Disclaimer: Please see chapter one for full disclaimer.
Another Trip into Wonderland
Chapter Eight
Twenty minutes later General Hammond arrived in the conference room. Glancing around the room at the faces of the people seated in front of him, he marveled at the amount of trouble SG-1 seemed to attract. 'They weren't even on a mission' he thought to himself in exasperation. Looking over to where his second-in-command sat quietly watching, he merely said "Well, Colonel, are you going to introduce me to our guests?"
"Yes sir," Jack replied wondering what the best, or rather the most believable, course of action would be given their current situation. In the end he decided the most direct approach would be best when dealing with the General. "Sir, this is General O'Neill, Dr. Samantha Carter-O'Neill and their son Jayden."
"Welcome to the SGC" General Hammond said acknowledging the presence of the O'Neill's and their son. "I'm assuming you're from an alternate reality but what I can't figure out is how you arrived here. It couldn't have been through the quantum mirror because I ordered ours destroyed a while back."
"No sir," General O'Neill replied. "We actually came here by means of some doohickey that your people brought with them to our reality" he said as he looked to Samantha to see if he had phrased the circumstances of their arrival with any degree of accuracy at all.
Listening to General O'Neill's description nearly made Hammond laugh. 'He's Jack O'Neill alright' he thought to himself 'even if he is a General.' Aloud, he asked "What do you mean 'a doohickey that my people brought to your reality,'" the General asked. "SG-1 isn't scheduled for another mission for another 48 hours. They've been on base all day, although I've heard a few officers say that couldn't seem to find them a while ago," he concluded looking over to the Colonel with a rather stern expression.
"Actually sir…" the Colonel said in an effort to address both the question of the means of arrival and his own team's whereabouts for the afternoon "we were here on base but then that alien doohickey started glowing and flashing and knocked us out cold. When we woke up we were in their reality."
General Hammond sat quietly for a moment trying to decipher the information the Colonel had just given him. Deciding that at this rate they would be here all evening, he looked to Sam in hopes of a clearer explanation. "Major Carter, would you care to explain to me what Colonel O'Neill is trying to say?"
Looking to her CO with an apologetic expression on her face, Sam began the tale of their arrival to and from the alternate reality. With the help of the entire group, she told the General of their accidental arrival to the other reality, the search of the abandoned base, the discovery of the events that had transpired after the Goa'uld had unleashed the bio-toxin into the atmosphere, their unexpected meeting with General O'Neill and Dr. Carter, the arrival of Simmons and Jayden, the Jaffa attack on the base and their narrow escape back to their own reality.
Hammond sat back for a moment trying to absorb the story and the horrific chain of events the Major and the rest of the group had just imparted to him. Questions were forming in his mind so quickly that he didn't know where to begin. In a matter of six and a half hours, SG-1 had managed to knock themselves out, awake in an alternate reality, uncover the events leading up to Earth's annihilation, meet their counterparts, observe the destruction of the last of humanity via the attack on the Alpha site, translate the markings on the alien device to discover a time machine, engage Osiris's Jaffa, and bring the only 3 remaining members of humanity back to this reality. 'These people really need to take a break and learn to relax' he thought to himself as he once again remembered how this was to be a nice quiet, final assignment on the road to retirement. Not for the first time Hammond wondered what he had done to deserve such a fate. Mentally shaking himself, he returned his focus to the matter at hand.
"So where do we go from here?" he asked noticing the saddened expressions on everyone's faces. "Major, wasn't there a problem the last time we had someone from an alternate reality come here?"
"Yes sir, when Dr. Carter and Major Kawalsky arrived from the other alternate reality. Dr Carter experienced the effects of entropic cascade failure due to the fact that we were both occupying the same reality," Sam answered.
"Wouldn't it be logical to assume that we can expect the same type of situation in this case since both you and Colonel O'Neill exist in this reality?" the General questioned.
"Yes sir, we estimate that we only have about 24 hours before the effects start taking place, possibly less since we both existed in their reality as well. We really have no way of knowing what the effects of sharing existence in two different realities in such a short period of time might be. However, since Colonel O'Neill and I don't share the same relationship as General O'Neill and Samantha, we are certain that Jayden will remain unaffected," she concluded a little self-consciously. It was hard enough pushing her own thoughts and feelings to the back of her mind when it came to Jack O'Neill. She didn't really want to think about the fact that her alternates in three separate realities had managed to find a way to share their lives with him, or rather the other Jack O'Neill's, when she could not. Nor did she want anyone to start drawing parallels and begin to wonder about her and her CO in this reality. 'What a mess' she thought sadly.
"Okay they obviously can't stay in our reality much longer. So where will they go?" the General asked.
"Well, actually we're planning to send them back to their own reality sir," Daniel said.
"But you all just said the Earth is uninhabitable in their reality and we are assuming the Jaffa destroyed the base during their last attack. And even if the base wasn't destroyed and the Jaffa have left and were no longer a threat, the fact remains that they would be the only surviving members of humanity," the General reminded the archeologist.
