"Okay, everyone. Clear!"
Thunder cracked overhead, followed by a bolt of lightning that seemed to come from the stone ceiling. Two more bolts followed in quick succession, the noise deafening in the confined space.
Daniel blinked away the white afterimage and focused on the Stargate, brushing his hands against his arms. Electricity vibrated in the air, made the hair on his arms stand out straight. The three lightening strikes, courtesy of Gandalf, left scorch marks on the naquadah. A hum came from the gate, a sound he wouldn't have thought to hear again.
Sam tapped the gate and waved them closer. "We still have to dial manually, guys. We're aiming for PJH-473."
The archeologist moved into position and heaved. Shifting the circular dial was easier than most people would imagine. The ring itself weighed over a ton but the balance was perfect, allowing for such an emergency tactic as dialing by hand. Despite whatever internal mechanics that made it easy to move it was still hard enough for a sheen of sweat to break out under his clothes.
"All right, stop!"
He, Teal'c, Jack, Sparan, and Yurn slowed the circle to a halt, centering the first symbol on the chevron. After several breathless seconds Sam sighed. "Melix, I need you to push in your chevron."
The Gondoran glanced skeptically at Sam then turned his attention to the piece of stone that was nearly the size of his torso. With a grimace the big man planted his feet and shoved. Daniel shook his head in sympathy when his chest made painful contact with the gate. Sam had warned the Gondorans that it took less force to move each chevron than they thought.
After several seconds the chevron activated, glowing burnt amber in the dim light.
Sam's smile was full of anticipation. "Okay, one down, seven to go."
When the second chevron had to be engaged manually the archeologist began to wonder. Before, when dialing manually, the gate's chevrons would activate automatically once a symbol was centered. Anxiety started to chip away at the small hope he'd harbored.
After the third chevron a dull rumble began beneath their feet. The Stargate vibrated, making the scattered tools bounce on the polished stone. Daniel hadn't seen such a rough power up since the first time the military got the Stargate to work back on Earth.
When the fourth chevron activated without Yurn's help Daniel felt hope start fighting back. They might do it; they might be able to go home.
But what home? He wondered. If they were really on Earth in another dimension getting home might be impossible. They could spend the rest of their lives trying to find a civilization capable of helping them. We might be able to talk to Nox into it, he reasoned. The Nox were the most advanced race he could think of, maybe advanced enough to help them find their dimension. That was, if the Nox existed in this dimension. And if they did, if they could convince them to come out of hiding.
"Seventh symbol in place!" Samantha yelled over the noise.
The seventh chevron engaged, and after a high pitched whine the gate went silent, the chevrons settling back into their original positions.
The collective sigh from the four was loud in the silence.
"Nice try, Carter," Jack gave her shoulder a pat. "There's still what, two million combinations to try?"
Samantha didn't smile. She was staring at the gate with single-minded intensity.
Gandalf stepped forward. "Perhaps it would be best to rest, Samantha. Give yourself time, and you will find the answer."
"Or try to tear the thing apart with her bare hands," Jack filled in quietly.
"Are you sure this is the correct dimension, Loki?"
Thor blinked placidly as his fellow Asgard held up a portable scanner. Light flashed along the walls as the device activated, turning the dark, smooth stone translucent for a fraction of a second before moving in a slow wave into the dim corridor. In seconds a complete three-dimensional representation of the building spun slowly in front of them, several spots denoting human life forms flashed red. A formidable building, even if made of stone. Wooden torches threw flickering yellow light along the walls, bright spots of illumination in the darkness. There was no sign of gua'uld technology, no artificial light. A primitive world, then, obviously populated. Perhaps they would have some luck.
"The readings indicate that we have reached designate 4566." Loki answered.
Thor turned back to the corridor ahead of them. "Are there any readings to indicate that O'Neill has been in the immediate area?"
Loki examined the portable scanner. "The bio-scan indicates there is an energy signature that is similar to O'Neill's, but it has faded. It is perhaps three days old."
Thor walked further into the room as the Stargate went dark, giving Loki time to examine his companion without being observed. Thor had insisted on taking this journey without SG-9, as they were supposed to. In fact, Thor had begun doing many things he was not supposed to after learning that the human O'Neill had gone missing. Loki didn't know if his friend knew, or even cared, that there were several rumors floating through their world about his behavior.
Asgard as a rule did not feel more than a passing concern for other species, yet Thor had taken it upon himself to champion the cause of finding O'Neill. Loki admitted that the strange human had a unique charm, and after reviewing what had happened in the archive of the Ancients that his ability, however untapped, was remarkable. Still, there were limits to what the Asgard could achieve with wormhole manipulation, and Thor seemed intent on pushing them to the breaking point. Perhaps it was time to speak with his friend on what had become his obsession.
