December 1, 2000

SGC: Daniel's Office

"How many loops have you made?" Daniel asked a very frustrated Jack. He frowned and admitted he'd lost count. Stuck in a repeating 10-hour time loop, Jack and Teal'c were trying to break the cycle and return the world to regular time.

"Haven't you wanted to do something crazy? I mean if everything resets back to the way it was, you could do anything for as long as you want without consequences."

Jack and Teal'c eyed each other with immediate understanding. Quickly they exited Daniel's lab where they had been learning Latin and the variant of Ancient script that preceded Latin's development. For many time loops afterwards, the two engaged in all sorts of revelry.

In the commissary, Teal'c joined Jack who was painting a plate with condiments to make a Happy Face. He was so frustrated he thought he'd go nuts. After Jack exploded, Teal'c smiled tolerantly at his human friend. The Jaffa of infinite patience understood human frailties and their short lives. Jack frowned and brought up a subject that had filled his thoughts for many months.

"Teal'c, I have been thinking of Dr. Hunt."

"Indeed?"

"She warned us this would happen."

"Indeed."

"She told us that it was connected with being able to visit her. We are still missing the control crystal to the DHD. And we still have a three-way paradox."

"You have a plan?"

"I have listened to Carter's explanation how the device on P4X-639 works. I am beginning to think there might be a connection between how that device on 639 works and when we blast a Stargate to make the exit jump to a different Gate. That nut on 639… Malachi… used the Stargate to access a time inversion something with magnets."

"A subspace time inversion created by the energy powered by the geomagnetic storms."

"Yeah, that. When Dr. Hunt disappeared into the past, two Death Gliders shot the Stargate. Perhaps that blast was sufficient to create such a subspace field without the geomagnetic storm. What if a blast also alters the wormhole to go back in time not just to another gate?"

"We would not know unless we transported through to the other Stargate"

"In the black hole scenario, we did not simply shut down the Stargate. We made it jump to a different gate. We have done that now a few times. We do not know what would happen if we had gone through to the other side."

"Indeed."

"I want to try it. Would you go with me?"

"We could get stuck in the past."

"No matter how bad the result, time will reset so what do we lose? Worst case we get out of this loop and live out our lives in the past."

"I do not believe General Hammond will allow us to try. He barely believes us as it is."

"Then we kill them all and do it anyway. It all resets back in ten hours."

Teal'c raised an eyebrow considering the scenario.

"We need a bomb big enough to cause the wormhole on P3R-669 to jump gates. Then we go through to see what is on the other side. I think the Gate will switch to Earth again if hit with the same force. We end up at Lake Tahoe since it is the only Gate not buried back then. Or maybe Antarctica and freeze to death or we hit the Iris and die. It's all I got."

"P3R-669 is one of the planets in the loop. Your plan has merit O'Neill." He thought for a moment. "We should determine if any Jaffa remain there. And we should dress warmly."

"I want to run the idea past Carter. If she thinks it could work, we'll do it on the next loop so we have the whole ten hours."


Tuesday, June 12, 1860

The Ponderosa

Papa sat down with me this afternoon after dinner. I rested under the tree overlooking the meadow. I knew he had been stewing. Well, we had to have this chat I suppose.

"My dear, you look radiant."

"Thanks, you look serious."

"Can't ever sneak up on you can I?"

"Nope."

"Indulge me a moment." I nodded. "I want to say that you have indeed made my son happy." I closed my book. Oh boy, here it comes. "Now I want you to make me happy…happier."

"You want to know about my things."

"Well, I gave you some time to get better after the shooting incident. I was wrong to push you so soon afterwards. Now it is time for us to talk openly as we did before the marriage."

"Is it?"

"It is."

I sighed heavily. "Are we talking or accusing?"

"Talking."

"So long as we are talking, what shall we say?"

"What are these things really?"

"They are things I used in my work."

"Which was what?"

"Translation, I am gifted with language skills, sir."

"What did you translate?"

"Ancient languages," I answered simply and to the point.

"You didn't learn them as a governess sitting around bored did you?"

"No."

"Were you ever a governess?"

"No, not really. I was a member of the expeditions to Egypt and other places. I was the official linguist."

He puffed on his pipe. "Why not say all that the first time?"

"Sir, if I may say something and you won't take offense?"

He puffed and nodded.

"At the time, it was my opinion that you would never believe a claim that I went on the expedition as a paid expert or even had an advanced university degree. I had the erroneous belief that you did not like women on principle. After all, you hadn't had a woman here in 12 years. So, I told you a story consistent with such a viewpoint. I have come to understand differently these many months. My apologies, sir."

