1 The Fifth Marauder
Chapter 4: An eccentric visitor:
General Hammond was once again sitting in front of his desk, examining his teams' reports minutely when the phone rang. Sg1 was dismissed; Sg8 would be soon back and today looked for once particularly promising: calm. A peaceful routine George had almost forgotten about.
He was actually in the wrong.
********
"General Hammond."
"Officer Davis, sir, from the Main Entrance Verification Post."
"Anything wrong officer?" Seldom did they contact him if it wasn't for a significant matter…
"Well, there is someone at the gates sir; wishing to meet Major Samantha Carter straight away, sir."
"Has he no pass?"
"That's why I took the initiative to call you, sir. He has a Special Presidential Authorization to enter the base, sir."
Hammond was completely taken aback. He should have been warned if such permission was given!
"Military?"
"No, civil, sir. He maintains that he is an acquaintance of General Carter."
He wondered for a moment… No. He knew Jacob too well to think that he would attempt to their work secrecy. Then, who was this man?
"Name"
"Duple…huh…Duble…Dum-ble-dore. Professor Albus Dumbledore, sir."
He restrained a laugh. What a totally unpronounceable name! This was obviously what the young officer also thought…
"Bring me his pass and keep him waiting while I do the needed verifications."
"Yes, sir."
He hung the receiver.
Ten minutes later, he was getting in touch with the involved authorities of the Pentagon. The usual procedure in those cases. His eyes widened. Everything was in order. Professor Albus Dumbledore from Scotland had received special permission to enter HIS base, with full access to ALL its installations for a period of a week, as a guest of the highest importance, in order to discuss personal matters with his major. He frowned at the state employee's last words. No question should be asked.
He cursed under his breath as he entered the elevator leading to the surface. Fool of politicians! 'No questions asked'?!?
You couldn't just walk into HIS base as if you owned the place, for goodness' sake! He would make damn sure that this situation never repeats itself!
What troubled him even more was how he had gotten that pass… They had told him the reason why they had not notified him of his arrival was because he had only gotten the required signatures an hour ago.
Washington – Denver took on civil flight two hours and a half. Had he been escorted in a military aircraft? Had he already been waiting nearby?
Hammond shook his head slightly and sighed. What could be so important "personally" concerning his major to apply within the highest spheres of the hierarchy?
Or rather, who could be so influent to achieve this, in no time?
********
He reached the antechamber where his "guest" should be waiting, entered and…gasped.
Nothing like this man had ever been seen in the base or through his all life for sure. He was tall and aged. Like an old hippie in a gray suit and bow tie. His long white hair was pulled into a ponytail and his silver beard was braid down to his waist. Only his bright blue eyes sparkling behind half-moon spectacles, his crooked nose and his kind smile gave him a very 'professorial' look. Hammond thought that his features drew level with his name…
He regained his composure, trying desperately not to stare, and held out his hand.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, professor Dumbledore. I am General George Hammond, in charge of the SGC. Major Carter will unfortunately not be back before the evening. Follow me, please. I will guide you to your quarters and have someone show you round the base; if you do not wish to rest first of course."
The stranger had only a small and commonest black business case but his appearance was enough to turn everyone's attention to them. Hammond had to glare and cough loudly to cease the intense looks and whispers as they passed through the artificially lighted corridors of the underground base.
Their comfortable special guestroom had been expressly adjusted and seemed particularly appealing to the General at the moment especially when he thought about the amount of work awaiting him… However Dumbledore seemed surprisingly in good form for his old age and wished to learn more about Carter's work.
Hammond considered his request for a minute. Well, he had to obey to Mr. Professor's orders, right? But, he certainly had no time to waste playing the tour guide…
He smiled abruptly. Oh, he had just had a bloody brilliant idea… He knew exactly who would take care of his original visitor for the afternoon…
********
Daniel was half-asleep in front of his computer, lowered on the keyboard, listless after a too short night.
God, he loved his job with something of a passion but after a while he had also come to enjoy the peace of their rare days off.
