Ch. 17: Queen Hunting

Sam tried to ignore the knock on the door to her quarters, but the knocker persisted. She slid out of Jack's arms and went to the door, opening it only a crack. "Grant, what are you doing here? It's…"

Simmons interrupted her. "It's just before 0400 Major. SG-4 just brought in some technologies I thought you might like to get a look at before you leave."

"Alright. I'll be down to the main lab in 20 minutes." Sam shut the door and went to her closet. She pulled out a clean set of BDUs and got dressed before walking back over to her bunk. She put her hand on Jack's shoulder and nudged him a bit. "Jack…"

Jack opened one eye. "Huh? What time is it?"

"0400. I have to go down to the lab…SG-4 brought back some stuff I need to look at. My alarm's set for 6. I'll see you in the Gate Room." Sam gave him a quick kiss then walked out.

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Sam and Grant both jumped back as the device before them sent out a burst of electricity. Sam leaned against the counter with a sigh and closed her eyes. Over half an hour and the only thing they'd managed to do was land an airman in the infirmary with electrical burns. She looked up when the door to the lab opened and was surprised to see Jack walk in.

"Hey, Carter, I, uhh, I thought maybe you could use some coffee." He held up a large, steaming, styrofoam cup.

Sam couldn't help but smile. He could be so sweet. "Yeah thanks." As she took the cup their hands brushed and she lingered for a moment before pulling back.

Jack returned the smiled but forced himself to turn to the young Lieutenant. He offered him the cup in his other hand. "Here, you look like you could use some too."

Grant took the cup graciously. "Thank you sir."

There was an uneasy pause then Jack headed for the door. "I'll see you in the Gate room at 0700 Major."

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"Unscheduled offworld activation." Grant's voice rang over the base loudspeakers, accompanied by warning claxons. He felt the General's presence behind him. "Receiving SG-1's IDC, Sir."

"Open the iris." No sooner had Hammond's command been followed then he saw Mytel fly out of the wormhole and hit the ramp hard. Hammond punched the comm button. "Med teams to the Gate Room." As he himself headed for the stairs down to the, he heard several more clangs on the ramp; seven in all. He knew who was missing the moment he entered the room. Colonel Andrews was in front of him within seconds. "Colonel, where is Major Carter?"

Andrews looked to SG-1 then back at his superior. "Carter didn't make it sir. She's dead."

Hammond let the military part of his mind take control as the med teams rushed in. "Colonel, you and your men help get these people up to the infirmary, then I want you in the briefing room."

"Yes, Sir." Andrews spun around and went back to the ramp.

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SG-3 filed wordlessly into the briefing room. Hammond waited until they were all sitting. "What happened Colonel?"

Andrews swallowed hard, searching for the words. "We walked right into a Goa'uld temper tantrum, Sir. Apparently this Ando'rhet pissed off another snakehead. He intercepted us trying to contact her." He paused, letting his mind switch into military mode. "There were approximately 30 Jafa that began firing on us. Colonel O'Neill ordered us to retreat. As we got to the Gate, my team, Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter took defensive positions while Doctor Jackson dialed. Once he had entered the last symbol, Colonel O'Neill ordered Jackson, Mytel, and my team through. As he and Carter followed us, a staff blast grazed Colonel O'Neill's arm and hit Major Carter in the chest. She was hit again before she reached the ground. I had to practically drag Colonel O'Neill through the Gate."

Hammond stood. "SG-3, stand down and remain on base until further notice. Dismissed." He turned and headed for the infirmary. Janet met him in the hall, obviously hanging onto control of her emotions by a thread. He put a comforting hand on her arm.

Janet knew her voice was shaky, but she couldn't help it. "Daniel and Mytel weren't injured, but they're both in mild shock. I think the best thing for them right now would be to get off base, get some sleep. Colonel O'Neill has a minor burn on his arm, but my main concern is the shock. His body temperature is dangerously low and he's vomited several times."

Hammond nodded before opening the door and going into the infirmary. Daniel and Mytel were seated side by side on one of the beds. Mytel was wrapped in a blanket and Daniel had one arm around her shoulder. Hammond walked over in front of them. "Doctor Jackson, I'd like you to take Mytel back to your apartment. Doctor Fraiser wants you both to get some rest."

Daniel slid off the bed to his feet. "How's Jack?"

"His arm's gonna be fine."

"That's not what I meant."

Hammond sighed. "He's not doing too good son. He's in an extreme state of shock."

After a moment of silence Daniel looked to Mytel. He wordlessly took her hand and helped her off the bed and out of the infirmary.

Hammond walked around the curtain that was pulled to mostly surround Jack's bed. The man was sitting in the bed with his knees pulled to his chest, visibly shaking.

Jack didn't look up as his CO came in. "She's gone. I should've pulled the team out sooner. I should've done something…" He buried his face in his arms and dissolved into sobs.

Hammond put his hand on his 2IC's shoulder. "It's not your fault son."