"Thank you." He puffed and played with the pipe. "What is your degree?"

"I have a doctorate in computational linguistics, a masters in linguistics, and a bachelors in ancient languages."

"That true?"

"I thought we were past questions like that. Yes, it is absolutely the truth. In fact, I was an adjunct professor without tenure before I married."

"Hmm, well that would explain a few things." He puffed his pipe, in thought. "How did you decide to go on the expedition?"

"Robert was already a member of the team. When they found out my considerable language skills, a mutual friend and he recruited me. We were married some months later. Actually, we went on many expeditions and not just to Egypt."

"I see. How old are you?"

"I turned 30 two months ago."

At first he was slightly surprised, but nodded thoughtfully. "What was the purpose of these expeditions?"

"It was government sponsored. I can't discuss what we were doing."

"Why haven't you returned these items?"

"I tried to contact my superiors when I returned to our shores. I received no word. Once I settled here, I tried again. I let them know I am married and where I am living. By the way, the music box belongs to me privately as does the knife and other small personal care items. The guns and the larger equipment belong to them."

"We should make an effort to get these things back to where they belong."

"Papa, I am speaking to you from my heart asking you to refrain, not because I am concerned about repercussions to myself." I had to make him understand. "There is no wisdom in returning them to the wrong people. Better we should keep our council until the right time."

"I'll think on it." He sat a moment more. "Michelle, one other question: Who are you, really?"

I smiled up at him and removed my dog tags to hand to him. He looked at them carefully and handed them back to me with a question in his eyes.

"I am Doctor Michelle Hunt, civilian scientist, working for the United States military."

He patted my hand but got up and stalked off. Of course he did.


December 1, 2000 (again)

SGC

"Siler, that's an order. Send the MALP to the Gate Room with the bomb."

"I'm sorry, sir, I can't do that. You'll have to get General Hammond to sign off."

"Okay," Jack said with resignation before turning to zat Siler. "C'mon T, we have work to do. Are you ready to gas all levels in the Mountain?"

"Indeed."

Together they moved the bomb to the MALP and rolled through the blast doors in their gas masks and hazmat suits. Teal'c activated the knockout gas. Jack went up to the Control Room to dial P3R-669. Once the Kawoosh formed they sent another MALP through to see what was on the other side. Seeing Jaffa, O'Neill gave the order to send a small truck carrying anti-personnel missiles through the Gate. He detonated them as soon as they arrived. The blasts and the concussions killed everyone near the Gate. O'Neill verified the Gate was still standing and joined Teal'c on the ramp. In unison they proceeded.

"So, T think this will work?"

"I am unsure."

"Right, let's do it."

Once on the other side, Jack dialed Earth and ran for it to the ridge about a quarter mile away. Ducking behind it, they detonated the shaped charge aimed at the Gate. Checking to see the Gate was still there; they ran back and went through, slowly.

"Okay, it's Lake Tahoe," Jack said, removing his hazmat helmet.

"Indeed."

They listened. No sounds except birds reached them. With binoculars, Jack surveyed the area. He saw no signs of the modern city of South Lake Tahoe or Incline Village on the opposite shore.

"Something worked."

"So it would appear." Teal'c peered over the edge of the cave. Having been warned of the steep drop off, they had stepped through carefully.

"Well, at least we know that we can leave that day and go to another time even if it is the past."

"Events will reset in thirty minutes."

"Time enough to make it to that ridge and see what we can see."

They scrambled up the steep slope to get a better view. From all vantages, none of the signs of modern life were apparent. There were no roads, no airplane contrails, no sounds of machinery, and no settlements.

"We still do not know if this is the correct year, O'Neill."

"True, but it proves we can go to Lake Tahoe."

"We should ask Major Carter to calculate the force of the blast exactly."

"I think I can knock off some time on the next run."

"We should use horses to go farther from the cave. Perhaps we can determine if the Ponderosa exists. Michelle Hunt said the cave was five miles from the house."

"It's a plan."

Jack ran up the top of the peak with Teal'c right beside him. At that moment, they fell off a ledge that wasn't marked on the map. Both men died hitting the bottom of the canyon a thousand feet below. Once the loop reset, Jack held a spoonful of Fruit Loops. Daniel was asking him the same question. Only this time, Jack smiled a real smile.