He woke with a start as someone knocked on the door of his office.
"Go away!" He snapped before closing his eyes again and mumbling something incomprehensible under his breath, which sounded a lot like 'I won't let anyone spoil my holidays, O'Neill'.
They simply rapped at the door this time and he remembered he had locked it from the inside. He opened it angrily, smashing it against the wall and ready to tell Jack or Teal'c a few home truths…
But he found himself face to face with Hammond. He became immediately bright red.
"Hah… General… I...huh…I am really really sorry… I didn't mean to be this disrespectful but I thought the Colonel was once again begging me to go fishing with him or something…"
"It's alright for this time, Doctor Jackson." Replied a very annoyed- looking General. But his frown turned into a very hypocrite smile and Daniel backed up suspiciously.
"Huh… How can I help you anyway, sir?"
"A very special guest has today arrived to meet Major Carter. She left the base earlier with Colonel O'Neill. I would therefore like you to keep him company for a few hours."
He had to time to complain about him also being dismissed for the day for Hammond moved aside to reveal…
He stared, immobile, his mouth wide opened. The exact copy of Merlin the Enchanter (his idea of him eventually) in a suit of the 40's, surely after a quick passing through Woodstock, was smiling at him.
Hammond eventually saw his surprise and grinned evilly.
"Professor Dumbledore, meet Dr. Daniel Jackson, part with the Major Carter of the Sg1 team.
Dr. Jackson, this is Professor Albus Dumbledore. He will be staying here for approximately a week and is allowed to see everything he would wish to or to be explained anything. Take good care of him. You know where to find me.
I will see you later, Professor. Have a good day Dr. Jackson."
A pleased avenged Hammond left a lost and mad Jackson.
********
Daniel closed the door and hastily presented him the armchair he had been sitting on.
"Have a seat, Professor. And…huh… Please don't pay too much attention to the mess…"
The man was looking at him intensely, rather amused; while he tried frenetically to make the room presentable.
"I am sorry, but I wasn't expecting to have any guests today."
He finally sat on the chair of his desk in front of the stranger and waited, steadying his breathing.
But the man remained silent and immobile.
"Huh…Well… As General Hammond has already informed you, my name is Daniel Jackson. I am part of Sg1 as linguist."
The other finally spoke. "You are no military."
"I joined the team on a voluntary basis to study the cultures of other planets." Plus for more personal matters…
When Sha're had been captured by the Goa'ulds, Jackson had returned to Earth to provide the necessary skills to help Sg1 complete the many missions ahead, and to find his wife above all.
He suddenly stopped his train of thoughts and felt very stupid.
"Wait, I'm sorry. I don't know how much you've already been told about the Stargate project, Professor."
Daniel saw once again the twinkle of amusement in the elder's eyes. He could not really explain the strange kindheartedness and mystery emanating from him, but he decided he liked the eccentric visitor.
"Please, do call me Albus, Daniel. There is no need to burden us with such an insignificant formalism, is there? Besides, you make me feel incredibly older by referring to me as 'professor'."
"I am honored, Albus."
"You should not be. To answer your question, I know that you were successful where everyone had failed to decipher and translate mysterious hieroglyphic artifact and that thanks to you the Stargate was activated."
Daniel blushed slightly. Well, that was true, wasn't it? He slapped himself mentally. Modesty, boy. Modesty…
"My duty now resided in making contact with the people we would come across. Sam is the one to save the Earth recurrently!"
A strange sadness and melancholy seemed to spread on the old man's face as he mentioned the Major. His eyes seemed to loose their brightness at once.
"What is exactly her assignment?"
"Basically, she has to ascertain possible hostile threats, to continue analysis of Stargate technology, and to analyze and return materials, technologies and knowledge for further development. She has much involvement with the theoretical, often coming up with solutions to the most bizarre puzzles. But she is also great in the field. Save me a countless number of times…"
Albus sighed. He was looking straight through Daniel.
"Is she happy?"
