CHAPTER 77
EPISODE………..STRONGHOLD
It was just after their return from their run and they had both finished their showers, apart unfortunately. Sally was wanting attention and she always got it. There was discipline when needed, which wasn't very often, so pretty much she was spoiled rotten. She was still very young after all but listened though. She knew what hot meant just because Ford burned himself on the stove to show her what would happen. Though in her case, he told her, she would be in a lot of pain for awhile and it would take a long time to heal. She didn't seriously injure herself when she knocked over Carter's hot coffee on her hand once when she wanted to see what it was and try it. Mom and dad, grandma and grandpa, Aunt Janet and even Uncle Daniel drank it so she figured it must be good. Ford let her try his once and surprisingly she liked it, a lot. Carter made a small fuss saying her daughter was crazy if she liked day old strong black coffee. They didn't let her have but a drink and told her she had to wait to get older to drink it. Like a dozen or so years. She pouted but got over it. Janet scolded Ford for even giving her a drink. Kept talking about growth problems possibly happening. Which K-9 reported was not a likely possible event.
Carter had came back from next door after handing her to her parents so they could go to work. She entered the kitchen to find him eating peanut butter toast and milk. Just one of the things he liked to eat when he didn't have time to cook. He was looking over the newspaper as she looked in the fridge.
"Hey, is today that thing with Teal'c and the vote for democracy?"
"Yep. I hope it works out. He's suppose to come back later today and let us know how it turns out. I told him we'd offer some books on the matter if they needed it." he said around some toast.
"I hope they win too." she said closing the door. "You got the last of the milk."
"No, there's a bottle in there. You must have bought it or your parents brought it over. I don't recognize the jug though." he said not looking up from the paper with a laugh. "Garfield's rather funny today."
"Um, Ford."
"Yeah." he said turning to look at her. The tone of voice suggested him to look at her. She was currently holding the glass bottle of milk, shaking it lightly.
"This isn't milk."
"Taste like it. Actually, it taste a little better in some ways." he said looking at his glass and sniffing it.
"Well, it is milk, but it didn't come from the store. And you're not suppose to be drinking it."
"It's not baby formula." he said sniffing it again. "I smelled that stuff and that is nowhere near this. Sally doesn't like that stuff anyway. And it isn't that dry milk stuff. You didn't buy that stuff did you?"
"No." she said putting the bottle back.
"Hmm." he said taking a drink and going back to the comics.
"Figure it out yet?"
"What?" he asked confused.
"The milk?"
"Oh. Um, no. It's not goat either. That stuff is rather ugly. Had to drink it once seeing the water was bad in that area of the world. Revolting, very revolting."
"Any clue at all?"
"No. What is it?"
"You can be dense sometimes. Breast milk."
"Yours?"
She gave him that look that Jack got sometimes when he asked a stupid question he already knew the answer to.
"Right. Of course it's yours. Who else would it be?" he said smacking himself in the head. "Well, taste good. My mom did say it took me a year to come off her. Guess I really liked it. Got my vitamins and minerals for the day then."
"You, are weird."
"Yes, but you love me for that."
"I'm…." she began saying when the door was knocked on. "Who could that be?"
"It's open Daniel." Ford yelled.
"Daniel?"
"Hey Sam, Ford." he said walking in and setting a bag he had down.
"Car needs worked on again. He came here to get a ride to work." Ford said as she looked at Daniel and then him.
"Oh. That would be that phone call that came in as I was taking Sally next door."
"Yeah."
"I didn't interrupt anything did I?"
"No." they both said.
"I'm going to go finished getting ready." she said.
He nodded as Daniel entered the kitchen.
"We got a few minutes if you want some coffee or a small meal like this."
"Coffee sounds good." Dnaiel said grabbing a cup and the coffee pot.
"Figures. A lot of translating today?"
"Some. Little of this, little of that." he said putting the pot back. He opened the fridge and got the milk out. "I assume you already know, but if not…."
"You're almost out of milk." he said taking the top off the bottle.
Ford quickly stopped him before he poured it.
"What's wrong?" he asked more worried than confused. "We haven't been gone from the base long enough for it to spoil."
"This is, for Sally only." he said putting it back. "Sorry to scare you like that."
"Oh, baby formula. I thought she was off that and eating solid foods."
"She is eating solids, somewhat. She also quit drinking that formula stuff many months ago." he said putting his plate and glass in the dishwasher. "She never did like it."
"Like what?" she asked coming out in jeans and a blue blouse.
"Baby formula."
"Oh yeah. Spit it back in my face most of the time." she said messing with the back of her hair.
"Takes after me. Baby formula wasn't part of the menu on Atlantis back then. Like I said, took me a year to wean."
"Well what is it then if it isn't baby form….oh." Daniel said as it clicked suddenly. "Sam, it's been almost a year."
She shrugged and gave Ford a small glare.
"Like Ford said, she takes after him. At least she doesn't bite."
"I didn't need that mental image." he muttered finishing his coffee.
"You asked. At least you aren't Jack that is here. He probably would have made a, remark I wouldn't like." Ford said helping her with her jean coat, not that she needed it. "And I don't bite."
"I didn't need that image either. Okay, please tell me you will take it slow. You both are crazy drivers."
"Since you trust her more, you can drive Sam."
"Your car or mine?"
"Your choice."
"Hers. More leg room." Daniel said picking up his bag. "Besides, less horsepower."
Ford looked at her, and she got the message.
"I upgraded it."
"A lot more power. 0 to 60 in like, 3 seconds." she said watching Daniels face.
Like they expected, it dropped with a groan. His eyes narrowed as he looked at Ford.
"What?"
"You corrupted Sam. She was never this bad. Do you two even have insurance anymore?" he asked as they walked out the door.
"We were kidding Daniel. The car still has its original Cobra engine." she said. "I still have insurance if it helps any."
"It does." he said looking at the car warily.
"Actually, she was always this bad. I just made her show it off more. You should see what she does on her motorcycle." he said with a small shudder. "I don't know what angel is on that thing with her keeping her from crashing."
At Dakara, the council was in session and talking about democracy. One man who was extremely for the, bill per say, was talking in the middle of the room. The two large half round tables between him. He was rather fat, and unfortunately one of the Jaffa that had to use a symbiont still, which was one of the reasons he was able to still move, though being slightly elderly and over weight.
"Democracy is the future of our great nation." Maz'Rai said. "We must proceed with the dissolution of this council, which, we have seen, can be influenced and corrupted. I hereby formally propose that we hold a public referendum on the subject. So that all Jaffa can participate in the decision before us."
"Thank you, brother Maz'Rai." Bra'tak said as the man sat down. "Your wisdom is always greatly appreciated by the council. Now, I call sister Kal'el, as the last speaker before the rebuttal will be heard."
Bra'tak messed with some papers as she stood up.
"Brother Bra'tak, I'm afraid I must begin rebuttal against dissolution of the council."
Bra'tak and Teal'c both looked at her in surprise.
"Our people are not yet ready for this burden Bra'tak." she said as Maz'Rai was also looking at her in surprise.
