Chapter 2

While the city sleeps

Flashback:

Daniel and Sam stood in the rings room, preparing for their trip. As Sam secured her pack she glanced at Daniel and found him staring pensively at her. 'What?' she asked as she bent to retie her shoelace

            'Are you sure about this, Sam?'

            'What do you mean? It'll be fine, Thor's checked with Hammond and everything. The SGC have the Stargate address if anything goes wrong'

            'What if something does go wrong, Sam?'

            'Daniel, what's going on? You're never usually like this'

            'Sam, what if something happens and you've never told him how you feel?'

            'I don't know what you're talking about' she said as she forced herself to remain calm and focused. Janet's death had left her without a confidante and feeling Daniel was the next best person she had told him everything. She was beginning to regret that slightly

            'Sam' he said again, his tone conveying his meaning like unspoken words. 'You can't just leave it at this forever. Not with what we do. What if you told him and one of you died the next day? Think of all the time you could have been together-or worse, what if one of you died without you ever doing anything about the way you feel?' He echoed the arguments he and Janet, and even Sam herself had considered so many times before. The thought of Janet again struck her and she forced herself to breath normally and hold back the tears as Thor entered the room, carrying a case that appeared much too large for his small frame

            'Here let me get that,' she said as she pointedly looked at Daniel, warning him to keep quiet.

            'Thank you Major Carter.'

            'What's in it?'

            'A type of crystal you have not seen before Major, but before we can discuss this, I need to give you more information that may assist you. The cladding is still impenetrable by our conventional transportation methods; however we have managed to modify one of our scanners and can verify Eead is still alive'

            'That was quick' commented Sam as she continued to double check that she and Daniel had all the supplies they would require

            'I am afraid this is not so Major Carter, we have several ships in orbit around the planet, and it has taken them some time to reach this stage working collectively. Unfortunately, her life signs are weak, and it would take too long for us to configure the other scanners and necessarily equipment to rescue her before life leaves her. I am afraid we still require your help.' He looked to them for assent; Sam nodded as Daniel looked to her for approval then he too slowly nodded his head.

            'Very well. Then I must tell you of these crystals. They will act as what you refer to as a cell phone. They have been configured to work through the cladding in theory, but obviously have not been tested. If they will not work from within the building, you must find your way outside. If this is not possible then I am afraid we will be unable to assist. In this eventuality we will notify General Hammond and he will take the necessary action.'

            'So what's the plan then?' queried Daniel

            'We will transport you to the edge of the settlement at approximately 2200 hours by your clock. This should mean that the city and building are empty for the most part. Once down there we will be unable to communicate though we will be monitoring your progress as much as is possible whilst we continue to work on the rest of the scanners. Unfortunately I am unable to reveal to you the workings of the crystal to you at this time. Once you find Eead she will be able to use them. If you have not been in contact by 0700 hours, we will inform SGC and your rescue will be in their hands'

            'Why not just use the SGC forces to storm the building?'

            'I am afraid that is an unfeasible plan. We could not anticipate their reaction in this instance. They may destroy her rather than allow you to save her. This would be what you call the worst case scenario. As you already know, our numbers are dropping; we must do what we can to save her. We hope that as there are only two of you, you may simply go ignored by the city as it sleeps. We have obtained some of the attire suitable for this city which will help you to blend in.' he said as he held up some considerably smaller outfits than either were used to.

            'WHAT!?' exclaimed Sam as she examined them. Daniel's jaw had dropped at the presentation of the clothing and he appeared to be having trouble shutting it.

            Thor seemed oblivious to their discomfort as he continued 'Yes, it is a man-made material, similar to your lycra.' Daniel wore a look of disbelief mixed with amusement

            'Seriously? They look like an early prototype for the Star Trek uniforms but there's less of them!' said Daniel as he tried to work out where exactly you were expected to put your head.

            'You may carry your normal packs, but be warned, should anyone ask, you are on a pilgrimage from Dainesta'

            'But…' Carter's voice died in her throat as she tried to decide how to gently but firmly persuade Thor she would not be caught dead in the skin tight monstrosity.

            'If you'll just step closer together and make sure you and your packs are within the rings boundary'

            'But…'

            'Good luck' said Thor as he prepared the rings

            'But…'

*******

Sam slid painfully in and out of the conscious world, unable to summon the strength to stay awake long enough to check on Daniel. She worried about the gunshot wound to his leg and the amount of blood he must be losing. She blinked as the edges of her vision began to blur, turning the black to a fuzzy grey. More tears slid down her cheeks as she coughed painfully. 'Daniel' she managed to emit and began to panic as she heard nothing in return. Again coughing racked her frame as she managed to summon the strength to press the light button on her watch. 0600 hours, though for the lack of light it could have been the middle of the night. 'Daniel…?' she managed to speak his name again, listening for the faintest sound. She couldn't cope. He couldn't leave her again. Not like this. A brief hope flew in her heart as it finally occurred to her that the deadline they had set with Thor was only an hour away. The darkness was threatening to overcome her again when she heard Daniel cough. Again hope flew in her chest. They were both alive and it would only be an hour before their fates were placed in the hands of the SGC. 'Jack…' she whispered as a smile played at the corner of her lips.

            'Daniel, Sam, my names Daniel'

            'Daniel?' she whispered hardly daring to believe it. They were both alive and as long as they could hang on for another hour they would be fine. They might survive! Her heart fluttered as the darkness began to close in again.