Chapter Four: Old and Painful Wounds
Carter glowered at Senator Kinsey while mentally gnashing her teeth. Now what?
This is precisely why I have been against this program from the start, Kinsey angrily exclaimed. You are jeopardizing this world by choosing sides in a war that has nothing to do with us!
Have you been listening to a word that has been said? O'Neill took a step forward to confront the senator. The Cylons are spreading throughout our galaxy like the Replicators in the Asgard galaxy. If we don't do something now, we won't be able to stop them at all!
The Cylons are committed to eliminating all human life, Apollo explained in a more calm and measured voice. In their eyes, even if one human remains alive, we will be a constant threat to them.
From what I gather, these Cylons don't know where Earth is, Kinsey countered. If SG-1 is permitted to go and be captured by these Cylons, they could gain Earth's location.
From across the room, Captain Crais regarded Senator Kinsey with a high degree of disdain.
Who is this man again? He questioned aloud.
I'm Senator Kinsey and chairman of the Appropriation Committee, the man from Washington declared.
Crais stared blankly at Kinsey for a moment. Not a General or a military official?
No, just a politician who holds the purse stings to this place, Carter informed the Sebacean Captain.
Crais couldn't believe what he'd just heard. How can such a man hold power over your military?
By lying, cheating, stealing and screwing his opponents over, John Crichton answered before smiling innocently. But that's just my humble opinion.
Like my traitorous cousin, Rygel observed turning to the senator. You're more of a wellnitz than I thought
Kinsey had had just about enough of this madness. General, if you agree to this so help me
So help me' what? Hammond demanded, maintaining direct eye contact with the senator. It seems that you have my retirement party already planned out. Lucky for us, I still have command authority here until then. Colonel O'Neill?
O'Neill respectfully snapped to attention.
You and SG-1 will assist Commander Adama on his mission.
General Hammond's eyes never left Senator Kinsey's as he issued his orders, almost daring the senator to try and stop him.
***
The first thing Aeryn noticed about the crew of the Pegasus was that they were much more on edge than the crew of the Galactica, as if they were expecting an attack to come at any given moment. The second was that, according to Sheba, the Pegasus was running with a skeleton crew because, when Cain challenged and destroyed two of those three baseships, he had ordered all non-essential personnel off the ship before the attack. And third, nearly everyone here regarded the former Peacekeeper with a high degree of suspicion, especially Cain's First Officer Dex. She tried to talk to him a few times but Dex only answered her questions – he spoke to her no more than he had to. He also behaved like he didn't want to share the same air with her.
She was assigned basic quarters and had two armed guards positioned just outside her door. Aeryn couldn't blame them for being cautious, but she had a new concern. What had happened when Zhaan had saved her? Did Crichton and the others believe that she had died in the explosion? What if they truly believed that she was dead? The possibility terrified her. What could Crichton be going through right now? She knew how hard she would take it if she lost him for a second time.
But she didn't have much time to dwell on that before Dex came to her quarters asking her to accompany him to the bridge. With the two burly guards flanking her, she was led through the winding corridors of the Battlestar up to the cavernous bridge. It was almost identical to the Galactica in every detail, except it still showed some battle damage. Some of the repairs looked jury-rigged as a temporary fix. Supplies for the Pegasus must be running low.
Lt Sun. Aeryn turned to face Commander Cain as he approached her. Welcome to the Pegasus.
Standing before the Battlestar commander and from years of Peacekeeper military conditioning, Aeryn naturally snapped to attention.
At ease, Lieutenant, Cain smiled at her. He could tell at first glance that she was a soldier to the core. Would you please follow me?
Cain turned his attention to his First Officer. Thank you, Dex. That will be all.
Dex stared questioningly at his superior.
I said that will be all, Cain repeated. You and the guards are dismissed.
Dex still hesitated for a second. Yes, sir. Then he turned to leave with the two guards.
