November 10, 2003 – Washington, DC
Colonel Carter was standing in the middle of the Space Terminal awaiting her father's arrival. She hadn't seen him for months and received word he was coming to visit. When she heard the announcement, she saw him walk through the gate and walked quickly up to hug him.
"Hi, Dad. It's good to see you."
"You too, kiddo. How are things here?"
"Great. Probably never better."
"Uh huh. I was just wondering because a Tok'ra operative told me a couple of weeks ago that Jack had been captured by Cronus. She was sure it was him, and I had no idea why he was even out there. I thought you might know."
Sam was aghast. She didn't even know how he would get off world.
"No, I have no idea, Dad. I didn't even know he left Earth."
"When is the last time you talked to him?"
"That's…a long story. I'll tell you soon, but first we are going to meet Joe for lunch," she said.
Then she put her hand on his arm, and they both vanished.
November 10, 2003 – Colorado Springs, CO
Janet had just finished with a patient and was headed back to her office. She'd been wondering every day about what was going on with Jack. She had a bad feeling about it but knew there was nothing she could do. She grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down at her desk. She sighed and disappeared.
November 10, 2003 – Earth Orbit
Sam looked up and was on an Asgard ship. She saw her father next to her and Janet on her other side. She then saw four people fully kitted out in black BDUs, complete with P-90s and zats, Vala, Hailey, Ferretti, and a man she'd never met.
"Major Carter, I am here to inform you that the infertility caused by the Aschen vaccine you have taken can be corrected. Using the knowledge of the Ancients, O'Neill has produced a device that will reverse the damage. Do you wish to…"
She was fuming.
How dare he?
"Thor? First of all, it is Colonel Carter. Second of all, I'm not infertile! My Aschen doctor, just last week, told me that I'm fine, that we just need to keep trying. Send me back. I can't believe he got you involved in his…"
"Colonel Carter, this is not a…"
"Thor! We don't have time for this crap! You heard the woman, send her back," Jack shouted through the speakers.
"Janet, you want Thor to check you out and fix you up?" he asked in a calmer voice.
"Uh, sure, Jack."
"Good. Jacob, it's nice to see you. You'd better go back with Carter. Now, Thor!"
Hailey was glaring down Carter with the P-90 in her hands, looking every bit the soldier that Carter used to be. She smirked when Jack dismissed her.
The Carters were beamed away, and then Thor scanned Janet in the medical room. He showed her the damage to her ovaries. She was hopping mad.
"It's ok, Janet. This will take care of it," Jen reassured her.
Hailey went over to her, took the device Jack had made, told Janet to lie down, and held it over her abdomen. After less than a minute, the device shut off, and Janet stood up. Thor examined her again and showed her that she was healed.
"Jack downloaded the Ancient knowledge again, so that he could create a device to heal the damage. Everyone on Earth who has received the anti-aging vaccine is now sterile. We will give you details later, but we have a world to save," Hailey explained.
"Janet, it's good to see you. You're all fixed up now."
"Jack, where are you?"
"Inside the ship's computer. It's a long story. If I ever get out, I'll tell you. The Asgard here can duplicate this device a number of times, so they will figure out to distribute them, but I also told them to send one to you for your practice. Now, we've got to get this show on the road. The big finish, remember? Take care, Janet, I'll see you soon."
"Bye, Jack."
November 10, 2003 – Washington, DC
"The nerve of that man. Do you believe it, Dad?"
"Believe what, honey? Sam, did you ever consider he might be right? And you might be wrong?"
"No, because if that's the case, then I ruined my life, his life, and everyone else's life."
"Sammie, you can't look at it that way. You've been trying to get pregnant?"
"Yeah, for almost a year now."
"Maybe he's right."
"He is right." Janet had just beamed down and walked up to them.
"Thor scanned me and showed me that my ovaries were damaged. Jack downloaded the Ancient library again and created a device to heal the damage, which Thor confirmed with another scan afterwards. He wanted to heal you first, and you spit in his face again. Apparently, everyone who got the anti-aging vaccine is sterile. Yes, that means the majority of people on Earth."
Janet was so furious, she knew she would say something she would regret, so she turned and walked away. She stopped when she heard a familiar voice on the big screen above the gate. She looked up to see a dashing figure in his dress blues.
Hello, folks. I'm Colonel Jack O'Neill.
November 10, 2003 – Earth Orbit
"Thor, you can distinguish between Aschen life signs and Earth life signs, right?"
"I can, O'Neill. Their genetic structure is slightly different from yours, and my sensors can pick up the difference."
"Good, if there are any Earth people on these harvesters, beam them back into a holding room on the ship."
"As of now, there are none, but I will watch the situation."
Jack got on the intercom on both ships.
"Ok, teams. You have a go. God speed. Move out."
