Warnings and disclaimer in chapter 1. Enjoy.
Jack
With a nod of his head, Daniel followed me over to where Carter sat, her head still cradled in her arms. A quick tap on her shoulder and her head popped up, eyes struggling to focus on us.
"It's okay Carter. We're just gonna escort you to our lovely hut."
Nodding her head slightly, she mumbled something I couldn't quite catch and started to stand up. Before she could get all the way, I was grabbing her arm and putting it around my shoulder, noticing Daniel was doing the same. Carefully, we guided her out of the building and into the village, slowly making our way towards the hut. Carter was obviously trying not to fade into oblivion, her eyes trained on the ground ahead of her, struggling with every step she took to stay upright. There was no doubt in my mind if Daniel and I weren't here she would be face down on the dirt. Finally we made it to our little hut. Daniel opened the door while I dragged Carter to the nearest cot where she abruptly collapsed. Daniel went over to grab a blanket while I started to undo her boots. As soon as her boots were off, I helped Daniel tuck her in, brushing a stray strand of hair off her face and frowning when I feel a fever again. Motioning Daniel, I move over to the other side of the room. Hopefully we'll be able to talk without disturbing her sleep.
"How serious is this Daniel?"
"Very serious."
"If it was designed for the Goa'uld, why is it affecting Carter?" His shrug was not very reassuring.
"I think it was designed to interact with Naquadah, which only the symbiote and not the host had in their blood stream. I asked Jennifer to look at the scientific journals to confirm what I think, but without being able to read Asgard she couldn't make head or tails of it. I tried translating, but without the context there's no way we could solve it in a few hours. It would probably take years."
"And thanks to Jolinar Carter now has Naquadah in her blood." I slowly turn around so I'm staring at Carter. "What should we expect with them?"
"It won't be too bad for Teal'c or Jacob."
"Why did they have such trouble during the walk here then?" he asked. I know he was reviewing our trek into town.
"I think it's because they didn't know and over exerted themselves. As long as we don't push them too hard they should be fine." After a minute, I turn toward the window. "Teal'c is still Teal'c and Jacob was Jacob long before Selmak came. They won't be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound or stop a freight train with their fist anymore, but they won't need to break out the walkers and head to the retirement home either."
"What about Carter?" I ask softly, my anger from before fading away.
"She's another story." He stops, trying to figure out the right way to say this. "Teal'c and Jacob are basically two beings in one body, so when something affects one the other can compensate somewhat. Sam doesn't have that."
"So whatever is affecting them is hitting her ten times worse?"
"That's part of it, but I think it's worse for her. I think it's trying sedate her like the Goa'uld, but without another being to keep her alive..."
"She's dying." After a long moment of staring at the stars through the window, I again turn to look at my second in command. "Getting away from here will help, right?"
"I think we need to get back to Janet as quickly as we can."
I turn to face him once again. Time to start thinking strategically. "Head back to the library. You have the rest of the night to find out anything you can about whatever this is. Record anything that might help Fraiser back home, but as soon as the sun rises I want you to help with the maps. Getting out of here is our first priority. Also explain the situation to them."
"What about Sam?" He nodded toward the cots. "We really shouldn't leave her alone until we know exactly what this thing will do."
"I'll stay with her. You need to do some research. Start doing some of those forty hour days I catch you doing all the time back on the base." Nodding his head, he made his way to the door. Just as he was about to step through, I called out to him. "Daniel." He slowly turns around to look me in the eyes. "I know I haven't said it yet, and over the next few days I'll probably contradict myself, but I don't blame you for this." His relief is palpable and I curse myself that I haven't said that sooner.
"Thanks Jack." Daniel locks my eyes for a minute before heading out. Moving closer to Carter, I sit on the next cot and watch as she sleeps. How is SG-1 going to get out of this one?
Teal'c
A shaft of sunlight peaking over the window sill alerts me to the arrival of the new day. Gracelessly, I unfold myself from my sitting position in the corner of the large room. Daniel Jackson's words haunt me today, although by my unusual weariness after finishing Kelnorim I can no longer ignore them. Major Carter, General Carter, and myself are being affected by some chemical weapon. It again appears that we shall be made to suffer because of the false gods.
Glancing around the library, I realize that Daniel Jackson and Cadet Hailey have worked through the night. Although I would not admit this to O'Neill, I admire the endurance many of the Tau'ri have shown, including Daniel Jackson and Major Carter, and I am pleased that Cadet Hailey will also have this strong dedication. I know that dedication and endurance will be prime factors in defeating the Goa'uld. From my experience as First Prime, I know that far too often people will only do as much as is required to ensure their own safety and prosperity. I am proud to be a member of a group that put the safety of strangers above their own.
