Chapter 10 - Undercurrents
On board the Al'kesh, things were unnervingly still.
~You realize that you're going to have to stay quiet for a while,~ said Sam as Jolinar set the course for the Tok'ra home-world again.
*Yes, I can see that she is uncomfortable,* said Jolinar, handing back control to Sam.
Sha're sat in the seat opposite Sam, back straight and hands resting beneath her wide belly. The glowing lights of the consoles shone on both of them, calming and just a little surreal.
"I need to know the truth," said Sam. Sha're looked up. "Do you really believe me?"
"No," said Sha're without hesitation. "Not all of it. Much of what you say is too strange for truth."
"You know, that's what I thought when I heard that Daniel was living on an alien planet," said Sam, leaning forward a little more comfortably.
"It was not strange to me," said Sha're. "Only Dan'yel was."
"Well, he's even a bit strange to people from our world," said Sam, smiling. "No, I mean that there are lots of strange things in this universe, and not all of them are untrue."
"My demon knew of the Tok'ra," said Sha're. "She knew that they fought against the Goa'uld, but I do not believe they are like your people. They only want the power of the Goa'uld. But if they take the demon from me and let me go to Daniel, I do not care."
Sam nodded. "I'm glad—I think you'll understand more when you meet them."
"Am I not meeting one now?" asked Sha're, eyebrow raised.
"Not really," said Sam. "My Tok'ra, Jolinar, is being quiet. She lets me do what I wish for now."
"But she does not push you down, but shares your mind?" asked Sha're. "Are you not one in the same then?"
"Oh no," said Sam. "We have separate thoughts, very separate. Most of the Tok'ra wish to share everything, but I—don't."
"Why did you leave your home?" asked Sha're.
"I had to," said Sam. "Jolinar took me when she was dying, and we had to escape."
"Then they are not as different as you say," said Sha're, nodding to confirm her suspicions.
"That's not the way it usually works," said Sam. "Once we find someone who wishes to share their life with Jolinar, she'll leave me by herself."
"So she says," said Sha're. "And you trust her?"
"I see many of her thoughts," said Sam. "And I've met her kind. I don't doubt them now."
Sha're sighed.
"Are you all right?" asked Sam.
"I have lived without hope for so long, I feel unable to truly worry again," Sha're said. "But I think I should fear for this child."
"It's not going to be easy," said Sam. "But there'll be two worlds fighting for him or her, if everything goes well."
"Two?"
"Earth and the Tok'ra," said Sam. "They both would want you two safe."
"I will feel fortunate if that happens," said Sha're, smiling a little.
"Are you all right with this?" asked Sam.
"My child?" asked Sha're. "Yes, of course."
"Are you sure?" asked Sam again. "I mean, I know it must have been hard for you to know that—that he or she was conceived—"
"From evil, yes," said Sha're, ending Sam's uncomfortable trailing. "But this life within me is not Goa'uld. It is what they cannot do, have children of their own. This small child is our strength." She stroked her belly. "I have chosen to forget all else," she said pointedly.
Sam nodded, smiling a little. Sha're bowed her head as she sat, one hand on top of her belly, the other wrapped supportively underneath. It was exactly as mothers held their newborn infants, and Sam wondered if it was instinctual to all cultures and all women.
~You should be glad,~ she said to Jolinar. ~She's hardly talkative.~
*She must come to grips with her escape before she lets herself go,* said Jolinar less optimistically. *At this moment she is cautious, but it will be healthy for her to talk later. Only, not with me.*
~Does Martouf do that, help hosts?~ asked Sam. ~He seems to be, well, nurturing.~
*Martouf does whatever the Council demands,* said Jolinar. *Ambassador, statesman, tour guide, occasionally operative.*
~And you aren't proud of that,~ said Sam.
*It is not what I consider a most efficient life, but I do not judge,* said Jolinar.
~Except you do, of course,~ said Sam.
Jolinar did not answer.
ooooooo
"Dr. Lee, please sit down," said Daniel, standing up as the next scientist came in. Lee looked around surreptitiously at Daniel's lab, apparently unappreciative of archaeology in general.
"I don't really understand the point of this interview," said Lee, sitting across from Daniel at the cluttered desk. "I don't think I'm team material; I mean, off-world, someday maybe, but I don't see that any time soon."
"Well, we'll see," said Daniel.
Lee was the fourth one today, and unfortunately the most enthusiastic. Daniel had very little idea that doctors of the hard sciences considered themselves above people like him, and even less idea that they considered field work to be a waste of time. Now he knew, and his day was considerably worse than his predicted outlook.
"That's very interesting," said Daniel, cutting Lee short as he continued explaining his projects at the SGC. "But do you know anything about the Stargate?"
