ma'am." Virginia replied choosing pancakes with extra beacon. "You need to loosen up a bit too, SG1 isn't like other teams. We are more like a family that bickers just to bicker, so don't take anything personnel." Sam advised her choosing a more healthy meal of fruits and Special-K. "I still don't understand why you picked me over more qualified personnel." She asked following Sam to SG1s table. "It's quite simple Major, your quick to learn and have similar interests in respect to the team." Sam replied ignoring a few dirty looks from other personnel. Virginia took in what Lt. Col. Carter was saying remembering the circumstances that brought her to this point.

'Virginia was at a loss for many reasons. The main one was how did a flight engineer of an AC-130 Specter Gunship factor into going to other planets? Gunship to traveling amongst the stars wasn't even on the same level. The gunship she was serving on, TLAR (look up the term, it's interesting), had a random flock of birds get sucked into the engines over Afghanistan causing catastrophic engine failure. Everyone bailed out safely except for her. She suffered a broken leg and head injury from landing on a huge rock. They were quickly rescued by Air force PJ's while other air assets kept Taliban at bay. She was first sent to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Germany before being transferred to Walter Reed Hospital to finish her rehab.

While there a pair of officers approached her with a chance of a life time. When she asked why they were interested they only said "You have acquired a unique skill set, one that we could use." They left enough information to get her attention yet wonder what was out there. Virginia grew up exploring the hills and hollers of Virginia with her two older brothers. At night she'd sit outside star gazing imagining what was out there so why not embrace this opportunity?' Virginia was brought out of her thoughts by her new CO, Colonel O'Neill.

"Finally..! Our wayward scientists have arrived!" Jack said leaning back smirking at Carter daring her to respond. Virginia stood there not knowing what to make of the colonel's remarks. "Just ignore him Major, Jack gets cranky with pre-mission medicals due." Sam said sitting across from him lightly kicking Jack in the shin getting smile in return. 'Command is really loose if she can get away with back talking a superior officer.' Virginia thought taking a seat next to Sgt. Rogers, Sophia was her name she remembered. "So you're our new miracle worker, if you're half as good as Lt. Col. Carter we won't skip a beat." Sophia said sizing up her new team mate eating her blue berry pancakes. She was 5'7" and looked very fit. Her Jet black hair would be a change from Sam's blonde hair. Maybe they wouldn't get bogged down in curious admirers anymore. Sophia gave her new teammate shoulder bump of approval.

Virginia looked at the women sitting next to her weighing her response. "Your file says you can complete a 12 mile ruck run in 14 minutes. That's impressive enough for me. I was the slow man on the team but that could be because of my little friend." Ron said getting Virginia's attention. "There's nothing little about a M240 sir, I qualified on one at Ranger School years back." She answered straight faced trying to get a feel for the team. "I won't argue that at all, after all happiness is a warm belt fed." Ron said laughing at his own joke. Virginia gave a half smile turning her attention to her breakfast taking a few bites when Teal'C spoke up. "Major Hill, if I may ask. Is your father a coal miner?" he asked causing everyone to look at him. Teal'C had many interests concerning earth; his newest one was coal mining. That could be due to him watching 'The Coal Miners Daughter' recently. "Why yes Col. Murray, I'm a proud daughter of a Virginia coal miner. Why do you ask sir?" Virginia responded with a slight hint of annoyance. "I have watched documentaries on coal mining and find it fascinating. Mines on Chulak do not have the same safety precautions as earth. Your father has a very honorable profession." Teal'C answered her honestly. Not knowing how to respond she simply thanked him. Normally there was a snide jab or joke that followed about being a coal miner's daughter. Seeing he was genuine Virginia decided to tell everyone a little about herself.

