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Chapter Six: This Wasn't Covered in High School Science Class

*
Max, Michael, Colonel O'Neill, and Major Carter, all stood in shock at the sight before them. Alex was still laying on the ground, paralyzed with fear. Isabel was indeed a Goa'uld, and looked at them all with the glowing eyes of pure evil.

"You two," said Isabel, to Max and Michael. "You are the ones like this host. You will also be hosts for the Goa'uld. As for the rest...you will die."

"Isabel, you have to fight it!" yelled Max. "You have to fight back!"

Isabel laughed. "You fool, nothing of the hosts survives! Except her powers, and her powers are now MINE!"

She raised her hand, and sent Max, Michael, O'Neill, and Carter, all flying backwards out of the chamber and into the corridor. But then, Isabel started to become faint, the Goa'uld voice she now had moaned with pain and weakness.

"What is..." said Isabel. "What is happening..."

Alex, still on the ground, decided to take advantage of the moment of weakness. He forced his hand to move to his Zat gun, then pulled out the weapon and armed it.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, then fired the Zat gun once at Isabel.

She was enveloped in a blue swirl of energy from the blast, and collapsed unconscious towards the ground. Alex caught her, and brought Isabel into his arms.

"Isabel, I'm so sorry," said Alex, kissing her forehead. "I should have never left you."

"ARE YOU CRAZY?!" yelled Max, rushing into the room and pushing Alex off of Isabel. "YOU SHOT HER!"

"Easy, Max," said O'Neill. "Remember what Carter told you all back at the diner. One shot from a Zat stuns, not kills."

"I had to, Max," said Alex. "I had to do it to give us a chance to save her."

"Can you get that thing out of her head?" asked Michael.

"We can't," said Alex. "But we know who can."

"Um, Whitman, Carter, in the corridor," said O'Neill. "Now."

Alex and Major Carter followed O'Neill into the corridor, while Max and Michael stayed with Isabel. When they got into the corridor, O'Neill turned and looked pointedly at Alex.

"Whitman, what are you suggesting?" he asked.

"Sir, the Tokrah," said Alex. "They can get that snake out of her head and save her! We have to do it."

"Sir," said Major Carter. "Whitman is right. We can't just leave that girl with a Goa'uld in her head, and we ourselves can't extract a symbiot. Only the Tokrah can. That means..."

"That means," said O'Neill. "Taking her, and probably her friends, to the SGC."

"Sir, they already know about it," said Alex. "They know about the Goa'uld, the Stargate, the SGC. What difference would it make if they actually see it?"

"A big difference," said O'Neill. "Especially to General Hammond."

"Sir," said Major Carter. "There is something else to consider here. Max, Michael, Isabel, and Tess, are all hybrids, a mixture of human anatomy with the DNA of an alien race we have never heard of before. We should learn more about this."

"Major," said Alex. "What are you suggesting? Not, I hope...hurting them..."

"No, of course not," said Major Carter. "But, if we can learn anything about who the Antarians are, where their world is located. Maybe they could be an ally against the Goa'uld. We all saw Max's and Michael's mental powers."

"And what if they don't want to help?" asked Alex.

"We should at least pursue the possibility, sir," said Carter. "If they don't, well then...of course, they could go."

"Just one thing," said O'Neill. "If we do this, bring these people to the SGC...and then they leave after Isabel is free of the symbiot. How do we know they won't tell anyone about it?"

"Sir, I will guarantee their word," said Alex. "I'm sure that if we save Isabel, and agree to leave them alone if they choose not to help with the fight against the Goa'uld, or to find Antar...then they will keep the secrets of the Stargate."

"Sir, if they told anyone, the government could arrest them," said Carter. "That's the last thing they want, it sounds like."

"It is," said Max, stepping into the corridor. "We have been listening in on your conversation."

"Hey, didn't your Mother teach you its not polite to eavesdrop?" asked O'Neill.

