Work Title: Clan of the Wolf
Summary: A virus sweeps through the SGC and gives the infected abilities similar to old were-wolf legends. Should they cure it or use it to ensure the safety of the galaxy?
Author: RoczaDeb
Rating: Mature (M)
Archive Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Stargate SG-1: Season 10, Stargate Universe: Season 1
Spoilers: Stargate SSG-1: 0202 In The Line Of Duty, 0403 Upgrades, 0421 Double Jeopardy, 0610 Cure, 0706 Lifeboat, 0801 New Order, 0809 Sacrifices, 0908 Babylon, 0916 Off The Grid, 0918 Arthur's Mantle, 1017 Talion, 1020 Unending, Stargate Universe: 0118 Subversion
Relationship Categories: F/M
Pairing: Samantha 'Sam' Carter/Jack O'Neill, Daniel Jackson/Vala MalDoran, Ishta/Teal'c, Carolyn Lam/Cameron Mitchell,
Characters: Jack O'Neill, Samantha 'Sam' Carter, Daniel Jackson, Teal'c, Cameron Mitchell, Vala MalDoran Carolyn Lam, Hank Landry, Steve Reynolds, Dave Dixon, Davidson, Steven Caldwell, Lou Ferretti, Jake Bosworth, Balinsky, Baker, Bosco, Peterson, Simon Wells, Richard Woolsey, Shen Xiaoyi, Nyan, Bra'tac, Rya'c
Additional Tags: Adult Themes, Violence (Minor), Language (Mild), Adventure, Alternate Universe, Action
End Notes:
Wiki:
browse/
The Werewolf Page: .
Werewolf: wiki/Werewolves
Werewolf Fiction: wiki/Werewolf_fiction
Latin:
Lupa - she-wolf
Lupus - wolf
Familia - family
Gens – 1. Family 2. Nation 3. breed, race
Sanctuary: c. 1340, "building set apart for holy worship," from Anglo-Fr. sentuarie, from . sainctuarie, from L.L. sanctuarium "a sacred place, shrine" (especially the Hebrew Holy of Holies; see sanctum), also "a private room," from L. sanctus "holy" (see saint). By medieval Church law, fugitives or debtors enjoyed immunity from arrest in churches, hence transf. sense of "immunity from punishment" (c. 1380). General (non-ecclesiastical) sense of "place of refuge or protection" is attested from 1568; as "land set aside for wild plants or animals to breed and live" it is recorded from 1879. Under English law, one claiming the right of sanctuary had 40 days to confess and accept permanent banishment. This was abolished in Britain 1625 in criminal cases, 1696, 1722 in civil cases.
Refuge: Noun: 1. a safe place; "He ran to safety" [syn: safety] 2. something or someone turned to for assistance or security; "his only recourse was the police"; "took refuge in lying" [syn: recourse] 3. a shelter from danger or hardship 4. act of turning to for assistance; "have recourse to the courts"; "an appeal to his uncle was his last resort" [syn: recourse] (WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.)
Meropis (Ancient Greek: Μεροπίς) is a fictional island mentioned by ancient Greek writer Theopompus of Chios in his work "Philippica", which is only fragmentarily maintained via Ailianus.[1] It is situated beyond the world-ocean (Oceanus). Its inhabitants, the Méropes (poet. humans), are supposed to grow twice as tall as average human beings, as well as getting twice as old. Theopompos describes two cities on Meropis: Eusebes (Εὐσεβής, "Pious-town") and Machimos (Μάχιμος, "Fighting-town"). While the inhabitants of Eusebes are living in opulence getting neither hungry nor thick, the inhabitants of Machimos are in fact born with weapons and carry on wars steadily. A third place, called Anostos (Ἄνοστος, "Place of no return") is situated on the outermost border of Meropis. It resembles a yawning abyss, does not have day or night, and is covered by cloudy, red fumes.