That wasn't the sort of question he had expected to be asked…
"Well, I assumed she is. She has found her vocation I would say. Besides, the fact she has not yet runaway, after four years with us, makes me think that she feels at home."
Had he just made a complete retrospective of Sam's personality in front of a stranger? Great!
He looked no more upset though. Daniel thought he might had found the right words…
********
"Where do you come from? I don't want to sound inquisitive, but your accent really intrigues me. England? Ireland maybe?"
"Scotland. He small village in the north of Glasgow more precisely. You weren't that far."
"And do you teach in Glasgow?"
"I give a hand here and there to old friends in London for the moment. Less boring than I thought it would be, I dare say."
Daniel raised an eyebrow, puzzled. Had he answered his question?
"Huh…right. And what are you specialized in?"
"Transfiguration, of course." He had said this very calmly and very seriously. Daniel almost fell off his chair.
"Transfiguration?"
"Yes, the art of reorganizing the atoms together to give a new structure, shape to the matter."
"Oh. Had to you obtained satisfactory results?"
"Almost magical results, Daniel. Almost magical." His lips formed an enigmatic smile and Daniel understood he would have no more confidences.
"Scientist. As Sam. I'm sure you can only get along with her now. What about visiting the rest of the base? You have plenty to see. What we have here is simply magical!"
They walked up at the door and left his office
"There is no such thing as magic, Daniel."
This time, he was persuaded Albus was holding back a grin.
********
Morning passed rather quickly. Albus proved to be really interested in their installations and work, either trivial or not. He had spent fifteen minutes each, inspecting the locker room and the base powerful electric generator. His company was sincerely agreeable but Daniel wondered if he wasn't a bit…mad. After his vivacious discussion with Janet on how she could use exotic plants he knew to speed up her patients recovery; he decided he was simply a genius. And a bit mad, yes.
As they made their way towards the Supervision Post (View of the Gate from there; peak of his visit), they saw a tall figure approaching.
The dark skin man was impressive. On his forehead was tattooed a large gold sign representing a snake. A mark, proof of his past errors and recognition of the fact that the Goa'ulds were not true gods.
"Oh, hi Teal'c! Albus, this is Teal'c. He is another member of Sg1. Teal'c, meet Professor Albus Dumbledore."
The Jaffa bowed his head to greet him.
"Dr. Jackson, General Hammond sent me. Sg8 will soon arrive and he thought our guest would like to witness the opening of the Gate."
"Thanks, Teal'c, we were coming anyway."
He left and they headed once more towards the Control Post of the Gate.
"Teal'c is human. Mostly. But comes from a world were the customs diverge from ours. So, do not take any offence. He is neither really sociable nor effusive with any of us. But he is a great companion and a faithful friend."
"You do not need to justify your friend's behavior, Daniel. In fact, he seemed particularly friendly to me."
The Doctor raised two eyebrows and sighed. Yes, mad. Definitely.
********
Even if Daniel was used to it by now, the opening of the gate always made him feel as if he had just entered an SF movie. He could tell Albus was just mesmerized. Sg8 had been to P5X854 to plot pieces of land; nothing extraordinary. In the task, of course.
"Each team of the SGC has a more or less specific mission. For example, Sg8 as Sg7 are scientific and medical teams; Sg3 and Sg5 military commandos; Sg9 and Sg11 are more turned towards diplomacy."
"What about Sg1?"
Daniel smiled. Their missions got away rather often from their original goals…
"Initially, we are supposed to defend the Earth from possible hostile invasion. Explore new worlds and return new technologies military or otherwise for study and further development; my part being to provide knowledge of other worlds and cultures."
"There are four members on your team. I think I understood that the last one was with Samantha at the moment."
"Yes. That's Colonel Jack O'Neill, in charge of us. He is a bit too sarcastic for his own good or appealed by fishing; but you'll like him a lot."
"I trust you. Now, I would like to change before Samantha's arrival. If you could accompany me to my quarters, Daniel."
"All, right. Let's go. But you have plenty of time. We do not have holidays too often and I think my mates are rather enjoying their tranquility."
