*The Next Day*

::Library::

The next day the team was using the library because it was large enough for the map that Sam and Henry had brought out, around them and the items were Will, Ashley, and Magnus all watching and studying. Having asked to outline the plan, her nose still slightly swollen from where they'd broken it last night and she'd set it back herself making Zimmerman and Henry sick with the thought she pointed to a large area of windows on the ground floor.

"I've convinced them a small ground unit can get a farther than a full out assault. Their signal to move in with be the lights and all dying down outside the facility, they think I'm going to crash the main server and that will give them a good half hour" seeing them nod.

Ashley took over at that point, "Even though there are only four of them moving inside there is another group in a van monitoring, it will pull up at this corner...we saw them scouting it" she pointed out. "Henry, Will and big guy are going to handle that little obstacle, there should only be three or four at most. The ZATs Sam got us here" holding up one of the devices, "Should make it easy.

"All the residents are remaining on lockdown in the habitats and their rooms until we give the all clear" Helen Magnus insisted.

Carter nodded, "Good. We'll only activate the stun field if we have to and we only want those who are wearing those inserts inside at that point. I'll take care of one of the teams of two that are going to head toward this area here" pointing to level that had the main lab. "They want the computers, that's their mission and Ashley you can go with your mother and take care of the other two, they're going to head for the cells holding the residents of this place."

Zimmerman shook his head, "Wait you're going alone" he asked Carter?

She nodded, "I'm a trained military field officer, a Colonel before I left...trust me two I won't even break a sweat. Once you have everyone secured bring them inside and back to this room here, someone will need to drive the van in so we can see what they have in there."

"I'll handle that" Foss insisted.

And that made Sam smile then looking at Magnus, "Do you have a resident that can look very scary and very hungry" seeing the curious looks?

Having a feeling she knew where Sam was going with that question, "I am sure any number of them would be willing to help what exactly do you want to accomplish so that I know which to approach," Helen inquired?

"Uh mom are you sure using one of the patients is a good idea," her daughter questioned?

Looking over at the girl the blonde smiled, "Not with the assault Ashley but after, with the interrogation."

"What do you think one of the residents can do" the psychologist asked?

Ashley smiled, "People are always more cooperative with information if they think they're going to be eaten" nodding. "But mom can more than handle herself Sam, I can..."

"I can handle myself too Ashley" the blonde answered. "If your mom doesn't need you then put one of the guys with her and you lead the raid on the van, it's vital they don't get a signal off that something is wrong first. I'll handle the questioning after capture later."

Foss frowned, "You" he asked?

She nodded, "I have experience dealing with the Trust and I want to make sure they leave your facility alone. Questions anyone?"

Looking around at each other most did not they understood it and what they had to do.

"Let me just ask this" Zimmerman said looking at Sam. "If the van is so vital why are you not leading the assault on the van? Magnus and Ashley could handle the intruders with no problem I am sure," after all he had seen them work on more then one occasion.

Straightening up and picking up her weapons sliding the 9 mm into her belt the blue eyes focused on him, "You want the honest answer or you want me to give you some bullshit answer" making Ashley smile?

"Honest would be better" the psychologist responded.

"Well then" sliding the ZAT into her right hand, "They made me hurt more than once, now I personally want to kick their nuts into their throats...pardon my language."

Foss had to smile a little but he also closed his legs tighter, that didn't sound good.

::Main Lab::

The problem with coordinating an attack with people you didn't trust was that you had no idea if they would stick with the plan which is why when Magnus suggested a change or two in he team dynamic she'd agreed with it. Magnus and Will were a team, Henry was with her and Ashley was taking care of the van alone. Samantha Carter had been standing at the computer console in the main lab area in the public part of the Sanctuary for almost a half hour going over things, everyone was in position and it was close to time. Glancing over her shoulder she had to smile, the psychologist reminded her so much of Daniel at times it was scary...he just wasn't used to front line situations and it was probably one of his most endearing qualities.

Looking down at her watch the woman nodded, "It's time" picking up the radio beside her. "Everyone in position, I'm going to kill the power as a signal."

"I am in position Samantha" Magnus stated.

"Let's rock and roll dudette" came Ashley's voice.

~Cassie with a gun and attitude, very funny God~ the woman thought putting the radio down, "Here we go" and she typed at some keys.

::Outside::

Outside in the darkness six black clad figures sat waiting in a van around the corner, weapons drawn and ready when the signal came in. The leader gave them a nod, "Let's do it, everyone remember your job...they got some freaky stuff in there so watch yourselves. Move it" opening the door.

