Chapter 4

Sam waited at the entrance of Area 51 and scowled, glancing at her watch. She flashed her most patient and personable smile to the guard who was standing with her. She glanced down at her watch again. Every minute that passed was time wasted. Time wasted set them back further; they were behind enough as it was.

God, they'd tried to use alien technology against her and her friends. Again. Sam tried not to dwell on how many times SG-1's exploits and spoils had been used against them, but as far as she was concerned, even once was one too many.

Sam was growing weary of the problems that she had faced over the years. The cost had been too great. She'd lost so many friends. She'd lost people she loved. She'd lost family. And even though her father had been given a second lease on life, she'd lost him again, too.

She'd become tired.

Maybe somewhere in the back of her mind she'd thought working in Research and Development would have changed that. She could escape the pain. She could walk away from all the death. The distance could allow her to try to rebuild and give her some perspective. She could focus on those she loved. She could be a person again.

Then, Daniel ran into trouble with the Ori. She had been recalled to work at the SGC. All of a sudden she found herself on SG-1 again. But strangely, nothing happened. She didn't break. She didn't crumble. She remained Sam – the same old Sam. She went about her day just like any other.

Sam could have theorized forever on the changes and variations in her life, or the divergent possibilities that lay within, but her thoughts kept returning to Cassie. She glanced at her watch. Every minute that went by…

"Colonel Carter."

Sam glanced up to see Agent Barrett approaching her. Business as usual, he was dressed in a standard suit, his face serious, with the occasional flicker of humor shining in his eyes. He extended his hand.

Sam reached out and shook it. "Agent Barrett."

"You're looking well," he told her.

She smiled but withdrew her hand. "Thank you. So are you. But can we dispense with the pleasantries?"

He nodded, his humor gone, as they started to enter the general entrance to the facility. "I was in touch with General Landry." He glanced over to the guard. Sam shook her head. "He passed along the necessary information."

"Good. This is Captain Harding. He'll be escorting us to the main office and holding where we'll change and drop off our personal belongings. Then, we'll be escorted to Research and Development."

"Sounds good."

Neither of them said much as Harding brought them to holding. They were processed, changed into the drab khaki jumpsuits mandatory for security purposes, and led into the main facility. Captain Harding had since been replaced with Major Kelley who guided them down a series of hallways and checkpoints.

Sam stepped closer to Barrett and lowered her voice. "What do you have?"

"I did a check through our system with the information General Landry provided. It seems your would-be attacker is Joseph Owens. He worked for the NID a year ago."

Sam shook her head and looked away. How could one organization be so corrupt? Over a year ago, the agency had finally been announced clean. Just what the NID consider clean?

"So, there is an NID connection," she said.

"Apparently. But as I said, he left the organization a year ago."

She glanced over to him. "The Trust?"

Barrett shook his head. "I don't think so. His next known address is a place in Virginia, right outside of D.C."

Sam fell silent. Barrett's voice held a certain tone, a paradoxically edgy softness that she had come to know as a sign he was leading into something. She stopped to glare at him. "Are you suggesting that this ex-agent of yours is now working for the federal government?"

He paused along side her, not missing a beat. "D.C. is the hub for most agencies. The NID, Homeworld Security, Congress, Hayes' administration, the Pentagon…the list goes on and on, Colonel. The rogue agents had links to Kinsey and we know how far deep that connection went."

Sam shook her head and started walking again. She had hoped that when Kinsey had been exposed, the deep-seated corruption would have gone with him. Now, they had another potential conspiracy that lay in the heart of the Capital. At this point, she couldn't be sure if this was something entirely new, or if the Trust had regained hold of their influence in Washington and beyond.

Sam and Barrett showed their badges at the next check in. They both walked down the corridor, following Major Kelley towards Research and Development. She knew where to find the biolabs. She just hoped that Doctor Emerson was still working on the project. At least Sam felt comfortable enough searching for answers from one of her former colleagues.

Sam leaned closer to Barrett and whispered into his ear. "I'm sure Landry couldn't inform you of the brunt of this assignment over the phone, but we're here to investigate a highly dangerous biological agent."

"He mentioned the Nishta Project," he said in an equally low voice. "I'm familiar with the research, but I'm sure you know a hell of a lot more than I do. I assume this has something to do with the incident that happened early today?"

Sam nodded. "Nishta is composed of an organism that can be used to make the host open to suggestion or can be used in more severe cases of brainwashing. Agent Barrett, if this biological agent falls into the wrong hands and is used in an attempt to infiltrate all branches of the government, including the military and the SGC, we could be looking at a foothold situation. Our entire country could be compromised."

"The Goa'uld? Ba'al?" he asked.

She nodded. "It's a theory."

"One I hope we can reserve as a worst-case scenario only."

"The potential is there," Sam said. She thought of General O'Neill's clone and Cassandra and her stomach tightened. "They could have used it on anyone and we wouldn't know."