"You underestimate them sister." Bra'tak stated.
"My position on this council was secured by the might of the Haktyl, and it is well known that many regions do no yet recognize the rights of females, let alone the right to vote on their destiny." she stated with obvious distain for some of the council members.
"I agree. There must be change." Bra'tak said.
"Such change must occur prior to a general vote, so that its results can be viewed as fair and representative."
From the looks of the other Council members, not many took that idea to heart. The Council ended session and all left. She was talking to a few others and followed them as Teal'c and Bra'tak along with Maz'Rai walked out and watched her leave. Teal'c took a few steps forward but didn't follow as he called her name, twice. She didn't turn or come back. A bunch of Jaffa and other Council members stood off a few feet behind them talking.
"Did she not speak of support of our proposal just this morning!?" Teal'c said with frustration.
"Privately, yes." Bra'tak stated. "I would not have called on her otherwise."
"Then why would she betray us in session?!"
"Someone has influenced her." Maz'Rai said.
Teal'c nodded.
"Still, I have always believed Kal'el to be honorable."
"Is there no end to this duplicity that we must face?!" Bra'tak stated forcefully.
"Sometime, I fear I have gotten to old for this brother." Maz'Rai said.
"Indeed, and yet this is what results, when we leave such decisions to the rash of youth." Bra'tak said with the still forcefully tone.
"I will speak with her." Maz'Rai said seeing that both Bra'tak and Teal'c were not the best people to have talking to anyone at the moment.
He walked down the corridors to her chamber and walked in finding her looking at something of hers in the corner of the room.
"Kal'el, please forgive the intrusion."
"Not at all, I'm glad you are here. We must speak." she said turning to him.
"May I ask, why you did not support our proposal?"
"Now is not the time."
"We have no choice, Kal'el."
"I'm afraid, as far as you are concerned." she said picking a zat from off her table and pointing it at him. "That is true."
No one heard the zat fire much less him hitting the floor.
"Hi, I'm Lieutenant Colonel Mitchell." he said walking up to the front desk on a floor where terminally ill patients were resting. "I'm here to see Bryce Ferguson."
He wasn't in his uniform, just normal everyday clothes. Blue jeans, shoes, a T-shirt and a brown leather jacket. Mitchell was coming to see a friend of his from way back before learning about the Stargate program. A friend he served with and that was going to die if he didn't get surgery. The hospital was for military personal.
"Colonel Mitchell." a few inches shorter than him doctor said pulling a chart off the wall.
"Yes ma'am."
She shook his hand as she talked.
"Hello, I'm Doctor Kelly.
"Nice to meet you."
"I've had a chance to see your friend."
"Great. Doctor Lam says you're the best."
"Well, that's very nice of her to say. I'm not aware of any ranking system." she said smiling.
"Well, I'm sure you'll be a little better than Fergies H.M.O. back in Iowa." he said with a small laugh.
"Well, I'll do what I can. I've ordered some test." she said looking at the chart. "They should give us a better idea of what we're looking at."
"Yeah, he's had that shrapnel for awhile. They just found the aneurysm a few weeks ago."
"He's probably had it the whole time and didn't know it."
"He said his doctor's back home had thrown in the towel on this one." he said sadly.
"I won't lie to you. I know it's in a tricky spot. But as you know, we have access to certain technology not available to everyone else just yet."
"Yes ma'am. Thanks."
"I was told he's not privy to classified material." she asked more than said.
"No."
"So, you got him in here, but you couldn't get him clearance?"
"That's a whole other ball of wax. The irony is, he would have had my spot in the 302 program if he hadn't been injured. He's a better pilot than I ever was, better than most actually."
"This must be important to you. I imagine that you had to pull some pretty big strings to make this happen?"
"Ferguson got that chunk of metal in his head saving my sorry ass four years ago. Not surprisingly, General Carter was able to get him here without any trouble."
"I'll see what I can do."
"Thanks." he said picking his bag off the ground and walking to the room.
Back at Dakara, the council was in session again, the next day. Maz'Rai was speaking again, except against the democratic proposal, shocking Teal'c and Bra'tak.
"And so, upon further reflection, I have come to agree with Kal'el, more debate over the proposal state of government is required. We must take our time in such grave matters. For now, we must maintain the present High Council and not bow to the pressure of brother's Bra'tak and Teal'c."
The other's nodded with smiles. They adjourned and all left. Bra'tak and Teal'c caught up with Maz'Rai before he could leave. He was talking with another Jaffa Council member, who was actually the guy who was always with Gerak, and Kal'el.
"Maz'Rai…." Bra'tak said tapping his arm lightly.
"I am entitled to be swayed by reason Bra'tak." Maz'Rai said as the other two left.
"You are the one who tabled this proposal for a referendum." Bra'tak stated. "You have always believed that democracy was essential for the future of our nation!"
"Indeed, that is still the case. I merely have been convinced that we should not act in such haste."
"Brother, it was you who feared that Gerak's followers were gathering strength." Teal'c stated. "That there was a danger that if we did not dissolve this council, they could still vote to support the unilateral submission to the religion of the Ori."
"All our dreams of a free Jaffa nation would be lost forever." Bra'tak said.
"All I am saying is that there is still time for a healthy debate." Maz'Rai stated forcefully and then turned away leaving them quickly.
"We cannot let this proposal die!" Bra'tak said with anger.
"There are still Council members who are uncommitted." Teal'c said. "Brother U'Kin was not in session today. I will visit him later this evening after I consult with our brothers on Chulak."
"And I will see what I can learn here. If Maz'Rai's vote was influenced, I shall expose it."
They nodded to each other and went their separate ways.
In room 708, in the military hospital, a man in laying in bed, in a white shirt, blue jeans and a dark Hawaiian shirt playing catch with a ball and mitt. He was once enlisted just because of the crew cut he kept. There was another bed next to him that was empty. His bed was next to the two large windows. Mitchell walked in as the man was catching the ball again.
"Ferguson!"
"It's about time." he said tossing the ball in the air again. "Son of a bitch drags me out here to get poked and prodded, turned upside down and he can't spare a minute from his big important job to see his dying friend."
"It's good to see your bad attitude hasn't changed much." Mitchell said getting off the doorway as he walked in.
"What do you expect? I'm dying for god's sakes." he said getting off the bed and hugging Mitchell.
"Don't get up, you idiot." he said as the man hugged him anyway.
"Cam, I'm not going to break."
Ferguson got back on the bed as Mitchell sat on the other one.
"You look like you're feeling pretty good."
"Yeah, I'm doing pretty good, for a guy with a ticking time bomb in his head."
"Well, why don't we see what the doctor's have to say about that." he said.
"Hey, I'm just doing what the flyer says." Ferguson said removing the flyer from his front shirt pocket. Mitchell took it as it was handed to him.
"It was in the waiting room in the shrinks office that I went to a couple of weeks back. You're going to bite the big one, now what? First thing on the list is accept it. Learn to talk openly about it, so that's what I'm doing."
