Part Three

Please come now I think I'm falling

I'm holding on to all I think is safe

It seems I found the road to nowhere

And I'm trying to escape

I yelled back when I heard thunder

But I'm down to one last breath

And with it let me say

Let me say

Hold me now

I'm six feet from the edge and I'm thinking

That maybe six feet

Ain't so far down

I'm looking down now that it's over

Reflecting on all of my mistakes

I thought I found the road to somewhere

Somewhere in His grace

I cried out heaven save me

But I'm down to one last breath

And with it let me say

Let me say

Hold me now

I'm six feet from the edge and I'm thinking

That maybe six feet

Ain't so far down

Sad eyes follow me

But I still believe there's something left for me

So please come stay with me

'Cause I still believe there's something left for you and me

For you and me

For you and me

Hold me now

I'm six feet from the edge and I'm thinking

Stepping out of the armoury, Zat gun in hand, Teal'c headed in the direction of the VIP rooms. The medical alarm was silent, having lasted only a short time before cutting out for no reason. The small group in the briefing room had known instantly that the alarm wasn't a good sign, sorting themselves into groups to deal with the situation, three of them heading, armed, to the VIP room, in which the Tok'ra were supposedly in need of medical assistance, ahead of the medical team that Doctor Fraiser had gone to gather, while General Hammond and Senator Hunter stayed behind in the briefing room to await news.

Teal'c ignored the looks that his determined sprint down the corridor was gathering, he was worried, not for the Tok'ra, but for his immortal comrade, who he had failed to find in the man's office on his way to the armoury, which meant that Daniel Jackson had most likely moved in answer to the alarm, just as any of them would.

Teal'c ran on, his mind fixed on his aim, and his target. He would not allow the Tok'ra to take his friend in this way. He would die before then.

General Hammond watched as the young woman sitting opposite him played with her pencil, spinning it idly in one hand as she pretended to read one of the mission reports she had been given on her way in. He had been surprised by how practically she dealt with everything, never making the quick assumptions that he was used to Senator Kinsey making, rarely correcting a person's point of view, patient, yet straight to the point, she was a mystery that he knew he would enjoy getting to know over the long term, but for now he was happy to make idle conversation, as much to distract himself, as to distract the senator, from worrying about the men and women of his command and this latest trial.

Teal'c slowed as he approached the door, noting that he was obviously the first to get there, chocolate brown eyes dropping to the unconscious airmen on the floor to either side of the corridor, and the missing side arms. He moved closer to the doorway. Careful not to make any sound that might give away his position, knowing that if he did, it would alert the Tok'ra to his presence, not willing to risk that just maybe Daniel Jackson had gained the upper hand, against the obviously pre-arranged plan.

Creeping forward he held the Zat gun out in front, open and ready to shot if he needed to. Flattening against the doorframe, he edged forwards, turning so that he had an open shot into the suite, brown eyes narrowing on a familiar back as he moved into the open taking aim. He couldn't afford any mistake.

Daniel kept his back stiff ready for any opportunity that Lin'Al offered, determined not to go down without a fight, while showing an outwardly defeated posture, hoping that the Tok'ra would make some kind of mistake.

He lent forward as the other man pressed the gun into the back of his neck wondering what the Tok'ra believed he would gain from shooting him. Tilting his head to one side purposely pressing his spine against the gun's barrel he met deep hazel eyes for a moment before the Tok'ra took a step back bringing the gun down on the side of Daniel's face, knocking him to the floor.

Daniel winced, reaching up to touch his cheek, glancing at his fingertips as he drew them away and noting with disgust that the Tok'ra had managed to draw blood.

He knew now that Lin'Al was acting for the Tok'ra as a whole, he was acting for a division of it, one that believed in getting what they needed by whatever means necessary, basically the Tok'ra form of the NID, but better equipped.

