Title: Eden Obsession
Author: Carhop
Email: PG-13, angst, minor violence, multiple POV, adult situations, nudity
Pairing: Sam/Jack
Archive: SJD, yes; Heliopolis, yes; others please ask.
Summary: SG-1, now minus Jack, gets a new team member with a rather unhealthy obsession that leads him to drastic measures.
Disclaimer: Stargate SG-1 and its characters are the property of Showtime/Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, and Gekko Productions. I have written this story for entertainment purposes only and no money whatsoever has exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is intended. The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the authors. Not to be archived without permission of the author.
Spoilers: General knowledge of the show.
Status: Sequel to "The Dream World"
Author's Notes: Feedback is always much appreciated. Please help me get better at this. I need all the help I can get. Profuse thanks to my beta readers Zoe, San and StarShadowHE. Any remaining mistakes are my own.
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SAM
All the general did was let it be known that we were looking for a fourth member and I was inundated with applications, queries, impromptu interviews and people stopping me in the hallway. Those who wanted to be on Stargate Command's flagship team approached all three of us by phone, email, or in person.
I plunged head first into my new duties and quickly developed an appreciation for just how hard team leaders really work. A certain colonel had made it look easy – at least until it was time for paperwork. I successfully buried myself in my new duties and in the lab, so there was little time to mourn my lack of a life.
General Hammond assigned SG-1 to missions with other teams or where a fourth member wasn't necessary. Occasionally, one of us would go off with another team. Daniel, Teal'c and I, being so used to working as a team, continued to operate as the perfectly well-oiled machine. After a few weeks on our own, we sat down to review some of the depressingly huge pile of resumes left after the initial culling. Each one had excellent qualifications and something special to recommend them. I knew it would be a long and tiring day.
"ColonelCarter, I believe this man, reputedly a warrior of great prowess, would be an excellent addition to SG-1." Teal'c always leaned toward the soldiers in our deliberations.
"But, Sam, just look at this one. He has three PhDs and wrote one of his theses in the linguistic abnormalities of the Villanova period of the Etruscan Confederation, circa 900-700 BCE. He and I covered complementary areas. You can't get a much more perfect fit than that, Sam." I rolled my eyes at Daniel's obtuseness and Teal'c's one-dimensionality.
They certainly weren't making this decision any easier.
We had worked at it for most of the day, eliminating dozens of candidates, leaving dozens more, when the PA system blared, summoning me to General Hammond's office. Ah, sweet reprieve.
"I'll be back guys. See if you can eliminate a few more while I'm gone." Yeah, right.
Receiving permission to enter, I presented myself to the general, "Reporting as ordered, sir."
"Please sit, Colonel. I have a two-week mission and a temporary member for your team, if you agree to both. I'm leaving this to your discretion as I'm quite aware you have a long list of projects at the moment." I smiled my thanks and nodded for him to continue. "I'm sure you've heard about the illness that put three quarters of SG-11 in the infirmary…" Again, I nodded, this time with reservations. Everyone in our small community had heard about their misfortune. "I have a request for an SG team to do some surveying work on P3J-299 and SG-1 is the only team available just now for that amount of time. Plus, Lt. Simms, the member of SG-11 unaffected by whatever hit his teammates, is a geologist." I'll admit my smile slipped a little at the mention of the beta site. He was there, but I couldn't let that affect my duty as the new leader of SG-1.
"Wasn't Lt. Simms a member of the US Geological Survey for a couple of years, sir?" I asked, almost sure I was right.
"Exactly, Colonel. Simms is a perfect fit with SG-1 on this mission. I've used him for some errands off world recently, but prefer that his skills be better utilized. Would you consider taking the mission and Lt. Simms until his team is on its feet again?"
"Of course, sir. Do you have any particulars on the mission?"
"Only what I've told you and that there is a number of other skilled tasks that need doing around the camp. You'll know everything as soon as you arrive, I'm sure."
"When do we leave, sir?" My preference was to rip the scab off quickly.
"In two days, colonel. That should give you some downtime to take care of any personal items and finish a few projects." He stood to indicate the conversation was over and I left quickly, heading for my office and my team.
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JACK
General Hammond had promised me a team for two weeks' work, but I'd never expected my old team, SG-1. Mid-morning, a week or so after making the request, they showed up on my doorstep. Sam looked as beautiful as ever walking toward the camp, laughing unreservedly at a teammate's joke. Until she saw me, that is. My heart lurched at the sight. It brought home the loneliness of my life without those who had become my family, especially Sam.
Her smile collapsed like a popped balloon and she was all business. "Sir, General Hammond said you had some work for us."
