Jack stormed into General Landry's office after being woken at 3 a.m. and flown to Colorado. Daniel was already there staring sheepishly at his hands. Jack made his presence clear with his booming voice. "You did it again Daniel! It's not bad enough that you die on us every two years, but you had to drag Carter along, didn't you!"
Daniel didn't dare say anything. He knew that once Jack calmed down, he could explain himself as much as Jack could stand to listen. Both generals were staring expectantly at the ashamed archaeologist. "All I'm going to say is that it was two against one, not to mention it was a surprise attack, and they have powers." Daniel stated with a raised pointed finger.
"Always." Jack stated resigned. "And why did Carter insist on going home anyway? She never does that."
"She said she needed some things. I assumed it was safe with Dr. Jackson to watch her back, but apparently not." Hank said.
"Hmm, now that you put it that way" Daniel started, "You're right Jack. Sam knows better than anyone not to leave base if under circumstances and she doesn't leave anything important at home either. It sounds suspiciously like she planned this. There's got to be another explanation."
Jack was without answers and more questions. "Why? Which also brings up another question. What do you need from me?"
"That would be on my request" Hank spoke up. "Sorry about waking you so early, but it was convenient enough to inform you of what's happened as well as to ask for a favor."
"Ok, what is it?"
"Can you take over for a few days? I have urgent matters to discuss with my ex-wife."
"Ok, yeah, sure. Anything to get out of Washington. I'll just call my secretary and tell her…never mind, we don't do much on weekdays."
Daniel rolled his eyes. After that, Jack and Daniel had a little snack in the commissary.
"I thought I told you to take care of her."
"Yeah, you know the risk she takes every time she goes through the stargate, what's the difference now?"
"The difference is that one did not involve going to distant planets. You could've locked her in her lab."
"It's so ironic hearing you say that in retrospect. You normally have to take her home by force."
"Yeah" Jack sighed nostalgically.
In the other reality- Major Carter had just finished the gate diagnostics when Colonel Carte walked in. "Oh." The Sams bumped into each other. "Excuse me," they both said simultaneously. When they finally recognized each other, both gasped in shock. Colonel was surprised because she thought the other Sam was never involved with the Stargate Program, and the Major was obviously shocked having never experienced such situations before. Jack walked in and conveniently said, "You got a lot of explaining to do, Lucy."
Colonel Carter laughed slightly as Major Carter immediately went into soldier mode.
"Colonel O'Neill, sir!"
"At ease, major. I see you've met yourself. We might as well get you two acquainted."
When they were out of hearing range, Jack muttered something along the lines of, "Man o man, two carters. Now that's trouble."
In the briefing room, General Hammond was discussing the issue now with all of SG-1 and the two Carters. "Now, I've arranged a meeting with Solaris and some of his people for 1400 today. I suggest you decide on what to say and what should be negotiated."
"Sir," Major Carter spoke timidly, "May I accompany SG-1 off world?"
General Hammond considered it for a second, "Ah, heck, why not? I'm going, so there's no harm in bringing you along. We might need your expertise in diplomacy."
"Thank you sir."
On P2J-697- "Wow, that must've been the fastest traveling in known existence. I mean, I'm sure there's far more advanced technology elsewhere, but demolecularizing within a matter of nanoseconds and then rematerializing light-years away; incredible and I didn't feel a thing." Major Carter said in awe.
"Yep," Sam commented with a big smile. "Exactly how I felt the first time I went through that gate, and every time after that. It still amazes me." They both smiled in acknowledgement.
"Ok people, let's get to it." Jack said bluntly.
General Hammond gave him a look, "That's my line, Colonel."
"Sorry sir. Just trying to speed things up."
There was a massive dome set up for the negotiating members. As soon as they arrived, Solaris entered followed by Janet, who was surprisingly calm.
"You must excuse my darling's lack of enthusiasm in seeing you again. It's just we've given her a lot of memories to sift through this morning, and her brain is just adjusting." He smiled politely. Jack and Daniel exchanged looks.
"Um, Janet says hi and welcome. She can't speak at the moment, but we read her mind, so that's all."
"Alright, shall we being? Negotiating, that is."
"By all means." General stated.
"Now as you know, my people are dying. We have limited amount of time. Your candidate for our future queen is nicely chosen, but which one shall I pick?"
Major Carter raised her hand, "Uh, pick? You mean between the two of us? I just came along for diplomatic purposes…"
Solaris cut her off, "No matter. You are still here. And it seems since Colonel Carter has more experience and knowledge concerning other cultures and technologies, I shall choose her."
"Objection. We came to negotiate, not for you to pick your candidate." Jack exclaimed.
"But isn't it our agreement? In exchange for a new queen, you may have the cure and Dr. Fraiser back." Solaris remained calm.
"Yes, well, we'd like to ask for more time." Jack retorted.
Then out of the blue the general spoke up…
A/n: ooo, cliffhanger! You'll never expect the next twist, and if you did, then I must be a very poor writer. Please give any suggestions, comments, or predictions. Thanks for reading and stay tuned:)