He didn't bother to try and look at the other man again, guessing that it would only gain him another sharp blow from the heavy side arm, willing to wait until help came, knowing that the Tok'ra hadn't really planned for everything, they most likely hadn't taken into account that fact that medical emergency alarm didn't tend to just cut out. Which meant someone would be coming. And Lin'Al would come unstuck very quickly.

Janet Fraiser glanced around at the assembled team, deciding that she had all that she would need as she noted the small group of SFs that had just joined the gathering. Nodded to her nursing staff she started to herd the group out of the door, stopping again to check how many beds they had to take with them, mentally making a tally as to how long it would take to get them to the floor on which the VIP rooms were set up, and deciding that it would give the members of SG-1 more than enough time to sort out whatever threat was present at that location, she nodded for the men to go jogging back to pick up her own chosen equipment, knowing what the Tok'ra were capable of.

Taking a deep breath she reminded the remaining nursing staff that she would need some beds ready for when she got back, before turning and following the med team hoping everything would be ok.

Daniel froze at the sound of a Zat opening somewhere behind him interrupted his examination of the device he had found, knowing that it didn't belong to Lin'Al he prepared himself to roll to one side to avoid the writhing body that would doubtless sound be sprawled out on the hard concrete floor, moving as soon as the familiar sound of a Zat's energy discharge rang out, turning to see who his rescuer was.

He smiled his thanks at Teal'c glancing down at the now unconscious Lin'Al feeling sorry for the poor man who had so willingly offered himself as a host to the traitorous Tok'ra.

"What of Anise DanielJackson?" Teal'c's solemn voice broke into Daniel's thoughts and he glanced towards the young woman with a sigh.

"She's alive, but as for how much longer, I don't honestly know, he used this on her." Daniel held up the device watching the recognition cross his friend's face.

"An ashrak weapon." Daniel nodded solemnly agreeing.

"Yeah, but an upgrade from the one used on Sam and Jolinar, she needs help and soon."

"DoctorFraiser is on her way." Daniel nodded his gaze fixed on Anise as he wondered whether Janet would arrive in time, or if it had already been too late as soon as Lin'Al had started using the device. Either way, his fate rested on her life.

Janet pushed past Sam gently to get to Anise kneeling beside Daniel to check on her condition, avoiding the angry glare of the captured Tok'ra man, taking the woman's pulse she quickly ran her hands over her head to check for any sign of fracturing or swelling, finding no signs directly forthcoming she looked up in search of another member of her medical team. "I need a gurney in here stat, possible haemorrhaging and damage to the brain tissues," Looking up to meet Daniel's gaze she raised an eyebrow in question, watching as showing the small to device to her before grimly continuing, "Similar to the damage we'd expect from a hand device, possibly worse, we don't know exactly what we're dealing with here people so I what all the tests run as ASP." Pulling away she froze, glancing down at the gentle hand that had caught her hand before meeting deep blue eyes.

"Do what you can Janet."

Janet froze in place for a moment longer before nodding, squeezing his hand in understanding. "I will."

Daniel watched as the SFs led Lin'Al away to a holding room, wondering what they would do with him later, if Anise recovered, would the Tok'ra take him back into their number saying simply that he had done what he had done for the good of his people and they could see nothing wrong with that, or would they sentence him to the same fate as they had Tanith, the symbiote being removed from the host body, and most likely killed, leaving the host to live their life with those memories.

He shuddered wondering if Tanith's host could ever have lived with all those memories, nightmare images of the death and destruction that the Goa'uld seemed to cause everywhere they went.

"So, I guess we wait."

Daniel glanced across the room at his friend, suddenly realising that he wasn't the only person in the room. "Yeah, but for what? News of our doom, or of our victory?" He watched the confused look cross Jack's face before smiling idly and shaking his head. "You had to have been there." He held back a laugh as the three of them exchanged an uncertain look turning and wandering out of the room, he headed for the corridor outside the infirmary, preparing himself for a long wait. Hoping that Anise would survive, unwilling to think what might happen if she didn't. Only time could tell.

