Chapter 7

Jack was not pleased. Actually, bearing in mind the dark expression on his face and deliberate pace to his step, this was an understatement. Although, also bearing in mind the dozen Jaffa surrounding them and staff weapons pointed their way, Daniel didn't really blame him.

'15 minutes, 15! Why do we even bother to go on these missions for the Tok'ra! We might as well just go to Chulak with a huge neon sign saying 'catch me'!'. Jack's angry tirade was interrupted by another poke to his back by the Jaffa behind him. He had already been 'persuaded' to quieten several times by their escort when they considered him becoming too rowdy.

Daniel had to admit he had a point. On a supposedly uninhabited planet, meeting a group of Jaffa was not the thing they'd planned for. Neither, apparently had the Jaffa, who seemed just as surprised as they did. They hadn't really had much of chance to do anything other than quietly surrender to the greater number.

As they neared the Stargate clearing, Daniel struggled to keep his scruffy, downtrodden composure as another, larger group of Jaffa arrived from the opposite direction, led by what only could be a Goa'uld. These were obviously the group contacted by the lead Jaffa when they had first been captured. The two moved off to one side of the open area.

They looked almost comical, the customarily huge Jaffa towering over his richly clad master. Although their voices were hushed, he could still hear their conversation if he strained.

'We believe they are of the Tau'ri, my Lord'

The dual tones of the symbiont replied ' The Tau'ri? There is a high bounty offered by many of the system Lords for their capture. Although first I may have my own interests to satisfy. I shall be returning to Feyknonya.'

'And the meeting with Lady Hasella, my Lord?'

'Once she arrives here, direct her on to my palace, she has obviously not arrived yet, a discourtesy that may be overlooked, depending on the information she has to offer. For too long Procrustes has been ignored.'

'Very well, my Lord. Once Lady Hasella arrives we shall direct her to your planet.'

'That will be adequate. But she may have a different host. I heard that her older vessel had been disfigured. You shall know her by her use of the symbol. Do not fail me in this Sha'lnk.' After giving a complicated hand sign, the Goa'uld spun on his heels, robes billowing behind him, while the Jaffa bowed. With a curt nod to one by the DHD, the Goa'uld came over to impatiently wait while the gate was dialled up.

Daniel wished for it to dial slower. He supposed even if SG1 didn't escape this time, at least Sam would be safe. From the lack of remarks from Jack's direction he guessed that the Colonel had reached that conclusion too. He hoped it would lighten some of the guilt he was certain the older man was feeling at the moment.

With a jolt - literally as a Jaffa pushed him - he came back to reality and resignedly followed Teal'c through the blue puddle.

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Despite his wide girth, the General could move at a brisk enough pace that Doctor Fraiser found herself almost out of breathe to keep up and talk at the same time. 'I'll bet the Colonel wasn't pleased at having to go on another mission for the Tok'ra.'

Hammond chuckled lightly before answering 'No, he wasn't but Aldwin said it should only take them a few hours there and back; we're expecting them back in four now.'

'Good.' Janet gave an internal sigh of relief. At his expectant look, she elaborated 'Hopefully the sedative I gave Major Carter should keep her resting until they get back. The last thing she needs is another thing to worry about.'

The General nodded as they rounded the corner and entered the elevator. 'And the last thing we need to worry about is Major Carter trying to stage a breakout and follow them. The Pentagon want this 'ability' explored further'

'I don't know when that will be possible, at least anytime soon. These episodes seem to take a lot out of her; it's why we think she's been so tired the last few weeks. And as much as I hate lying to her, worrying over SG1, will not help at the moment.' The Doctor tried to leave out her worry that she felt over both the condition of her friend and for the rest of SG1somewhere out in the galaxy. The latter she kept buried deep down, in the same place she always felt that little knawing of doubt whenever any of her best friend and her team went out.

'I understand Doctor. Please inform me once she's woken up. There are still some matters I need to discuss with her.'

The lift pinged as it reached the correct floor, and then the General nodded curtly to her before striding off to whatever had brought him up away from his office and the gate. Janet started to flip through the folder with Sam's latest set of test results as she entered the infirmary and headed in the direction of the woman's bed. She was disturbed to see that the Major, rather than sleeping peacefully, like she should under the heavy sedative Janet had given her, was tossing and turning, murmuring in her sleep.

When she leant down to try to hear what the other woman was saying, Janet noticed her hands clenching and unclenching so tightly little half moon crescents of red were left on her palms. She jumped in surprise when Sam sat bolt upright, her hair sticking up from the sweat trickling down her forehead.

Sam's eyes swept the room before their angry blue gaze settled on the doctor, an unusual accusatory glare in them. Janet shifted uncomfortably, before Sam spoke.

'Why didn't you tell me they had gone? When were you going to tell me? If at all!' Sam's eyes seem to pierce through her and she instantly regretted not being completely honest with her friend. 'They need me with them. Janet, they're gonna get themselves killed!'

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