Once they were gone, Commander Cain continued to guide Aeryn through the spacious bridge area. On-duty personnel barely gave them a second glance, continuing to man their stations. He led her to a quiet, deserted section of the bridge area before regarding her with a serious look.
Now, Lieutenant, I need to ask you a question and please answer truthfully.
Aeryn met his glaze and nodded.
How's my daughter?
Aeryn was somewhat surprised by his question, thinking he was going to ask something more prudent, perhaps something about her Peacekeeper past.
She is well, Aeryn replied honestly.
And what is my daughter to you?
She had no problem in answering that question. She's my friend and we even saved each other's life on a few occasions.
Cain smiled at Aeryn's response. I listened to your voice data recorder from your Viper and someone would have to be a half deaf Pretaca' not to notice how close you two are. If there are two things I know about my daughter, she is instinctive about picking her friends and even more selective as to who she lets fly along side her wing.
Does this mean that you trust me?
As my daughter's friend, I do. However, as a Commander, I reserve judgement for the time being. You'll have to earn the run of the ship, Cain said before gesturing to a nearby monitor. Please, I want you to see this now.
Cain activated the monitor and a green two-dimensional map formed, showing the position of the Pegasus and ahead of her the vast armada of multiple Cylon baseships and numerous smaller vessels.
This is what we're shadowing, Cain explained. Even during the height of the thousand yahren war between the Twelve Colonies and the Cylon Empire, never had such a large number of baseships been assembled in a single fleet before. You are looking at almost fifty baseships and one hundred smaller support ships. Combined, the fleet might be carrying over twenty thousand Raiders and fifty million Cylon Centurions.
Aeryn stared at the monitor and the huge Cylon armada in dread. Never in her life had she seen so many massive ships in one place either. She knew the Cylons wouldn't stop after they were done with the Scarrans. Her own people might be next.
Still staring at the monitor, Aeryn realized something. How can you detect the Cylons and yet remain unseen to them?
A yahren ago, we ran into some traders who sold us advanced stealth technology. It took time, but we managed to adapt it to our own equipment and it nearly doubled the field strength of our camouflage screens. We are able to hang back using only our passive sensors to track them. The Pegasus has been following them for days now and they don't have a single clue that we're here.
And you are planning to stop them by yourselves? The new Colonial warrior regarded Cain carefully. Sheba had told Aeryn that her father was a bold and daring tactician who worked miracles on the battlefield and that his incredible victories had made him into a legend. Unfortunately, Aeryn did not believe in miracles, and her thoughts were always grounded in reality. Any direct confrontation with that fleet would be nothing but suicide.
That's one persons opinion, Cain declared confidently, apparently completely disregarding Aeryn's assertion.
Aeryn almost shook her head in disbelief. Is this man overly confident or just plain foolish? Was Sheba's admiration for her father coloured through the loving eyes of a loyal daughter?
You are outnumbered fifty to one against those baseships alone. I wouldn't dare attack that fleet unless I had perhaps two hundred fully loaded Command Carriers.
Well, we don't have two hundred Command Carriers, Cain answered. Just one slightly battered Battlestar with no fighters.
Slowly, Aeryn leaned closer to Cain, keeping her voice low so the rest of the bridge personnel wouldn't hear.
You will be killing your crew.
My people knew this could be a one way trip the moment I chose to attack the baseships at Gamoray two yahrens ago. They followed me not out of loyalty but because it was the right thing to do. Those baseships would have pursued Adama and the fleet to destroy them. Not only did we manage to destroy two of those three baseships, but we survived to keep up the fight as best as we could. He sighed slowly and gestured at the monitor displaying the Cylon fleet.
Now here we are, facing an even larger battle with much higher stakes. The Cylon Empire is growing every day and we are now fighting for the freedom of an entire galaxy.
But you can't win. Aeryn asserted softly.
I was told the same thing before I attacked those three baseships with a single battlestar.