"They tried to use it on Doctor Jackson this morning," Barrett said. "And would have possibly attempted the same on Cassandra Fraiser and…Jack O'Neill if you hadn't gotten there." He nodded, his expression cool and distant, as if he were working out the problem. "Not unlike the first problem we worked on together."

"No, I guess not," she admitted.

He nodded slowly. "We make a pretty good team, wouldn't you say?"

Sam smiled, but it was tempered by the weight of their situation. They reached the last checkpoint at the entrance to R&D. She nodded her thanks to Major Kelley who allowed them access into the labs. When he was gone, she returned her attention back to Barrett. "We'll see." Sam waved her hand toward the door. "Shall we?"

Jonas sat at the briefing room table, occasionally raising his hand to wave at any number of soldiers that walked by the exit. He had to admit that he was surprised by many of the differences here, even if the SGC had been good enough to inform the Langaran Committee of the major staffing changes at Cheyenne Mountain. Jonas figured he was just feeling a little in awe of the Stargate, having missed the feel of travel, or maybe the nostalgia of his good times when he was a part of SG-1.

He smiled and waved a little hello to the man named Cameron Mitchell who had slid into the seat across from him.

"Is…Major Carter around?" Jonas asked.

"Colonel," Mitchell said, correcting him. "She's a colonel now."

Jonas nodded. "Well, that's great." He tapped his fingers and looked around, wondering where Doctor Jackson had gone.

"She's working on a project," Mitchell said. "Not on the base." Mitchell leaned forward, studying Jonas in a way that made him feel slightly uncomfortable. "Are you the Jonas Quinn that was on SG-1 for a year?"

"That would be me."

"I read all your reports. Those were sweet times." Mitchell laughed and leaned back in his seat. "I'm on SG-1, myself, now."

"We'd been informed that Jack O'Neill had been promoted and that there were some changes here at the SGC." Jonas looked around the room, remembering the briefings and the discussions he'd had with various people. "But the place still feels the same."

"Doesn't it, though?" Mitchell turned to swivel in his chair and glance over at the Stargate. "It's an amaz—"Mitchell stopped and stood as Doctor Jackson and the new General Landry stepped into the briefing room. Jonas turned his attention to the two of them.

"Ah, there you guys are," Mitchell said cheerfully. "We were just catching up on old times."

Daniel tilted his head. "Wouldn't you need to have old times to begin with in order to catch up on them?"

Jonas chuckled and pointed to Daniel. "Ah, Doctor Jackson, you still have your wit."

Daniel paused long enough to smile at Jonas, before he became serious again and took his seat next to him. General Landry headed towards General Hammond's coveted old seat.

"Sorry for the delay," Landry told Jonas, sounding as apologetic as a military man possibly could. "We've had a busy day here. I hope you can understand."

"Oh, I understand. I worked here for a year or so. I know how intense this place can truly be."

Jonas smiled again, even if inside he felt anything but cordial. He knew based on the initial warnings the SGC had given Langara and their other allies earlier this year that priors were bad news, but he was also concerned what could be so important here on Earth that it was weighing so heavily on the personnel. It seemed as though, to him, the entire SGC had a cloud hanging over their head.

"Good," Landry said. "So, we're all on the same page."

"Now, you said a Prior visited your world," Daniel said, wasting no time jumping into the conversation. Jonas glanced over to him to see he was already busily scribbling away. "When did this first happen?"

"Just today," Jonas said. "He came through the Stargate on Kelowna and immediately started preaching Origin. I met with the First Minister to give my recommendations on the subject." He sighed, shaking his head. "First Minister Dreylock did her best to stall the Prior while I dialed the Stargate to come here."

"These guys just don't give up," Mitchell muttered.

Jonas eyed him closely, reading the experience in his eyes. "My people are never going to accept Origin. We-we haven't had a Goa'uld ruling over us for thousands of years. There is no way our people are just going to sit back and let someone else take over."

Daniel sighed. "I can't imagine the Tiranians and the Andari are going to take this well."

Jonas let out a humorless chuckle. "Despite the Committee and the Joint Council, our three nations are not getting along well. If either the Andari or the Tiranians find out about this Prior, they'll believe it's a Kelownan ploy and any hope at a long-lasting peace will be gone."

"Boy, these Priors are sure spreading the love, now aren't they?" Mitchell mumbled.

"Jonas…" Daniel said slowly. The mix of anger and apprehension in his eyes made Jonas a little queasy. "You do know if your people don't submit to the Ori, they could wipe out your people."

Jonas nodded and looked down at his hands. He knew this from the initial warnings that the SGC had sent, though he sensed something far more horrible had since happened. But even so, he also knew that Doctor Jackson was not suggesting for them to give up.

"That's why I came here. Maybe with your help…"

Jonas stopped when he realized the mood had shifted in the room. Landry wore a sympathetic gaze, one that had managed to poke through his hard exterior while Mitchell seemed tense and uncomfortable. Daniel looked the most awkward, his head down, his face buried from sight. If Jonas knew anything about the man in their short time together, he knew that Daniel felt torn or conflicted.

Then, it clicked.

