CHAPTER 6

Jack was extremely frustrated as they all were gathered in the room with the columns, where Daniel had been looking earlier. They all reported finding nothing.

"Did you find anything about those rings they went through Daniel?" O'Neill said very agitated.

"From what I can tell from these writings, they ended up in one of several places. I've been able to narrow it down to a few though given certain circumstances."

"And those would be?"

"Well one of the ring system points goes to the mother ship that is still intact. They couldn't be there since it has no power. The other is out because the other ship was dismantled."

"Alright then Daniel, where could they have gone?"

"The writings speak of a Goa'uld that helped the people of this world and was banished to a unknown location that only the ring system could get to. From what the writings say, this Goa'uld sounds a lot like the Tok'ra. The next place could be an upper level of the pyramid that we haven't found access to. Another tells of a storage place that is in another temple, and the last one tells of the laboratory that Nirriti and Path'ar used. I don't know where that is."

"Great, four to choose from. Any idea's where they might have been taken?"

"I'd say the laboratory or the banished Goa'uld chamber." Daniel said.

"Any reason's why you think those?"

"Our track records. We never have any breaks as Ford put it to me once."

"Makes sense to me. Alright we'll go..." O'Neill was saying as he heard, along with everyone else, the sound of a ring system in operation from above.

Ford noticed the only way to go was down and started down. When he came around the corner he knew exactly where they were. Just outside where they left Daniel.

"See. I told you this would lead.." he was saying as a blast exploded into the wall next to him. He rushed back up the path pushing everyone as two more blast hit the wall near him.

"They're already here!" he said as they ran back around the corner. When they got back to the ring system site Ford asked for his gun back.

"How do I know you won't..."

"Carter, Ford come in." came over there units as Carter was speaking.

"Colonel. Where are you?" Carter said.

Ford looked down the path waiting to see the enemy coming. He'd jump them if he had to.

"Where in a large room with SG-4 and 5 and a couple of foxes. They started attacking what they said was a Goa'uld coming down a path outside this large room of columns." Jack said through the line.

"Wait a minute...JACK!" Ford yelled cupping his hands.

Jack looked up when he heard his name being called. He and everyone else rushed up the inclined path coming around to see Carter and the others.

"Well fine time to come back Major. We were about to do some heavy searching." O'Neill said. Everyone had lowered their weapons except Teal'c and the two foxmen.

"O'Neill there is a Goa'uld among them." Teal'c reported.

"What?!" he said looking at Teal'c and then the four who had just showed up.

"I'll save the trouble of questions and searches. I'm the lucky one." Ford announced raising his hand.

"You do not sound like a Goa'uld Ford Primus." Teal'c said pointing his staff at him anyway.

Almost instantly everyone had their weapons trained on him with the exception of Carter and Melissa.

"How did this happen Major?" Jack asked while sighting Ford.

"Oh great. A typical day for the Stargate team." Ford said leaning against the wall. "I have no weapons on me people, loaded with ammo, but no weapons. Carter has them." he said gesturing to her. "Carter, I'd be greatly happy if you would tell O'Neill the interesting story with as much haste as possibly. We have little time."

Carter explained as Ford watched his watch the entire time. Carter finished at nearly ten minutes glancing at him every so often.

"Not bad Carter. I underestimated you. I was betting on over fifteen minutes we'd be here."

"I'm guessing the disrespect for authority is a side effect." O'Neill said sarcastically.

"Sorry Colonel, Major. Having a snake in my head is not something I like."

I am not a not snake.

"I can say this Colonel. When the Tok'ra find out and want me to come with them, it isn't happening."

"That's comforting to know. I think. We'll take you home and see what Hammond wants to do."

"Sure Colonel. Please tell me you're not going to tie me up?"

"He doesn't have those hand devices on him does he?" O'Neill asked.

"We left them in the oversized metal coffin Jack. I didn't even think about checking if there were any actually."

"Carter?"

"I didn't think of looking either sir. If there was any hand devices…"

Their wasn't.

"Hercules says he had nothing except the clothes they put him in. Nothing more." Ford said.

"Hercules? He's not thee Hercules is he?" O'Neill asked.

"Carter did say his name didn't she. Yeah it's the same one."

"Hercules was a Goa'uld? It makes sense considering the amount of strength the man had. He also was a friend of the people and was hated by some of the gods. Hades in particular. The story makes sense Jack. Broke the ropes holding him as if they were nothing." Daniel said.

"Any Goa'uld could do that Daniel." Jack said.

"Right now we don't have time to debate. Don't shoot. He's going to talk." Ford said bowing his head. He stilled leaned against the wall with his arms crossed as Hercules took over.