You are facing a lot more than three baseships.
I'll find a way.
You have almost nothing to fight them with!
We will make do with what we have.
Aeryn couldn't believe his calm demeanour. She still wasn't sure if he was just overconfident or crazy, but at least he didn't appear to be arrogant. He was aware of the situation and was ready for an uphill fight - in fact, he seemed to relish it.
Have you had anything to eat since you came on board? Cain asked.
Again, Aeryn was taken aback by the sudden change in subject. Not really.
Cain gave a tug at his uniform. I'm about to have dinner served in my cabin and I would be honoured if you'd join me. I think better on a full stomach and could use the company.
Thank you, Commander, Aeryn said gratefully.
Also, I will see to it that you are provided a clean dress uniform. You will probably want to look your best.
Aeryn eyes narrow in suspicion. This was an innocent dinner invitation Wasn't it? She knew the Colonial forces had no problem with recreating within their ranks, but before she could say another word, a Bridge Officer called Cain away, leaving Aeryn's head spinning. Was she reading more into this than she should? Humans were so unpredictable and Crichton was a prime example of that, with Starbuck and O'Neill not far behind.
Not that she would object of course. Cain was a charming and handsome older gentleman with a strong physical presence that dominated everyone else in the room. Also, she liked his confidence in the face of overwhelming odds, but more importantly, something told her that he might be able to find a way to pull it off and win.
She shook her head. What is wrong with me!
Here she was far from home and Crichton could be going through hell thinking she was dead. To top it off, she was on another Battlestar with Sheba's father who was about to take a Cylon fleet head on. And now she was beginning to feel an attraction for her best friend's father?
Zhaan What have you dropped me into?
***
Daniel stopped at Chiana's quarters, as the Nebari was busy getting ready for their journey with Commander Adama. Her door was open, but he politely knocked before entering anyway.
Chiana turned and smiled before finishing packing some clothes into a green military duffle bag.
I'm just about ready, she said excitedly. I can't tell you how I'm looking forward to seeing Talyn again. I even heard that Athena helped to tame him a bit, she giggled. Figures! Leave it to a woman to do in two weekens what Crais couldn't accomplish in two cycles.
Daniel closed the door behind him and slowly sat down in a chair positioned close to the wall. He said softly, That's what I want to talk to you about I would like you to stay with Jacob and the Tok'ra.
Chiana stopped packing and turned, her glowing smile fading. You are joking, right? Of course I am coming with you Right?
I just think you'll be safer with the Tok'ra, Daniel suggested softly. I talked to Jacob and he agreed to look after you while we're gone.
At first, Chiana didn't move or say a word. She just stared at him with those dark haunting eyes of hers. Her cold silence finally got to him.
Finally, she started moving again and turned back, picking up her duffle bag.
I have an idea, she said, before suddenly heaving it at Daniel, yelling. Why don't you finish packing my bag if you're going to make all my decisions for me!
Daniel just barely caught the military bag before it hit him. He was completely taken aback by her outburst, having never seen the Nebari truly angry before. I'm just asking
Well, I say no!
Will you please let me explain? Daniel put the bag down and stood up to face her, keeping his voice low as he tried to calm her down.
There's no explaining, Chiana exclaimed. I'm going!
You can't go.
WHY NOT!
Daniel grabbed her by the shoulders. Because I don't want you to die!
Hearing his genuine concern was like ice water being thrown in her face, cooling her anger and making her take a step back, realizing that she was overreacting. Chiana had immediately jumped to the wrong conclusion that Daniel was trying to control her, but instead he was only terrified of losing her.
She rolled her head slightly before reaching up to place a hand behind his neck, pulling him down to let their foreheads touch. She spoke now in a much calmer voice.
