NON REVERSABLE EFFECTS

CH8

I entered the gate room just as they were starting to dial PX7/898, the planet that SG-1 had their mission on. I just couldn't believe that it was SG-1 that had gotten into trouble on their third mission—if they did have to get into trouble, it could have been on their sixth mission at least.

As the seven chevrons locked and that ka-whoosh settled into the event horizon, I made sure that the straps on my vest were loose. I knew for anyone else, even myself it was dangerous, but if SG-1 really was in danger and needed to be found fast, then I could have to transform into a Tiger and it would be better if I could slip the vest off as fast as possible. A MALP was sent through first, and the immediate area around the gate was clear. Jack gave us a worried "God Speed" like Hammond always did, and as one SG-3 stepped through the gate.

The planet on the other side of the gate was very much Earth-like, unlike some of the planets that I had been to when I first joined the SGC. The gate was surrounding by forest, and as the rest of the team checked the surrounding area, I started to scent the air. There was nothing, or it smelled like there was nothing; which in itself was odd because forests smelled pretty strongly. I forced my eyes to see the scents, everything was gray and when I looked at my team mates I found that there own scents blended in with that of the forest. And that was when I knew that this place had been tampered with.

After clearing the area, the rest of SG-3 stepped back and let me do my thing. I carefully scrutinized the whole area, and almost missed it—the faintest wisp of navy-blue scent. I rushed to the tree that I was sure the scent was coming from and stuck my nose right to the rough bark. I inhaled deeply, taking in Colonel Mitchell's scent. I could just picture him— leaning against the tree as the others got the things ready to move out. I wasn't sure if whatever had happened here, but whoever did this was thorough enough to come back to the beginning.

I turned back to the others. "They were here," I told Major Hensen, who was looking at me expectantly. "But someone else came back here and covered up any tracks. I did find a slight trace of Colonel Mitchell's scent, so I might be able to work with that." Hensen nodded, she looked to the others on our team and opened her mouth to order the others. I bit my lip and held up my finger, drawing her attention. She closed her mouth and looked at me, her black eye brow raised. I gave her a nervous smile. "Because the scent is so faint and because someone messed with everything scent around here, I'm going to have to Change."

Hensen looked at me for a second before she nodded and turned her back on me, the others turned their back on me too. Quickly, I slid of my vest, my boots, and socks, unsnapped my gun holster and unzipped my jumper suit, I took off the T-shirt under that then with a breath slid off my briefs. Instantly the surrounding hot and humid air clung to me, I ignored it and hastily folded my things.

For an instant I felt the pull and tug and then I was a Tiger. I hit the ground on all fours, a small purr of satisfaction leaving my chest. At the sound the others turn and Sergeant Brady knelt down and put my things in his pack. I nodded to Hensen and she nodded back indicating that they were ready. I turned and began to sniff out SG-1.

The forest was big to say the least and the contamination that was disrupting SG-1's scent at the gate was also everywhere. But occasionally I did get snippets of scent, most were of Mitchell's navy-blue scent, but some times I would catch Teal's red or Carter's orange and even Daniel's green. They were just snatches, but enough so for me to make out a theoretical trail.

Finally the forest ended and we came out into a small green clearing. Hensen called for a five minute break and everyone sat on the ground exhausted. I Changed back into a Human, careful that I was covered when I did so. I looked at them with confusion.

"Why are you guys so tired?" I asked, looking at each in turn.

"Are you kidding?" Lieutenant Canden gasped, looking at me like I lost my mind. "It's been three hours and you were, like, running the whole time!"

Blush heated my cheeks. "Sorry." I said, realizing that I must have been going really fast while intent on finding the scents. "I'll check the surrounding area." I told Hensen.

She looked about to protest and tell one of the others to accompany me, but I had already turned into a Tiger and was in the trees. The others were wiped any way and I didn't even notice that I had been going it fast until it had been pointed out to me. Any way, it would give me a chance to see if SG-1 had been this way.

It was all clear and I was on my way back when I was sure that I had found the jackpot. All of SG-1's scents were floating about. They were very thin as if they had been sitting in the air for a long while, instead of if they had just come off of their original source. I gave smile of triumph, well, as much a a cat could smile. I started to walk again, a shadow coming from above as I walked under a branch over head. Suddenly, the ground gave way under me and I landed awkwardly on my legs. I felt a painful twinge as my right-hind ankle twisted painfully underneath me. I Changed back into Human form, looking around myself with fear.

I was in a fucking hole in the ground; I punched the dirt wall surrounding me in frustration. It was at least 10 feet high, I could try to jump out of it if I was a Tiger again, but I wasn't sure there was enough room and with my ankle . . . I think it was twisted. I was naked and I didn't have my radio, which was the only flaw with being a Tiger.

"Hello?" I yelled. "Hensen! Brady! Canden!" but all I got was the was my echoing shouts.

They were too far away to hear me no matter how loud I yelled. I sat back, my knees drawn to my chest; trying to fell a less exposed as possible in the given situation. Hopefully when I was gone long enough, SG-3 would notice and come looking for me. That or whoever had set this trap-thing would go after them next. I looked up at the at the branch above me, noticing movement just as something sharp pierced my thigh. I looked down, my eye lids already feeling heavy and falling as I took in the dart sticking up from my thigh.

God, I hated those things with a passion, I thought as the darkness took me away.