-- Sam's Infirmary Room, just prior to surgery -
O'Neill once again sat beside the infirmary bed of his wife. Alone. In a matter of minutes, his world would change radically when the nurses arrived to take her to surgery. He didn't want to think about that - he tried to focus on her and her alone. This was his only chance to say what he wanted to say to her - needed to say to her -- before the outside world took control and the fates once again decided what their destiny would be.
His head pounded with the beat of his heart as he clasped her still hand in his. His head bowed, he whispered his love for her, his promise to take care of their child. How, if needed, he would make sure that their child would know all about her and know how much she had wanted it -- how much she had loved it. He would make sure the child never felt guilt over this situation. He would do all this for her. For the first time, he imagined the future without her - and was inconsolable.
Abruptly he stood and handled his searing grief as only Jack O'Neill allowed himself to - he lashed out. His all-consuming rage enveloped him and granted him the only emotional relief his closed psyche would permit as he picked up the first thing handy - a stool - and slammed it against the concrete wall. Again and again he bashed; all his desolation transferred into power, until all that remained was a broken crumpled heap of metal.
Hearing the crashing sounds of destruction, Daniel, who had been waiting outside in the hall rushed in; seeing Jack his chest heaving with his exertions standing over a shattered metal mess; staring at it blindly. Daniel understood instinctively that Jack was in trouble and without further thought he went to him, first glancing at Sam's bed to make sure that she was okay. Jack, hearing his approach looked up, his face twisted in silent anguish before he then clutched his head.
"I'm gonna lose her, Daniel." His hoarse whisper wafted out.
Daniel squeezed his eyes shut and gripped him about the shoulders as he tried to think of what to say to bring him back,
"Jack, don't you give up on her. You've never given up on anybody so don't start now. You didn't give up on me -- when others had. That's just not who you are."
Desperately Jack jerked from Daniel's fierce grip and turned away. His eyes dazed as he stood numb, uncomprehending. Then, he stumbled away - finding a wall to lean against as he fought to control his feelings and finally won. Holding his aching head, he turned and pushed away from the cool concrete. Daniel had simply waited and watched. Relief flooded through him as he saw Jack's embarrassed yet composed face as he softly said,
"I lost it for a moment." And then smiled slightly as he added,
"Gratias Abeo Daniel."
Daniel froze but Jack didn't notice. Then querulously Daniel asked, "What did you just say?"
"I said, Thank you, Daniel.' What did you think I said?"
Daniel studied him nervously.
"Uhh, Jack you just spoke in Ancient."
"No I didn't."
"Uhh... YES. You did."
Jack's deep upheaval of air and then silence followed Daniel's accusation. Finally he looked up; guilt tinged his lean features,
"Okay Daniel... I'll come clean. I know Ancient... sometimes when I'm tired... I think' in it and have to translate it before I speak."
He sighed as he gripped his forehead with one hand, "I guess I lost control for a moment." He sighed deeply as he finished softly, "Guess it's the stress...head is pounding."
"Ex... Excuse Me? I'm sorry but I'm not believing this..."
The amazement on Daniel's face could not have been greater if Jack had told him he was the love child of Elvis Presley.
"Yeah. Uhh, listen... I never actually lost all that Ancient crap' ... Daniel. "As usual, Jacks' hands did their air-quotes as he nervously tried to explain his duplicity.
Daniel just stared his mouth hung open - so Jack continued, all the while eyeing him apprehensively.
"Ya see... Uhh... When the Asgards revived me the last time they imbedded a neural interface in my brain so that I was able to retain it without it taking over' and killing me. I mean, they DID take a lot of it out - I'm not a walking repository or anything..."
He paused, wincing as he noticed the hurt look come over Daniels' face and thought, I seriously cannot deal with this right now...
"Why...why...wouldn't you tell me? I don't get it...?" A face full of bewilderment and confusion overlaid by a whole lot of hurt stared back at Jack.
"Because. Daniel." He said using the one word as if it was an end-all and be-all worthy' explanation. It did not work with Daniel.
"BECAUSE! That's your reason?"
"I don't KNOW Daniel..." His exasperation sounding and then continued a little louder,
"BECAUSE I DIDN'T want to be treated differently... I want to be treated as me' not some... some... FREAK with scientists hovering around trying to dig stuff outta my brain." His voice was full of aggravation and anger at having to actually try and reason out' why he did something that was to him, simply an instinctive act - to hide and keep quiet about anything personal.
"I wouldn't have treated you differently... I'd..." The stricken tone in Daniel's quiet voice crushed Jack's anger as he broke in,
"No. Daniel. You wouldn't have. I did come to that understanding - with Sam's help... and I'm sorry that I didn't realize it sooner."
Reverting back to his usual defense mechanism, he attempted to joke, as he added with a small quirky half-smile,
"You may not believe this, Daniel... but I've been told that I have ISSUES'."