The story of Meropis is neither a utopia nor a political allegory; it is a parody of Plato's Atlantis.[2] Theopompos somewhat overstates many of Plato's aspects of the Atlantis myth. While it is an Egyptian priest who is telling Solon the story of Atlantis according to Plato's Timaeus [3], it is an Ipotane (a mythical half-man half-horse creature) who is telling the Meropis story to king Midas according to Theopompus Philippica. Although Atlantis was incredibly big by Plato's account, Theopompus describes Meropis as even bigger, to make it completely absurd. And while the invading Atlanteans were beaten by Athens because of its perfect society, the Méropes - attacking with an army of ten million soldiers - attempt to conquer Hyperborea, but return in disgrace after realizing that the Hyperboreans were the luckiest people on earth and not worth looting.[4]
GERI and FREKI: wiki/Geri_and_Freki
In Norse mythology, Geri and Freki (also Gere and Freke) are a pair of wolves, companions of the god Odin. Freki and Geri are both translated as "Ravenous".
Snorri Sturluson in Gylfaginning indicates that it is to these wolves that Odin gives his food when in Valhöll, for he has no need of it himself, subsisting solely on wine. His source for this myth is stanza 19 of Grímnismál.
wiki/Wolf
Going A-Víking: The phrase 'to go a Víking' meant to go on a voyage of discovery. In the Viking Age, going a-Víking was a chance to gain wealth. This wealth could mean material wealth such as valuable objects, land, property or a wife, but it could also mean spiritual wealth gained from being tested physically and emotionally, and gaining experience and knowledge. My main objective was to gain knowledge, experience and spiritual wealth from this journey, but I was not opposed to the material wealth if it should appear. Going a Viking was a life changing experience for Norsemen in the Viking Age. going-a-viking-1
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Prologue – Small Gifts
Just after 0801 New Order
Jack sat on the bridge of the Daniel Jackson and stared out the view screen. Thor was busy on the controls and the rest of SG-1 had retired to take care of Sam. She was still shaken up after what Fifth had done to her.
Jack's mind was a maelstrom of thoughts and emotions. The adrenaline had finally worn off but he couldn't help feeling that Fifth was the least of his problems. He actually didn't think he was going to wake up from that stasis chamber. He was, in point of fact, quite happy to be able to wake up from his frozen stasis. But he didn't expect to wake up and find the entire Ancient Repository still intact in his head. Nor did he expect to hear thoughts and feelings coming from the others. Those changes were supposed to be temporary. They were supposed to be gone IF he woke up. Thor was supposed to fix it.
Overall, the thoughts of Thor and the other Asgard weren't too bad. They kept their minds highly organized. But SG-1, Daniel and Sam in particular were hard to be around. They bombarded him with their thoughts and internal dialogue, which in turn triggered the Ancient Repository to start spitting out answers.
Ultimately, whatever Thor had done to fix him had failed. Physically, Jack was fine. He was even speaking English. But mentally, he was carrying extra baggage. A lot of extra baggage, from another race.
Jack distinctly remembered everything from his time before the stasis chamber. He remembered healing Bra'tac. He remembered reassuring Teal'c with telepathy. He remembered using the Ancient control chair. But far worse, he knew he could do it all again without the stress of the download unspooling in his mind.
Jack had a decision to make. Should he tell anyone or should he pretend that this time was just like the last time?
Duty told him to report the news. The Ancient Repository was stuffed full of technology and other items useful to Earth. BUT…he would be basically locked up so that they could pick apart his brain. And that would be without revealing the telepathy and healing abilities. Even General Hammond wouldn't be able to keep the vultures from circling.
But if Jack hid the knowledge, he would be depriving Earth of vital technology that could help them win the war with the Gou'uld and the Replicators. If he tried to help, no matter how well meaning, he would eventually slip up and somebody would find out. He would eventually end up back in that little cell with the vultures circling.
Regardless, Jack needed some space from his team. The rest of SG-1 would pick up on his new skills very quickly. They knew him too well. They knew how he thought and generally what he knew. And they had all observed him during the download, so it would be a very short jump to reach the correct conclusion. Jack would only make mistakes sooner if he kept them close.
Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
Jack gave a tired sigh at the thought of pushing his friends…no, his family away. It was the right thing. But sometimes he hated doing the right thing. He was so tired of fighting politics and proper protocol just to be able to defeat Earth's enemies. Hell, he was tired of fighting Earth's enemies, defeating them, only to find five new ones to replace them. He was just so tired of the whole thing. Saving the world was overrated.
Jack let out a huff of air and looked over at Thor. The Asgard was busy working at a nearby console. Jack considered him for a moment, "Thor, do you ever get tired of fighting?" he asked his Asgard friend.
Thor looked up from his control panel and blinked, "I do. But I have been unable to determine a better course of action." Thor moved a stone and the view screen changed to the skyline of an Asgard city. "If I stop, they die. Therefore, I cannot stop." Thor's black eyes regarded Jack impassively.
Jack nodded in agreement, "I'm tired, Thor. I may not have your years, but I am tired. I don't think I can keep doing this..."
Thor turned and moved the stone. The view screen changed again to a picture of Earth from a low orbit. Jack smiled at the beauty of the planet. From space, it looked peaceful and serene, no internal wars, no politics, just peaceful beauty.
"If you stop, will others pick up the sword and shield?" Thor asked him as he regarded the planet.
"Yes," he replied without hesitation. Earth was filled with men and women willing to step forward and fill the gap. He already marveled at the courage of the men and women of the SGC.
"Then rest, my friend. Step back from the battle and rest. Valhalla can wait a few more years before you join in the feast." Thor turned back to his control panel and returned to his work.
Jack turned back to the image of Earth. Could he step back? Create some distance from the hardships his battle-weary body had faced these last years? Would that distance save him? or doom him forever? He was tired, but he wasn't ready to quit the fight. Not yet.
Hammond had been hinting at retirement this last year. Jack knew that he had been feeling out Jack's readiness to take a step back and assume command of the SGC. Jack hadn't felt ready at the time. He still didn't. But commanding the SGC would be a step back. He would be there if he was needed, but he wouldn't be in the thick of the fighting. He could rest but still be involved.
Then he called up the image of Dr Weir. Crap! Hammond was gone in a political haze. Jack no longer had that option.
Well, maybe he could convince Dr. Weir to let him slip into semi-retirement. He could train the new SGC members.
Okay, so it was more like three or four steps back, but it would give him space, time to hide his new abilities while still being involved in the program. He could still see his team, still be involved in their lives, still be there for them.
This he pulled out another image. This time it was of Sam with her new boyfriend, Pete. Jack dropped his head and closed his eyes in defeat. That was the only flaw in his little plan. He would still see them. But as hard as it would be to hide his new abilities from them, it would also be painful to be near Sam and Pete. Almost as painful as not seeing them at all.
When Sam had given him her report on Fifth's abduction and torture, Jack's heart was torn apart as she described the false world and her life with Pete. Fifth would have only considered using that fantasy if it was already in Sam's subconscious, if she already desired that outcome.
Jack had lost her. And because he had lost the one thing he had clung to all these years, he allowed himself to feel exactly how tired of war he had become. He had been fighting for her. For the hope of 'someday.' Without her, he no longer wanted to fight to save the world. Without her, he wasn't quite sure it was worth the effort of saving.
Yes, he would step back, away from the battle, but not away from the war. And maybe one day he could return with a new reason to fight, a new purpose. In the meantime, he could use the distance to shore up his defenses and find some sense of peace.
"We have arrived, O'Neill," Thor reported.
"Thanks, Buddy. Set us down in the gate room." Jack turned back to Thor as he stood up, "Don't be a stranger. I don't want to wait till Valhalla to see you again, 'kay?"
"I will endeavor to see you again, O'Neill, when I am 'in the neighborhood,'" Thor replied before he moved the stone and Jack was transported to the surface with the rest of SG-1.
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Daniel sat back and watched his friend as SG-1 debated Jack's possible promotion to Brigadier General. Jack looked old and tired. Daniel had never seen his friend so…defeated before. He had seen him in just about every other state from anger and depression to almost happy, but Jack had never been defeated before.