"He speaks the truth as do I. From the memories I have seen in Ford's mind, I understand why you do not trust your friend. Especially you Colonel O'Neill. I hope you heed my advice and listen. Very soon, the Goa'uld will show up to take me away and be executed for not following the System Lords rules. I am opposed to what they have done and continue to do. From what I have gathered from Ford's memories of the Tok'ra, I believe that is what I am called by your definition as well." Ford took over after that.

"Look O'Neill, I can understand you don't trust me anymore. Truly I can since you've never liked either of the snake races, as you call them. Hell, it's only because I can see his memories in my head that I trust him. If you want to send me home and lock me away, fine. But get this planet ready for an invasion force. If were wrong, thank god we just wasted time. If not though, then we'll save lives and keep Earth safe."

O'Neill seemed to be thinking it over as he looked at the ground. His fingers tapping across the butt of his gun.

"Sir?" Carter asked.

"I'm thinking Major." Looking back up, he turned to SG-4. "Take him back to Hammond and apprise him of our situation. Let him know were preparing for a possible attack. Carter go with them."

"Yes sir."

"Thanks Jack." Ford said.

"I hope your wrong Ford, but as you said once, nothing seems to go right for us."

"I'm going with them Dad."

"I understand." Vash said.

As SG-4, Carter, Melissa, Ford and the two foxmen left, O'Neill started making a plan. As SG-4 and company left the pyramid, O'Neill and rest were behind them.

"Forget something sir?" Carter asked.

"No. Our best bet would be to stay near the gate in case a strategic retreat is needed. Besides that, all of our supplies are there."

One of the foxmen, Caleb, told everyone he was going to take a glider and warn the cities.

"Good idea Caleb. I will come with you." Vash said.

As they left, the SG teams got into the remaining gliders and headed for the gate.

Everything was going just fine as they made there way to the forest, then a sound they didn't want to hear was in the air. Several large cargo ships that carried Goa'uld troops landed a couple hundred yards away from them while two death gliders came in for a strafing run on their position. The three gilders increased speed quickly as the Goa'uld fighters came in. They were near the edge of the forest where they could see the Stargate as the Goa'uld fighters fired upon them. Todd was driving the middle glider, while O'Neill had the first glider. Melissa tried to avoid the shots but an explosion underneath sent her, Carter, Ford and a couple of SG members to the ground when it flipped over. Todd's took a direct hit in the aft section and ground to a halt quickly. Carter was attempting to get up but Ford told her to stay down and crawl.

"Ford what..?"

"CRAWL MAJOR! I don't want to see you hurt or worse. Head for the crashed glider. Melissa, Range, Copper. You hear me?" Ford said looking around.

He too was on the ground but crouched. Melissa was off to his right a few feet. She looked okay, but disoriented. Ford rushed to her and told her to make a run for the turned over glider. As she left, Ford found the two SG Lieutenants. Copper was knocked out and Range was bleeding slightly from a head injury.

"Range can you run?!"

"Yes sir. A little dizzy, but I think so."

"Then get moving. Head for the trees and shoot to kill." Ford said picking up Copper.

Several blast flew past them from staff weapons as the Jaffa troops made their approach. Ford heard Jack yelling orders through the CB unit but ignored it as he ran. Several blast came near him as he dropped Copper near Major Carter. She was firing off shots toward to approaching Jaffa. Melissa was trying to hit them but the range seemed to far for her zat gun. Ford ran over to the grounded glider to see how bad it was hit. Carter was yelling at him as blast flew by.

Bravery is in the eyes of the beholder Ford. I can feel you wish to fight and would be able to do much against the Jaffa warriors with your weapon. Why are you not doing so?

"Well let's see," he said as he pulled the disoriented SG members and Todd from the vehicle. "They probably shoot us, you think."

With a loud grunt, Ford grabbed one side of the glider and pulled. A blast flew by his head so close he could feel the heat. With strength he didn't know he had he flipped the vehicle on its side.

"Damn! That's not what I wanted!"

What did you want?

"To get it out of the dirt! Then get everyone it to a safer location. Never mind!" he said running back over to Carter. She was putting a clip in as he ran up.

"Ford! What the hell are you doing?!"

"Saving lives Carter!" he said grabbing his guns from her belt. She looked frightened for a second and thought about turning it on him as he looked over the damaged glider.

"Major! I'm going to provide cover fire as we run. We're going over to the other glider and then heading for the Colonel. Got it!" he said giving her a look of do it or I make you do it.