********
Albus Dumbledore enjoyed the comfort of his large purple and black wizard robes. He released his hair and beard and felt undeniably better. Muggle clothing was not that bad, but he had the nasty feeling that he would pass far more unnoticed in his usual outfit...
Their gate system was astounding. You would never believe that it is only a pure scientific realization; that no magic was beyond the technology he had just seen; its beauty. If such discovery were made official, there would certainly be no more discrimination towards Muggles in their world…
He would soon meet Samantha and tried to build his self-confidence. He had no idea what her reaction would be.
Would she recognize him? Would she reject him? Would she be able to trust him?
Would she understand that they had had no other choices?
He was brought back to reality by a knock on his door.
"Enter."
"It's Daniel, Albus. I…Oh!"
He was more impressive dressed that way? Good.
"Ah…sorry…it's just you really make me think to some kind of wizard like that…"
He smiled innocently.
"Really?"
"Yeah…Okay. General Hammond would like to talk to you. Certainly to know if I have been a nice guide or not."
"The best, Daniel."
As they marched through the corridors, they suddenly heard a female voice, giggling madly, somewhere in front of them, then a man angry one.
"For crying out loud, Carter! Just leave me alone with it!"
The girl was now laughing to tears.
"Ah, sounds like Jack and Sam are finally here! Follow me, Albus. I'll introduce you to both of them."
A few seconds later, there were facing them.
********
"FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, CARTER! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE WITH IT!"
She was really getting on his nerves now.
All had begun when they had stopped at a gas station on their way back.
This truck driver had simply run towards him, asking for an autograph. Bewildered, he had been taught by the ashamed driver that he was the exact double of a TV actor playing in the famous series…huh…what was it? Ah, yes. 'Mac Gyver'.
And Carter had not ceased making fun of him…
Oh, he was enjoying seeing her cheerful again at first. But after nearly an hour and a half, he could hardly stand it anymore.
Sam stopped laughing at once and Jack followed her gaze.
Daniel was standing a few meters away with a REALLY weird-looking old man.
"Hey Danny boy! Having a nice day?"
"Perfect" he growled "Huh…yeah…I would like you to meet-"
"You! I… I know you!" They both looked at Sam questionably. She was staring at the stranger, her eyes wide opened. With almost a scared look on her face.
Comprehension drawn.
"You…you remember him Carter?"
She backed up abruptly as the stranger moved forward.
"I am Albus Dumbledore, headmaster at Hogwarts. Do you remember me, child?"
"Pro… Professor?" He smiled and images entered her head all at once..
Sam felt a sudden blinding pain and shut her eyes.
Her legs weakened and everything went black.
===================================================================
Author's Note:
I am really sorry it took me so long to write this part! But we have a national exam at the end of the year; the "baccalauréat" of French; which means a lot of work…
I'll try to be more regular, though ;o)
Sam does not appear a lot in this chapter, but the next one will be dedicated to her memories!!
Let's say this one is a tribute to Daniel ^o^
I've got the nasty feeling that this chapter sucks compared to the others. Please REVIEW! I would like to know…
Anyway, I have been waiting for long to be able to put Jack's highly famous saying: 'for crying out loud!' Done!!
Thanks to Coffee Bean and Mara Cath for their cheering words!
P.S: Tu es aussi française? You should also try to write something! I would read it for sure.
This story is dedicated to my best friend Lara.
She also writes her own fic on the site. An amazing Lara Croft story. If you like this character (and even if you don't) I firmly advise you to have a look. You'd be surprise!
See "Secrets of the Lost Empire" by Lara. Storyid: 729407
And I also want to give a bit of glory to my schoolmates Maz, Mugz, Sirius and Will who are always there to joke on Star and its famous inconsistencies.
Vous avez 24 heures, les mecs, pour enfin lire mon putain de fic. Ce délai passé, je lâche mon armée super entraînée de 1 500 000 Jaffas sur vous! (Gardes Serpents – ça évite les blagues Jaffas de mauvais goût).
