CHAPTER 7

The Tok'ra seem to be a lot like I once was when I was free those many years ago. Your memories of them are quite interesting. I am having trouble understanding the TV aspect as you call it. Hercules said to him as he was…granted access to certain memories.

Ford couldn't tell where he was or what was happening. He vividly remembered seeing Nirriti and SG-1 along with the other SG teams captured and knew he did something to save them but couldn't seem to remember exactly what it was. He did remember it being quite cold for some reason and there was a lot of pain. As he tried opening his eyes, they didn't seem to respond.

Am I dead? Ford said to Hercules.

Dead you think? No. If you were, I wouldn't be here talking to you.

Good point. What happened? Where am I? Ford asked.

I believe we were taken to Earth. I was spending more time trying to fix your injured arm than listening in to what was happening. Your body was, as a memory you have once said, overtaxed. I was able to keep you from dieing by finally making you fall asleep.

Okay...makes sense since I can remember the pain quite well. Figured I wouldn't pay more attention. Kept my mind on keeping the girls protected and everyone else. Why can't I wake up?

You are, what your memories refer to, drugged. There are a few chemicals in your body suppressing you from waking.

How long have I been out? Ford said.

Six of your hours.

Where is Sam and the rest of SG-1!?

I do not know.

Can't you look through my mind and help me find out.

We can try and recover what you don't want to remember.

Why wouldn't I want to remember?

You did something you didn't like possibly. My previous host had many memories he wished he didn't remember and some he did forget because they were to painful.

So you're saying I might have done something bad that shocked me deep enough that I'm suppressing that memory?

Yes.

What could I have done?...I saved them from the Goa'uld, what could I have...oh no...I must have shot one of my friends. Ford's mind thought the worst about a particular member when sat up quickly scaring a few people

"Carter!" he yelled then looked around. He was trying to get out of the bed when Janet stopped him.

"Ford settle down! You're back home where it's safe." she said trying to keep him from removing IV's.

"Major Carter was hit! I think I shot her or..!" he said grabbing her arms.

"Ford I'm right here."

Ford turned around in the bed to see her in one as well across from him. She had the right side of her face bandaged and her right arm as well.

"You're alive." Ford said rubbing his eyes with one hand.

"Yes. Thanks to you we all are." Carter said leaning back again.

"Janet. What happened?" he asked turning back to her.

"Carter and the other SG members came through the gate yelling for medical attention. You were unconscious from shock and blood loss. I was able to eventually stabilize you, with the help of the Goa'uld inside you. Your shoulder is almost….."

"Forget me, what happened to Carter and the others?" he said dismissing himself.

"O'Neill, Daniel, and Teal'c along with several SG teams are helping defend the world you went to. Carter was injured by a staff weapon discharge exploding in the ground next to her. She also has two fractured ribs which we haven't figured out how it happened."

Ford looked back at Carter as she continued to look at the ceiling. He glanced over seeing movement from another bed. "How did Melissa get hurt?"

"She has damaged ear drums and a few bruises. She's lucky you gave her those cotton balls otherwise she'd need hearing aides or worse."

"I should've got ear plugs or those ear mufflers you use of the firing range. Damn. Was anyone else complaining about ear trouble?"

"Actually yes. They were treated and released already though. Melissa got the worst of it from being sound sensitive to begin with."

Ford rolled his shoulder noticing it felt much better. "You can get these IV's out of me now. I feel fine now and should get back to helping Colonel O'Neill."

"Forget it Ford. General Hammond said you are to stay on the base until...he says otherwise." Carter said.

The pause was enough for Ford to know something was up. "It's cause I'm not alone anymore, isn't it."

"Yes." Carter and Janet said in unison.

"Great. Fine." he said throwing up his hands. "Fine. He know what he's doing, I hope. Can I leave?"

"Let me find out what General Hammond says." Janet said turning away.

A revelation of sort came to Ford as Janet walked off. He slowly turned to Carter as he spoke. "Hammond called the Tok'ra didn't he?"

"Yeah he did. They sent dad through a few hours ago. He's been down and..."

"And is back. Hello Sam." Jacob said coming in and giving her a kiss.

"Hey dad. How's it going?" Carter asked sounding happier.

As her Jacob and Carter talked, Janet came back and told him that Hammond wanted him to come straight to the briefing room after she discharged him from the infirmary. Jacob was to come as well.

"Can I at least change clothes?"

"I'd hope you would in your case." Janet said taking the IV's from his arm. Jacob came over as Janet was removing it.

"So you're Ford. I'm Jacob." he said holding his hand. Ford shook it nodding.

"I'm not totally surprised that they sent you here instead of someone else. Hammond must have requested you personally?"

"Actually he did. How did you know?"