"You…you are going to help us," Jonas said, trying to sound firm, but realizing his voice was close to cracking.

None of them answered.

Jonas felt the betrayal cut through him like a knife. He'd worked at the SGC for a year. He'd left his own country and smuggled in naquadria for Earth to use and manage. He'd helped them fight Anubis. Why would they turn on him now?

"Mr. Quinn…" Landry started.

"No, I understand. I understand perfectly."

"No, I don't think you do," Daniel said.

Jonas sent a puzzled glance over in Daniel's direction before he turned to Landry. The general sighed. "Mr. Quinn, we've just recently – as in today – received some disturbing intel that we need to handle. This has nothing to do with you, your plight, or your people."

"Jonas, we have two days to find evidence to support our position that the Ori need to be stopped," Daniel clarified for him. Daniel paused, cleared his throat, and got the nod to continue from Landry. "We're having an international dispute not unlike your own."

"Then, you understand." Jonas didn't take it any further.

"Only we're stuck," Mitchell added. "Even a plague ain't good enough for these people."

Jonas jerked with surprise. He hadn't realized a plague had hit Earth. Then again, their two worlds hadn't spoken in quite a long time. With Langaran politics heating up and the troubles on Earth…well, at least Jonas now knew why. Curious, he turned to ask Daniel if the plague was related to the sickness they'd experienced in Antarctica, but before he could even verbalize the question, Daniel seemed to read his mind and nodded in reply.

"Wow," Jonas said. It seemed to be the only thing he could say.

"So, I'm sure you can understand," Landry said. "We need to dedicate our resources to finding something that will sway the international community."

"Jack needs this information for a meeting he has in two days." Daniel sighed and looked down at his hands. "And we haven't even started."

"What about coming to Kelowna then?" Jonas knew it was a long shot, but he had to try anyway. "Maybe the Priors have stepped up their campaign and you could find something useful there."

"We've encountered these brainwashed creeps on planet after planet," Mitchell said. "There's no getting through to them."

"And if we go, we could be putting you and your people at considerable risk. The Ori and the Priors know who we are," Daniel said, his voice holding more weight than Jonas had heard in a long time.

Jonas pondered his words, beginning to wonder just what SG-1 had gone through this year. But he knew they weren't heartless. He could see they were stuck and were waiting for the right opportunity. He had to think of something that could work.

"I don't mean to sound selfish, but couldn't another SG team go looking for this proof you need? Or, maybe you could send an experienced team back to Kelowna with me while you continue to try to work this out."

Daniel glanced over to Mitchell before turning his gaze onto Landry. Neither Mitchell nor Landry said anything, though Jonas could tell by Daniel's pleading eyes that he was appealing to their sympathetic side. Jonas thought maybe it was working. Landry turned to Mitchell, and the colonel gave a slight but perceptible nod.

"All right. Colonel Mitchell, Doctor Jackson, I want you to accompany Jonas Quinn back to Kelowna. I'll have SG-12 sort through any of the latest intelligence to see if we can start from there." Landry stood and Mitchell stood to match him. "See if you can find anything on Kelowna that could be useful for both our planets."

Jonas sighed with relief. He pivoted his chair so he could look at Daniel, hoping that his smile expressed the gratitude he was feeling.

Daniel nodded once in acknowledgment, but he was on his feet again before Jonas could say anything. Daniel had gathered up his folder and had walked over to meet General Landry at the entrance to his office. Jonas couldn't really hear the conversation very well, though he did pick up on a few words here and there. "Help" and "Jack" and "useful." But even more interesting was that Mitchell was standing right along side them, listening to every word.

Jonas wasn't sure exactly what it was that made Mitchell stand out, but there was something. Maybe it was the way he was listening, with his body stiff and his face dead serious. Or maybe it was the sly little glances he kept shooting Jonas' way. He just didn't know. The guy seemed friendly enough.

"I'll take that under advisement. Now, you and Colonel Mitchell have a mission to complete."

Daniel nodded, looking partly triumphant and maybe a little defeated, as he started walking back toward Jonas. Jonas smiled again, and even offered a little wave, despite the fact his real attention was on Mitchell. He was standing by Landry, his voice too low to hear, but Jonas caught the way Mitchell was gazing at Daniel. And if he was reading the new general right, he seemed to agree.

"Hey, Daniel," Jonas said quietly. "How're you liking the new colonel?"

"Oh, Mitchell?" Daniel shrugged. "He's a good guy. A little green, but he's getting the hang of it." He smiled at Jonas and patted him on the shoulder. "Let's get going."

"Sure," Jonas said. But as Daniel passed by him, allowing Jonas another look at Mitchell and Landry, he got that uncomfortable feeling again. They had taken one last glance back at him and Daniel before the two of them had disappeared into Landry's office.