Jaina.
Chapter 4: An eccentric visitor:
General Hammond was once again sitting in front of his desk, examining his teams' reports minutely when the phone rang. Sg1 was dismissed; Sg8 would be soon back and today looked for once particularly promising: calm. A peaceful routine George had almost forgotten about.
He was actually in the wrong.
********
"General Hammond."
"Officer Davis, sir, from the Main Entrance Verification Post."
"Anything wrong officer?" Seldom did they contact him if it wasn't for a significant matter…
"Well, there is someone at the gates sir; wishing to meet Major Samantha Carter straight away, sir."
"Has he no pass?"
"That's why I took the initiative to call you, sir. He has a Special Presidential Authorization to enter the base, sir."
Hammond was completely taken aback. He should have been warned if such permission was given!
"Military?"
"No, civil, sir. He maintains that he is an acquaintance of General Carter."
He wondered for a moment… No. He knew Jacob too well to think that he would attempt to their work secrecy. Then, who was this man?
"Name"
"Duple…huh…Duble…Dum-ble-dore. Professor Albus Dumbledore, sir."
He restrained a laugh. What a totally unpronounceable name! This was obviously what the young officer also thought…
"Bring me his pass and keep him waiting while I do the needed verifications."
"Yes, sir."
He hung the receiver.
Ten minutes later, he was getting in touch with the involved authorities of the Pentagon. The usual procedure in those cases. His eyes widened. Everything was in order. Professor Albus Dumbledore from Scotland had received special permission to enter HIS base, with full access to ALL its installations for a period of a week, as a guest of the highest importance, in order to discuss personal matters with his major. He frowned at the state employee's last words. No question should be asked.
He cursed under his breath as he entered the elevator leading to the surface. Fool of politicians! 'No questions asked'?!?
You couldn't just walk into HIS base as if you owned the place, for goodness' sake! He would make damn sure that this situation never repeats itself!
What troubled him even more was how he had gotten that pass… They had told him the reason why they had not notified him of his arrival was because he had only gotten the required signatures an hour ago.
Washington – Denver took on civil flight two hours and a half. Had he been escorted in a military aircraft? Had he already been waiting nearby?
Hammond shook his head slightly and sighed. What could be so important "personally" concerning his major to apply within the highest spheres of the hierarchy?
Or rather, who could be so influent to achieve this, in no time?
********
He reached the antechamber where his "guest" should be waiting, entered and…gasped.
Nothing like this man had ever been seen in the base or through his all life for sure. He was tall and aged. Like an old hippie in a gray suit and bow tie. His long white hair was pulled into a ponytail and his silver beard was braid down to his waist. Only his bright blue eyes sparkling behind half-moon spectacles, his crooked nose and his kind smile gave him a very 'professorial' look. Hammond thought that his features drew level with his name…
He regained his composure, trying desperately not to stare, and held out his hand.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, professor Dumbledore. I am General George Hammond, in charge of the SGC. Major Carter will unfortunately not be back before the evening. Follow me, please. I will guide you to your quarters and have someone show you round the base; if you do not wish to rest first of course."
The stranger had only a small and commonest black business case but his appearance was enough to turn everyone's attention to them. Hammond had to glare and cough loudly to cease the intense looks and whispers as they passed through the artificially lighted corridors of the underground base.
Their comfortable special guestroom had been expressly adjusted and seemed particularly appealing to the General at the moment especially when he thought about the amount of work awaiting him… However Dumbledore seemed surprisingly in good form for his old age and wished to learn more about Carter's work.
Hammond considered his request for a minute. Well, he had to obey to Mr. Professor's orders, right? But, he certainly had no time to waste playing the tour guide…
He smiled abruptly. Oh, he had just had a bloody brilliant idea… He knew exactly who would take care of his original visitor for the afternoon…
********
Daniel was half-asleep in front of his computer, lowered on the keyboard, listless after a too short night.
God, he loved his job with something of a passion but after a while he had also come to enjoy the peace of their rare days off.
