Part Three: Negotiation
(One Year after the kidnapping)
Cam finished packing his rucksack. "Hey, Lyn, have you seen that book I was reading?"
Carolyn laughed, "You packed it last night, honey."
"You sure?"
"Of course," she replied.
"And you'll be OK while I'm gone?" he asked, worried.
She laughed again, "Yes. I'll be staying with Sam. Nothing to worry about. We can always call you if we get a blister or something. I am a doctor, you know." She hugged him tightly. "I'm more worried about you wandering around the forest."
Cam smiled, "We'll be fine. Besides, we can always call you if we get a blister or something." He leaned in and gave her a gentle kiss.
Someone pounded on the door. "Come on, Mitchell. We're burning daylight here." Cam broke away from Carolyn and opened the door to the grinning face of Jack O'Neill. "Hey, Doc. Sam said to come over anytime this morning. Are you sure it's OK to leave her like this? I mean… what if the baby is early?"
Carolyn smiled, "She isn't due for two more weeks. We'll be fine. This isn't the first baby I have delivered here; you know."
Jack winced, "I know. It's just…"
"It's Sam this time. I understand." Carolyn laid a calming hand on his arm, "I'll call if there is anything to report… good or bad… whether she wants me to or not." She turned back to Cam. "Besides, I'll just tell Sam that you MADE me call you at the first sign of labor." She gave him a serious look, "Now, you had better take good care of my Cameron… or else..."
Cam grabbed his bag and squeezed past Carolyn and Jack, "Geez, Lyn, you make me sound like Daniel. I don't need a keeper. Love ya." He gave her a quick kiss. "See you in a few days. Radio if you need anything."
Jack turned to follow, "Remember… first sign," he shouted over his shoulder.
"Good bye, Jack."
Jack walked over as Cam was strapping his bag on the awaiting ATV. "Ready for a week in the field, hunting the ever-elusive Stargate?"
Cam laughed, "Hell, yeah. A week in the field sounds great. This farmer-handyman gig we have going isn't nearly as much fun as chasing intergalactic bad guys through one-way worm-holes." Cam regarded Jack closely, "I know that you don't want to leave Sam. So, why are we going again?"
Jack climbed on his ATV, "Because Sam said that if I didn't leave her alone, she would kill me… slowly… she was very detailed, so I believe her. Besides, I have a theory I want to test along with the whole Stargate search. It keeps me busy worrying about something else while Sam enjoys the peace and quiet of a husband-free house." They both started their ATV's.
"So, where to first?"
"I want to go to the overlook first. Dr. Jones wants us to map all the blue trees. He wants to see if there is a reason some trees change from green to blue. We can see most of the trees around the town up there." Jack started his ATV up the trail to the overlook.
Jack was enjoying the ride. The rushing wind was soothing, and the adrenaline surge that came with muscling the heavy vehicle around obstacles was exhilarating. But as much as he missed the action, he also was enjoying the peace that came with this new conflict-free existence. A lot had changed in the last year. His lost Tau'ri had built a community. After determining that the only threats in the area were their unknown captors and a few predatory animals, they had moved out of the original cave system and into real houses.
The warriors and scientists had turned into farmers, ranchers, inventors, and handymen. They still posted a sentry in a tower, but the guard post was to warn the others when one of the so-called bears or wolves attacked the penned near-deer. The school house was finished, much to the older children's dismay, and the adults took turns teaching the kids a wide range of subjects. According to Sandra Reynolds, the older kids were already touching on subjects well above their grade level.
The college kids had continued their education by apprenticing themselves to the scientists as they attempted to recreate civilization. Cassie was working with Carolyn to continue her pre-med studies. As a result of the apprenticeships, a few of the students planned on changing their major when they returned to Earth.
The caves were now used to store all the extra stuff that seemed to show up at the drop zone. A few weeks, after the first supplies showed up in the drop zone, another delivery mysteriously appeared. And then another. And another. The 'drops' as they called them, seemed to bring what they needed, just as they needed it. One delivery included a naquadah generator, just when they had needed a sustainable power source for the new town. Luckily, no additional people showed up with the new shipments. Because the drops were not consistent, Jack had setup the weekly checks just in case something showed up. One of their objectives on this trip was the weekly check of the drop zone.
Not long after the drops started, Jack became suspicious that the aliens were maintaining surveillance on his people. Several times, he was discussing a particular needed item with Sam or Daniel, just to have it 'dropped' the next time they checked the field. As of yet, he couldn't find any surveillance equipment. However, he was suspicious of several areas around the caves and in the new town. This was the theory he wanted to test this week, but he couldn't inform Cam until they were well away from any of the suspected areas.