Sam studied each workstation as she walked down the aisles in the lab. She would pause and write in her notepad before moving onto the next. Doctor Emerson had given her full access to the labs, as well as the samples, in an effort to show that the project was still on track. Sam hadn't gone into detail on the exact nature of her investigation, or that she was investigating at all. As far as the staff was concerned, Sam and Barrett were just heading up a routine evaluation of the program. But as far as Sam could tell, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

"As you can see, Colonel, since you've left we've had increased success in stabilizing the organism," Emerson said proudly. She approached one of the main refrigeration units in the lab. After keying in her passcode, the unit opened, exposing vials filled with liquids of various colors. "By cloning the cells of the dead organisms we had from SG-1's tissue samples and injecting them into fresh blood samples, we were able to synthesize the chemical effect they have on the host body." She smiled proudly at the results in the freezer. "We can now manufacture a milder form of the organism in both gaseous and liquid form."

"Did you ever do any trial runs?" Barrett said from the other side of the room. He was flipping through some of the paperwork from the lab research.

Doctor Emerson hesitated. Both Barrett and Sam exchanged an uneasy look as they waited for Emerson to continue. Finally, when she realized that they were waiting, she spoke.

"Yes. So far we've had two successful tests."

"When were these tests done?" Barrett asked.

"They were just done three months ago." Emerson motioned to one of the workstations. "We had two staff members volunteer for the project. We exposed them to the nishta, kept them under surveillance, and concluded the experiment. Both came through without a problem." Her eyes twinkled with delight. "And both have had success in overcoming their weight problem."

Sam forced a smile. Months ago, she would have been as proud as Doctor Emerson in their progress, but now she couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. Just based on what happened today alone, no matter how good the lab's intentions were, this would never be used properly.

"You said successful, right?" Sam asked.

Emerson nodded. "Yes."

"So, there were unsuccessful attempts," Barrett said. He walked over to meet both Sam and Emerson. "What happened in those attempts?"

Whatever pride Emerson had displayed with her work ebbed into embarrassment and discomfort. "Some people didn't take to our modified compound. A few people became ill."

"How ill?" Sam pressed.

"They were hospitalized."

Sam shook her head, trying to keep her frustration in check. She glanced over at Barrett who seemed to be having more trouble than she was.

"What happened to them?" Sam asked.

Emerson turned away from Sam and closed the refrigerator. "A couple of people became comatose. We found that the organism had penetrated too deeply into their tissues to the point their bodies could not function on their own."

"I take it this is nothing compared to what happened to the ones you haven't mentioned," Barrett said coolly.

Emerson sighed and walked a few steps away from them. Sam and Barrett watched her closely. Emerson seemed to be fighting for composure or trying to decide whether she should even be speaking to them.

"Something's happened, hasn't it?" Emerson asked.

"Why would you think that?" Barrett returned.

Emerson retraced her steps and hovered close to Sam. She steered Sam and Barrett over to one of the workstations and bent over the equipment.

"Our backs are to the cameras," she whispered. "I didn't want to say anything because I could go to jail for this."

"We can get you immunity," Barrett said.

"I don't think you can." She pretended to start demonstrating one of the tools to Sam and Barrett. "What happened has been classified."

Classified? Sam shot a wary look to Barrett. Somewhere past his cool and collected exterior, Sam could tell he was just as pissed off as she was.

"I'm only telling you because I know I can trust you," Emerson said to Sam. "You always believed in the positives in the project. You really wanted this to work."

"What happened?" Sam asked.

"Some of the volunteers took too well to the nishta compound." Emerson shook her head. "They lost themselves. They became like empty vessels. All their personality just evaporated. They could only do as they were told."

"Drones," Sam whispered.

"That's a fair assessment," Emerson said. She picked up an empty vial and held it up to the light, examining it, before she placed it back down. "We couldn't reach them anymore," she said, continuing as she feigned her demonstration. "Sure, they did what we told them to do, but we couldn't snap them out of it. Their eyes are empty. That is how you can tell. There's nothing inside."

"What about blood tests? Tissue samples?" Sam asked.

Emerson shook her head. "Since we synthesized the nishta, we made sure that it untraceable. It's nearly undetectable in once injected."

"Nearly," Sam repeated. "But not entirely."

"No, not entirely."

That gave Sam some hope.

"How does this connect to Joseph Owens?" Barrett asked. He nodded and pointed to the vials, urging Sam to do the same.

She was way ahead of him. She had started nodding her approval, making "note" of it in her file.

"Joe?" Emerson seemed genuinely surprised by the name. "Well, he worked with us last year. He was the official NID representative overseeing the project."

"Or unofficial," Sam said, raising her eyebrows at Barrett.

"Agent Owens was here on assignment in conjunction with a different project," Barrett told them. "What was he doing here?"

Emerson looked away, flipping through a small book that was by the side of the workstation. She licked her lips and bowed her head, remaining silent.

"Barbara?" Sam asked. She placed her hand on her shoulder. "What happened?"

"He was here under presidential order," Emerson stated quietly.