November 10, 2003 – Middleburg, VA
Hailey and Wilkins were beamed into the power room of the harvester closest to Washington. Wilkins covered her while she immediately pulled the crystals she needed and put them in her pack. Then she placed her C4 on the generator.
"Ready, Hailey?"
"Yes, sir."
They were moving down the hallway when two Aschen came running towards them, probably to check on the missing crystals. They each zatted one and kept going. They made their way to the weapon room where there were two Aschen checking on the bioweapon. Again, they were both zatted. Wilkins set his charges. They pushed the button to detonate on a 5 second timer.
"Now, Thor."
They disappeared in the familiar white light. Then the harvester exploded into a ball of fire.
November 10, 2003 – Washington, DC
You have probably heard my name as the leader of the team that first made contact with the Aschen. What you undoubtedly haven't heard is that after first contact, I've had nothing to do with furthering the relationship with them. I felt the need for prudence was being overlooked, and since the powers that be were not interested, I took a team with me, and we took it upon ourselves.
Every person on this planet that has received the anti-aging vaccine is now sterile. If you are trying to get pregnant, and wonder why you can't, that is the reason. After visiting many Confederation worlds, we have confirmed this as part of their plan for conquering new worlds and turning them into giant farms to feed their own home world. They prefer to slowly kill you off, eliminating future generations. It is much less costly than war. But if you resist, they resort to releasing a biological weapon to end your existence much faster.
As we speak, teams of heroes are destroying those biological weapons, and the harvesters on which they reside, so you need not fear. We have also developed a treatment for the infertility. It is 100% successful, but in short supply, so you will need to be patient while the logistics are determined.
If you are wondering how this came to be, you can see the official treaty document here. Your government, that was supposed to be elected to serve you, negotiated and actually put to paper the rate of sterilization they found acceptable, 30% in three years, 50% in five. Of course, the Aschen reneged on the deal, but really, what difference does it make? The politicians responsible for drafting, and actually signing this treaty are listed below.
President Robert Kinsey
Vice President Edward Thornton
Secretary of State David Evers
Secretary of Agriculture John London
U.S. Ambassador Joseph Faxon
Aschen Ambassador Mollem
At this time, President Kinsey is also set to be apprehended. Phone records, financial transactions, and recorded conversations link him, as well as Aschen leadership, to the murder of Major General George Hammond last year.
The times ahead will be difficult, but all obstacles to your future are being removed. I please ask that during the transition, you all remain calm and peaceful. The treatment will be made available to everyone, and the conquerors are being defeated. Thank you for your time today.
"My God." Jacob was nearly speechless.
All of a sudden, the power to the building was cut, and the same team that Sam saw on Thor's ship walked up to them.
Ferretti got on his radio, "No one in or out. Got it?"
"Yes, sir," was the reply.
"Hey, guys. I should have known you were in on this," Janet greeted them.
"Well, ma'am, Jack needed a team, so we gave him one," Wilkins replied.
Sam felt like she got kicked in the stomach.
"So Jack's TV debut mentioned that you guys were destroying the harvesters. How'd that go?" Jacob asked them, causing Sam to glare at her father.
"A perfect fifteen out of fifteen gone. They didn't stand a chance," Hailey replied with a proud smile on her face.
Suddenly, the Stargate and DHD were beamed out of the building.
"Where is the Stargate?" Sam exclaimed. She still hadn't taken in what was going on but felt the need to say something.
"It's in good hands for the time being, Colonel," Ferretti answered her.
"Now, are there any Aschen in here? Our orders are to round them up," he continued.
"Up there!" Vala spotted a couple grey shirts and pointed to the banquet room on the second floor.
"I guess break time is over. We'd better look around. Vala, you're with me. Hailey, with Wilkins," Ferretti ordered.
Jacob, Sam, and Janet all needed to sit down after the news.
"I guess now we know what business he's been working on. I remember a couple of years ago he came back half dead suffering from a staff blast and sarcophagus withdrawal. I wondered what the hell he was doing. He must have had to procure everything for this, from weapons to uniforms to food. And then, to have no back up or chance of rescue if they got caught." Janet sat there in wonder at what the man just accomplished.
"I'll tell you, I doubt there is anyone else in the universe stubborn and resourceful enough to pull it off," Jacob added.
"Why didn't he tell us? Tell me? We could have helped. We are his team," Sam said tearing up.
Janet and Jacob looked at her in open mouthed shock.
"He did tell you, before the treaty was even signed. And we know how that ended up. Hell, you were searching the country looking for him to turn him in to the Aschen! Are you seriously asking why he didn't confide this in you?" Janet's temper was rising as she answered the stupid question.
"What about Kinsey and the Aschen murdering George? I thought it was a heart attack," Jacob asked.