"Well, no," said Lee, blinking. "We don't have a good way to study it other than technical notes, which as you know are nothing compared to the real thing, but that's being used on a regular basis."
The interview went on from there, but it was just courtesy.
"Dr. Felger, please sit down," said Daniel when Lee left.
"Dr. Jackson, so nice to meet you!" said Felger, coming in and reaching out to shake Daniel's indicatory hand.
"Thanks," said Daniel, shaking his head a little at the off-put. Well, at least there wasn't disdain.
"I'm so sorry about what happened, we all are in the research department," said Felger, leaning forward. "It's all so terrible, and not just because Captain Carter was such a genius."
"Yes, well, that's very nice but we're not here to talk about that," said Daniel, taking a deep breath.
"Yes, this is about the team," said Felger, nodding again.
"Have you ever been off-world?" asked Daniel.
"No, there hasn't been anything of my specialty."
"What is that, exactly?" asked Daniel.
"Um," said Felger, stalling a bit. "Well, I do a lot with alien technology, but not really in any one area..."
Daniel looked at his personnel file. "You haven't had a successful experiment?"
"Well, you could put it that way," said Felger. "I've had some small successes, but all my major projects have been cut short—waste of resources, time, those are the usual excuses."
"Hmm," said Daniel.
When Daniel finally convinced Felger that the interview was over, he had to admit to himself that it wasn't much better than before. Felger was enthusiastic, but terribly unqualified, and generally clueless. Even had he been right about his scientific prestige, too, Teal'c and Jack would have never let him live beyond a day with that kind of personality.
Sighing, Daniel took a long sip of coffee and waited for the last applicant.
"Dr. Mckay, please sit down," said Daniel.
"Will this take long?" the man asked as he gingerly sat on Daniel's well-worn chair. "I have a project going and I don't want to let it sit."
"Of course," said Daniel.
"Well, just so you know straight off," said Mckay, just as Daniel was opening his mouth to ask the first question, "I didn't apply myself for this, it was sort of mandatory for all the qualified people in my department."
Daniel nodded, recovering from the first snag. "So you don't want to be on a team?"
"Of course not," said Mckay with a knowing smile. "And lose my time for research, be put into danger on a regular basis? What scientist would?" He stumbled over himself at Daniel's look and added: "Not that I'm saying anything about Dr. Carter, of course, it's just..."
"Yes, I know," said Daniel. He picked up the file and looked at it. "How set against being on a team are you?"
"I've no real objection to going offworld, so long as it's MALP approved and accompanied by soldiers," said Mckay.
"Marines," corrected Daniel.
"Military, whatever," said Mckay. "But it's hardly my first choice."
Daniel looked at the file and frowned. "You are the most qualified, though."
"You mean I'm the most promising in absence of Dr. Carter," said Mckay.
Daniel looked up and blinked at the bluntness. "Yes," he said.
"I'm the only one in this operation who has the sort of expertise that would be useful for your team, and the only one whose ideas have consistently been proven useful, I know," said Mckay.
"You're familiar with the workings of the Stargate?" asked Daniel, ignoring the arrogance for the moment.
"I know Carter's notes backwards and forwards, and even have a few corrections for her dialing program," said Mckay.
"That's not field knowledge," said Daniel.
"Field knowledge is easily gained, it's how well-prepared you are that determines how quickly you learn," said Mckay. "Most scientists don't get that."
"Right," said Daniel. God, the arrogance of this man...though it wasn't all unwarranted, at least not that Daniel could tell.
"That's all you have, right?" said Mckay, half standing up.
"Sure, go ahead," said Daniel. Mckay left, and he lowered his head to the desk with a quiet thump, taking a deep breath of the slightly dusty air. Why couldn't the choice be easy? Why did it always have to be a lesser of two—or six—evils?
ooooooo
Sam and Sha're had sat in the same position, in silence, for some time now. Even Jolinar was resting her mind. Just as Sam was hoping it wouldn't be like this for the rest of the trip, there was a sudden jerk and the stars appeared again.
"Wait, that wasn't supposed to happen," said Sam, standing up and mentally cursing herself for jinxing the situation.
*Here, let me,* said Jolinar, taking control.
~We're out of hyperspace,~ said Sam.
*I don't need your commentary to know that,* said Jolinar, flipping quickly through the different maintenance screens.Everything would have appeared in order, just the ship flying steadily through space, had they meant to stop here. *This is a mistake.*
~Sabotage?~ asked Sam.
*Jaffa do not think that way, neither does Apophis,* answered Jolinar. *No, this must be an error.*
~But that doesn't seem like the Goa'uld either,~ said Sam.
