Chapter 48 - Information
"So anyway," the marine finished, shaking his grinning head, "I thought you of all people would get the joke."
SG-1 sat around a table in the commissary, looking to each other with disbelief. It wasn't just that they'd heard it all before, but that it just hadn't been that good the first time.
Jack leaned a little on his arm over the table, clearing his throat a little before speaking. "I'm not an expert," he began dryly, "but I think there's some problems with your logic. If you get scared half to death once, you're half dead. And if you get scared half to death again...it's just half of what you had left. Right, Mckay?"
Mckay opened his mouth to object automatically, then shut it, nodding his head with reluctant appreciation in Jack's direction.
"Right," Jack finished under his breath.
The marine looked at him, dumbfounded and with his bubble burst all at once. "Well, I thought it was just kind of funny," he murmured as he rose and left the table.
Jack let out a long sigh and turned back to his Fruit Loops. "Yep."
"Thank you, sir," said Dixon with a small grin.
"Don't mention it," Jack answered with a slightly pained one of his own
"Surprised you didn't say anything, Jackson," Dixon added.
"I was surprised Mckay didn't say anything first," answered Jackson, looking across to his scientist companion.
"Comments of such a schoolboy fashion are not even worth proper contempt," Mckay said flatly, taking a long sip of his coffee. After three weeks, the tissue injuries in his hand were well on their way to healing, and it was only the nerve damage that kept him from normal function. He could do simple tasks, but Dr. Brymon had him on strict orders to limit any strain.
"Ah, but the joys of sarcasm are not in how they make the other person feel, but in the catharsis," Daniel said.
"If that's true, then Teal'c, why don't you talk more?" asked Dixon, turning to where Teal'c sat silently at the end of their table.
"I am in agreement with DoctorMckay," Teal'c said in his low and steady voice. "It is not worth the effort."
"You know, that's kind of funny," said Dixon, chuckling. "You and Mckay agreeing on what to say and how..."
"Is that an insult?" Mckay asked suspiciously.
Dixon smiled contentedly and said nothing.
"Remind me again why we're having a team breakfast when I specifically said at the start of this that that's what I didn't want?" Jack asked, waving his Fruit Loop loaded spoon in Daniel's direction.
"Jack," Daniel said under his breath, drawing it out to two syllables. "Training exercise today. We're the lead team."
"This is a bad idea," Jack muttered.
"Well, it's not like we could do it anywhere else, or they'd know it was a drill," said Dixon quietly with a shrug.
"Technically, do we want people who aren't smart enough to figure out that it's a drill?" Mckay queried in low tone.
Daniel didn't bother to answer. Whether the arguments had weight or not, it wasn't their goal.
"Perhaps we should look on our mission as a personal challenge," Teal'c said under his breath. "Then it will have a purpose, even if it is only of our own making."
"Sure, sure," said Jack. He was looking at his breakfast, then stopped and looked at Teal'c. Jack's brow creased, Teal'c's eyebrow rose, and then Daniel could see the lights go on in Jack's head. A wicked gleam came to his eye, and Daniel sighed. "Right," said Jack knowingly, nodding and turning back to his food.
ooooooo
Sha're would have understood Sam and Jolinar's mindset as they prepared to leave the base once again. More depended on their presence on Dorieth than they could risk with too many absences, but they did make a rest stop along the way at Reyfa and Dru'ri's lab to ask the question. Reyfa volunteered to think about it, but she finished with: "But I only truly understand how current hyperspace travel functions; Anise is the only one who has explored theoretic changes."
With Jolinar's memories, Sam realized she should have known that. Jolinar squirmed emotionally, trying to disassociate her personal feelings about Anise from the simple task. Sam felt the struggle, but not completely. Jolinar surrendered to Sam's tolerance, and they moved on. Anise would have to wait.
Dorieth was waiting for them, the workflow unabated since her departure—if her appointed leaders could be believed. The visible progress supported their claims, and the road was neatly paved as far as one could see from the entrance to the village. But Jolinar was already seeing more than the details of the picture; their period of control would be lasting much longer than anticipated. They needed to settle in for the long haul.
Sam's first thought was for allies. They had avoided Kasuf and the Abydonians, not daring to let the former especially see through their disguise. It had been frustrating, but understandable. Sam now wondered if it would be better to have an insight into areas of the planet that Coron could not supervise.
~Don't you think we can trust Kasuf to be discreet?~
*I don't like to rely on trust.*
~I know that, but we're trusting him either way. Either he knows our full secret, or some day he catches on to the fact that I wasn't a Jaffa when he met us.~
*Damn, you're right.*
Somehow, they would need to find time for that. And hope there was enough to be convincing.
ooooooo
"Dr. Jackson, Dr. Jackson!" Daniel rounded the corner, and saw the petite Chloe Dorris. She was supporting, almost dragging, Mckay. The alarms were ringing, and Mckay's eyes were wide, his good hand clutching at his throat.