"Teal'c. You're awake." Daniel Jackson held a large pile of books and disappeared behind the far wall. Reemerging later, he exchanged the books for what appeared to be a pile of maps.
"Daniel Jackson, may I be of assistance?"
"Yeah. Could you help me bring these over to Jen's table? I'm trying to help her find the Stargate." Moving forward, I carefully take several of the maps before falling in step with the young man.
"Have you exhausted your research?"
"I did a little more digging last night, but I didn't find anything more. It looks like Odin didn't want the information to fall into the wrong hands and didn't keep very detailed records about the specifics."
"I see." Reaching the table, I carefully set the stack down. "Where is General Carter?"
"He woke up a few minutes ago. He was going up to the stream and on his way back he was going to get us some breakfast." Daniel Jackson explained as he sat down and began rifling through the maps.
"What of O'Neill?"
"He's going to stay with Sam until she wakes up, then they'll join us here." Nodding my head in understanding, I glance over to the door at the sound of it opening.
"Good morning Cadet Hailey."
"Hi Teal'c." Her hair is slightly damp and I realize she had refreshed herself in the stream. "I glad you're up. I wanted your help with something. I thought I started recognizing some of the terrain and would like a second opinion about it." Gesturing me over to a small table adorned with a variety of books, she begins showing me various pictures and technical maps, recalling where she thought she saw them and asking my opinion. After a few minutes Jacob Carter returns with sustenance. Grabbing a plate for myself and Cadet Hailey, I return to the table and begin rifling through the different maps. This will take some time.
Jennifer
We finally did it. The Stargate has been located. It is approximately twenty-seven miles in a Northeast direction. That's the good news. The bad news is it will be a very hard trek through rivers and forests, around gorges, and even over a mountain. Not a very big mountain, it looks like it is only a few thousand feet, but I don't think it will be the easiest trip for Teal'c, Major Carter, or General Carter.
"We have to climb a mountain?"
"Yes Sir. Approximately twelve miles through the forest is a mountain chain."
"Can't we just go around?"
"No Sir," she smiles understandingly. "According to the maps, the range goes the whole length of the continent. I think the fastest way would be to climb it."
"What's on the other side?"
"More forest Sir." He scowls at that comment. "Keep in mind these maps are extremely old. There's a good chance the terrain could have changed since they were made." He nods in understanding before turning to Daniel.
"Daniel, what do the villagers say?"
"Well, they're willing to provide us with supplies and food for our journey. They say there are many rivers and lakes so we shouldn't have to worry about water. Also if it becomes necessary there are plenty of wild game we can hunt."
"What about you guys? Feel up to a thirty mile hike?" He turned his gaze toward General Carter and Teal'c. Over the last few days their physical appearance has started to change. They no longer looked invincible, but now started looking gaunt and sickly, with little bags under their eyes testifying to their illness.
"It would appear that we have little choice O'Neill." The Colonel sighs in agreement.
"Daniel, you and Jacob go organize supplies. Only three of us are going to wear packs so necessities only. Teal'c, you and Hailey work on finding the most direct route to the Stargate. Focus on that mountain. I want the fastest, safest, easiest way through. We leave tomorrow at dawn. I want everyone to turn in no later than 22:00 hours. Everyone gets a good night's rest."
"What about you Jack?" Daniel asks, putting down his book and heading to the door.
"I'm gonna have a heart to heart with Carter. Make sure she's up to it. Let's move."
Sam
God this is boring. I've been stuck in this room the whole day. The Colonel only lets me out when nature calls. I tried sneaking out the first morning and he practically dragged me back by my boots. He threw me in the room and told, okay ordered, me to stay put. He even put Teal'c on guard duty at the door. Boy, I was about to give him hell for that, but then he came in and told me what was going on. Dad, Teal'c, and I are being affected by something on this planet. That was why I was getting tired all the time, why I'm having a hard time thinking right now. He told me more, but I blanked him out.
It's not easy to tune him out, but it's a skill both Daniel and I have developed over time. Not that we've ever ignored him out in the field, but back on base having a bored Colonel hanging around the labs is very distracting. Tuning him out is sometimes the only way to get any work done.
"Carter!" His sharp tone breaks through to me and I automatically answer.
"Sir." He's staring at me again and I can't even get enough energy to try to reassure him.
"Dinner," he says after a few minutes. Surprised, I look around. When did night fall? "Carter," he calls again. He holds something out and I automatically take it. I look down at the MRE in my hand. What am I supposed to do with that? "Eat," he tells me.
"Sir?" I can't remember what's happening. He pauses for a minute.