"Well, yes that's true General, but when translating the symbols on the device we brought back from P3X 964 we discovered that not only is the device used to travel between realities but also to move back and forth through time," Daniel replied realizing the entire concept of time travel seemed a little unreal. 'Then again, we not only traveled back to 1969 but forward in time as well before returning to the SGC so maybe it doesn't sound as far-fetched as one might think' he thought to himself.
"What Daniel's trying to say sir, is that we intend to travel back in time to this reality so that we can travel to the past in our own reality and warn the SGC of the events to come. We've analyzed samples of the toxin and were in the process of trying to create an antidote or neutralizing agent when the Alpha site was attacked. If we could get this information far enough in advance we might be able to find the antidote before Osiris' ship ever reached Earth," Samantha said as she noticed Jayden was beginning to awake.
"They might even be able to enlist the Asgard's help before the mother ship reaches the planet," the Colonel said.
"Will the Asgard actually help before the attack begins?" General Hammond asked. "Wouldn't the protected planet treaty stand in their way if the Goa'uld hadn't yet showed any signs of aggression?"
"That could be a problem sir, which is why we want to go back in time far enough before the attack to give ourselves time to prepare against the toxin," Samantha agreed.
"Sort of a Plan B" General O'Neill chimed in reaching over to take a now squirming Jayden from Samantha's tired arms.
"There could be a problem with all of this though," Sam said as she looked at the faces of the people surrounding her.
"Just one problem Major?" the Colonel asked sarcastically wondering if there would ever come a point in time when they could just come up with a plan and execute it without any unexpected surprises.
Realizing the Colonel was tiring of the debriefing Sam gave him a small smile before continuing. "The Jaffa found us in Samantha's lab just as I was entering the final coordinates to bring us back here to our own reality. Some of the energy from the staff weapon hit the device. I still need to analyze the device for any possible signs of damage."
"Well then, I think that's the next item on our agenda. You can begin working on it in the morning Major" the General said as he stood up at the table.
"But sir, with all due respect, I really think I should begin examining the device immediately," Sam protested.
"Major Carter, it's been a long day for everyone, it's late in the evening and I dare say you all have not eaten or rested since late this morning" Hammond said as he looked around the table. When no one contradicted him, he continued "I realize that you're anxious to begin working on the problem at hand and believe me Major, I understand the gravity of the situation as well as the deadline we're facing. However, you will not do any of us any good if you're too tired to think clearly. Now, Jayden looks hungry so I suggest you all go to the cafeteria and get something to eat. I'll make arrangements for our guests to occupy one of the VIP suites and you can begin working on the problem first thing in the morning. We'll meet here again at 1100 hours to re-assess the situation."
"But sir…" Sam protested.
"This is non-negotiable Major. Understood?" the General asked in a tone of voice that clearly indicated he would accept nothing less than complete obedience.
"Yes sir," Sam acknowledged rising slowly from her chair.
"Oh, I almost forgot" the General said as he reached the doorway, "SG-1, you are to remain on base tonight in case any medical problems arise from your visit this afternoon. I'll notify Dr. Fraiser of today's events should the need for medical attention arise."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It wasn't too long after dinner that Jack showed General O'Neill and his family to one of the VIP suites.
"Well, it's not much but it'll work for this evening I guess," Jack quipped a little awkwardly as he showed the O'Neill's around the suite. There'll be someone outside the door at all times if you need anything so don't hesitate to ask."
"Why are we being guarded?" Samantha asked. "Don't you trust us? After all, you found us. We didn't go looking for you."
"Relax Samantha," her husband said quietly as he tucked Jayden into bed. "It's standard procedure. We would have done the same thing."
Samantha had the good grace to look ashamed and walked over to the Colonel. "I'm sorry," she told him with a small, apologetic smile. "It's just that so much has happened today that I guess I'm a little on edge."
"It's okay" he assured her with an understanding smile. "I would have lost it long before now if I were in your shoes. Besides, Carter will make sure that alien thingy works and then we'll go back and make things right in your reality. Okay? Just hang in there a little bit longer."
"I'll try. I'm not sure how well I'll do but I will definitely try" Samantha answered.
"If you're anything like our Carter then you'll succeed with flying colors. I've never met anyone stronger or smarter. I'll stop by at 0700 hours tomorrow. We can all get together for breakfast and come up with a game plan, ok?" the Colonel asked the couple as he made to leave the room.
"Fine," the General agreed.
"Colonel," Samantha called just as Jack stepped into the hallway, "I'd really like to help with the device if possible."
"I'm sure Carter would like that," he assured her as he left the couple to themselves for the evening.
A couple of minutes later he found himself standing outside of Sam's quarters wondering if he should knock or just continue on to his own quarters for the evening. Lifting his hand to rap on the door and announce his presence, he was surprised to see the door suddenly open and find an obviously shocked Sam standing before him.
"Colonel… sir" she stammered. "I didn't realize you were out here."
"Going somewhere Carter?" he asked wondering why she seemed so nervous.
"Uh, not really sir. I thought I'd take a little walk, you know, to clear my head before turning in" she answered.
"Uh huh" he replied as the reason for Carter's nervousness suddenly dawned on him. "And this route you were planning to use for this walk wouldn't happen to coincidentally pass by your lab would it?" he asked with mock innocence.