[Assault # 1]

::Sub Levels::

Doctor Helen Magnus was more than accustomed to taking care of herself, she'd been doing it for over a century now though she had to admit since having Ashley and her work taking on such a global feel she often times felt slightly anxious particularly when it was people breaking into her facility...her home. If the young Miss Carter had not contacted them who knew how this would have ended, it would have been much more difficult that was for sure.

Less than two minutes after the raid started the woman's small computer device alerted her to the presence of three other figures, not surprised that they hadn't kept strictly to the word they told Carter. Hiding herself when the first two came around the corner she quickly used the device they'd borrowed and shot them watching them crumple to the ground and she effortlessly ducked and around the other man who spun around to raise his weapon at her once he cleared the corner. Coming up behind him she tapped him on the shoulder, "Excuse me" then grabbed his arm with a groan and flipped him over and kicked him in the head turning his neck quickly and knocked him out, "I do dislike uninvited guests in my house" pulling out the tie down straps she had to get these guys secured, her part was done.

[Assault # 2]

::Hallway/Elevator/Stairs::

Since Samantha Carter knew where the second team was heading, the main lab that her and Will had just been in the two were carefully hidden in the shadows. This was easier than what she normally spent her life doing when she worked for the military, there were two of them and two targets so it was just a matter to pick the one closest to you and shoot, easy. ~The one thing this does prove to me is how much I miss being in the field anymore, it's really kind of fun~ she thought.

The first two dropped easily as predicted but as the two stepped out of the shadows and started to tie them up suddenly they heard the order and both looked at each other. Behind the blonde a weapon was raised at her and the voice that spoke was the one she knew best.

"Get your hands up," the boss ordered. "I knew we could never trust you, I told her..."

Swallowing hard William Zimmerman stood up, "Hey easy...just take it easy ok...relax? We've got our hands up and...."

In one motion suddenly the blonde reacted and dropped down, her leg sweeping out dropping the heavyset man. When he fell with a loud sound she jumped on him as the lights came back on with the timer set up and she smiled. They fought and rolled for a couple minutes but then she had the upper hand and threw a punch across his jaw knocking him out. Standing up and breathing a little hard she looked at the psychologist who was just staring at her amazed, "Now that was fun. Gather up the guns and I'll tie these idiots up."

"Uh...yeah...yeah sure Sam."

[Assault # 3]

::Outside::

~Oh yeah mom's going to be pissed~ Ashley Magnus thought in darkness as she was covering Henry who was quietly placing a burn charge on the handle/lock area of the van's back doors, it wasn't like if they knocked they were going open it. So far she'd seen six go into the house so that meant there was probably at least one more than they counted on in the van, fortunately it couldn't hold more than that.

Giving a signal to the girl that it was in place and seeing her nod, his eyes having adjusted to the darkness quickly, Foss pulled out that ZAT thingy that their guest let them use, he really liked this thing and hoped they could come up with some type of prototype for them to use on a permanent basis. Creeping forward he got in a position near the driver's door which fortunately the man had left open trying to relax, the one thing about rogue groups like this he'd learned was that they tended to be sloppy where others might not be. Hearing the one click on the radio signaling to move he suddenly heard the small burning sound in the back, yelling and stepped around the edge of the truck raising his weapon and smiled, "Hi" and shot the man who sat up straighter then fell forward.

In the back the younger Magnus smiled to herself and the four bodies unconscious around her nodding, "Yep this weapon I like" and pulled off her radio. "Easy peasy Henry, get your guy secured then come and do them...I'll cover you." Quickly she gave one tap to the radio's button then another five seconds later, the all clear sign and nodded when two other responses came.

"Did everything go as planned" came Helen Magnus's voice over the radio?

Bringing it up the girl nodded, "Did on our end mom, we're tying them up now then we'll be bringing the van inside."

Will's voice came over behind hers when she was done, "Ours are secured Magnus, we're taking them to a storage room until we decide what to do with them."

"Excellent."

*Hours Later*

::Foss Lab::

The raid had gone off as planned minus a minor issue where one of the Trust operatives had a ZAT as well and had used it, fortunately Ashley had only caught a brush with it so she was having a headache. At the moment minus Bigfoot who was watching the others since they came in with six and not four like Sam said, were gathered around Henry's lab watching a security camera of Samantha Carter leading a large burly man with his hands tied behind him into a room that only had a table, chair and a TV set up.

