The ground was shaking violently beneath her as awareness abruptly returned to Samantha Carter. The loud rumbling that accompanied the quaking gradually subsided, giving way to a buzzing noise. Slowly, the buzz morphed into low voices, though not ones she recognized.
"His mate. . .to provide. . ."
". . .not our duty!"
". . .matters not if their kind. . .us nourishment!"
As her fuzzy-headed feeling cleared, she gradually realized that the owners of those voices were in the midst of a heated discussion. Her mind searched for the usual answers to the obvious questions. How had she gotten here? Where exactly was 'here'? What had caused the ominous earthquake? Were the disputants friend or foe?
Her eyes fluttered open, but sight brought none of the answers she was seeking. Lighting was nearly nonexistent, but she was able to ascertain that she was lying in the corner of a room with rough stone walls. The structure seemed familiar, though she couldn't seem to remember why. The only light came from beyond the door, which she assumed was lit by torches because of the flickering shadows.
A small group of individuals she didn't recognize were silhouetted in the doorway, their features obscured by the dim lighting. She debated calling out, but chose to remain silent until she was able to determine if they were enemy or ally.
". . .cannot allow. . .to perish!"
". . .blinded to. . .look-a-like. . .your dead betrothed!"
A soft groan interrupted her eavesdropping, alerting the unknown debaters in the process. She only realized that it had come from her when a nearby voice called to the others. "The female awakens!"
Sam struggled to sit upright, intending to get into a better position to defend herself if necessary. To her relief, the dizziness passed quickly, and the room immediately came back into focus. She glanced to the side and caught sight of a prone figure.
She gasped as the familiar profile brought her memories of recent events crashing back. "Colonel!"
She scrambled over to his unmoving form as quickly as she was able. She noted that he was barely breathing as she reached to take his pulse. Her heart fell when she found it to be as weak as his respirations.
A familiar voice startled her as she removed her fingers. "His time grows very short. He requires someone to share their life's fluid--or very soon, he will cease to be."
Carter was stunned by the frail appearance of the woman who had made the deal with them for the colonel's rescue during their previous visit. "Um, right. Okay, what do I have to do?"
She looked up to find a dagger in the native's extended hand as the woman explained. "Make an incision on your wrist. You must go deep enough for the blood within to run freely. Then hold it to his lips. With luck, he will be strong enough to take what he needs."
Sam stared dumbly at the sharp blade for a long moment, then shook her head. "Wait! Why can't we give him some of the blood stores that our people sent through?"
The spokeswoman swayed alarmingly, prompting another of the group to rush to her side to steady her. She smiled gratefully and patted the newcomer's hand before returning her attention to the earthlings. "Leanansidhe insisted that the entire supply be stored in her dwelling, under her control. All that remained was destroyed in the explosion."
The major gasped in shock. "No! Oh, no! I-I'm so sorry! I'll contact Earth and have them send some more as quickly as possible. I'm sure they'll replace it as soon as I explain the circumstances. It shouldn't take very long at all."
The ailing sentry sadly shook her head and nodded toward Jack. "Even that will prove to be too late for him. Nay, if he is to survive, then you must give of yourself immediately."
Sam looked down and observed the colonel struggling to draw breath. In that instant, her decision was made. Without another thought, she grabbed the dagger and drew it across her wrist, cutting deeply as instructed.
Her blood ran in a steady stream as she brought the open wound to her commanding officer's lips. He reflexively swallowed when the precious fluid accumulated in his mouth, repeating the action several times. She was beginning to fear that it wouldn't be enough, when suddenly he reached weakly up and grabbed hold of her offered limb.
She shivered when she felt the suction of his lips on her arm as he greedily sucked down her vital fluid. The feelings of ecstasy grew stronger with each passing moment as he fed from her. She quickly reached the point of not caring how much he took from her, wanting only the intense feelings he was causing to continue.
A strong pair of hands abruptly separated her from Jack, leaving her feeling like she'd taken a sucker-punch to her gut. She whirled around to reprimand the culprit, but the room spun sickeningly, and she nearly collapsed.
The hands returned to steady her as their owner admonished her for her recklessness. "Do not resist, foolish lass! If you allow him too much, you will be in danger of perishing yourself!"
The spokeswoman's weary voice sounded nearby. "Do not be too hard on her, Father. She is untrained, as is her mate."