Daniel was worried. He felt that if they didn't convince him to take the position, he might never see his friend again.
Jack turned and looked at Daniel as if he could hear his thoughts.
"Maybe you should break it down to the pros and the cons," Daniel supplied hopefully.
Jack gave him a wane smile before ignoring him, "I've spent my whole life 'sticking it to the man'. If I do this, I'll be the man. I don't think I can be the man."
"You'll be inheriting a pretty big can of worms with the state of affairs out there," Sam supplied unhelpfully.
Daniel cursed her inside. Why did she have to say that? That won't convince him to stay.
"If Ba'al truly is on the verge of dominance of the System Lords we face a formidable challenge ahead," Teal'c added.
Great, leave it to Teal'c to mention the unmentionable. Thanks a lot. Now, he'll never want to stay. Daniel raked his brain to find reasons to stay.
"Plus, who knows where and when Fifth and the other replicators will turn up," Sam added with a slightly pained look.
Oh, that could work. Remind him of all the guys he still wants to kill off. Fifth is right up at the top next to Ba'al. Sorry, I doubted you Teal'c. So, who else, pisses off Jack…politics. God, he hates politics, especially, international politics.
"Here on Earth, we've never been under so much scrutiny as we will be, now that so many governments know about the Stargate," Daniel added in a chipper tone. He knew that tone just irritated the hell out of Jack.
"I've never had a desk," Jack supplied.
Is he even listening? "That's…uh...um?" Daniel asked.
"Con," Jack answered.
"Con," Daniel repeated confused, but he nodded anyway, humoring him.
"For the record, Sir. You do have a desk," Sam added in that perky tone that was slowly pissing Daniel off.
Do you even want him to stay? Come on, Sam. Work with me here.
"I do?"
Let's focus, guys. Time for some positive feedback, "On the flip side of the coin, there is the fact that nobody knows how this place should be run better than you," Daniel said, smiling at his friend.
"Why, thank you, Daniel," Jack replied with a smile and a gesture.
"With a little guidance from your good friends and advisors, of course," Daniel added. We're not going anywhere, Jack. We are still here for you.
Sam smiled and added, "If you don't take the job, we could end up with someone much worse." Then she looked away from Jack's blank stare and had the grace to grimace, "Okay, that didn't come out right."
I should think not. Daniel tried to think of a way to fix the damage.
"I, for one will miss you accompanying us on our missions, O'Neill," Teal'c stated into the silence.
"Yeah, now see. I'm not sure I'm ready to give that up either. Sitting back, watching you guys go off and have all the fun," Jack replied emphatically.
Not working, okay. Down side to missions…death! "Risking our lives in the face of grave danger," Daniel stated in a foreboding tone.
"Yeah, that," Jack replied.
He actually likes that part. Damn it! He would. Come on, Daniel. Think!
"Well, I'm sure there'll be situations in which you can accompany us in the field, Sir," Sam added with confidence.
Yes! Finally, Sam. "You'll be in charge. You can do whatever you want," Daniel added.
"I'll be able to do whatever I want," Jack repeated with a thoughtful look.
Uh oh. That can't be good…Daniel quickly looked at the others alarmed.
Sam reacted first, "Within reason…Sir."
Jack continued to look thoughtful then broke into a huge grin. "I'll do it. And my first order of business will be to have Tuesday's declared Double Fudge Brownie Day."
Daniel let out a relieved sigh. Jack would be staying. He would still be around to annoy and harass us. Thank God!
"So, cake?" Jack asked the group.
Daniel gave him a huge smile and nodded, "Definitely time for a celebration."
As the others stood up, Daniel caught Jack looking at him again. Daniel raised an eyebrow in question.
Jack just snorted and escorted him out with a friendly hand on his shoulder. "You can't get rid of me that easily, Doctor Jackson," Jack stated in a conspiratorial whisper.