::Interrogation Room::

Having helped to sit up this room Samantha Carter shoved past the bound man and offered him a smile as she walked over and sat down in the only chair, "I don't suppose you are just going to tell me who gave you the Intel or orders to break into this place if I ask nicely are you?"

Nobody was surprised when the man still had and arrogant air about him and what he had done. "You simply got lucky little girlie, but no I am not." He knew that they would send others, one way or another they would get in.

"Well you know" shaking her head, "That's a shame, it really is. I mean I'm no big fan of yours, you know I really don't like you" standing up and went to roll the small TV set up forward, "But I mean I was kind of hoping that I'd just get to shoot you, it's got to be better than this. You know" Carter responded, "I have met many interesting friends in my time here, I mean you would not believe" leaning forward to pretend and whisper as he stood straight, "What things they really do in this place, it's just amazing. Anyway" and turned back to the TV hitting the power button, "This is Arnie, he lives here."

On the screen came alive with a large pool area and inside was a shark like creature and he swam to the edge of the take grinning with his razor sharp teeth and raised his flippers/hands motioning forward.

Turning back to the man, "He's a meat eater or carnivore, I mean come on he's a shark right" talking over and took the man's arm. "You would not believe what they spend on food for him, well he just has a huge appetite but since you aren't being very helpful and you're Trust and no one can officially say you disappeared...well we can save em a few bucks and go to the next person on the list. At worst Arnie will get a nice meal, so you see" Sam pointed out, "It's a shame you didn't tell me what I wanted to know, there like has to be a lot better ways to spend your life than defending someone who is literally seeing that you're fed to the sharks. Come on now, Arnie is hungry," moving toward the door with him.

::Foss Lab::

William Zimmerman blinked, "Wow."

"Impressive" Helen Magnus stated.

Ashley laughed elbowing Henry lightly, "I like her style. You know we could actually feed him to Arnie and save a little on the live food this week."

::Interrogation Room::

Using his bulk to slow down their movement forward, "You wouldn't dare, you're bluffing," he challenged. She was just doing this to get back at him to try and scare him he understood that.

Opening the door, "Well it's not like I can take you home."

Suddenly the man jumped back as much as he could and screamed, one of the residents...the guy with the two heads and the mean one snarling at him was there.

She smiled, "Oh hi, can you give me a hand getting this fella downstairs? He's Arnie's dinner tonight."

The creature growled at the man with one head while the other looked at Sam, "I would be happy to assist but my other does not like the man's smell so I cannot say he will make it there unharmed."

Moving backwards into the room the man could barely speak he was so scared. Shaking his head, "No, no I'll talk just make it go away," he insisted.

Holding up one finger to the other 'man' for just a moment she looked at the other man, "A name...who authorized the assault on the Sanctuary, who runs the research into this facility and who do I need to take care of to make it stop?"

*A Few Days Later*

::H. Magnus Study::

"Thank you" Helen Magnus told her manservant who brought her tea in and looked up at her colleagues.

Foss nodded typing at his laptop, "We got the last of the Trust or cabal, whatever they were operatives squared away. Thanks to Will here they're all in various psyche institutions around the city with a record of trying to break in and vandalize our facility."

The psychologist smiled, "I thought it was the best way to cover. It says they're delusional, a couple of them where which is why the Sanctuary may play such a big part in any stories they tell since we didn't want the government to take custody of them."

"And Sam and Ashley got the information we needed they said to keep them from an outright attack against us again, at least short term" the computer nerd stated. "She should be on her way down to bring it to you to keep as a matter of fact boss. And" he pointed out, "The satellite is working perfectly, just like she said it would...it really was ingenious."

Just then a light knocking came at the door and they all saw Samantha Carter in jeans and a short-sleeved sweater with her leather jacket over her arm and her duffle bag full of the few things she brought in her hand as well as a file and videotape.

Ashley was with her and smiled hello to everyone going over to kiss her mom's cheek. "Easy as pie mom, Sam and me kicked ass."

The blonde came inside when Helen gave her a nod and dismissed the guys. Carter smiled a little, "It's never a badge of honor to have to hurt someone Ashley but we did take care of things."

"That's what I said" the girl responded.

"Hi sorry to bother you all. Hi Henry, Will. I just wanted to drop this off before I headed home, you should keep it somewhere secure incase you need it in the future" offering the items to Helen.

Will and Henry stood when the woman came into the room giving her a nod hello.

Helen held out her hands for the items, "You look like you're ready to depart," she said to the woman?

With a slightly sad smile she had enjoyed her time here, however she was anxious to get home to Cassie and see how her and the General were doing after their trip. "I am yes, it's time," she said easily.