"What about talking about others behind their back?" asked Max. "Look, if you can get that thing out of my sister by taking her and us to the SGC, we will go with you. And I give you my oath, and that of the others, that the secrets you have revealed to us and will reveal to us will be kept! As long as the government leaves us alone after that."

O'Neill was silent for a moment, before finally closing his eyes and replying. "Alright," he said. "Agreed. I'll...convince General Hammond that this little field trip is necessary. But only for you, Michael, Isabel, and Tess. The others stay behind."

Max nodded. "Agreed."

**
The next day, Alex was staring at Isabel's unconscious form, laying on a bed in the medical unit of the Stargate Command facility within Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado. Standing with him were Max, Michael, and Tess. Also watching Isabel's bed closely were two guards armed with Zat guns, on standby just in case she woke up and was hostile.

They had arrived about an hour ago, after having to tell their friends and loved ones in Roswell that they couldn't come along. Liz and the others said they would make up some story for their respective families in Roswell about where they had gone.

"We have her sedated," said Dr. Janet Frasier, the SGC's chief medical officer and biologist. "The Goa'uld symbiot is also knocked out, and should remain so until the Tokrah arrive. I have also taken some blood samples, to try and determine what effect her alien DNA might have on the blending process of host and symbiot. It might help the Tokrah when they come to extract it."

"I see," said Michael, "and anything else you find out about us in the meantime is just gravy, right?"

"Michael," said Max, in a chastising tone.

"Look, young man," said Dr. Frasier. "I have dealt with a number of different alien species working here, and humans from many different societies on different worlds. We mean no harm to any of them, except those who are a threat to us. I give you my word as a physician that nothing I learn about your alien DNA will be used to harm you, as long as you do not try to threaten our security. Clear?"

Max nodded. "Yes, thank you," he said. "I know you are only trying to help."

Dr. Frasier smiled. "You can trust us," she said, before moving away to confer with a medical technician across the room.

"Excuse me," said an SF (Security Force soldier) who stepped into the room. "General Hammond would like to see you all in the conference room."

"Come on," said Alex. "Follow me."

Alex and the SF led Michael, Max, and Tess, through the corridors of the underground base towards a large, brightly lit conference room. When they got there, they found the members of SG-1, and several more SGC personnel waiting for them. Alex recognized the other SGC members who had arrived.

"Major Ambrose," said Alex. "Dr. Barrows, Sergeant Reynolds. When did you all get back?"

"Last night," said Ambrose, rising to shake Alex's hand. "Heard you helped SG-1 kick some Goa'uld but in the desert. And that you brought back some friends."

"Yes, sir," said Alex. "Um, Max, Michael, and Tess. These are the other members of SG-8, the team I am on. This is our team leader, Major Ambrose, and this is Dr. Barrows, our linguist and archaeologist, and Sergeant Reynolds."

"Nice to meet you," said Max, shaking Ambrose's hand.

"Likewise," said Ambrose.

General Hammond stepped into the room, and approached the visitors to the SGC.

"Hello," he said. "You must be Max, Michael, and Tess. I'm General Hammond, the commander of this facility."

"Sir," said Max, "thank you...for helping Isabel. You don't know how much it means to us."

"Well, seeing that you were all so instrumental in helping us to defeat a Goa'uld infiltration of Earth, it only seemed right to help the young lady. Especially since she has one of our enemies inside of her."

"General," said Tess. "I assume Colonel O'Neill informed you about our...concerns."

"Yes," said General Hammond. "I want to assure you that you will be treated with every courtesy while you are here, and will be allowed to leave whenever you want, given we have your word that you will not reveal the secrets of the SGC to anyone. And I do mean ANYONE."

"You have our word," said Max.

"Especially since we'd be thrown in the slammer if we did tell anyone," said Michael. "You're secret's safe with us."

"Well, let's have a seat," said General Hammond. "We have some things to discuss."

They all sat down around the conference table, with General Hammond sitting at the table's head. "First, let me inform you that the Tokrah have been contacted, and their team is expected to arrive anytime to extract the symbiot from Isabel Evans. But before they arrive, I would like to know why the Goa'uld were in New Mexico, and what they were planning?"