"I grew up in the Appalachian Plateau where generations of families all mined. My two older brothers kept the family tradition going." She replied proudly then waited for the obvious question. "They don't generally take women in the mines do they Major Hill?" Daniel asked then taking a bite of sausage. "No they don't Dr. Jackson, I could've worked in the office but that would be boring." Virginia said with a hint of a grin. "Your father must be very proud of you Major. You took the hard route and became Air Force flight engineer. That's no easy task." Jack added praising her. "Thank you sir, it wasn't easy at all. If it was easy everyone would be doing it like my mom always says." Jack just grinned then looked at Carter having one of their eye conversations. "See Major Hill, you'll fit right in with an attitude like that, right Sir!" she asked Jack purposely using 'Sir'knowing what it did to him. Jack ignored her play on words...for now then responded daring to poke the sleeping bear.

"Carter's never wrong Major unless it's about Cats being better pets than dogs." He replied smirking pushing his empty cereal bowl to the side. "Oh, no you don't SIR!" Sophia said pointing a finger at him causing everyone at the table to laugh except for Teal'C. Virginia new she was about to be let in on an inside joke as she looked at the colonel. Sophia looked at her new team mate and explained. "Last time this came up the two of them debated cat's verses dogs the whole mission..." she started but was interrupted by Daniel as he readjusted his glasses. "...and it drove us all crazy. I had to explain to the locals what cats and dogs where. Do you know how beneath me that was? All I wanted to do talk about the ruins and writings but nooo...!" he said with a huff crossing his arms glaring at Jack.

Virginia looked between the two men who were obviously best friends. "Daniel Jackson, did we not secure a trade deal for trinuim in exchange homes for cats and dogs? The agreement is our most successful one to date is it not?" Teal'C asked his friend annoying him further. "The deal helped out several animal shelters too Indy. Does it still bother you that Col. O'Neill did all the diplomatic talk while you watched?" Ron asked with a snicker remembering the archeologist's mutterings. "Not at all Lurch..." Daniel said not hiding his annoyance very well then continued. "...If Sam had caught on that he was yanking her chain the discussion would've ended much sooner. Jack's only serous when needed Major Hills." He finished earning him a glare from Sam. Virginia wanted to burst out laughing but held back taking the exchange in. "Space monkey, I'm always serious unless I don't want to be." This comment earned him both a glare from Daniel while Sam kicked him in the leg again. Virginia started to speak but was cut off by the public address system. "SG1 and Lt. Col. Carter report to the briefing room. SG1 and Lt. Col. Carter report to the briefing room." Walter said looking at General Hammond getting a curt nod as he returned to his office where a Tok'ra was waiting.

-"Arms alone are not enough to keep peace. It must be kept by men." John F. Kennedy-

Virginia followed her new team mates listening to them talk. They were very tight nit group. How she was going to fit in still perplexed her despite the warm welcome at breakfast. Colonel O'Neill and Lt. Col. Carter walked very closely together. From what she heard they were a couple way before she got promoted. That part may be base rumors but never the less it didn't concern her. The heavy weapons expert, SSgt. Nantz, seemed easy going enough. Probably one of those guys that made fun of CO's for fun. The team medic, Sgt. Rogers, came across as the prankster. She'd have to keep an eye on her if she was anything like Captain Holiday. You had to practically run a wire camera in your locker on April fool's day to avoid unwanted surprises.

Daniel Jackson from what she read is a genius. His command of languages alone, dead and spoken was note worthy to her. Maybe she could engage him in talk of ancient Egypt, a subject she enjoyed since high school. It also accrued to her that Dr. Jackson was on the receiving end of said pranks given his response earlier. Teal'C, now he was fascinating. She wondered if there was life out there growing up now she knows. Her brothers would never believer her even if they shook Murray's hand. Teal'C in her mind reminded Virginia of her father, when he spoke you listened. They were both reserved and observant. Her father was a little taller but not by much.

"There goes our trip to the beach campers, our favorite travel agency is here, Tok'ras Re-destinations Group" her new CO said making her look over at a figure in tan leather clothing looking at the star gate. This must his way of informing the team plans have changed she figured.