Sam felt her mouth grow dry. She shot an angry look to Barrett, but he was just as shocked. She couldn't fathom why President Hayes would sanction something so dangerous and so discreet, especially when he had close ties to General Hammond and General O'Neill. She also could not accept that he would put Cassie or O'Neill's clone in such a hazardous situation. He had always supported the SGC. He was the one that prompted for General O'Neill's recent promotion. How could he even consider something like this? And then there was the little doubt that kept coming to the surface. Chances were that if the President had given this thought, he would have consulted with both General O'Neill and General Hammond. Their support in something as serious as this was not a thought she could consider right now. She just couldn't. Neither one of them would have ever agreed to something so deceitful.

"Are you sure?" Sam finally asked.

Emerson nodded. "Joe took a sample of the drug we'd created last year and brought it to the Pentagon."

"Well, I hate to tell you but your Joe attacked a civilian consultant to the military this morning and might have been plotting to use the substance on two children," Barrett said.

"No." Emerson shook her head, her eyes wide. "Joe had promised that nothing harmful would have come from their analysis of the drug."

"Well, it did," Sam said bluntly. She tapped the desk and lowered her voice even more. "Barbara, I need for you to pack up your stuff. We're going to escort you to the SGC for protection. You'll be safe there."

Emerson shook her head before raking her shaking hands through her short hair. "I-I can't."

"The SGC will protect you," Barrett assured her. "And the NID will conduct a full investigation into this matter. We'll protect the integrity of your research."

"No," Emerson said empathically. "You don't understand. If what you're telling me is true, then my work here is more important now than ever."

"What do you mean?" Sam asked.

Emerson met her gaze, her eyes intense and full of fear. "Sam, there is no cure for OC-17. The version of the drug we had last year is all-pervasive. Joe didn't take the perfected form of the drug."

"Are you telling us there is absolutely no way to help those infected with the older prototype?" Barrett asked angrily.

"Not at the time, no," she said quietly.

Barrett opened his mouth and Sam was sure he was about to slam the table, but she grabbed him and smiled cordially at Doctor Emerson. "Thank you so much for your help, Doctor." She allowed her voice to carry. She extended her hand to Emerson. "I'll be sure to tell my superiors the progress you've made with this drug. As you know, you have the full support of the SGC. You'll find General Landry signed off on our continued cooperation."

Sam caught Barrett nodding from the corner of her eye. "Yes, thank you. So far, you've followed compliance procedures. I have a few recommendations on future adjustments to security measures, but for now I see no problems with the program. If you have any concerns, you can always give my office a call."

Emerson smiled, stepping closer to Sam. She shook her hand, keeping her face pleasant as she transferred a vial through their exchange. "It was good to see you again, Colonel. It's a shame you couldn't have stayed with R&D. But we'll continue to work on the project."

Sam nodded, tightening her hold on the small thumb-sized vial. "Thank you. We look forward to your latest update." She turned to Barrett. "I believe we're done here."

They waved goodbye and exchanged a few more pleasantries before they exited the room. Barrett and Sam started toward the first checkpoint. Sam eyed the security guards carefully, her gaze settling on the bowl by the x-ray machine.

"How are you going to get it past security?" Barrett whispered.

"Watch." Sam slowed and fell a step behind, using Barrett as a shield. When she was certain that most of her body was blocked she slipped the vial down her chest to settle in her bra. Smiling, she took a quick step forward to match him and rolled her shoulders to emphasize what she had done.

Barrett just shook his head. "Nice. But how does that help you if they decide to do a strip search?"

"Well, we had better hope it doesn't come to that," Sam said, her face grim.

Sam smiled at the security guards at the first checkpoint. It had been far easier getting in, she thought, as the guards patted her down and had her walk through the metal detector. She waited as they examined the x-ray that had been taken of her body. Barrett stepped in position to be next.

"Can you stand aside, ma'am?"

Oh boy, she thought, stepping away from the checkpoint. She watched as they finished with Agent Barrett and tried not to look nervous or guilty. When he received the go ahead, she returned to the guards and went through the process again. This time, security gave her a hard pat down, making sure that they poked and squeezed every part of her body in the most humiliating fashion.

"Okay, you're clear. Go on ahead. Major Hurst is waiting for you."

"Thanks," Sam said, leaving the first checkpoint behind. She walked more confidently along with Barrett as they proceeded down the hall to meet Hurst.

"So, are you going to tell me how you managed that?" Barrett asked, one of those sly would-be smiles touching his lips.

Sam tried to keep from gloating. But she wasn't about to give away the secret behind her success. Or the power that rested in padded bras that were made of a concealing material that she'd helped design.

"Let's just say it rests in the padding," she told him with a grin.

Barrett stepped aside with surprise. To Sam's amusement, she could tell he was struggling to keep his gaze from dropping down to her breasts. She broke out into a full grin, flashing her pearly whites.

Yes, she thought. I wear superbras. She wondered vaguely if this was what happened to people who went through the Stargate one too many times.

They quickly made their way through the checkpoints and reached the general offices and processing area. Sam and Barrett changed into their respective outfits and grabbed their belongings. They didn't say much as they waited to be escorted out of the facility, but then again there wasn't much to say. Not anything that could be said out in the open.

