From the Ruins
Part Seven
"I guess you were right, Jack," Daniel said late that afternoon as SG-1 stood in the temple. Or what was left of the temple. "Looks like this route isn't an option."
The entire ceiling was on the floor. Very little of the walls were standing. The debris totally blocked off the passages. The whole back of the room was blocked off in fact.
"Boy, this place couldn't wait to fall," Sam said.
"Well, it was forced to stand still and rigid for a long time," Daniel said.
"You make it sound like it was alive," Jack said.
"In a way it was."
"Let's check out our other options."
Sam followed Jack. Teal'c stayed behind as Daniel glanced around once more before turning to follow using the makeshift crutch Amon had fashioned out of wood from one of the tables in the food tent.
"You don't have to hover, Teal'c," Daniel said. "It works fine." To demonstrate, he adeptly maneuvered himself around a small pile of debris.
"I see." He followed Daniel at a slight distance but still kept a wary eye on him.
"We may be in luck," Jack said as Daniel and Teal'c approached. "Think you can fit through there, Murray?" He pointed to a tunnel in the debris.
"It is possible."
"I could fit, sir."
"I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that," Jack said nodding at Sam's sling.
"I have to turn off the power, so it doesn't make sense for Murray to go first, sir."
"Can you turn it off from out here?"
"I don't think so. The tunnel's too thick."
"Wait a minute," Daniel said. "Are you sure you can turn it off?"
"I won't know for sure until I try."
"Ok, this is plan B. Let's go check out the wall just outside the trap door."
Teal'c tried to be less obvious about following Daniel. O'Neill didn't seem worried. Nor was he 'hovering'. Teal'c had never been in close proximity to crutches before. He'd seen them on television and at a distance once in the corridors of the SGC. He thought even two of them looked precarious, but one looked more so. Especially, with Daniel's opposite arm in a sling. Yet, if O'Neill wasn't worried…
"Hey, watch where you're going!"
Teal'c stopped just short of running over Daniel. "I apologize, Daniel Jackson. My mind wondered, and I failed to realize we had arrived."
Daniel gave him a curious look and shrugged, which made him teeter slightly.
Teal'c thrust out a hand to steady him and left the hand on his shoulder. "I apologize again," Teal'c said when Daniel winced.
"It's ok, Teal'c. I'm not gonna fall. Really."
"Never seen crutches before?" Jack asked.
"Not at close range. And never the use of only one."
"It's perfectly safe," Sam offered. "Amon did a nice job."
"I'd almost prefer you run over me to this," Daniel said becoming irritated.
Teal'c reluctantly removed his hand.
"Hey, I'm not the only one allowed to hover, you know."
"That's right," Sam said. "We all get to take turns."
"I never said anyone was 'allowed' to hover."
"You don't get a choice," Jack said.
"Why not? This is my body."
"Remember that next time it tells you to eat or sleep. Ok, this is close to where the trap door is, right?"
Teal'c moved Jack several inches to the left. "This is the position of the handle with which to open the door."
Jack raised his eyebrows. "Ya sure it's not here?" He moved a few inches.
Teal'c moved him back. "It is here."
"Ok." Jack cast a 'he's hopeless' glance at Daniel who rolled his eyes. "Yeah, you might want to move back," he added when Daniel rubbed his eyes and forehead.
"This is where the power is the strongest, sir. Teal'c, if you could help me set up, I'll start turning down the power. That is if we're going with plan C?"
"Actually, this was plan A." Jack thought for a minute. "This looks like our best shot."
Teal'c shrugged out of his backpack and removed two cables, part of the generator and two more instruments. Sam gave him instructions on how to connect everything.
Ten minutes later she announced she was ready. "I'll start turning it down in small increments then increase marginally. I estimate it will take half an hour."
"Ok, I think I know the answer to this, but just to make sure. Why can't you just turn it off right away?"
"Because if I turn the power all the way off right away, sir, the rest of the wall will probably explode and bury us."
"Yep, that's what I thought. How far away will we need to be?"
"About two feet past where Daniel is now, sir."
"Ok. Whenever you're ready."