"You're sick," he says after a minute. A sudden memory of our earlier discussion flies through my mind.
"Teal'c?" He was sick before, on our walk here. I still haven't figured out why Teal'c was so sick. No wonder the Colonel keeps staring at me.
"Teal'c is fine," he tells me. "Dad too." Dad is sick too? I remember dad being sick, but he got better didn't he? If dad's sick I should be there. I look around hoping to see him when I notice something in my hand. I go to set it down when suddenly another pair of hands cover mine. "Major. Eat." I look up in confusion. Where did Colonel O'Neill come from? He sighs in frustration before grabbing my hand and feeding me. After the first few bites he releases me, content to watch as I eat my dinner. I'm not really hungry, but for some reason I know I need to eat.
"Sam." I look up, surprised to find the team around me. When did they all come in? "Sam." Strong hands cover mine. I look up at the face of my father. Why did I suddenly think he was sick? "Time for bed Sam," my father tells me as he starts unlacing my boots. Looking around I see Teal'c is already on a cot and Daniel and Hailey are getting more ready. I jump as someone grabs something out of my hands, only to relax when I realize Colonel O'Neill is just taking the MRE packet from my grasp. When did I get an MRE? I don't remember being hungry.
"Here Carter." He returns with a canteen and some pills. I can see the order in his eyes so I dutifully take them. Dad finished taking my boots of and reached for the blankets on the cot. Why is dad taking my boots off?
"Sleep Sam," dad tells me, grabbing the canteen from my hand and handing it back to the Colonel. He pulls me onto the cot and tucks me in just like he used to do when I was little. "We have a big day tomorrow," he tells me and again I am reminded of the all too rare times he was there to put me to bed. He pulls his own cot closer to mine, but I suddenly find myself exhausted. I drift off as I hear him getting ready for bed.
Daniel
I watch as Jack and Jacob get Sam to bed. Jennifer and I tried to keep busy, so as not to intrude, but putting together cots only takes so much time. Teal'c is already out when Sam finally falls asleep, Jacob right behind her. Jack watches those two for a minute before coming over by us. "Is Sam any better?" I ask not really expecting a positive answer.
"She's better in the morning and kinda goes downhill during the day," he tells us.
"That's consistent with the behaviors observed on both Teal'c and General Carter when we left the lab," Hailey adds.
"How about today?" Jack asks.
"They've been quiet," I tell him. "I think they're coming to grips with what's happened, but they don't seem nearly as tired as they did last night."
"Tomorrow will be the big test," Jack says unhappily. He turns back to us. "Everything ready for the morning?"
"Yes Sir," Jennifer answers him. "We have what looks to be the easiest route planned out, and copies of the surrounding area in case we have to find an alternate route."
"Make sure everyone gets a good look at the route," Jack orders. "Teal'c or Jacob will take point and set the pace. One of us will be with them to ensure we're going the right way. Whoever takes up the rear makes sure everyone is accounted for. We will never separate from the group for any reason. Everybody is on the buddy system from here on out, and they never go out on their own." Jennifer and I nod out agreement.
"Do you think General Carter and Teal'c will deteriorate like Major Carter has?" Jennifer asked. Jack glanced at me and I could only shrug.
"I hope not Cadet, but we are not going to take any chances. Assume for the duration of this mission that they are compromised." We nod in understanding. "How are we for supplies?"
"Teal'c and Jacob checked the packs. According to Teal'c we have about ten days worth of food. The villagers included some dried meat that they claim is perfect for the trail, along with trail mix of nuts and dried fruit. Hopefully combined the remaining MRE's we will have more than enough." I mentally check of my list. "Med kits, flashlights, and rope are all good, along with the small stuff like radios and canteens. According to the villagers we are in the hot, dry season so we can probably ditch the sleeping bags too."
"Keep at least one," Jack orders. I nod. Pretty much what our packs looked like after we cannibalized them in the lab.
"Sir, I'd like permission to gather water and soil samples. If there are trace amounts of this symbiote poison in the samples it could go a long way for Dr. Fraiser to find a cure."
"Granted," Jack acknowledges Jennifer's request. "But save it for the morning. I don't think those three will be ready to move quickly even if we're up at the break of dawn."
"Of course Sir," she replies.
"I'm surprised you two don't want to take another look at the lab. See if you missed anything while trying to get out." I share a guilty look with Jennifer, which doesn't go unnoticed by Jack.
"Daniel, I don't remember much about the river or the time right after, but I do remember saying you could go back there with Teal'c. And since Teal'c crashed and never went back there, how could you return with Teal'c?"
"Well," I begin, "Teal'c didn't actually go with us."
