A/N: My apologies, I know its been ages and ages since getting an update out, especially after telling you that muse didn't want to end the story and leaving you all dangling like that. I'm afraid I don't have much more to offer than this. It has been very hectic in the past few months, and it seems like every time get more than two or three days off in a row to get anything done I've been sick. That, and I'm still working on more things for the house and have now decided to work towards a promotion at work which will mean a bunch of paperwork and scheduling changes this summer… well I'll do my best, but I may have taken the wrong route by choosing to take the more difficult decision to continue the story (continuing meant a series of difficult or implausible events to get SG-1 to save the day… while ending it would have meant the story would be over now!)
The four members of SG-1 watched from positions around and under the Hummer, where they'd taken cover the moment the General had fallen, helpless to do anything to aid their comrades.
Chapter 16: Unnoticed
A mechanical beep and whir brought their attention back to the area where the energy discharges had originated. Floating in mid air was a small black cylindrical object. It looked vaguely like an ink pen, except for being a bit longer and wider, and for the small blinking green light at one end. While they watched, the object turned a complete circle, then, as if satisfied it had neutralized all threats, it settled onto a table, the green light fading out.
Jack blinked at the alien device, frowning. "Carter, what the hell was that thing?"
Sam was looking at the thing as well, with a perplexed expression on her face. "I don't know sir. I've never seen anything like it."
"Looks like a floating pen."
Carter blinked at her CO's response, but decided not to reply. Fortunately, her silence was hidden by Daniel's interruption.
"It looks like everyone is just unconscious." Daniel gestured to where the General and Doctor Fraiser lay sprawled. The rest of them could see that they and the staff of the infirmary breathed slowly and regularly as if asleep.
"Well hello." Jack's statement had everyone turning around and ducking back behind the Hummer as two aliens entered the infirmary.
Tall, thin and humanoid looking the resemblance ended there. These beings had a dull greenish cast to their skin, and long wispy gray hair. They wore loose robe-like garments of neutral colors, browns and grays, fastened with wide belts. One of the aliens picked up the floaty pen thingy with its long thin fingers and seemed to be checking something on it, before tucking it inside its robe. Jack made a face as he noticed the aliens had six digits on each hand. Seeing their hands, he realized that this was the delegation from the planet that SG-4 had just visited.
Obviously coming to the same conclusion, Daniel was also frowning at the aliens. "Jack," he wondered, "I thought they were supposed to have been checked out at the beta site before being allowed into the SGC."
Scowling, Jack watched the aliens approach the fallen people, moving around the Hummer to stay out of site. The aliens paid no attention to the bed however, intent only on those they could see lying on the floor. "Yeah, well, obviously they missed something."
Chattering with each other in their native tongue, oblivious to their small watchers, the aliens conferred before approaching each of the unconscious humans and binding their hands and feet with rope before dragging each one to nearby beds and securing them to the bed frames. While the captives could still probably move the beds, it would be rather awkward, which was likely the plan. Once their prisoners were secured, the two aliens left the infirmary.
As soon as they were alone again, Jack straightened up. "Ok kids, options?"
"Jack, we should try to help them escape." Daniel had walked to the side of the bed, watching the unconscious forms.
"And just what do you think we could do Daniel?" Jack's scowl deepened.
"O'Neill, I believe we should attempt to secure weapons."
Jack looked at Teal'c. "And what are we going to do with weapons? I don't think any of us could lift a P-90 right now." His reply bordered on the sarcastic.
Seeing where Teal'c was heading, Carter added her own thoughts. "Not for us, sir. But maybe if we could get something small, like a knife or grenade to the General…"
Nodding, Jack latched onto the plan. "Ok, there's a weapons locker on this level, not far from here. I can't think of any better ideas at the moment. If no one else has any suggestions?" At the quick negative responses from the rest of his team, Jack nodded again. "Ok campers, let's pack up some supplies and move out, we have a base to retake."
SG-1 sprang into action. Teal'c wrapped up the left over bits of the power bar using shredded napkin tied up with threads he had pulled free from the blanket they stood on. There was enough food to last for several meals, although Jack thought he'd get rather tired of power bar soon. Next, Jack turned and examined the medicine cup, wishing there was a way they could bring it along without spilling it everywhere. It definitely wouldn't make the trip down off the bed. As if sensing his thoughts, Daniel headed over to a pile of items on the corner of the bed. "I think I have an idea Jack."
Curiously, Jack followed and watched as the other man shifted a few things around. There were a few packaged syringes of different sizes and a variety of small containers and cups. Catching on just as Daniel rolled out a small jar with a lid, Jack grinned. It just might work. The jar had been meant to hold a single dose of liquid medication, but it was just about the right size for what they needed.
After transferring the water to the jar and replacing the lid, it took the four of them to lift it into the Hummer. They decided to use some of Teal'c's leftover threads and Carter's duct tape to secure the jar, not wanting to use the string from the yo-yo in case they needed it again later. They also decided to bring along the syringe caps, since they made getting a drink much more convenient.
Their meager supplies secured inside the Hummer within a few minutes, Jack surveyed their handiwork. Nodding in satisfaction, Jack was about to order them aboard, when a new problem presented itself. Striding to the edge of the bed, Jack looked down at the rather impressive distance to the floor.
"Uh, kids. Am I the only one seeing a problem here?" The others joined him where he stood, and he could literally see the wheels turning inside Carter's head. As he watched her carefully examining the Hummer, then turn her attention to a nearby chair and the floor beyond it, he frowned.
"Oh, no, no, no. Carter, I don't think so."
She turned to look back at her CO, blinking. Wetting her lips she replied. "Sir, it's the only way. We can make it, I'm sure."
"More testing Carter?" At his reference to her earlier admittance of having "tested" another toy Hummer, she blushed, studying her boots.
Sighing, Jack realized there really were no other options, and they had to do something, since doing nothing was not an alternative. "I suppose you'll want to drive again?"
A smile tugged at the corners of her lips before she successfully hid it. "Well sir, if you really want to…"
Jack took a step back, quickly waving his hands in front of him. "Ah, no. I think our resident stunt driver should take the hot seat." Teal'c raised an eyebrow. "Ok kids, all aboard. This train is leaving the station in T-minus two minutes."
They all headed for the Hummer, climbing in, although Daniel looked a bit reluctant, and Jack couldn't blame him. Making sure they were all secure, the doors closed and locked tight, Jack's hands strayed back to the Oh Shit bar in front of him. As Carter maneuvered the little vehicle into a position to provide the trajectory she wanted, backing up to the very opposite edge of the bed, Jack devoutly prayed that he would not regret the decision he had just made. Realizing that Carter was now looking at him, waiting, Jack raised a fist. "Hit it Carter," he ordered, thrusting his fist forward, and was almost immediately slammed back into his seat as Carter floored it.