Mitchell looked at the wrinkled flyer with obvious sadness then back at his friend.
"Did I mention I was going to die?"
"Yeah, I think you did." Mitchell said slowly.
"Okay. So, how about you? How's the big importantly top secret job?"
"Still top secret."
"Oh, come on, you can tell me." Ferguson said laughing lightly. "I'm not going to tell anyone. I'm going to die you know."
Mitchell shook his head lightly.
"No flowers?"
"No. I thought about it, but I decided on this instead." he said handing over the bag.
"Oh yes, me liky alotly." Ferguson said looking in the bag.
"Hey Ford, what's up?" Carter asked as she and Daniel entered the room.
"Bra'tak has some bad news concerning developments on Dakara." Ford said pointing at Bra'tak who was looking out the window at the gate. Ford was sitting on the edge of the table and stayed there as the other two stood behind their seats.
"It is Teal'c. He left last night to consult with one of our allies." Bra'tak said as he turned from the window and walked up to the table. "He was due back this morning, but did not return."
"Are you sure he's not just late?" Daniel asked.
"Has Teal'c ever been late for anything?" Ford asked. He didn't give them time to answer. "Bra'tak told me a few other things that lead me to believe something serious is going on. Unless he was priorly engaged, like doing something with SG-1, Teal'c has always been to a council session. He usually tells me about it if it might affect us. Bra'tak, tell them what you told me about the democratic proposal and it being shot down lately."
Teal'c was currently captured, on a mothership, and was on some table that tilted to a fifty degree angle. His arms were being held by metal hooks that wrapped around his elbows making it so he couldn't move them and chains were attached to his wrist keeping him from trying anything. His legs were slightly spread apart and also tied down making escape practically impossible. He was wearing a chain mail vest that wrapped around his neck like a turtle neck shirt and had the chain mail pants with the Jaffa armor over the knee area. Across from the front of him was a table in the niche of the room. On the table was a variety of devices, mostly for torture. One of the objects was his Tretonin injection. He awoke slowly and could feel a few cramps from being in the position he was in too long. He tried moving only to find he couldn't. A Jaffa in full armor and cape looked at him before turning to the large table that looked like a computer console. The Jaffa picked up a small disc object about the size of a quarter along with a strange object shaped like a triangle with 3 thin metal strips coming off each side like calipers. He walked over and placed the disc on the side of Teal'c's temple. Teal'c squinted in pain as the small needles inserted themselves.
"I will divulge nothing." Teal'c spat as the Jaffa stepped back.
"That is not my intention. My purpose, is to teach you." he said pointing the strange device and activating it. Teal'c cried out in pain and didn't stop as long as the device kept going.
Bra'tak was telling them what he knew as he sat on Ford's left. Carter sat on his right with Daniel.
"Obviously this motion to dissolve the council in favor of elected officials has spawned strong opposition. Many who have reaped benefits under the current regime, would loose their status upon the passage of the vote."
"Sounds familiar. Your current government gives more control to a individual instead of the people having a say in matters. Is there anyone on the council who would seriously loose something if democracy succeeds? Or is it more than one person?" Ford asked. "Murdering people to get their way or threatening someone's life is one way to get your way. Question is, who on the council would go that far?"
"This sounds possibly more like blackmail and kidnapping to me." Daniel said. "Killing Teal'c wouldn't be good because of relations with the us, or the Tauri in general. Threatening lives to get their way would be….to obvious for…."
"Being found out? Yeah. I can see where the murder idea is not…probably employed. Means someone is being…."
"I believe the word you are looking for is, dishonorable General." Bra'tak said.
"I was going to say, dirty and underhanded, but that works."
"I used to believe in many that have been dishonorable as of late." Bra'tak said.
"I've met quiet a few people on the hill that have stabbed me in the back as of late, figuratively speaking. At least the President has been honest about everything even if it has been against us sometimes."
"Honesty is an honorable trait." Bra'tak stated.
"The longer we talk the….." Carter started saying.
"Teal'c, right. Any ideas Bra'tak?"
"Maybe we should probably start in Teal'cs last known wear abouts." Daniel said.
"Starting to think like me sometimes Daniel. I'm impressed. As always, I'll help when I can, until then you three get started and look around."
"Where's Colonel Mitchell?" Daniel asked as they all got up.
"He asked for some personal time. To visit a dying friend. And before you ask, even if he was here, the outlook doesn't look good. Not even a Goa'uld hand device could probably save him."
"What sort of injury would that be?" Carter asked. "Maybe he could be a Tok'ra, you know…"
"Piece of shrapnel from, something, is deep in his head. Can't remember the mission he and Mitchell were on that caused it." he said scratching his head. "I just read it recently too. Hmm, oh well, whatever the case, he's getting the best possible treatment that Lam knew. If we had a sarcophagus, maybe then."
Mitchell had hooked up a Playstation system, that was the object in the bag. They were playing a two player game against each other. Mitchell was excited about the fact he was kicking his friends butt, and once Ferguson's character died, he realized something was wrong.
"What was that? Where you even trying?"
"You know what, I'm just…..I'm just kinda tired." Ferguson said setting aside the controller.
Mitchell said he'd play the game with a handicap but Ferguson said no. But he agreed to a rematch. Mitchell was in the middle of shutting it off as Ferguson tried to tell him to leave.
"Look, I appreciate you taking some time off…."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm just saying, you did your duty, you can go now."
"I have no where else to be."
Ferguson gave him a look.
"Really."
"Seriously, Cam, it's fine. You don't have to stick around."
"Yes." he said then turned to look out the window. "I do."
Bra'tak, and Daniel were on a Jaffa controlled planet, that was mostly made up of settlers. Just living off the land and in large tents. The last known location for Teal'c.
"I wish I could be more help Bra'tak, but Teal'c left last night, barely an hour after arriving." a white chubby and balding Jaffa said.
"Did he say where he was going?" Daniel asked.
"He said he was needed back on Dakara."
"Was anybody with him?"
"He traveled alone. Please let me know as soon as you have learned what has happened."
Daniel sighed lightly and looked at Bra'tak. He stepped forward getting into the Jaffa's face.
"What is a matter brother?" the man asked with some fear.
"You call yourself friend," Bra'tak said then grabbed the guy by the collar with both hands. "But you speak lies to my face!"
"Whoa, Bra'tak…"
"He is deceiving us." Bra'tak spat. "Where is Teal'c?!"
"Bra'tak, what has come over you? I have told you what I know." the man said trembling as Bra'tak kept hold of him hard enough he was almost lifted off the ground.
Bra'tak gripped the man's throat with his right hand while still holding him with the other.
"I will not ask again." he growled.
"He was taken from here. I do not know where." the Jaffa stated with fear and a choking voice, then groaned in pain as Bra'tak squeezed harder. "Ah please."
He let the man go and walked away in a huff. Daniel caught up as they headed for the gate.
"What was that all about?"
"I believe he speaks the truth. He does not know where Teal'c is."
"But he admitted he helped arrange Teal'cs kidnapping."
