Trial by Fire

Chapter 2: The only easy day was Yesterday

The night on P8X-3100 made the use of night vision goggles (NVGs) a must since the planet lacked a moon like earth. Waving ones hand in their face was about all that could be seen by the naked eye. The darkness was the most likely reason for the dawn transfer of their targets. When the joint force arrived they had to step down like normal then back up once exiting the star gate. Ba'al in an attempt to throw off any opposing forces sunk the area surrounding the gate then raised it back up. For opposing forces without intelligence the design would have worked wonderfully, but the Goa'uld always underestimated the Tau'ri. The gate sat inside of a clearing about the size of a NFL football field. The gate itself was at one end where a path leading to the field was at the opposite. A thick forest surrounded the area making it an ideal setup if you wanted to land or repel ships. Colonel O'Neill took quick advantage of this placing his troops in an 'L' shaped ambush for maximum effect. SG3 was the bottom part of the 'L' just behind the star gate. SG1 was situated to the east covering the length of the field completing the 'L'. SG5 was to observe and report troop strength only. Once that part was completed they'd serve as a flanking or Quick Reaction Force (QRF) once the Goa'uld passed them by.

-"If you see me running, you'd better keep up!" Bomb disposal-

Jack scanned the area once more with his NVG's going over the plan of attack in his head. He also took note of everyone under his command. Half were taking advantage of the pre-battle lull by either sleeping or re-checking their gear. Per usual SSgt. Nantz was reading a Batman comic book to pass the time. The team medic had fallen asleep with a cheesy romance novel still in her hands. Daniel was leaning against a tree dead to the world glasses askew. That left Teal'C at the furthest down closet to Col. Reynolds teal with his FN 240 mag belt fed at the ready. His newest member wasn't far from him. He did this on purpose to keep an eye on her. Going from a support role to up close and personnel was going to be a big change. Jack didn't want her to freeze causing her death/injury or anyone else's. Nigel wanted to be different so he chose to hide in what passed for an oak tree. He always preferred high ground when possible back in the day and still did. This gave him a great overview of the kill box with his FN-FAL (7.62x51mm/.308).

"Major Hills, how are you doing over there? The party will be starting soon." He asked looking at her with his NVG's on. She looked back hiding a smile that wasn't lost on her CO. "I'm doing fine Sir, just a little nervous but I'll be okay. It's just going to be different being on the ground verses having a bird's eye view." Virginia responded calmly as possible despite the butterflies in her stomach. "Just follow your training and it'll take over Major." Jack advised her then gave her a knowing smile then continued. "When you were in Ranger School did you find it funny having a conversation while wearing NVG's also? He asked only because everyone did even if it wasn't spoken. "Yes Sir, it doesn't help that we are on an alien planet either." Jack nodded in agreement making her feel at ease. His humor about the situation helped as well. "It's almost surreal being here Sir. I feel like I'm in a SyFy show waiting for the director to yell 'ACTION!" Virginia replied becoming more at ease. "I know what you mean Major. When I was brought onto the project I thought it was all a joke. That all changed once I saw the wormhole form. My life took on a whole new meaning after that mission." Her CO answered while scanning the area. She noticed Col. O'Neill did this constantly as if he was waiting for the other shoe to fall. This would be a wise habit to pick up given his advice from before. "Do you have any complaints or regrets Sir? I mean this kind of military service is so far out of normalcy everything is turned on its head." She asked earnestly. The colonel was the person to ask given he was the first one to go through and the base 2IC. Jack looked at her impressed at the major asked him what others dared not to. "I don't have a regrets Major Hills. I do however have many complaints." He said waiting for her to take the bait. Daniel always rolls his eyes when he does this joke. Good thing Sam thinks it's funny otherwise no one would laugh. "What are those complaints sir? Is it the lack of gift shops or room accommodations?" Virginia asked letting him know she had his number thanks to Lt. Col. Carter. "Damn, Carter really gave you the run down on me didn't she?" He asked bummed about being beat to the punch line. Jack swore he could hear Daniel laughing from where he was. It could have been the wind but even money is on Daniel. "Yes sir, she did. The whole team to be exact sir, did I overstep any lines?" She asked a little worried. Mom always told her to think before speaking, you stay out of trouble easier that way she thought to herself. "Not at all, Carter is just being a killjoy talking all my fun away. Check your equipment one last time; it'll be sun up before we know it." Jack ordered ending the conversation."Yes sir! Thanks for the talk. It helped a lot." Virginia replied back then doing as ordered. "My doors open anytime major." He answered rechecking his own equipment lost in thought about what Sam was doing.

