Chapter 23
Author's Note: This is a critical chapter in the story that is going to set the stage for how things play out in the rest of the story. There's a lot of information jam packed in their conversation. This was probably one of the hardest chapters for me to write, so let me know how you think it turned out.
Everyone filed into the briefing room. As they sat down General Hammond turned to Jacob.
-Tell us what you know.
Jacob took a deep breath.
-Well George, I'll be honest with you. We don't know much. We learned from our Tok'ra operative that in the very large complex there is a centralized location that is very vulnerable to attack. All we have to do is take that out and the whole complex will go up in smoke.
Jack nodded.
-That sounds familiar. What is it with the Goa'uld and 'centralized locations that are vulnerable to attack'?
Jacob shrugged.
-Who knows? Pride, stupidity, arrogance…pick one. It's lucky for us though.
-Yah…convenient too…so, I assume you know where this 'vulnerable place' is and how much explosives we need to take it out?
Jacob gulped.
-Uh…not exactly…our operative was compromised before we were able to learn that…
-What?!?! Jacob…how are we sup…
Katie interrupted him.
-I know where it is.
She spoke nonchalantly, as if she were giving the time and not an important piece of information that could change the outcome of the mission.
Everyone turned to stare at her. Jack sighed with relief.
-Where is it?
Katie smirked.
-Do you really think I'm going to tell you?
Jack glared at her.
-Tell us where it is.
She shook her head vehemently.
-The only way you're going to find out is if I go with you.
Jack rolled his eyes.
-Ah for cryin' out loud, stop being so stubborn!!
Katie laughed lightly.
-I can't help it. It's the Irish blood in me.
Jack continued to glare, thinking all the while that it wasn't the Irish blood in her, but the Carter that made her so stubborn. Or maybe a combination of the two. He sighed.
-Ok. With the general's permission you can join us on this mission for the sole reason that we need your intel.
The General nodded in agreement.
Katie sighed in satisfaction.
-All right. I can live with that…for now
Jack couldn't take it anymore. His patience with his daughter's stubbornness had come to a quick and decisive end.
-What do you mean for now?!?!?!?! This is the only time you will ever be going off world!!
Katie snickered.
-I don't think so. I'm not just along for the joy ride; I've had training just like the rest of you. There is no way I'm going to stay here on earth and pretend I didn't graduate from the Air Force Academy and go through the training program for the SGC. And besides, you guys need me out there. I know what's going to happen. Not just on this mission but on others.
Jack took a deep breath, trying to calm down the anger he felt boiling inside of him. He sighed and grasped for something, anything to combat her reasoning.
-But…how do we know that what happened in your little universe is going to happen here?
-Because everything else has. All of you are the same, every little detail. I even knew Jacob would be coming.
Jonas and Sam had been sitting at the end of the table, quietly taking everything in while Jack and Katie fought, when suddenly Jonas thought of something.
-Except for you.
Katie turned his way.
-Excuse me?
-Remember the hockey game? You're making changes. I mean, doesn't the very fact that you're here change what's going to happen?
Sam decided to join the conversation.
-Unless she was meant to be here.
Jonas looked at Sam queerly.
-You mean like a predestination paradox?
Sam nodded.
-Exactly.
-But, does that even apply since no time travel was involved?
-I don't see why not.
-But that would mean…
-I know.
Jack couldn't take it any longer.
-Ok. Just hold on a second. Is there a point to this, because this whole conversation is giving me a headache.
Sam sighed, slightly annoyed at the colonel's lack of understanding.
-Yes, sir. The point is that we can't go without her. On any missions, that is.
-What?! No…hold on…
General Hammond cleared his throat.
-Hold on people. Let's take this one mission at a time. We're all agreed that Katie will accompany SG-1 on this mission. We'll worry about everything else later.
Jack nodded.
-Yes, sir.
-You leave in 20 minutes. Dismissed.
Everyone stood up. Malek, who had sat placidly during the whole briefing, turned to Jacob.
-I will go and inform The High Council of this threat and this mission.
-All right. So, you gonna wish us luck?
-I fail to see what luck has to do with the outcome of the mission.
Jacob sighed.
-Just wish us luck.
-Very well. Luck.
With that he left and SG-1 prepared to leave for Tarlq'ansowped.