Jack was also certain that the Stargate was close to the drop zone. Jack had felt drawn to the Stargate since his first failed blending with Hathor's snake. While he was still in the field, he had used that advantage to get to the Stargate quickly when a mission went south. After being promoted out of the field, it was a comforting pull towards his adopted family, the SGC.
However, since being taken by the unknown aliens, the pull had been maddening. He knew the Stargate was here, but he couldn't find it. Initially, Jack thought it was just his wishful thinking, but one day Sam confided that she felt it's pull, too. She thought it had something to do with the naquadah in their blood or the remnants of their symbiotes. Either way, Jack was going to use that this trip to help him zero in on the cloaked Stargate.
Which lead to the biggest change in the last year, many of the Tau'ri had given up all hope of ever returning home. Only the long time SGC members truly believed that they would one day make it home. They had lived through too many hopeless situations to say with any certainty that they would never return. They were making the best of it in the meantime. But the others had accepted what fate had given them and were making a new life here.
One of the first social decisions Jack had to make was how to recognize a marriage. The second was setting up the individual and community responsibilities for children. Daniel had become the group's social engineer, developing a unique set of community rules based on their situation and the values they brought with them. Since these rules were created, 20 marriages had been recognized and nine babies had been born to the community, starting with Cassie's daughter, Melissa.
And now Sam was the next one due to deliver. Jack was beside himself with worry and Sam was beside herself with Jack. He knew that he was driving her nuts, but couldn't seem to help himself. He had missed most of Sarah's pregnancy, so this time he planned on being involved in everything. He just hadn't counted on being kicked out for being too involved. This trip was Sam's way of compromising by keeping him busy away from her these last few weeks of her pregnancy. She needed to rest and she couldn't do that with him hovering.
Jack pulled to a stop at the overlook. He could hear Cam park beside him. They both turned off the ATV's and sat for a minute. Jack was looking out over the valley, "Cam, the real reason we are out here is to determine where the aliens have surveillance setup around the caves and in the town." Cam turned to look at Jack stunned. "I have suspected for some time that the drops were too timely. In a few cases, I was talking about the needed item with someone just the day before." Jack continued to look out over the valley. "Sam knows and now you know."
Jack pulled out a detailed map of the community and surrounding valley and handed it to Cam. "This map is marked with specific locations. Sam plans on discussing a needed item out loud at different points around town and in the caves. She will take the next three days to do this. In the meantime, we map blue trees for Dr. Jones and hunt for the Stargate. Come day 5, we hit the drop zone to see what shows up, if anything." Jack turned and regarded Cam. "If everything goes according to plan, we will know for sure that we are under surveillance and approximately where it is located. Hopefully, we can find the devices and disable them. But at least we will know where the devices are."
"And if nothing shows up in the drop zone?" Cam asked as he handed the surveillance map back to Jack.
Jack tucked the map back in his bag, "Then we are in exactly in the same place we were yesterday. Missing."
Cam nodded his head and turned to the view of the valley. "So, how do you want to go about mapping these trees?"
Jack smiled and pulled out a second map, "Oh, I figured that YOU could do that while I try to map out the location of the Stargate."
Cam asked, "So, how exactly can you possibly map the Stargate? We have been over this area a hundred times in the last year."
Jack laughed, "I know it's there. I can FEEL it. I just can't SEE it. So, I plan on mapping the direction of the 'pull.' Viola! All the arrows will point to the Stargate." He turned back to Cam. "It is out there. And I will find it. Cloaked or not."
"Of that, I have no doubt," Cam replied. "Well, we best get to work then."
SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG
"GeneralLandry, have you again considered my request?" Teal'c asked quietly.
Hank was confused for a minute, "Request?"
"My request to take a ship to the Nox home world. I made the request six months ago. At that time you asked me to wait until the Ori were not an impending threat to Earth. The war against the Ori has turned with the new Wraith weapon. I ask that you now reconsider my request." Teal'c stood stoically.
"Ah," Hank replied. "I had not had a chance to reconsider it. I know that Vala left because we couldn't continue the search. I hope that I won't lose you over this as well."
"It has been a consideration," Teal'c replied coolly.
Hank sighed, "Let me think about it. You know what we have going on right now. I need a chance to view all the possible ramifications."
"I will give you until tomorrow," Teal'c answered. He bowed his head and left the office.
Hank was lost. He was going to lose Teal'c. After all the losses, somehow losing Teal'c was the final straw. Teal'c was the reason that Hank had been able to pull together the shattered remains of the SGC over a year ago and rebuild it into an effective defense. He lowered his head into his hands. Too many people were gone. O'Neill, Reynolds, Carter, Mitchell, Jackson, Lee… Lam. His little Carolyn. All gone. Never to be heard from again.