"Educated guess from my history. I'm a little like Jack. Don't trust the Tok'ra much except you and hate the Goa'uld as much as Jack, maybe even more. Look, I know you have a lot of questions concerning my resent, incident as it were, but right now I'm going to take a quick shower, eat and then go see Hammond. From there all the questions can be answered."

"No problem. I can spend more time with Sam. Thanks for saving her."

Ford nodded and watched him walk back over before leaving with a robe on. He was walking toward his room when as he thought. Figures I hurt her. It's my fault. This wouldn't have happened if I had just paid more attention to her. To both of them.

You can help her. I can see from your memories that there is a hand device for healing at this facility. Through me you can help heal her.

"You're absolutely right!" Ford exclaimed as a soldier walked by. He practically ignored the man as he headed back to the infirmary.

"Janet! Janet! Where's the hand device for healing?" he said rushing in. Janet was startled thinking something bad had just happened, but calmed down as he spoke.

"Its locked away. Why?" she said putting down a chart.

"Duh! I can use it to help Carter and Melissa." Ford said quite persistently.

Janet had her mouth open to speak but stopped as she thought. "Now why didn't I think of that? Let me see if General Hammond will approve."

"I don't see why not. If not I then Jacob could I guess." he said as she called him. As she spoke Ford looked out at Carter and Jacob. They were talking but Carter was wincing every so often. Ford turned back around when Janet called out his name.

"Yeah Doctor."

"I called your name three times. Something I should know?"

"No. Just thinking."

"Was he speaking to you?"

"Hercules. No surprisingly. He seems to talk occasionally, like when something important needs to be said. Did Hammond approve?"

"He did but he wants to be here so we have to wait a few moments."

"Fine with me. I'll wait next to Carter." he said walking out.

Jacob and Carter were talking about something about the past when Ford walked up.

"Sorry to interrupt. Unless you tell me not to, I'm going to use that hand thingy, well he's going to anyway." Ford said pointing at his head. "Your father can do it if you don't want me to though."

"No, actually I'm glad you're going to do it. My side's been bothering me for some time now."

"You're putting a lot of trust in him Sam. You sure about this?" Jacob asked concerned.

"It could be something from when I had Jolinar, but yeah, I feel I could trust him with my life." Sam said. While she was looking better, Jacob noticed, Ford looked almost distressed.

"Something wrong?"

"It's nothing. Just beating myself up inside."

Jacob raised an eyebrow not understanding. Carter asked why before her father could.

"It's my fault you got hurt. I should have been paying more attention...and...never mind." Ford said turning away a moment to see Janet come up behind him with Hammond and a couple of guards.

"Hello General. Sorry I didn't do a better job."

"Better job? Son, from what Major Carter told me and the other members of the surviving SG teams, you saved them all. It doesn't get any better than that some days."

"Maybe, but I think I could have done more. Do I have your permission to try this?" he said pointing at the hand device Janet was holding. When Hammond nodded he had to ask what he was suppose to do. He had it on but didn't know what else to do.

"I thought you already knew?" Janet asked.

"Not really." he said dropping his head.

"I'm afraid that Ford still does not fully trust me. From the images I have seen in his memories, I understand why. Forgive me General. I mean no harm to you or anyone here."The expression on Ford/Hercules face changed to look like he was just shouted at.

"Something wrong?" Janet asked looking ready to go full medical on him.

"Ford has expressed to me that I'm wasting time. His exact words are to heal then talk. I'll begin if you approve."

When Hammond nodded Ford/Hercules walked around to Carter's right and activated the hand device.Carter's injuries didn't seem to be changing at first then slowly they did. The burn marks on her arm and face healed quickly while the damaged ribs, even though not seen, mended. Carter said started feeling better and could breath easier. Around ten minutes later or so, Carter was fully recovered. He then went over and did the same thing to Melissa before coming back to Carter. Ford/Hercules handed the device back to Janet and then Ford took over. Janet thought he seemed dizzy a moment as he had to hold to the wall to keep standing.

"Whoa. That is so weird."

"Are you alright Ford?" Hammond asked.

"Yeah. Just fine sir."

"Do you need a moment to rest?" Hammond asked.

"No sir. I'm ready to talk. After I change clothes though."

Hammond looked like he didn't know how to take that statement but instead said okay and told them to report to the briefing room. Carter was to follow when Janet had finished looking her over.

Half and hour later...

Ford entered the briefing room with Carter and Jacob close behind as General Hammond sat down. Several guards stood by at ease, just in case. Carter sat at her usual seat while Jacob sat where Daniel sat. Ford looked twice before sitting in Jack's seat.

"Something wrong?" Hammond asked.

"As far as I can remember, I've never actually seen anyone ever, ever, sit here other than Jack. Someone else might have, but I've never ac...never mind."

"Alright now Ford. Let's hear your side of what happened."

Ford told him about everything from when they entered the temple to where he was, putting it mildly, tongue hockey by a dead man, up to the attack near the gate. How he saved them all was still fuzzy.