She said yes as he turned and told Melissa the same thing. Seconds later they were on the move. Ford had Copper over his left shoulder as he fired at the advancing Jaffa. He had fifteen rounds in the gun. As they ran Carter fired as she went along with Melissa. Ford lined them up as he walked quickly and picked them off. Most hit were exactly were he wanted them to go. Right in the belly. One guy got it in the neck. He ended up shooting one of his own warriors in the back by accident. When they got to the other downed glider, he had an empty clip, fortunately they were just armor pierces and not his special Adamantium ones. Every shot had hit its mark.

"That's fifteen Carter." he said setting the unconscious Lt. down. He was pulling a clip from his arm band as she looked at him.

"What?"

"I'm out of ammo in this clip but I made every shot count. See that I'm on your side now?"

"Yes…maybe."

"Thanks anyway. Now we need to run about sixty yards in the open to get to O'Neill. Not only because..."

"I already know that Ford. This glider could be destroyed any second."

"Good. I see were working on the same wave length." he said getting up.

Carter got up with him and spent more time watching him pick the Jaffa off as though he was at a kiddy shooting gallery. Fifteen shots later he got back down.

"They're just over a hundred yards away Major. We got to go now." he said as several shots hit the other side of the glider.

Nodding her head she radioed O'Neill.

"O'Neill here. How you holding up Major?" he yelled as the sounds of gun fire came through as well.

"We're fine right now sir. Give us cover fire. We're headed your way."

"Understood."

One of the other SG members picked up Copper as they ran for the cover of the trees and O'Neill's position. Ford went through two more clips by the time they had gotten within ten yards. Several Jaffa that were trying a different rush attack were fifty yards and closing. Carter was looking a different direction and didn't see them coming on her right. Melissa was somewhat behind him about ten feet and firing a different direction not noticing the closing Jaffa either. Several blast landed behind and several yards in front of them from other advancing Jaffa. It looked like they were providing the distraction while the one's Ford noticed were trying to sneak in closer. Ford yelled to them to look out, but they couldn't hear him over the noise. The advancing party were aiming for them he noticed. Reacting instinctively almost, he grabbed his nine millimeter with his left hand and fired a round hitting Melissa's zat gun. The bullet didn't make her lose the weapon but did make her look in his general direction which then she saw what Ford had seen. At the same time that he shot Mel's weapon he fired a shot from his gun hitting Carter's which unfortunately went through the barrel. She dropped to the ground in time as several staff weapon shots went through were she was standing. Mel dropped also avoiding getting hit as a couple flew over her. Ford then threw his nine millimeter in front of him as a blast came at him. The nine exploded a few yards away as it took the hit. After that, he then proceeded to take out the closely advancing party quickly. With great speed he popped the last clip from his right arm band into the gun. He was taking out a fourth Jaffa when a blast round hit him in the left shoulder. He spun as he hit the ground yelling in pain.

Rolling over off his belly he brought the gun back around taking out a Jaffa that had had a beat on him. His head fell off as the bullet ripped out the back of his neck. Ford kept firing as someone dragged him behind a log. The log was almost six feet high so it provided excellent cover. It was Teal'c pulling him Ford noticed as he kept trying to shoot even though the clip was empty.

That's going to leave a mark.

You think so?!! Ford yelled in his head.

"Carter, take those two Lieutenant's and hold behind that log over there." O'Neill ordered as he fired off some rounds. Melissa was looking frayed as she sat next to Ford.

"That was stupid to stand out there Ford!" Jack yelled at him and then he said sarcastically. "First day on the job."

"Yeah well, better me than the girls. How close are they?" he yelled through pain. Aren't you even trying to fix this Hercules?

I am, but as with all injuries, time is required.

Well, it's going to hurt more real soon.

"Fifty yards!" O'Neill said changing clips.

"Mel take and get me one of those long clips from my belt. How many out there Jack?!"

As Mel grabbed one out, Jack yelled out a number swearing at the same time as several blast hit the long. He was shaking his hand as though it got hit. From the looks of things, Ford thought, he got splintered.

"We may have to surrender soon!" Jack said firing again.

Dropping the empty clip from the gun Ford yelled to Mel.

"Try to get the objects that fall from the gun as I fire it. Keep your ears covered. Got it?" She nodded understanding.

"Jack did you just say surrender?!" Ford yelled as he placed some things in his ears and told Mel to put the cotton balls he gave her in her ears.

"Yeah!"

"To hell with that. Cover your ears people!" Ford yelled into his CB unit.