Daniel lowered his baretta, then glanced around one last time and thrust it back into his holster. He ran up, taking Mckay from the weaker scientist. "What's wrong? Where'd you come from?" he asked hurriedly.
"They've made it to our level," she explained through quick breaths. "I think he fought them off, but his asthma—I don't know if the infirmary's still safe."
"It's okay, I have an inhaler," said Daniel, reaching into his pocket as he supported the gasping Mckay. "We need to cut off the power before Teal'c can gate out; I think he has Walter under duress, so it's any moment before he gets the password."
"But we need two people to shut the grid down," Chloe protested.
Daniel grimaced, helping Mckay with his inhaler. "I can't make it there fast enough, not while he's like this."
"Maybe I can overload it," Chloe offered hurriedly.
"You know how to do that?" Daniel asked, eyebrows raised.
"Well, theoretically," she offered with a shrug.
Daniel handed her his gun. "I'll get us somewhere safe, you go do that."
She nodded, swallowing, and took the gun gingerly before dashing down the hall in flat-footed lab shoes that slapped against the hard floor.
Daniel, still holding Mckay up with one arm, ducked into the nearest lab and shut the door. He lowered Mckay into a chair, then rubbed his shoulder. "Ow. You didn't need to sell it that much."
Mckay magically had his strength and breathing back again. "If I had to sell it for her, I had to sell it for you. You aren't that strong."
"Not bad on the asthma attack, though. Hammond give you that tip?" Daniel asked, typing the password on the lab's computer that would bring up the security camera feeds.
"I had to improvise a little," Mckay said, shrugging. "She knew that Jack had just walked by, and I might have been on his side."
"Good thinking," said Daniel, watching the screens. "The gateroom's under attack, but I can't see if Walter held up."
"I wouldn't have expected that," Mckay said, coming to look over his shoulder. "Guh, those marines have no sense of strategy at all."
Daniel gave him a look. "As if you do? I didn't think theoretical science offered base defense tips."
Mckay snorted. "Jackson, this isn't base defense, this is LARPing."
Daniel cocked his head, suddenly confused.
"Live action role playing? Come on, you haven't been under a rock, have you?"
"You mean you used to do this sort of thing, for fun?" Daniel asked.
"No, I didn't," Mckay said, disdainfully. "But it's a big geek thing, so I'm at least aware of it."
Daniel snorted, half laughing. "Better not let Jack know that..."
Mckay chuckled back.
"And, she's in," said Daniel, focusing back on the screen. "Teal'c's giving me the sign—30 seconds left."
"Who else is left?" Mckay asked.
"Three of the new marines; Dixon diverted their plan to blow-torch their way into the gateroom, so their plan's a bit slow. Oh, wait, never mind." The screen went fuzzy for a second, then there was a blinding flash and all the lights snapped out.
"I guess she did it," said Mckay's voice in the dark.
"Not a bad training day," commented Daniel with a nod. "You know, this is kind of fun."
"LARPing," Mckay said again. "Way geeky."
ooooooo
Kasuf was not convinced. Jolinar found herself wanting to drag him back through the gate that night, thrust him in front of Sha're, and have her deal with it. Sam pointed out the hurt that that would bring up for both him and Sha're, and Jolinar grudgingly settled back down.
They'd keep trying. More importantly, they needed things to go smoothly. Quetesh's orders still remained to keep Kasuf always on the move, and Sam guessed by now that it had been in recognition of his will to rebel. She hadn't expected him to break, she just needed him too busy resisting to try anything else.
They received a message late in the evening, and Jolinar immediately worried.
*We only just settled the Abydonians, and yet we are called to move them again. This could easily mean that the plan has changed.*
~Plans will change, they always change, we both know that.~
*So we delve deeper, quickly. We look for as much information as we can.*
~Do we know what this world is, that they're being transfered to?~
*It is like this one, perhaps, but I am not aware of much. Only that there is ore in plenty, and at least something like a laboratory.*
~Maybe weaponry, then?~
*Let us not speculate until we must.*
ooooooo
The impromptu training scenario in the SGC was pronounced a success by Hammond, though he refused to say whose original idea it was. Now that the gig was up, in a sense, they couldn't achieve the same results again, and didn't want all their personnel to suspect that a real emergency might be a test.
Mckay tossed Daniel a look when they saw the report that future scenarios would be planned in advance, though made as realistic as possible and calling for honest reactions from all participants. Daniel found himself silently agreeing with Mckay's assessment.