Before her father could respond, a ruckus erupted in the hallway outside. The two natives exchanged a fearful look as a breathless messenger stormed into the room. "Ladies, Lords! The brethren have gathered and are demanding revenge against these for the slaying of the Mistress!"
A fatigued sigh escaped from the native leader. "I expected as much, though I'd hoped we'd have more time." She looked between her father and the messenger. "Come, we must take these to the Anathema; it is the only way to keep them safe."
The father's reaction was swift and severe. "Daughter, have you lost your mind! We will be killed! There is a reason that the place is forbidden, Lass!"
She shook her head sadly. "Nay, there be not any danger now, Father, for She was the last."
Her father's eyes grew wide as the truth in his offspring's words hit him. "Aye, Daughter, that She was. Very well, I'll help you get these into the building--but I'll not stay there," he warned.
The messenger matched the older man's wide-eyed expression and nodded in agreement. "Aye, I'll also help you, but I'll not stay in that damnable place, either!" he vowed.
Sam had listened quietly to the natives' conversation, intently observing O'Neill the entire time. His breathing was deep and even, though he still hadn't regained full consciousness. She touched her finger to his wrist, relieved to find that his pulse was growing stronger with each passing moment.
Unfamiliar hands lifted her under the arms and hauled her to her feet. She caught a glimpse of her wrist in the process and was startled to find the cut nearly healed. She had gambled that the nanites would be able to heal the damage from the toxic fumes emitted by the alien version of a Napalm bomb. She hadn't expected them to do it so quickly, however. Nor had she expected them to heal wounds so instantaneously.
The wall behind her rumbled open, jolting her from her thoughts. As the messenger guided her to the opening, she didn't resist. The leader and her father preceded them, with the colonel in a fireman's carry over the native man's shoulders.
She couldn't help but feel a profound sense of relief, knowing they were headed to the Ancients' laboratory. Finally, she could concentrate on fixing the machine and curing him!
"What?" A frustrated and weary Samantha Carter glared at the woman who had been instrumental in saving them. This was the fourth time they'd ducked into a small side room to evade the search parties. The native woman's father and the messenger had gone to scout the way, leaving the major with the unresponsive colonel and the ailing sentry.
"The machine can only be operated by those who built it--or their kin," she patiently explained for the second time.
"No! There has to be another way!" As her mind desperately searched for possible alternatives, her eyes wandered over to where the colonel lay motionless. He was already showing signs of a relapse as they waited for the all clear.
"Isn't there anyone among you who can operate the device?" She turned her gaze to the native as the possible solution occurred to her.
"Nay, She was the last." The woman sadly shook her head, her sympathy evident in her eyes.
"You said that earlier. I assume you're talking about Leanansidhe? What exactly does that mean--the last?"
A faraway look appeared in the sentry's eyes as her memories swept her into the past. "The Mistress was not of our clan. There was no demon inside her when she first journeyed here with her kin to study our plight. She was so very different back then. Her smiles were warm and genuine, her laughter infectious. She had a way about her of making us forget, if only for the moment, that we were a dying race. She made us believe in them, truly believe that they would find a way to cure the disease which plagued us, wiping out our brethren before our very eyes." As she paused, a solitary tear trailed slowly down her cheek. "We had not yet discovered the terrible transmutation that was taking place among our people as the result of their attempt to cure us."
She shook off the painful memories and continued her tale. "No one knows for certain what set the ensuing events into motion. One day everything was normal, with their scientists working diligently on the promised cure. The next day, near mid-morning, the screaming and yelling began. The noise was horrible and frightened even the most fearless of the brethren. The explosions soon followed, causing the ground beneath our feet to shake like a charran bush full of quidjets.
"Just when we dared hope it be over, there came the most terrifying thunder and lightning display ever seen on our world. Those foolhardy enough to remain in the streets were shocked to see all of the scientists, save for one, rush out of their laboratory and run to open the Chaapa'ai. It was awful, how they fought each other to escape the madness. In the end, only one of them made it through the open gateway before she arrived and put an end to their attempts to flee."
She wiped the tear from her cheek before resuming her story. "My father was among those ordered to dispose of the bodies. To this day, he will not speak of the terrible things She had done to the visitors before they expired."
Sam silently contemplated the other woman's words. Wow, Leanansidhe's host had been one of the Ancients. It was a shame there had been no opportunity for one of their allies to remove the Goa'uld. There was so much they could have learned from her--not to mention the fact that she could have activated the removal device and cured everyone.