"Hello to you, too, Colonel." I tried to lighten the mood. "Hey, Daniel, Teal'c and …"
"Lt. Jared Simms, sir," the handsome, young man offered, along with his hand. I disliked him on sight, all six feet three or four of him, especially since he seemed to be the source of her laughter. We gripped each other's hands like two vices.
"Nice to meet you, Lieutenant. Are you the new member of SG-1?" I released his hand and tried to shake some blood back into mine without anyone noticing.
"Only in my dreams, sir. It's a temporary assignment while my team, SG-11, is in the infirmary with food poisoning." He flashed a brilliant smile at me and then at Sam. My jaw clenched involuntarily.
"If you'll explain our assignment, sir, we can get started right away," Sam interjected coolly.
"Uh, sure. Come into my 'headquarters', such as it is," I asked and lead them into the tent that served as my home, office and headquarters.
As we all crowded inside, Daniel remarked, "You've actually done quite a bit, Jack. You have, what, three log cabins and two, uh…"
"Pre-fab buildings, Daniel. The medical facility and mess hall are in pre-fabricated buildings we shipped in to get them up fast. The log cabin over there, the one that they're putting a roof on now, will be mine when it's done." I walked around the worktable and faced them over a map of the region. I pointed to a large blank spot on the northwest section of the map.
"This is what I need filled in. Geology, resources, area covered by spring flooding, flora and fauna, whatever you find. I have a map to get you down the escarpment and to the river. The river will most likely form a major highway for trade with other, future settlements. The valley will be a major farming area, assuming the area doesn't flood so badly each spring it would be impractical. We've noted signs of extreme flooding in some areas. We have to know what to expect from upriver."
"Yeah, having the farm float away each spring wouldn't work too well," Simms put in, annoying me to no end.
"You'll add information to the north and west of the existing map, as far as you can go in the time allotted. When you get back in a week or so, you can add the measurements you took out there to our mapping software. After that, I have another list of tasks for you."
I continued the briefing for some time, drawing out the period before she left, studying her face covertly. Eventually, they left; she left me, turning her back firmly. I suppose it was only what I deserved for doing the same to her.
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SAM
Using the colonel's map, we made our way to the cliff and south to the slide area where the map showed an easier way down than strictly ropes and tackle. The trip there took the rest of the day, so we camped on top, making the most of the last bits of daylight to plan our descent the next day.
"Whose turn is it to make dinner, Daniel?" I asked.
"I'll make dinner, ma'am, bein' the new guy," Simms offered with a smile.
"Be my guest, Lieutenant. Daniel's favorite is the macaroni and cheese," I joked while my friend sputtered and choked on a mouthful of water.
"Not funny, Sam," he gasped. Even Teal'c managed a smile at my attempt to channel our former teammate. Someone had to make fun of them and tell sarcastic jokes.
I questioned Simms on the descent the next day and we talked about the logistics for some time around the fire. Finally, we all wound down and turned in for the night.
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DANIEL
Sam and I settled into our tent and I drifted off to sleep. Sometime later, I woke to a faint sniff from my tent mate, then another. She lay with her back to me.
"Sam, are you okay?" I whispered.
"Yeah, Daniel. I must be allergic to something on this planet," she said, her voice muffled.
"Like, maybe a colonel we ran into today?"
"I can't imagine what you mean." She'd never been any good at lying.
"Can I do anything to help?"
"Not unless you know how to heal a shredded heart," Sam whispered.
"Sorry, I'm pretty much a failure in that department, Sam." I reached out and squeezed her shoulder. A slender, calloused hand reached up and squeezed mine back.
"Thanks, Daniel. It's nice to know you're there for me - you, Teal'c and Janet."
"We always will be," I promised.
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JARED
My plan to be indispensable to SG-1 and secure a spot with them was going well. I'd rappelled about halfway down the slide area, where the slope flattened for a few feet, making an ideal staging area for the rest of our descent. Resting for a few seconds, I gazed around the huge river valley in front of me.
Enormous herds of antelope-like beasts with huge, red spiraling horns flowed through the space between mountain ranges, following the southward path of the river. Tracts of purple-leaved trees twined through blackish-green bushes. Strangely shaped yet familiar birds flew over the backward path of the herd, grazing on the insects and seeds disturbed by the passing beasts.
"Colonel, you can send down the equipment now. The rest of the slope will be pretty easy as long as the surface stays stable. Looks like it's been here a few years and turf's grown over the scree," I reported into my radio.
"Very good, Lieutenant. Here comes the first load of equipment."
Three loads later, Teal'c joined me, then Daniel. While they schlepped the packs down to the valley floor, I guided the colonel down. I tried not to be obvious about staring at her attractive figure as she came down the rope, but I thought that Teal'c caught me ogling. Well, I am only human.