Wednesday, June 20, 1860

The Ponderosa, Western Utah Territory

Well Papa couldn't help himself. Colonel Metcalf showed up for dinner. Yeah, right. Hoss was furious. Adam was appalled. Little Joe didn't know what to do. He was uncomfortable, stealing glances at me. I decided there wasn't a thing they could do to me. Even if they didn't believe me, I was a married woman and belonged to my husband. In those days, even the government had to have a very good reason to take a woman from her husband. That was call for shooting and then some. No, he could look, but that's about it. I was my husband's goods and chattel. Sometimes that works in a woman's favor. Plus I was pregnant. No one was going to touch me.

Besides, my laptop was all password protected. If I didn't give up the codes; then it was too bad. Most of the files had additional passwords courtesy of PGP, Pretty Good Privacy and DOD subroutines. These men would never break the codes with the level of mathematics they knew. The Goa'uld related things were encrypted with Goa'uld ciphers on top. I also had erasure programs, activated by inputting a wrong pass code four times. In a few days, the batteries would run out and they would never get them to work. Nope, they couldn't do squat short of charging me with theft of government property which they couldn't prove existed. So I dressed in my most expensive dress and jewels. As a lady, I would be treated deferentially with a gentleman's honor code long since gone in our time. I decided to play it to the hilt.

All the men stood up for me, a lady entering a room. I greeted the Colonel graciously and welcomed him as the lady of the house should. I poured refreshments and served each one by hand. The Colonel was charmed. He hadn't seen me since the wedding last year. I even had the best china on the table with the sterling and the crystal. The grey haired Colonel knew I was receiving him in honor. He was about Papa's age by the looks of him maybe the same but had suffered a harder life which had aged him. His eyes were intelligent but tired. By my demeanor, he knew I wasn't the least bit afraid of him. Even so, Victorian rituals had to be observed to greet a guest with flowery welcomes and profuse compliments. Let the verbal sparring begin.

The mere mention of Captain Bolton caused me to fan myself in agitation and displeasure. Fans have a whole language in these times. Folding it in one hand or the other, thumping it, drawing it across one's cheek, all have significant meanings. I can't keep them straight. I figured with my expression, the message would get across. So, I sniffed at the idea of that pig violating my home. The Colonel found himself apologizing for the rough treatment and the invasion of privacy even though the Captain had obtained legal authority to search the house. I casually mentioned Bolton had his men handle my personal ladies' items to no good purpose. The mention of those delicate matters made him ashamed. I indicated that I had disposed of the garments pawed by the troopers as unfit to clothe a lady ever again and hinted they had made improper gestures with them. With the Colonel squarely in the wrong no matter the legality of the search, he was on the defensive. Papa shot me such a look, which I coolly answered with one of my own. He had violated his word in my book. There would be hell to pay later. Of course we had dinner before business began in earnest. I sat next to my husband and the Colonel, farthest away from Papa to show my displeasure. It wasn't lost on him. I ignored Papa to direct my attention to our guest.

"Mrs. Cartwright that was an excellent meal," complimented the Colonel. Did you devise the recipes?"

"No, Hop Sing is our cook. He feels proprietary towards his domain in the kitchen."

"My friend Ben speaks so highly of you. He tells me you are an educated lady, ma'am. What did you study?"

"I have studied many subjects, sir. I am a teacher."

"So I am told, ma'am. I am told you are proficient in languages. What other subjects if I may enquire?"

Well, that was going to be fun.

"Oh, the usual subjects," I saw him smile indulgently and replied oh so casually. "Computer science, theory of artificial intelligence, neural network modeling, computational linguistics as related to encryption technologies, computational lexicology, algebraic semiotics as a sub-field of sign-theoretic perspectives on representational cognitive theory as it applies to relational database management, and relvars in relational calculus. Oh and let's see. Of course… I studied general education requirements… such as economics, world history, political science, physics, and literature in various languages such as Latin, Greek, Ancient Egyptian, Cuneiform, Sanskrit, Aramaic, Hebrew, Arabic, French, Mandarin…and I make a mean soufflé."

I enjoyed that.

The Colonel cleared his throat after a moment. He couldn't appear to be ignorant. "Most impressive, yes, yes, most impressive, indeed, yes."

"My sister-in-law is a most unusual and educated lady, wouldn't you agree, Colonel?" Adam was enjoying this as much as I was. "We are indeed fortunate that my brother had the good sense to win the heart of this lady."