Her eyes once more wandered to the still form of Jack O'Neill. She frowned as she noted his increasingly labored breathing. There was no denying that his condition was worsening rapidly and that he needed to feed again soon. She wasn't looking forward to providing his meal again, despite the rush she felt at the prospect of experiencing the incredible euphoria which accompanied the act.
"Maiti." The native's voice startled Carter from her thoughts.
The major tilted her head slightly, her eyes open wider than normal. "Excuse me?"
The other woman smiled. "Maiti O'Kelly."
At the earthling's uncomprehending expression, she quickly explained. "My name. It has only now occurred to me that, in spite of all we have been through, I have never provided you with my name."
Sam nodded, finally understanding. "Oh! Well then, it's very good to meet you, Maiti O'Kelly." Unable to stop herself, her eyes drifted back to O'Neill as she attempted to keep up the conversation. "You have a very lovely name."
Maiti rose and slowly made her way over to the colonel. After checking his condition for herself, she turned to Carter with a sad smile. "He again grows weak. He will need to feed again very soon. I shall do my best to persuade Father or Eoghan to volunteer when we reach the Anathema."
The major shrugged. "That's okay, I'll do it."
"Nay, you cannot! It is too soon! He took much from you during the first feeding, and you have not recovered. Were he allowed to feed from you again so soon, your own life force would be jeopardized."
Their discussion was interrupted as the two scouts returned, bursting into the room. "Quickly, Lass! We must make a run for it! The searchers are sending a party to block the entrance until they find us."
"Lay him on the platform," an exhausted Maiti instructed her father. When he gave her a questioning look, she impatiently explained her reasoning. "The machine will not work without one of the creators to operate it."
The native woman's voice was nearly drowned out by the pounding and shouting of the enraged brethren. Sam was unable to speak, still breathing hard--a testament to how weak she was after the colonel's feeding. She shivered violently, recalling exactly how close they'd come to being caught during their desperate bid to make it to the sanctuary as the pandemonium beyond the door continued.
Ever the good soldier, she quickly pushed her feelings aside and stumbled over to help get O'Neill settled. She removed her outer jacket and bunched it up to cushion his head, then straightened the sleeves of the native shirt he'd been dressed in before she'd awakened. Finally satisfied that he was as comfortable as she could manage, she reached up to brush a stray lock of hair from his forehead.
"Carter?" His voice was weak, but steady.
"Sir! It's good to see you awake!" She was surprised at the nearly-overwhelming joy she felt at the welcome sight of his captivating brown eyes. She wanted nothing more than to reach out and stroke his cheek, but settled for a more appropriate gesture of clasping his hand.
"The snake?" His gaze was piercing and intense as he demanded answers, but he made no effort to remove his hand from hers.
"Dead, sir." She averted her eyes, suddenly unsure of his reaction to her violent method of resolving the situation.
"You sure?"
"Yes, sir. I'm positive." Though she answered without hesitation, even in his weakened state he could see that there was a problem.
"Spill it, Carter," he ordered, squeezing her hand in support.
She turned teary eyes back to him. "I used one of the devices from P6J-792. Her entire compound went up with her."
He whistled softly. "Wow, you don't mess around. Good work, Major." He frowned when, in spite of the praise, she again refused to look him in the eye. "Something wrong?" he asked breathily.
Too quickly, she shook her head. How could she possibly tell him that she had eliminated the one person who could have cured him and made it possible for him to go back to earth?
"Carter!" he demanded.
"I'm fine, sir, just a little tired." She stood, but kept a hold on his hand. "You should get some rest, too," she urged.
Suddenly unable to keep his eyes open, he nodded reluctantly. "Talk later," he vowed as he drifted off.
She grimaced, grateful that his eyes had already closed. "Yes, sir," she answered dutifully. She grudgingly lowered his hand to the platform and stepped away, intending to join the natives to discuss their situation.
She'd only made it a few steps before a loud humming noise filled the room, drowning out even the din from the angry mob. She instinctively turned back to O'Neill, ready to rush to his aid if necessary.
To her surprise, his hand had slipped off the platform and was touching the control box. She new instantly that he'd managed to activate the device--though how she had no idea. Without a thought, she flew back to his side and knocked his hand away.
To the dismay of all present, the machine did not turn off when the contact was broken. Apparently, once switched on, it would not stop until the victim was cured. Maiti's cry echoed in harmony with her own protest. "NO!"