The damn green lights continued to purloin various items in the Colorado Springs area. A constant reminder of what he had lost. The area had become the new Roswell. A mecca for the alien hunters. Luckily, no more people had gone missing. It was bad enough that stuff had gone and still did go missing occasionally, but the trauma of losing people had created chaos in the community. The only good news was that the media and the alien hunters had not caught on to the Stargate Project, yet.
And the Ori had been relentless. Conquering planet after planet. Killing friends and allies in their quest to dominate the entire galaxy. Hank had been reluctant to believe Dr. Felger when he proposed that the Wraith weapons may hold the key to penetrating the Ori shields. But he put the idea to Dr. McKay, and he thought it had merit. Now, months later, they had a viable weapon to use against the Ori. It didn't work against the ascended Ori, but it sure eliminated their followers. Just this morning, SG-1 had returned from a successful mission where an Ori ship had been destroyed. But, the war was far from over. With this weapon deployed to their allies, they might have a chance to hold the Ori at bay. And now, with the Ori stymied, Teal'c wanted to resume his search for those lost to the green lights.
Hank had to be honest with himself. He wasn't sure he wanted to know what had happened to his missing daughter. He was afraid that the news would be bad. A long year had passed and he had imagined every atrocity used on his daughter and friends. If they were not dead, then they had been held captive for a year. As long as she was missing, he had an ounce of hope. He would rather be uncertain than know for sure that she was dead or worse. And if he lost his hope, he would stop fighting to keep Earth safe. Because for him there would no longer be a point.
Teal'c had been his rock. His beacon of hope in a hopeless sea. And Teal'c was no longer satisfied to wait and watch. Hank knew that he could not keep Teal'c here any better than he had been able to hold Vala here. But he also knew that Earth would not authorize a mission at this time or any time in the near future until the Ori were defeated. Even then he was uncertain they would authorize a mission for people long thought dead.
Hank sighed. It was time to let go. Time to let his daughter's spirit rest in peace. When he saw Teal'c again, he would tell him to go with his blessing, but without the backing of the Tau'ri. He would authorized the mission and wait for his return. And when Teal'c returned with nothing, the last of his hope would be gone.
Hank walked over to the briefing room window and watched the Stargate. I'll retire, he decided. Maybe he could reconcile with his ex-wife if the Air Force stopped getting in their way. Carolyn would like that. Her parents back together. Yes, for Carolyn he would retire and care for her mother. "Once Teal'c is back, I'm done. Good-bye, sweetheart," he whispered to the room. With a sad smile, he returned to his office to type up his authorization for Teal'c's mission… and his resignation.
SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG
Teal'c surveyed the small village from the cloaked Tel'tak. On his third pass, he spotted his target. Smiling he landed the small cargo ship in a nearby field. He approached the woman with a big grin. "Vala MalDoran, it is time."
"It took you long enough" Vala turned to Teal'c. Smiling, she approached him with a swagger in her hip, "So, Muscles, is this our ride?"
"Indeed," he replied.
"Just let me grab a few things and we will be on our way." Vala turned to one of the nearby cottages and ran inside. She returned a moment later with a small bag slung over her shoulder. "All ready. Let's go."
They returned to the ship and took off shortly thereafter. Once in orbit, Teal'c pulled up a star map and plotted their course to the Nox home world. He set the course and the small craft jumped to into hyperspace.
Vala finally felt compelled to talk after the jump to hyperspace. "I heard you shot down an Ori ship. All the locals were VERY impressed. I was able to use that to demonstrate how the Ori were not all powerful and were simply another form of false god. Very timely, by the way." Vala watched the stars streak by for a moment before turning to Teal'c. "So, why now? Why not six months ago? Or a year ago?"
"Because the Tau'ri needed me then, and now they do not," came his quiet reply.
She waited. Then prompted him when he failed to elaborate, "and…?"
"I could not let the Tau'ri come to harm in the absence of my friends. So, I waited until the others were ready to protect themselves before continuing my quest. Our friends would not have forgiven us if we failed to help all that they fought so hard to protect."
"Indeed," she responded quietly. "Indeed."
SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG
Jack and Cam arrived home tired one week later. The ATV's were pulling trailers loaded with items from the drop zone. They looked grim as they pulled to a stop outside the clinic. Jack's plan had worked. They now knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were being watched. They even knew where the surveillance equipment was located. Now, they needed to figure out what to do about it.
Jack and Cam were unloading some of the new equipment that had been dropped, when Sam and Carolyn walked into view. They greeted their wives warmly. But both women could tell that they had bad news to share. As the women looked over the items loaded into the trailers, they too took on grim expressions. Carolyn helped the guys unload while Sam went to round up more help.