"And he shall be dealt with accordingly. Unfortunately for us, this situation is much worse than I imagined."
"How?" Daniel asked as Bra'tak stopped and turned to him.
"U'kin has always been the strongest in support of our cause. A Jaffa whose honor I never would have doubted. There is but one possible explanation for his actions. I saw it in his eyes."
"He's been brainwashed." Daniel said as Bra'tak nodded.
Mitchell had put away the system sat on the other bed with the mitt and ball.
"You know, I never did buy that you went down in a test flight." Ferguson said.
"Why? That's what happened." he said leaning back into the pillow.
"Okay, so you were testing a plane, in a dogfight over Antarctica."
"Dogfight?"
"I did some checking. I still have friends in intelligence."
"Right. You think you're getting your hands on classified information huh?" he said slapping the ball into the mitt.
"Not exactly. I've pieced some things together."
Mitchell didn't look at him but at the mitt while biting his lip.
"Come on, we were both up for that big important classified position. I just want to know what I missed out on that almost got you killed."
"I wish I could tell you, I really do."
"No, you don't." Ferguson said with a laugh. "You probably feel as guilty as hell for doing what you're doing while I'm waiting to die."
Mitchell slapped the ball hard into the mitt then grabbed it out holding it hard.
"Read the flyer man, it's called survivors guilt. Now, it also says you need to be honest with yourself and the people around you." he said like it was no big deal while Mitchell started looking upset and possibly uncomfortable.
On a planet that was Jaffa controlled, or somewhat anyway, the Stargate stood in the middle of what would be considered a giant rock quarry. A path lead up from it off to the right going up to a landed mothership that was behind a tree line. Jaffa's in full armor were patrolling the area in groups. Inside the ship, Jaffa's were doing normal ship maintenance and other duties. On the bridge, a Jaffa was at the controls doing his job while another Jaffa stood by the doorway keeping guard. Another Jaffa entered the room and walked up to the figure standing just in front of the screen.
"Speak." Ba'al stated. He wore a strange leather suit jacket with a shirt almost the same underneath and the same with the pants. Kinda like a slightly dark version of the Komodo Dragon skin.
"It does not seem to be working." the Jaffa that was torturing Teal'c said.
"As I feared." Ba'al said with a chuckle. "His will is strong."
"I will break him. Whatever it takes."
"No, no, no. I'll deal with this." he said smiling.
Teal'c was still strapped to the table thing and though not being tortured with nerve racking pain, he was exhausted and barely conscious.
"Hello, Teal'c."
"You." Teal'c said glaring at the man before him.
"Seems it's time we had a little, chat." he said with a funny smirk.
"Sam and SG-3 are coming back from Chulak as we speak. Should be here in a few minutes." Ford said looking at his watch as he entered the briefing room. "What do you have for me?"
The two gave him a run down of what they learned and what Bra'tak feared was happening.
"Brainwashing?" Ford said thinking as he walked up the table and then back down it. "Brainwashing……who would be doing this? And why? Unless it's to get at the Tauri, or if it's a new Ori strategy. No, the Ori wouldn't do that. They use a direct approach. I don't even think they know what the word covert means. Any ideas on how long this has been going on?"
"Over the course of the last three weeks, many alliances have shifted."
"Hmm, that could mean that there is a lot of Jaffa's that are brainwashed. Three weeks is a long time, but whoever is behind this, didn't stop the proposal for democracy, just postponed it."
"For all we know, half the High Council could have been compromised. To which the proposal could be being stalled until it just ultimately fails." Daniel said.
"That could be the case." Ford muttered as he sat back on the table tapping his chin. "I remember watching…..ahem, reading a report about how Teal'c was brainwashed by Aphosis. Which is why he's on the Tretonin now….."
"I remembered it pretty clearly." Daniel said. "Where are you going with this?"
"Teal'c was able to go through some painful rite…."
"The Rite of Mal'Sharan."
"Yeah, that. He overcame the brainwashing then."
"Because he overcame such manipulations in the past, should make it easier for him to overcome it now." Bra'tak said.
"True. We just need to find out who has the technology. The Goa'uld are gone. Except Ba'al who's hiding on Earth still. So, some Jaffa must have gotten their hands on that technology. Question is, who and what is the purpose?"
No one spoke for a moment, all looking like they were thinking.
"Anyone you might know that has been subjected to this technology Bra'tak?"
"Bra'tak, you said a close friend of yours, Maz'Rai, he changed his opinion virtually overnight." Daniel said quickly. "He could have had the technology used on him."
"Indeed."
"Is it possible for you to get him to go through the same thing Teal'c did?" Daniel asked.
"And if so, at the very least, he may be able to give us an idea of who is behind this." Bra'tak stated with new found hope.
"You two get going then. The sooner we have an answer the better. I'll inform Sam of the plan and have teams made ready for a rescue op."
"I admit, we've certainly had our differences in the past," Ba'al said as he walked around Teal'c. "But you need to hear what I have to say."
"I will not hear the words of a false god."
Ba'al turned to him with a smile.
"Oh yes, the whole god issue." he said in his non Goa'uld voice as he waved his hands around a few times. "Maybe we did take it a little too far, but can you blame us?"
Teal'c could only watch and listen, though he was a little surprised at Ba'al's attitude.
"We gave you strength, vitality, long life. I know you don't quite see it that way, but no matter. That's all in the past now." he said then walked up and leaned on the metal ring holding Teal'c left arm. He laughed still in his non Goa'uld voice.
"Come now Teal'c, we're smart enough to know we're not actual gods."
Teal'c only kept staring ahead.
"Well, some us are anyway. There was always those that started believing their own propaganda. I suppose, all you need is enough people to worship you, then you're pretty much a god by definition are you not?"
Teal'c looked at him, with no emotion. Though Ba'al could see that Teal'c was wondering where he was going with this.
"So is the case with the Ori. Granted, they do seem to have some very interesting powers to back up their claims. I've seen what happens to those who resist. They are a formidable enemy."
"How does this concern you and I?" Teal'c asked looking straight ahead again.
"We worked together to defeat the Replicators."
Teal'c laughed.
"The Carter's defeated the Replicators."
"Yes, well. I helped with Stargate part." he said with a grumble.
"This is working together?" Teal'c said with distain. "Taking me against my will! Brainwashing the council to do your bidding….."
"The Jaffa number in the millions, spread across the vastness of the galaxy. Your backgrounds are diverse and rich in a history of warfare with each other."
"Because of the Goa'uld!"
"As a united nation, you are young and un-experienced. Too weak to face a adversary as powerful as the Ori. Gerak proved that. What you need now is a strong leader. One with the mind and experience to wage war on such a foe."
"You?" he said with a smirk.
Ba'al walked away going to the table before turning around.
"I'm not asking you to worship me. I'm not trying to undermine your freedom. I care nothing for your rights and traditions, and what you wish to do with your daily lives. What I do not want to see happen is the utter subjugation of this galaxy at the hands of the Ori." he said forcefully. "That, would be an utter shame for all of us. Don't make this personal Teal'c. Your people are in need, and I can help them. I can help us defend all of ourselves against the Ori."