The native woman was babbling nearly hysterically. "Oh, no! This is entirely my fault! I knew from the first encounter--I should have remembered! How could I have been so careless?" She turned desperately to Sam. "You did not say anything! Why did you not speak out?"
Carter's eyes glittered with rage. "What are you trying to insinuate here? Why didn't I speak out about what?" she demanded.
Maiti moved forward and clutched onto the major's arms. "He carries the essence of the Old Ones, those who built this place! But you said nothing, even after I told you that only his kind are able to operate the device!"
Sam stared at her as if she'd suddenly grown a second head. "He's not an Ancient! He's just a normal human being from earth!"
As soon as the words left her mouth, their most recent encounter with the Asgard on Loki's ship flashed through her mind. The maverick little grey alien's words echoed in her mind. "He was physiologically advanced enough to carry and utilize all the data from the ancient repository of knowledge."
"O'Neill is legendary."
Thor's explanation also came to her unbidden. "A marker was placed in your DNA to prevent any attempts at genetic manipulation."
And lastly, the most damning words of all. " . .our scientists have already determined. . . you are an important step forward in the evolutionary chain. . "
Carter hadn't even noticed the woman's father approach, so deep in thought was she. Instinctively, she drew her hand back in readiness to fight, but caught herself before the first punch was thrown. She stepped back, leaving the man to deal with his offspring.
"Stop it, Lass! It matters not who knew what, or who did or did not speak up. What is past is no longer of consequence. We must now concentrate on finding a way to help him--he is the only one who can operate the device!"
Her eyes grew wide as the importance of his words hit her. "Yes, Father! You are correct; we must find a way to keep him alive!"
She pulled away and turned back to the major, her eyes glittering with excitement. "Can your healers restore him now that the nanobots are no longer sustaining him?"
Sam nodded eagerly. "Yes, it should be a simple matter of getting him a transfusion and fluids. If you can persuade the brethren to allow me to contact my superiors, I can have them send the blood for all of you and a medical team to treat Colonel O'Neill. I'll give myself up to whatever form of justice they see fit, if only they will let me get help for the colonel first," she vowed.
Maiti's father was already out the door as the woman answered. "If your healer can restore him, there will be no further demand for vengeance."
"What? How can you be so certain?"
The native woman smiled reassuringly. "The brethren are angered because they feel their only hope of a cure has been taken from them--not because of any feelings of loyalty to the demon. Once they realize there is another who can help, they will drop their demands very quickly."
Carter found it difficult to accept that things could be that simple. "They thought the Goa'uld was going to cure them?"
Maiti nodded. "Asharia--the host--was able to persuade the demon to spare three of the scientists and set them to work on the cure. It took them many, many moon cycles to repair the damage to this place and begin work. They were instructed to build the device to respond only to Asharia, but they secretly disobeyed and made it to respond to any of their kind."
The major whistled softly. "I can only imagine how Leanansidhe responded to that when she found out. She did find out, right?"
The other woman nodded affirmatively. "She flew into a rage and killed the remaining scientists. After that, Asharia retreated and never surfaced again. Still, there was hope among the brethren that one day she would return and persuade the demon to allow her to finish work on the cure."
It was only when Eoghan reappeared that Sam realized that the raging mob of the brethren had gone quiet. "They've agreed! Come, it is safe for you to contact your people now," he urged.
"Carter, no!" O'Neill was now sitting on the edge of the platform, struggling to rise. To his immense frustration, he was unable to make it to his feet.
"Sir!" The major was at his side in an instant. "Please just lay back and rest. I'm going to send for Janet and then you'll be able to go back to earth."
"No!" he thundered, though his strength was waning. "Might be a trap!" He gritted his teeth, suddenly feeling dizzy and nauseous, but stubbornly remained sitting.
She shook her head. "I'm sorry, sir, but I have to do this. I'll be back as soon as I can."
Jack made a grab for her arm, but missed. Before he could say or do anything more to stop her, she was out the door. "Damn it!"
The room was spinning so violently that he was unable to discern who it was that guided him back down to stretch out on the hard platform. He instinctively rolled to his side and began to heave. Luckily, his stomach was empty, his system long since having absorbed the blood that Carter had fed him.
His frustration mounted as he realized that all he could do was lay there and wait for her return, but even that wasn't enough to keep him aware. As he drifted off, his thoughts were only of a certain blonde major as he willed her to be safe.
'Damn it, Major, if you get yourself killed over a sorry excuse for an officer like me, I swear I'll find a way to kill you again myself!'
-tbc-