He woke with a start as someone knocked on the door of his office.
"Go away!" He snapped before closing his eyes again and mumbling something incomprehensible under his breath, which sounded a lot like 'I won't let anyone spoil my holidays, O'Neill'.
They simply rapped at the door this time and he remembered he had locked it from the inside. He opened it angrily, smashing it against the wall and ready to tell Jack or Teal'c a few home truths…
But he found himself face to face with Hammond. He became immediately bright red.
"Hah… General… I...huh…I am really really sorry… I didn't mean to be this disrespectful but I thought the Colonel was once again begging me to go fishing with him or something…"
"It's alright for this time, Doctor Jackson." Replied a very annoyed- looking General. But his frown turned into a very hypocrite smile and Daniel backed up suspiciously.
"Huh… How can I help you anyway, sir?"
"A very special guest has today arrived to meet Major Carter. She left the base earlier with Colonel O'Neill. I would therefore like you to keep him company for a few hours."
He had to time to complain about him also being dismissed for the day for Hammond moved aside to reveal…
He stared, immobile, his mouth wide opened. The exact copy of Merlin the Enchanter (his idea of him eventually) in a suit of the 40's, surely after a quick passing through Woodstock, was smiling at him.
Hammond eventually saw his surprise and grinned evilly.
"Professor Dumbledore, meet Dr. Daniel Jackson, part with the Major Carter of the Sg1 team.
Dr. Jackson, this is Professor Albus Dumbledore. He will be staying here for approximately a week and is allowed to see everything he would wish to or to be explained anything. Take good care of him. You know where to find me.
I will see you later, Professor. Have a good day Dr. Jackson."
A pleased avenged Hammond left a lost and mad Jackson.
********
Daniel closed the door and hastily presented him the armchair he had been sitting on.
"Have a seat, Professor. And…huh… Please don't pay too much attention to the mess…"
The man was looking at him intensely, rather amused; while he tried frenetically to make the room presentable.
"I am sorry, but I wasn't expecting to have any guests today."
He finally sat on the chair of his desk in front of the stranger and waited, steadying his breathing.
But the man remained silent and immobile.
"Huh…Well… As General Hammond has already informed you, my name is Daniel Jackson. I am part of Sg1 as linguist."
The other finally spoke. "You are no military."
"I joined the team on a voluntary basis to study the cultures of other planets." Plus for more personal matters…
When Sha're had been captured by the Goa'ulds, Jackson had returned to Earth to provide the necessary skills to help Sg1 complete the many missions ahead, and to find his wife above all.
He suddenly stopped his train of thoughts and felt very stupid.
"Wait, I'm sorry. I don't know how much you've already been told about the Stargate project, Professor."
Daniel saw once again the twinkle of amusement in the elder's eyes. He could not really explain the strange kindheartedness and mystery emanating from him, but he decided he liked the eccentric visitor.
"Please, do call me Albus, Daniel. There is no need to burden us with such an insignificant formalism, is there? Besides, you make me feel incredibly older by referring to me as 'professor'."
"I am honored, Albus."
"You should not be. To answer your question, I know that you were successful where everyone had failed to decipher and translate mysterious hieroglyphic artifact and that thanks to you the Stargate was activated."
Daniel blushed slightly. Well, that was true, wasn't it? He slapped himself mentally. Modesty, boy. Modesty…
"My duty now resided in making contact with the people we would come across. Sam is the one to save the Earth recurrently!"
A strange sadness and melancholy seemed to spread on the old man's face as he mentioned the Major. His eyes seemed to loose their brightness at once.
"What is exactly her assignment?"
"Basically, she has to ascertain possible hostile threats, to continue analysis of Stargate technology, and to analyze and return materials, technologies and knowledge for further development. She has much involvement with the theoretical, often coming up with solutions to the most bizarre puzzles. But she is also great in the field. Save me a countless number of times…"
Albus sighed. He was looking straight through Daniel.
"Is she happy?"