Jack was yelling something to him as he stood up. Lining up a shot quickly he fired. It sounded like an anti-tank rifle. The sound was so loud the Jaffa's stopped for a brief moment. Ford took the opportunity and fired again and again. Jack had to stop firing and cover his ears as did everyone else. Mel was watching were the small silver canisters were falling at Ford's feet, but couldn't move from the deafening sound. The flash from the gun was almost blinding as he fired round after round into Jaffa warriors. Heads exploded, chests had gaping holes, guts were blown out the back. As he placing in his fourth clip of his special ammo he noticed many Jaffa were retreating or so he thought when he noticed the formation was actually a regrouping move. Given his range, he kept firing anyway. Pain flared in his left shoulder as someone grabbed it causing him to miss. The round hit a tree that was with a small group growing in the middle of the open field. The trunk exploded in a blast of splinters and a Jaffa running by dropped his staff weapon to shield himself from the rain of splinters. He was grabbing for his dropped staff when the thirty something tree fell on him. Ford spun in place and pointed the nearly empty gun in O'Neill's face acting instinctively.

"Whoa Ford!" Jack said putting his hands up.

Everyone had regrouped near them and now had their weapons all pointed at Ford. He quickly turned his weapon away from Jack and looked out across the field seeing a Jaffa warrior still running. He aimed and fired. Jack was able to have everyone cover their ears as he saw the hammer move.

"Enough Ford! Their retreating!" Jack said digging at one of his ears.

Ford was still looking out across the field as he noticed the gun cocked back showing it was empty again and the barrel was smoking quite a bit. The spent clip hit the ground as he replaced a new one.

"They're regrouping. I'd say two minutes till they charge us. Still think I'm not on your side?" Ford said putting his gun away.

His voice was strained almost to the point of sounding close to tears. He dropped to the ground holding his left shoulder as a staff blast hit the fallen tree. Everyone dropped down as several more hit the tree. The smoke was starting to get thicker with each blast.

"Told ya."

"Ford, if we get out of this we need to have a nice long chat." Jack said checking his clip.

"Whatever Colonel, right now I need to save our asses again."

"You're going to sit there and use something else. Any more of that gun and we'll never hear again." he said pushing Ford back down as he tried to get up.

"Better to not hear than be tortured. Hey, did you call for back up from Earth?"

"No. I haven't had a chance to get anyone over there."

"Then get the hell out of my way Jack. The gate's activating." Ford said shoving past him.

Everyone was firing again at the approaching Jaffa force. There looked to be about fifty left. Jack though better of it, but told Carter to take over as he ran after Ford. Ford fired off a couple of rounds at the enemy, but only hit two of the five he aimed for. His shoulder was screaming for him to stop as he grabbed the special case from the hollowed tree trunk. Running forward he glanced at the Stargate. Three chevrons locked. Dropping the case at the DHD, he opened it quickly as the fifth chevron locked.

"Thank god I didn't follow orders." he said pulling a thirty millimeter machine gun out and loaded it.

As the seventh chevron locked into place, the wormhole opened. Ford placed the gun's long barrel on the DHD and waited.

Jack was running up as he saw pull a heavy machine gun from the large case. "Ah for crying out loud!" he said still running.

As the wormhole opened, O'Neill pointed his gun at the gate. Several blast went by him from the forest as he stopped. Turning around he fired taking the two Jaffa out.

Ford was praying it was Hammond finding out what happened, but knew it wasn't. The Jaffa who came out never saw much as he was cut down by the heavy machine gun. Ford kept firing as Jaffa came out. Small ripples appeared as the bullets went through the Jaffa and into the even horizon. He kept firing as the gun shook his body causing great pain to his shoulder. Ford yelled with excitement and pain mixed. He moved forward as he kept firing. Bullets pooled quickly around him as the gun pumped out its lethal death rapidly. Suddenly it stopped. He looked back at the case seeing it was empty. Three Jaffa came out and tripped over the bodies of their fallen comrades. As they tried to get up Ford smashed one in the face with the barrel, smacked another across the side of the head and threw the gun at the last one as he tried to shoot him. The barrel caved his face in as they both fell to the ground. Ford whipped out his gun and fired his remaining rounds into a few guys that came through the event horizon. He grabbed a couple of zat guns from the dead bodies, turned and fired round after round of energy into the forest. It took several shots but he hit and vaporized the guy O'Neill wasn't able to hit. As he whipped back around a Goa'uld System Lord was standing there with two Jaffa warriors. They had their staff weapons pointed at him, but Ford fired anyway taking them out before they could get him. He sent several blasts at the female System Lord, but her personal shield blocked ever shot. Dropping the zat guns, he pulled his weapon out and reloaded it as she talked.

"You Tauri are so predictable. Surrender and your death shall be painless."