Later that night, they all gathered at the O'Neill home. Apparently, inside the houses was fairly safe from surveillance. Jack had pulled out the maps and the lists for Sam to input into the computer. Cam and Jack supplied observations from their trip. When the input had been put into they all stared at the map in shock. Nearly the entire town and the cave system were under surveillance. Only the deepest parts of the caves and the interior of the buildings were free from the prying eyes.
Jack's eyes kept going over the map. Something was familiar about it. It was bothering him that he could swear that he had seen this map before. Finally, frustrated he banged his hand on the table.
"Jack?" Sam asked quietly.
"I know that I have seen this before… Recently. But, I can't place it…" he took a deep breath and closed his eyes, trying to focus on the memory. When he opened them, his gaze fell on the map that Cam had drawn for Dr. Jones. "Son of a Bitch," he exclaimed. He grabbed the map of the blue trees and spread it out over the table. It was a near perfect match.
"Holy Hannah! It's the trees," Sam was stunned. She had been helping Dr. Jones investigate the odd blue trees for months. They had noticed that several of the previously green trees were turning blue and had hypothesized that it was a part of the life cycle of the tree or possibly some underground nutrient that caused the color change. Sam had recommended they map the trees to help determine the cause of the change.
"Wait a minute, Dr. Jones and I have been all over those trees. There is nothing in the branches or on the trunk that is any different from the other trees. We would have found a cloaked device." Sam's mind was in full gear. She started to spin scenarios that would allow a device to observe without interacting on the physical plane. Finally, she turned to the others, "Radiation." The others looked at her blankly. "The reason the trees are blue is radiation. They are receiving a dose of radiation that causes the blue color reaction. The radiation is low enough that the effects are not harmful. Possibly lepton radiation?"
"Isn't that the stuff that made Daniel disappear in the giant pyramid?" Jack asked cautiously.
"And made us disappear with Merlin's magic keyboard?" added Cam.
"Yes," Sam replied. "But, it may not be the exact same phase shift. Either way, we may have to assume that the surveillance equipment is out of phase with this reality. We won't be able to find it or disable it. But, we can avoid it, if we want to."
Jack gave a tired sigh, "Would it be safe to assume that the Stargate is out of phase, too?" Jack and Cam and mapped the location of the Stargate to the center of the drop zone field. Only they couldn't find anything. They had walked the entire field trying to find the cloaked ring.
"Yes," Sam replied. "That would explain why we feel it but can't find it."
"So, what do we do now?" Carolyn asked.
"WE don't do anything." Jack looked closely at the two women. "Cam, Daniel, and I will go have a little talk with a blue tree. But, I won't put you two at risk." Sam's eyes flashed, "Ah-Ah, no way."
Cam motioned Carolyn towards the door. She nodded in return and they turned to leave. "I'll go tell Daniel. We'll see you tomorrow." Cam and Carolyn left quickly.
"Sam, please be reasonable. You have more than yourself to worry about. And, I can't risk our only doctor." Jack searched her eyes. "You know that I wouldn't want anyone else at my back."
Sam sighed, "I know. It's just… I hate feeling helpless… useless…" She motioned to her big belly and turned away from him, arms crossed.
Jack wrapped his arms around her from behind, holding her tightly to him. "You could never be useless. And as for helpless… even nine months pregnant you could kick my ass. So don't even go there." He kissed her gently on the cheek. "Are we ok?
She smiled, "Yeah, we're ok."
SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG
Teal'c landed the cargo ship in the field next to the Stargate. He and Vala exited the craft and waited for the Nox to appear. After an hour of waiting Vala was ready to hunt them down.
"What is taking so long?" She fumed.
"The Nox will arrive when the time is right."
"Well, they sure are taking their time. We came all this way to… to… I don't know." Vala paced back and forth in front of the Stargate. Venting her frustration by stomping back and forth.
"If they did not want us here, we would not be here. We must be patient," Teal'c's quiet voice reached her.
"That is indeed wise counsel, my friend," a new voice stated from behind them.
Teal'c turned to the new voice and bowed deeply at the Nox woman. "Lya, it is good to see you again."
"It's about damn…" Vala started.
Teal'c cut her off, "We have come on a matter of some importance to us. This is Vala MalDoran." He gestured to Vala.
Vala took the hint and smiled, "Nice to meet you."
"And I you." Lya nodded graciously at Vala. "Would you care for refreshment?"
"We would, thank you." Teal'c replied.
Lya turned and started to walk through the woods. Teal'c and Vala followed. "They are not… exactly… what I expected from an advance race," Vala commented as they were walking.
"Do not let appearances fool you. They are very advanced. Compared to them the human race is very… young. Yet they treat us with respect. It is an honor to be allowed to make our request of them." Teal'c glanced sideway at his companion. "They are very honorable."