That wasn't the sort of question he had expected to be asked…
"Well, I assumed she is. She has found her vocation I would say. Besides, the fact she has not yet runaway, after four years with us, makes me think that she feels at home."
Had he just made a complete retrospective of Sam's personality in front of a stranger? Great!
He looked no more upset though. Daniel thought he might had found the right words…
********
"Where do you come from? I don't want to sound inquisitive, but your accent really intrigues me. England? Ireland maybe?"
"Scotland. He small village in the north of Glasgow more precisely. You weren't that far."
"And do you teach in Glasgow?"
"I give a hand here and there to old friends in London for the moment. Less boring than I thought it would be, I dare say."
Daniel raised an eyebrow, puzzled. Had he answered his question?
"Huh…right. And what are you specialized in?"
"Transfiguration, of course." He had said this very calmly and very seriously. Daniel almost fell off his chair.
"Transfiguration?"
"Yes, the art of reorganizing the atoms together to give a new structure, shape to the matter."
"Oh. Had to you obtained satisfactory results?"
"Almost magical results, Daniel. Almost magical." His lips formed an enigmatic smile and Daniel understood he would have no more confidences.
"Scientist. As Sam. I'm sure you can only get along with her now. What about visiting the rest of the base? You have plenty to see. What we have here is simply magical!"
They walked up at the door and left his office
"There is no such thing as magic, Daniel."
This time, he was persuaded Albus was holding back a grin.
********
Morning passed rather quickly. Albus proved to be really interested in their installations and work, either trivial or not. He had spent fifteen minutes each, inspecting the locker room and the base powerful electric generator. His company was sincerely agreeable but Daniel wondered if he wasn't a bit…mad. After his vivacious discussion with Janet on how she could use exotic plants he knew to speed up her patients recovery; he decided he was simply a genius. And a bit mad, yes.
As they made their way towards the Supervision Post (View of the Gate from there; peak of his visit), they saw a tall figure approaching.
The dark skin man was impressive. On his forehead was tattooed a large gold sign representing a snake. A mark, proof of his past errors and recognition of the fact that the Goa'ulds were not true gods.
"Oh, hi Teal'c! Albus, this is Teal'c. He is another member of Sg1. Teal'c, meet Professor Albus Dumbledore."
The Jaffa bowed his head to greet him.
"Dr. Jackson, General Hammond sent me. Sg8 will soon arrive and he thought our guest would like to witness the opening of the Gate."
"Thanks, Teal'c, we were coming anyway."
He left and they headed once more towards the Control Post of the Gate.
"Teal'c is human. Mostly. But comes from a world were the customs diverge from ours. So, do not take any offence. He is neither really sociable nor effusive with any of us. But he is a great companion and a faithful friend."
"You do not need to justify your friend's behavior, Daniel. In fact, he seemed particularly friendly to me."
The Doctor raised two eyebrows and sighed. Yes, mad. Definitely.
********
Even if Daniel was used to it by now, the opening of the gate always made him feel as if he had just entered an SF movie. He could tell Albus was just mesmerized. Sg8 had been to P5X854 to plot pieces of land; nothing extraordinary. In the task, of course.
"Each team of the SGC has a more or less specific mission. For example, Sg8 as Sg7 are scientific and medical teams; Sg3 and Sg5 military commandos; Sg9 and Sg11 are more turned towards diplomacy."
"What about Sg1?"
Daniel smiled. Their missions got away rather often from their original goals…
"Initially, we are supposed to defend the Earth from possible hostile invasion. Explore new worlds and return new technologies military or otherwise for study and further development; my part being to provide knowledge of other worlds and cultures."
"There are four members on your team. I think I understood that the last one was with Samantha at the moment."
"Yes. That's Colonel Jack O'Neill, in charge of us. He is a bit too sarcastic for his own good or appealed by fishing; but you'll like him a lot."
"I trust you. Now, I would like to change before Samantha's arrival. If you could accompany me to my quarters, Daniel."
"All, right. Let's go. But you have plenty of time. We do not have holidays too often and I think my mates are rather enjoying their tranquility."