"Sir," said Major Carter, "it would seem that they were planning on a major infiltration of Earth's society. We found a large tank in the chamber where we found Isabel, filled with Goa'uld symbiots, at least twenty."

"They could have put spies in different parts of Earth society," said Dr. Jackson. "Think of the damage they could have done."

"Wait, what about the protected planets treaty with have with the Asgard?" asked Major Ambrose. "Wouldn't Imhotep's operation be in violation of that treaty?"

"The treaty was with the Goa'uld System Lords," said Dr. Barrows. "It may not rule out some rogue Goa'uld operation, or one disguised to be a rogue operation."

"Plausible deniability," said General Hammond. "Cute. Well, thank goodness Lt. Whitman was able to determine the significance of that body's wounds, and link it to a Jaffa staff weapon. By the way, any ID yet on that body?"

"Yes, sir," said Major Carter. "Apparently, he was a geologist, probably out doing a survey and saw something, too much of something. So, Imhotep's Jaffa killed him."

"What I still don't get is why Roswell?" asked Alex. "What could Imhotep possibly have had to gain by setting up an operation there?"

"Well, he would have to become more familiar with Earth's culture, as it is now," said Dr. Jackson. "And he would have to do so in an inconspicuous manner. Plus, the deserts of New Mexico are pretty, well, desolate...for lack of a better term. What better place to set up an operation without it being easily spotted?"

"Plus, you've got to consider the whole...Roswell alien thing," said O'Neill. "They may have thought to use that as some kind of...cover story. I mean, any 'alien' sightings in Roswell might just be written off as more tourist inspired crap."

"Well, at any rate, the operation has been eliminated," said General Hammond. "And I'm sure the Tokrah will want to know the fact that the Goa'uld now know how to make their crystalline tunnels."

An alarm sounded at that moment, and a voice sounded over the intercom. "Incoming wormhole."

"Come on," said Major Ambrose to Max, Michael, and Tess. "You can see the Stargate now."

They, along with everyone else in the room went to the control room one level below the conference room. General Hammond stepped over to the technician running the Stargate monitors.

"Scheduled arrival matches that with the Tokrah, sir," said the technician.

Max, Michael, and Tess stood next to Alex. The latter whispered to them. "You think you've seen some incredible things so far, boys and girls. Get ready for this."

The last symbol on the Stargate locked in, and a brilliant flash of light accompanied by an onrush of what looked like water flashed out of the Stargate. Max, Michael, and Tess, all reflexively backed up after seeing the onrush of what looked like water, then settled down as the gate's event horizon stabilized within the circle of the gate.

"Holy shit," said Michael in a low tone.

"Its beautiful," said Tess.

"But why does it look like water?" asked Max.

"Its an optical allusion," said Alex. "Its actually high energy particles of the event horizon of a stabilized wormhole."

"Its WHAT?" asked Michael.

"You should have paid more attention in science class in High School," said Tess jokingly.

"They didn't cover Stargates in High School science," said Max.

"Confirming Tokrah IDC," said the technician.

"Very well," said General Hammond.

A few moments later, two figures exited through the Stargate. They were dressed in dark brown shirts and pants, and wore Zat guns on their hips. One was an older man with balding hair, while the other was a strikingly beautiful woman with short cropped hair. The latter was carrying a black, rounded case.

The Stargate deactivated, and General Hammond led the group down to the Stargate chamber.

"Jacob," said General Hammond, shaking the man's hand. "Its good to see you."

"And you, George," said the man. He then smiled at Major Carter. "Hi, sweetheart."

"Hi, Dad," said Major Carter, hugging the man.

"Jacob," said Colonel O'Neill. "Good to see you?"

"Hello, Jack," said the man.

"Max, Michael, Tess," said Colonel O'Neill. "This is Jacob Carter, Major Carter's Father. He is also Selmak of the Tokrah."

"Also?" asked Tess.

"That's right," said Max. "They have symbiots in them...like the Goa'ulds."