"Yes, yes, you are to be congratulated, sir," he said to Hoss. My husband was terribly uncomfortable. "Not many men would attempt to court so formidable a woman. Most commendable, I'm sure."

"My husband is a most extraordinary gentleman himself, with the heart of a lion, being the kindest of men to a lady. He has kept his word to protect me and keep me safe in this wild land. I am most grateful he finds me worthy to be his wife."

"Well said, madam," the old Colonel said with approval.

He is a Victorian gentleman believing women subordinate to their husbands. Fine if it gets me out of jam. Once the dishes were cleared and the after dinner drinks served, the inevitable subject came up. Papa made sure Hop Sing had departed and locked the doors himself. The moment of truth.

"I understand ma'am that you may be in possession of government property. I would like to examine it, now please."

"Colonel Metcalf, I have explained to my father-in-law that these items are legally in my care. Some of them are my personal property. Some are granted to me for my work. I have been unable to contact the appropriate persons regarding them. These items are sensitive in nature and legally I am responsible for them to my former superiors. I must have permission specifically from them to relinquish these items to anyone I do not know. In addition, I must be convinced they are handled with the highest security."

"I would like to determine that, ma'am. If these are in fact your property, then of course I will leave them with you. If they are so sensitive, then we must make arrangements suitable to the security necessary."

"Colonel, these items are of an extraordinary nature. Once you view them, you will no doubt agree. Therefore, sir, as they are sensitive in nature, I ask that you give me your word of honor that should you be convinced that they are not government property, you will not mention them to anyone."

"And if I do decide they are government property?"

"Then I shall not continue to assist in their demonstration. After all there would be others in the government much more capable than I am."

"That is reasonable, ma'am. As long as you are agreeable to the demonstration and answer my questions truthfully, we should proceed."

"I also wish to know what repercussions I can expect if you decide it is government property? Are you contemplating prosecution? Perhaps I should have an attorney present?"

"Well, since you came forward to help make that determination and will not interfere if it is returned, there should be only a few questions to determine where it should be returned. Now ma'am, if you would be so kind. Let's see it."

"And I have your word that is the extent of the repercussions?"

"Madam, I give you my word. Nothing will be revealed if I decide this is not government property, nor will you face prosecution if I do."

He looked at Ben again. He could see I was furious with Ben. The men brought out the equipment. The Colonel looked over each item carefully not recognizing anything except a knife and the pistol for what they were. He did note the tags on the laptop and camcorder as being U.S. Government property with serial numbers.

"I don't recognize this system of notation or property identification tags, Ben. I have no idea what these things are except those two items." He pointed to the gun and the knife. "Ma'am who issued these items to you?"

"Colonel Jack O'Neill approved the requisition request."

"Do you have the paperwork?"

"No sir, it is on file with him. I use these things on assignment in the field so I do not carry such documents with me."

"Did you try to contact him when you returned?"

"I most certainly did, sir, to no avail. He was in transit when the battle happened along with the rest of the team. I hope he still lives. To date, I have not been able to find anyone I knew. I left messages where I was told to do so beforehand."

"What was your assignment? I thought you were living here as Mr. Cartwright's wife."

"These circumstances occurred before I was married.

"Under what capacity did you serve?"

"Official Linguist."

"And you carried weapons as a linguist?"

"Yes sir, we traveled in dangerous territory."

"What territory was that?"

"Various places overseas with hostile natives and governments," I kept eye contact. He smiled.

"Ma'am, you don't seem to be a person who would be in such situations However, Ben tells me you are resourceful so I am curious where these places were."

"Sir, with all due respect I am not at liberty to discuss that information. It is highly sensitive. Begging your pardon, sir, but you have not been cleared to receive that information." All the men were uncomfortable. It seemed unbelievably rude to them. There was no system for issuing security clearance. There was no "Top Secret" or "TS-SCI" designations. Because the Colonel was a "gentleman" he was by the nature of his rank entitled to what passed for clearance. I didn't understand that, only learning about it later. My response was inappropriate in the extreme but I didn't know. It caused problems later. "Colonel, I swore an oath never to reveal the nature of the work nor the places where I went."

"I see, well, that makes things more difficult. I would have to verify your employment to review that claim." He was pissed but I assumed it was because I would not elaborate. He was pissed because by the standards of the day I should have been forthcoming, especially to a Colonel and to my own menfolk.

"Sir, are you aware that the Government may have interests elsewhere which are not readily admitted? Can you imagine matters of so sensitive a nature that a linguist would be necessary?"

"I suppose so, ma'am. You are saying that you were that person?"