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JANET
I hated days like this. No amount of watching patients recover and leave healthy could make up for the death of others. Especially, when I didn't know why they died. With a huge sigh, I stood to go report to my superior.
"Sir, if you have a moment…"
"Of course, come in Doctor, sit. What can I do for you? You look upset."
"Yes, sir. Lt. Marten died just a few moments ago. She was the last member of SG-11. Except Lt. Simms, of course. He was very lucky not to have eaten the last meal with his team." I fought to remain objective.
"Do you know what caused her death?"
"No, sir. The cause was the same as Lt. Colonel Washington and Captain Masters, but I've been unable to determine what that cause was. In these circumstances, sir, I'm required to order an autopsy."
"Very well, Doctor. I regret the loss of such good people, but I know you did everything possible. Please keep me informed of the results of the autopsy."
"Yes, sir." I turned to go, deeply troubled. There was paperwork to do. There was always paperwork to do in cases like this.
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SAM
We set off westward toward the river, where we would turn north. The vegetation was open and fairly low growing here, letting in lots of bright, dappled sunshine. Our feet made little noise on the dirt track, but raised scents reminiscent of cinnamon and dried dung. Brush slapping repeatedly against our legs put forth delicious aromas of lemon and basil.
A pleasant two hours walk brought us to the river, where we stopped for lunch. Lt. Simms set up his surveying equipment and took many readings along the river. I gathered samples of water, soil and plant life that we hadn't seen last time.
After lunch, we headed north and continued in that direction for two days, mapping, surveying, gathering and recording everything in sight. Simms' skills frequently came in handy, refining our usual methods. I was really quite impressed with him.
On the last day before we had to head back, the river forked, with the smaller branch heading westerly into a gap in the mountains. A natural ford above the fork gave us the perfect place to cross, so I decided to split the party to cover more ground.
"Teal'c, Simms, you two head west. Daniel and I will continue north. Keep on for as long as you can today, then turn back tomorrow. We'll meet up here."
Teal'c merely nodded his agreement and turned to cross the river ahead of Simms.
When they were out of sight, Daniel turned to me with his boyish grin and asked, "Have I ever told you the tale of the Connecticut Archeologist in King Kasuf's Court?" He proceeded to regale me with a highly edited and fantastical version of his year on Abydos. Soon I was laughing so hard it was difficult to walk straight. What would I do without my friends?
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TEAL'C
Lieutenant Simms performed his duties most efficiently; he eagerly accepted and completed unpleasant tasks. Yet, I could not escape a feeling of uneasiness around the young Tau'ri.
His eagerness to become a part of the preeminent team of Stargate Command was understandable. Many aspired to join our family. I could not name what raised my foreboding, so I strove to ignore it, succeeding finally.
Our path led far into the mountains and we climbed steadily. The lieutenant guided us unerringly to the most efficient path and best place in which to climb. By the end of the first day, our perch overlooked much of the wide valley through which we had traveled. I took many images from this vantage, while he made measurements of the valley and the escarpment beyond.
Returning the following day brought us to the rendezvous by mid-afternoon. I instructed Lieutenant Simms to continue south and set up an evening camp for us while I went to meet my friends.
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JARED
Just as with SG-11, I was the outsider. So, I searched hard to find the perfect spot for a camp, laid out a fire for the night, cleared a couple areas for tents, hauled water for washing and generally did whatever I could to be everyone's favorite team member. It really sucks being the new guy.
At least Sam – Colonel Carter – appreciated my efforts. When I showed her and the others the secluded spot where I'd left some warm water, soap and a towel, she sighed happily and tossed a coin with Dr. Jackson to see who got it first. Teal'c, being Teal'c, merely nodded, but I took it for a sign of approval.
Since I'd made camp, it really wasn't my job to make dinner, but I had plenty of time waiting for them. Fortunately, with all my camping with the USGS, I was pretty adept at making camp food taste better. All it took was a careful hand with some herbs, spices and dried vegetables that I kept in my "emergency supplies," a kit of all sorts of things that eventually came in handy, one way or another.
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DANIEL
Our good weather continued and the level countryside was easy to negotiate on foot. The trip back was uneventful and actually quite enjoyable.
Sam cheered up quite a bit, but as we got closer to what its inhabitants had quickly started to call Eden Camp, she became quieter and joked with us less. As she sobered, Jared tried harder to get her to laugh. My supply of jokes was long since exhausted, so I appreciated his attempts.
Again, we walked into the camp, chuckling over yet another whopper told by the lieutenant. Warned of our approach by the sentry, Jack walked out to greet us, trying on a big grin that faded the closer we got.