Jo flicked through the report smiling vaguely as an idea entered her mind, stopping on the page detailing how the SGC had managed to talk the Goa'uld into allowing Earth to keep it's StarGate. What was stopping them from using the same method with the Tok'ra, especially now that they knew Anise would survive, thanks to the hard work of Doctor Fraiser and her team.

Looking up she smiled as General Hammond re-entered the room, a relieved expression on his wrinkled features. The older man nodded his greeting, as he slipped back into his chair. Now was as good a time as any to make herself heard.

Waving the folder, knowing that to the unknowing eye it looked much like he was the ranking person in the room but not caring, she sat up straighter to excitedly detail her plans, watching his expression as she did so.

"Do you think it has any chance from you past experience of dealing with the Tok'ra General?" Having finished presenting the plan she eagerly waited for his thoughts on it, willing to take any suggestions he had into account.

A knowing smile touched his lips and he nodded slowly. "I think we have a plan of action Madam Senator, that might just work."

Returning the warm smile she stood, "With your permission General?"

He raised his eyebrows faintly. "Of course Ma'am feel free."

Her smile widening as she turned and headed out of the room she went over her plan one last time before she would carry it out, that was if the Tok'ra was willing to hear it.

Daniel smiled as Janet stepped out of the infirmary having settled her patient once more after General Hammond's visit, Anise was alive, and would be for some time, which meant there was still hope that, somehow, they could win, despite Lin'Al's best efforts.

Janet frowned at him, taking in his appearance and glancing at the small cut just below his eye with a critical eye "Go rest, or I'll have to order you to Doctor Jackson, and I had better not hear that that cut of yours is infected."

Daniel had to laugh at the firm tone of voice that Janet had used to give the command and how it contrasted with the relief in her eyes, and the small smile on her lips. "Will do Ma'am, now that we know everything's a-okay."

Janet hesitated in front of the infirmary door turning to meet Daniel's gaze, brown eyes serious. "Is it?"

Daniel smiled lightly. "Yeah, it is."

Janet searched his eyes for a few minutes before nodding solemnly in understanding. "It's hard to see it that way."

Daniel nodded. "I know, but it will all turn out Ok in the end, trust me on that Janet." He smiled sadly, reaching out to brush her hand gently with his fingers before turning on his heel and walking away, heading towards the showers. He was finally ready to wash away the evidence of the two days activity, savouring the thought of a warm shower and clean clothes, even as the sound of the infirmary door swinging shut reached him.

There was a chance that everything would be ok, and that was all that mattered.

Jo slid into the chair next to Anise's bed, silently waiting for the Tok'ra to wake up from her healing sleep.

The Tok'ra themselves had now provided what she had been looking for, a reason why their conditions weren't acceptable, an acceptable reason to refuse them, besides that the condtions went against the immortal's human rights, which as a defence only seemed to work within modern Earth courts of justice, not in the universe beyond. The Tok'ra had proved that the best opinion was not for Alastair, Doctor Jackson, to go to them, but for him to stay were he was.

After all, there were traitors amongst the Tok'ra still, despite the insistence to the contrary. Traitors that hadn't been identified, while at least in the SGC, the enemies were known.

Now perhaps, the Tok'ra woman would be willing to allow the SGC to make their own proposal, as to what to do about the threat posed by their immortal comrade, and where he truly belonged. If not, it would just have to be suggested that the Tauri should reconsider their present alliance with the Tok'ra, after all, what kind of an ally refused to admit when they were wrong?

Jo smiled as she walked into the briefing room, aware that it would be the whole of SG-1 waiting with the general this time. She couldn't help but smile to herself, pleased that the Tok'ra woman had been willing to see her point of view, and to even agree that it was correct, for the time being.

Calmly approaching the table she took in the final member of SG-1, the immortal in their midst, meeting his blue eyes for a moment she nodded a greeting before turning her attention to the room at large.