Everyone on SG-1 had had a large role in the scenario, and had enjoyed the experience very well. However, as the team departed for a check-up mission to the Land of Light, the optimism wasn't unmoveable.
Mckay had been cleared for this mission, as there was nothing expected of the team other than to make contact and examine the progress the people had made. Jack had been surprised at Mckay's request for this clearance, but Daniel was positive he knew better. Mckay might be grumbling now about backwater civilizations, but this was a team mission nonetheless, and he seemed strangely comfortable with that.
Dixon was amused by the people here, and found himself breaking the tension from a more-easily-frustrated Jack. Daniel, having explored all the historical aspects of the planet, had nothing much to do when he wasn't dealing with diplomacy. He found himself thinking about Clare Tobias' request.
He'd called Jean Miller's number last night, but her husband Caleb had picked up. He'd been amiable, if slightly suspicious, and said that once Jean returned from the science conference she was attending, she might be willing to meet with him. Daniel faxed over his credentials, just for validity, and they ended amicably. Caleb was not the sort of person Daniel associated with the name Mckay, and he had higher hopes now about this recruitment than before.
ooooooo
Sam and Jolinar gathered together the slaves Quetesh called for early in the morning. It was some inconvenience to restructure the work teams, but they were careful not to show even a single sign of disapproval of their lord. No leniency now, if there ever had been.
If any of her division leaders found it surprising that Coron herself was transferring the group, none of them showed a sign either. The address was provided in Quetesh's message, and soon the gate was opened and they were on their way through.
Nouska, this new world, was not a surprise. The terrain by the gate was harsh and rough, with jagged rocks that crumbled upon hard impact. Only just beyond, mining structures struggled to maintain a firm footing on the unstable rock. The naquadah within was worth the fight, as always. Apart from the mines, Jolinar noted clearings beyond that bore the marks of Goa'uld civilization.
Another of Quetesh's Jaffa met Sam and Jolinar at the gate. "Come," he said, indicating the village beyond the mines. The Abydonians were apparently not to be miners.
Apart from this area itself, the planet's terrain in general looked rougher than anything on Dorieth. There was the benefit of consistency, however, which Sam soon pegged as important for many necessary aspects of war. Including research and development of new weaponry, which would also be tied to naquadah in this case. Jolinar couldn't help but catch on quickly to this train of thought, and had to agree.
"Your response time is exemplary," the Jaffa said, as his men took over from Jolinar's in escorting the Abydonians to new quarters. "Quetesh has shortened the time on our production schedule, and I hear that these new slaves have nearly untested strength."
Jolinar nodded. "There has been much to do on Dorieth, but I do not doubt that you will have much more to push."
"Weak slaves are quickly culled from arms production," the Jaffa answered with almost a shrug. "And the strong learn quickly that quality is necessary."
Their theories were quietly proven. Jolinar nodded. "I did not expect this transfer; the ways of our lord are truly beyond our comprehension."
"Indeed, but not in this area," said the Jaffa, with slight reservation. "It is necessary to any rational eye. With many of Ba'al's worlds taken, and their chappa'ais buried, she need only arm a swift and secret army to use them as foundation for an attack against Ba'al himself."
"Swift and secret?" Jolinar asked, frowning.
"That is the development we have been producing," the Jaffa said, nodding. "If our imitation is correct, Ba'al will know no more than that the Tok'ra have singled him out."
"Tok'ra?" Jolinar said, almost too surprised for the role.
The Jaffa looked uncomfortable at that idea, but he hid it. "As our lord wishes," he said, clearly not favoring stooping this low.
~That's her plan?~
*Could it be that she still requires revenge? I cannot comprehend this...*
After a pause of reflection, Jolinar saluted the Jaffa and left for the gate again. Sam had a moment's worry for the Abydonians, but there was absolutely nothing to be done even if there was any danger. Which Jolinar would bet against, and her odds weren't too long, Sam supposed. But that wasn't the matter at hand.
~What do you mean revenge?~
*Quetesh holds grudges for decades, waiting for her time. I thought we were settled, but it seems she was keeping time for the proper plan to insert her revenge plot into. If she can pull off a massive stealth strike, it might indeed convince Ba'al that the Tok'ra attacked. Which is dangerous to more than our mission.*
Sam didn't need Jolinar to spell it out after a moment's thought. ~The Tok'ra appear as a much bigger threat.~
*Which is entirely against our point. It becomes more and more of paramount importance to stop Quetesh before she gets too far.*
Returning to Dorieth, they spared some more thoughts to the restructured organization. Things were still well, and they could spend a few moments thinking back to Sha're. They would need to stay here another day and a half at least, but the routine of this planet worked more in their favor every day. The time required to adapt a ship, if possible, would be theirs for the taking.
ooooooo
Daniel received a call the next day from Jean Miller. She and Caleb were in a San Diego hotel for the conference, and she was willing to hear his strange request. All he had to do was be there by the next day.