"The armory was wondering why there was a missing thirty millimeter machine gun. It was not on the requisition form of items taken to Gia'as, they figured it was misplaced. How did you get it through without authorization and make sure it wasn't spotted?"

"Well sir, it wasn't easy. I took a large case that was suppose to hold scientific equipment and replaced it with the heavy machine gun. Getting the gun the hard part."

"How did you get it?" Hammond order.

"I took it apart and took it piece by piece as I kept coming back for other things. I aggravated the Lieutenant enough so he gave me a bag and told me to tell him what I was taking and to bring back what I didn't think I needed. He didn't see me put the big parts inside. From there you can figure out the rest, unless you need me to keep going sir."

"No. I'm sure I figured it out. Your instincts saved a lot of lives son. Next time though ask first."

"Yes sir."

"Now then, I called the Tok'ra because they would know better than we do if the Goa'uld inside you is really telling the truth or not. Jacob has brought,..."

"That strange truth telling device, I know sir. I'll take it. I have nothing to hide."

Hammond didn't like the fact that Ford interrupted him, but he was more worried about the other SG-1 members, still off world. He told Jacob to get started when Ford agreed to participate. Jacob had the unusual device brought in and placed on the table. Ford followed Jacobs instructions as the device was turned on and it focused in on Ford's retina.

"Do you want talk to me or to Hercules?" Ford said with a chuckle.

"You think this is funny?" Selmak asked. Ford didn't noticed that Jacob had let his symbiont take over.

"No. It's...never mind. Sorry Selmak."

"I will ask you first then him." Selmak said.

"Alright. What's first?"

"What is your full name?"

Ford though the question was strange and it showed on his face as he raised an eyebrow. Carter was watching his reaction and raised hers involuntarily. Ford noticed and chuckled as he spoke, "Ford Primus."

"What's your middle name?" Hammond asked knowing the answer.

"Don't have one sir."

Selmak nodded slightly and continued, "Where are you from?"

"Great question." Ford said sarcastically. "From another universe or dimension, take a pick. Sam could explain it better right now."

Selmak looked at Sam to confirm what he said.

"From what I saw and they way he described it, he does come from another dimension. It's the only theory that fits his story and what I saw."

"I read your report Major. A very strange occurrence. I need you to ask him a few questions that you would know the answers to that he might not." Selmak said.

Carter looked at Hammond and when he told her to proceed she thought a moment before asking.

"Ford you told me that you had seen everything SG-1 had done from your world. When I was helping Thor fight against the replicators, what did I eat?"

This question made Hammond jerk slightly in surprise since it was a interesting question. He wondered how the Asguard had sustained her on that trip. Thor never beamed anything up but her.

"Well, Thor made a bunch, okay not a bunch but some, what looked to be little blocks and squares and I think triangles appear. I think your stomach growled first then you said you were hungry, that's when he made them appear. Anyway he mention liking the yellow one which I think was a square. You tried it and spit it out quickly."

"Okay. You got it Ford."

Selmak looked at the screen that was displaying Ford's results. They still showed that Ford was telling the truth.

"When I came back from P...

"Forgive me Major, but telling me what was on the planet will help me better. I never really could remember what planet was what from how you all registered them. P this and P that got confusing quickly."

"Alright then. I was on planet that had what was a weapon once. I tried to reactivate it using a naquada reactor..."

"I think I know which...mission you're taking about now. You came back with a friend only you could see that made a single use Stargate in your basement. He was a descended Ancient."

"Yeah, that's the mission. Anyway, he made me something that I..."

"If your asking what it was, it was your birth stone just like mine. An emerald. But much larger. I think he said it was a microwave and toaster you needed to replace."

"How much larger?" Hammond asked out of curiosity.

"Ah well sir. That's up to Carter to tell you."

"It's about five inches long and almost two inches wide sir."

Hammond's eyes widened considerably but it only lasted a second.

"Impressive gem I take."

"Very sir. I have one more question if you don't mind Selmak?"

"No. So far the results show he is not lying."

"Ask me something I do know that you all know that I can seriously lie to."

"Why?" Carter asked.

"So we can see if the machine is working on me. I'm not from this universe."

"Alright then. I wish the Colonel was were here for this one. Do you like Maybourne?" Carter asked.

"Maybourne! Oh yeah, he's a great guy."

The machine registered him lying immediately. Selmak informed everyone it said so.

"I have a personal question." Sam said as she leaned forward on the table. She had her fingers linked together with the index fingers touching her chin.

"I think I know which this one is and it's yes so please don't ask it here."

The machine told Selmak it wasn't sure if he was lying or not, according to the results.

"She has to ask the question for the device to work." Selmak said.

"Fine. Ask away."