Daniel and Bra'tak went to Dakara and found Maz'Rai in his room. Daniel was looking at some old scrolls as Maz'Rai talked to them.
"That is an absurd accusation. You know me Bra'tak. I choose my opinions carefully."
"That's true." Daniel said getting a slight glare from the man. "No, really it is."
He walked up to the desk that Bra'tak was standing near while holding several sheets of paper that he was looking over.
"We took these out of the Hall of Records before coming here, six months ago, you co-authored policy measures designed to prevent voting abuses by Gerak's coalition." Daniel said handing over a paper and then more as he spoke. "Four months ago, you voted in favor of increasing the size of the council to give unrepresented Jaffa a voice, and just three weeks ago you introduced a motion to set limits on the councils legislative powers. Are we beginning to see a pattern here?"
"You believe in democracy Maz'Rai. How else do you explain your actions?" Bra'tak asked as the Jaffa looked at the different papers.
"I do not deny my beliefs. My thinking on the proper timing and strategy on implementation is what's changed." the man stated hastily.
"Two evenings ago, you remember clearly what you did?" Bra'tak asked.
"Bra'tak, I can barely remember what I ate yesterday, that is sad I admit, but proof of nothing than old age." he said looking at papers on his desk.
"And age has taken everything away but our wisdom, old friend. Those were the words you spoke to me just before you tabled our referendum for democracy."
Maz'Rai looked up sharply at him.
"Tell me one thing that happened the night before last, then I will let this rest." Bra'tak asked with force that he wasn't letting this go.
Maz'Rai laughed lightly then opened his mouth. But nothing came out and he frowned as he thought. The other two looked at him waiting, though Bra'taks face turned to sadness as he watched his friend become confused.
"Please leave me. I am weary."
Bra'tak walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder. After a small squeeze, he and Daniel left. Daniel walked up fast, having to catch up after putting the records back.
"We have reached him. Trust me. Facing the rite of Ma'lsharran is something he must do with clear mind and conviction. We must give him time."
It was later in the day, and Mitchell was sleeping on the other bed with a open Air Force magazine on his chest. Ferguson was looking out the window as the sun set.
"Do you know what I think you're doing?" he said looking at Mitchell, who didn't move. "I think you're fighting aliens."
"I think that chunk of metal you've got in your cranium has caused a lot of damage." he said slowly opening both eyes.
"I know you were test flying a plane down in Antarctica. You were fighting an alien armada, in human built, alien hybrid fighters, and we've got a whole fleet of them, and at least, ah, couple of interstellar battleships."
"Whatever you say man."
"The info's out there. The military, they couldn't build all that stuff themselves, they had to contract it out. I did some consulting for an aeronautics firm called Zephyr, when I first went on disability. Come on man, I'm seasoned enough to see through all those bogus cover stories they've been blowing around for the last couple of years. I mean, what really happened to that building a couple of months back? And that strange new influenza outbreak that swept the globe, didn't that start in a hospital near here?"
"Ferguson
look….."
"No, I know. I know. You can't tell me.
It doesn't really matter, the point is, whatever you are into, it is
big. I mean, it's bigger than we ever dreamed of, even back when we
were cadets and made that blood oath to make it into the space
program or die trying." he said with a small laugh.
"Look Cam, I'm not some crazy conspiracy nut, I know. You've got things to do besides sitting here waiting for me to die. Go."
Mitchell got up thinking and went to the vending machine outside. Doctor Kelly walked up as he was having trouble with the coffee vender.
"I find it helps if you hit it." she said.
"Oh, that's alright. I probably shouldn't have anymore caffeine." he said turning away.
"I got the results from the CAT scan." she said opening a file.
"And?"
"Well, it pretty much confirmed Mr. Ferguson's own doctor's findings. The shrapnel originally lodged itself against an intracranial artery, and over the course of the next few years, formed an aneurysm. Given its size and relative position, we would do more damage if we attacked it surgically. Even a intravascular approach would cause a major rupture."
"Okay. So, what's the plan?"
"I know you were looking for good news Colonel, but I'm sorry. I'm afraid, there are no options. It's just a matter of time."
Anger clouded his face quickly and he smashed his elbow into the glass face plate on the coffee venting machine. Everyone that was around could hear the glass break and turned to look. The doc just jumped slightly.
"Sorry doc, you were wrong. Hitting it doesn't help." he said then walked away. "I'll pay for that."
Bra'tak came back later to check on his friend only to find him laying on his cot bed. His larva on the ground dead next to him. Another skinny black Jaffa stood nearby at the end of the bed. Daniel was near the door looking through the papers on the desk.
"Thank you. Now please leave us."
The Jaffa nodded and left as Bra'tak knelt down by his friend and picked up the dead larva.
"You think he did this to himself?"
"He removed his own symbiont. The rite of Mal'sharran." he said looking at the dead snake.
"I don't understand. Why would he do this on his own? I mean, he had to know how dangerous it was."
"Indeed. It requires that you bring yourself to the edge of death." Bra'tak said after he set the dead larva on the floor. "In order to find your own true spirit. Should you fail…"
"He was ashamed that he had been brainwashed." Daniel said as he figured out what Bra'tak meant. "If he failed to overcome it, he didn't want anyone here to save him."
"I pushed you to this old friend." Bra'tak said with sadness as he placed both of Maz'Rai's hands together on his abdomen.
"Bra'tak." Daniel said after kneeling down and finding a piece of paper on the floor.
He read aloud the name on the paper that was hastily scrawled, and from what looked like in blood.
"Kal'el." he said with some distain.
Mitchell called the SGC and apprised Ford of what he could and got an update.
"Bra'tak is watching Kal'el in hopes of finding who brainwashed her. Hopefully the trail isn't long, and they'll find the mastermind behind all this and why. Sam is currently getting a rescue op set up still. Or she finished it." Ford said scratching his head. "Don't remember if she said so or not. Point is, once we know where Teal'c is, we're heading out to get him."
"I'll be there." Mitchell said.
"Mitchell, I told the team why you were gone. They'd understand and so would I if you stayed. I wouldn't blame you if you didn't come. We can handle this without you. Wait, that didn't come out right Cam, sorry. You know what I mean I hope…."
"I have a pretty good idea that you'd go on this mission alone and save Teal'c if the numbers are to great General."
"Actually, that is part of the plan. I just haven't told Sam yet. Anything they can do for your friend?"
"They said no. On that front, I have a favor to ask."
After telling him about his friend and the idea.
"I'll have
someone ask them, but you'll do it here."
"General?"
"You have permission to have him brought here. Get him to a more secure location where no one will notice anything and then call me. I'll have the infirmary ready and the Prometheus beam you here when you call."
"But….isn't…."
"Hey, if we can somehow save him, he can take your former place with the Prometheus 302 squad. You mentioned he was a better pilot. If not, all those questions will be answered as a last request. Better go get him ready while he still has time."
"I……don't know what….."
