I'm so sorry - I'm terrible for not getting back to all my reviewers (whom I love to pieces). I get so excited to get your reviews but my time is tight right now. PLease know I read everything and love hearing from you all - and I will reply soon! Hope you enjoy the next chapter.
"Don't worry sweetheart – I'll be back."
"How can you promise that?" Lola Ferretti answered tearfully. "We don't know what's out there. What if we never see you again? What will I tell the kids?"
"You'll tell them the truth – that their Daddy died trying to save, not just them, but all of earth. Lola, it's what I've been doing for years."
"But I didn't know it then, now I do." She leaned forward and put her arms around her husband. "I know you have to go, I know it's the right thing to do, but I don't want to lose you. You're my life, you and the kids. If something happens -?"
"If something happens Reynolds and Teal'c and Sam – and all the others will make sure you're okay."
"But who will hold me at night? Who will make me laugh when I'm angry and cry when I'm happy? Who'll tell me I look beautiful even when I'm tired and crabby? Who will just sit with me and watch the stars and tell me what a wonderful universe we live in? Who will do that Lou?"
Ferretti was silent and simply held his wife closer. He'd been walking into danger for years but it had never seemed so terrifying as it did now. Before there was always the security of being able to return to earth, to home and to his family. Now, earth was not theirs and he didn't know how long his family would survive if they weren't successful. This time, leaving was hell.
"I'll try and make sure I come back – I'll try with everything I have in me. If, for some reason, I don't, don't ever forget how much I love you and the kids. And when you look up at those stars, know that I'll be there, watching over you."
With a strangled sob Lola clutched him even tighter and then finally let him go. She quickly wiped her face with her hands and smiled. "You'd better make damn sure you do come back! I'm keeping that bed warm and soup on the stove so don't you go and get yourself into trouble Ferretti – or you'll have me to contend with!"
With a small smile of his own, Lou gave his wife a lingering kiss and then turned swiftly away, afraid he'd break down in front of her. He'd already said goodbye to his kids – one of the hardest things he'd ever had to do.
"Ready Major?" Airman John Peters asked. He was all ready to go.
"Yeah. Where's Chang?"
"He just ran to get something – said he'd be right down."
"Okay" Ferretti turned to Carter, Teal'c and Reynolds who were all there for their departure. They were standing by an access tunnel that ran under the mountain for almost 1000 meters before it led to an access shaft to the surface.
"Everything okay Lou?" Sam asked, noticing the tension on the other man's face.
"Yeah, just saying goodbye to Lola and the kids." Sam pursed her lips in sympathy and squeezed his arm. She didn't need to say anything. All of them understood that there was every likelihood none of the men would return. Still, they had to try.
"We'll be listening 24 hours a day to hear from you Lou", Reynolds said. "But don't try to get in touch if there's any danger. Just find out what you can and then get back here."
Ferretti nodded, although they all knew that if discovered, there was no way any of the men would head back to the SGC and give away the others' position.
Chang finally appeared with what looked like enough ammunition to outfit an entire unit. He gave a quick grin and then quickly, and deftly, concealed most of the weapons and ammunition. Surprisingly, in a few seconds he didn't look like he was carrying anything at all.
"Not bad", Peters commented, impressed.
"Hey, it's my job", Chang answered.
"Okay, let's go. Take care of yourselves down here", Ferretti said with a look to his friends and companions of the last few months. "And please -"
"Do not worry Major Ferretti", Teal'c interrupted. "We will look after your family, that I promise. I will ensure their safety."
Ferretti grinned and slapped Teal'c on the back. He knew he couldn't ask for a better protector. "Thanks Teal'c – and thanks to all of you." Because he knew they'd all watch out for his wife and kids. Turning, he motioned towards the concealed door, which led to the tunnel. "Let's move 'em out folks!"
0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0
"Jack?"
"Yeah?" Jack glanced up at the other man who was sitting across the table from him. The three of them were finishing off breakfast before heading out to the Tel'tac. "What?"
"Your hand", Daniel nodded at the hand that rested on Jack's stomach. He'd been watching closely and he knew he'd been right. He hadn't seen the General move his arm or hand once. "Why aren't you moving it?" he asked softly.