Vala walked the rest of the way in silence. Teal'c's praise for these people was very high. Few people could meet his definition of honorable. And to accord the title to an entire race was quite an accomplishment. She decided to follow his lead. Teal'c was known to these people. She was just along for the ride. She would stay quietly in the background and hope that she didn't screw this up for him.
They arrived at a small collection of huts. A few of the Nox sat around a table eating fruit. Teal'c and Vala accepted the silent invitation to join them and sit. Finally, one of the other Nox asked, "For what purpose have you traveled to visit the Nox?"
Teal'c nodded, "Antenaus, over a year ago, our friends among the Tau'ri disappeared in a green light. We have sought to determine what has happened to them. Our friends among the Asgard, the Tok'ra, and the Jaffa have no knowledge of this technology. They speculate that it is a type of beaming technology. We hope that the Nox will recognize the technology and assist us in determining the location of our friends." Teal'c pulled the laptop computer from his backpack and set it up to play the video feed of the disappearances.
"You know that we cannot help you if you intend to harm those responsible," Lya stated.
"I do. While I desire revenge, I desire the return of my friends more," Teal'c nodded.
"Then show us," Antenaus said.
Teal'c played the tape of the disappearances of Colonel Mitchell, Daniel Jackson, and Colonel Carter. The Nox appeared interested then turned to Teal'c. "You witnessed this event yourself?"
"I did."
"Will you open your mind to us, that we may see it first hand?" Lya asked.
"I will." Teal'c relaxed and focused his mind on the memory. Vala's hand on his arm brought him back to the present. The Nox appeared to be communicating silently.
Finally, Antenaus and Lya turned back to Teal'c. "We believe that the ones responsible for the disappearance of your friends used a device created by the Furlings. We have not been visited by the Furlings in many generations. We cannot be certain who is responsible, only the technology used."
Teal'c's eyes widened in surprise. He had not expected a good answer, "What does this device do?"
"This is the device the Furlings used to move between dimensions," stated Lya. "They would often use this technology to observe a dimension without interfering in the physical plane of that dimension. They very firmly believed in non-interference in the lives of the inhabitants of another dimension. However, one of the Ancients was also working on inter-dimensional travel and met the Furlings. He convinced them that occasionally interference was good. He brought them into the Alliance and introduced them to the three races of this dimension."
"What a minute," Vala interrupted, "'of this dimension'?"
Lya acknowledged Vala's question, "Yes, the Furlings are not of this dimension. They only visit here and observe."
"Is it possible to determine which dimension our friends were sent to?" Teal'c asked.
"I am afraid that we cannot answer that question. We only know of the purpose of the technology, not the destination," Lya commented sadly.
"Is there any way you could contact the Furlings?" Vala asked hopefully. "Maybe they know who is doing this and can help us."
Antenaus shook his head, "The Nox and the Furlings were allies, but we had no desire to travel between dimensions. We welcomed them when they visited, but we never learned to contact them when they did not."
Teal'c considered his options. "This technology continues to take items from the Tau'ri home world, though no new people have disappeared. If we are continuously being observed from another dimension, is it possible to track one of the abductors down using our technology, in order to make contact with them?"
The Nox regarded each other before turning back to Teal'c. "It is possible. Do you have a way of measuring different types of… radiation?" Antenaus asked.
"Yes."
"Then search for lepton radiation. When you find it, you will be close to something or someone half way between dimensions. They should be able to see and hear you, even if you cannot see them."
Lya stepped forward, "I hope you find your friends."
"Thank you, Lya, Antenaus. For all your assistance. You have given us more than we had hoped for."
"You are always welcome, friend." Lya stepped back and rejoined the rest of the Nox before they disappeared.
"What…?" Vala asked.
"We must return to our ship. It is time for us to leave," Teal'c stated.
"But… where did they go?"
"They are still here." Teal'c turned and headed back to the ship with a stunned Vala following closely behind.
SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG
Jack, Daniel, and Cam had spent most of the morning marching through the woods. Jack wanted to make sure they were well away from the town before attempting to communicate with the aliens. They had hiked up into the hills surrounding the long valley with the hope that few others would be working this direction.
Cresting a hill, Jack took in the view. He could see the town in the distance on the other side of the valley. He turned to the others. "Well, what do you think?"
"It's as good a place as any, I guess," Daniel replied glancing around the hilltop.
"So, now what?" Cam asked.
Jack turned to Daniel. Cam followed his gaze and turned to Daniel.
Daniel stared back, "What?"
"You're on," Jack quipped.
"Oh, right." Daniel looked around and located the nearest blue tree. He marched up to the tree and began, "I'm Dr. Daniel Jackson from Earth, the Tau'ri. This is General Jack O'Neill and Lt. Colonel Cameron Mitchell. We would like to speak to someone about our unlawful abduction and imprisonment here on this planet. We know that you are watching us and feel that you owe us an explanation." Daniel then turned back to Jack and Cam.