"Would you mind giving me a few moments," the older woman asked her setting the items into a desk drawer that she locked she would put them in a safe later?

Carter nodded, "Yeah sure, whatever you need Doctor Magnus."

Foss spoke then and looked at her, "Hey Sam listen I know you have to go but I wish you could stay, you're great and well maybe I thought you..."

She smiled a little, "I may come back and visit or if you're ever in DC Henry give me a call, I'm sure you can find my phone number. We can do dinner and maybe a movie" coming over and kissed his cheek. "You're a very special young man, thank you for letting me help and all the help you were to me...more than you know" seeing the man blush.

Foss definitely blushed, "Uh...well...anytime Sam and....yeah...yeah I can do that."

Meanwhile silently Zimmerman looked at Magnus to ask if she wanted him to stay and got a soft shake of her head, she wanted to do this one alone but he'd stay close.

Ashley too said good-bye and said she would be sure to come and see her.

Henry and Ashley left the room.

Will put his hand on her shoulder, "I am going to wait in the hall so I can walk you out," he told her with a smile, it would also keep him close incase he was needed.

"Please Samantha have a seat" Helen said as she smiled indicating the nearby chair.

~Samantha aren't we formal~ the blonde thought thanking Zimmerman and let her bag slide to the floor as she sat down and crossed her legs, in some ways she felt like she was in school again getting called into the principal's office for blowing up the science lab. It wasn't like Mr. Harrison's eyebrows didn't eventually grow back, what was the big deal? "So, what I can do for you Doctor?"

Opening a folder on her desk, "While I was treating you as a patient I ran some tests. I am very curious and perhaps I should have asked you first; they were not invasive I assure you. One was an extra blood test and the other answers came from some simple word tests that Will gave you when we were checking your head injury," she started explaining.

The woman held up her hand, "I'm a scientist myself Doctor Magnus" giving her a nod. "I am never worried about tests unless they're conducted by people I don't trust of course" giving her a nod. "What was your reason for these tests if I might ask however?"

Helen reminded herself about the woman's reaction to the residents and truly hoped that this would not put her off, "You need to understand that I have done this for a very long time and I have a sense about abnormals. There are many that function in society very well and are responsible for many of our greatest innovations. Have you ever wondered why a field that is so male oriented you have been able to dominate and the knowledge and ideas are so easily accessible to you?"

That sounded like an odd question but Sam shook her head immediately, "I never really thought about it, I've worked very hard to get where I am."

"Of course you have, I'm not saying you haven't" the woman reminded her.

Again she shook her head, "Then no. I was always interested in science growing up and astrophysics just grabbed my attention then computers...it was something to focus on besides issues I had with my dad and brother at the time" not mentioning her mother, no reason to she had died when she was a teen and that was when the issues with Jacob and Mark had started.

Helen studied her for a moment, "Many young girls that suffered the loss of a mother generally try to fill that gap and take on the roll of caregiver as well look to create their own home and honor their mom. But your interest and security became science, computers and the Air Force," still watching the woman. "You have a gift, your talents are remarkable and I imagine you have done things even I would be amazed at. Samantha, you have DNA markers that represent you as an abnormal."

~Great now I need my hearing checked~ the woman thought blinking, "What" she simply said, she must have heard her wrong?

Quickly sitting forward, "Please do not be alarmed. You are not going to grow two heads, fins, or anything like that. Abnormal is a broad category, your ability for science and electronics is like very few others and as I said you are in good company, Einstein and Alexander Gram Bell to mention just two. It changes nothing, I only tell you so that you never regret or think that there is something wrong with you for not being what society considers normal."

Samantha Carter wasn't alarmed, confused yes but not alarmed and said so, "Perhaps you are wrong, no offense" she explained to the woman. "As I told you when this all first started my chemistry and body have been exposed to some rather unique situations that it is not possible you have ever seen before, it's possible those have distorted your test results Doctor Magnus."

The older woman shook her head, "I assure you Samantha that I took all of that into account. It is a very specific DNA marker that if you do not know what to look for appears to be an unfinished chain that we all have but this is in a very specific placement, so none of your other factors could or did interfere," she explained.

~Wow~ she thought slowly and took a deep breath.

"You are perfectly fine I assure you" the woman insisted.

Sam nodded, "Yeah...yeah I know it's just...it's lot to wrap my head around. I mean strictly as a scientist I have a million and one questions but my mind is kind of doing the crawl at the moment...trying to wrap itself around the news."