-'For everything, there is a first time. Captain Spock"

"You're still acting like a 'Twit' after all these years my dear friend! I would have thought you'd learn some proper manners by now Jonathon." The man said turning around giving Jack a two fingered salute complete with a slight bow. "Nigel, you old stick in the mud! I figured you'd developed a sense of humor by now." Jack said walking over shaking Tok'ras hand. "Daniel Jackson, do you know this individual?" Teal'C asked his be speckled friend. "No, I've never meet him before. He's definitely from Brittan though. I believe his accent is from the small village of Crosskeys." He answered while clenching his jaw in thought. "I I may ask sir, how do you know this?" Major Hills asked genuinely interested. "He's a walking universal translator like in Star Trek." Lurch said taking a seat towards the back as Daniel glared at him. "Next he'll tell you about the study that was done. " The team medic added standing by Daniel. "Your right Sophia...The linguistic Atlas of England was published in 1978. It was edited by Orton, John Widdowson and Clive Upton (Wikipedia: Survey of English Dialects). They did a complete..." Daniel said going into professor mode only to be cut off. "See, I told you. I'd get used to it because it happens a lot." Sophia told Virginia bumping Daniels shoulder playfully causing him to harrumph. Virginia just nodded once more taking a seat next to Teal'C. Jack and Nigel finished talking over hearing the last bit of Daniels lecture. "I record his lectures sometimes as sleep aides; they work quite well on sleepless nights." He told his friend from merry old London taking his seat next to Carter. Nigel let out a chuckle glad his friend from across the pond was still the same. Daniel gave Jack a disbelieving look taking a seat across from him. Sam gave Jack a questioning look motioning her head toward Nigel. He answered back with his eyes indicating that he'd tell her later. Nigel noticed how close the two sat along with their silent conversation smiling. Jacob did say the two of them did finally come to their senses. About that time Gen. Hammond walked in taking his seat ready to start the mission brief.

Gen. Hammond scanned the table mentally noting each person presence. Teal'C was waiting patiently like normal while Lurch tried to mimic his friend. This normally didn't last long before he started tapping his foot. Ron hated the briefings only tolerating them to get into the field. Daniel per usual seemed to bursting at the seams with questions or a lecture in mind. Sgt. Rogers was giving him her undivided attention waiting to see what supplies would be needed. The newest member, Major Hills, was sitting with her hands folded with unwavering professionalism. This was in contrast to Col. O'Neill who was surprisingly not fidgeting. This change in behavior was more than likely due to his god-daughters presence. It wasn't unheard of for Samantha to give her former CO a kick in the shin sometimes. He of course turned a blind eye amused that Jack minded better with her at his side.

"SG1, Lt. Col. Carter...this is To'rok/Nigel, the Tok'ras military attaché. You've already figured out your diplomatic mission to the Land of the Light has been cancelled. Major Kovacek team (SG9 Diplomatic Team) will be taking your place. The Tok'ra has intelligence on a new power source the Goa'uld has discovered. Its imperative we intercept it before Anubis get a hold of it. Nigel will explain further." He said turning the briefing over to Nigel. "Thank you General Hammond." He said standing going over to the image projector. Nigel bowed his head allowing To'rok to take over. Virginia blanched a bit hearing a Tok'ra speak for the first time.

"Ba'al found an ancient laboratory about three weeks ago according to our most recent intelligence report..." Jack went to make a sarcastic comment but decided better of it feeling Sam's eyes on him. To'rok/Nigel paused rolling his eyes at Jack. "...it was mostly empty of useless or damaged artifacts. They did however find a hidden room containing these three items." Nigel reported showing a picture of crystals in various lengths mounted on a circular base. This got Sam and Daniels full undivided attention including Jacks. Sam's mind went into over drive running possibilities. Daniel was going through his mental list of artifacts that looked or sounded similar. "At first the Goa'uld scientist dismissed them as decorations, mere trinkets you'd find at a market. That is until they tested one of them. What they found was astonishing; the crystals emitted low to high levels of power. They decided to set up an onsite lab for safety reasons. "He informed the assembled group making eye contact with each person. To his surprise Jack was completely focused on the pictures. Nigel new his friend played stupid on purpose but this was out of character. The others looked somewhere between lost and found but he continued knowing everyone would do their part.