"Yes," said Jacob Carter. "But ours are benign, a true symbiot. They are not parasites who take forced victims as hosts as the Goa'uld do."

"Hello, O'Neill," said the woman who stepped through the gate.

"Anise," said Colonel O'Neill. "Its been a long time."

"Too long," said Anise. "Are these three the...hybrids you told us about?"

"We are," said Max.

"Fascinating," said Anise. "I would truly be interested in learning more about that. But first, please take us to the woman with the Goa'uld symbiot."

"Lt. Whitman," said General Hammond. "If you will take our guests to the medical unit, along with Max, Michael, and Tess."

"Yes, sir," said Alex.

"Then, after the procedure, Lieutenant," said Hammond. "I want you to meet Colonel O'Neill, Major Ambrose, and myself in my office. We have something to discuss."

"Yes, sir," said Alex.

About half an hour later, in the medical unit, the two Tokrah were bringing their equipment online next to Isabel's bed. Max, Michael, Tess, and Alex watched them with apprehension.

"Just what does this procedure entail?" asked Max.

"We must make remaining in the host intolerable for the symbiot," said Anise. "Then, it will exit the woman through her mouth. We will catch it, and imprison it in a stasis tank."

"Will it be painful?" asked Alex.

"Yes, unfortunately, it will," said Jacob. "But only for a short time. She will be tired afterwards, but will be fine after several hours rest."

"What about her alien DNA?" asked Alex. "Should it affect the extraction process?"

"It shouldn't," said Anise. "But we will be ready to abort the procedure if necessary."

"This had better work," said Michael.

"Be confident," said Jacob. "We have done this before."

They activated the machine, and a low hum emanated from it. The hum increased, and a the machine that monitored Isabel's heart rate began to beep faster. She began to moan, and struggle against restraints that held her to the bed.

Anise was checking her instruments, then looked up with a startled expression. "The extraction process is going faster than usual. Something within Isabel is assisting the machine in pushing the Goa'uld out of her."

"Her mental powers," said Tess. "This machine is giving her some support to get rid of the parasite."

Michael, Max, and Alex looked at her pointedly.

"Well, maybe," said Tess. "Hey, I PAID attention in High School science class, but they didn't cover this, either. I'm winging it here."

"I believe she is correct," said Anise. "Isabel has more control over her mind than a normal human, thus has more power to fight the Goa'uld symbiot within her. Not enough on her own to force it out of here, but with the assistance of the extraction device, even on this lower level, she is expelling the parasite."

Isabel screamed, but then the yell choked off, and the snakelike Goa'uld slithered out of her mouth.

"WHOA!" yelled Michael. "That is one ugly mother!"

Jacob grabbed the symbiot and quickly placed it in the containment tank. Isabel's vital signs settled down, and she opened her eyes.

"Isabel," said Max, walking over and placing her hand on her forehead. Meanwhile, Dr. Frasier began to check her vital signs.

Isabel tried to speak, but could not.

"Her throat needs time to heal," said Dr. Frasier. "And she needs to sleep."

"Max," Isabel whispered hoarsely.

"I'm here," said Max. "We got that thing out of you. Are you alright?"

"Feel...dizzy," she whispered in reply.

"Rest now," said Max. "We'll talk when you wake up."

"Will she be okay?" asked Alex.

"She will be fine," said Dr. Frasier.

"I agree," said Anise.

***
A half-an-hour later, Lt. Whitman stepped into General Hammond's office.

"You wanted to see me, sir," said Alex.

Hammond was seated behind his desk. Colonel O'Neill and Major Ambrose were standing by the General's desk.

"Come in and have a seat, Lieutenant," said General Hammond.

Alex sat down in one of the chairs in front of the desk.

"I am told that Miss Evans will be alright," said General Hammond. "The extraction process was successful."

"Yes, sir," said Alex.

"Good," said General Hammond. "I wanted to hold off on this until after we knew about her condition, and whether or not the extraction process was successful. I understand that she means a great deal to you."

"Yes, sir," said Alex, quietly.