-"When Ever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it's time to pause and reflect." M Twain-

The star gate burst to life at the Beta site causing the defense teams bring their weapons to bear. If the person(s) coming through was hostile they wouldn't be hostile more than a few seconds. The Beta site had recently went through a heavy defensive upgrade. The quad .50bmgs from WW2 made a comeback x4, 16 .50 calibers would turn anything into Swiss cheese by themselves. Then there was a mixture of MK19s (belt fed 40mm grenade launcher), Dillon Mini-guns (7.62X51 NATO) and that's not including what they had in the motor pool. They had a small armored division at the ready made up of US, Russian and British vehicles.

"Colonel Wesley, the IDC checks out. It belongs to Lt. Colonel Carter's new science/engineering team sir." The young gate technician stated. "Lower the shield and give the Lt. Colonel the green light. I'll inform her father his daughter arrived early." The base commander ordered leaving the room. "I would like to know what she sees in that grumpy old Colonel. It's a wonder he's still in the service with his flippant attitude." Colonel Wesley muttered to himself on his way to the research labs.

Samantha led her team through the gate followed by a line of heavy supply malps. Two Tok'ra she never seen before offered to show them to their lab. They all followed the pair eager to get set up to study the ancient power source. Samantha was excited as well but personnel issues kept her on edge. To a person that didn't know her they'd never know but her dad would. She just hoped he'd let things be for now. Sam started unpacking the equipment in her own work space wondering how her team was doing. Sunrise on P8X-3100 was about 2 hours away then the fireworks would begin. She helped them pack enough claymores and Bouncing Betties to take on an army. Jack always told her 'Over kill is Under Rated!' except of course in the case of all the gold used on Goa'uld ships.

"Sammy, you're early!" her father said making her jump almost dropping a prototype power coupler. Sam sighed eternally only because she had hoped on getting set up first. Time was a precious right now. Jack would be bringing the ZPM's soon and she wanted to be ready. Sam turned to greet her father returning the hug. "Hi dad, it's good to see you again. Want to help unpack? Jack and the team will be here before we know it." She asked looking Jacob in the eyes. "I'd love to help. Once were done we can grab breakfast." He stated knowing she hasn't eaten yet. The tell tale signs were there. Sam was having separation anxiety from not being with her team and her boyfriend. 'Now Jacob, don't go there! He's good for her and you know it.'Sel'macscolded her host. 'Oh, be quite old lady. You know I like him. No guy is ever going to be totally the best for her, no such thing.' Jacob fired back sarcastically. 'That doesn't mean you have to give him a hard time once he arrives on base!' Sel'mac countered knowing she was wasting her proverbial breath. 'Yes I do, it's what fathers do best!'

"If the two of you are through bickering could you help set up!" Sam asked placing her hands on her hips. Jacob kissed his daughter on her temple then started setting up the equipment. "You remind me of your mother everyday Sammy. She gave me that look more than I cared for at times." Sam smiled glad that he was here. Her father's presence made things easier to deal with. The team of scientists along with Jacob finished their work just in time for breakfast.

"How's Jack doing since I last saw him? I assume he's behaving like a gentlemen with my only daughter...hmm!" He said just to see Samantha's smile. "Dad..! Of course he's behaving like a gentleman unless he's hiding from Janet. " Sam replied eating her waffles and sausage. Jacob looked at her questionably raising an eyebrow. "It's my cheat day so I'm going to enjoy it, just don't tell the guys Dad." She explained smirking. "You still haven't answered my question Sammy." ...eating his biscuits and gravy. "Jacks is doing better than fine, almost too good." She told him hiding a worried look. "I know that look young lady...what's going on?" Jacob asked placing a hand over hers. Sam bit her bottom lip a bit then reluctantly told her father the truth.

