The Heart's Refusal to Believe – Ch. 15
Author's Note: Thanks to TZMaverick for Beta reading this chapter! TZ and NG have been a tremendous help with this fanfic!
A/N: Thanks to everyone that has taken the time to let me know what they think of this story! I really do appreciate it! There is only one chapter remaining after this one. :)
Jack, Sam, and Jacob transported to several market places and walked to the storage facilities in the area. They were all relieved that the facilities that they had chosen were unmanned. It was all computerized. Sam was able to get into the Aschen computer system and turn off all the gases leading to the building while Jack and Jacob set the explosives. Sam was surprised that oxygen wasn't the only gas being given off through the exhaust system. They went through the same procedure for each facility. Two of the explosives were set on a detonator and a third was on a timer.
They knew it was a possibility that Molum would be able to track their movement. So they left a few surprises in case Molum became wise to their plan after the first facility was destroyed.
Jacob was still setting a few traps on unsuspecting Aschen members coming to check on the facility, while Jack and Sam waited nearby. In Sam's peripheral vision she could see Jack. He was staring at her intently as if he was trying to penetrate her soul. She knew he was still confused about the conversation he had walked in on earlier between her and her dad, but now was not the time to discuss it.
Jack still couldn't get over the changes in Sam in the last hour. She seemed happy, but more then that she seemed at peace. He wasn't sure what the father daughter chat was about, but he liked the results. He was so deep in thought that they he didn't realize deep blue eyes were staring back at him. It shook him out of his reserve once he realized it. "Uh … sorry. You just look so … happy. It's been a while since I've seen you like this. It must have been one heck of a father daughter chat." Jack said hoping she would offer him an explanation.
Sam continued to smile at him. "I am happy. Probably happier then I have been in a while. Dad just opened my eyes to a few … possibilities." Jack was about to ask what she meant, when Jacob started walking towards them. "Jack?" Sam started speaking with a serious expression, "when this is all over, do you think you and I could sit down and have a little talk of our own?" Sam said hopeful.
Jack was speechless. The hope in her eyes, the good mood, did it really have something to do with him? Then slowly a smile formed on his lips. "Yeah, I think we can arrange that."
Jacob arrived and cleared his throat. 'Well they certainly didn't waste anytime did they, Sel?' Jacob asked his symbiote.
'You know as well as I that they almost waited to late. They still have a few obstacles to get out of their way first, but I think they will survive it. They have survived the last four years despite everything they have been through.' Selmak responded.
'I never thought I would say this about Jack and my little girl, but I hope you're right. They deserve a little happiness.' Jacob had the last word before turning his attention back to the two standing in front of him. "What's the plan now? Are we supposed to just transport to the coordinates Daniel, Teal'c, and Joe transported to?" Jacob asked.
"It's our only shot. We don't have enough time to search every room on 50 plus levels in one building. We will be lucky if we have enough time to search for them and the Stargate." Sam informed them.
"I'll detonate the first charges to get their attention and hopefully clear some of the Aschen out of the Council Building." Jack said as he pressed the button on the device he held securely in his hand. In the distance they could hear one large explosion followed by six smaller explosions. They knew the area was clear, so no one got hurt. They were on a rescue mission. The Aschen people weren't their enemies; they couldn't control what their Council did. So it was important to Jack, Sam, and Jacob that no one got hurt.
They watched as many people ran from the Council Building towards the fallen Storage Facility. Then they stepped onto the transporter pad with their zats and pistol drawn and transported to the floor Daniel, Teal'c and Joe transported to in the Council Building.
They were greeted by two shocked Aschen members who realized the devices the humans were carrying were weapons. Jacob and Sam quickly shot them once with their zats, knocking them unconscious before any warning beacons could be triggered.
"Well that was easy." Jack said walking over to the two Aschen. He pulled them out of sight with Jacob's help and tied them up so they couldn't warn anyone once they woke up.
Somewhere inside the Council Building, Molum was being informed of the problem with one of the storage facilities.
"What do you mean it has collapsed?" Molum asked skeptically.
"I don't know, sir. The report that I received indicated the explosion we heard came from there. They are assuming that something must have ignited the gases. They are looking into the situation now."
Molum had been watching Colonel Carter, General O'Neill, and the other member of Earth as they transported to several market places. He had requested that the Aschen leave the map on the transporter keypad so they would know where their friends were. He was assuming their lack of intelligence had them running around a ten block area, but now he feared he may have under estimated them. It was possible that they knew all along where their friends were and they were just creating a divergence.
Molum informed several groups of Aschen to search the other two storage facilities in the areas where the humans had transported to earlier. They could not afford to lose another exhaust system or the food that was stored within the facility. The personnel within the Council Building were now stretched thin. Molum knew they were in the area, but he could no longer track their movement. He left for the one place he knew they would end up eventually.
