New Era: Standoff

Author: Kristina Laine

Rating: PG-13

Spoilers: Threads & all previous seasons

Season: 8th

Type: Angst

Summary: As things at the SGC begin to wind down after the defeat of the Goa'uld, a summit of allied planets are gathered to celebrate this victory. However not everything is as calm as has been lead to believe leaving two SG-1 members in grave peril.

Authors Notes: This is a Sam & Daniel story. However its not a shipper story. I hate shipper stories. This deals with Sam & Daniel's relationship as friends. I also got frustrated because I like Sam, however I have not been the least bit happy about how she has been portrayed on the show and just felt that I wanted to write a really strong Sam story. I was also a bit miffed that the relationship between her and Daniel, which was once very close, has seemed to fall by the wayside. This is what this story focuses on.

Chapter One: Closer To The Edge

Samantha Carter stood at the base of the ramp, her hand firmly clasping a zat gun, fingers trembling. She had already fired once but it had done nothing to stop the Goa'uld. If she couldn't get through to him, she would be forced to fire again. Something she wasn't certain she was capable of.

"Now I have said this once and I will say it again. Step away from the Stargate."

The Goa'uld gave her a wicked grin. A gesture that caused her to shudder.

"Or you'll what, Colonel Carter? Be forced to fire? You've already done that once before and if you were to fire a second time, you know that it would kill my host. And I know you all too well Sam, you could not do that. Just the thought of it is unbearable."

Tightening the grip on the zat Sam stepped forward, "Then I guess you don't know me as well as you think. This is your last warning. Step away from the Stargate."

The Goa'uld in all of its lofty arrogance took a step closer to the Stargate. Sam's hand began to shake violently. A distraction that the Goa'uld took advantage of as it dove for the handgun that had laid near the edge of the ramp. Military instincts kicking in, her finger pulled the trigger. It had all happened so fast that it took a moment for her to realize what she had done and to see the body crumple to the ground.

"No," she whispered kneeling besides the fallen man.

Knots forming in her stomach she felt for a pulse. When none could be found she reached for her radio.

"I need a medical team. I need a medical team in the Stargate room now!"

Lacing together her fingers to begin resuscitation she looked down at the prone figure.

"Please Daniel, don't die on me."