***
Twenty minutes later, two thirds of the wall had crumbled and the power was 75% off.
"How much longer?"
"Ten minutes, sir."
"Three minutes less than the last time you asked."
"I do not believe pacing will make time go faster, O'Neill."
"I'm not pacing. I'm…"
"Racing me?" Daniel offered smiling as he passed Jack. They had been going in opposite directions around Sam and Teal'c for the past ten minutes.
"Would you two please sit down?" Sam asked wearily. "You're making me dizzy."
Jack stopped to look at her. "Ok."
"Sorry, Sam. As long as I keep moving everything hurts less. You ok?" Daniel let the crutch drop, causing Teal'c to jump.
"Jeez, Daniel. Don't give Teal'c a heart attack."
"Sorry," Daniel said awkwardly lowering himself to the ground beside Sam.
"Jaffa do not have heart attacks."
"Good thing," Jack said.
"Indeed."
"Sam?"
"It's just a headache from being so close to the power, Daniel. I think it's also time for another pain pill. And stop hovering," she added with a smile she could tell he didn't buy.
"I'll go get it for you," Jack said jumping up and running off.
"Ok, I'm turning the power down another 10%."
Daniel watched Sam punch buttons on the remote she had rigged.
More of the wall crumbled.
"Once the power's out, will you be able to turn it back on?"
"It's amazing. It's nothing like naquadah. It's stronger. But I haven't gathered enough data about it to understand how it works or if I can turn it on again."
"For what purpose would you turn it on again, Major Carter?"
"Well, if the weapons need the power to function, we'll have to get it back on."
"Would not the power in the weapons be separate?"
"Each weapon will probably have a cell of the power in it, yes. But they may need to be recharged periodically."
"Battery operated guns?"
"Yep."
"Chel nak."
"Yeah."
"That means very cool, right?"
Daniel nodded as Jack returned. "Battery operated guns," he told Jack as Jack handed Sam a pill and a glass of water.
"Huh?" Jack asked handing Daniel a pill.
"That's what might be down there," Daniel said eyeing the pill.
"Cool. Take it."
"Let's just hope we can figure out how to recharge the batteries," Sam said giving Daniel the glass of water.
Seeing that Jack was watching him, Daniel took the pill.
Fifteen minutes later, they stood over the pile of wall covering the trap door.
"Carter, Daniel, go back to Amon's tent. Teal'c and I will get to work here."
"Jack-"
"Sir-"
"Neither one of you is in any condition to move a wall. Now get going."
"Yes, sir."
"What about you?"
"Pain's gone," Jack said removing the sling and handing it to Sam. "Little stiff," he said flexing his arm. "But no pain. Go."
***
"Daniel? Carter?"
Daniel reached across the table for his radio. "Yeah, Jack?"
"Murray and I are done. You guys want to come see what we've got? Or should we call it a day? As if I even need to ask," he added to Teal'c.
"Um, I say we go in. I'll go ask Sam. Jack, I think she needs a doctor."
"Yeah. I'm going to contact Hammond tonight. Update him.
Daniel? What do you mean you'll 'go ask Sam'? Isn't she there with you?"
"Uh, no."
"Daniel, where are you?"
"Amon needed help with something."
Daniel could almost hear Jack's sigh as well as he could see Amon's disapproving look.
"Well, go back to the tent. If she's asleep, don't wake her. We'll come back and go in tomorrow."
"Ok." Daniel hooked the radio to his belt and reached for the crutch.
"I can get a doctor for all of you," Amon said.
"Um, we can hold off a little longer."
"That's what Sam said. And Jack insisted your people would provide the doctor. Is everyone you work with stubborn?"
"Pretty much."
"No wonder you fit in so well."
Daniel laughed.
"Bout time," Jack complained good-naturedly when Sam and Daniel arrived.
"What did you want us to do, Jack? Run?"
"Well, if you were in the tent like you were supposed to have been, you could have gotten here a little sooner."
"By what like a minute?"
"O'Neill has been dancing with impatience since he spoke to you, Daniel Jackson."
"Oh?" Daniel teased.
"Dancing, sir?"
"I wasn't… Let's just open the damn door already."