"Don't worry about it Cam. Just let him know he's going to learn the truth. And to stay alive to learn it all."
Teal'c was still on the table thing, and not doing well mostly because he needed Tretonin.
"So? Have you given some thought to my proposal?" Ba'al asked as he and the Jaffa that tortured Teal'c before walked in.
Teal'c continued to shake slightly as he kept his head down and eyes closed.
"To be honest, you've looked better Teal'c. Don't tell me your spirit is waning." he said then leaned forward into Teal'c face. "I know you need Tretonin to live."
Teal'c still didn't talk or open his eyes.
"Give in. Don't threaten the future of your people because of personal pride."
Teal'c laughed weakly but didn't look up.
"You are frightened. You seek to control the Jaffa, because you recognize the power of the Ori, and you are helpless, to do anything about it on your own."
"I've tried to be nice, I've tried to present reason, convince you in a most merciful fashion, but my patience wears thin. Now, rest assured I will prevail of your precious council and control the Jaffa. Ultimately it is for their own good. If you keep resisting me, I'll have no choice but to let you die."
About an hour later, Ferguson was in the infirmary as Lam went over the results of all his test.
"Bra'tak found a gate address. Teal'c is on a mothership there." Carter said as the two talked to Mitchell outside the infirmary.
"There is also a contingent of Jaffa, on the ship and guarding the gate. The plan is to storm the planet and get Teal'c off the ship." Ford said. "If you still plan on coming with, tell him what you want and hook him up, let him see your memories and then when we get back, maybe Lam will have something with an idea I had in mind. If you're coming, we'll see you in the gate room."
"Thanks General. Everyday I serve under you is an honor." he said with a choked voice.
"Actually, it's working both ways since you're SG-1's leader now." he said patting him on the shoulder. "Let's go Sam."
"Hey Cam, this place is great. A little drab in color, but you know the military." he said looking around from the bed. "I was right though. We do have interstellar ships and that was the Prometheus, right?"
"Yeah." Mitchell said as he set the memory transfer device up on a table next to Ferguson's bed.
"What is that? And when do I get a tour?"
"It's a little something we picked up off world."
"Off world?"
"Yep."
"And it does what?" he said seeing the unusual control board and some wires.
"We've done a little modifying to it, but it's functions are still the same. I downloaded my memories from the past few months, pretty much from when I entered the program here. What this device will do is allow you to relive all those moments. To see what I saw and experienced."
"You're serious?"
"You wanted to know the truth, and in many ways, this is better than the nickel tour. Be thankful, if it wasn't for General Carter, you'd probably be back in Iowa dying at home instead of learning everything that's really going on right now."
"He sounds like a good man and a great leader."
"Trust me." Mitchell said barley keeping his voice in check. "You have no idea, but you soon will."
Teal'c was taken off the table and being so weak and the fact that the Jaffa that took him off didn't care, let Teal'c drop the to ground, still with his hands chained.
"You can continue to resist me, and die." Ba'al said looking at the Tretonin on the table as Teal'c withered on the floor. "Or you can take the Tretonin and save yourself."
Teal'c looked up from the floor as Ba'al looked at the Tretonin vial.
"Join me, and you will save many more."
He set the vial back on the table and then turned leaving.
"It's up to you."
Ferguson was reliving the memories as Mitchell stood by watching. As he was watching the memory of Colonel Carter explain the Mark 9 nuke, Mitchell stopped it.
"What are you doing?" Ferguson exclaimed. "Why did you stop?"
"Teal'c, is in trouble. There's a rescue op about to leave. General Carter says they can do it without me, but he'd like me to be there if I can. I need to go."
"Go save him, for gods sakes."
"I just don't want you to give up. There's so many possibilities out there."
"Get out of here." he said waving at the door. "This doctor says there might be a chance but it involves your General's help, whatever that means. Sooner you guys all get back, the better chances I will have."
"Before I go, there's something I have to say. You may not like it, but I'm going to have to live with it whether you make it or not. I'm sorry. I'm doing what I'm doing and you're not because, I acted rashly. I'm a hothead, and you're suffering because of it."
"No, you're doing what you're doing because of who you are."
"I'm impatience, I lose control, I'm not particularly fond of that side of myself."
"I didn't mean that. When you see an opportunity, you take it. The kind of things that we were asking to do that you are doing now, you've got to be a little angry. You've got to lose control. If you think to much, you're just going to freeze up. My god, you're going to other planets through a freaking wormhole! You've got to be freaking nuts!"
"I just don't want to screw up again."
"Well, you better not. This Teal'c, he seems like a pretty decent guy, or alien, whatever he is. Maybe I'll get to meet him once you get back."
"He's a Jaffa."
"Jaffa. Just be yourself Cam. Trust me, that's pretty damn good."
"Thanks."
"I would have done it for anyone, you know that. It's part of the job."
"Yeah, it is."
"Well, turn it back on and get out of here. The sooner this is over, the sooner I have a better and second chance at life."
"Play, stop." he said pointing at the buttons.
"Rewind?"
Mitchell chuckled and pointed out the button.
"Way cool. Good luck man."
They shook hands and Mitchell started to leave.
"Hey."
"Yeah." Ferguson said as he was about to push the button.
"Skip over the flight attendant. That's private."
"I promise nothing." he said with a smile.
Carter was standing at the base of the ramp telling about what they had info on. Bra'tak was going to radio them and let them know when it was safe to come through.
"Small change of plans." Ford said entering the room with both his guns drawn. His coat was completely closed up making his head the only vulnerable spot. He even had his gloves on.
"Tell me you're not going to through and playing the hero?"
"No." Ford said turning away from her as he stood next to her. "I know we've had problems with the Jaffa in the past. Being enemies before they were freed. This is about the same case, so what I'm going to do is go through first. I'll give them an ultimatum, which you'll all hear. If they refuse, I'll cover you all as you come through. If they surrender, like I hope, then you'll come through on my signal and round them up to be cared for by other Jaffa on Dakara, or whatever planet they are taken to. If this plan works, zat only those that try anything and don't use your firearms unless absolutely necessary. Further, if this plan works, SG-1 will be the only one to take the ship, mostly because if the ship begins to take off and does, I'd rather only one team be stuck on it. No offense to anyone else here, and I'm not trying to sound like it's bragging, but everyone knows SG-1's record."
"You mean the getting into trouble part even in the middle of nowhere General." someone said.
Ford laughed lightly while nodding. Sam did smile slightly.
"Yeah. I'm betting if we went to a desert planet that never gets rain and waited a few days, it probably would rain, or in our case, snow."
Mitchell walked in and Ford stopped. He nodded to him then continued.
"Laughs aside now. Sam, tell Mitchell a brief version of what I said after I go through. Now, if the plan fails and they begin attacking. I want you to take out the most hostile target. Bra'tak will be providing aerial cover if things go bad, so keep watch when moving forward. Remember, Teal'c is family. You should all know what that means."
"You don't screw with your family General!" the large group shouted.
"You guys are very well trained. Walter dial it up."
As Walter started the gate up, Daniel asked a good question that wasn't covered.