"Because it's injured Daniel", Jack said sarcastically. "Why do you think?"
"Jack, it's been days and I haven't so much as seen you wiggle a little finger. That's not like you. What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong Dan-"
"Don't lie Jack. You need to be honest here. What's the matter with it?"
Jack sat back suddenly and blew out a deep breath. Realizing there was no choice, he said what he'd been refusing to even say to himself. "It's paralyzed", he said. "I think the wound must have severed the nerves or something. I barely have any feeling in it and I can't move it."
"God Jack, why didn't you say something?" Daniel looked distressed, but he noticed, interestingly enough, that Sophie didn't look surprised. She'd obviously known, or at least suspected.
"What was there to say? There's nothing I could have done about it. And anyway, it doesn't really matter. We have more important things to worry about right now."
"Doesn't matter? Jack, it's your arm and hand – and your right one at that. Of course it matters."
"Dr. Jackson, the General is right. There is nothing we can do about it now – we'll have to wait until he can get some medical help. He probably needs surgery." She turned to the General, "I can bind your arm up so you don't have to try and support it constantly. It'll probably be easier for you that way."
O'Neill smiled faintly and nodded. The more he got to know Sophie Kinross, the more he liked her. He also thought she was good for Daniel. She 'balanced' him out somehow. She was caring and compassionate, like he was, but was also more down to earth and practical. He suddenly grinned to himself – hey, what an idea! He'd have to give it some more thought.
"Okay fine. I guess we'll just ignore the whole thing and just get on with the mission. I mean, what difference does it make if you can't use your arm?" Daniel said, a little perturbed by both Jack and Sophie's reactions. He wondered briefly if it was another military thing.
Jack sighed and shook his head briefly. "Look Daniel, when we get to where there's medical help I'll have it looked at right away, okay? In the meantime I can't let it get to me otherwise I'll be no good to anyone. Now, can we just forget about it please?"
"Fine, fine. I'm forgetting about it", Daniel huffed. He gathered a few things and then headed towards the door of the cabin. Sophie gathered her few supplies and followed. Jack stood back, watching his small team, and prayed they'd all make it.
"Hey Danny", he called. The other man stopped and looked back through the door.
"Yeah? What?"
"Can you come help with my supplies? I can't carry them you know – got a gimpy arm!" he grinned again. Daniel looked at him in disgust and then couldn't help but smile. Jack could be such a child – but a charming one. With a groan he turned around and grabbed Jack's pack and carried it outside.
"What about my lunch?" Jack called again, looking at the small sack filled with food supplies.
"Get your own damned lunch Jack!" Daniel replied as he walked out of the cabin and kept going.
Sophie turned and grinned at the General. "You're bad Sir!"
"I know", he smirked. "But what fun would I have if I couldn't bug Daniel?"
By the time they'd all settled into the Tel'tak, Jack was beginning to feel exhausted. He was frustrated, knowing he wasn't really up to this yet, but also knowing he couldn't just lie around and do nothing. Not only did he worry about the planet as a whole, he couldn't help but think of his friends and those entrusted to his care, both here and on Valara. He was also feeling the burden of again being one of the few able to defend the earth.
"Daniel, do you feel up to flying this thing?" Jack asked. He hated to have to leave it to someone else, but knew it would be safer.
"Geesh Jack, I don't know. I've never taken off or landed one. I could probably control it for a while once we were in the air."
Okay, that would have to be enough, realized Jack. With a small nod he sat in the pilot's seat. "I'm not sure how far this thing is going to fly. Fortunately, the distances here on earth are pretty tiny. Keep your fingers crossed that we make it to Colorado." He checked all the controls and then input the coordinates for Cheyenne Mountain. He double-checked to make sure the cloak was on and then slowly powered her up.
Almost immediately the ship began to shake. They could all hear the groaning and screeching of metal as it protested being brought back to life when it clearly wanted to retire. Saying a quick prayer to the god of soldiers and fools, he slowly lifted the ship.
The take-off was about the same caliber as his landing had been. With only one arm he wasn't able to control the ship properly and it dipped and jerked a few times before finally lifting off enough to move forward. Jack could feel himself start to sweat and felt dizzy as he concentrated on keeping the ship level.