"Welcome back, kids. Come on in and sit down. How was the trip?" We followed him inside his tent and sat around the table. Our report lasted until well after suppertime, so we eventually relocated to the mess hall. Several of the men and women assigned to the camp clustered around to listen to the tale, eager for anything new. After the formal report was complete, Jared kept up his string of amusing anecdotes for the group.
While Sam steadfastly ignored Jack unless he spoke directly to her, she obviously enjoyed listening to Jared's monologue. I watched them, fascinated by the interaction between the three.
The next day Jack assigned us to specific tasks. Sam, of course, began repairing the faltering naquadah reactor. Simms set to inputting mapping and geological data, while Teal'c taught the Eden inhabitants defensive techniques. They were here for their skills in building and creating, not for their fighting skills.
I spent the time cataloging plants, soil samples, animal sightings and images. Some would come back with us for in-depth analysis; some would stay here for less intensive study. After two days, I finished - about the same time as Simms.
"Well, we do have one particular task you two could help with, Daniel, but I don't know if you're going to like it," Jack said when we asked for more work. Sam still needed another day or two to complete her repairs.
"Okay, spit it out, Jack. What are we in for this time?"
He smirked and replied, "We need a few dozen trees felled and hauled in to keep the mill and cabin builders busy. If they have enough material, they can keep going on the cabins and larger buildings we'll need before winter."
I groaned and we followed his foreman out to the stand of trees. Thank goodness they had ATVs large enough to haul the logs. We spent two days chopping and dragging trees until the pile was large enough to satisfy Jack. I don't think I've been so sore in so many places since my first field trip as an archeology student. Sam, bless her, massaged my back after dinner.
Each evening the five of us and any of Jack's people who weren't sound asleep by dark gathered in the mess hall, where Jack and Jared battled to see who could amuse Sam the most. The testosterone flowed like water from the two men in their undeclared war, as did the looks of intense dislike. Yet, somehow, Sam missed the obvious and never knew she was the prize they were after.
On our last night, she left early. "Night guys. I'm exhausted and I need to finish packing. See you at breakfast."
"I'll walk you as far as the women's tent, Sam." I hopped up to walk with her, sensing two pair of eyes boring into the back of my head.
As we neared her destination, I asked, "Um, Sam have you noticed the little rivalry between Jack and Lt. Simms this week?"
"No. Not really. Why do you ask?"
"Well, since you're the one they're showing off for, I thought you might have noticed things were a little… tense."
"I just think they're both trying to be the center of attention. I'm sure it's nothing to do with me, Daniel."
"Whatever you say, Sam." I sighed. Talk about denial.
What I didn't realize was that Jack had followed us; not close enough to overhear, but near enough to see me hug her goodnight and head off to the men's tent. The next morning, however, he made sure I knew he'd seen us.
The five of us were just walking up to the meadow containing the Stargate, Teal'c and Jared in the lead, when he stopped. "Thanks for lending us your team's skills, Carter. We have a ton of work to do before winter and your contributions have really helped." He paused and then continued, his voice pitched for just the three of us, "Daniel, Sam, you might want to watch yourselves around Hammond. He's not too keen on workplace relationships, if you know what I mean."
Sam bristled. "No, Colonel, I don't know what you mean."
He glanced at her coolly. "If you can't keep things professional, at least keep it out of his sight."
Finally getting his implication, I grabbed his arm before Sam said something we'd all regret. No one would blame her, given what he'd hinted at. I dragged him to the side and whispered urgently, "What the hell do you mean saying something like that to Sam? You should know better than anyone how professional she always is."
"Daniel, if you two want to have an affair, that's your right. Just don't make it so obvious or Hammond will have your butt in a sling." He really believed it of us.
"Jack, you are my best friend, but I have no intention of allowing you to get away with that type of allegation. You are so far out of line. Sam is my boss, my teammate and my friend. That's all!" He had me really steamed by then.
He snorted, disbelieving, and quipped, "Whatever! Just keep it out of sight, for her sake if nothing else." With that, he spun on his heel and walked away.
After Jared and Teal'c passed through the event horizon, an irritated Sam asked, "What was that all about?"
"Uh, Jack seems to think you and I are, you know, lovers." The very thought made me blush and I couldn't look her in the eye.
"The man is clearly delusional." She realized how unflattering that may sound to me and amended with a grimace, "It would be like… French kissing my brother." I glanced up to see her apologetic smile.
"You know, Sam, I always wanted a sister," I said, a little wistfully.
"Well, you have one now, Daniel."
I wrapped a brotherly arm around her shoulder and we followed our two teammates home.
Continued in Part2