Once they were finished signing out, Sam and Barrett said goodbye to the guards and made their way to the parking lot. She knew they would be under surveillance and watched until they were off the premises.

"So," Barrett said, keeping his voice casual as they were brought through the lot. "Once this is all over, I was thinking that maybe we could relax, catch up over dinner at—"

Sam jumped, feeling her cellphone vibrating in her pocket. She took out the phone, waiting for one ring, two rings, before she flipped it open to check on the caller.

She stared. That couldn't be right.

"What's wrong?" Barrett asked.

Sam didn't answer him. She pressed the talk button and pressed the phone to her ear. "Carter," she said.

"Sam, what is this, some kind of sick joke?"

She cleared her voice. "Pete."

"Are you trying to prove something to me? Is this some way of getting even with me?"

Sam bristled. Their breakup hadn't been on the best terms, but she hadn't been able to think of a better way to let him down. In truth, she should have realized she wasn't prepared for that kind of relationship a long time ago. She'd never be able to make it up to Pete, but that didn't give him any right to take it out on her.

"I don't know what you're talking about," she said, keeping her voice even.

"Oh, don't give me any of that bull, Sam. I've got agents breathing down my neck." There was a break in the signal before it cleared. "Are you trying to tell me you have nothing to do with that?"

Any of the anger Sam had been feeling just seconds ago evaporated and was replaced by fear. "Did you say you were being followed?"

"Don't act so surprised," he muttered.

She glanced over at Barrett who was clearly as engrossed in the conversation as she was. Sam didn't even try to keep their call private. "Pete, listen to me. I need you to get to Cheyenne Mountain. I don't care where you are. Get there as quickly as possible. I'll make sure you have all the necessary clearance."

He laughed. "Are you crazy?"

"Dammit, Pete! I'm not joking!" She ran her fingers through her hair, trying to keep her voice steady. "I think you're in danger. Please, Pete. Please."

"Hey. Okay." His voice dipped and quieted, entering into that place that once left her feeling warm and special. "Hey, it's okay. I'm sorry. What's going on?"

"I don't have time to explain. Just please," she whispered.

"Sure." There was a pause. "I'll call you when I get there. Take care of yourself."

"You too. Thanks, Pete." She shut the phone.

Barrett waited for her to calm down. "What was that all about?"

"Pete is being followed by someone." She flipped her phone again, already dialing. "That's the fourth person today." Sam pressed the phone to her ear, waiting for Landry to pick up. "Every single person who has been followed has had some link to SG-1."

Barrett stared at her. "Anyone could be a target."

She pursed her lips and sent him a look that he'd won the jackpot. Ring, ring, voice mail.

"Dammit!" Sam held the phone, trying to think of her next move. She didn't blame Landry; he was probably in the middle of his own investigation. But this was too important to sit on. She dialed again, but this time she tried something different.

"Who are you calling?" Barrett asked.

"Someone who will make sure this gets taken care of. Now."

The phone was ringing. He really hated that damn phone.

He sighed and put his pen down, sliding his report to the side. He let the phone ring once more, just one more time…They weren't going away.

He snatched the receiver. "O'Neill."

"Sir, it's me. It's Carter."

"Carter!" Jack leaned back in his chair, thoroughly pleased with himself for answering the phone. "And to what do I owe this honor?"

There was an awkward pause on the other end. Jack straightened in his seat, unnerved at her sudden silence. "Carter?"

"Sir, we have a problem. I believe that anyone that has had a past history or has been associated with SG-1 is in danger."

Hank had told Jack earlier that day that there had been a problem with Cassie and his clone that had been resolved. This didn't sound resolved to Jack.

"Details?" he asked.

"As I am sure you are aware, this morning we received two independent reports from Cassie and your clone that they were being followed. We apprehended one of the men after he made a move against Daniel."

"Right. General Landry told me that there is a current investigation into the matter." He stared at the blinds that funneled the light into his office. It still was too bright. He rubbed his eyes and turned his chair away from the window. "I assume that you're working on it?"

"Yes, sir. But I just received a call from Pete." Jack waited for her to continue. "Sir, he's the fourth person today that has had an encounter with these men. If all of these agents have had access to nishta and have had some kind of link to the NID, this could be a conspiracy in the works."

"Whoa, back up, Carter. Did you say nishta?"

"Yes, sir." She sounded puzzled.

Okay, so Hank had failed to tell him that part. Frowning, Jack leaned forward in his seat, ignoring the body that had just entered his office. "And you're sure it's nishta?"

"Agent Barrett and I have just concluded a preliminary investigation of the Nishta Project over at Area 51. I spoke with a former colleague, Doctor Emerson, who was involved – probably personally – with a Joseph Owens, an ex-NID agent, who was part of the attempted attack this morning. He's currently in our custody."

"Dammit," Jack muttered. Why the hell hadn't Landry given him the specifics on this problem? "Did we get anything out of him?"

"Not to my knowledge, but I haven't been able to reach General Landry." She paused. "Sir, there's more."