"Lieutenant," said General, "someone finding out about details regarding this program through eavesdropping you were not aware of is one thing. But you deliberately revealed information about the Stargate to civilians without command authority, in violation of your standing orders regarding the classified nature of this command and its operations. Your duty was to deny everything, and confirm nothing of what they heard. Instead, you confirmed what they knew, and added information. In fact, you did so even after Colonel O'Neill told you to stop. Lieutenant, do you have any idea of the ramifications of what you have done?"

"Yes, sir," said Alex. "And I take full responsibility for my actions. I know I was in violation of orders. But sir, if faced with the same situation...with Isabel's life being in danger, I would do it again."

Hammond was silent for a moment before continuing. "Colonel O'Neill has...informed me of the extenuating circumstances behind your choice to reveal this information, and your...friends did prove helpful in eliminating a secret Goa'uld operation here on Earth. He has given his support to your decision, but it is after the fact...not before. All of this will be going into the report on the incident. If it were not for O'Neill's after the fact support of your decision, you would be facing court martial Lieutenant. You can thank Colonel O'Neill later for saving your ass."

"Yes, sir," said Alex.

"But," said General Hammond. "You will have to face consequences for your actions. I have been discussing things with Colonel O'Neill and Major Ambrose. Based on those discussions, we have come to a decision."

"Lieutenant," said Major Ambrose. "You are a fine officer, and an invaluable member of SG-8. Your service under my command has been exemplary. Because of that, I had been talking to General Hammond about accelerating your promotion to Captain. But now, we have decided to put that process on hold, for at least a year. You would have gotten your Captain's bars in a month if we had proceeded with the accelerated process."

Alex nodded. "I understand, sir," he said.

"A written reprimand will also appear on your permanent record," said General Hammond.

"Understood, sir," said Alex.

"That is all," said General Hammond. "Dismissed."

Alex stood up, came to attention and saluted, then did an about face and exited the room.

****
Several hours later, Alex was sitting in the medical unit on a stood beside Isabel's bed. Max, Michael, and Tess had gone to get some sleep, and Alex promised them he would keep an eye on her as they slept. He had been sitting there for about half-an-hour, when Isabel opened her eyes.

She smiled when she saw Alex. "Hi," she said.

"Hi yourself," said Alex. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I collided with a semi," she said. "But I feel better than I did when that snake came out of me. You look exhausted."

"I've been worried about someone," he said with a smirk. "Maybe you know her. Beautiful, blonde, smart, sexy eyes...alien hybrid. Ring a bell?"

Isabel giggled. "You saved me," she said. "I remember...what happened in that cave. I wasn't...in control, really, though I was trying to fight that voice in my head that was controlling me. I remember that you shot me with that...thing, what's it called?"

"A Zat gun," he said. "I had to knock you out to protect ourselves and you from harm. So we could get you here and extract the symbiot."

"Thank you," she said. "For...everything."

"I owed you far more," he said. "I'm sorry, about all of this. I should never have left you. I'm sorry I got angry at you."

"You had every right," said Isabel. "I should have trusted you. And you have nothing to be sorry about. You had no idea I was going to shoot my mouth off on a public street, talking to Liz about Goa'uld. None of us could have known they would hear it, and come for me because of it. I was...awake, once, a while ago. I asked for you, but Dr. Frasier said you were meeting with your General. I hope you aren't in trouble because of me."

Alex smiled. "Some," he said. "But...don't worry. Your worth it. I'd trade anything for your life, let alone Captain's bars."

"What?" she asked.

"Nothing," said Alex, taking her hand. "Isabel, you...mean, so much to me. I...I love you."

She smiled at him, then brought his hand up to her lips and gently kissed it. He then leaned forward and gently kissed her on the lips. After they broke the kiss, Isabel whispered to him.

"I love you, too."

End of Chapter Six. Chapter Seven coming soon.

Well, Isabel may have been saved, but the story is far from over. Many big things are coming up for the SGC and the gang from Roswell, and of course for Alex and Isabel. So, stay tunned, and please keep those reviews coming.