It fell flat as Daniel continued to look upset.
Daniel stood in abject amazement and mentally fought to overcome and conquer the cutting hurt he was feeling; knowing that this was not the right time or place to deal with this bizarre development. Jack watched the warring emotions play across his expressive face and then gently reached forward and pushed Daniel's glasses up on his nose as he quietly added,
"I WAS gonna tell you... Daniel, even before Sam asked me to. It was going to be the first thing I did. I swear."
His earnest face sought forgiveness in Daniels' quiet stare.
"You still got my six'?" Jack's dark eyes were squinted as if he were staring into the sun and feeling the pain.
With that small, hesitant question, Daniel forgave all as he quietly answered,
"I'm right here, Jack. Right here."
Jack nodded his silent thanks as he reached out and gripped the back of Daniel's neck.
"My head is excrusio - I'm gonna have to get some painkillers from the Doc."
Nervously Daniel commented, "Uhh... you're doing it again..."
Jack instinctively opened his mouth to deny it and then paused, as he seemed to realize that it was the truth, then with a slight grimace, he replied,
"Good thing this is out in the open, I seem to be losing my usual tempero... uhh... control."
Then, without any warning, he stumbled. Daniel managed to support him as he regained his balance.
"Something's going on Jack. You're sick."
"No... Just... just... tired... "His words came slowly and Daniel realized he must be translating'.
The double doors opened loudly as a group of nurses already dressed in surgical scrubs entered quickly and made for Sam's bed. Jack braced himself with some effort,
"I've gotta get scrubs on... So... you'll be in the observation...?" He asked hesitantly.
Daniel nodded and gripped his shoulder briefly, I'll be there." Jack in turn nodded and then left the room after a long backwards glance at Sam.
--Sam's Fight - Infirmary bed--
The tunneling, swirling wormhole endlessly moved and bounced in icy darkness in a never-ending journey. Despair now coupled with an indescribable pain filled Sam's mind as she ceaselessly tried to comprehend her dilemma. Why wouldn't this journey end? Where was she going...? She needed to return - to go back to... and panic mounted as she futilely tried to remember. Hopelessly and desperately she fought her sick brain for her memories, for her life.
Then, Pain. Searing, intense agony wrapped slowly, inexorably as it enfolded her in heavy, thick coils and squeezed until she couldn't breathe. Then, it was gone, replaced by despair and confusion. She was lost. So lost. She was tired. So tired. The torturous affliction was back once again constricting, binding. Her tormented body was on fire, flames licking, eating her flesh, turning it dark and then ... it was gone. The pain was too much.
She couldn't take it anymore - she felt such deep, abysmal sorrow - but had no memory of why she grieved. Frustration and anger boiled in her brain. She had lost it all and didn't understand what exactly was gone, but still desperately wanted it back. Fiercely she fought to overcome the confusion. Then, she heard it -- and hope rose -- The Voice -- it was back. She knew it -- knew it better than her own. She loved it -- and once again, found comfort in all the disordered, surging chaos. It meant everything to her even as she understood nothing. She held on.
-- SGC Observation room over Surgery room 1 --
Daniel hadn't expected the Asgards but when they had quietly filed into the observation deck that hung over the operation room he made room for them. Normally they were quiet and reserved so he was surprised at their animated conversation in Asgard - he didn't try to follow it, but did catch a word here and there as his brain automatically did what it did best. He did hear mention of Thor leaving and wondered where he had gone. And why would he leave at this time? His attention went back to the scene below him, as he viewed what to him looked to be organized chaos'. An oxymoron to be sure, but it fit the scene -- everyone in motion, all moving busily doing their own specific task - yet working together toward a common goal - to deliver a child. Not just any child - Jack and Sam's.
As if his thoughts conjured them, Sam appeared below, wheeled in on a gurney with Jack walking beside her. His tall form swathed in white, head and mouth covered in the usual surgical gear. Daniel smiled as he noticed how the Asgards chatter immediately shut down like a thrown circuit breaker when they saw Jack's dark eyes turn upwards toward them, roving and seeking but not stopping on them, moving on until they found Daniel. With a small nod, Daniel sent him his support and Jack responded the same. A nurse placed a rolling stool at the head of the operating table and indicated that Jack was to sit there. Daniel reached forward and flipped the speaker switch. Suddenly they could hear the conversation below.
Without anything toward, the Doctors came in the room, their hands raised in the air from their sterilization. Quickly Dr. Emerson began speaking, outlying concisely what he expected from everyone. Daniel, did not immediately notice the small Asgard as he had been zoned in on what was happening below, but the small gray hand on his shoulder brought him back to his surroundings as evidently he had been standing there for a good few moments trying to get his attention, "kson...Dr. Jackson..."