"I hadn't really thought about it sir," she replied missing Jack's amused smile as she stared fixedly at a non-existing spot on the floor.
"Yeah right," he said pushing her back inside the room and closing the door behind him. "Sam, I know you're anxious to start examining that alien device but it can wait until morning. Besides, the other Carter wants to help. I figure with two Carter's working on the problem then it'll get solved twice as fast."
"There may not even be a problem sir. It's possible the device didn't sustain any damage at all," she said looking directly at him for the first time since he appeared at her door.
"Well then, waiting a few more hours definitely won't hurt, will it?" he said grinning.
Sam smiled in response as she looked at him. 'How is it he can always manage to make me smile?' she thought. 'Even when I'm caught disobeying orders and sneaking off to my lab to work?'
"Was there something you needed sir?" she asked suddenly trying to distance herself from the emotions that threatened to break free at any moment.
"What?" he asked confused by the sudden change in questioning.
"You stopped by," she explained. "Was there something you needed?"
"Ah, no, not really" he stammered. "I just thought I'd check on you and see how you're doing. You know, with this whole twin thing?" he said picking up a pencil from her desk and nervously fiddling with it.
"Oh…" she replied.
"Well…" he prompted.
"Well, I guess I'm okay with it. I mean it has happened before but somehow it still feels so weird looking up and seeing, yourself, for lack of a better word" she said thoughtfully trying to put into words some of the feelings that were still confusing her.
"Yeah," I still find it hard to look up and see him. After all, one of me is plenty, don't you think?" he asked waggling his eyebrows at her.
"Oh DEFINITELY," she agreed laughing at his boyish antics.
"What about, you know, them being together and all and the baby…" his voice trailed off as he tried to phrase his question in a way that wouldn't make Sam close herself off more than usual when it came to talking about their relationship 'or lack thereof' Jack thought.
She sat there so still and quiet that Jack was afraid she wasn't going to answer. A thought that worried him because he needed to know they were still okay. Finally, after taking a deep breath she looked straight at him, catching her bottom lip between her teeth in a nervous gesture, her eyes conveying so much more than mere words ever could.
Silently, he reached out and took her in his arms and held her in a protective gesture that spoke volumes of his feelings. It was one of the few times they ever allowed themselves to get close to one another. Each giving and taking the comfort they so desperately needed.
"It's hard," she said in a muffled voice against his chest. "Seeing these other realities, seeing them, it just seems like we're missing out on something special."
"I know," he answered clutching her more tightly and gently rocking back and forth "but one day Sam, I swear one day we'll get there. Wherever 'there' is for us. We just have to hold on. We just have to believe."
"I do," she assured him as she pulled back far enough to look into his eyes. Eyes she knew she could become hopelessly lost in forever if she would only give herself the chance. "And I know that what we're doing is important especially after seeing all of the lives lost to the Goa'uld in these other realities. But sometimes…" she sighed, allowing her voice to trail off.
"I know, sometimes…" he agreed wondering if the war with the Goa'uld would ever come to an end. Loosening his hold on her, he pulled back just enough to see her face as he spoke his next words, "I seem to always end up asking you this but… are we okay?"
The earnestness she saw in his expression as he once again asked if they were 'okay' nearly brought her to tears. She thought about the question for a moment as she asked herself if they were truly okay. Could she really continue on like this? Finally, she looked up and flashed one of her most brilliant smiles as she nodded her head. "Yes Jack" she answered. "We really are okay," she told him and in her heart she knew she meant every word.
Hearing her confirmation, Jack sighed and smiled back at her. Now that he knew they would be fine he could relax a little and not worry so much about saying or doing the wrong thing. 'The wrong thing' he thought to himself as he finally seemed to consciously realize exactly where he was and at what hour of the night. "I should go," he said as he began to gently untangle himself from their embrace.
Sam stood still for a moment and stared at him wondering at the abrupt change. All of a sudden she too realized their surroundings and calmly shook her head. "That would probably be best sir," she said trying to regain an acceptable air of professionalism.
A mischievous light shone in Jack's eyes as he stopped momentarily in the doorway. "Carter," he said making certain he had her attention, "I'm ordering you to stay away from your lab and that device until tomorrow morning."
"Yes sir," she agreed as a frown marred her face.
Something in her expression caught his attention or maybe it was that she answered just that little bit too quickly but either way Jack knew she was up to something. Knowing Sam's penchant for bandying semantics when she wanted to have her way he thought back to what he had just said. Suddenly, he grinned as he turned back from the doorway one last time. "Oh, and Carter, when I say morning I mean we will all meet for breakfast at 0700 hours. We'll start on that device thingy after breakfast and not a moment sooner. Understand?"
Knowing she had been caught, Sam had the grace to blush and with a rueful shake of her head replied, "Yes sir, I understand. Morning doesn't begin prior to 0700 hours. Goodnight sir."
And on that note Jonathan 'Jack' O'Neill retired for the evening to his own quarters happy in the knowledge that for once, he had actually bested Sam Carter.
TBC