Teal'c had removed the IV's from Daniel and Joe almost an hour ago. However, they were still unconscious. All efforts to awaken them were unsuccessful. Most of the medication had worked its way out of his system. He was now able to think clearly and walk steadily. He could not carry both men and protect them all at the same time. Therefore, he had no choice but to leave them behind while he searched for an escape and the rest of his team. The doors swished open and he walked discretely from the room. He remembered that Joe spoke of a Stargate within the facility. If he could locate it then he may have a way to get his friends to safety. He looked back to the symbol on the door as it closed. He made a metal note of the strange symbol so he would be able to locate the room later. Molum had taken his weapons while he was unconscious, so only his bare hands would protect him now. He rounded the corner to find another corridor almost identical to one he just left. The silence throughout the corridor was almost deafening.
Molum made his way toward the Medical Chamber through a maze of corridors. He was certain he would meet up with Colonel Carter and the rest of her men soon. He just hoped he had enough time to stop them before they blew up anymore exhaust systems.
Jack, Sam, and Jacob were checking every room they came to, making their progress slow. So far they had not discovered anything useful. Most of the rooms were unoccupied labs of some kind.
They were about to enter another room and took their now familiar stance. Jacob and Sam had zat guns while Jack carried his pistol. Jacob was standing on one side of the door and Jack and Sam on the other side. Jack waved his hand to activate the sensor on the side of the door, opening it. There were five Aschen members working in the room oblivious to the threat standing at the door.
Jack didn't want to use his pistol unless it was absolutely necessary. Using hand signals he gave the command for Jacob and Sam to enter the room and take out all five men and he would cover them.
Jacob was the first to enter shooting the closet man to him. Sam was next and fired her zat within seconds. They continued to fire their zats at the surprised Aschen members. Jack walked in behind them accessing the chaotic scene in front of him. He saw the last Aschen lunge towards a device. Jack had been in battle many times and the desperate look on the man's face indicated that the device was either a warning signal or a weapon. He squeezed the trigger on the pistol stopping the man's forward motions long enough for Sam to shot him with her zat.
Jack walked over to the device the man was hoping to reach in time. Sam joined him and began to read the inscription. "It's appears he was trying to activate a building wide lock-down. That was close."
"Uh … Sam, you might want to come take a look at this." Jacob said standing on the other side of the room by a large device emitting a hologram image above it.
"What is that?" Jack asked.
"I believe it's a map of the city or at least a very small portion of the city." Jacob responded trying to orient himself on the map.
Sam was studying the device giving off the hologram image and then began to punch in a few keys changing the image.
"Are you sure you should be doing that?" Jack asked with wide eyes. "You might trigger an alarm or something."
"I have used a simpler version of this when creating the portable DHD. It's their computer system."
"Oh. In that case, knock yourself out." Jack said
Another image flashed on the screen. "Is that the building we are in now?" Jacob asked.
The 3D image of the entire building quickly zoomed into a single level. Sam continued to enter commands adjusting the image until it was a two-dimensional diagram making it easier to read. The building was a complex maze probably for security measures.
Sam continued to study the map and read the inscription for each room. Jacob and Jack tried to memorize the floor plan not understanding the language. "Any ideas Carter?" Jack asked.
Sam was finally able to make sense of the map. "I think so. This appears to be the Medical research floor. They are studying everything from viruses, anecdotes, some form of DNA, to longevity of life."
"Okay… so anything that will help us find the rest of our team?"
Sam continued to study the map and then suddenly jumped and pointed to the map excited. "Here! They are in one of these four rooms."
"Are you sure?" Jacob knew they were running out of time. The second round of explosives was set to go off soon. They had planned it that way in case they were captured at the transporter pad.
"If they are on this floor then they are in one of these four rooms." Sam took one last look at the map and saved it in her memory, before shutting the image off.
"Then that's where we are going." Jack said leading the group from the room towards their new destination.
Teal'c realized all the doors had similar symbols. He was guessing they were all used for the same purpose therefore he was wasting his time searching on this level.
Luck held out as the next room he checked was a large open shaft area. There was a platform the same width as the door, it was surrounded on three sides with a handrail.
He stepped onto it cautiously when a small computer screen appeared in front of him. He couldn't read the language, but he could read the arrows, one was pointing up and one was pointing down. He had a feeling this was the Aschen's form of an open Elevator. Since Earth's Stargate was hidden on the lower levels he pressed the down arrow. Suddenly the platform moved out into the open space and descended quickly to the floors below. The screen changed with new symbols as he passed each level. He was mentally counting the levels so he would be able to return again.
Just as he was about to randomly choose a floor to explore; he recognized a picture of the Stargate in the background behind the symbols indicating the purpose of the next level. He wasn't sure how to stop the platform from moving so he pressed the symbols and the platform slowed and eased back out of the shaft area docking at a door. He had counted 25 levels and set the symbols of this level into his memory.