"I am saying that you may not be aware of many operations the Government pursues to protect its people. Some of these organizations are not freely acknowledged."

"I understand that such things exist. I would not be inclined to think a lady would be involved."

"Well, then, wouldn't that be an advantage improving the chances of success?"

"I suppose yet you say you were in harm's way. Were you a spy?"

"I served my country, sir, with honor and distinction as a lady together with my husband. I performed to the best of my abilities in foreign lands under dire conditions. I risked my well-being and lost my husband in the service of country. A distinguished officer such as yourself can appreciate that sacrifice."

"Madam, I regret deeply your loss of a husband in the service of our country. In these troubled times, patriots are most commendable. A lady as educated as you are said to be would be an asset in many situations. However, I have no proof today. It would help to understand that you do indeed know the purpose of such items. Please, would you be so kind as to demonstrate some of them?"

"Please indicate which ones."

He selected the laptop and the camcorder. I hooked up the camcorder to the laptop and booted up. All were astonished at the noise and lights. I typed in my desktop password. Then I turned on the camcorder and proceeded to record them discussing and exclaiming over the device.

"Colonel, if you would sit next to me I shall demonstrate a superior system of recording pictures and sound. This item is a camera that has a dual purpose. This item is an information device. Together many interesting tasks may be performed." He moved to sit next to me. The others gathered around us from behind. Hoss knew what was coming. He had a smug look on his face not bothering to stand behind.

"I already done seen all that. It's amazing. My wife showed me six months ago." He looked pointedly at Adam. "Pa, wait until you see this."

He really enjoyed saying that he knew to everyone. I smiled back up at him. Then I let it play. They saw themselves speaking around the table from a few moments ago and had the shock of their lives. No one recognized his own voice. To understand that they had been photographed and recorded so immediately and accurately stopped them cold. I replayed it several times. Then I played their reactions to seeing themselves. I think the Colonel got sick. Adam saw my finger move the touchpad mouse and things pop up and dance around the screen. He understood this was far beyond anything he had ever seen. The others didn't know what to make out of it.

"You did that just by touching it!" Papa exclaimed.

"I have never seen such items, ma'am. I can't imagine our government has such devices although I wish they did. I also wish I had the opportunity to examine them further. So I will think on it more and most likely send the matter along for further review."

"Then I take it you are satisfied it is my property or under my care?

"Well I didn't say that. I would like someone from Ft. Churchill to come look at it."

"In that case, I respectfully decline to cooperate any further. If this is government property, then there must surely be someone able to identify it."

Ben got him a drink. He poured himself one too. I ignored him. Eventually, they spoke again.

"You clearly understand how to use such an extraordinary device in a most expert manner. Obviously you are well acquainted with it. I believe you are telling the truth that you did use it for your work, ma'am." The old colonel had to pause to collect his thoughts. "Yet, you have admitted you did work for the Government. Hence, I see equipment, which in all probability does belong to the Government." He drank up. "I can understand why it may be sensitive. You are correct. These things must be returned to the proper department and only under guard." He looked at Ben who was stunned. "Ma'am, I can understand you have guarded the secret carefully and kept it all in working condition. Not knowing to whom you should confide a serious problem, I commend you for your circumspection. Yes, most commendable," he repeated. "I shall endeavor to find the proper office to accept this sensitive and unique set of items. Since you have been so careful and already know the nature of these things, I shall leave them in your care. I can not imagine anyone being more conscientious than yourself, ma'am."

"Thank you for your wisdom and perspicacity, sir."

"Well Colonel Metcalf, we are all very happy to hear you say it," Adam responded with a big smile. "Isn't that right, Pa?"

"Well, it is a relief to know that my daughter-in-law does not face serious repercussions. She is in a family way and so we are all very concerned."

"Naturally," Colonel Metcalf agreed. "You did the right thing contacting a senior officer about such matters. The more I think on it, the more I am concerned to whom I should turn to speak of such things. No wonder Mrs. Cartwright was afraid to come forward. She heroically managed to return to our shores with these items intact after suffering dreadful loss and hardship. How then should she know to whom to turn? Mrs. Cartwright, your country owes you its gratitude."

"Thank you, Colonel, for saying so."

"I had no idea she did something so important." Hoss interjected. "She never told me what she was doing only that her husband died and she was injured someplace far away." Hoss turned to me. "Michelle, you are the bravest woman I ever knowed. I am so proud of you. You kept your promise not to talk about it, not even to me."