Jack smirked, "Geez, Daniel. I could have done that."
"Yeah, well, all this quality time with you has rubbed off on me." Daniel glanced at his friends, "What now?"
Cam laughed, "Oh, nothing. I just figured it was short for a Dr. Jackson lecture."
"Exactly!" Jack seconded. "So…"
"Yep."
"Anyone for a game of blackjack while we wait?" Cam asked.
"Excellent idea."
Jack and Cam settled down to play cards while Daniel deferred. He was busy walking around the clearing and thinking about what to say. When Cam had told him yesterday about the surveillance and what Jack had planned, Daniel was excited. But over the night, he grew angry. His mind kept hopping to images of his friends huddled in caves around campfires, one of the small kids asking about grandpa, and finally to a bewildered second group of stolen people. How dare they steal people from their homes and families? What reason could possibly be good enough to justify this torment? He had tried to vent his anger on the hike, but still found himself full of rage.
Trying to make himself useful, Daniel began to collect firewood. He stacked the pile near his friends and then proceeded to make the fire. They had been waiting several hours and still had no sign that the aliens were going to come and talk to them.
Jack and Cam watched Daniel closely. They had watched him as he built the fire and now stared off into the flames. "You sure it's ok to leave him like that?" Cam asked quietly.
"Yeah. He'll talk when he has worked stuff out in his head. Best to let him be for now," Jack replied.
Just as the sun started to set, they heard a strange humming noise. When they looked over by the blue tree, they saw a green light flash. The light had left someone in its wake. They stood up and went over to greet the newcomer.
The alien was definitely not human. It appeared to be covered in fine green scales. A crest of soft spines started on its forehead and traveled a small ridge down its neck to disappear into its clothing. Its eyes had split pupils like a lizard. They could also see a tail behind it.
The creature regarded the humans with a wary look. "Greetingss, I am Nazzir of the Furl'ing. You 'ave requessted ssomeone to sspeak with."
Jack stepped forward, since Daniel appeared speechless, "I'm General Jack O'Neill of the Tau'ri. We know that you brought us here. We want to tell you that we are sentient beings and we want to go home. You have no right to hold us here against our will. Whatever your reasons or your intentions, we do not want to live here to be watched like fish in a bowl."
Nazzir turned its gaze to Jack, "We respect your ssentience, but we cannot return you. We already do too much."
"What?" Daniel exclaimed. "Too much? You kidnapped us against our will. How dare you say that you are doing too much?"
Jack put a restraining hand on Daniel's arm. "What Daniel is trying to ask is: why did you do this? Why did you destroy our lives to bring us here?"
"Desstroy?" Nazzir asked. "We do not desstroy. We presserve. They desstroy. We ssave. We promissed."
"What?" Jack looked more confused.
"Who is 'they'?" Cam asked.
"O'rii" came the reply.
"To preserve what?" Daniel asked.
"U'manss."
"Who did you promise? And why humans?" Jack asked angrily.
Nazzir paused, regarding them, before answering, "The Lantian Mar'uss assked that we presserve their children sshould the O'rii learn of them."
Daniel froze, "Marrus… Merdyn… Merlin… Merlin?" He looked thoughtful, "Children?"
"What in 'the hell' is going on?" Jack asked. "Why can't you send us home?"
"It is not ssafe. We must presserve," Nazzir replied.
"Not safe… Son of a bitch!" Jack was furious, "We have to get back. The damn Ori are attacking Earth while we sit on our asses. You have to send us back. Our people need our help."
Nazzir took a step back from Jack's display of anger, "No."
Daniel stepped in front of Jack, "At least let us talk to them, communicate. We need to let them know we are alive and safe. Please."
Nazzir turned it head to one side, "I will assk," then disappeared in green light.
Daniel slumped to the ground. Jack stalked off into the trees. Cam just looked between his two friends. He finally sat down next to Daniel. "So, what now?" he asked.
Daniel lay back and stared at the stars, "We wait."
"And then?"
Jack's voice, low with anger, came from behind them, "Then we work at perfecting Plan B."
"Ah… so you think the alien ass-kicking plan is still viable," Cam asked.
"Oh, yeah," Jack replied with a dark glint in his eyes.
"What if they let us communicate with home?" Daniel asked from his prone position.
Jack sighed and sat down next to him, "Then we begin negotiations for release."
"Release?" Cam asked.
Daniel frowned at Jack, "How do you negotiate with a flat 'no.'"
Jack looked back at them. "They didn't give a flat no. More of a 'not now'."
"What? Were you talking to the same alien?" Cam looked confused.
Daniel looked thoughtful. "Jack's right. They won't send us back when it's not safe. But that doesn't mean they won't when they think it's safe." He considered his friend carefully. "You already have a plan, don't you?"