Hammond couldn't even speculate what Carter wanted to ask and was surprised when she asked a question he didn't expected. Even Selmak was surprised or it was her father that was.

"You say earlier that you have a crush on me. Is it true?" Carter asked with a very serious look on her face.

"Yes." Ford said closing his eyes for a few moments after the scan took place. His face was without emotion but his voice betrayed him. They all could tell he meant it. The results even agreed. Before anyone else could speak, the alarms went off signaling an incoming traveler. The gate was activating. Selmak gave control back to Jacob who shut the device off as they all headed out. Ford took off another direction and followed the soldiers into the gate room itself. He grabbed one of the soldiers nine millimeters as they got into position. Hammond looked around not seeing Ford with them and was about to order a search.

"Chevron six locked."

"Close the Iris." Hammond ordered as the last Chevron locked into place. After the Iris had closed, the Lieutenant at the computer told them it was SG-1's signal. Hammond had the Iris reopened. Several seconds later, Teal'c came stumbling out. He looked hurt. Some of the soldiers lowered their weapons as a medical team rushed in. As the medical team started up the ramp two Jaffa warriors came through the gate. They didn't even have time to blink as their heads pitched back and then they fell forward. The Iris closed shortly after with the sound of objects hitting the Iris.

"What happened Lieutenant?" General Hammond asked through the speaker as a Lieutenant in the gate room looked over the dead Jaffa.

"They were shot in the head sir." he yelled back.

"Here's you weapon back soldier." Ford said blowing off the barrel, twirling it so the barrel was pointed at the ground, handing to him. The soldier looked at him a moment before taking the gun.

"That was a one in a million shot sir."

"Not really. For me anyway." Ford said walking out of the room like it was nothing. The medical team was looking over Teal'c so he couldn't do anything yet.

General Hammond was just learning of who took them down as Ford walking in the control room.

"Fast thinking Ford. Truly impressive shooting." Jacob said.

"No big deal. No offense, but I'm not joining the Tok'ra. Nothing against them or you, but my talents would be wasted. Hercules is…technically challenged."

Thanks a lot. Make me sound stupid.

It's somewhat true from the memories you showed me.

"Another instinct Ford?" Hammond asked.

"You could call it that. We captured Nirriti so I'm, unfortunately, not surprisedto see Teal'c coming back with an enemy party with him."

"I'm afraid that Nirriti is dead. Janet found out that she was a clone. We never found out anything in time."

"I knew something felt wrong about her." Ford said angrily. "I should have shot her."

"Bringing her back here was a better idea. We now know that Nirriti has changed her genetic experiments to working on improving herself from the looks of it. Even though we thought she was dead."

"You're right sir. Permission to go see how Teal'cs doing?"

"For the moment."

"Thanks sir. Coming Carter?"

"Sure."

Jacob followed them out as they headed for the infirmary. As they all walked down the hallway, Jacob asked Ford a question. A question Ford was hoping to avoid.

"Ford. Did I hear correctly that you are in love with my daughter?"

"Dad." Carter said, uneasiness was in her voice. "This is hardly the time to ask, much less discuss."

"No kidding. I'll tell you whatever you want to know later about the subject but now's not the time." Ford said as they continued on.

Once they arrived at the infirmary, Janet was still looking over Teal'c and told them it would be a few minutes. So they stood outside as she instructed.

"Well, now is a good time as any." Jacob said crossing his arms.

"Oh brother." Ford mumbled under his breath. "Must be that parental thing. No offense."

Jacob didn't look too pleased but kept quiet. Carter looked uneasy but also wanting to hear what Ford had to say.

"Alright here it is. Now many people have fallen in love with TV characters and got so caught up in it that they had to be institutionalized. I had a massive crush on you Carter, but I realized that it was never going to happen because you were a fictional character, unfortunately. I still enjoyed watching the show, but I was always hurting knowing that it was all fake, just stories, props, and all that stuff. Didn't help with….never mind. Anyway, when I got here suddenly, I felt that wall I put up completely disappear. This is a dream come true for me, but once I realized that it would never work out, I started building that wall again. I was never going to even say anything, much less make any advances, mostly for my main problem, but also cause you deserve better. I'm not worth it." Ford said with a completely straight face. Inside he was hurting, but he kept it in. Hercules understood how he felt, somehow.

Carter looked more or less shocked. Jacob was content knowing that Ford didn't evade the issue and told the truth. More so than most men would have. One thing bothered him though.

"What is this problem, if I can ask?"

"He's unable to have children, genetics." Carter said remembering what Ford said back in the temple.

"That shouldn't be a problem anymore." Jacob stated. "You're symbiont should have fixed that."

I have repaired that problem. You need not worry about not having offspring anymore.

"You're right Jacob. He did, but decided to just now tell me, and at the wrong time." Ford said like it seemed a bad thing or timing.

