DISCLAIMER: The characters mentioned in this story are the property of Showtime and Gekko Film Corp. The Stargate, SG-1, the goa'uld and all other characters who have appeared in the series STARGATE SG-1 together with the names, titles and backstory are the sole copyright property of the people who made them up. This fanfic is not intended as an infringement upon those rights and solely meant for entertainment. All other characters, the story idea and the story itself are the sole property of the author.

A Snake In The Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush

Part thirteen

Dr Fraiser joined General Hammond, SG1 and Clare in the briefing room. Sam and Teal'c had been released the previous day after a couple of hours as apart from slightly raised neural activity that was rapidly returning to normal, there was nothing out of the ordinary. Clare had undergone the same tests but had been kept by Dr Fraiser for additional tests and observation.

'As far as I can tell, there are parts of Clare's brain that are acting like a computer with the ability to process vast quantities of information much faster than a normal human brain can cope with,' Dr Fraiser was now able to report. 'I don't know how exactly, but Clare was able to see something in those images yesterday that none of the others could - although Teal'c and Major Carter were able to see something.'

'So Clare can translate what was there, right?' Daniel asked.

'Not exactly. Clare has been able to process that information, but although the human brain is the most advanced form of computer, the human physiology just isn't designed to cope with that amount of information and there is a danger that if over stimulated the areas of the brain that control basic functions, including breathing, could shut down - like a computer core overload.'

'So, what exactly does this mean?' Jack was struggling to understand.

'What it means, Colonel, is that although there is now more information stored in Clare's brain, downloading that information, or in this case communicating it to us, is not going to be possible.' Dr Fraiser looked around to make sure she was understood. 'Clare already holds more information than normal following her joining with Qu'ilar, now that has been increased tenfold and it seems to be directly linked to the previous, well download, for want of a better term. Although her levels of brain activity have increased, they have not increased as much as I would have expected considering the amount of additional information she now possesses. I suspect that this latest occurrence is part of some kind of genetic enhancement.'

'That would make sense,' Sam joined in. 'We know Nirrti was working on producing a genetically enhanced host, maybe this means she's one step closer than we thought.'

'Then we must make every effort to locate the information from the map.' Teal'c stated calmly, as if it would be the most obvious course of action in the world. ' If Clare Dawson is not able to reveal that information to us, how then are we to proceed?'

'Is this information likely to come out as it did before? By accident, or without realising it?' Daniel queried.

'I don't think so. The problem is with communicating the information - Qu'ilar's memories can still be recalled given the right circumstances, but this…' Dr Fraiser frowned in concentration before continuing. 'I just don't think there is any way she could talk about it or communicate it to us.'

'Excuse me,' Clare broke in on the discussion tentatively.

'You have something to add, Clare?' General Hammond turned towards her.

'Yes,' Clare spoke, flushing slightly at the looks directed towards her. 'Dr Fraiser's right - I know that there's a lot of information in here,' she tapped her head, 'and no matter how hard I try, I can't put what is in there into words. But what I have got are feelings…or instincts, kind of like a tracker dog.'

'You mean that although you can't tell us about it you would be able to take us to where we needed to go?' Daniel suggested, trying to understand what Clare had been trying to say.

'That's it.'

'So, kids, I'd like to introduce you to Rover, the latest recruit to the SGC.' Jack decided things were getting way too heavy and his comment received varying degrees of laughter.

'Colonel O'Neill, Dr Fraiser, I'd like to see you both please, everyone else, dismissed.' General Hammond waited for the room to clear before turning to the two people remaining. 'We need to have a shot at getting this information and it appears our only option is for Clare to go with SG1 to try to locate these artefacts. Doctor Fraiser, do you foresee any problems?'

'Well, it's difficult to say. I don't think there's any immediate danger of anything going wrong but she'd have to be watched closely. She mustn't be allowed to focus too much on these memories, or as I said before, her brain could just shut down completely.'

'General, surely you can't mean that?' Jack returned to the General's initial statement.

'Colonel O'Neill, you are well aware what your standing orders are regarding the Stargate. We need to try. I understand you've been working with Clare on fitness and self defence?' At Jack's nod, Hammond continued. 'Do you consider that she is ready to undertake a mission with SG1?'

'We won't know unless we try, I guess,' came Jack's grudging response. He knew they had to give it a shot but he could foresee all kinds of problems with having yet another civilian tagging along with his team, no matter how well they were getting on.

'SG1 have a go. Be ready to depart at 0600.'

Jack left the briefing room just as the alarms signalled an unscheduled off-world activation and he raced towards the control room, General Hammond close behind him, to find Sam already there.

'IDC coming through, sir. It's the tok'ra.' Sergeant Davies announced.

Sam greeted the new arrival as soon as she realised who had arrived. 'Dad! We didn't know you were coming. How are you?'

'Fine, Sam. You look great.' Sam could sense there was something amiss as he looked warily around. 'George - we need to talk.'

'You've got a problem,' Jacob announced as soon as they were settled in the briefing room. 'The tok'ra have discovered that you are holding someone genetically modified by Nirrti.'

'I don't think 'holding' is the word to use, dad. Clare has agreed to stay here for the time being to help us out.'

'Whatever. The problem is the tok'ra are extremely interested in studying this subject. For the record, I am opposed to it, but the council have overruled me and they will shortly be sending someone here to ask for your co-operation.' Jacob raised his eyebrows at the word 'ask'. When the tok'ra asked, they usually got what they wanted. Although Jacob was a leading member of the tok'ra, because of his own military background and his connection with the SGC he was more inclined to respect the rights of the individual than the rest of his adopted race.

'Clare, Jacob. Don't talk about her like some kind of lab experiment. So what do you propose?' Jack finished dryly. The thought of the tok'ra always gave him a sour feeling in his stomach.

'I've persuaded them to let me review the situation before they send anyone. Like I said, I don't really like the idea but at least with me you know where you stand. Besides, a few days with my daughter and her friends seems like a good idea and afterwards I'll do my best to ensure things are left as they are.'

'You'll do your best? Jacob, need I remind you of the problems that have been caused by the tok'ra - those bracelets for starters, not to mention all the dirty work we've done for you and what do we get in return? Absolutely nothing, zip, nada, zilch. You get my meaning?'

'Yes Jack. But think, say you get the plans for all this technology? What exactly are you going to do with it? Do you really think earth has the necessary technology to be able to construct anything from those plans? We're going to need to work together on this one whether you like it or not.'

'General, it's your shout, but I've got a real bad feeling about this.' Jack turned to Hammond.

'Jacob, SG1 and Clare are scheduled to depart at 0600 tomorrow, I'm sure Major Carter can fill you in on the details. But remember, Clare is a member of the SGC at present, and as such she will not be taken anywhere without her agreement and my authorisation. Understood?'

'Thanks, George. I appreciate it.'