Head Trip - Chapter 6
There would be no tears, no apologies this time. Fifth was no longer an object of her compassion. He stood before her as a real menace, capable of much destruction. She would find a way to subvert his power, weaken his control. She was still free to think her own thoughts as he had not yet had time to physically touch her.
Her own mind was already preparing for his assault when First approached them and spoke in his urbane, condescending manner.
"Colonel Carter, do forgive us for this disturbance. We have suffered a great loss, and, Fifth has been the most affected." Carter looked at him, still puzzled. Rather than explaining, he motioned for her and Fifth to walk in front of him as the circles of replicators widened further and then parted.
"Fifth, please take our 'guest' to her quarters. She may have questions that only you can answer."
With that, Fifth led Carter on a long journey to a fortress-like building, some type of citadel composed of shiny, metallic blocks. It reminded her of their last encounter. She was not foolish enough to think that this was Club Med. It was her prison cell at best; her torture chamber at worst. She felt that she could gain some time by engaging Fifth in conversation.
"What have you done to the people of this planet? Have you turned them all into replicator humans? What was the purpose of this "circle of wisdom", this negotiation going nowhere? Why did you bring me to this planet?"
Fifth looked at her and felt compelled to answer.
She was willing him to answer, to reveal secrets and data that might help her to analyze and devise a plan of escape. She continued to force all her mental energy into his eyes – almost trying to hypnotize him by her stare. She already knew and experienced his mind games; now it was time to try some of her own.
"The elders of this planet have become our new brethren. We created a necessary diversion here, with you, so that our sister could gate to your planet and extract much needed information from your leader, O'Neill."
Sam was taken aback, but did not show her surprise. Keep it clinical and cool; maintain composure and continue to stare, stare, and interrogate the interrogator.
"Why me?"
Fifth seemed uncomfortable but could not resist the power of her stare. Her crystal-clear blue eyes, so like the eyes of his lost companion, bore into him.
"Because she was to replace you at the SGC. There could not be two Sam Carters on base at the same time. The plan would have failed. As it is, your O'Neill still managed to destroy her." The last words came out as a whimper.
Two Sam Carters! Fifth had violated not just her mind, but her physical body as well!
Sam now felt newer, darker emotions rising within her ... emotions which would fuel her resolve to survive: anger and revenge. She welcomed them into her mind and allowed their power to grow, as Fifth moved forward and thrust his hand into her forehead.