Chapter 12

"You are looking at a picture of Major Carter's brain," Janet announced, pointing at a colorful picture in the traditional brain shape.

"This picture was taken about a year ago," Janet continued, "And yesterday, we took this picture." The slide changed to show another, very similar picture. Using a pointer, Janet indicated to a specific spot.

"And here is where I believe we can see what is causing Major Carter's abnormal behavior."

"So it is alien influence," Jack said, staring blankly at what the doctor was trying to show them. In fact, between Jack, Hammond, and Teal'c, none of them showed any real comprehension to what she was showing them, though Teal'c hid it best.

"There is some sort of influence, I believe, yes," Janet agreed, "I can't say whether it is alien in origin, but based on the nature of your work…I'd say that is a distinct possibility." The slides changed again, showing a series of brain snapshots.

"What is interesting is how long this has been showing up. Looking back through (Major) Carter's records, we've found this abnormality present since the time that SG-1 was under the influence of the Tok'ra armbands."

"So this is the Tok'ra's fault?" Jack asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Ah, no," Janet said, "That is when her brain showed noticeable change. However, there is an…anomaly present for much longer than that. It is my belief that Major Carter came into contact with something that then lay dormant in her brain until the virus introduced by the armbands caused it to activate." More pictures were shown, all of which meant nothing to Jack.

"No one else in SG-1 or on any other teams have shown this anomaly, so whatever caused this, it only affected Sam," Janet finished, turning off the slides.

"Doctor Frasier," General Hammond said, "Why is it that this anomaly was not spotted before?"

"Well, General," Janet answered, "It probably should have been, but when we are scanning the off-world teams, we usually are mostly concentrating around their neck, checking for Goa'uld. As you can see, Major Carter is parasite free, and the anomaly is small. It passed under the radar."

"Can this anomaly be removed?" Teal'c asked, just beating Jack to it.

"Well, it isn't exactly that simple," Janet answered, "It isn't a physical device that might be cut out of her brain. Upon closer inspection, it appears to be along the lines of hypnosis, except that it is organic in nature. Without knowing how it was done, it would be difficult to undo it."

"Can you tell us when it started?" Jack demanded, frowning. As glad as he was that Sam really wasn't in her right mind, and he wouldn't have to kill her, he was not happy learning how long it had gone on, or that no one knew it if was reversible.

"Yes I can," Janet answered, "I believe its appearance coincided with SG-1's return from P2X-669." At the blank stares she received, she clarified with, "It was one of the few missions that was held when SG-1 was led by Colonel Makepeace."

"You mean that time when I was working under cover?" Jack demanded, frowning, "So this has to do with the NID?"

"I can't say that for sure; it could simply be a coincidence with the time frame and Major Carter came into contact with something on that planet. However, I wouldn't dismiss the possibility. This influence upon Major Carter's brain does seem related to hypnosis. If the NID had gotten hold of some form of alien technology related to mind control, (Major) Carter would be a prime candidate for them to use to turn her into a spy."

"A spy?" General Hammond asked, alarmed, "Don't tell me we've had a NID spy standing in on our first contact team!"

"No, sir," Janet answered, "The time scale of the activation of the anomaly would indicate that whatever might have been attempted, it couldn't have worked. It lay dormant until Major Carter came in contact with a second influence."

"The armbands," Jack muttered, but he kept his Tok'ra comments to himself as Janet continued.

"Major Carter had no further contact with either the planet in question or the NID at this point, so I would say it is highly unlikely that the intended mind control was ever achieved."

"No," Jack answered, "Instead she goes psycho and tries to kill Daniel."

"Do you know why Major Carter would target Dr Jackson?" Hammond asked. Janet glanced nervously towards Jack but finally answered, "No, sir, nothing definite."

"Well, doctor, anything indefinite then?" Hammond asked, frowning. Janet sighed.

"I believe Sam…Major Carter may have somehow been imprinted with Colonel O'Neill. This led to a…to an obsession with him, something similar to the mentality of a stalker. She became insanely jealous with anyone the Colonel showed affection to, including…best friends."

"So you're saying that Major Carter tried to kill Dr Jackson because Colonel O'Neill was too friendly with him?"

"Sir," Janet answered, "To her state of mind, any form of contact would be viewed in a negative light. Just eating together, hanging out, maybe a friendly pat on the back…Major Carter must have seen Dr Jackson as a rival just for that."

"All right, Doctor," Hammond answered, "Your priority at the moment is to find a way to destroy this influence on Major Carter. Colonel O'Neill, Teal'c, I want you to look into the cause of this anomaly. Just…" He was interrupted by a phone ringing, which he answered. After talking briefly to the person on the other end he hung up, looking grim.

"Major Carter has escaped from her cell."

Author's Note: Some of you may have noticed I changed Sam from a captain to a major. This would be because I'm not entirely sure of her rank at this point in the series; everywhere I've tried to look it up usually just refers to her as 'Carter'. For a point of reference, this is taking place during the fourth season, sometime after 'Beneath the Surface'. If anyone could tell me what her rank is supposed to be, it would be greatly appreciated. In fact, since I have no real access to watch the series at the moment, anything you spot that directly conflicts with the show would be appreciated.