"When did Anubis or Ba'al start caring about safety? Last we heard they used their own Jaffa as target practice for their Super Soldiers." Ron asked leaning forward eyeing the Tok'ra. Nigel looked at Ron addressing him directly. "Both Anubis and Ba'al are power hungry, more than normal Goa'uld. Anubis is looking to consolidate while Ba'al is just biding his time before he can usurp power. If these power sources turn out to be what we fear, we all will be on our knees or dead. " He answered getting a nod from Lurch. "If they tested one without enough data it would prove disastrous. The ancient technologies I study have power sources that I'm just beginning to understand." Sam said running through similar power sources she's studied mentally. "You are correct Lt. Colonel, their test was so disastrous it cost them five ships including a modified mother ship."

Virginia took Sam's advice deciding to speak up. If she was going to be a part of the team why not start now. "The Goa'uld scientists didn't have the proper power couplers leaving the energy nowhere to go or... " she said pausing gathering her thoughts"... or the power grid wasn't compatible causing a catastrophic failure on the ships systems." Virginia guessed beating Sam to the punch. Her new team members looked at her in surprise. No one ever beat Carter to a conclusion before now. Sophia smiled noticing Samantha beaming like a proud parent. So that's why she chose the Major, quick on her feet as well as her mind Jack thought t himself. "You are correct Major Hills; our belief is they miscalculated on several areas. We believe your first theory is correct. The resulting implosion was felt outside of the system almost disabling our cloaked spy ship." Nigel said taking back over.

"Is there any further tests planed for the remaining two?" Sophia asked hoping if there was they'd snatch them first. "Anubis ordered no further testing of the crystals. The loss of one made him furious enough to order the deaths of the scientist's families. All further tests will be done by him. That is why we must quickly to intercept the remaining two power sources." Nigel reported scanning the room. "Just to clarify Nigel, the Tok'ra doesn't have a clue as to what these power sources are called. You also have a deep operative that can't be revealed correct." Jack asked leaning forward as to make his point. "You are correct on both points Colonel. Do you by chance have a bloody clue what they are called?" Nigel countered calling his friends bluff.

Jack just smiled and leaned back then looked at the general. "Colonel, what do you know about these power sources?" Hammond asked eyeing his 2IC. "With your permission sir I'll explain." He asked getting a questioning look from Carter and Daniel specifically. "...proceed Colonel!" General Hammond ordered in a warning tone not to be sarcastic. Jack walked over to the projected images on the screen. "This is what the ancients called Zero Point Module or ZPM for short. The ancients figured out how to artificially create a pocket of subspace time. It will emit a red glow around the base and yellow in the crystals. Once depleted the pocket collapses leaving an empty shell." He informed the occupants of the room. Everyone was giving him the Whiskey Tango Fox Trot look. The General was the only one who knew not all the ancient data hadn't been removed by Thor; it was deemed a 'NEED to KNOW'. "Jack, how long have you been holding back on us?" Daniel asked adjusting his glasses. "I haven't held back, information just comes to me when needed. He answered turning his attention to Sam. "Sir, are you sure that they are ZPMs? That kind of power source has only been theorized in science fiction shows." Sam asked running the possibilities in her mind. "Carter, we fight aliens and travel to other planets via a wormhole, then there's Thor as a kicker." Jack answered back with a smirk. Lurch let out a chuckle that everyone in the room shared including Virginia. Sam and Nigel just looked at Jack still dumfounded as Daniel sighed.

"It's imperative this mission succeeds then. Nigel, when are the ZPM's be transferred off the planet?" Hammond asked getting to the point. "They are going to move them through the Star Gate in 20 of our hours just after sunrise sir." He answered promptly. "Colonel O'Neill, draw up a plan from the intel To'rok provided then brief (SG3) Col. Albert Reynolds and (SG5) Major Altman. You leave in 5hrs. Lt. Col. Cater you will choose a select team of scientist to study the ZPMs at the beta site, your team will leave first then in the morning. Everyone is dismissed. The general stood first then motioned Nigel/Tor'ok to follow him to his office.