*I know, but what other explanation have we?*
~One thing about scientists, Jolinar,~ said Sam. ~We don't just look at the apparent explanations.~
"Your ship is damaged?" asked Sha're, who had been watching the visual clues for the internal conversation in silence.
"Unlikely," said Jolinar, and Sha're sat back swiftly at the change in the voice.
~Introduce yourself,~ said Sam.
"I am Jolinar of Malkshur," said Jolinar, glancing to Sha're and giving a short nod. "Unfortunately this situation is not one for small talk. You can keep yourself out of trouble, I assume." She looked back to the screen, mouth hardening as the results were unsatisfactory.
~Well, what does that mean?~ asked Sam. ~Talk to me.~
*It will not help the situation,* said Jolinar.
~It will do everything but hurt, unless you are too weak to take even minor questioning,~ said Sam.
*The systems are in order, the equipment was fresh from the fields, all necessities are in full supply. It is an anomaly, and yet I cannot jump back.*
~We can't jump?~ asked Sam.
*If we had, I should have been long gone,* said Jolinar.
~Wait,~ said Sam. ~Look up.~
Jolinar looked up and her mouth turned down.
~Okay, so the sensors aren't working,~ said Sam. ~That's a ship, right?~
*A hatak,* said Jolinar. *And we are orbiting a planet. This is even less good.*
"Have you come to deliver me to your lord?" asked Sha're strongly, her eyes dark in what appeared to be anger.
"Of course not!" said Jolinar.
"Then this is a Tok'ra ship we are approaching?" Sha're continued.
"No," said Jolinar. *We are indeed approaching it, and yet all the screens read normal.*
~They're computer systems, they can be hacked,~ said Sam. ~We should go to the manual controls.~
*What could be the purpose of a hack?* asked Jolinar. *Different explanations are only worthy if they have some reason behind them.*
The console beeped, and a screen appeared to mask the sky. A bearded face materialized, satisfied but still threatening.
"Ship of the fool Apophis," he said, in a smooth but derisive voice. "Your master has failed you, and you will not show any resistance if you value your lives. Be wise—your god Ba'al will be kind to those who submit to his power." And the message ended.
Jolinar swore harshly, out loud.
~Okay, Ball?~ asked Sam.
*He must have infiltrators among Apophis' servants,* said Jolinar. *He is a Lord more fond of victory without physical force, and I should have guessed it was his doing.*
~So, situation worse?~ Jolinar's lack of answer was enough for Sam. ~Okay, you need to get me to the systems. I assume you know how to work them?~
*I have very little knowledge, but Ba'al will not expect any knowledge of anyone on this ship,* said Jolinar. She hurried out and to the control room, leaving Sha're behind. Opening a panel on the wall, she revealed colored cylindrical glass pieces. *Crystal technology,* said Jolinar. She opened her mind and flashes of picture and instruction went before Sam's eyes.
~Okay, okay,~said Sam, digesting and trying to remember it all. ~The system design isn't entirely foreign; the same intuitive placement should help the gaps in your knowledge. We just need to jump to hyperspace, right?~
*No,* said Jolinar. *That is unlikely to be achieved. Instead, we must restore the systems. The calibrations will be basic, but I can ring us—*
~Where?~ asked Sam. ~The ship?~
*I should be able to reach the planet,* said Jolinar. *I do not think it is one of Ba'al's worlds—merely a place for him to await his bait.*
~So it may not have a Stargate,~ said Sam. ~Bad idea.~
*It is more likely than not to have one,* said Jolinar.
~Hyperspace is safe,~ said Sam.
*You are unfamiliar with the systems, and it is putting all our options on one slight chance.*
~All our eggs in one basket.~
*Whatever. If we fail, we fail entirely.*
~Where you prefer to take a more open option that is yet without an obvious solution.~
*Who has survived longer in the world?*
Sha're appeared at the door, cradling her belly. "We are almost drawn into the ship."
~Wait, why haven't any Jaffa ringed aboard?~ asked Sam. ~Shouldn't that be a priority?~
*The system is definitely down. Ba'al prefers that we not escape, and is certain that his operatives could install the simple sabotage, and that it would be effective.*
"Are you in need of assistance?" asked Sha're.
"You are not suspicious of our motives anymore," said Jolinar, looking to her. "Good—Samantha was sure that you were sensible. But there is nothing for you to do but wait."
~Fine, I will restart the system,~ said Sam.
"Go to the ring transport and await us there," commanded Jolinar, then gave Sam her body back.