The sound of heavy feet running on stone interrupted the Asgard's thoughts. Two men, human from their appearance, were running down the wide corridor, armor covering them from head to foot. Twenty feet from them the humans stopped and raised short bows, arrows knocked; primitive, but effective weapons.
Loki could have sighed. The questioning of peoples they'd met in those universes where the planet was populated was normally a waste of time, and he had important research to attend to. Fortunately they had a usable bio-signal to work with. If O'Neill was not here, had had been here, and recently. That only meant narrowing down how many Stargates were accessible from this point. A far simpler task than continuing to investigating the endless dimensions they came across.
One of the humans shouted a challenge. Two hundred and seventy-five thousand languages had been encountered during their search, each one unique. Fascinating that a people could develop along the same lines but be so drastically different. In the few parallel dimensions the Asgard studied their own people were the same, perhaps with slight differences, but otherwise uniform.
The human continued to yell at the two Asgard, and Loki frowned. "Their language seems to have no recognizable correlation to any in our database. The neural scanner is necessary."
When Thor raised his hand an arrow flew, stopping short of them by several feet as the personal shield activated. The light of the neural scanner engulfed the nearest soldier, sending him to his knees. Loki noted the reaction with interest. Most human's lost consciousness while they were being scanned, the disparate stimuli too much for their nervous systems to handle. More arrows followed the first, and the sound of more humans approaching. Loki fingered a flat, round device hanging around his neck. If the humans became too violent it would send a pulse rendering them unconscious long enough for them to return to their own dimension. "Are you finished, Thor?"
The other Asgard nodded. "Their language has been translated fully, Loki. You should receive the translation momentarily." Thor turned back to the humans. "I am Thor of the Asgard," he started slowly and carefully. The translators, while effective, were still lacking when it came to proper inflection. "My Companion is Loki. We are not enemies." He extended a hand in greeting. "We are searching for friends of ours. Perhaps you have seen them?"
There were twelve humans now, some with swords drawn, all staring at them with malice. Another curious thing. The humans they encountered usually expressed fear, even terror. These men looked at them as if they were old enemies. Enemies they would like nothing more than to dispose of. "Perhaps the visual aides will help, Thor," he suggested.
His companion nodded and opened his palm. An image of O'Neill sprang to being above his hand. "This is one of the four we are searching for," Thor continued calmly. "He is-"
"O'Neill?" The oldest of the humans stepped forward, eyes glittering behind his helm. "You search for O'Neill?"
The image disappeared. "You know him?"
The human seemed reluctant to speak, but nodded. "He is in Minas Tirith with his companions."
Thor nearly vibrated with enthusiasm. "We would like very much to see O'Neill as soon as possible. I have no doubt he will be pleased to see us as well."
When Bruak found Jack in the armory and told him little grey people had come through the stone ring the colonel felt like someone had pushed him out of a plane. That anything had come through the Stargate was a miracle in itself, and there was only one race he knew of that were small, grey, and might have even a remote interest in finding him. When he saw the two Asgard standing placidly in the middle of the throne room draped in borrowed cloaks he would have jumped for joy if his leg could take the strain.
"Thor!" Jack limped hurriedly to the small Asgard with a smile. He'd never thought he'd see the alien again. "Nice ta see ya!" He turned to the other Asgard. "And Loki! Never thought I'd see you two together."
"I am glad to see you again as well O'Neill," Thor replied.
"Likewise," Loki added after a moment's pause.
Jack was tempted to hug them, but thought better of it at the last minute. The Asgard didn't even touch each other; he doubted Thor would appreciate a full body hug. "When'd you get in?" he asked instead, limping to a chair. Ilna had finally decided to let him off the crutches, but his leg still throbbed something fierce if he stood too long; and he'd practically ran to the throne room when he was told there were two small, grey creatures waiting for him.
"We arrived a short while ago." Thor's gaze went to his leg. "You are injured."
Jack waved a hand. "It's healing. How in the hell did you-" before he could finish the sentence he was enveloped by light. The twinges in his leg stopped immediately, so did the pain in his shoulder and neck. God, he'd forgotten how good alien tech could be. "Don't suppose you'd be willing to use that on a few hundred more people, would you?"
Loki and Thor exchanged glances. "Perhaps."
"Good, we got a lotta people who need it," Jack said as he unwrapped his leg and flexed it. Not a single twinge from knee or ankle. He let the wrappings and braces fall to the floor. "So, how the hell did you get here? Carter thought we were stuck." At least until she refined her latest set of formulas, and who knew how long that would take without a calculator.
It was Loki who spoke. "We have been searching alternate dimensions for nearly eleven of your Earth months, O'Neill," he said. "Your General Hammond will be pleased to learn you are well."
