A/ramble: I've already posted today, just finished a netball game, but I'll write another for you guys and get it out quickly. Time to get the plot ball rolling! Time to kill someone... But whom shall I kill? Thank you so much for the feedback guys, you're awesome :D In fact, here's a fast chapter in honour of your awesomeness. Sammie77, apologies for the lack of SP, but it's a fast update. Thank you Adi! Enjoy!

~ 9 ~

0811h,
Saturday 3rd February 1996,
SGA Commander's Office

There were few instances in his career when Jack wondered if the Nuremberg Defence applied. When he should defy the orders given to him because they were morally and ethically unsound. When the phrase 'I was just following orders' would not suffice. And this was one of those moments.

He sat behind his desk, brushing his thumb over his chin as he stared at the red phone. Speaking directly to a member of the joint chiefs had been a novelty when he took on this job, but the orders he had received left him conflicted. If any threat was found on the planet, destroy the Gate. Now, Jack knew what would happen if they tried to do that. As Doctor Midler had told him, any attempt to destroy the device with an explosive of significant magnitude, would in all likelihood, result in the widespread devastation. Blowing up the planet and such. The discovery of a city to the north of the pyramid and a smaller one to the south-west suggested the planet was inhabited. And although they still had not investigated those cities, though they were scheduled to do so on Monday, Jack sincerely hoped he wouldn't have blood on his hands if he had to carry out the order.

But, orders were orders. He could only hope there was enough life on the planet that he could contest the order.

~ SJ ~

The next morning,

"There's no alcohol allowed on this trip, right?" Leslie whispered to Sam as she re-checked her pack. They were only going to be offworld for four days, but you never know what will happen. She was just glad they had been approved to go! Although she couldn't say she would enjoy wearing the green uniforms and combat boots. Leslie's question made her frown and she looked up at her assistant from her kneeling position on the ground.

"Correct. Why?" Leslie didn't reply and shrugged, but the smirk on her face didn't support her innocence, "Leslie, why?" Sam asked again, rising and shouldering her pack. She was about to ask a third time, when the blast door to the right opened and in came Darrel Warner, Colonel Hammond, General O'Neill and one of the airman who worked in the armouries.

"Excuse me Doctors, but you're not quite dressed for offworld travel yet," Darrel grinned as he held up two khaki green tactical vests. The ladies took them from him and put them on, while the other airman handed out vests to the four other civilian archaeologists that were going too. "We've used some Kevlar inserts for added protection," he tapped a knuckle over Sam's heart and she felt the insert against her chest. "I know they won't be comfortable to live in, but it's standard procedure. Each one is custom fitted for the individual. How do they feel?"

Sam rolled her shoulders around. It felt a little snug, but she would get used to it eventually.

"Mine feels good. A bit roomy, but it fits fairly well," Leslie replied as she counted the pockets. "Do we have to wear them all the time?" her eyebrows arched in worry. They would be very uncomfortable to sleep in.

"Pretty much," Darrel nodded. Sensing he had done his job and was under Hammond and O'Neill's watchful gaze, he bid them farewell and departed with a smile over his shoulder. He had only ever been polite and charming, but Sam couldn't help but feel like he couldn't be completely trusted. Then again, he'd never given her reason to think that. She could have fallen for him if it wasn't for this feeling.

General O'Neill looked up at Walter in the Control Room, which seemed to be enough for the technician to start the dialling process. Sam had caught herself watching the General more and more over the past week. In her mind, she was trying to work out what kind of man he was. He was like an experiment that required careful observation. When he turned back, she quickly averted her attention to George, trying ardently to keep her expression neutral.

"You're allowed to be excited, Doctor," George smiled. A wide grin broke out on Sam's face as the Gate activated. As she did every time, she looked at the 'Kawoosh'. Well, what else could it be called? It went 'Kawoosh'! There was only one person not staring at the Gate like everyone else. And for the life of him, Jack couldn't understand his admiration for the beauteous Doctor's enthusiasm.

While everyone clambered up the ramp behind the MALP carrying the fresh load of supplies and the necessary equipment, Sam chose to hang back. She gave George a look only he would understand. One full of anticipation and nervous energy. He chuckled and patted her arm.