"More?" Jack sighed. "How much worse can it get?"

"According to Agent Barrett, his file is classified and it looks like we would need top-level clearance to open it."

Damn. They were going through the same shit they'd gone through with Kinsey all over again.

"Sir, I am not comfortable giving you full disclosure over the phone. I'm on my way to the SGC. We can talk on a secured line and go over the details then."

"All right. Sounds like a plan."

Jack hated the way this sounded. He might not be as smart as Carter or Daniel, but Jack wasn't a fool. The fact that all of this was going down on the same day he had a meeting with the President over security matters with the international community was no fluke.

There was more to this threat than what Carter had just told him. He knew it. And if Carter was implying what he thought she was implying…

"Be careful," he told her. "Call me once you get secure."

"Yes, sir."

Jack hung up the phone, pausing to consider his options. If Carter was right and anyone that had connections to SG-1 were in trouble, then they had to get moving and find them. Whoever was behind this already had a huge jumpstart. Failure was just not acceptable for Jack.

"General?"

"That was Carter," Jack said, turning to Major Davis. "Something big is going down in Colorado."

"This is serious, I take it."

"Oh, yeah." Jack knew serious didn't even scratch the surface.

Davis glanced down at the folder in his hands. "Did you want to reschedule our meeting?"

"No." This mess with the IOA couldn't wait. Jack wasn't about to let anything get in the way of keeping the Stargate Program viable, especially with the Ori and the Goa'uld just waiting to pounce. "It's just now we have more than one agenda on the table."

"And what would that agenda be?" Davis asked.

Wouldn't Jack like to know. He held up his finger for Davis to wait before he punched the intercom on his phone. "Jean?"

"Yes, General."

"I'd like you to place a call to George Hammond. Tell him it's urgent."

"I'll do that right away, sir."

Jack released the button and breathed out. Folding his hands, he briefly scanned the file that was on his desk. He thought about Carter, Daniel, and Teal'c, wishing he were with them. But he had more important problems to tackle, issues that would affect them in the end. He knew he had to focus and be serious, even if he hated the damn paperwork. Even if he would rather be anywhere but here.

But his life wasn't about what he wanted.

Keeping his emotions in check, Jack motioned to the chair across from his desk. "Sit down, Major. We have a lot to discuss."

Daniel and Jonas walked together to the Gateroom. Daniel had to admit, the whole experience felt surreal. He'd only accompanied Jonas through the Stargate a few times and in those times he had been a different person. His life as Arrom seemed like nothing but a distant dream. Yet, it lingered and reminded him of all that he had lost and all that he had gained.

They stopped and stood at the base of the ramp, gazing upward at the power and majesty that the Stargate held.

Daniel never thought of Gate travel that way anymore. But there was something about the way the lights of the room reflected in Jonas' eyes that brought Daniel back, made him feel like he was reliving the past, which to him was far more poignant than just a walk through nostalgia. It felt real and tangible, yet just out of his grasp.

Maybe it was the fact he was returning to Kelowna.

He didn't blame the people. In the end, it had been his decision. He knew if he were to do it all over again, he wouldn't change a thing. He doubted they would, either.

It wasn't his first time returning to the planet. But for reasons he couldn't quite explain, he felt as if it were his first time. Not just the first time he and Jonas revisited the planet together, but the very first time. The initial meeting.

He felt nervous and excited, but strangely detached.

"Doctor Jackson?" Jonas asked.

Daniel stared at the Gate a moment longer, allowing himself the opportunity to slowly withdraw from his thoughts. Daniel offered him a small smile, turning to face him. "I was just thinking about Gate travel. Do you still miss it?"

Jonas chuckled. "Every day." His smile waned, but not entirely, as he gazed at the Stargate. "Don't get me wrong. I love my planet. I love my people. But there was just something about this place." He paused, turning his back to the Gate to face Daniel. "What's it like now that Jack is gone?"

Daniel started, surprised by the question. "You know that Jack had replaced General Hammond before he was reassigned." Jonas nodded. "They all have their own distinct style and methods of handling a crisis. The same goes for Colonel Mitchell or any soldier in the SGC. They're good people," he said softly, hoping that he was easing any apprehension Jonas might be feeling.

"Yeah," Jonas said with a nod, but his eyes still held…doubt? Daniel frowned, starting to feel some apprehension of his own.

Daniel dismissed it and glanced back to the door, wondering what was taking Mitchell so long. They were on a timetable, after all.

"What do you suppose Colonel Mitchell and General Landry were talking about?" Jonas asked.

"I don't know." He slid his pack in front of him and started to search through the inside. "Probably something to do with our investigation. Or military matters."

"And they wouldn't tell you?"

Daniel paused but didn't look up. "Just because I've been here the longest doesn't mean I'm told everything." Finally, he found the book he was looking for and withdrew it. "You know how it works."

"Yeah, that's true," Jonas said. "I just thought they would let you know."

Daniel eyed him closely as he slung the pack back over his shoulder. "Is there something bothering you?"