"Over the weekend Jack got into a bar fight set up by Pete. No charges were filed against the guys because of the bar owner. He found out Pete and his friends set it up." She informed him with a reassuring smile. "That's not what's bothering you though...I'm here for you Sammy. What's got you so worried concerning Jack?" he asked waiting patiently for her to answer. "Janet and I believe that Thor enhanced Jack abilities while he purged the poison. He went 10 rounds with Teal'C Monday hardly breaking a sweat for one. Jack also crushed one of the guys hands from the bar fight without realizing it and now for the kicker! You ready for this dad?" She said glad to get her worries out in the open. "Would it be a problem if Thor did enhance Jacks abilities?" Jacob asked playing devil's advocate. "Not really I guess... It's just if Jack realizes this he'll take more risks than needed." Sam answered with a sigh of frustration. "Colonel O'Neill does put himself at risk more than necessary, so I understand your concern. Now what's the kicker Sammy?" he asked wondering what could worry his daughter so much. "Jack told us during the briefing Thor left some knowledge that could be useful. The information only comes to him like a turning on random lights. That's how we know what the power sources are called. He then told us how they are made. Dad, am I worried for no reason?" Sam asked leaning her head on his shoulder like she used too. "You love Jack so naturally you'll be worried. The jobs you two do are extra-ordinary so worry is part of the deal. Next time Thor is in the neighborhood talk to him, maybe that'll ease your concern." Jacob said patting her back trying to comfort her. Sam nodded her head on his shoulder wiping away a few tears.

"Let's change the subject; have the two of you gone on anymore dates by chance?" Jacob asked earning him a smile from his daughter. "Dad...really, are you looking for gossip or stories to tell your Tok'ra friends?" She asked sitting up straight digging into her food. "Maybe both, some of the Tok'ra want to experience earth's culture. If I get to brag about my lovely daughter while explaining things to them I'll do so proudly." Jacob joked seeing her mood lighten up. "Well in that case you'd better take notes!" Sam replied feeling much better. "Don't keep an old man waiting..."He said then Sel'mac took over. "Or old women Samantha, I do love to hear about your dates. It makes me feel young at heart." The symbiote told her. The fact she's talking to a 'snake' used to bother her but in doing this job normal gets checked at the door. "Then you'll love this Sel'mac." Sam said with a smile then laughed once her father got back control. "I hate when she does that, it's like losing an argument with your mother. Okay, where did my future son in law take you this time?" Jacob asked with a chuckle. Sam smiled once more getting all dreamy eyes remember Monday night.

"We went on a double date with Daniel and Janet to a diner theater called 'The Iron Springs Chateau' (A/N 1). We saw 'Jenny Jones the Spy catcher' and I never laughed so hard in my life Dad. We all had a great time and the food was excellent. In one scene Jenny Jones yelled out 'Is there a doctor in the house?' Janet didn't put her hand up so Daniel did it for her." Sam told her father laughing hard. "Our Daniel did that..!" Jacob replied in disbelief. "He sure did. Janet was so surprised too. You should have seen the shock on her face, talk about a Kodak moment. The funniest part was when she had to go on stage. Jack and I lost it almost falling out of our seats." She added smiling widely. "What did Janet have to do?" he asked laughing as well. The sight must have been hilarious due to Janet's serious nature he thought. "She had to confirm the main bad guy was dead, much to Janet's credit though she hammed it up." Sam said with a hint of mischief. "The suspense is killing me Sammy, what did Janet do?" he asked wondering what the fiery red head did. "She told Jenny Jones he was still alive and needed empty the mag to kill him properly!" She told him slapping the table in a fit of laughter. This drew attention to Jacob and her but it didn't matter. Jacob joined her in the moment laughing as well. "The best part was the bad guy's response. He said 'So much for the Hippocratic oath!" Sam added laughing harder.

-Meanwhile back on P8X-3100-

"Heads up everyone..." Jack whispered through the tac-net. "...the guests of honor will be arriving in 10 minutes. There's 200 Jaffa plus the head snakehead headed our way. We planned for this so once I give the signal your free to fire at will. Aim small, miss small that is all!" Jack told his troops. Daniel looked over at Sophia rolling his eyes. "Jack could tell the Jaffa all his bad jokes achieving the same results." Sophia smirked at her friends comment. "...or you could bore them with one of your lectures." That earned her a glare as he rechecked his FN P90 for what felt like the 100ths time. This scene repeated itself as everyone prepared for the pitched battle that was to come.

A/N 1: I'm just using for realism. It's located in Manitou Springs, Co. Its 13 minutes from Colorado Springs.

LoneWolfO'Neill