"Teal'c can have visitors now." Janet said coming out. General Hammond was approaching as she went back inside.

Ford followed the General before either Carter could ask him more. Teal'c lying in a bed with a few bandages on. He looked like he got beat up and had took a staff blast in the leg.

"Teal'c." Hammond said.

"General Hammond." Teal'c said.

"How are you feeling?"

"As O'Neill would say I've had better days."

This got a chuckle from everyone. "Nice impersonation Teal'c." Ford said.

Teal'c nodded slightly. The bandages around his head made moving difficult.

"Can you tell us what happened?" Hammond asked.

"After we sent Ford home with Major Carter, O'Neill had us head for the city. We helped the townspeople fight against the Goa'uld. Nirriti has many Jaffa, more than we believed. Her forces eventually made us fall back. We were flanked and Colonel O'Neill ordered me to head for the Stargate to bring reinforcements. I was followed by several Jaffa who attacked me after I activated the Stargate. I saw Nirriti's mother ship land not far from the Stargate as I was activating the DHD." Teal'c explained. Janet was standing next to the bed listening and watching.

"Since Nirriti is what I call psycho and since SG-1 has caused her quite a lot of trouble, she more than likely didn't kill them. I'd stake my life on it." Ford said. "If O'Neill and Daniel aren't hiding somewhere, they're on that ship. Nirriti is there too." Ford said stroking his chin in thought.

"Didn't we capture her Ford Primus?" Teal'c asked.

"She was a clone Teal'c. She died shortly after being placed in a locked cell." Janet said.

"Interesting." Teal'c said.

"As bad as the timing is to ask sir, permission to go and save them?" Ford asked.

Hammond looked at Ford a moment before turning to Jacob. "What do you think Jacob? Is he still trustworthy?" Selmak took over first to talk.

Ford almost felt insulted but understood why so he kept his mouth shut and face straight. Ford walked around and asked Janet if he or Jacob could use the device on Teal'c. She said yes and went to get it as Hammond and Jacob talked.

"As far as the test went he is telling the truth, but I am uncertain if the symbiont is controlling him or not. Doctor Fraiser's medical scans show that there is a discrepancy that has not been seen in the other scans she has done in the past on other host. Ford could have total control and the symbiont is just able to communicate with him only until he lets Hercules talk to anyone else. Hercules has also been locked away in a sarcophagus for a very long time and there could be something that has happened to him that caused it to be this way. The symbiont could be injured in a way that it he cannot repair himself and that could be why he is unable to take total control." Selmak said. "Unfortunately, this information is something we have never heard before."

Ford had finished healing Teal'c and took back over as Selmak kept talking. Giving the device back to Janet, he commented on saying that he didn't hope this would keep going this often or she'd almost be out of a job. Coming around he interrupted Selmak.

"Forgive me Selmak, but Ford wished it to be made known that I have found the reason why I and any other Goa'uld could never fully take him over."

"Why is it?" Selmak asked.

"Ford has a different brain chemistry than my previous host. I have came to the conclusion, after much insight, that he cannot be controlled due to will power and for the fact he is not from this universe. There is another difference in his system to which I never saw in any DNA structure when I was on Earth before and when forced to work with Nirriti. She not only experimented on animals to try and make a Chimera, but experimented on humans as well." Hercules explained.

Once he finished Ford took back over. "I don't think I'll ever get used to that." Ford said shaking his head. "That is so weird. It's like a being in a dream, but not being able to do anything. I can tell what's going on, but can't do anything except talk to Hercules."

"How is it you take back control then?" Selmak asked.

"I just think about wanting it back and it comes. The dizzy feeling is annoying though."

"Interesting." Selmak said. "If what he says is true, then the Goa'uld will attempt to examine this more closelyif they capture him. Failing that, they'll kill him."

"What does Jacob think?" Hammond asked. Selmak bowed Jacob's head and then he was back.

"As far as I and Selmak can tell, he's telling the truth. If you want my personally opinion, I think we can trust him."

"Major Carter?" Hammond asked.

"Yes sir."

"Do you have any insight?"

"I trust him sir. If it weren't for him, I'd most likely be dead. And the rest of us as well. I don't see where a Goa'uld would give an advantage by healing injured people."

"Ford you have permission to go. Major Carter will be in charge though."

"As expected General." Ford said.

"I wish to go General Hammond." Teal'c said standing up. Other than missing his shirt, he looked just fine.

"Aren't you hurt Teal'c?" Carter asked.

"Ford was able to help me with the help of the healing device. My symbiont will repair anything he missed." Teal'c said.

"Doctor?" Hammond asked.

"He's probably going to go unless you order him to the brig. I'd like him to stay for observation, otherwise he seems fit for duty again."

"Alright Teal'c. You can go with them."

"I'd like to go if you don't mind General?" Jacob asked.

"Dad?" Carter said looking at him.