General Hammond. Jack sniffed. God, if this was a dream he'd be pissed when he woke up. Or crying like a three year old girl. "How is the old man?"
Before Loki could speak Daniel's voice rang in from the other end of the hall. "Jack, everyone's talking about something coming through…"
Jack twisted around as Daniel walked further into the room, four hobbits trailing him. "Daniel, you remember Thor. Loki."
It took five more minutes for the rest of the group to trail in. After a lengthy introduction Aragorn, Gandalf and Loki were discussing the use of their medical equipment on those in need. The two men were open but wary, and more than happy to accept any help for the injured. On the other hand the hobbits and Gimli seemed very interested in the newcomers. From the sound of it, Gimli was trying to figure out if they were a form of grey, bald dwarf.
"Daniel, you seen Sam?"
The archeologist stopped in the middle of explaining other species to Gandalf. "No, I thought she was with you?"
Jack turned to Teal'c. "I have not seen her since early this rising, O'Neill."
The colonel frowned. Carter should have been the first person to run here once she heard someone had come through the Stargate.
A muted harrumph from Gimli caught Jack's attention. Even beneath his beard, Jack could see he was blushing. "Gimli?"
The dwarf threw up his hands. "She's in a third basement with that bedamned elf," he grumbled.
"Gimli?" Aragorn repeated, stepping towards their companion.
The dwarf pointed a stubby finger at the former Ranger. "You said all they needed was a little push. So they've been pushed. Into one of the store rooms."
Jack sighed, one hand latching onto the back of Gimli's coat. "Come on, matchmaker," he said as they walked towards the double doors. "Lead the way. Daniel, Teal'c," he tossed over his shoulder. "If we haven't come back by the time the Asgard are ready to get more supplies, give 'em as escort, will ya?"
Sam had given up trying to call for help some time ago. Her throat was sore, as was her hand. Besides, someone would come looking for them.
Eventually.
It's not that she objected to her company. When Gimli had lead her down into the lower basements of the citadel with tales of some strange machine she'd actually been excited. First and foremost was the thought that he'd found the DHD. She couldn't believe she'd actually gone into the dark room first. It wasn't until she was a good five feet in that she heard the muffled yelling of Legolas, who was tied up and stuffed behind several barrels. Too late to do anything when the door slammed behind her with a rather loud crash.
"Don't suppose we'll die of hunger down here," she mused as she settled on a cask of brandy. The head of the cask was dusty, the date more than a century old. Dried goods hung from the rafters, neatly dated bags of dried meat and fruits. No, they wouldn't starve, but she was definitely killing Gimli when he came to let them out.
Legolas smiled at her words, the expression almost lost in the dim lamp light. "Gimli would have seen to that. I believe he means to keep us here until we admit to our feelings for each other."
It was Sam's turn to smirk. "We did that, didn't we?"
"Dwarves are a strange race," Legolas answered. "For them, admitting our feelings would be announcing a wedding feast."
Sam started to laugh, but trailed off at the elf's expression. "You're serious?" she asked. She liked Legolas. More than liked him. But marriage?
"Dwarves do not do things in half-measures."
She fought down the urge to start banging on the door again, this time more forcefully. She was going to shave Gimli's beard for this, something Legolas assured her was the worst possible punishment for a dwarf. Scratch that, she was going to make him shave it. And his head. "And elves?" she ventured.
Despite what they'd said month's ago, she and Legolas hadn't gone any further into a relationship. They were friends; sometimes she thought they could be more than friends. But she was still trying to find a way home. Common sense, something she had in overabundance, made her steer clear of the elf.
If not for the dim light, she would have sworn he was blushing. "Elves have several different levels of courtship to assure that the two are serious about devoting themselves to each other. Elven marriages are bonds for life."
Which meant eternal, since elves didn't die. At least, not like humans did. "No room for two people to be just a little more than friends?" she ventured, then mentally slapped herself. No use even poking that dragon. They were friends. Period.
That's right. Stuck in the 'Just Friends' box. You should be disgusted with yourself. The Bitch's tone said she felt more than enough disgust for both of them.
Sam ignored the voice. It was Jolinar, she'd found out, after the voice let slip something about Tok'ra not being as prudish as humans seemed to enjoyed pretending to be. As far as she could measure, some remnant of the Tok'ra operative had blended with part of her psyche. Knowing she had what amounted to another woman in her head wasn't as bad as fearing she was losing her mind. She'd learn to live with it.
If not, there were several different drugs that might be useful.
Legolas took a deep breath, but as he started to speak a dull thud came from the other side of the door. "Carter, you in there?"
Great, the man has perfect timing. "Sir?" She stood and walked to the door. "We're in here."
"You decent? Or should I come back in a few hours?"