"I knew something was wrong. I checked him out the week before he died, and he was in better health than I was. I mentioned it to Jack, but he was already one step ahead and told me to keep quiet. Hammond knew something, and they killed him, so they would have come for me too."
Sam just sat there in silence.
How could I have been so wrong?
November 10, 2003 – Earth Orbit
"Alpha Team One Niner, come in."
"Copy, sir."
"Thor and I are taking off. I hope I'll be back soon. You guys know how to hold down the fort. I just wanted to let you know, I'm proud of all of you, and it's been an absolute honor."
Vala and Hailey teared up a bit. Everyone got somber for a moment.
"You too, sir. Good luck. We'll be waiting for you," Hailey replied.
"O'Neill out."
"Alright Thor, I'm almost done with this thing."
"Very well, O'Neill. When it is finished, I will put you back into stasis."
"Sounds good, buddy. And thanks for the help with the Aschen."
"You are very welcome, O'Neill."
"Before we go, I'll send our little message to the System Lords and the Tok'ra."
Then Thor's ship took off for the Ida Galaxy.
November 10, 2003 – Washington, DC
"I'm going to get home. Cassie is going to wonder where I've been. I'll see you both later. Sam, if you want me to use the device to heal you, just let me know. I won't make you get in line."
"Thanks, Janet. I'll let you know."
Sam heard the Colonel on the radio tell his team to hold down the fort.
Where is he going now?
She was snapped out of her thoughts by her father.
"Hey, cookie. What's the long story you couldn't tell me about? You know, about the last time you talked to Jack?"
"Dad, do I have to?" He gave her a hard glare.
"Fine, it was probably about a year ago. I was working in the lab, when I collapsed. I could have sworn I was shot with a zat, but it would have been almost impossible to pull off. So it was possible I was just working too hard again. Anyway, about ten minutes after I woke up, I got a call from one of the SFs outside saying they had Colonel O'Neill in custody. They caught him walking around behind the building.
As the senior officer on site, I was to report to Mollem, and then question the prisoner. Mollem told me to hold him until he arrived, which I thought a bit odd, but I did what I was told. I started questioning the Colonel, and he was the typical, smart ass O'Neill, giving nothing away. When I told him I was holding him until Mollem arrived, it got nasty."
"I can imagine."
Sam glared at her father again.
"He didn't cooperate with Mollem either, so they put him in a cell for the night. The next day, Mollem said they gave him some kind of truth serum, that it works and is harmless. We questioned him again, still getting nothing."
"Did he say why he was there?"
"He said he was there to see me. That he missed me."
"Wow, that stuff must work."
She ignored his comment and continued.
"He looked like hell during the interrogation, pale, shaking, and weak. Mollem said he must have been fighting it to cause those symptoms. Anyway, when we were done, Mollem said they would send him to get checked out medically and released in a couple days.
A few months later, Mollem told me that the Colonel had been hospitalized from his reaction to the serum and he killed two doctors that were trying to help him. I was ordered to find him and bring him back. I looked everywhere for weeks, but found no sign of him."
"You believed the story about the doctors?"
"Not completely, but I had orders."
Hailey walked up and joined them once more.
"You want to know the truth about what happened?"
"Isn't it 'ma'am' to you, Lieutenant?"
"No, it most certainly isn't. I haven't been Air Force for quite a while now. Anyway, when you left Jack with Mollem, he sent him to their medical lab. They were fascinated by the fact that he could fight the serum, so they tested various new formulae on him. For three and a half months. His brain was permanently damaged from the experiments. Since he's been out, he sleeps 12 hours a day, gets dizzy, and passes out regularly. When Thor finally showed up, he was able to stop it from getting worse, but couldn't fix the damage already done."
"So, the two doctors?" Jacob asked, although he looked like he already knew the answer.
"I'll let you draw your own conclusions."
"Where is the Colonel anyway? I heard him on the radio. He's not going to come and gloat?"
Hailey gave her a look of pure disdain, leaving startled expressions on both Carters.
"He's with Thor. In exchange for helping out here, he is going to help them with the Replicators. And then Thor has to figure out if he can even be put back into his body, or if it was too damaged." Her words trailed off, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
"Anyway, it's time to go. I have Aschen to interrogate."
"Sam!"
"Joe, not now." She was rubbing her temples now. Here was everything that symbolized her failed life standing before her. The man she thought couldn't hurt her, managed not only to do that, but the entire planet too.
"Sam, you know we had to give up something or the Goa'uld would have come."
The words made her sick to her stomach. He was terrified of an attack that wasn't even on the way. And she let him sweep her up in it why? Because he took her dancing? What did the Colonel do when the planet was already conquered, and no one believed him? He took it on himself, suffered for all of them, and won. She rejected him, and placed her trust in this coward in front of her.