"You can tell the Tok'ra that is was our decision to go and that you told me the risk involved if anything happens." Jacob said to Hammond.

"As much as I'd rather not, you can go with them, but you better come back." Hammond said.

"Yes George."

"Get going before I change my mind." Hammond said to them. They all said yes sir and left.

A very interesting weapon, if not crud in design.

Crud!!!! Come on Herc! This a very powerful weapon. Fired by a professional, you could assassinate someone with it. Ford thought.

Yes, I can see from memories you bring up when using this weapon once. Not very nice about it were you.

Leave my past alone. I don't like it much. Ford thought back.

Ford was loading himself up again as Carter walked in. She got a PC90 as usual as he was sticking something up his sleeve. She didn't ask and he didn't comment. Ford had ammo clips strapped to himself again but some were different Carter noticed. When Ford picked up a Desert Eagle .44 magnum she realized what the other clips were for. She didn't ask him where he got it or why the gun was gold in color.

"Using a different weapon this time around?"

"Nope. Using both." he said picking up his gun and twirling them both. He did it several more times before holstering them. The Desert Eagle was on his left leg while his personal gun was in its usual place.

"Why do you place that gun behind your back?"

"More concealed that way and I have mastered the art of shooting from the hip, or in this case from the back. The holster has a hole in the end of it, if you hadn't noticed before." Ford said pointing at it.

"I hadn't noticed before. That must be a big kick to fire it from there."

"That's why I try not to do it at all unless I have to. Almost busted my elbow once. You ready Major?"

"That's my line." she said teasingly.

"Sorry."

Seeing no one around as they left, Carter asked him a question that surprised him.

"Now that you are, normal again, what are you going to do?"

She asked the most important question on your mind. Interesting.

Ford actually stopped moving, which surprised Carter. She turned around to see his slightly shocked expression.

Talk about bad timing. Ford thought.

I could be bad, could be good. She might be interested.

"Ah...where are you going with this Carter?"

"Now that your symbiont fixed, well you know, are you going to make any passes at me?"

Ford blushed, badly, and Carter could see it a mile away. She was smiling like she was enjoying the moment. "I'd really love to, but...wait a minute...you're either enjoying watching me go through this...OR..." he said walking a little closer and pointing a finger. "Or, you find me attractive in some way."

This caused Carter to blush and back up a step as she tried to mumble a no. Ford's eyes widened considerably as he slightly reeled from the shock of seeing he was right.

Interesting. She does care.

Not now Herc!!!!

"We'll talk about this later. If I think about his too much, I'll jeopardize the mission. I should have known that something seemed strange about you asking that question earlier during that truth test and trying to get your dad not to talk about it." Ford said regaining his composer. Trying to keep from smiling he walked on. Carter stayed a moment before following.

As they entered the gate control room, Hammond told them that going through was not going to be easy and most likely not a option.

"We sent a M.A.L.P. through to determine if there were Goa'uld guarding the gate. From what we saw, there's several of them. The mount was destroyed before we could get anything else." Hammond told them. "We're trying to come up with an idea to get rid of them and not damage the DHD or the gate itself."

"Send one of those rocket's through that have camera's on them. Have a big monitor put down near the gate so I can see where and how many there are. I'll shoot them through the gate and nothing will get damaged." Ford said casually like he'd done it before.

"You really think you can do that?" Carter asked. She was looking at the mount video they had gotten when she turned to him.

"I actually daydreamed about something like this, well not the current situation, but the shoot through the gate thing. I believe I can do it. I won't use my personal gun though."

"That's a relief." Melissa said walking in.

"I'm glad to see your doing better Melissa. Sorry you had to come back in our current situation." Hammond said.

"Doctor Frasier told me that Ford helped me keep my hearing and saved everyone. I'm just happy that people like you were there to help. Teal'c informed me of the current problem on our way up. I'm going with them." she said. She looked as she did from the first day they saw her, except her hat was missing.

"I can't keep you from returning to your own planet. But the help is appreciated." Hammond said.

"Least I can do since you people our helping us to keep our freedom."

"Sorry about hurting you. I wasn't intentionally trying to ruin your hearing."

"I know. Teal'c told me what happened and I believe had you given up they would have shot us all, or at least me anyway. Or worse."

"Why do you think that?" Jacob asked. He didn't seem to be surprised to see a walking and talking fox.

"I'm telepathic, I think that's what Ford said it was called. Or was it you Major?"

"It was me." she said.

"You can read minds?" Jacob asked in surprise.

"Only a select few seem to have the capability. Some of use have also learned how to injure others with our minds. I can do it, but it is a draining experience. And I can only do it one person at a time."

"Why would you use it at all?" Ford asked.

"We that were able to use our minds in this fashion were trained in case the Goa'uld ever returned. We also learned to help heal others minds. I'm much better at that than killing."