"Anise has agreed to the terms that we agreed upon, for now the situation will remain as it is, until the Tok'ra can be sure that there are no more traitors in their midst, which she admits may never happen. But as it stands she is going to make contact with the High Council and inform them of the new proposals, she believes that they will agree with her. In either case they will be sending some more Tok'ra through, to retrieve Lin'Al and see that he gets the punishment he deserves."

The General nodded his understanding, "Of course, I'll have the technicians make the arrangements right now, if there isn't anything else Ma'am?"

Jo smiled. "I'm afraid there is one more thing General."

She watched his expression for a moment before continuing. "I want you to know that from now on this programme has my full support and backing, if there is anything you need, I have no doubt you know how to contact me."

General Hammond straightened nodding a warm smile on his lips. "Thank you Ma'am."

Jo smiled. "You're more than welcome General."

The group stood silently at the base of the ramp as the event horizon rippled, their visitors stepping out onto the ramp. The two Tok'ra, Jacob Carter/Selmac, Sam's father, and Aldwin, were both men that the members of the SGC trusted, having come to a deeper understanding with them than they had ever been able to manage with many of the other Tok'ra.

Anise stepped forward silently bowing her head in greeting. "The High Council has heard by advisement?"

Jacob nodded, smiling faintly at his daughter. "Indeed they have, and in the circumstances they have agreed that things are best to remain as they are, with Alastair remaining on Earth."

Jack grinned. "Yes," Clearing his throat he shrugged, "Good to know the Tok'ra understand."

Jacob raised an eyebrow. "It's good to see you too Colonel, how are the knees?"

Jack raised an eyebrow. "Oh well you know how it can be, a little achy in this kinda' weather we having."

Jacob chuckled. "Aldwin and Anise will be overseeing Lin'Al's transportation back to the base, but I have been granted some leave and I was hoping that George wouldn't mind if I were to hang around for a little while." He glanced at his old friend as he spoke eyebrows raised.

General Hammond smiled. "Of course you're welcome to Jacob."

Daniel sighed glancing at Teal'c. "Nice to know we matter."

Teal'c raised an eyebrow, a smile touching his lips. "Indeed. Perhaps we should leave."

Sam laughed. "The door's open."

Daniel rolled his eyes. "Thanks Sam."

Their laughter eased the tension as they finally allowed themselves to accept that, for now at least, they had won.

Daniel sighed as he wandered down the corridor to his office, idly rotating his shoulders in an effort to dispel the tension frowning as he noticed that his light was on. Slowing he walked forward and pushed the door open trying to remember if he had forgotten to turn the light off when he had left the room a few hours before, or if it was just another one of the researchers looking for a reference from one of the books in his extensive library.

Blue eyes met blue as Senator Hunter looked up from the book on Egyptian mythology that she had been reading, motioning him in.

"I noticed you didn't have any camera's in here at the moment." She made it sound like an idle comment as she watched him cross the room to sit in the only other free chair in the office. She waved the book in the air vaguely. "I hope you don't mind, I thought I had best remind myself of this stuff considering the situation."

Daniel smiled. "Not at all, though I'm sure you have that same book in your own collection."

Jo laughed softly. "You're right I do." She placed it carefully back down onto the desk leaning back in the chair. "It's good to see you."

Daniel nodded solemnly. "You too Jo, how's, work?"

She laughed. "As fun as can be expected considering. It's amazing how much paper work crosses my desk nowadays, demanding my attention, but I suppose if I do make it to the oval office I can expect a lot more."

Daniel smiled fondly. "You're never been one to give up on a challenge."

Jo smiled. "And we both know who I got that from. These are good people you've found, if I were you I would have done the same thing as you have in this situation, fight as hard as I could to stay here with people that I knew I could trust. It means a lot in this day and age."