And why do you think I want to come with you into the heart of Scarran space, just for my health? I'm just as scared something might happen to you, she smiled, touching the rim of his glasses. I need to be there to keep you out of trouble,
I feel just the same my Daniel whispered back, moving his hands from her shoulder up to hold her face lovingly between them. I won't stop you from coming, but I won't apologize for wanting to protect you from harm either. Could you at least promise me one thing?
Chiana nodded.
If anything should happen, if anything should go wrong, stay close to Sam.
So Jolly Sam' can protect me?
She is the one person I know who can get through this mission in one piece, Daniel confessed. You never saw what a Tok'ra is capable of when properly equipped. Can you do this for me? Please?
Chiana could see in his eyes and hear in his voice that all he wanted was to keep her safe and wouldn't feel at peace until she made that promise. With tears welling in her eyes, she relented.
I will but Who's going to protect you?
***
Carter knew she was in for an earful when she stepped outside her quarters. After gathering up a few personal items of her own, she found her dad waiting for her in the corridor. He was sporting that, tell me it isn't so,' father look.
You handed in your resignation?
Carter sighed wearily before sidestepping him. Please, I don't have time to argue.
When she kept going, a surprised Jacob Carter hurried after his daughter. Sam, I only want to hear your side of the story.
I pissed off Senator Kinsey when I exposed his plan to double cross the Colonials, Carter answered as she walked onward. He was going to make my life a living hell in the military, so I quit. That's all there is to it.
I'm sorry.
I'm not I was growing sick of my job!
Jacob moved faster, catching up to walk along beside her. Sam, talk to me. What has gotten into you?
She stopped and turned to her father. I am glad that I'm no longer in the Air Force, if it means we have to answer to people like Senator Kinsey or his military lackeys.
Jacob stared at her in disbelief. It comes with the territory, he tried to explain. For better or worse, we have to put up with people like him and make the best of it.
And why is that? Can you please explain why good people continue to die when people like Kinsey just flourish? I'm tired of this constant bullshit!
Facing her, Jacob could see the fury in his daughter's eyes and hear it in the way she spoke now, shouting like an angry truck driver. It felt like he was looking at a complete stranger.
Sam, what happened to you out there?
No one told you Carter breathed slowly. You didn't even read Janet's report?
He couldn't lie to her. He placed a gentle hand her on the shoulder and said, I'm almost afraid to.
A far away look took hold in Carter's eyes, her voice quivering. I was interrogated, dad I was placed in this machine that felt like it was frying my brain She closed her eyes as tears started to stream down her cheeks. And all the while he just leered over me as I screamed my throat raw
Sam, stop. Don't do this to yourself. Jacob moved closer to try and comfort her, but Carter seemed to be collapsing into her own house of horrors.
He reached out to his daughter, pulling her towards him in a protective embrace, as if he could shield her against her traumatic memories. Her entire body was trembling and all he could do was hold her, while softly speaking in her ear. You're safe. I wasn't there to help you, but I'm here now. You can tell me when you feel ready.
Grateful, Carter nodded, quickly wiping away her tears as she tried to regain her tattered composure.
Still holding her, Jacob whispered gently, I wish I could go with you, but the Tok'ra can't afford to lose us both.
I understand, Carter said looking down. And I agree with them. Having two high level Tok'ra's like Selmak and Jolinar going on the same mission is far too risky.
Jacob placed a hand under her chin, lifting Carter's face up to his. Answer me truthfully, are you up to this? I can go in your place.
I'm fine, dad, honest. Besides, everyone needs me and I really need to be with them. Also, General Hammond could use your help here against Senator Kinsey.
I'll do that and more if I have to, Jacob promised and added. Once this is all done and you get back, I'm going to take some time off to be with my daughter and the Tok'ra Council be damned,
Carter choked out a laugh, shedding new tears, this time for joy. I would love that, but isn't Selmak a member on the council?
Jacob eyes glowed as Selmak now spoke. You are right! Perhaps it would sound better coming from me. A father should have the time to be with family and I, too, would like to spend some of it with my dear and newly returned friend Jolinar of Malkshur.