Everyone looked at Colonel O'Neill for further orders before leaving the room. "Pack heavy campers. I want our standard ambush package with plenty of claymores and stinger missiles. Last time the death gliders almost got us. Teal'C, bring your little friends big brother this time. Same goes for you Lurch. Major Hill, normally I'd take the sniper position. I'll be too busy coordinating so it falls to you, the armory is candy land. Sophia, pack double your normal medical supplies just in case." Jack ordered then looked at Daniel. "Since you checked out on the M4A3 recently I want you to carry that. The FN P90 is nice but lacks stopping power we will need, dismissed!" Everyone left except for Daniel and Major Hill, both having questions needing answered. Carter didn't stray far from Jacks side out of habit.

Virginia stood at the briefing room window looking at the gate in awe while waiting for her turn to speak with the colonel. This was truly going to be a rush getting out there doing actual missions instead of mock ones.

"Yes Daniel, how can I turn down your request this time?" Jack asked sarcastically getting a giggle from Sam. "No giggling Lt. Colonel!" earning him a few more putting a smile on his face, man he was going to miss that during missions. "Funny jack, I was going to suggest going as pirates completes with a brace of pistols and swords to change it up a bit." He replied just as sarcastic for spite. He then realized what he did mentally slapping himself. "Sounds like a great idea; we could go trick or treating through the gate." Jack said making Sam giggle again. Daniel rolled his eyes then spoke. "Jack...ugh never mind. I just want to know if you're not having a relapse of ancient knowledge." He asked crossing hiss arms pinning his friend with an 'I'm serious' look. "I'm fine space monkey; Thor left some ancient knowledge in my head that gets lodged free when needed, I'm not going cruvis..!" Jack replied smirking. Daniel looked at his annoying friend then at Sam. "If you ever need to talk, I'm here for you." He said walking away smiling counting down from 5,4,3,2..." Jack turned around looking at Daniel disappearing down the steps. "Hey, at least I don't have a girlfriend on each planet Casanova!" he retorted hearing Sam giggle more.

Jack turned back around to motioning his newest member over. "Sir, may I speak freely?" Virginia asked standing at attention. "Permission granted Major." He replied returning her salute. "I'm honored that you picked me to join SG1. I will try not to fail you or the team sir." She told her CO still at attention. Jack looked at the major knowing she would do her level best based on her service record and previous CO's reviews. "That I have no doubt of Major Hills. I...we chose you because of your skill set and dedication. We have the upmost faith in you, dismissed." Jack replied giving her a crisp salute. Virginia returned the salute the disappeared down the same stairway Daniel did only moments ago leaving only Carter and Jack in the meeting room.

"Soo... how do you know Nigel? You clearly didn't expect to see him here did you?" she asked following Jack over to the observation window. He had his hands in the pockets rocking on his heels. "He's one the guys I was imprisoned with in Iraq. Nigel was an SAS Lt. Colonel at the time. His team was captured because their radio malfunctioned and couldn't call for extraction. Half of his guys didn't make it unfortunately. It really hit him hard once we made it out on our borrowed Helo." Sam listened while wrapping her arm around his then laying her head on it. She knows Jack is strong but a little extra strength never hurts. Sam also knew this was a sore subject for him, now she was kicking herself for asking. "When we arrived back in merry old England we hung out for a while. Sara came over to be with me during the medal presentation. We kept in contact off and on over the years. Last I heard his wife had passed away due to an auto accident. Nigel was later diagnosed with Logarakis Disease." Jack said in a neutral tone. "So seeing him here alive and well was a nice surprise even with him being a Tok'ra now." She asked looking up at him. He smiled his crooked smile, the one where he had a sarcastic response waiting to come out. "This time around I feel sorry for the Tok'ra; Nigel can be bat shit crazy. I'll have to tell you about a few of our joint missions." Jack replied with a laugh. This warmed Sam's heart seeing Jack come out of his somber attitude. A soft knock on the briefing room door got their attention as they stepped apart regaining proper protocol. "We're ready for the briefing Colonel. If you need more time we can come back in 5 minutes." Colonel Reynolds said respectively. "We're good Albert, have a seat and we'll start. Major Altman, good to see you again." Jack said while watching Carter disappear out of sight. "The pleasure is all mine sir, working with SG1 is always interesting." He answered back. "Okay, we have some ancient treasure to steal kids, a pirate's life for me!" he said sitting down passing around the recon pictures. "Will there be rum?" Altman asked getting laughs from the other two officers.