He didn't even need to talk to Hammond; it had been a while since Daniel had taken leave, and this was a prime opportunity. After a quick note to his team explaining his vacation, he realized that were it not for the SGC, he really had no ties in the world. It was equally frightening and comforting.
He decided against driving, taking a plane instead. There was a feeling that he was inclined to give weight, that this would be a complicated meeting.
By the time he arrived in San Diego, it was time for supper, and he treated himself to a nice one. He booked a cheap hotel, and settled down for the night after checking over his information one last time.
The morning came with much more ease than he was used to in Colorado, and he called to make sure he was still welcome to stop by the Millers' current room. The last time he'd done this, it was with an old friend; now it was a friend of a friend, if he could even say that.
But the moment Mrs. Miller opened the door, in a brown broomstick skirt and soft blouse, he smiled to himself. These were not Mckays. He could understand these people. He extended his hand with an open smile. "Jean Miller? I'm Dr. Daniel Jackson, I'm the one who called."
"Come in," she said, curiosity and slight suspicion mingling with her hospitality. Jean Miller wasn't tall, but she was neatly built and had a fair face, not too much like Rodney's. "I hope you understand, Dr. Jackson, but your visit is very odd to me and my husband. We're not certain this isn't some bait-and-switch."
He walked in, noticing the modest arrangements.
"Have a seat," said Caleb Miller, pointing to a comfortable chair in the main area of the hotel room. He looked to be tall and lanky, but relaxed in his own skin. His wife, despite her clothing, had a more neurotic air.
Daniel held his file in one hand, taking a seat and adjusting his glasses with the other. "Well, I can't promise that this won't be a strange conversation," he opened with, resting the file on his lap. "But I can promise you—I had it delivered to me once, and it's worth listening all the way through."
"Well, you're a fringe civilian vouching for the government...that gives you some bonus points in our books," said Caleb with a friendly grin.
Jean gave him a slight look, but Daniel felt that she wanted to be open. He nodded once to himself, and prepared his opening words.
ooooooo
Sam and Jolinar once again made their departure from Dorieth, and it was growing simpler with every time. Relaying the even more worrying prospects of Quetesh's plan to the Council took some time, but their conclusion was the same; as fast as possible, Quetesh needed to be stopped.
As they broke up, Jolinar approached Garshaw. "Garshaw," she said, bowing her head slightly. "I have a request to make apart from our mission."
"Yes?" Garshaw asked.
Jolinar read her face, thought she looked in good humor. "It is about Sha're and her child."
Garshaw nodded, not showing any emotion.
"She is unhappy, and wishes to be returned to her husband on Earth," Jolinar explained. "If it is possible, Samantha and I wish to take her there in a cloaked ship. There is no defense that could detect us, and we would only make the attempt if the hyperdrive were updated to make the journey a matter of hours."
Garshaw frowned. "No defense at all?"
Jolinar gave Sam one last chance, but Sam was firm on this. Garshaw didn't need to know the remotest possibilities. "None. It would be secure, would give Sha're a place where she belonged, and she may even serve as a messenger of the good will of the Tok'ra."
"You have thought about this for some time, I see," said Garshaw, eyeing Jolinar and speaking carefully. "You must also have considered just how much time you may spend in this endeavor."
"We will not take risks," Jolinar assured her. Sam wondered if only a few weeks before, she would have damned the risks.
"Then yes, you may do so," Garshaw said after a moment. She turned to leave, as Jolinar had nothing else to say, then paused and looked back. "I am glad that you are dealing with your loose ends," she said. And then she was gone.
Jolinar didn't stop to think about that, and Sam didn't care to do so either. They needed to talk to Anise as soon as possible, to get Sha're's return into motion, and all the effort and time that might take. As always, there was no time to waste for reflection or long consideration.
—
Author's Notes: Next chapter should be up Friday, or Saturday at latest, and then it's back to our normal 5-day schedule. I won't have time to answer to all the comments individually, but other than that everything should be back to normal. Thank you for your patience and feedback!
One note, just to clarify an issue that I don't think has been addressed in the story in a while...Sam and the Tok'ra are completely cut off from the SGC. They have no idea where SG teams will be, and as Abydos is uninhabited now, the gate is the only way to contact Earth. If Sam knew the addresses to Cimmeria and Land of Light, she could try there, but I see no reason why she should know them. The only reason she knew Abydos' address was because it was important for them all to know at the beginning of the series, as the only gate address they had.