"Yes, Michelle," Little Joe added to be conciliatory. "I guess we are all very proud of you."

"Michelle, I am glad we could clear this up." Papa was man enough to admit I was telling the truth. He still believed he had done me a service. "I know this has been a trying time for you. We didn't understand that you had to keep this secret. We never imagined it was something like this."

After shutting down my gear, I took Hoss' arm.

"You always believed in me, my beloved. That is true love. I am proud of you." He put his arm around me, protectively. His chin jutted out in his proud face. He stood tall before everyone. "No woman has a finer husband. I am so grateful to you for everything."

"Aw shucks, I didn't do nothing." His face radiated his pleasure. His chest puffed out. "I'm the lucky one. I married a real lady."

"And a patriot, young man," the Colonel added.

"Well, this calls for a celebration," Papa tried to lighten the mood. I pleaded fatigue from my condition and asked to rest for a bit. So, Hoss led me away to our room. He sat down in the chair. I sat by the window. I was tired from the adrenaline rush.

"Michelle, I been thinking. We are going to move into the new house this week as soon as I have a bed in there, maybe tomorrow even."

"Yes, Hoss."

"I'm a grown man with a wife who depends on me. I did promise to protect you. I swore nothing would ever hurt you again. Pa hurt you. Pa can't understand these things you know. He can't help himself."

"I know. He's trying to do the right thing as he understands it." I thought a while longer. "Hoss, someday Colonel O'Neill will show up. I believe it with all my heart."


December 1, 2000 (again)

P3R-669

"Okay, lead them gently," Jack reminded Teal'c before going through the event horizon. "It's a sharp drop off."

"I am aware, O'Neill."

"Right." Both men carefully led their horses through to the cave above Lake Tahoe in Earth's past. There they mounted up and consulted the topographical map.

"We have two hours left, O'Neill. Should we not proceed?"

"I just don't feel like dying this trip, T. It gets old."

"I thought you enjoyed your death experiences."

"For the first seven loops, then I got bored. Carter killed me by crushing my windpipe for, well, never mind. Then I died in a hail of bullets in the Gate Room trying to kill Hammond. I blew myself up. Then I took poison." Jack shrugged. "I crashed my truck into a tanker filled with gasoline. I jumped out of an airplane without a parachute. I ran with scissors. That fall off the cliff was the last one. I'm done."

"Indeed."

"Go carefully. Hey what's that over there," Jack pointed at a roof emitting smoke from a chimney."

"It appears to be a large dwelling."

Jack consulted the map Michelle left him. "Yep, it's in the right place."

But by that time, the time loop reset and Jack was holding a spoonful of Froot Loops in the commissary of the SGC. Daniel was asking him a question he didn't pay attention to the first time. It all began again. Only this time, Jack stood up and shouted, "YES!"


December 1, 2000 (again)

P3R-669

"I'm telling you, T," Jack growled. "I'm going to get close enough to see if she's there. Maybe we can even make contact."

"Is that wise, O'Neill? We do not know if time is passing the same for her. She could remember and affect the timeline."

"I asked Carter about that two loops ago. She thinks we reset completely as long as we are on a world inside the subspace bubble. She also thinks we could arrive on different days in the past depending on how much energy gets absorbed by the Stargate from our blast."

"I see." Teal'c was still doubtful. "Then we must hurry. We have four hours remaining."

"At least we know the route now. I marked that last thousand foot drop off the ledge that wasn't on the map."

"Indeed." Teal'c led his horse through again. He remarked, "Eight."

"Eight what?"

"Eight ways you have died on this 'looping,' O'Neill."

"That last one was actually fun because I didn't expect it. The surprise was enjoyable. So, T," O'Neill asked him over the headset as they rode towards the Ponderosa. "Did you try dying?"

"I did not. I tried killing."

"Well you gassed to death everyone in the Mountain six times."

"It was most satisfying."

"Whom did you kill?"

"Three times I killed Senator Kinsey. I flew an Air Force jet to Washington. Then I went to the Athletic Club where I slew him in the steam room…slowly. Airman Jones I kill every time because he slams me in the face opening a door at the beginning of every loop."

"Well, what if you do that the loop we finally break the cycle?"

"You will inform me on the loop we decide to return to our efforts to remediate the situation. Then the next loop I shall not kill him."

"Whatever." Jack stopped short of the ridge overlooking the Ponderosa. "Ready?"

"Indeed."

They got as far as the lane up to the house and saw Michelle greeting a man when time reset again.