"Must be something Path'ar succeeded in."

"Actually we think it was Nirriti. Some of her earlier experiments continued to live in the wilderness after she let them go. Many were unable to be controlled and she had to let them go. Some still have mind powers to this day." Melissa said.

She seemed somewhat uneasy about going on. Hammond was listening to everything that they were talking about as Ford's suggestion was being made.

"Unless you object Major, I have a plan." Ford said.

"Let's hear it, then I'll decide." Carter said. Ford could almost swear she was smiling at him but her face was completely straight.

"I'm assuming that we're not the only one's going there right sir?"

"I'm sending SG-7 and eight with you."

"Alright. Then this is what I propose. Send another team to stand guard over the gate, send SG-7 and eight to the town, while the rest of use go to the mother ship. More than likely, considering SG-1 experience with this sort of thing, O'Neill and Daniel are there. The bigger the army, the more noticeable it is. Us five can get there undetected if the other two teams provide a distraction of sorts."

"The assembly is ready to go sir. We just have to open the gate." A Lieutenant at the computer said.

"Good work. Dial it up then. Ford get down there and be ready." Hammond said.

"Yes sir." Ford said with pleasure.

Carter and the others followed behind as he left. Hammond called the other two SG teams as Ford and the other entered the gate room. The fourth Chevron was being dialed as Ford pulled the Desert Eagle out. Carter was wondering what he was doing looking at it.

"Something wrong?" she said.

"I wonder. I've noticed that my strength has increased a bit. I could do it with other smaller firearms but something like this...hmmm." Ford said jerking his arm back slightly that was holding the .44 then thrusting forward quickly and pulling back again. Everyone was surprised, including Ford when it actually cocked.

"Impressive Ford Primus." Teal'c said.

"Thanks." he said twirling it as the gate opened.

The missile fired after a few moments into the horizon. Ford walked up to the ramp and watched the screen as telemetry was fed through from the mounted camera. Carter and the others were watching from a distance behind him. Ford mentioned to Mel that she might want to cover her ears again as he looked the screen over.

"Anytime now Ford." Hammond said from above.

"One moment sir. I'm almost ready." he said aiming the gun at the event horizon. "Okay. Here goes."

He fired off two rounds, moved the gun slightly, fired two more and did it several times really quickly. Almost seemed like he never hesitated between shots. On the screen a Jaffa near the event horizon was hit, the two by the DHD went down, another at the base of the steps near the gate fell, and another that ran forward thinking there was an invisible enemy went down. The other three had taken cover in time and couldn't be shot at from where Ford was.

"Great." Ford said firing the rest of the ammo into the gate near their position.

As he rammed another clip into the weapon he pulled his other one and jumped through, despite the protest he started hearing. Rolling as he came out on the other side he fired at the them as burst of staff blast hit the stairs behind him. The closest one was killed as Ford's personal gun sent a bullet through the tree into him. The second guy got several rounds from the Desert Eagle and the third got it in the head by both guns as he tried to rush Ford. He glanced around listening before standing up slowly and calling through to say it was safe.

"That was.." Carter said stepping through moments later.

"Reckless, stupid, defying orders. I know, I'm sorry Carter, but that trick wouldn't work again and we didn't have time to wait and think something else up. They might have called for backup and we didn't need that." Ford said picking up his special shells from the ground.

He even picked up the one he left behind from before. He figured he could get the rest that were near the log as they passed by it. The other three SG teams arrived as Carter tried calling Daniel and Jack.

"I tried calling the Colonel and Daniel, but their either out of range or captured." Carter said giving up. She started over to Ford to chew him out. He saw her coming and spoke before she did.

"I know I'm doing things, not by the rules. I'm trying to help the only way I really know how. Been a few years since I had to follow orders. If Hammond and the rest of you decided to fire or dismiss me, I'll understand." Ford said putting his weapons up.

"Hammond told you I'm in charge."

"Yes Major, but no one said I couldn't go through. I did what I knew to be the best coarse of action at the time."

"We'll discuss this later." she said turning away. He resisted the impulse to watch her walk away. Jacob came over looking upset as well. "For someone who seems to love my daughter, you like to get on her bad side a lot."

"You know what Jacob, I'm lucky I'm on any side. I've never done well around women. Never went out, never….mind. It's not important. Those Jaffa would have had reinforcements here within minutes if they got away."

Jacob nodded and walked away. Teal'c had been listening in since he was standing almost beside Ford.

"Though it was reckless to go through the way you did, I thought you did what was needing to be done at the time. You did what was necessary." Teal'c said.

"Thanks Teal'c. But it still doesn't excuse what I've done. I just keep acting on instinct, like I know what to do, how to do it, how the Goa'uld really act. Actually being here must be getting to my head. I used to play out scenario's in my head of what would I have done if I were there. Unfortunately, I'm doing exactly that and not thinking first. At least on the command level. I think with everyone in mind but forget I'm not in charge and go through with the plan in my head. If it weren't for the fact that this is actually real, I'd have my head examined."