Jack continued to stare into the fire. "Not a plan really. More of a negotiation strategy." He glanced over at Daniel. "What? If I tell you now, it will spoil all my fun."
"Riight."
They sat in silence, watching the stars. Each lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Jack broke the silence. "Teal'c owes me fifty bucks."
"What for?" Cam asked.
"The Furlings aren't furry."
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Teal'c and Vala waited in the SGC briefing room for General Landry. Since their return, many people in the SGC had greeted them, but a dark gloom seemed to have settled over the base. Current intelligence had the Ori ships heading towards Earth. The scientists were producing the wraith weapons as quickly as possible. The Tok'ra and the Jaffa were spreading the plans and the weapons across the galaxy as quickly as possible to ensure the fight could continue, if Earth should fall.
"Teal'c, Vala." General Landry said as a greeting.
"GeneralLandry, we bring the greetings of the Nox." Teal'c nodded to the General. "The Nox were able to recognize the technology used as belonging to an ancient race called the Furlings. They have not had any contact with the Furlings for many generations. The Nox believe that the technology allows the user to cross dimensions of space. They also believe that if the thefts are continuing, than the thieves may still be in the area, working out of phase with our dimension."
"So, what does that mean for us?" Hank asked.
"It means, General, that we may be able to find one of these aliens and talk to them." Vala stated. "We could try to get them to return our people… or… send them a message… or… something."
"And how would we do that?" Hank asked.
Teal'c explained, "The Nox stated that the inter-dimensional technology left a measurable lepton radiation signature. If lepton radiation is detected, then there is a strong possibility that an alien or a device is crossing dimensions in that space."
Hank felt hope surge through him. He had felt hopeless for so long now. "Do it. Call me if you find anything." He stood up dismissing them.
Teal'c and Vala retrieved a radiation detector set to locate lepton radiation. Beginning on Level 18, they started to sweep the complex. With each floor, as they failed to find any radiation signatures, they felt hope slip. Finally, on level 28, they found a faint signature. They followed it until the readings were solid. In the gate room, just under the control room window, was a lepton radiation source.
Teal'c waved his hand through the spot, but felt nothing. Vala tried to find something by touch as well, and also failed, "Interesting. Nothing to see or feel. But the meter is going nuts. Well, Muscles, I think we found it."
Teal'c turned to one of the Security Forces, "Get GeneralLandry. Tell him we found a possible device."
They waited until General Landry arrived. "Teal'c. Where is it?"
"It appears to be here against the wall," Teal'c pointed to the spot with the strongest readings.
"So, what do we do?" General Landry asked, patting at the spot on the wall trying to find the device.
Vala stalked forward, "If it is just a recording device, we could leave a message. Ask them to call us back, you know, like one of those answering machines of yours. If it is an alien, then the poor soul is quite literally backed into a wall. We say our piece and hope the little guy takes the message to the others."
Hank considered it, "Not a bad idea. I just hope they don't ignore us." He turned to the blank space on the wall. "This is General Hank Landry to the aliens using Furling technology. I know that you have taken my people. I want them back. I intend to pester you as long as you have them. So it would be in your best interest to send someone to discuss their immediate release. I'll be waiting." Landry turned back to the others. "Let me know if the signature moves or changes. Now, if you two will excuse me, I have a war to win." He returned to his office feeling confident and almost happy.
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It was almost dawn when Nazzir finally returned to the hilltop. The three men stood up to face the alien. "My people have decided that communication could be allowed."
"Good." Daniel recovered first, "What can we send back?"
"Thingss. Writingss, recordingss, and ssuch."
Relieved, Jack stepped forward, "Can this be a regular event or is it a one-time deal? Our people need our expertise to defeat the Ori. If you let us communicate regularly, we can help them make our planet safe again."
Nazzir cocked its head to one side, "It could be allowed."
"How often?" Jack pressed.
"Sseven of your day ssycless. No more."
"Every seven days. I think we can live with that. Can we also send things, projects, supplies and such?"
"For what purposse?" Nazzir asked warily.
Jack eyed the alien closely, "To help our people defeat the Ori." Nazzir blinked slowly. Jack continued, "You won't let us go home until Earth is safe. So I assume here is 'safe.' But we want to go home. So let us help our people make Earth safe again. Then we can get out of your hair and back to doing… whatever it is you do."
Nazzir considered the request carefully. Finally, it said, "Asss long asss the O'rii do not find you, then it could be allowed."
Jack extended his hand, "Thank you."
Nazzir eyed his hand warily before shaking it. "You are welcome. Ssince you are aware of the devicess, ssimply place your corresspondence next to a device and tell uss to ssend it. We will be looking for your messsage." Nazzir nodded to each of the men before disappearing.