"Here, let me Jack", Daniel stood and helped Jack out of the pilot's seat and sat down himself. It took him a few seconds but he soon had the ship flying smoothly, although the noises continued. "God, it sounds like it's in pain", he said after a few seconds. Glancing at Jack he kind of thought that the General looked as if he were in pain. "You okay?" he asked softly. Jack just nodded.
The flight would normally only last a few minutes but they had decided to go as slowly as possible in order to keep the ship from flying apart. Their ETA was about 45 minutes, which still wasn't bad.
"Better than driving", Jack had said. He'd done the trip more times than he could count.
"Yeah, and a helluva lot better than walking!"
By the time they'd arrived in Colorado, the ship was practically screaming. It was shimmying so badly that Sophie had had to sit down and grab onto something to keep from being thrown to the floor.
"Another five minutes and we should be there", Daniel shouted. Jack nodded although Daniel could see the knuckles on his one hand – they were bone white.
Before another thought had a chance to come into his brain, there was a horrendous screech and he suddenly lost complete control. The ship started to roll from side to side and then went into a dive.
"PULL UP, PULL UP!" Jack shouted.
"I'm trying!" Daniel was using every bit of strength to try and control the craft. He managed to get the nose up slightly, but it was still heading downward fast.
"ESCAPE PODS!" Jack shouted again. He forced himself to his feet and stumbled and fell towards the escape pod. He reached down and tried to grab Kinross from her position on the floor. "Come on Captain. Move it!" He noticed Daniel struggling to reach them, falling once but picking himself back up.
"Help Sophie!" he cried, knowing he couldn't do it with only one arm. He was relieved when Daniel reached down and got her to her feet. The two of them scrambled for an escape pod. He knew there wasn't time for both of them to get in separate pods.
"Together", he shouted. Daniel glanced over and nodded. He then pushed the Captain in and followed. The door slammed shut.
Jack stood by one of the other pods, hanging on for dear life with his one good arm. By this time the ship was careening out of control. He knew he had seconds left, if that. He tried, but he couldn't get the damn door open with only one arm, as much as he struggled. Damn, he thought to himself, not now! I have too much to do – don't let this be the end, he shouted in his mind.
Suddenly, the door flew open and he got inside, slamming it behind him. Just as he reached for the eject button, he could feel the Tel'tak impact the ground with a great screeching of metal, and a horrendous 'bang'!
Sophie felt as if she couldn't breathe. Actually, she realized, it wasn't just a feeling, it was reality. She was squashed so closely up against Dr. Jackson that it was hard to take a breath. She also realized that the terror of the blind flight through the air made it almost impossible for her body to obey the directions of her mind and inhale. Just as she had convinced herself that she really, really needed oxygen, the pod hit something solid with a force strong enough to have splattered her like a bug if she hadn't been protected by the pod.
As it was, she could hear a mighty 'ooph' – whether from herself or Dr. Jackson – or possibly from both of them – she couldn't tell. The pod went careening madly; flipping over for what seemed like forever but she knew could only have been a few seconds. By the time it came to a stop, she was pretty sure she was going to lose breakfast, and probably every meal she'd ever had since high school.
There was a pause, as time, the universe and her heart stood absolutely still. It was a small voice – a teeny, tiny, little voice – that got things going again.
"You .. okay?" said the voice.
She didn't know. Really. She could honestly say she had no idea whether she was alive or dead, conscious or unconscious, hurt or safe. All she knew was that she was. More than that was beyond her!
"Sophie?" the voice was a bit louder. "Are you okay?"
Was that an angel, she wondered? No, she frowned, not an angel. Who then? It was actually the elbow in her chest that brought her back. "Ow!"
"Sorry – but you weren't answering. Are – you – all – right?" he said, as if she was a child.
"Fine – I'm – fine, I think." It came back to her like a bolt out of the sky. "God, are you okay Dr. Jackson?" She tried to see but her vision was filled with material. She took a deep breath – and got a wonderful nostril full of Dr. Jackson. He smelled – amazing. She also realized her face was pressed against a very hard, very masculine chest. She relaxed, decided that being squashed to death was not a bad way to go.