"No you surrender and I don't put a hole through you." Ford said extremely angry.

"O'Neill you got your knife?" Ford yelled. When O'Neill didn't answer, he was tempted to look away but didn't.

"Your friends are dead Tauri. Surrender is your only option."

"If they're really dead, then so are you." he said then he fired.

The bullet bounced off the field, but she moved back a step from the sound and was temporarily blinded causing her to drop her shield. Once her shield dropped, Ford climbed the steps quickly. Before she could react he punched her dead in the face and then shoved his gun into her throat. He cocked the hammer with his right while grabbing her hand with the device with his left.

"From this distance, not only will I kill you, but I'll put parts of you six feet under, UNDERSTAND!" he yelled in her face.

"Wait a minute. I know you...Nirriti." he said with disgust in his voice. "Your suppose to be dead and you tried to kill Carter. Big no, no."

He pushed the gun into her throat harder. She gagged a bit but was still breathing. Ford looked up slightly when he noticed her eyes kept looking to her right.

Jack, Carter, Teal'c, Daniel, a few of the other SG team, and Melissa were on their knees with a select few Jaffa. He counted eight. Melissa was crying but not enough that you would notice unless you really looked.

"Surrender Tauri or your friends die." one of the Jaffa spoke.

"Wrong. You drop your weapons or she takes a permanent dirt nap."

Ford almost thought they were going to listen when the Jaffa nodded to another. The other Jaffa fired his staff weapon, killing Copper. Nirriti smiled which pissed off Ford more. With a quick move he shot two of the Jaffa and had the gun back on her throat which burned her. She screamed loud enough from the pain that the remaining Jaffa didn't shoot him. Blood was running from her ears.

"That won't happen again or she dies. There are six of you and over ten rounds in this. I'll take her first and the rest of you before I go down. NOW DROP YOUR WEAPONS!" he yelled twisting the gun which caused her more pain.

Nirriti told them to drop their weapons and as soon as they did Ford shot them all before Jack or anyone could stop him. The Jaffa behind Carter picked up his staff as Ford started shooting them. He almost had it up when Ford plugged him through the gut. The staff weapon went off and exploded into the ground next to Carter and Jack making them both fall over. Nirriti went to get up and use her hand device, but Ford noticed and stepped on it. As she screamed out in pain he spun the gun around and smacked her across the face with it knocking her out. Blood started coming from her mouth as he aimed to shoot her, but instead he tossed his gun off the gate's partial ramp onto the dirt. He wanted to kill her but she had valuable information they might be able to get and Hammond wouldn't approve. He leaned forward to keep from passing out as he sat down. The blood loss, pain and what he just did were making him lightheaded and dizzy and had blood coming out bad enough it had soaked down into the side of his pants.

O'Neill had Carter look at Melissa, after finding out she wasn't hurt to bad, as he approached Ford carefully. Teal'c and Daniel were with him keeping their weapons on him just in case as the other SG team kept watch for other enemies.

"Ford?" O'Neill said picking up the tossed gun. It was warm, really warm.

"I'm fine, just dizzy and little cold." Ford said as he started shaking. He slumped over as Jack caught him. "Nothing I can't hand…."

You have caused yourself much pain and more injury. I may not be able to fix this.

"He's going into shock sir." Carter said as she came running up and looked him over per Jack's call.

"He's lost a lot of blood." she said looking at his shoulder wound as she rummaged through her pack getting the first aid out. Ford had passed out as she looked through her bag.

"Damn it. I thought she was dead. Daniel dial home. Teal'c you and me are going to the city. Daniel you're coming too. Carter stay with him and tell Hammond to send backup. Take this with you." he said handing her Ford's gun. "Take Melissa to see if Ford ruined her hearing. Have Nirriti placed in a nice dark cell while your at it. Make sure Frasier stays away from her though. I don't care how much pain or injured she is."

"Yes sir."

"Get back as quick as you can, but make sure Ford doesn't come."

"Yes sir." Carter said with a strained voice as she applied pressure to his wound.

"Are you sure your alright Major?" he said looking at her slightly burnt face and burnt coat.

"My side and ears hurt, but it's probably nothing than a few bruised ribs."

"What about you face Major?"

"It stings but I've felt worse."

"Have Frasier check it out anyway."

"Yes sir."

Carter had to duck a moment as the event horizon shot out. Once the wormhole stabilized, Carter and the remained SG teams went through carrying his dead weight.

"Check around the perimeter and see if there are any other Jaffa around in waiting." O'Neill ordered as the gate shut down. First day on the job and he manages to save us. Have to thank him later if he survives. I hope.