"You went alone and left us defenseless?" I can see Jennifer wilting under the thunderous gaze but I know it for the bravado it is.
"I went back to the lab Sir," Jennifer admits. Jack stares at her before turning to me.
"You should know better, Daniel."
"We kept in radio contact." I tell him. "Besides, it was a desperate situation."
"And what did you learn?"
"Nothing," Jennifer admits. "Whatever power was used for our simulations must have finally overloaded the system. I even backtracked to each of our rooms but wasn't able to get anything up again."
"Scientists," Jack mumbles while shaking his head. Jennifer points to the cots.
"With your permission I'll turn in for the night."
"Sweet dreams Cadet." She nods and is soon climbing into a bag. "Bedtime Daniel." I nod, unable to suppress my yawn as the last few sleepless days catch up to me. Jack just grins at me while he climbs into his own bag. "Night Daniel." I claim my own cot and happily follow them into dreamland.
Jack
The sun shining through the hut is the first thing that greets me when I wake up. I usually don't sleep this long. I blame it on my near death a few days ago. That and the never ending worry about half my team since then. At least now we know what the problem is and can start fixing it. Maybe not fix it. I think Doc Fraiser and her team will be the ones to fix it, but I can do my part and deal with it long enough to get them back.
"Morning Jack." I open my eyes, surprised to find myself alone with the Carters in the hut.
"Didn't think I slept that long." He just shrugs at my comment as I pull myself into a sitting position. I notice he didn't get very far from his own cot, just sitting up enough to watch Sam sleep. "Where's everyone else?"
"Hailey is getting her samples," he tells me. "Daniel went with her. Teal'c is getting the rations the tribe is giving us."
"And you volunteered to watch me sleep?" I ask, grabbing my boots. A dark shadow fell over his eyes.
"I've been trying to talk to Selmak." He grabbed his own boots.
"Oh." I don't know how to respond to that. I know Selmak is always with Jacob, but she's been so quiet that I almost forget.
"It's weird," he continued. "When I first found out what you guys did, and what you wanted me to do, I thought the thought of sharing my body and mind with a sentient alien would be absurd. But after she's been with me for a while, the thought of losing her is equally unthinkable. You know what I mean?" I do. I felt that same way about Charlie.
"We're gonna do everything we can to save her," I tell him. I'm surprised when I realize how sincere I am. I can't believe it, but there really is one Tok'ra that I would move heaven and earth for, and it's not just because of Sam or Jacob either. "You gonna be okay?"
"Yeah," he tells me, but the sadness doesn't completely leave his eyes. I think back to when Jolinar died and the deep depression Sam fell into.
"Cause if you're not…"
"Jack," he sighs. "I'm not a new recruit who needs babysitting. The best thing I can do the help Selmak is get back to the SGC. I can wallow after we get there." I nod in understanding.
"Let's get Sam up and blow this popsicle stand." Jacob nods and reaches down to shake her shoulder. "She always bites me when I do that," I comment amusedly. He just shakes his head and continues to shake her.
"Sam," he urges her and I suddenly wonder how many times throughout the years he had to wake up his reluctant child this way.
"Morning already?" she mumbles, trying to snuggle further into the blanket.
"Yeah. And we need to be on the road quickly." She nods and sits up, looking around sleepily. She sees me and I notice instantly when she remembers what has happened.
"Sir," she acknowledges briskly. "Where is everyone else?"
"Finishing getting packed," I tell her. "Feel like washing up before we leave?"
"Please," she replies. Jacob and I escort her to the river where we all get cleaned up best we can. She doesn't seem nearly as lost as she did last night, which I'm grateful for. Leaving her firmly in Jacob's care once she is safely out of the river, I search for the other members of the team, finding them by the library.
"We ready campers?" I ask. Daniel guiltily puts down the book he was holding, while Hailey was checking a few more maps.
"Indeed," Teal'c declares from outside the doorway. He is meditating but quickly looks up as Sam and Jacob make their way toward us.
"Great. Daniel, say our goodbyes. Teal'c; Hailey, take point." Everyone nods as me, Daniel, and Hailey grab the three packs.
"Wasn't there another pack?" Jacob asks curiously as we strap the packs to our vests.
"Daniel wants to give it to the villagers as a thank you present," I tell him. Daniel rolls his eyes as he goes to talk to the chieftain one last time. Jacob and Teal'c look at me in suspicion before acquiescing. Sam just looks confused. She's about to ask where her pack is when I shake my head. "Don't worry about it Major." I turn to Daniel as he rejoins the group. "Ready?" He nods his head. "OK. Move out," I order. We fall into line and soon the village disappears from view.