The others chimed in with words of comfort as well and then she felt herself being lifted up by Captain Vet. Oh well, time to face the music. Couldn't be much worse than the annual physical. It couldn't right?
Chapter 8
An hour later SG-1, minus Sam, who was still in the infirmary with Doctor Fraiser and Captain Brunsfeld, were gathered in the briefing room. Sam was likely suffering through every test that the Doctor and Captain could think to run on her. Jack winced, remembering the very startled yowl that had escaped from behind the curtain, and he didn't envy the unfortunate Major one bit. Growing up on a farm he'd had first hand experience in assisting with just about every sort of exam on all sorts of animals, so he had a pretty good idea of exactly what sorts of things went on during a cat's checkup. Likely Janet would insist on a full physical, and then some. Judging by Carter's face and flattened ears, the Major had had a pretty good idea what to expect as well. She had owned a cat for some time after all.
Jack had brought the General up to speed on the discovery they'd made in the infirmary, and Janet had allowed the General to ask Sam a few yes/no questions to demonstrate, before whisking her off to the infirmary for more tests. General Hammond's relief at discovering Major Carter wasn't missing anymore was just as short lived as everyone else. Upon learning that she'd been somehow turned into a cat, he'd ordered SG-3 and 7 to stand down until further notice and put a hold on any immediate return to the planet, despite protests from the remaining members of SG-1 that they needed to return to look for clues, but this time with a science and archeological team. General Hammond simply did not wish to put anyone else at risk of the same fate as Major Carter until they had a better idea of just what had happened and how the machine worked.
Daniel was seated across from him, pouring over his notes from the planet, a look of intense concentration on his face. The alien writings had him stumped. Teal'c stood at the window overlooking the gate, hands clasped firmly behind his back, appearing deep in thought. Jack rose to his feet as the General entered the room, a folder in his hands.
"People, Doctor Fraiser and Captain Brunsfeld will be joining us momentarily. Doctor Fraiser wishes to keep Major Carter in the infirmary under observation for now. They have assured me that they have found no evidence of any tampering or destructive devices such as those found in Cassandra Fraiser and Teal'c's son, Rya'c. We all know why we are here. Doctor Jackson, were you able anything about the machine or the people that made it?" General Hammond was right to the point.
Daniel looked up from his notes, pushing his glasses up on his nose with a frown. "The language is like nothing I've ever seen before General. I'm hoping that the murals which seem to depict some kind of history will help give a starting base for translating the inscriptions on the device."
Hammond nodded. "Make it your top priority Doctor Jackson."
Teal'c spoke up, "General Hammond, I believe I recall a legend of a planet where the inhabitants used technology to change their bodies into that of an animal, thereby prolonging their lives. Many ghould sought the location of this place, but it had always remained a mystery. Perhaps we have found what so many have sought."
"Now, why would anyone actually want to be turned into a cat?" Jack was skeptical.
"Many ancient Earth cultures worshipped various animals Jack." Daniel tried to explain. "And many of those often believed in reincarnation, or some form of afterlife. Perhaps the transformation was some sort of religious rite, or an honor. The history on the wall may explain why..." Daniel trailed off as Jack interrupted.
"Does it really matter Daniel? Who cares why it was done, we need to know how to reverse it! I don't think Carter is feeling really honored at the moment!" Jack glared at Daniel. Sometimes Daniel could get so caught up in the past, he forgot about the present.
Daniel sighed. "I know Jack. I could really use Sam's help right now with the machine. If we can figure out what some of the panels do, I could use it as a base to translate the rest of the inscriptions. I'm hoping there are instructions on the wall. Some of the pictures seem to show the machine in use. Sam could probably make sense of them."
"Well, yeah, but in case you haven't noticed, it seems the cat's got Carter's tongue." Jack said sarcastically.
"Gentlemen, please..." Started Hammond, but Daniel interrupted. "Wait, what about that time when Sam had that alien entity take over her body, and we used that voice synthesizing equipment? Maybe she can use that. Than she can talk to us."
"See to it Doctor Jackson." Hammond gave the order as Doctor Fraiser and Captain Brunsfeld entered the briefing room. "Doctor, Captain. Thank you for joining us. Please be seated." He waited for them to take places at the table before continuing. "How is Major Carter?"
Janet went first, "Sir, she is resting now in the infirmary, I'd like to keep her for the next day or so. We have sent off a variety of labs and blood work to check for the presence of naquadah and the protein marker, among other things. I'll let Captain Brunsfeld give the details on her physical status. As for her mental status, she seems to be coping as well as can be expected given the circumstances. But without being able to ask her more than yes or no questions it's hard to get an accurate assessment."
General Hammond spoke. "Doctor Jackson believes he has an idea that will help Major Carter communicate again. I have authorized him to set up the equipment used when Major Carter had been taken by the alien entity. What can you tell us about her physical status Captain?"
Captain Brunsfeld shuffled his notes. "General Hammond Sir, Major Carter appears to be a healthy one or two year old cat. I could find no physical cause for the difficulty she seems to be having in standing and walking. She seems to be slowly improving and by questioning her, it seems to be more of difficulty in acclimating to a different body. I believe that in time, it will not be an issue. Its all fascinating really..."
"Let's hope she isn't in there long enough Captain. I don't know about you, but I'd rather have Carter back the way she belongs." Jack glared at the young captain for suggesting his Major was "fascinating." He didn't want anyone studying her. He was very protective of his second, even if he'd never admit the fact.
"Colonel." General Hammond warned him, and Jack quieted. "Please continue Captain Brunsfeld."
Brunsfeld cleared his throat. "Ah, yes sir, sorry sir." He glanced at Colonel O'Neill, than back to his notes before continuing. "Other than scans revealing a higher level of brain activity, her unusual coloring, and the possibility of naquadah in her blood, she is basically an ordinary cat. If I didn't know her mind was human, I may never have guessed it. I have made some suggestions to Doctor Fraiser regarding the Major's activity, diet and care until we can reverse the process. With your permission, General, I'd like to remain available to assist in any problems the Major may have acclimating."
"I'll see to it Captain. Thank you." General Hammond looked around the room. "If no one has anything else to add? No? Dismissed."