"Sophie?" he asked gently. Daniel was really worried he'd hurt her in the decent. She wasn't a huge woman and here he was, lying on top of her.
"Yeah?" she murmured into his chest.
"Are you really okay?"
"I think so. How about you?" He could feel her words, almost as much as he could hear them.
"Fine too, just a bit battered and a little woozy."
"Me too. I thought I was going to throw up."
"Well, I hope you've changed your mind on that one!" he laughed softly. "Come on, let's see if we can get out of here." For the next few minutes they wiggled and squirmed until Daniel finally found the release button. Saying a quick prayer that it would work – he really didn't want to die here – he pressed it.
The door opened immediately with a loud 'hiss'. "Thank God", he breathed. He then struggled to get out without doing more harm to the woman with him. Eventually, standing on wobbly legs, he reached in. "Come on."
Putting her hand out, Sophie allowed Dr. Jackson to pull her from the pod. She stumbled and almost fell, disoriented and still dizzy from the wild ride.
Daniel caught her and held on until she murmured something. He finally let her go but watched to make sure she was able to stand on her own two feet.
"Still okay?" he asked.
"Yes, I'm fine I think." She looked around. "Where's the General?"
"Oh God! Jack – I forgot." Daniel looked around wildly, expecting to see either the pod or Jack. When he saw neither he grew worried. "Come on", he indicated. "Let's check around." The two of them scoured the surrounding countryside. The terrain was changing from flat plains to the more mountainous region surrounding Colorado Springs.
"Over there", Sophie pointed. They could see what looked like a disturbance in the grass. As they walked closer they realized it wasn't the pod – but the crashed Tel'tak that had made such a huge mess. It had even taken out a couple of trees. Of the ship itself there was no sight – the cloaking device obviously still working.
"Jack", Daniel muttered, "Where the hell are you?" He was growing worried, wondering about air supply or whether his friend had been hurt. Just as he was about to say something to Sophie she took off running. "What?"
"Over there. I see it", she shouted as she ran. He followed quickly and soon overshot her. They both arrived to see the pod tilted at a crazy angle against the side of a hill.
"Crap", Daniel muttered. "You'd better be okay in there Jack." Both he and Sophie looked around until they could see the outside emergency release. Knowing speed was important, Daniel still hesitated as he went to open it, afraid of what he'd find. "Here goes", he finally said as he pushed the button.
The door opened but instead of looking at Jack's face – they were staring at his feet. He'd landed upside down. It took a few seconds for Daniel to realize what had happened. He was startled out of his stupor by a gravelly – and slightly weak – sounding voice.
"Well give me a hand for God's sake!"
Daniel looked down to see a very red, very irritated General. "Oh, sorry!" Together, he and the Captain managed to pull Jack out without causing undo pain – although he yelped enough times you would have thought they were torturing him!
Jack was finally free, lying flat on his back, looking up at the sky. He didn't say anything.
"Are you all right Jack?" Daniel asked worriedly. It was a couple of beats before O'Neill's eyes turned towards him.
"Fine, just enjoying not being on my head!"
"Yeah, I can understand that."
"What took you so long?" Jack asked, a small whine in his voice.
"Uh, you landed quite a ways from us. We had to find you."
"Oh, okay." Another pause until Jack sighed. "Here", he put up his good arm, "help me up." With another groan he sat up and allowed Daniel to pull him to his feet. "Whoa", he said, grabbing his head. "Head rush! They really need to have something on these things that ensure they land the right way up!" Jack looked around at the countryside. "Any idea where we are?"
"No, although it looks familiar. I'd say we are one our way to Colorado Springs."
"Yeah, I got that." O'Neill looked down at a quiet looking Sophie Kinross. "You okay Captain?"
"Yes Sir. It was quite a ride!" she smiled.
O'Neill barked out a laugh. "Yes, nothing quite like an escape pod is there? Beats a rollercoaster any day. Daniel, you okay?"
"Just fine Jack – thankful to be alive, actually. Good thinking there."
"Yeah – I really didn't want to end up smashed like a bug in an invisible Tel'tak, although for a moment there I was regretting getting into that thing." As he talked, Jack continued to look around until he got his bearings.