"Me?" Jonas frowned, waving his hand to dismiss Daniel. "No." He stopped and pointed to the book. "What's that?"

Daniel feigned a smile and held up the book. "Origin."

Jonas' face fell.

"No, it's not like that. Originally, we thought if we could talk to the Priors, we could make them understand what the Ori were like." When he saw that Jonas still looked puzzled, he sighed and put the book down. "The Priors aren't completely taken over by the Ori. They're only granted certain powers through the Ori. In a sense, they are sort of like the Jaffa."

"But you're implying you couldn't reach them."

Daniel nodded. "Their faith is strong, stronger than anything we've encountered with the Jaffa. And the Ori do have power. We can't deny that." He sighed. "We've tried talking to them. I've even tried debating with them over the nature of power."

Jonas snorted. "Let me guess. They have an answer for everything."

"Not exactly." Daniel couldn't help but smile. He started to flip through some of the pages, pausing at one passage in particular. "See, the book of Origin isn't flawless in its logic. I've been reading it over the past few months and I've found countless inconsistencies. While previous attempts at communicating with them haven't worked, I'm hoping that showing the Priors the blatant contradictions within the text will cause them to reconsider whatever they have planned."

Jonas grimaced. "I don't know. What makes you think that they'll listen to you this time, if they haven't listened before?"

Daniel wished he had the answer. It wasn't like he hadn't tried to get through to the Priors. He'd tried appealing to their humanity. He'd tried debating the merits and the abuses of power and corruption. He'd tried to be more like Jack and take a direct approach. He'd tried interrogation. He'd tried everything and he could not get past their steadfast beliefs.

How could he make them see the truth?

"I don't know if they'll listen," Daniel admitted. "But I have to keep trying."

"You never give up, do you, Jackson?" Mitchell joined him, suited up and ready, and clapped him on the shoulder.

"You already know the answer to that," Daniel said with a subdued smile. He turned away from Mitchell as he heard the chevrons begin to engage.

One…two…

He wondered if Kelowna had changed much. He hadn't had the chance to really ask Jonas about how things were going – aside from the general tension he'd already mentioned – since the three governments were forced to work more closely together.

Five…six…

He wondered if the naquadria had been completely depleted and what other uses they might have found for it.

"Chervon Seven locked," he heard Walter announce just as the Stargate sprang to life.

"All right, see what you can find," General Landry said.

"Will do," Mitchell said. He motioned with his head toward the Stargate. "Ready?" he asked.

Daniel nodded and extended his hand for Jonas to lead the way. Jonas breathed out and stepped forward, walking toward the Stargate. With Daniel and Mitchell in tow, Jonas passed through the event horizon. When they emerged, Daniel was surprised to see how much everything seemed the same. The Stargate remained in the underground bunker. From what he could tell, the room was still used for covert intelligence purposes, but for what kinds of intel, he couldn't say.

Daniel slowed his pace to absorb as many details as he could. There were some guards standing inside the room, watching them, but they made no move to interact with any of them. Jonas waved to them, seeming to be perfectly at ease. Daniel took that as a good sign.

"It's just this way," Jonas said. "First Minister Dreylock is waiting in one of the next rooms." They followed Jonas up a flight of stairs and down a hallway. "We used to use this room for interrogation purposes, I'm told," he explained. "But since the war has ended, they've been transformed into conference rooms for Tiranian and Andari representatives for matters regarding the Stargate."

"Aren't they gonna be happy when they find out all this has been going on behind their backs," Mitchell said.

"Well, no matter what they think it's not going to matter much in the end if we can't get through to this Prior." Daniel tried not to sound so bleak, but in truth, he couldn't sugarcoat this situation. "I think maybe you should inform the Tiranian and Andari representatives. In the end, maybe we can all come up with a contingency plan in the event something happens."

Daniel didn't elaborate any further. He didn't have to.

"I've already given First Minister Dreylock my recommendation," Jonas said with a sigh. "Other than that, I can't force the government's hands."

Daniel rolled his eyes. "So, not much as changed at all."

"No." Jonas stopped and motioned to the right corridor. "It's right through here."

Daniel nodded and stared at the doors. Not all the Priors could be this resolute. There had to be a way to reach them. Daniel was determined to get through to one. Just one could make all the difference. Daniel took a deep breath and tapped the book against his other hand.

Here goes nothing, he thought.

Following Jonas, Daniel stepped into the room, immediately noting the Prior standing in front of First Minister Dreylock and her staff.

Not one Prior. Two.

Puzzled, Daniel stared at them. He'd never seen more than one dispatched before. And Jonas hadn't told them about a second Prior.

"Daniel Jackson," the first Prior said, his voice echoing throughout the room. "You have come."

Alarmed and angry, Daniel turned to Jonas. "What's going on?" he asked Jonas, and then First Minister Dreylock.

But before either of them could offer any kind of explanation, Daniel caught a flicker of movement from a third person standing beside the Priors.

Daniel felt his stomach bottom out. "Janet?"