Teal'c tugged on the rusty handle, and the door creaked upward. Teal'c stood back and, with a slight smile, held out his arm in invitation.
"Everybody's a wise guy," Jack muttered and made his way down the ladder.
Teal'c followed him. There was complete silence for at least a minute.
"Jack? Murray?" Daniel shared a glance with Sam.
"This is incredible!" Jack came into view below. "There are about 50 weapons down here. They look like shorter staff weapons," he gushed as he climbed to the top of the ladder. He moved to the side of the ladder and reached up for Sam. "Come on. I'll help you down."
Sam sat down and used her good arm to lower herself.
"Ok. I got you." Jack used the hand not grasping the ladder to help her turn around. He swung back onto the ladder behind her. Near the bottom, Jack jumped off and, holding Sam around the waist, gently lowered her to the floor.
Her eyes went wide when she turned and saw the armory. It wasn't very big, and most of the space was taken up by what looked like a generator. Three walls were lined with shelves. One wall held rusted tools. Another held the weapons. The third wall looked ready to hold weapons as well.
Sam covered her mouth and nose.
"Yeah, the smell's not so great."
"No kidding." Sam swallowed a couple of times as Jack moved back to the ladder.
"Guess you found the slaves," Daniel said. He was lying on his stomach and peering down into the room.
"Oh yeah."
"Anything I'd be interested in down there?"
"Teal'c, you seen any rocks?" Jack called from halfway up the ladder.
"Artifacts."
"Whatever."
"I do not, O'Neill."
"I think I'll stay up here then," Daniel said.
"You sure?"
"Yeah." He swallowed the putrid smell with a grimace. "Yes."
Jack nodded. "Good. You'll be safer up there."
***
"Ok, kids," Jack said entering Amon's tent that night. "Hammond is sending transportation for us and our new toys. It'll be here at 0900 tomorrow. He also said he'd send Fraiser along if she's available, but someone else if she's not."
"I thought she was taking two weeks off," Daniel said.
"Apparently it's as hard for her to stay away as it is for us."
"Jack, did you reach your party?" Amon asked entering the tent and handing Jack a tray. "Yep. We'll be leaving tomorrow. Thank you." Jack took the tray and sat down to eat.
"So soon?" Amon asked looking at Daniel.
"Sorry, Amon. I'll give you my address, and we'll keep in touch. I promise."
"Yes. I will not lose you again, Little Daniel."
Daniel nodded and blushed slightly.
"Tomorrow's going to be a long day, so I want everybody rested."
"Surely you're not suggesting we start now," Daniel said. "It's only 9:30."
"I haven't gone to bed this early since I was five," Sam chimed in.
Jack swallowed before asking Amon, "Do you have any children?"
"Yes," Amon said smiling as Sam and Daniel glared at Jack.
"Really?" Daniel asked.
"I will show you." Amon went to rummage through a pile of clothing.
"These two are much like children, O'Neill."
"Yep," Jack agreed.
"Who's the one calling our discovery toys?" Daniel asked.
"He's more like a kid than we are if you ask me," Sam said.
"I agree," Daniel said as Amon handed him a small photo album.
"Hey!" Jack said as everyone gathered around Daniel.
"Someday, you must meet them, Daniel."
"I'd love to."
"They will be happy to know you are well."
"They know about him?" Jack asked.
"They always liked to hear stories of my experiences. They also enjoyed hearing about Claire and Mel. My oldest daughter was most interested in Daniel. I believe you are only three, perhaps four years older than she." Amon returned the album to its place and began searching throughout the tent.
"Murray, you got any more puzzles?" Jack asked.
"I only had room for one."
"Well, there's got to be something we can do. Any suggestions?"
"How about this?" Amon asked handing a tattered box to Daniel.
"You still have this?!"
"What is it?" Jack asked looking over Daniel's shoulder.
"Every player picks an animal and its corresponding card," Daniel explained dumping the taking out various game pieces. "The object is to go around the board collecting tools along the way. The first person to reach the finish line with a full card wins. I always liked being the cheetah."
"What kind of tools?" Jack asked picking up a card with a jackal on it.
