One Too Many
Chapter One: Daniel's discovery
Daniel's nose was stuck in a book as he shuffled down the hall. He was wrapped up in the details of an Ancients story about giant winged reptiles used as beasts of burden when he heard a muttered curse slip out the door to his right. Daniel stopped in his tracks when he realized it was Sam's lab and the lights were on. Sam was supposed to have finished packing while he was on 453 and left for Area 51 two days ago. As far as he knew, her lab hadn't been reassigned, but if it had he wanted to meet the new occupant.
Daniel pushed the door open a little so he could step inside the lab. The tall blond was sucking her thumb and glaring at a large naquada reactor.
Daniel's eyes widened. "Sam?"
Sam took her thumb out of her mouth, looked back toward the door and grinned. "Hey, Daniel. How was 453?"
Daniel tucked his book under his arm. "It was dry and hot. There was a nice rock formation with some paintings that might turn out to be significant, but it will take a while to fully decipher them."
Sam picked up a small hammer and pliers, and placed them in a toolbox near the reactor. "Sounds like it was right up your alley."
Daniel nodded. "Yeah, uhhh…Aren't you supposed to be in Nevada by now?"
Sam absent-mindedly nodded yes. "I guess you didn't hear about Bill's accident."
Daniel shook his head. "No, as soon as I got out of the infirmary I went to my lab to check on a reference I thought contained pictures like the ones we found on 453. Our debriefing is in the morning, so I haven't talked to anyone but the medical staff who just seemed tired."
Sam locked the toolbox. "I'm sure they are tired. They've had several injuries to treat over the last three days. Bill was studying a device brought back just before you left five days ago. He accidentally activated it while the lab techs were having a good-bye lunch for me."
Daniel couldn't suppress a grin. He was glad it was a scientist other than him who'd driven Jack crazy this week. "So what did this one do?"
Sam sighed and leaned against her table. "It melted rock."
Daniel cocked his head to the side and raised his eyebrows. Sam grimaced and nodded. "Yeah, you can imagine how much damage that can do inside a mountain. We had whole rooms melting which led to pockets of instability and a couple of floors fell, or rather oozed down into Bill's lab. Once we figured out how the device worked we were able to shut it down, repair the damage and get the facilities put back together. We lost some equipment. I'm sure they'll take it out of Bill's budget, which will end up my problem once I get to Nevada and accept responsibility of the science departments associated with gate technology."
Daniel stepped forward and placed a hand on Sam's bench to stabilize himself as he tried to contain his laughter. "So is everyone alright?"
Sam eyed Daniel with an air of suspicion. "Yes, three lab technicians suffered multiple broken bones and two repairmen ended up with contusions as we tried to stay ahead of the melting rock, but thankfully no one was severely injured."
Once Daniel knew his friends were safe his laugher erupted.
Sam put her hands on her hips and glared. "What's so funny?"
Daniel sputtered his answer. "Bill melted his lab. I can just imagine how he must have screamed like a little girl and come running to you."
Sam couldn't hide a grin at the image Daniel projected. Daniel quickly got himself under control. "Good thing you were still here to save the day."
Sam moved a box in front of her and started taping it closed. "Yeah, the time we would have lost if I'd needed to come back from Nevada could have cost us the mountain."
Daniel put his book down on Sam's bench. "Would you like some help repacking?"
Sam shook her head. "Thanks for the offer but you must be tired after five days off world."
"Not really. I know I'm usually exhausted after the nice calm missions where no ones been trying to kill us but this time I'm all wired because I think I found a connection to the Ancients."
"Good to hear Danny-boy, because I have a favor to ask." Sam and Daniel both looked towards the door. Jack was leaning against the door frame. His hands were in his pockets and although he appeared relaxed, Sam and Daniel could feel an under current of tension running through him.
Daniel rolled his eyes at Jack's name calling but decided to ignore it this time. "Good to see you too, Jack. I was told you were already gone for the night."
Jack pushed himself off the doorframe and shrugged. "Never believe short bald people, Daniel. They have been well trained to lead you astray."