With a sudden smile, Carter placed a hand over Selmak's heart as her eyes glowed briefly before Jolinar answered. As do I, my old comrade.
Bowing his head, Selmak spoke wholeheartedly to his friend. Then let me speak for Jacob also when I say please be safe, Jolinar and Samantha Carter.
***
They stood side-by-side in the middle of the street in some old European town. Just barely 20 yards away was a huge German Tiger Tank parked out in front of the bank. The tank's turret was slowly revolving to level its massive cannon in their direction.
And what's the point to all of this, John? Harvey asked, dressed in an American Sherman tanker's uniform, eyeing the German tank wearily.
Next to him, John Crichton was dressed in a WWII GI's uniform, holding a Thompson machine gun. He was smiling from ear to ear, doing his best take on Clinton Eastwood in the movie, Kelly's Heroes.
We're about to walk up and have a chat with the nice Nazi tank commander, to see if he knows the bank he's guarding is filled with gold and cut him in on the deal.
Harvey snorted. And what's keeping him from simply shooting before we can tell him?
Because, Harvey, Crichton said. He's currently wondering why are the crazy Americans walking right into my cannon barrel.
The only one here who is mad is you! This scheme to form an alliance between the Scarrans and the Peacekeepers is doomed from the start, the neural clone spat, pointing to the huge German tank at the end of the street. This isn't a movie where you can just walk up to them and make a deal. In life, no one lives happily ever after! Something else will rear up or drop unexpectedly out of the sky and shoot the two lovers in mid kiss after they propose marriage. Scarrans and Peacekeepers are natural enemies and probably one or both will kill you the moment you show yourselves.
That's the story of my life, Harvey. Expect the worse while hoping for the best. As it stands, the only alternative is to let the Cylons win.
For the time being, that could be acceptable, Harvey suggested.
Excuse me?
You forget space is vast. You can hide as the Cylons slowly exert control over the galaxy, and that day won't come, at least not in your lifetime. Make the most of it in your short and semi-pathetic existence.
Crichton couldn't believe his ears. And since when have you taken an interest in my life, besides making sure I don't get killed and taking you with me?
Aeryn is gone, John, and it's time to move on and find someone new.
Crichton lifted his helmet away from his eyes to glare suspiciously at Harvey. And again I have to say, why do you care about my life?
Come on, John! Harvey sounded as if he was speaking to a child. Every man needs the companionship of a tender female, even you! Of course, you always like the tough ones that pick you up and slam you to the floor.
Thanks, but I don't need your advice.
Crichton turned to walk away when Harvey called to him again.
I was also talking about myself, John. Remember, I experience everything you do and I want female companionship, even if you don't.
With a dark scowl, Crichton spun about, cocking his Thompson machinegun before pointing the weapon at him.
You are treading on dangerous ground, Harvey! The idea of you sharing my time My experiences with Aeryn
Only your memories, John, Harvey declared innocently, unafraid of the weapon being aimed at him. Think about the irony, the geeky archaeologist is probably getting more in one week with the young Nebari than what you had in the first three years when you arrived in the Uncharted Territories! Are you planning to become a hermit, too?
Slowly advancing, Crichton pressed the muzzle of the machinegun against Harvey's temple, wishing he could simply pull the trigger and be finally free of him. Unfortunately, the neural clone was a permanent passenger in his mind and couldn't be dispelled so easily.
I really do liked Samantha Carter, Harvey smiled viciously. I can see why Scorpius was so attracted to her. Beauty, intelligence and a true fighting spirit, a rare combination indeed.
I'm going to sorely disappoint you, Harvey! It's never going to happen. She only has eyes for O'Neill, so you are shit out of luck!
But her symbiont Jolinar desires you, and since we can't have her mind, at least we can experience her body. What do you say, John?