********
Albus Dumbledore enjoyed the comfort of his large purple and black wizard robes. He released his hair and beard and felt undeniably better. Muggle clothing was not that bad, but he had the nasty feeling that he would pass far more unnoticed in his usual outfit...
Their gate system was astounding. You would never believe that it is only a pure scientific realization; that no magic was beyond the technology he had just seen; its beauty. If such discovery were made official, there would certainly be no more discrimination towards Muggles in their world…
He would soon meet Samantha and tried to build his self-confidence. He had no idea what her reaction would be.
Would she recognize him? Would she reject him? Would she be able to trust him?
Would she understand that they had had no other choices?
He was brought back to reality by a knock on his door.
"Enter."
"It's Daniel, Albus. I…Oh!"
He was more impressive dressed that way? Good.
"Ah…sorry…it's just you really make me think to some kind of wizard like that…"
He smiled innocently.
"Really?"
"Yeah…Okay. General Hammond would like to talk to you. Certainly to know if I have been a nice guide or not."
"The best, Daniel."
As they marched through the corridors, they suddenly heard a female voice, giggling madly, somewhere in front of them, then a man angry one.
"For crying out loud, Carter! Just leave me alone with it!"
The girl was now laughing to tears.
"Ah, sounds like Jack and Sam are finally here! Follow me, Albus. I'll introduce you to both of them."
A few seconds later, there were facing them.
********
"FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, CARTER! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE WITH IT!"
She was really getting on his nerves now.
All had begun when they had stopped at a gas station on their way back.
This truck driver had simply run towards him, asking for an autograph. Bewildered, he had been taught by the ashamed driver that he was the exact double of a TV actor playing in the famous series…huh…what was it? Ah, yes. 'Mac Gyver'.
And Carter had not ceased making fun of him…
Oh, he was enjoying seeing her cheerful again at first. But after nearly an hour and a half, he could hardly stand it anymore.
Sam stopped laughing at once and Jack followed her gaze.
Daniel was standing a few meters away with a REALLY weird-looking old man.
"Hey Danny boy! Having a nice day?"
"Perfect" he growled "Huh…yeah…I would like you to meet-"
"You! I… I know you!" They both looked at Sam questionably. She was staring at the stranger, her eyes wide opened. With almost a scared look on her face.
Comprehension drawn.
"You…you remember him Carter?"
She backed up abruptly as the stranger moved forward.
"I am Albus Dumbledore, headmaster at Hogwarts. Do you remember me, child?"
"Pro… Professor?" He smiled and images entered her head all at once..
Sam felt a sudden blinding pain and shut her eyes.
Her legs weakened and everything went black.
===================================================================
Author's Note:
I am really sorry it took me so long to write this part! But we have a national exam at the end of the year; the "baccalauréat" of French; which means a lot of work…
I'll try to be more regular, though ;o)
Sam does not appear a lot in this chapter, but the next one will be dedicated to her memories!!
Let's say this one is a tribute to Daniel ^o^
I've got the nasty feeling that this chapter sucks compared to the others. Please REVIEW! I would like to know…
Anyway, I have been waiting for long to be able to put Jack's highly famous saying: 'for crying out loud!' Done!!
Thanks to Coffee Bean and Mara Cath for their cheering words!
P.S: Tu es aussi française? You should also try to write something! I would read it for sure.
This story is dedicated to my best friend Lara.
She also writes her own fic on the site. An amazing Lara Croft story. If you like this character (and even if you don't) I firmly advise you to have a look. You'd be surprise!
See "Secrets of the Lost Empire" by Lara. Storyid: 729407
And I also want to give a bit of glory to my schoolmates Maz, Mugz, Sirius and Will who are always there to joke on Star and its famous inconsistencies.
Vous avez 24 heures, les mecs, pour enfin lire mon putain de fic. Ce délai passé, je lâche mon armée super entraînée de 1 500 000 Jaffas sur vous! (Gardes Serpents – ça évite les blagues Jaffas de mauvais goût).
Jaina.