"I'm a bit anxious," she confided in George, but the General heard as he stepped around from behind his 2IC.

"Don't worry Carter. I'm sure you'll have a blast," he offered her a small smile and a tilt of his head. Behind her, Leslie jumped through the gate with both feet and a muffled squeal. How on Earth did she ever get her degree?

"I'm sure I will Sir. You'll survive without me for four days," she teased, not realising how flirtatious her demeanour had become until the words left her mouth. Fortunately, the General seemed not to notice.

"Of course," he pushed his hands into his pockets. In the light of the open Gate, a tiny twinkle shone in his eyes.

"Meet you on the other side, then," Sam threw over her shoulder as she trudged up the metal ramp.

"I'll be waiting," Jack called back before he could stop himself. Definitely not the most professional things to say. Sam smiled and shook her head. She looked up at the gate, marvelling at the device and the power it held. She hesitantly touched the event horizon, enthralled in the fluctuations of the water-like surface. Oh well, one small step. She walked forwards and through the Stargate.

~ SJ ~

0932h,
Monday 5th February 1996,
Abydos

"You know, as ingenious as crystal technology seems, it's a pain in the a-" Sam began, poking at one of the red crystals in the DHD. They had figured out the correct combination of symbols to dial home last night, so travel between this planet and Earth now went both ways. Another discovery had caused some animation in the exploration team: one of the archaeologists had uncovered a set of catacombs, depicting a visual history of the planet. The dialect of the hieroglyphs was very similar to predynastic Egypt. Hence, it was upon general consensus the planet be called 'Abydos'.

A violent rumbling silenced Sam, followed by a lot of commotion outside. She stood up next to the DHD and looked to Leslie, who was staring at the roof as sand rained around them. Loud footsteps from the passageway that led outside drew their eyes to Charlie Kawalsky. He was running like his life depended on it.

"Dial Earth!" he ordered. The rumbling continued and a strong wind blew the hot desert sand into the pyramid, bringing most of Kawalsky's team with it. They were supposed to be out at the city.

"What's going on?" Sam yelled over the noise. Kawalsky rounded on her, his expression serious.

"We've got company. We need to leave! Now!" He cocked his rifle and pointed it to the doorway, his action followed by his team. Sam began punching in the symbols for Earth. As she was about to press the fourth symbol, the shaking stopped. Sam looked around, but Kawalsky urged her to keep dialling. She continued and the Stargate activated. Kawalsky sent a signal to Earth, warning them they were 'coming in hot'. Sam stepped back and nearly tripped over her computer.

A mechanical grinding brought four rifle barrels to the ceiling. A circle of light formed above them, and a set of rings dropped slowly to the ground.

"Get to the Gate! GO!" Kawalsky yelled to the civilian part of the contingent. Sam was mesmerised as the rings hovered above the ground and bright light rose inside of them, exposing three figures. The rings disappeared into the ceiling. Before shots were fired, Sam stood by the DHD, assessing the visitors. They were big, bulky men with large metal helmets that resembled the head of a snake and thick chain-mail armour. They obviously weren't expecting company, but lifted their weapons quickly. Someone grabbed Sam by the forearm and dragged her through the gate as the fire-fight ensued. She saw one of the masked men go down and Kawalsky's team begin their retreat before she fell out of the Gate on Earth. She stumbled and rolled into down the metal ramp.

"Are you alright?" Leslie pulled her to her feet. Sam's entire body shook violently. She didn't register the airmen pulling them away from the open Stargate. Janet appeared in front of them, asking Sam similar questions. A ball of fire shot out from the Gate, hitting the cement wall behind them. Sam covered her head with her hands as the shooting continued. She could hear the frantic yelling over the radios around her.

Two blasts came out of the Gate, one hitting Sam squarely in the back as the three women ducked behind the armed security personnel, followed by Kawalsky and his team. Two of the men were injured. The hot Kevlar in her vest burned her skin and Sam stumbled. The second shot was successful in its aim and as soon as Sam looked at the motionless figure lying on the ground next to her, she knew they were dead.

~ SJ ~

I'm gonna write the next chapter right now! I'm writing! I really am! Tell me who you think died. Feedback is "always" welcome and most loved. The S/J shippiness will begin next chapter, in the wake of this character's death.