A/N: Oh, do I love my cliffhangers... And twice in a row tonight!
Meanwhile, back at the SGC...
"Sir! We've managed to track them!" Sgt. Harriman shouted, running into General Hammond's office brandishing a printout like a lethal weapon.
"Track what? Have you ever heard of knocking before entering, Sergeant?" replied the General, surprised.
"Yes sir, but the important thing is this. We looked at the energy signatures released by the departing ship over England, and, based on the triangulation of the different emissions we detected on X-band radar, the hyperspatial signature..."
Hammond sighed. The man had been taking lessons from Major Carter, he decided. He liked the Sgt more when he just shouted his catchphrases into the microphone.
"I'm growing old here Sergeant, get to the point!" interrupted the General.
"Point, sir, yes. Anyway, we think that the ship went through hyperspace to P3W-924. We also noticed the ships went much faster than usual – they only took seconds to get there from here, according to our sensors and the Doppler shift..."
"Ah!" Hammond held up his hand before the explanation went any further. "What do we know about P3W-924?"
"Well, sir, apparently it's where the Goa'uld Thoth works – he designs many bits of technology for the Goa'uld. A bit like their version of Area 51, if you like, sir."
"So it looks like they stole something from the British and took it to their research centre?"
"That would be my guess, sir. I'll alert SG-1." Harriman replied, already moving out of the door back towards the control room.
Back with the team...
Seconds later SG-1 was running down the corridor towards the main lab. Cater had insisted they see for themselves, almost furious beyond being able to explain. As the Colonel rounded the corner towards the entrance, he heard a whining sound, like some sort of motor or generator was running. He could see the lab was a large room, probably about the size of a large aircraft hanger. The signs of the recent battle were plain for all to see – it looked like the fighting had been at it's fiercest here. The high walls, although still monotonous grey, were festooned with equipment and cables. The room seemed to be divided into two, with identical sets of equipment on either side. One set looked incomplete and damaged, although the set of objects along the far wall looked freshly unpacked and undamaged. Each area seemed to be arranged around a central cradle.
The four members of the team charged into the room, almost knocking surprised scientists off their feet. They slowed to a halt as they took in the scene before them.
Daniel gaped.
Teal'c raised both eyebrows.
Carter folded her arms and shook her head.
The Colonel opened his mouth to say something sarcastic and pithy. Nothing came out. Jack O'Neill had faced down countless enemies, been captured and tortured, but always had a quip to annoy his captors with. Today, words failed him as he looked towards the far end of the lab.
"Carter."
"Sir."
"Please, please, please tell me that's not what I think it is..."