I thought I was finished . . .but - 2 more chapters.


After a visit to the infirmary Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter joined the rest of SG-1 for a debrief. Considering the advanced technology of the ship they had encountered and managed to fly on the planet it was deemed of the utmost importance to investigate it further. And if it were possible get the ship to Earth where it might be reengineered to advance their interstellar ship building project which was still in its infancy. They needed access to the propulsion systems, energy source and the means of deterring Jaffa. All vital in their fight against the Goa'uld. O'Neill thought they should research the laundry system and the bathing facilities.

Due to O'Neill recent injuries General gave SG-1 a week's leave, which at the end of that they would be ready to return to the project just discussed.

After the debriefing Doctor Fraiser spoke to General Hammond. She was concerned about Colonel O'Neill. Considering when he was injured and his examination today, his healing was extraordinarily quick. Yes there was still bruising but it had the appearance of injuries that had taken place at least 4 to 5 days old. Either the injuries were old and she knew that was not the case or the ship or planet should be investigated for that. Anything that would help keep the people of the SGC healthy and heal quickly was vital to her work.

Hammond made some phone calls to report this astounding find and sent SG-3 to the planet to guard the ship until SG-1 returned and the research group of scientists could be assembled.

Sam couldn't help but think about the strange ship. Sure she was fascinated with the prospect of the amazing technological advances possible. But outside of that she had other worries. What was the phrase she used to ensure the Colonel did not fly the ship outside the atmosphere of the planet "the hull was not breached but definitely compromised." What had she done? Had she taken advantage of a concussed man? Had it really happened or was it a dream induced by the ship. If that were so, she should warn the General that the ship could compromise the people researching it. The Colonel hadn't said a word about what happened so maybe. . .

Then the thought struck her - was there a video log? If there was then she'd know for sure. But then again so would everyone. She had to make sure she was the first on that ship and access and if necessary destroy the video log. This was antitical to her values.

Sam needed to talk to Daniel.

"He took off already, off to his cabin." Daniel said.

"Did he invite you?" Sam asked.

"Oh, I weaseled out of that. I can't wait to get a look at that ship."

"Yeah, it's. . . nice.

"Jack said it sounded crazy, but then again, well you know, he said he thought it could read his mind." Daniel laughed.

"Really" This worried Sam.

"That does sound nuts. How hard did he hit his head? I supposed it could be a cumulative effect of concussions."

"That's means, Daniel."

"Sorry." But he didn't sound it.

"It did respond to him."

"Are you sure it wasn't you?" Daniel asked.

"I don't think so."

"How about something to eat? Let's find Teal'c before he heads out to Jaffa land."


Jack drove straight up to Minnesota. He needed the calming effect of nature and the familiar warmth of the cabin in the woods. He aired out the place, drove into town for supplies and dinner and promptly fell asleep on his return.

After breakfast the next morning, with his third cup of coffee, O'Neill went down to the dock to soak some worms. It was cool but the sky was clear and the sun strong. An hour or so later he woke from his post prandial nap and wedged an eye open to find himself in his favorite spot. Was he really here? Had he unwittingly eaten something hallucinogenic on an alien world? Was it some alien wandering through his brain having fun with him? Was he still on that alien ship? He used to have a firmer grip on reality. He was feeling a little displaced from reality ever since being on that ship. Jack was not anxious to return to it but for now he'd enjoy the zen of fishing and the peace of his cabin home.


Jack was driving back to the Springs after a rather uneventful but totally relaxing week of fishing and winterizing his cabin. The roof and generator were his top priorities as well as mouse proofing as best he could. The little beggars could squeeze through a pinhole or gnaw their way in. He had a good cord of wood split if he had a chance to get up in the winter. He thought about the silence of cross country skiing in the woods - a great way to see wildlife.

He was tired and should have stopped for the night but he was passed Denver and it was a straight run now and home soon. There'd be enough time for a good night's sleep before duty in the morning. Right now he was driving through the night listening to Tosca - E lucevan le stelle and thinking of Carter - dangerous thoughts.

Some fool in a behemoth of a SVU swooped up and was riding his tail, the headlights glaring in his rearview mirror no matter how he adjusted it. And, too, traffic had picked up, people rushing home after the weekend.

Then everything happened at once.