"Well, Campers, time to head back," Jack started to pack his bag. Cam joined him. Daniel put out the fire and stamped the ashes until they were cool.
During the long walk back, they were quiet. They were not going home. But, they could send home messages. Now what to say. How could they describe everything that had happened to them this last year? The trials and obstacles they had to overcome. The frustrations and hardships they had endured. The joys and triumphs they had celebrated.
The three men were subdued when they finally reached the town mid-morning. Each went to his separate home to seek comfort and to explain the melancholy mood they had returned in. Later that evening, Jack called the whole community together and explained the information they had gathered. The families dispersed to their homes to compose messages to family and loved ones. Jack would write the report for the SGC.
When Jack had completed the report and a few short messages, he asked Daniel to bring his video camera to record a message.
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Early the next morning, as the gate technicians were running routine checks on the semi-conductors. A strange humming noise and a flash of green light hit the gate room. A large pile of papers and envelopes appeared on the floor. Technicians and security scurried from the gate room and set off the alarms. When nothing exploded, Teal'c went in to investigate. He returned with the stack of letters, folders, and a video tape.
General Landry motioned him to the briefing room. Teal'c started the video without another word. The screen showed a young man in his twenties with thick brown hair and brown eyes. He held himself with a quiet confidence. But, his voice was all too familiar.
"I am Major General Jack O'Neill of the USAF. I am sending this message to Major General Hank Landry of the USAF assigned to the SGC or his replacement at Cheyenne Mountain. I have included with this message my official report. Because of the obvious physical changes, I felt the need to include my DNA signature as well." The man nicked his finger and allowed his blood to spot the bottom of the report next to his signature. Hank picked up the report and noted the dried blood next to Jack's signature.
"Approximately one year ago, we were abducted from Earth and dumped on an uninhabited world. 304 people were abducted the first time. Roughly 4 weeks later another 51 people were abducted and dumped in the same location along with much needed supplies. No other people have arrived since. The Stargate has been shifted out of our dimension to prevent us from leaving. We have spent this last year alone on this planet with no contact with our abductors or anyone else. Our abductors have sent us supplies that appear to have come from Earth. With no ability to contact Earth or 'gate home, we have established a long-term community here."
"We discovered that we were under surveillance and recently were able to determine how and where the surveillance equipment was located. Because of this development, we finally made contact with the aliens responsible for abducting us. We have negotiated for continued contact with the SGC through correspondence on a weekly basis. However, they refuse to allow us to return. According to the Furl'ing, they promised Merlin that they would preserve the human race against the threat of the Ori. All the people who have been abducted have been listed in the report."
"I also want to apologize for all the stuff that may have disappeared. Apparently, when we said that we needed something near one of their surveillance posts, the Furl'ing took it upon themselves to procure and deliver the items. We will send all future requests through correspondence. Our first requisition list is included."
The young Jack paused, "We also know that the Ori are threatening Earth. While the Furl'ing are not willing to return us until the Ori threat is eliminated, they are willing to let us help in the fight. With regular shipments of supplies and food, we can dedicate our scientific staff to research and development. We may not look the same, but we cannot sit idly by without trying to help. The Furl'ing assure us that the Ori cannot find us here. If that is truly the case, then you have a secure research facility for off-world testing here with us. Just let us know what you want us to do and we will make it happen."
"Finally, we have also included letters to our remaining family members on Earth. Please forward them if possible or at least let them know that we are OK. In order to return the supplies and any correspondences, place the items in the same place that this correspondence appeared and request that the Furl'ing send it to us. A surveillance device will be located nearby. Every seven days the Furl'ing will be waiting for your signal. The rest of this video will record the presence and physical changes of the other missing members. Ta ta for now. General O'Neill from Zulu Site, out."
The screen faded to black and the young Jack was replaced by a pregnant blond woman, "Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Carter, USAF."
Then another face, "Dr. Daniel Jackson, Archeologist"
Next a family of 5, "Colonel Steven Reynolds, USAF. My wife Sandra, teacher, and my children Bryson, Shelly, and Derek."
"Mr. Joseph Oliver, Mayor of Colorado Springs."
"Dr. Carolyn Lam, Physician." Hank felt a great weight lift off his shoulders.
And so on. Until at last, the video ended. Hank sat with the report in his hands, stunned at what the video had revealed. Next to him the Jaffa stirred, "It is good to know they are alive and doing well."
Teal'c's words stirred him to action, "Yes." He scanned the pile before him. Many were letters to loved ones proclaiming that they were alive and safe. "Have someone read through these and make sure nothing… classified is mentioned. Then have them sent off to the family members. I'm going to start the paperwork to change their status from MIA to POW. Now, let's win this damn Ori war so they can come home."
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