"Joe, just please go home. I'm not ready to talk right now."
"But, Sam…"
"I suggest you listen to the lady, Ambassador," Jacob cut him off.
Hailey stood there smirking at the couple.
"Kvasir, I'm ready to go."
And she was gone.
November 10, 2003 – Colorado Springs, CO
When Janet got back to the clinic from the transporter, she closed up for the day and went home. She found Cassie there, along with Jen, Vala, Ferretti, and Wilkins. She also saw one of Jack's healing devices sitting on the table. She went into the living room and sat next to Cassie, who looked like she had been crying.
"Hi, sweetie, what's wrong?"
She hugged her mother, and tears flowed down her face again.
"Jack's gone again, and they don't know if Thor can fix him."
Janet snapped her head up at Jack's team.
"Ok, explain."
They told her about the Aschen experiments, the brain damage, and that he progressed much quicker this time, so it may be too late to save him. This time, Janet was tearing up.
"How much does he have to go through before he can have some peace in life?"
"Try not to worry, Doc. He's the most pig-headed SOB anyone's ever seen. He won't let the Aschen get him like this," Wilkins offered.
"I just feel awful for him. Nearly everyone he cared about abandoned him for the Aschen. Then he gets you guys together, and it's like he's living again. Only now, he may not be living for much longer."
They chatted about Jack's condition for a few more minutes, and the team reassured her they would pass along any updates from Thor.
"Vala, when we first met, when you two came here, and he had just escaped Ba'al, what was he doing there that had to do with this?"
"I really didn't know at the time, but I found out he only went there to get weapons and a ship."
"You have a ship?"
"Oh, yeah, don't tell anyone. He wants to keep it," she said sheepishly.
Janet let out a bright smile at that.
"I'm sure he does."
November 10, 2003 – Washington, DC
Jacob and Sam made their way over to Daniel's place, since they knew he would need to talk about the day's events. He lives in a small two bedroom apartment in a high rise building in DC, but the extra room and couch would work for staying there one night.
"I just can't believe this."
"That he didn't tell us, right?" Sam asked. Daniel's eyes got wide for a second.
"Uh no, I can definitely believe that. We had plenty of chances to support him when he sounded like a Harvard debate champion railing against the treaty in the briefing room. I can't blame him for not including us in this."
Jacob winced. Sam was so stubborn that she would attack anyone who questioned a decision she made, even herself. If she was ever going to be happy, she was going to have to hit the bottom and learn some humility. The fact was that Jack O'Neill helped create this monster. His supreme faith in her gave her confidence she never had, and now, she didn't know how to wield it out in the real world.
"No, I mean I actually can't believe what he accomplished. He infiltrated them, investigated them, discovered their motives and their plans, and then arranged a global strike that seems to have decimated or destroyed them in one day. He did all without any help from the military. Planned a war, supplied a war, recruited for a war, by himself. And he did it all without them catching wind of it? It's amazing really."
Jacob was a bit surprised that Daniel was the one to recognize the military genius this took. He had always respected Jack as a tactician, as a CO, and as someone who loved Sam and would keep her safe. His respect for the man went way up after this whole operation. Even after everything, he still saved her ass again.
"I don't think a four star General could have pulled this off, honestly. It makes you hope he has battle plans on paper that they can put in a museum one day," Jacob mused.
...
They sat there in silence for a few minutes, appearing deep in thought.
Sam really didn't expect her evening to consist of Daniel and her father waxing poetic about Colonel O'Neill. But what other choice did she have? Go home to her husband as ask him how he could condemn her to infertility? And for what? He was afraid of the Goa'uld? Or was it how his career took off after closing that deal? He'd been thinking about running for office. Now, the Colonel may never come back, killed saving the world from her and her husband.
"So, where is Jack anyway?"
Daniel always knows how to twist the knife in there, doesn't he?
"He's with Thor. He downloaded the Ancient library again to create a device to heal the damage cause by the Aschen vaccines. Now, he's inside Thor's ship's computers. He is going to go help them with the Replicators in exchange for their help today. Then if his body isn't too damaged, Thor will try to put his consciousness back into it," she answered.
"Why is this time different than the last time?"
She told him about the experiments and brain damage.
"God, we really screwed up." Daniel paled.
"Well, Jack couldn't be in better hands, so let's not worry too much. I guess a good question is, what you are going to do next? I'm pretty sure both of your bosses were captured today, if not killed," Jacob chimed in, trying to switch topics.
"I have no idea, Dad. That's up to the Air Force. I no longer have a commanding officer, and if they got to Kinsey by now, a commander-in-chief either. It's not like I can go back to the SGC. The Asgard took the Stargate."
"Yeah, and if I know Jack, he won't let them give it back until it's going to be run by someone he can trust," Jacob replied.