Crichton pulled the trigger, firing the Thompson at point blank range. Shut the hell up!
Useless as it was in trying to kill Harvey, it felt really good as the weapon thundered off several rounds.
***
Down in the Gate Room, the co-ordinates for the Tok'ra base were being dialled into the stargate for the return trip, where Talyn was waiting for them in orbit. Everyone was assembled and ready to go except for one tardy individual.
Chevron four encoded! The Gate Technician's voice sounded over the intercom.
Up in the Gate Control Room, John Crichton was hurrying as he moved down the stairs from the upper level dressed in his familiar leathers and trench coat. He was angry with himself for letting Harvey get the better of him and making him late. Just three steps behind him was his father, trying to keep up.
John, I still fail to see why you need to go back out there?
Because, dad When he reached the bottom of the stairs, he turned and faced his father. They're my friends and my wormhole knowledge could make all the difference.
Then I'm coming with you.
Dad, this is dangerous. Far more dangerous than anything that you can possibly imagine.
Chevron five encoded!
All the more reason for me to go.
John started to say.
I don't want to lose you again, son, his father pleaded. I can't shake the feeling that you won't be coming back.
I will be back and you can do more good here, John said. General Hammond could use someone like you in his corner to fight Senator Kinsey. Use every IOU, every favor and pull every string with every government official you have and if you have to, blow the lid off this place. I'd hate to see what Kinsey has in mind to replace Hammond with.
I will, Jack Crichton promised, fighting his emotions. Just come home.
Count on it, John replied before hugging his dad. Father and son embraced tightly for several moments before hearing the Gate Operator announcing in the background again.
Chevron six encoded!
Pulling back a little, John half smiled with tearful eyes. That's my cue, dad.
A quick good-bye later, John walked into the Gate Room and was met by several curious and welcoming stares from his friends: SG-1 with the now-Tok'ra Samantha Carter, Commander Adama, Captain Apollo, Rygel, Chiana, D'Argo, Captain Crais and the Luxan ambassador. Standing there, Crichton felt comfortable and at home amongst them, more than he had been on Earth. Had he changed that much?
I thought you had second thoughts about going? D'Argo said as John walked up next to him.
Never and besides, you are not the only one who likes to make an entrance, the Human joked to his Luxan friend.
D'Argo stared doubtfully at him. Is there anything troubling you?
No, beyond the fact we're about to pin a bull's-eye on our asses again, John answered, trying to forget his confrontation with Harvey when his eyes fell on Samantha Carter, standing next to O'Neill and the rest of SG-1. He shook his head to stop himself from staring hard at the blond Tok'ra, started looking around for a possible distraction and found the perfect one.
Pip! What are you wearing?
The Nebari ran up to them, all smiles. Gone was her familiar skintight leather suit that she filled so well, replaced by the standard SGC green combat fatigues, black leather boots and even their black carrying vests. Strapped to her hip was her ever-faithful Zat gun.
You like it? Chiana asked, excited.
D'Argo frowned in disapproval, but John took a more positive tone. Well, you are still showing that you're willing try anything at least once. Looks good on you.
Thanks, Old Man!
Chiana immediately turned and hurried back to Daniel as D'Argo uttered quietly, She seems to be trying too hard to fit in amongst your kind, Crichton.
Who can blame her, Big D, John said. Unlike us, Chiana doesn't have a place to call her own and I, for one, am wishing her the best.
I know, D'Argo stared over his shoulder up into the Control Room above them, to glare at the watching Senator Kinsey. But I hope she doesn't become too disappointed if someone ruins it.
Chevron Seven locked!
The Stargate activated with an explosive Ka-whoosh'.
All right, campers! O'Neill sounded off. Forward march!
In the Control Room, Senator Kinsey watched as the Colonials, the Luxans, the Hynerian and his two Cylon escorts filed through the stargate with SG-1 bringing up the rear, before speaking to General Hammond.