"I am not surprised. I suggest you take a few days and then perhaps write down your questions and give either Will or I a call, we will be most happy to talk with you. Unless you would like to stay a little longer," she offered with a warm smile?

Quickly the blonde nodded, "Uh yeah...maybe I better just another day or two...if you're sure you don't mind."

Helen smiled and shook her head, "Not at all, Will can take you back to your regular room and I'm available should you need anything. I'll check on you in a little while Samantha."

She nodded and uncrossed her legs, "Thanks" bending down to pick up her bag, "Thanks for your help Doctor Magnus."

Standing up Helen came around her desk and laid her hands on the woman's shoulders, "I truly hope that after you have thought this over that you come to understand what an incredible gift you have been given."

Slowly the blonde nodded hoisting her duffle bag, "I'll try, thank you again."

"My pleasure" and turned her head toward the door. "Will, please escort Samantha back to her room...she's going to stay another day or two."

Zimmerman wasn't surprised by that and nodded, "Yeah sure. Here Sam let me have that" holding out his hand for the bag.

::Carter Guest Room::

After having called and talked to the team and Cassie who understood she was going to be delayed a day or two but was back at school tomorrow Samantha Carter had been unable to sleep. She'd gone out for a run and only gotten back a little while ago but since then she'd been standing at the window silently staring out at the view, it was a beautiful one of the gardens in the back of the Sanctuary and she could see some of the residents, patients, abnormals whatever you wanted to call them out wandering around after dinner.

Having missed dinner the truth was she wasn't hungry, her mind a flood of activity and thoughts. It wasn't that she thought being an abnormal was wrong or disgusting, after this adventure she was proud of what Magnus and her people did here and she considered some of the abnormals she'd met friends. The last decade plus of her life had been spent doing things and seeing things that would by far rate high in the abnormal category by the way standard or normal society laid out. That wasn't the point.

It would be one thing if she had decided to become something but she hadn't, this was who and what she was and that wasn't fair. Maybe her feelings had to do with Jolinar, she'd been taken over by force at the time and now that she considered it a positive experience and her relationship with Martouf that came out of it many years ago she hated being out of control and that was what this felt like...something she couldn't do anything about.

A knock on the door brought the woman out of her thoughts. When she turned to see whom it was Will was standing in the doorway. His hands in his pockets they had given her some space to just work it out but he thought he should just check and see how she was doing. "Am I interrupting anything," he asked? "I wondered if you might want to talk, take a walk, or both?"

Carter offered him a tired smile, she felt like she hadn't slept in days, and she was still recovering, "Thank you Will for your concern but I think I'd just like to be alone right now."

Will looked at the woman and stood up straighter, "I understand, you're a woman that needs to be in control and you need to figure out how to be."

"That's one way to put it I suppose" and turned back to the window. "It's not that I think abnormals are disgusting or really deep down in my soul that the news really surprises me all that much or even bothers me. I can't really go into it, I think it probably has to do with my history in my old job and I can't share that."

Taking a step into the room, "I would say most likely it does not. I am surprised you haven't asked us how you happen to have this," he said gently wanting to provoke a dialogue with her.

The woman sighed a moment hugging her arms tightly to her body, "I would imagine my parents either had it or a form of it. It's DNA so I had to have been born into it, at least I think so" she stated.

Will nodded, "Very true your mother most likely carried the gene as it seems to be passed by the females only," he explained. "Did she have any strong talent that you can remember? Although in many it can lay dormant and not used so their special talent is never revealed."

Squeezing her arms Carter shrugged, "I really don't remember, my mother died when I was thirteen. She had just started looking flawed in my eyes, up until then she was my hero...my everything. Everything she did was special and spectacular as far as I was concerned" her voice tight.

Gently the man's hands lay on her shoulders, "You really need to rest, let your body recover and your mind turn off. Then tomorrow maybe things will come together for you," he suggested gently.

"Thank you" her one hand coming up to lay on his staring out at the darkness again, "But my mind hasn't shut off since I was six years old...no maybe five" trying to remember. "But thank you for the talk Will, good night."

Giving her shoulders a gentle squeeze, "Of that I have no doubt," he said with a smile. "Helen has some really good tea that can help you sleep, its a bit bitter but it works wonders just ask big guy he knows which one."

She promised she would even though the truth was she had no intention of doing it, Janet had always tried to turn her onto tea a nd it wasn't really her thing. "I'll see you tomorrow, good night."

"Good night Sam" Will said with soft smile. "Come get me if you need me, I don't mind being woken up," he told her before he left closing the door behind him.