Daniel nodded. "I know it does, but I'll remember." He watched as she glanced at her watch knowing that she had limited time. "Promise me that you'll look after yourself?"

Jo smiled faintly nodding. "I will, promise." She stood, catching his hand in her own for a few seconds, squeezing it in a private show of affection. "I'll see you around old man."

Daniel grinned. "You too Lass."

Jack smiled as he led his team, dressed in civilian clothes ready for the proposed celebratory night out, with Jacob along as 'company' glancing sideways at his team, finally they had gotten somewhere, there was no threat from their off world allies, and all was quiet on the 'enemy' front, they might just be able to get some rest and relaxation in before the next bombshell hit, or many that immortal chick, Gaby, had been wrong, bad things don't just come in threes, they came in very large groups, in which case they might as well take whatever they could, when they could, after all they had had enough practice at it over the past few years, what with all the 'saving the world' stunts they had pulled. He smiled as his mind wandered back to the last one, wondering how many other immortals had ever had appendicitis, if any.

"So dad, what do you want to do?" He smiled as Carter efficiently got the conversation ball rolling, remembering that he had, less than a month before, believed that their group would never be the same, and yet here they were, together and comfortable with each other, despite everything had had happened. He grinned wondering if the fatherly pride swelling in his chest was normal considering the fact that all but one of his 'kids' that were present were older than him, shaking his head he decided to make his own opinion heard, determined not to end up doing any of the lame suggestions they had come up with so far.

"How about we get just get pizza and beer, and watch a movie?"

Jo slid her sunglasses on as the car pulled up in front of her office, stepping out into the sunlight, turning to wave to Major Davies, she thanked him for his help, and reminding him that her door was always open if the need arouse, before turning to enter the modern office block.

Eve would most likely have spent the whole week either talking to her mother about things and making plans for next Christmas, or arranging Jo's own appointments in a way that she thought gave sufficient breaks from the stress of the work that was involved in being a politician, tactfully avoiding any meetings that she knew Jo wouldn't have any interest in.

Jo smiled idly wondering if she could have found a better secretary if she had held those interviews, or if considering her lifestyle, it would simply never have worked. She had known the younger woman for years, and their friendship meant a lot when it came to her everyday life, she doubted that she could have put up with the stress if it wasn't for Eve's calm approach to everything. She wondered sometimes if there was anything that would worry Eve as long as her mother was alive and happy, and love existed.

She wrinkled her nose slightly as she tried to think of any situation in which she had seen Eve panic, before shaking it off as a waste of time, her mind instead going back to where it had been for the whole of her flight back. Alastair.

She wasn't sure how easy the promise she had made would be to keep, sometimes her own safety was the last thing on her mind, as the old man was well aware, but she had caught the under current of his request, he was worried for her.

She frowned as she stepped into the empty elevator, hitting the button for her floor. While it was true that Lily's kidnap proved that the war was once again awakening, a new stage of it beginning, she could see no reason for the old man to be worried.

Of the four of them, Lily was the youngest, the only one who couldn't defend herself. Jo rubbed her arms as goose bumps rose on them, along with a realisation of why he was worried enough to show it.

She was the next youngest to Lily, it was true, but that had nothing to do with it, it was all about her position.

Unlike the other three she didn't only have immortal enemies to worry about, there were also the mortal ones that came with her position as a senator of the US of A. Mortal enemies that he knew as well as she did.

But he had said it himself years ago, she had one thing that stood against those mortal enemies, an immortal hope, her immortality it's self, she smiled remembering how old she had been when the old man had told her that, as he had held her in his arms as she cried, expressing her grief.

The old man, her father.

And so ends Immortal Hope - the opening 'story'/Trilogy - I hope someone enjoyed reading this as much as I have enjoyed writing it - there is more to come - the bunnies won't let me leave it where it is, evil little things! (especially the ones tht haven't made themselves felt yet - like a certain blonde and brunette...)

Thanks for reading,

The Schizophrenic Gatekeeper