I hope you are happy, General. You might have signed our planet's death warrant for letting them all play heroes!
Jack Crichton and Jacob Carter were also there to see their two kids going off to risk their lives. All they could do was just stand there and watch them leave. They both had had enough of the senator.
Jack Crichton said heatedly. Do me a favor and
Shut the hell up! Jacob finished for Jack, staring angrily at Kinsey.
In the Gate Room, O'Neill, Carter, Daniel, Teal'c and Chiana were the last ones to go through the stargate. They were about to step through the portal when the young Nebari stopped.
Wait! There's one person I forgot to say good-bye to! Then she ran out of the Gate Room.
Oh, for crying out loud, O'Neill sighed, gesturing to the stargate. Daniel, our ride can't wait.
I'll get her. Daniel quickly chased after Chiana.
Teal'c, we'd better help him, O'Neill suggested as he turned to Carter. Hold the door open.
The Tok'ra gave a nod, placing her hand into the glowing event horizon to prevent the stargate from automatically shutting off when not in use.
I've got my foot or should I say my hand in the door, Jack.
Jack? That's going to take some time getting used to, having her calling me by my first name, O'Neill thought, but he enjoyed hearing it. It was also a sign of a serious change in their relationship and he was looking forward to exploring it.
Racing out of the Gate Room, Chiana rushed up into the Control Room. Everyone there watched the Nebari as she sauntered past Jack Crichton and Jacob Carter over to Senator Kinsey, who stared back impatiently. Not caring one iota about this grey skinned creature, he wondered what Daniel could possibly see in this thing that made him so attracted to it'.
Is there something you want? He demanded.
Chiana said in a honey sweet voice as she edged closer to him. I just want you to know that Carter is a dear friend of mine and this is for her from me.
Daniel, O'Neill and Teal'c arrived just in time to catch Chiana kneeing Kinsey right in the crotch. The three SG-1 males practically felt the impact across the room as the Senator shouted out in agony before doubling over and collapsing to the floor.
O'Neill winced before suppressing a smile at the senator who was sprawled out on the floor, holding himself. I wish I could have got that moment on camera!
A flabbergasted General Hammond managed to overcome the utter shock of the Nebari assaulting the senator and moved quickly. He grabbed Chiana by the arm and pushed her towards the leader of SG-1.
Colonel, get her out of here, FAST!
Jacob was also now ushering them out of the room, pointing to Chiana, warning them. When Senator Kinsey regains his power of speech, he'll have her dissected and spread across all 50 states and Canada for added measure! Move it!
At the stargate, Carter was sporting a huge smile. From her vantage point, she managed to make out what had happened to Senator Kinsey through the windows in the Gate Control Room. She waited as a fast-moving O'Neill and Teal'c appeared in the Gate Room again, carrying Chiana between them, each holding an arm. A stunned Daniel was following closely behind.
Come on! Chiana protested, her feet not even touching the ground as the two men carried her. Admit it, you guys secretly loved what I did! Don't tell me Kinsey didn't have it coming!
I refuse to answer that on the grounds that it could be used against me in my court-martial, O'Neill replied under his breath, causing Chiana to giggle.
Carter asked coyly as they walked towards her and the stargate. Where did Senator Kinsey go?
Zat girl kneed him just south of the belt buckle, O'Neill answered.
Go figure.
Indeed she did, Teal'c said in his ever-deadpan voice before he, O'Neill and a still-giggling Chiana disappeared through the stargate.
Carter focused her attention on Daniel. He looked mystified at what he had just witnessed. All he could do was shrug his shoulders as he walked through the stargate past Carter.
Now the last one on this side of the stargate, Carter looked back up to the Control Room. A couple of soldiers were now there helping Senator Kinsey to his feet and to a nearby chair. She turned her attention, making eye contact with General Hammond, Jack Crichton and her father.
Carter gave her dad a quick salute before stepping through the stargate herself.