Sam would have reassured Sha're, but the woman was nothing if not sure when her mind was made up, and was already out of the room. Sam thought for a moment of what Jolinar had showed her, looked over the crystals, compared the two, and made her choice. It was a guess, definitely, but by process of elimination there was a good margin for error. The first crystal failed to do it, but the second one worked. Everything went dark, and as she felt for the spot and put it back, she knew from Jolinar's silence that it had worked. The crystal went back, and she pushed the panel back and ran down the hall to join Sha're.
"We are going to the planet?" asked Sha're.
"Good guess," said Sam. Jolinar showed her the combination, and she punched in the numbers. "Let's hope this works!" she said, leaping into the circle and putting an arm around Sha're.
The light flashed, and then there were trees and the ruins of what was probably a temple. No Jaffa—not yet.
*Ba'al will know that his plan has failed, but it may take him a little while to know why and how,* said Jolinar. *Hope that we find the gate before he dials it to stop us.*
"You can walk?" asked Sam out loud.
"But not run," said Sha're, nodding.
"Okay, let's go," said Sam
She took the stone path from the ruins, leading Sha're with a supporting arm. It was overgrown, but the stones were well placed, and they could move at a quick pace. Sha're was breathing somewhat heavily, but her firm muscles had not been entirely atrophied as host to a lazy Goa'uld, and with her life on the line she would not complain. Sam was glad for Daniel at this moment, that he had such a strong companion. No wonder he had held such hope for her.
Above them, the planet was outlined by grey and dusky reflected light from a setting sun, and the canopy of leaves dappled the path below in various dark patches. It wasn't exotic, just the usual temperate undergrowth and trees. The air was warm and fairly humid, the scent vaguely herbal—it felt like an old forest, someplace certainly uninhabited. Beyond the temple, there was no sign of life as they headed towards what they hoped was the gate.
~Do you attract this kind of trouble, or is it just bad luck for now?~ thought Sam.
*Neither,* said Jolinar. *There was no luck involved; it was inevitable that other System Lords would learn of Apophis' doings and prepare to thwart it. We were caught up in it all.*
They turned a corner on the path, and exited the tree-line. The path continued, but now with saplings planted to line each side, and trained to bend over and form a loose tunnel. They didn't slow down, but they could see through the gaps that they were headed down into a clearing.
*This is a good sign,* said Jolinar.
A few hundred more feet, and then the path opened up into a courtyard. There were slight ruins around it's edges, but at its far side they could easily see the dark shadow of a ring. And it was not engaged.
Sha're was breathing hard now, each breath passing loudly through her rounded lips, her feet stumbling a little as her concentration was on moving forward. Sam kept her arm strongly around the other woman, giving more support; she was glad for the extra strength Jolinar provided.
A few more steps, a few more half-running strides, and they were almost there, almost to the DHD. Sam let Sha're on her own and ran ahead. Jolinar took control to dial the gate, but when they looked back, Sha're was many yards off. As the gate finished dialing, Jolinar ran back.
Over the crest of the hill, there was suddenly the distant sound of feet pounding through the silence of the planet.
"We are just in time," said Jolinar, taking Sha're's arm. "Come at once before it is too late again!"
Sha're couldn't run straight, her stride becoming almost a hobble, but she made good time. Over the crest of the horizon, the Jaffa saw what was happening and sent random staff blasts across the field. It was too far off, and they dissipated quickly. Sam, Sha're, and Jolinar made it into the event horizon long before they could be caught.
Stumbling out the other side, Jolinar kept control. Pushing Sha're firmly but not harshly out of the way, she pulled the tiny weapon hidden in her gown and slid it over her fingers.
*They won't see the address, they're too far away,* she said, and in a couple seconds the Gate disengaged.
Sha're lowered herself onto a mound of sand, the sweat streaks on her face becoming pronounced as the sand in the wind stuck to it.
"This is Jolinar at the gate," said Jolinar, using her communicator. "We require some assistance." She turned to Sha're. "You are not in danger?"
"It is just fatigue," she said, breathing slowly and deeply.
A few Tok'ra ran up the hill, a couple with weapons drawn. Seeing Sha're, they hesitantly lowered their weapons.
"The mission was successful," said Jolinar. "The Goa'uld is silent, but the host cannot make it on her own. We met with difficulty on our return."
The Tok'ra nodded, and moved to help Sha're to her feet, one on either side. She cast a slightly worried glance to Sam, but did not resist or balk.
~Well, that went better than the last time we tried to escape,~ said Sam. ~I can't believe we're back already.~
*Did I not tell you it would be short?* said Jolinar. *The mission is complete, and now we may finally move to helping you as we shall help Sha're.*
~Of course,~ said Sam, caught a little off guard by the comment. How could she have forgotten?