603 Descent

Jack

There, orbiting Earth, was a big assed Goa'uld mothership, shields down and no life signs detected. Jack wanted that ship so bad he could taste it. His knee had healed and what could be so taxing in taking control of an abandoned ship.

That cliche 'Never look a gift horse in the mouth' was so wrong as the Ancient Greeks could attest. And as well in this particular case.

They were nearly killed by Ninja Jaffa.

They were nearly drowned.

They were nearly blown up.

But they did get Thor's brain. How crazy was that.

Jacob

They should have been more wary but the Tauri (when had Jacob begun to view the people of Earth, his own people, as the Tauri) were anxious for the prize of the Hatak, a Goa'uld mothership. This seemingly abandoned ship came out of nowhere and was orbiting Earth. Of course they had to investigate. One would have thought Friesen's death would have had them abandon the ship, or perhaps the self-destruct they were unable to stop would have given them pause. Then the Jaffa attacked and disabled both Jacob and the drive controls. The only recourse and what they needed desperately to do was abandon the ship. The Jaffa, responsible for Friesen's death, boarded the Tel'tak. Although Teal'c defeated them, the transporter ring control crystals were destroyed.

It was already too late to abandon ship.

It was impossible to abandon ship.

They raised the shield as the massive ship plunged through the atmosphere into Earth's great ocean.

Sam

This ship was too interesting to ignore. The first point was why it was here. This Hatak was Anubis' and was equipped with advanced shields and weaponry but they were presently inoperable. The self-destruct was stopped mid countdown. Also it was the one where Thor had been held prisoner. It was as if it was presented as a gift.

Secondly, what had happened on board? There were obviously signs of fighting and sabotage. The way to the computer core was blocked at every turn. And then there was the strange sound coming from the ship's intercom.

When they finally realized it was Thor who brought the ship to them and who stopped the self-destruct countdown, they needed to see if they could help him.

On their way a door closed and the compartment immediately began to flood. Carter and the Colonel shed as much clothing and equipment as they could as the water rose. And it was rising quickly and it was damn cold. She tried to tread water as the level was approaching ceiling height. It was over her head and not any room to spare. Sam was afraid and losing hope when she felt a hand grab at her collar and pull her up. The water was over his head as well but he used his energy and last breath to save her.

When the water receded she tried to thank him, he brushed it off. To him she would always be more valuable, more precious, most worthy of life. It didn't have to be articulated, it was common sense. And too, he ... but that had to go unsaid as well.

Jacob

It was my fault. I let the Jaffa out and I could not save my daughter. They were drowning and I couldn't save her. Thor did and she risked her life to save him. My brilliant brave daughter, whom I'm so proud of, saved the Supreme Commander of the Asgard Fleet while I boarded a submersible and fled.

They have two more Death Gliders now and I hope they'll be more responsible with them.

I had a bit of time, spent the week on Earth and finally left before their next mission. Jack was already grousing that he was still cold from his dip in the Pacific and never had fun in Antarctica. I know they nearly drowned but they glossed it over. I wish at times my daughter was not on a front line team. She is an amazing woman whom they rely on for her expertise and innovative thinking. She and I have had unimaginable experiences. I would not deprive her of that.

I have to hand it to Jack O'Neill. He has created a team of a few people with a multitude of strengths. Their loyalty to one another is chief among them. Jack didn't let her drown when I had given up hope. It gives me comfort as a father.

Jack

Jack wondered if he were to take the blame for losing another treasure that had been within their reach. And if it were possible to salvage the Hatak from the depths of the Pacific Ocean. And who could possibly do it. Would it be Colson Industries, our supposed partners in the formation of our fleet. Surely the ship's descent through the atmosphere, slashing down and sinking hadn't gone unnoticed by the Russian or Chinese. And what would be the repercussions of that. Not Jack's problem, he hated the political side of all this.