"What do we do if Teal'c is brainwashed and fights back? You know since…."
"I will knock him out." Ford said jerking both his hands hard making the guns cock. A few people jumped. "Then bring him home and knock some sense back into him. Or Bra'tak will."
"Something tells me you won't have to General." Mitchell said.
"I have to agree."
Teal'c continued to fidget as his body kept telling him he needed the Tretonin that was staring him in the face on the table. He slowly crawled over and got it, and injected it. The other Jaffa that continued to stand by, walked up and pointed the strange device at him.
"Shall we try again?"
Teal'c cried out in pain as the disc on his temple activated.
The Stargate outside the ship started activating and all the Jaffa got into place quickly. They all pointed their staff weapons at it as it settled. One large cannon like staff weapon was up on the rocks under a small canopy being manned.
Ford stepped through with his guns pointed at the ground. They all looked at him and each other while being jittery.
"You all should know who I am by now! If not, then ask your partner or friend, but from the looks of things, you all know who I am and what I am capably of! If it wasn't for me and my teamates, Dakara would be in the hands of the Replicators or destroyed! Now, I can just call the hundred or so people back home to come through and tell them to open fire, or you can all surrender, and by the end of this day, be back home with your families! You should know by now that you can't kill me and these weapons have the power to punch some nice holes in that ship if its shields are down! So imagine what they can do to you!" he said as he slowly raised his guns. One pointed at the ground near the three men several feet from the ramp. The other he pointed at the cannon like staff weapon. "Choose now!"
They all looked at each other, some twitching as they tried to decided what was the best course of action.
"That ship won't be able to help you in any case. Our ship is in orbit and will disable it before it can even leave the atmosphere. Oh, and the Asguard came to help too."
"Is that true?" Mitchell asked as they waited at the mouth of the gate that Walter was keeping open.
"No. He's bluffing." Carter said. "Nice idea though."
"Good bluff."
They started hearing noises of something hitting the ground. Carter stepped through with the other's following after Ford mentioned her name. The Jaffa had tossed aside their staff weapons and were coming down to the large open area in front of the gate. Bra'tak decloaked just above them and started to look like he was going to set down when the ship was rocked by several impacts from a few gliders that arrived. He started to take off to get away and raise the shields when the ship emitted a lot of smoke and crashed somewhere on the other side of the mothership. Some Jaffa figured it was a opportunity and started for their weapons. Zat blast filled the air as they tried to run or fight back. Only a few staff blast were fired, but no one got hit thankfully. Ford blew up the cannon like staff weapon as a Jaffa went for it by hitting the barrel section with a explosive shot.
"Group them up and tie them up! SG-1, to the ship!" Ford yelled as he took off running.
They got to a ring room that was in a stone structure with adjourning corridors. Kinda like the inside of an old castle. They could see the rings in the ground but Mitchell couldn't get the buttons to function.
"Carter, work on this please." Mitchell said.
Teal'c was standing in front of the table, with his back to it. He was feeling better and was back to normal, to a degree. The Jaffa removed the disc from the side of his head. Ba'al walked in as the Jaffa turned away.
"I see you're feeling better. Seems your friends have come to rescue you, I expected nothing less. Unfortunately, it's too little, too late."
"Dammit, the motherships engines are powering up." Carter muttered as she worked on the crystals. "Wait, I got it. We've got a problem though, someone has to operate it manually."
"I need anyone…."
Two Lieutenant's came rushing into the room.
"General, we were chasing a couple….." one of them started to say.
Two Jaffa came out from a corridor off to their right and activated their staff weapons. The two Lieutenant's quickly shot the Jaffa's with their zats.
"Good timing men and even better shots. One of you needs to listen to Colonel Carter's instructions."
"I'm curious. Are you mainly feigning allegiance? Waiting for the right time to strike at me?" Ba'al asked as Teal'c continued to stare ahead.
Ba'al laughed lightly and turned back to the corridor. Two Jaffa's entered the room dragging an injured Bra'tak with them. They dropped him a couple of feet away from in front of Teal'c. They stepped back as Bra'tak held himself up on his knees. Teal'c looked at him with a curious but unknowing stare. Ba'al handed the staff weapon that the guard on Bra'taks right had to Teal'c. He then stepped back and placed his hand on a small weapon on his other hand similar to the one that Vala had when she tried to take over the Prometheus and shot Daniel in the arm.
"Kill him."
Teal'c spun the staff weapon around and pointed it at Bra'tak.
"Teal'c?" he said then looked at the weapon as it activated with a spark running through its end.
They were going through the ship rather quickly, stunning all the Jaffa they came across. Thankfully, the alarm had yet to be raised and no staff weapons were fired yet. Had they been, Ford would have took the impacts.
"Teal'c, you have to resist."
"Shut up old man." Ba'al said.
He pointed his weapon at Teal'c and was about to say something when the other three Jaffa went down under zat blast. Teal'c spun the staff around hitting Ba'als hand and fired his staff weapon into his chest several times.
"Glad to see you're still on our side Teal'c. Never had a doubt." Ford said giving Ba'al's body a disapproving glance.
"Same here." Daniel and Sam said.
"Ditto. Let's get out of here before this rust bucket goes to hyperspace huh." Mitchell said as Ford and Teal'c helped Bra'tak to his feet.
"Should have known Ba'al was behind this. And I wanted to shoot him. Oh well." Ford asked as they left quickly. "You okay Teal'c?"
"I will recover."
Teal'c helped Bra'tak while the other four alternated between front and back keeping them covered. They met some resistance, but made it to the rings and after calling the Lieutenant, they were beamed back.
Back at Dakara, the other Jaffa they captured were being looked at and treated, trying to get them to see the errors of their ways. Some it worked on quickly, others weren't working out as well and needed more time to be talked to. Mitchell went back to the SGC with Ford while Sam and Daniel were at Dakara outside the Council chambers waiting to hear how the proposal for democracy was going. Sam sat on a stone bench on one side with a pillar at her back while Daniel just to the left of her at another bench. He was tossing a ball off the wall to pass the time.
"Daniel, please stop. You're giving me a headache."
"Sorry." he said setting the ball in his lap. "Just the implications of this referendum are tremendous. We take democracy for granted but these Jaffa…."
They got up as they heard the door open and saw the Council members coming out. Teal'c came out first smiling with others.
"The referendum passed." Bra'tak said as Teal'c shook hands with a few others. "For the first time in history, we will have leaders voted by ever free Jaffa."
"Congratulations. Welcome to the club." Daniel said smiling.
"Two months from now, we hold general elections."
"Well, let the campaigning begin." Carter said also happy with the news.
"What about the Jaffa still effected by Ba'als brainwashing?" Daniel asked.
"It will take much dedication in their part to overcome." Bra'tak said. "But with our help, they shall prevail."
"Where's Colonel Mitchell and General Carter?" Teal'c asked.
"Um….." Daniel began saying.
"Once we get back to the SGC, Ford will be able to explain things better probably." Carter said.