Daniel turned, adjusting his glasses, "Sorry. Uhh... Felspre? Is it?"
"Yes." Felspre nodded, his large liquid eyes blinked slowly as he added, "I apologize for this interruption Dr. Jackson but we need to speak with you."
Daniel glanced down at the operating room and then back, "uhh... Not now. It'll have to wait...definitely not a good time.
"Dr. Jackson... this is the only time we have." The other four Asgards joined up with Felspre and nodded their agreement.
"Is this about..." And he indicated the scene below them. They each nodded as one.
He sighed, and muttered, "I have a feeling that I'm not gonna want to hear this..." and then shaking his head as if he was preparing himself for a blow, added resignedly, "okay then...let's talk."
Felspre nodded and said something in his language, and a brilliant light suffused the room and the next moment it was empty except for the two Asgards that remained to watch the surgery. Jack had caught the bright light just before they vanished and couldn't think why Daniel would leave at such a time, but stalwartly concentrated on the business at hand as he watched everyone prepare.
--Thor's ship the Hammond', above Earth --
The group materialized in the briefing room they had been situated in earlier - at least Daniel was pretty sure it was the same place. Immediately Felspre took charge and directed everyone to sit. All three Asgards quickly settled and lastly Daniel stood alone.
"Listen. I don't mean to be rude, but I don't plan on being here long enough to sit - I need to get back to Jack and Sam..."
He glanced at each of the Asgards and saw that he was the object of intense scrutiny by all but nothing was said. Suddenly they all started talking, not to Daniel but to each other as if he wasn't even standing there. Daniel blankly looked at each as the heated discussion in Asgard continued around him. Evidently they were unaware that he had a layman's knowledge of the language and could understand the gist of their conversation. As he listened he grew enraged, This could not be!' He thought, and he blew...
"ENOUGH!" He stridently yelled, to the amazement of all - and the room fell silent.
His face suffused and hot with color and blue eyes burning, he strode straight up to Felspre who immediately got to his feet, and stood with both small hands on the table.
"Explain what's going on... and don't leave anything out." And the understanding in his eyes made Felspre aware that he had understood their conversation.
"Dr. Jackson, We need your help and we will explain --but we don't have time to explain it all."
"No. That's not acceptable. You were discussing Jack's possibly dying! I need to know everything... Now! ... Immediately." Daniel's emphatic tone of voice had them realizing they had no recourse but to comply.
Felspre looked at the others and they all nodded, so he slowly began as if having to think about what to say,
"This all came about when the Asgards obtained knowledge through the Ancient database that the child of O'Neill and Carter would have a great destiny -- one that will be betterment to all races. Yet, this future was in peril of not happening. At that time, the council made the decision to try and fix' the timeline that had been broken by human machinations and they asked Commander Thor to intervene, as it is known that General O'Neill trusts him."
. Daniel slowly shook his head as he listened. As far as he had witnessed, time travel was a curse and one of the most dangerous of all activities imaginable.
"The problem arose when much later after we made this decision; our scientists discovered that multiple variances existed in this timeline -- and this is where the dissension among our leaders began."
Daniel sighed as he wondered, Why would so-called superior intellects continue to pursue this?' He simply could not understand it.
"Our leaders were only concerned with the survival of the O'Neill child - whereas another faction of the Asgards felt differently - they were concerned for the survival of the entire family. Not due to emotional feelings for O'Neill but our perspective and study indicate that the family component is necessary for the spiritual growth of the O'Neill child. The family is a vital factor in the fulfillment of the child's destiny. We were unable to convince the Council that this was true.
Felspre paused and seemed to be thinking about how to continue. Daniel waited him out; he was full of questions but decided to hear the full story before interrupting.
Finally Felspre began again,
"We are of that faction and have summarily nullified our allegiance to the High Council in an endeavor to save the O'Neill's. We do not agree with the Council's ethical philosophy on this issue."
Daniel interrupted confused already - "Uhh. Can you explain? When you say that you've nullified your allegiance' ... exactly what does that mean?
Eyvind took over and answered, "Doctor Jackson we are considered traitors to our race and there is a warrant for our retrieval."
Felspre, Buddy and Eyvind all nodded as one their large dark eyes solemn in their faces.
Eyvind spoke up again,
"Our leadership is only concerned with O'Neill and his child - not with the life of Samantha Carter O'Neill - as we are. We have been trying to save her from the outlined destiny our high council has deemed the correct one to pursue."
Daniel interrupted, his plans to hear everything out first fell through as he interrupted,
"I remember Caro... uhh... Dr. Lam was given to indicate that you thought the child's survival was imperative at the cost of Sam's!"
Felspre nodded, as did the others at this,
"Yes. That is exactly what we told her. The child MUST live - even if it means Col. Carter must die. It is our objective above anything else. I wanted to clarify our situation further with Dr. Lam but at that point she would not discuss the situation with us from that point on."