-Embarkation room, Mission ready-

Major Hill stood in front of the star gate studying it. Dad always said seeing is only one side of the coin, the other side is doing. She's going through the star gate to fight aliens...talk about SyFy becoming reality. Jack walked up besides her resting his arms on the M4A3 carbine. "Yes Virginia, there is a star gate!" he said mildly spooking her. "Sir, I didn't hear you come in." Virginia replied hiding a smirk from his comment. "That's the point Major, be aware of your surroundings. Out there if you think you're being watched, act accordingly." She just nodded making a mental note. "I see you prefer the SOCOM 16 over the M14, is there a reason for that other than weight?" He asked noticing the other file in. "I find it easier to handle and most encounters fall well within its range. Being lighter does help sir." Virginia explained watching the others as well. She could over hear snippets of conversation too.

"So, you decided to join our little adventure Nigel. You still prefer the FN FAL over M16 family of guns." Jack said to his friend who hefted up the rifle with one hand. "I'd rather see my opponent fall than be pricked with a little bullet yank." Nigel replied baiting Jack to respond. "You didn't get the memo mate. Star Gate Command switched to the 6.8 SPC two years ago. Tangos (targets) don't stand a chance, do they lurch?" Jack asked his heavy weapons specialist. "No sir they don't but you know my philosophy, anything smaller than 75mm is bullshit!" Lurch said setting his M240 mag down. "I can't argue with that, when you care to send the best!" Nigel said remembering his last experience using a 75mm.

Jack switched to serious mod standing at the base of the metal walkway. "Listen up campers, I won't rehash the briefing but I will say this. If Anubis gets his hands on these ZPM's the whole universe will be in dire straits. Our mission is simple; deny him his prize at all costs. In the immortal words of George S. Patton 'If we aren't successful, let no one come back alive! Dial it up Samantha, there be treasure out there matey's!"This caused Daniel to role his eyes while others snickered at the comment. Jack stepped back on the concrete while looking her in the eye conveying that he will return.

Samantha dialed up address trying not to dwell on the fact she wasn't going too. She instead focused on their private moment in a supply closet still fresh on her mind. They briefly kissed and hugged before he left to get ready. This would be their first mission without her watching his six and vice versa. Being left l behind was going to be hard to get used too. George walked up behind her placing a hand on her shoulder. His attempt to calm her only partially worked. This would be a TEST OF FAITH for Jack and Sam. His god-daughter looked up at him giving a half smile then returned her attention back to the dialing process.

The last chevron locked in with a whoosh. Anyone that's ever seen or been through the gate would never grow tired of the site. Sam smiled remembering her first time with jack at her side. What he said to her was ingrained in her memory for ever 'I already adore you major'. She watched Jack enter the gate first leading by example. He would be the last one back as well making sure everyone made it. This only made him more respected in her eyes and everyone else's.

Virginia paused briefly touching the surface of the wormhole in awe. What lay on the other side was a fight, a fight she was willingly going into. The time she spent on the TLAR was well spent and needed. This however made it pale in comparison. There are aliens out there actively trying to subjugate or destroy the human race. Virginia's friends and family needed her to be strong, brave and kick ET's ass. "Do not worry Major Hill; we will have your back. No one gets left behind!" Lurch informed her with motioning her to go first. "...and I'll have the teams!" she said before stepping into the event horizon rifle at the ready.

A/N: This was an interesting chapter for me to write. I tried to infuse technical terms for the eggheads while portraying the straight forward military approach. Anyone guess as to who Virginia Hill is modeled after? The next chapter will be Virginia's baptism by fire. I wasn't able to serve in the US Military due to health issues so all my knowledge comes from documentaries and friends/family that did serve. I'll do my best to make it realistic and interesting as possible, until then 'LIVE LONG & PROSPER!' or for the Star Wars Fans (one in particular I know...) 'May the Force be with you!'

LoneWolfO'Niell