Sam blushed and cast a glanced at Legolas. He was blushing so hard she could see it despite the dim light. "Open the door, Colonel."
There was the sound of metal shrieking against metal, then a sliver of torchlight appeared, followed by Jack's head. "You fancy a trip through the 'Gate, Carter?"
The question brought her up short. "The 'Gate, sir?"
"While you were busy, we got visitors." He held out his hand. "Bought yea tall, grey, big eyes."
"Asgard?" It was too good to be true. They'd been found.
Jack snapped his fingers. "That's the one. Looks like we're going home, after all." Something on the other side of the door caught his attention. "Hey!" he shouted, leaving the door ajar. "Gimli! Get back here!"
Sam and Legolas shared another look, and then hurried after the colonel. They had some things to discuss with the dwarf.
For all that they'd done to get home; cross a continent, fought in two wars, spent days going without food or sleep, they were strangely reluctant to go home. After sending word back to Stargate Command they found themselves blindsided by things to do. Something always needed to be done, set up, seen to, or allocated. They had all agreed that anything that needed to be done had to be done before they returned home, since there was no telling when (or if) they'd ever find a way back to Middle Earth.
First there was the assistance from the Asgard. They all agreed that it would receive heartier acceptance if they accompanied the groups of small grey aliens. Even two months after the battle there were still people suffering from wounds, and despite everyone's best efforts infection was rampant. The lingering cold was the only thing that kept disease from spreading just as quickly.
There was packing, of course. They all had full wardrobes now, thanks to Aragorn and Eowen (in Gondoran and Rohan styles), two sets of armor (one for Rohan, another for Gondor), and any number of gifts given from people from both kingdoms. There was also land to see to. Daniel would have choked if someone told him he'd come out of this not only wealthy but also a landed member of the Gondoran nobility. Yet here he was, with a fiefdom of ten square miles of fertile farmland and teeming forest.
The elves that attended Aragorn's coronation also brought gifts; clothing, weapons, and several tomes of elvish history for him. Even the dwarves had made their offerings to the heroes, as they were known, the primary gifts being jewels and raw mithril; something even Gimli marveled over. Daniel did know who was more embarrassed, SG1 or the hobbits, who'd taken on what had to be a perpetual look of wide-eyed surprise since the influx began. Merry had overheard one of the Gondoran nobles talking about making them official high lords of the realm, and he and Pip had taken to running the other direction whenever they were approached by more than one noble at a time.
SG-1 weren't the only ones to be leaving soon. Frodo had decided the hobbits would start back to the Shire on the same day they departed for Earth. The declaration was met with sadness from everyone, but the hobbit remained steadfast. Merry, Pippin, and Sam didn't look nearly as resolute, but they followed Frodo's lead. The archeologist sighed. Of all of them, Fordo had changed the most during their journey. When they first met he'd been happy, if burdened by the responsibility he had to carry. The last months had seen that change to quite and serious. In the two months since meeting up again he'd rarely seen the dark-haired hobbit as much as smile.
Daniel shook himself, focused instead on the railing in front of him, the spread of Pellenor Field beyond the city. All in all, they would be taking a good wagon-load home, each. All of it had to be documented before it went through the gate, then again once it went through quarantine back on Earth. That was something he didn't look forward to; a mandatory 48 hour stay in the infirmary to make sure they weren't bringing anything hazardous back with them while their possessions were catalogued for governmental records.
Finally, after another three days and a farewell feast that left him with a pounding headache, they were about to set out for Minas Ithil. He was the first person up, watching the sun as it rose above the mountains; a golden ball just topping the peaks. Jack insisted they'd be able to come back, but Daniel wasn't so sure.
"You seem reluctant to return home, Daniel," Gandalf said as he walked onto the large terrace.
The archeologist chuckled. "A little," he admitted. "Just when I was getting used to the idea of being Lord Daniel Jackson…" he trailed off. He knew what the problem was. Just like Abydos, he'd stopped thinking of Middle Earth as somewhere he was stuck. He'd started thinking of it as home. "Now I'm wondering if I'll ever come back."
It was Gandalf's turn to chuckle. "Of course you'll be back. Sooner than you'd think, I imagine. As if the Hobbits would let you stay away for any length of time."
A large hand settled on Daniel's shoulder. "Don't suppose you'd like a trip through the 'Gate, Gandalf? Something you've never experienced before?"
The wizard gave him a wry look. "There are several things I've never experienced, Daniel. I daresay traveling through your Stargate will remain on the list. At least, for another year or so in your own time."
As Gandalf walked back inside Daniel fought the urge to ask him if that's when they'd be back He'd learned that when the wizard was being cryptic that's all the answer you would get out of him. The archeologist settled back to watch the rest of the sunrise. A year before he got to see this again.
That wouldn't be so bad.
Fin