Daniel sighed, and adjusted his glasses nervously,
"Okay, hold on... I listened in' on your little conversation a moment ago. If I understood correctly, you were talking about Jack possibly dying because of something you've done. I need an explanation and I need it now. Because where I come from - you don't kill someone when you are trying to help them!" Daniel's angry accusations silenced the room momentarily.
The other Asgards again started agitatedly talking and Felspre held up a hand to silence them.
"Dr. Jackson, you are mistaken. We did what we had to do. Commander Thor made the decision that it was what O'Neill would want and ordered us to do it."
"Wait! What did you do exactly?" Daniel asked his confusion apparent in his face as he gazed at each alien in turn.
Felspre blinked twice and quietly said, "We have removed the neural barriers in General O'Neill's brain that kept the ancient knowledge at bay and we also re-imbedded the data that we had removed previously."
"But, why? Won't that...?" Daniel asked dazedly
"Yes." Felspre nodded slowly... "He has a very small amount to time to survive it. Our monitors show that it is taking over even quicker than the last two times before."
"Then. Why? Why would you do this to him?"
Felspre looked disbelievingly at him, as if he thought the young scientist was deliberately acting dense and then explained,
"In order to allow him to use the Ancients' healing ability once more to save his family. We were unable to isolate this ability specifically within his brain so we had to release all the knowledge."
For the first time Daniel could see concern in each gray, solemn face. "I don't get it...why didn't you tell him what you were doing? Thor must know that Jack would've agreed to take the chance."
"We could not tell General O'Neill in advance. The High Council has been monitoring him with an implanted device; this is why they allowed them to leave Othalla. Any discussion regarding this would have been caught and the reprisal could have been ... "Felspre thought how to word it and finished slowly, "permanent." He then continued on more hurriedly, "We removed the device at the same time that we did the neural surgery -- it was a very intricate procedure, but successful."
Daniel was trying to phantom the intrigue that was at play here - and he wondered again at the apparent belief in the child's extreme significance to their future --a significance that was in danger of overpowering the legendary Asgard principles.
Suddenly it occurred to Daniel to ask, "Where IS Thor?"
Felspre shared a look with his compatriots before answering,
"The High council knew immediately when the device was removed from General O'Neill's brain and correctly surmised what we are attempting. They summarily issued a warrant of suspension' for Commander Thor. He has left here to lead them away on what you call a wild bird chase' so that they will follow him and we can continue to reach our goal."
"A wild goose chase." Daniel corrected absently and then questioned, "What exactly is a... uhh... Warrant of Suspension'?"
Felspre reluctantly answered, "It is the ultimate punishment for Asgards. When they catch the Commander they will place him in suspended animation for a very long period of time."
Now Daniels' head was aching - in only a matter of a few minutes, he had learned that the Asgards were evidently control freaks' of galactic magnitude. Who, even if meaning to do for the greater good, still felt they had the right to decide who lived and who died and were able to somehow justify this to themselves. Granted --and thankfully--he did not know what they did about the future' and he fervently vowed to never know it. That had been their first huge mistake. The essential Pandora's box' if ever there was one. Now even this great race was in turmoil and dissension.
Daniel finally came to a place where he felt he had a handle on all he had learned but still didn't understand the basic reason he was there.
"You said that you needed my help, how?" His inquiring blue eyes squinted at each Asgard as he waited for their answer.
But before they could answer there was an interruption as an Asgard ensign rapidly entered the room and addressed Felspre,
"Sir, Buddy has sent a communication that it has happened."
All the Asgards raised up from the table in as quick a move as Daniel had ever seen them perform.
Afraid that they would leave before answering he asked again his voice full of urgency,
"Felspre... Please answer, how can I help?"
Felspre replied on the move, leaving the table along with the other Asgards to stand before Daniel.
"You have the power of the ascended within you. O'Neill will need this to help sustain his life force."
"Me? I...I...don't... it's gone... "Flustered, Daniel stammered in denial.
Felspre cut in hurriedly and with complete confidence in his assertion continued,
"Yes, you do Dr. Jackson. It is still within you. We feel it. It emanates from you and is a part of you. Everyone who knows you feels it without even knowing what it is. General O'Neill will need your help very shortly. We have come to understand that this healing process' is very detrimental to the one who employs it. An Ancient could only use it so many times before it weakened their body chemistry and invited death. This is why the virus decimated them. He'll need your strength to aid him."
Disconcerted, Daniel tried to process this development and felt suddenly the weight of the world --no, make that the UNIVERSE deposited squarely on his back. His stunned mind borrowed a phrase that it had heard countless numbers of times, as Daniel muttered softly,
"Oh for crying out loud!"
-- End of Part 6 - Change Happens Again
