Title: More Shades of Grey Part 2: Explanation
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Shades of Grey (but that would be a little obvious, now wouldn't it?)
Disclaimer: All publicly recognisable characters and places are the property of MGM, World Gekko Corp and Double Secret productions. This piece of fan fiction was created for entertainment not monetary purposes and no infringement on copyrights or trademarks was intended. Previously unrecognised characters and places, and this story, are copyrighted to the author. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
Summary: Sam gets her explanation. She still doesn't like it.
~ More shades of Grey Part 2: Explanation ~
Copyright © 2003, Ruth
**********
Sam sat down, waiting to hear General Hammond's explanation.
"Major Carter, in the last week, The Asgard, Nox and Tollan have all approached us claiming that we have stolen technology from them. They are about to sever all ties with us – unless we can prove that we are not guilty of theft."
"Where does Colonel Maybourne fit into all of this?" she asked.
"He runs a renegade group of the NID that we believe is taking the alien technology. However, as I'm sure you're aware, Major, they are peaceful races and have insisted that we apprehend them ourselves."
"With all due respect, sirs, why are you asking me to do this? I mean, surely Colonel O'Neill would be better at this, being a more superior officer and…"
"Major, we have chosen you because Colonel Maybourne and O'Neill speak quite regularly. He wouldn't be as stunned if Jack did something like that. It'd really knock him for six if he thought you'd become a convert." Colonel Bridges actually sounded excited.
"General, I am not at all happy with the thought of lying to my commanding officer…"
"Major, he will know as soon as the mission is over."
"I don't care! He's my friend, like Daniel and Teal'c. I don't believe Colonel O'Neill would allow me to steal anything in the first place! Hell, he'd probably shoot me!"
"We know, Major, which is why we've arranged with the Tollan for you to take some of the technology without your teammates finding out. You will return it to the SGC where we will suspend you. You'll be gone and waiting for Maybourne before they even find out."
Sam swallowed. "I don't have a choice, do I, sir?" she asked. The question was directed at General Hammond, but she was answered by Colonel Reynolds.
"No, Major, you don't."
"In that case," she said, "When do I begin?"
**********
Sam felt sick as she walked up the ramp, knowing that she was lying to three people she cared deeply about. She turned back to look at General Hammond. He guiltily saw the anguish in her eyes and knew what he had put her through in order to get her the mission. He nodded and watched as they disappeared through the Stargate.
"Carter, you see if you can get some information outta Narim. We're gonna get us some honkin' space guns!" said Jack, walking off with Daniel and Teal'c.
Sam found Narim's house and knocked on the door, before remembering that she didn't have to.
"Samantha, come in," he said.
"Hey, Narim. I take it General Hammond informed you of what we're going to do? Well, what I'm going to do…" her voice trailed off.
"You are uncomfortable with the situation," said Narim gently.
"Yes, very." Sam admitted, looking at her hands.
"The Tollan are grateful for the sacrifice we know you are making in order to carry out this mission," said Narim, "And we will help explain it to your friends as soon as we can."
"Thanks, Narim," she smiled weakly.
"Now. This is the technology we are, lending to you to steal. It is what disabled your weapons the last time you were here."
Sam took the object in her hands. It felt very heavy. How she was going to get it back to General Hammond without anyone noticing she did not know.
**********
"You okay, Carter? You look like a ghost!"
"Yeah, I'm fine sir."
"Ok people, let's get ready to go!" said Jack, eyeing his 2IC with concern. She looked awful.
As Sam stepped through the gate and back to Earth, her heart fell to her feet. Now she was gonna have to sit at home and wait for Maybourne to find her. Great.
**********
Sam sat down in General Hammond's office, shifting her feet uncomfortably.
"Well done, Major," said Colonel Bridges.
"Major, you will now return home and wait to be contacted by Colonel Maybourne. When he contacts you, you must wait 7 days before replying to him, so he doesn't smell a rat," said General Hammond.
"Yes, sir," said Sam quietly, not looking forwards to this at all.
TO BE CONTINUED…