Once the platform was secure the door opened, revealing the Stargate.
Molum had just entered the Medical Chambers when he realized the one they called Teal'c was missing. He cursed himself for being so careless. He should have posted a guard at the door. While checking the other two patients, he discovered their IV's had been removed. Just then he heard yet another explosion in the distance. He was sure another exhaust system had just collapsed. He had to stop them. Deciding there was no reason to insert the IV's he rushed over to the console and began typing in commands with an evil smile on his face.
Just as the last of his commands were entered the door swished opened to reveal the three mere Earthlings that were destroying his planet.
Jack quickly scanned the room as he stepped in followed by Jacob then Sam. He was relieved the first room they checked was correct. He saw Daniel and Joe lying on tables to his right, but he was focused on the man directly in front of him fidgeting with one those machines.
"Step away from the machine!" Jack ordered Molum with his pistol drawn.
Jacob and Sam were checking the rest of the room to make sure there wasn't anyone else there. They then went to check on Joe and Daniel.
"It's nice to see you again General O'Neill, Colonel Carter." Molum said stepping in front of the computer calmly blocking their view to the screen. "Your friends are merely sleeping. They are not harmed."
"Where is Teal'c?" Jack demanded.
Molum didn't let on he was surprised that Teal'c was still unaccounted for. "He is else where in the building."
Sam was checking for Joe's pulse. "He's alive." Sam announced to the group. "Joe, can you hear me? Joe." Sam tried to wake him, but was unsuccessful. She noticed her dad wasn't having much luck waking Daniel either. "What did you give them?" Sam asked angrily.
"I gave them something to help clear their minds." Molum responded evenly.
"Yeah, that's what we were afraid of." Jack said under his breath.
"Okay. Get over here." Jack used his pistol to motion Molum over to where he was standing. "Carter, go see what he was up to."
Sam walked over to the computer and began to read the hologram image. "What the…?" Sam's eyes were wide with shock. She began frantically typing in a series of commands.
Jacob walked over to the screen beside his daughter. "What is it?"
"He has set the self destruct!" Sam provided the shocking news while she continued her efforts to shut down the self destruct.
Molum was surprised that not only could she read the Aschen language, but she could also use their computer system. Despite his surprise he was still confident that she wouldn't be able to disarm the system.
"Shut it down now!" Jack said pointing his gun at Molum.
"I'm afraid I can't do that." Molum provided just as calm as before.
"Are you willing to die too?" Jacob asked Molum in disbelief.
"If I must, then so be it. You don't realize the damage that you have done to this planet. Someone must stop you before you destroy anymore of our world."
"You're willing to die for a few storage facilities! Food might be a little scarce and the air may be a little thin for a while but I doubt it will destroy your planet."
"I can't let you destroy anymore facilities."
"Oxygen isn't the only gas being emitted from the exhaust systems is it?" Sam asked already knowing the answer.
"You are very intelligent, Colonel Carter. It is unfortunate that we are enemies. We could have been such great allies. The technology that our two worlds could have created would have allowed us to expand the Aschen Confederation a great distance among the stars."
"That's how you control the massive population?" Jack was astounded, "You drug them through the air they breathe!"
"You drug the food as well, don't you? That way you can keep control over all the Aschen even those that negotiate with other planets. Do you drug the food in the storage facilities before dispersing it to the population?" Jacob asked recalling what Joe had said earlier about the food.
Molum didn't see any point in deceiving them any longer, "A special formula is sprayed over the crops to ensure the correct balance. If too much is dispersed it is lethal and not enough the people become restless."
"So how many worlds did you test your theories on before you found the right balance?" Jack asked in disgust.
"Isn't the survival of your world more important then any others?"
"No! You have no right …"
Molum cut Jack off before he could continue. "The Aschen people are happy with the system we have in place. It has served the Confederation well for many generations until now. You are trying to destroy our way of life and I cannot allow you to continue."
"Uh … we have a problem here. I'm locked out. I've tried everything and I still can't stop the count down." Sam said frustrated. "We have to get out of here, now!"
Sam started to move towards Daniel and Joe when Molum stepped in front of her. "I'm afraid I can't let you leave."
Sam raised her zat and shot him once. "You don't have a choice." Sam said as Molum fell to the floor.
Jacob, with the added strength from Selmak, picked Joe up and was carrying him over his shoulders.
Daniel still unconscious as well had his arms draped over Sam and Jack's shoulders while they dragged him from the room.
"Do we have enough time to find Teal'c and the Stargate?" Jack asked pulling Daniel along quickly through the corridor.
"We have less then fifteen minutes, and I didn't see the Stargate on the map earlier." Sam answered.
"I can assist you with locating the Stargate." A deep voice sounded from behind them.