The plan, which they were still unsure if it worked completely, was implemented. With K-9's help and linking with the Prometheus through a satellite link up, K-9 was able to use the transporter system to beam the metal from Ferguson's cranium. Ford then used the healing device instantly afterward. After several minutes, he stopped and Lam stated that though the damage looked like it was repaired, with K-9's help through scans he provided, Ferguson was still in the coma he slipped into sometime after they left to rescue Teal'c. When he would come out, they couldn't say yet. Mitchell accompanied his friend back to the hospital he was in before to be observed better. Mitchell couldn't even come up with the words to tell Ford thanks before he left. It was mostly stutters so Ford told him to take the rest of the day off and tomorrow too. He was sorry he couldn't have done more and then left to deal with other base troubles.
"Wow. You're not going to get in trouble for doing this are you?" Daniel asked.
"No. Besides, Mitchell says the guy is a great pilot and if he recovers, he can fly the F-302 that Mitchell gave up." Ford said leaning back into his chair at the briefing table with a covered yawn. "Oh man, using that device for so long can wear you out."
"I'm guessing that using that…whatever healing power it is, would have worked but been more draining on you than when you did mom?" Carter asked.
"Not really sure. I really didn't want to risk it. Took me awhile just to get my hair to go back to normal and for me to feel like the age I'm suppose to be."
"You would have aged more than before, had you used that power then General Carter?" Teal'c asked.
"Possibly. Don't know. I don't want to use it unless in extreme circumstances. The more the injury and such, the more I think it takes out of me. Well, there's nothing else going on important right now for the night, so I'm going to see if there's anything Walter needs me to do. If not, I'm, correction we are going home an hour early." he said seeing his watch. "You two can, do whatever. But Daniel, please go home and sleep for the night. Don't fall asleep at your desk, or at your desk at home."
Daniel grumbled but said he would comply.
A few days later, Ferguson came out of his coma, and was feeling better. Though the doctors wanted to wait a week or so before letting him out. Run test and such, just in case. A few days later, Mitchell was able to show him around the base, thanked Ford profusely and asked to be able to join them. After the doctors cleared him, after a month, he was able to get back into the program and joined the 302 project.
A couple days later, Daniel got a strange visit. That turned out to be something he never thought possible. He was working in his office, going over translations and such. There was no missions for SG-1 that day and other than meeting up earlier that day for lunch, they hadn't seen each other since then. He was writing on a pad when he heard his name called.
"Hello?" he asked looking up.
"Daniel, I need your help. Can you come here?"
"Where are you?" he asked looking over the table and then around the room.
"I'm out in the hallway."
"Why?" he asked heading out and seeing Ford with his back to him. "I don't see anything out here that needs to be pushed or anything."
"Come over here and you'll see."
Puzzled, Daniel walked around to his front finding him doing something with a remote he didn't recognize. Daniel jumped slightly when Ford grabbed his hand and then suddenly they beamed away.
"What the…" he said stepping back and seeing he was in some much larger version of a Puddle Jumper.
The walls were much farther apart, by at least a dozen feet. The front was a little bit bigger, but otherwise the same. Instead of a slanted back section, it went farther back through a large open door. Beyond it he could see what could be a living room of some sort. Two people who looked familiar were sitting in one of the couches but before he could identify then, Ford turned around and shut the door.
"You never saw anything back there."
"You're not Ford."
He slightly tilted his head with a look.
"Okay, you are, but…"
"The alternate time line one, I know." he said stepping past and going to the controls.
"Why did you kidnap me?"
Ford laughed hard.
"Oh boy. Come on Daniel, do you really think that?" he asked activating the controls.
"Then why did you, beam me into this?" he asked sitting down in the seat next to him.
"I need your help, like I stated. See that device behind me?"
"Yeah, that looks like the time dilation machine the Asguard have. Wait, you stole it?!"
"Daniel, come on. Have a little faith in me. I haven't changed that much. I'm here to help you out because the Ford you know can't help."
"Help with what?"
"You'll see when we get there." he said activating the time drive.
"What year we in?" Daniel asked as he saw that things had changed outside. "Are we cloaked?"
"Yes."
An hour later and Ford not answering any questions, they arrived above a certain museum.
"Now, I'm betting you know where we are now. If not, then you'll know in a moment." he said turning around to activate the time dilation device. "Oh, put this on or you'll also be stuck frozen in time."
Daniel had a idea of what was happening as he put the strange metal armband on that was obviously of Asguard technology. He saw out the window that everyone and everything around them had totally stopped moving. Ford landed the ship and got up. Daniel was really surprised at what he was seeing in the back. It wasn't the added on space, two room and other furnishings. It was the two people that were sitting on the couch. They were alive, but in a sort of comma Ford said. He also apologized very profusely that it took this long. They went into the museum, did a switch, and then left. He took the large shuttle back up into the air, re-cloaked it and then undid the time dilation. History never noticed the change just like the two times he did this before. Then they went back to the future. He took Daniel back and beamed him and his parents back into the SGC, in the present. After talking to them for a couple of hours about certain details.
Ford was coming down to send Daniel home. Even if it took having Walter to shut down the power to his room. He heard lots of talking and figured Sam or someone else was getting a discussion of some sort. A lot of it was Daniel in a really happy voice that was quite animated. The other two voices that came and went he didn't know.
"Daniel, who are you…" he began asking when he entered the room. "Whoa."
"Ford, you'll never believe who stopped by. Actually, you will. We went back and I helped save them! Sure, it would have been better…."
"Daniel! Calm down man before you give yourself a heart attack!" he said grabbing the very excited and red eyed man by the arms. "I can guess at it all pretty well. I was there for Amy and Charlie."
"Right, right. I um, well…um…unfortunately, they can't leave the base." he said sadly.
"I think I know why. He told you why didn't he?"
"They were well known in many circles. To many people were around when they died, well. Too many questions and such. Um, I'm going to show them around and such." he said between excitement and sadness.
"Okay, just try not to leave the premises to far, you know. And get some sleep. Given the chance, he'd just fall asleep on that keyboard or some book, every night." he said looking at the two.
"He told us." they said. "And we've done the same."
"I'd like to stay and chat, but I have a family of my own to get to." he said clapping his hands together. "Daniel, take the day off tomorrow. Don't have to translate or anything like that. You can take them to town and get them things they need and such. I'll have someone clean out one of the larger guest rooms. Just tell people they are from out of town or something and say different last names and such."
"Yeah, he told me all of that already." Dnaiel said nodding a lot.
"God, you're already on a buzz trip. Take the next three days off. I'll try to fill any work that needs doing that I can do and have someone else do what I can't."
Sam was so shocked by the news she cried for Daniel. Even Ford was crying slightly for him, but not in Daniel's presence. Teal'c was really impressed and happy for Daniel. Jack was so shocked he even chocked up slightly on the phone and came to the SGC to see them and other than brag on Daniel, but to harass him about past events. They all talked about Daniel and his exploits, good and bad. Though Jack kept trying to bring up all his embarrassing moments, which he succeeded in most of the time.