"Archeology tools. So, who's in?"
"Ah. Of course."
"I'll be the camel," Sam said.
"Amon was always the ram, so that leaves the scarab and the hippo."
"I will take the hippo. Or perhaps the scarab." Daniel handed Teal'c both. Teal'c studied them and finally decided on the hippo.
"You have an excellent memory," Amon said. "Do you remember anything else?" he asked quietly. Everyone stopped and looked gently at Daniel, knowing instinctively what Amon was asking.
Daniel finished setting up the board before answering. "Mom liked the hippo and the scarab. Dad liked the jackal. Sometimes the camel."
"Which one do you think Sha're and Skaara would like?" Jack asked.
"Sha're would love the hippo," Daniel said immediately. "She'd laugh at its shape so unlike anything she's ever seen. Skaara would pick the one he thought you'd pick."
Jack smiled at that. "Smart kid."
Before they knew it, it was 2 a.m. Everyone had won at least one game. Daniel and Sam were attempting to break their tie. Daniel landed one space ahead of Sam and two spaces away from the end with a full card when Teal'c rolled doubles twice, collected his last tool and crossed the finish line.
"Consume my dust, Daniel Jackson." The Jaffa pumped his fist in the air causing everyone to burst out laughing.
Epilogue
The elevator opened to reveal General Hammond and Dr. Fraiser.
"Welcome back, SG-1. I assume these are the toys."
"Yes, sir," Jack said holding out his hand for the SFs to exit first. Two carried the four crates of weapons. Two more carried the generator. And three more carried SG-1's gear. "And you said the elevator wasn't big enough." Jack looked back at Teal'c.
"I stand corrected."
"You guys look rough," Janet exclaimed looking between and Sam.
"Yeah, it's hard to not look rough when someone falls on you or you fall on someone," Jack said. "So I've heard anyway."
"What?" Janet looked aghast.
"Take it easy, Doc. Daniel didn't mean to fall on Carter."
Janet gaped.
"You didn't fill her in?"
"I thought I'd leave that to you, Colonel," Hammond replied.
"Gee, thanks, sir."
Janet recovered quickly. "Ok, I'm definitely going to need details, although I'm not sure I really want them. First let's see what we're dealing with." She gently put an arm around Sam's uninjured shoulder and started leading her toward the infirmary with the nurses who had accompanied their transportation following. When no one else moved, she stopped long enough to turn and add, looking pointedly at Daniel, "That means all of you," before rounding the corner.
"I just want to stop by my office first to-"
"Daniel."
"Just to-"
"Daniel."
"Five minutes."
Jack spoke Amon's word sternly.
Daniel blinked and widened his eyes.
"Told you I'd learn it." Jack grinned
Daniel groaned but started toward the infirmary with Jack.
Hammond watched the exchange curiously, noting that a good bit of brightness had returned to the younger man's eyes. Something good happened on this mission. He was sure of that. "You don't look like you need to, Teal'c, but I'd suggest you report to the infirmary along with the others."
"If I do not go, Dr. Fraiser will most likely find me and ensure I have reason to need a doctor."
Hammond chuckled. "We'll debrief whenever you're all rested and ready."
Teal'c inclined his head and followed his teammates.
***
"I'd say our mission was a success," Jack said. "We got some interesting new weapons, and Carter already has an idea about how they work."
"Yeah," Daniel answered.
Jack stopped and lightly touched Daniel's arm to make him stop. "Is that it?"
Daniel looked at him. "No."
"We got something else?" Jack pretended to be surprised. "Another toy?"
"No. Just happy memories and an old friend."
"Even better," Jack said seriously.
"Yeah."
Jack smiled, squeezed Daniel's shoulder and resumed walking as Teal'c caught up to them. "So, Teal'c, have you ever done bumper cars?"
"What are bumper cars, O'Neill?" Teal'c waited for Daniel to go ahead of him, still keeping a wary eye on the crutch.
"They're harder to race in than those Egyptian vehicles, but you'll love 'em."
"Jack?" Daniel asked trying to hobble quickly enough to match Jack's increased pace.
AN: Thank you for reading my story.