Daniel opened his mouth to rebut Jack's rude comment about Walter but Sam spoke first. "I'm scheduled to fly out in ten hours, sir. Is this a short favor or do you only need Daniel?"
"It's for both of you, Colonel. I already spoke with General Michaels and he's agreed to wait a little longer to get his hands on my favorite scientist."
Sam's mouth tightened into a line and her cheeks took on a reddish hue just as Jack realized how his words could be misconstrued. "I didn't mean…I mean I meant…never mind. I'm two people down on SG-16 and they're due to return to P3W-876 for a diplomatic mission. It's nothing too dramatic, but I just don't want to send half a team, especially since all that's left are the junior members, and I don't want to have to get a whole new team up to speed overnight. I know you two can walk in blindfolded with both your arms tied behind your back and do fine."
Daniel leaned back on the bench. "What happened to the other half of the team?"
Jack's grimace turned to a grin. "Bradley fell at his daughter's skating party and broke both of his arms."
Daniel gasped but Sam giggled. "The guys have been giving him hell. Have you seen the "Skating Not Allowed" signs along corridor 18C?"
Jack shook his head. "No, I'll ignore them for a couple of days, just long enough for him to be really embarrassed. Anyway, Holman has strep throat. Doc says he's not contagious, but she still doesn't want to let him go off world for two weeks, until he's off the antibiotics. That leaves Poarch and Bartlett. Poarch is a good kid but inexperienced. Bartlett needs to be watched. He's more scientist than soldier and prone to get into trouble. That's where you two come in."
"No offense, sir, but I really need to get to area 51. I'm already late and there are several projects waiting on me."
Daniel nodded in agreement. "Yeah and I have a stack of materials from 453 to process."
Jack stepped closer. "As I told you, I've already made arrangements with Area 51 to delay your departure by a few more days. You are technically under Michael's command, but he's loaned you to me for a while longer. As for your pretty pictures, Daniel, they can wait. I had the briefing material on 876 sent to your email accounts. We'll meet at 0730 in the briefing room to go over everything. I suggest you get some sleep."
Sam grimaced and Daniel's mouth gaped like a fish as Jack sauntered from the room enjoying the fact he could still throw his two favorite scientists for a loop.
Daniel's mouth opened and closed several times before he could speak. "I can't believe he just did this!"
"You can't?" Sam reopened the box she hadn't yet moved. "I can. He hates change and he's fighting it in the only way he can, with orders and military rules."
Daniel immediately saw the wisdom of Sam's insight. He viewed Jack's request with new eyes. "So what should we do?"
"For now I guess we're heading out in the morning." Sam turned on her computer. "I'm going to read the briefing material before I get some sleep."
"I guess I better do the same. Night." Daniel headed out the door with a wave.
Sam read through the material on Turkania and found it to be rather boring and straightforward. Sam checked her watch. It was already 0100 but she bet he was still here. She shut down her computer and went to the General's office.
Sam knocked. "Enter."
She opened the door and stepped into his office. "Are you planning on sleeping tonight, sir?"
Jack looked up at Sam. "Are you?"
Sam leaned against the closed door and playfully scowled. "Of course. I have to be rested for my trip tomorrow."
Jack nodded and glanced back down at his desk. "I know that look, Carter. What can I do for you?"
Sam gulped and took a big breath. "Have you changed your mind?"
Jack looked up at her and raised his eyebrows. "About what?"
Sam rolled her eyes and pressed her back against the door. "About what! I thought we agreed Area 51 was going to open new doors for us?"
Jack stood up and moved around his desk. He cocked his head to one side and examined Sam's defensive posture. He smiled a self assured grin. "So that's what has you bothered?"
Sam grimaced, struggling to contain her growing anger. Jack moved to within two inches of her face and leaned in close to her ear. "I've been looking forward to opening those doors and this hasn't changed that."
A shiver ran through Sam as Jack's breath and his words hit her ear. "Just checking." Sam's words were barely more than a whisper.
Jack stepped back as his veil of leadership and military presence returned. "So we're good?"
Sam smiled. "Yes, sir."