Daniel chuckled and replied, "Can't blame an archeologist for trying." They walked down the hallway on a quest for cake.
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Jack wasn't sure how he survived undetected that first year. Daniel came close to asking Jack outright if he was reading his mind several times, but never quite found the courage. Sam never did quite figure out where the schematics came from, but she was happy to implement the technology and to credit Dr. John N. Frink, Jr. from Area 51. If she had even a passing knowledge of The Simpsons, she would have figured it out, but…oh well.
But once he transferred to DC, they didn't see him as often, so he wasn't giving himself away as easily. The few times he slipped, he said that he read the information in a report and that excuse was never questioned. Jack was almost disappointed that they couldn't figure it out. The DC guys just thought it was his insight into the program. President Hayes didn't care, as long as Earth remained free.
However, on one of his many visits, Thor noticed Jack's ability to read minds and did ask. Jack was relieved to finally be called out. He trusted Thor enough to tell him the whole story. But his response to Jack was odd. He simply said, "Then it is time," and disappeared in a flash of light.
The next time that Jack saw Thor was the last time. Thor visited him at his cabin on one of the few weekends that he was able to free himself.
"O'Neill," Thor said with affection as he appeared on the dock next to the small cabin.
"Thor, Buddy. What's up?" Jack smiled at the small alien, setting down his fishing pole and beer to greet his friend.
"I have come to say good-bye, O'Neill," Thor stated.
"But you just got here."
Thor held out an Asgard control stone, "The High Council would like to extend the invitation to the planet Earth to visit Orillia where your people will receive a great gift."
Jack was momentarily stunned by what he saw in the Asgard's mind. They were dying. They could die slowly or quickly and they had opted to die quickly after they said good-bye to their allies. Their other allies had already said their farewells. Only the Tau'ri were left. The Asgard wanted to leave the Tau'ri their legacy and their last gift would pass on the responsibility of protecting the galaxy.
"I...I don't know what to say," Jack stated. The Asgard had been their closest and most reliable ally. Jack owed them for saving his life on several occasions. He owed Thor personally for most of those saves.
"I believe that 'Yes' is the appropriate answer," Thor replied dryly. He handed Jack the stone. "I also wanted to give you a gift. It is the true purpose for my visit to Earth."
"Yeah?"
"O'Neill, you have been my friend for some years. I wanted to give you this to remember me by," Thor held out a small pendant in the shape of Thor's Hammer on Cimmeria.
Jack accepted the pendant and gave Thor a sad smile, "Thanks, Thor. I'll cherish it. I just wish you could stick around a bit longer. The universe just won't be the same without you guys."
"You misunderstand me, O'Neill. The pendant is merely the key. The gift is in orbit."
"Orbit, you say," Jack added sagely. Then he saw it in Thor's mind. A ship. The newest and most advanced of the Asgard fleet. It had barely been completed when the Asgard had made their decision to quit the mortal plane. It is where Thor had spent the last year developing the technology to interface the Asgard core into an Earth Battle Cruiser. "Cool! It has a fridge."
"The Valkyrie will only respond to your DNA signature or voice commands," Thor continued. "It will ensure that you will have a peaceful retirement, should that sad day ever come."
Jack stared at the pendant in his hand, unsure what else to say, "I..."
"Learn from our mistakes, O'Neill. And if your people fail to follow your leadership, know that the Valkyrie awaits your call." Thor laid a hand on Jack's shoulder, "I'm afraid that I must return now. Live well, O'Neill. I will await your arrival in Valhalla."
Jack smiled sadly at him, "Till Valhalla, my friend."
After Thor was transported away, Jack stared at the pendant for a long time. He slowly picked up is forgotten beer from the wooden dock and stood up. He raised his drink to the sky, "To the Asgard," he saluted, "It's been an honor to serve with you." He took a drink before smashing the bottle on the rocky beach.
When he delivered the hologram invitation to the President, he was relieved when the President opted to send General Landry. He didn't bother to let Hayes know that it was a farewell gift. He just supplied a snappy comment and went back to his cabin to mourn alone.
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