They all turned around drawing their weapons.
Jack let out a sigh as he realized who they were facing. "Teal'c, buddy! Where have you been?"
"I have located an escape from this planet, O'Neill."
"Did you find the Stargate, Teal'c?" Jacob asked. Joe was getting heavy despite Selmak's help.
"Indeed, I have. Follow me." Teal'c quickly led the group to the elevators. According to his estimation they would only have five minutes once they reached the Stargate.
"Nice!" Jack said as the elevator moved out into the shaft area and began to quickly descend.
"Teal'c, is there a dialing computer near the Stargate?" Sam asked trying to gain as much information as she could. She knew the Aschen used their computers to run the Stargate. She was just hoping the lock down didn't include the dialing program. If it did then they were running towards their death instead of their escape.
"There is a large machine to the left as you enter the room. I am unsure if it is the device that activates the Stargate."
"Was there any personnel within the room?"
"Not any longer, although some may have appeared in my absences."
Jack raised his eye brow in surprise. Teal'c didn't even have a weapon. His friend never failed to surprise him.
The elevator docked on the level for the Stargate. The doors opened slowly revealing the massive Stargate. Much to the relief of everyone, the room was still empty. Jack allowed Teal's to carry Daniel over his shoulders. Sam rushed to the Aschen Computer nearby followed by Jack. Jacob, still carrying Joe, walked over to the Stargate ready to gate out. He had his weapon drawn in case any visitors showed up. Teal'c followed Jacob armed with Sam's zat.
Sam once again began to activate the Aschen computer. She was sifting through all the programs. The countdown continued in the top right corner. She finally found the dialing program. The list was small due to the limitations of the Aschen Confederation. She was searching for the names of the planets where the Tel'tak was located. She finally found it and began to punch in the coordinates and prayed the lock-down wouldn't prevent the gate from activating.
Jack looked down at his watch. They only had about two minutes left. He too prayed this would work. He learned a long time ago not to question Sam when it came to technology. She always seemed to get the device to work, one way or the other.
Suddenly the large rings began to turn and all four conscious bodies let out a breath. It was working!
When the last Chevron locked and the Stargate engaged Jack looked over at Sam and smiled. She returned the smile as they rushed towards the open Stargate. Jacob and Teal'c had already walked through.
Sam couldn't believe she was so close to safety. Then she heard the door open behind them. Mentally she was screaming 'No, this can't be happening.' She looked over her shoulder to see Molum running towards them with a device.
She knew there wasn't an iris on the other side to save them this time. She had given her zat to Teal'c earlier, so she didn't have anything to defend them with. She was trying to come up with something as she continued to rush towards the gate.
She slowed down as she noticed Jack had stopped. She was just inches from the gate when she felt someone push here through.
Sam tumbled through the grass on the other side of the gate coming to halt a few feet away from Jacob and Teal'c. "Jack!" She screamed as she looked back at the open Stargate.
Teal'c and Jacob had already placed the semiconscious Daniel and Joe in the grass nearby. They all jumped as they heard the scream erupt. Teal'c and Jacob quickly drew their weapons and looked from Sam to the Stargate.
"Where is Jack?" Jacob asked worried.
Sam just continued to look at the Gate with fear.
A few tense moments later a person jumped through the gate landing hard in the grass just before the gate flickered a few times and then disengaged.
They all rushed to his side including Daniel and Joe who had regained consciousness.
Sam knelt down beside him. "Jack!"
Jack rolled over onto his back and looked up.
"Jack, are you okay?" Sam asked desperately looking for injuries.
"I'm fine, a little sore maybe." Jack said struggling to set up looking at the worried faces around him. "Daniel … Joe, nice to see you two finally woke up."
"What happened?"
"Molum ran into the room carrying a weapon just before we came through the Stargate. I pushed Sam through and shot him before he could get any closer to us. He never discharged the weapon. I jumped through the Stargate as the self destruct went off. It must have closed the Stargate." Jack described the last few minutes of his adventure.
"I knew you would finally pull your weight on the mission." Jacob said smiling.
"You had me worried, Jack." Sam said putting her hand on his shoulder and biting her lower lip.
"Indeed, O'Neill."
"Help me up." Jack said holding his hand out to Sam.
Their hands remained clasped after she helped him stand. She smiled at him when she realized he wasn't letting go of her hand. "Are you ready to go home?" Jack asked her grinning.
She continued to smile and nodded her. "Oh yes. I can't wait to get home!" Jack let go of her hand and the two followed the rest of the group to the Tel'tak.
Jack suddenly realized what, or rather who, was waiting for her at home. His smile disappeared. He had promised everyone that he would be the one to tell Sam about Pete.
Sam noticed Jack's good mood falter as they began to talk about going home. An uneasy feeling washed over her as they entered the Tel'tak.
TBC