Daniel left him to it. If there was anything he knew the General was good at, it was finding his way to where he wanted to go. Jack had an uncanny sense of direction, equaled only by Teal'c. The team had long ago learned to always listen to either of them when it came to directions.
"This way", O'Neill finally indicated. Without more discussion they headed southwest.
"How far do you think it is?" Daniel finally asked.
"Not more than a day I'd think. We're pretty close."
"A day? Crap, more walking." After walking quietly for a few miles, Daniel turned to the General. "Do you know how we're going to get in?"
"Yeah, there's a secret tunnel. It lets out about a kilometer from the SGC. Unless the base has been captured or destroyed already, it should be relatively easy to get in."
"Really?" He looked at Jack with worry in his eyes. "Sounds too easy to me."
"Nah – it shouldn't be a problem. I doubt they'll be expecting us."
0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0X0
It had only been a couple of days and already Sam could feel herself worrying. She was somehow convinced that something had happened. She didn't know what it was, but she figured it must be something to do with Ferretti's team. She didn't know what else it could be.
She didn't say anything, not wanting to worry anyone, especially not Ferretti's family, but she was convinced something was about to change. There was a strange tension in the air, almost an electricity that crackled and buzzed.
She abruptly thought of the poem 'something wicked this way comes' and prayed she was wrong. It was when Teal'c came in and sat beside her, looking perturbed, that she knew it wasn't her imagination.
"Do you feel it Colonel Carter?" he asked softly, after a few minutes of silence.
"You mean the strange feeling in the air?"
He nodded, once.
"Yes, I do. I was hoping it was just my imagination. I have the feeling that something's about to happen and I don't know if it's something bad or good."
"I too have this feeling but do not know what it means. I fear we should prepare ourselves."
"You think the aliens might be coming?"
"It is possible. There was always the chance that Major Ferretti and his team were captured and forced to reveal our location."
"Do you think they would?" she asked, surprised.
"Not if they could help it. However, we do not know what abilities these aliens have. The men may have not had any choice."
She knew that was true, but hoped that Teal'c was wrong. Still, it was important to be as prepared as possible. "Let's get everyone together and get ready. We've done the drill enough times so we might as well put it into practice."
It didn't take them long to have everything set up. They'd always known there was the possibility of attack and they'd spent many hours working out strategies to protect themselves. There were only two entrances/exits to the lower floors – all the others had been destroyed.
The exit used by Ferretti and his team was the easiest to access but also the most difficult to seal up. Once they'd done it however, the problem was what to do if he and/or his men returned? They had arranged for a secret 'code' to let the men in, but there was always the chance they'd been compromised! She hoped they would figure it out if/when the men did return.
The other access shaft led directly up to the surface. It had been 'filled in' at the bottom but could easily be cleared if an alternate escape route was needed. From the top it looked impregnable but from down below it was simply the matter of a couple of hours to clear it.
They went around and set extra explosives where they could. The charges were small enough to keep the damage localized, although they included a few that would bring the mountain down on top of them. They had all agreed they'd rather die than be enslaved – or to allow access to the Stargate by the aliens. The self-destruct could also be set, but they'd worried the control room wouldn't always be accessible.
There were also a number of charges that were left permanently – although in places none of the children could get to. Sam knew, too well, what had happened to the General's son and didn't want to ever hear of another child dying in such a senseless way.
"I think that's covered it Ma'am", Siler had approached her silently from behind and she'd almost hit the ceiling from fright.
"Don't do that Siler! I thought you were an alien."
"Sorry Ma'am. I won't." he agreed amicably. She wondered if anything ever upset him.
"I'm sorry Siler – you just startled me. So, everything is set?"
"Yes Colonel." He handed her a control box. "This will control things on this floor. I have one and Colonel Reynolds has one. No alien will get past us Ma'am."
"I hope you're right Siler – and thanks." Taking the box she carefully put it into her pocket. She then went and double-checked everything down to the last toothpick.
"There, we're ready for them!" She looked around in satisfaction. She sure as hell wouldn't want to be the one trying to gain access to the SGC after this!