"Doctor Fraiser is capable of seeing if something is wrong Ford Primus. Your symbiont should fix any problems you may have." Teal'C stated looking confused.

"I meant on the physiological level. I'm acting on impulse on purpose cause it always worked in the past. It's harder to hit one target than a whole group. I look at it as having the enemy come after me and leave everyone else alone. I've done that for years and it's still a habit after all this time. I'm used to doing solo missions seeing as I was trained in that sort of thing."

Teal'c nodded understanding what Ford was meaning as Carter spoke up.

"I took your plan under advisement and decided to go with it. A smaller force would have a better chance of entering the mother ship than a full squad. I understand it better now that you explained why you have, disobeyed orders and other things. You could have said that earlier."

"And possible be told I'm crazy."

"The thought had crossed our minds, but seeing as you know things even far back as our first mission and know things we have done and said that know one else should even know, the only logical conclusion is you must be telling the truth."

"Had the thought of me being a alien that was watching you the whole time cross your mind as well?" Ford said as they walked.

"With all the things you've been doing, that couldn't be possible."

"I agree Major Carter." Teal'c said.

"I'll try to be better at following orders Major."

"That would help."

"Hey Melissa, did you see where all those silver shell casing's went?" Ford said looking around the log where he had fired his gun.

"I picked them up for you after you ran off and took out the Goa'uld that tried to flank us when they came through the Stargate." she said pulling them from her pocket.

"Thanks Mel. You really helped me out." he said taking them from her and placing them in a pouch with the others.

"Why are they so important?" Jacob asked before Melissa could.

"They are also made from the same material as this gun is. There capable of withstanding the explosive pressure that any other bullet would explode in the chamber from and take the gun with. A special mixture of nitro gives the ammo that extra push to allow me to hit targets very far away." Ford said braggingly.

"How far?" Jacob asked.

"Three miles dad."

"Holy Hannah! Three miles!" Jacob exclaimed. "That's impossible."

"Not impossible. Jack saw me do it to. The look on his face was priceless. I should have brought a camera."

"What sort of metal is this?" Jacob said looking the gun over and surprised at the weight.

"Adamantium. If you had a mother ship completely made from this stuff, there would be little expect being put into the sun that could stop it or anything along those lines. It's almost completely indestructible."

"That's impossible. Sam?"

"He's telling the truth dad. We subjected one of his bullets to a multitude of test. The casing withstood all the test we put to it. Even a block of C-4 didn't scratch it. It even withheld the pressure of one thousand psi and more."

"That's impressive metal." Melissa said. "I'm guessing it came with you to this universe."

"Oh yeah. I wish my coat came too, but it didn't. Are we even going the right direction?" Ford said looking around as they walked through the forest.

"Yes Ford Primus. I have already told Major Carter where I saw it land. We have been going toward it all this time." Teal'c said.

"I wasn't questioning your memory or anything Teal'c. I was just following and didn't hear if anyone said if this was the way to go. I must be slipping."

"I know where it has been." Melissa whispered into his ear as she walked up a few minutes later. "Finally got the courage to talk to her."

Everyone else was still walking ahead as Ford slowed down with Melissa.

"I must thank you for that. I think she is interested and we are going to talk later."

"Well, I'm glad I could help. I've seen this sort of thing quite a bit, but I've not had to intervene much." Melissa said. She continued to watch around her as did everyone else but talked low.

"I'm guessing its a sense of smell thing. No offense." Ford said looking at her apologetically.

"It's all about that, but that's more than we really like to talk about. As you people might put it, a taboo subject."

"I understand. As much as it may not seem like it, I do. I used to have a friend when I was younger whose parents were veterinarians. They also were a pet shop."

"There is it Major Carter." Teal'c said stopping and pointing.

They all looked down a sloped hill to see a normal sized mother ship landed in a very large area of nothing except sand.

"It is just me, or do they like sand or something." Ford commented looking through binoculars.

"Interesting question." Carter said.

"Don't look at me. Selmak has no idea either." Jacob said when Carter looked at him.

"Okay Carter. Have a plan?" Ford said to her seriously still looking at the area around the ship with the binoculars. He was counting men, around fifty down there.

"Yes." she said looking insulted. Ford didn't notice though.

"Good. Because I didn't and still don't." Ford said. "I'd try picking them off, but there a good four or more miles away from here. Even on this slope I couldn't do much except alert or presence."

"How close do you think you'd have to be to pick some of them off?" she asked.

"Well, hmmm...that group of rocks might bring me close enough." he said pointing to a group of large rocks. "Why?"

"I just though of a better plan."

I think I know what this plan is.

So do I Herc. So do I.