Disclaimer:
Stargate does not belong to me, nor do any of the images displayed. This fic was created by me for entertainment purposes.
NA 1: This is a translation from Spanish. Before, I used to upload the translation from Google Translate, but I found this one and it seems better to me. Please comment to let me know what you think.
NA 2: If anyone wants to help with corrections or translations and serve as an editor, please send me a private message. I am too busy to do it myself. Again, my apologies to everyone.
NA3: También he publicado el original en español, ya pueden leerlo.
Stargate O'Neill 2
With direction to what Jack knew to be Chulak, General Hammond ordered a second mission to that location. While preparing for the mission at Chulak, Jack made sure to add a few missiles to engage the death gliders, although he had no intention of causing a ruckus there.
-Are you sure about this? -Jack asked Daniel.
-Share is worried about Skaara, I must do this for her," said Daniel as they prepared to cross to Chulak, and the general warned them that they had twenty-four hours to return or report back, before they overrode the code on the bracelets and the iris they had installed in the Stargate remained locked.
-All right, but avoid taking risky actions. Follow in my footsteps and don't venture out without asking me first. We don't want you to be dragged by some creature and end up in some strange place where you can get another wife," Jack warned. Daniel smiled.
...
As they crossed the portal to Chulak, they found that it was part of a stone monument and all around it was empty. While Daniel suggested that perhaps it was some kind of altar, Jack pointed to the scout.
-Send him back to Earth. We don't want to leave any trace of our presence here, but be sure to set traps all over the place," Jack ordered.
-Shouldn't we establish a perimeter? -asked Carter.
-Carter, we're two teams against possibly an entire army on this planet. The best we can do is try to make them think there's no one here," Jack explained, and Carter nodded after a few seconds of thought.
-Carter, Daniel, follow me. Kowasky, make sure you set up an escape route for us. And be ready in case they send those flying fighters. We don't want the same thing to happen as last time," said Jack.
-Sir, they won't be able to get close this time," said Kowasky holding up a missile launcher. Jack nodded, and before they started sending the probe back to Earth, they had already departed.
-Jack..." Daniel whined as Jack grabbed him by the throat and covered his mouth.
"This guy is a danger, just an hour ago I told him to stay behind me, and now he was already getting ready to take me to a viper's nest," Jack thought, looking at Daniel as if he couldn't decide whether to hit him or put him to sleep.
Jack waited for the group of priests to pass by to talk on the radio.
-Kowasky, there is a group of priests approaching the portal, let them pass and do not reveal our positions," Jack ordered.
-What makes you think they are priests? -Daniel asked sulkily, because his plan to make them fall into the hands of the enemy had failed miserably.
-Believe me, they are priests. And yes, they are priests of the alien that took Skaara. And if we contact them, they'll take us to their leader and we'll fall into their hands surrounded by an enemy army. Sound familiar? -Jack asked, feeling like bashing this brainless hippie's head in.
-I think Colonel O'Neill is right, they do look like priests," Carter added, and Daniel grimaced.
-And how are we going to get to your town...? -Before Daniel had finished speaking, Jack pointed out the way the priests were coming.
-I have a hunch that if we follow them, we'll come to a city," said Jack with a sneer.
-I didn't know you gave so much credence to your hunches," Daniel complained.
-Daniel, ever since I've known you, I've paid a lot of attention to my hunches. Now walk," Jack ordered.
-I don't know what you mean by that," Daniel complained.
-It's better if you don't know, keep walking," Jack ordered.
...
A few minutes later, they had assaulted some passersby and had stolen their clothes, fortunately they were some kind of robes that allowed them to hide their weapons. The city they arrived in was horrible, dark, dirty and decadent. It was not dirty in the sense of having garbage and debris scattered around, but dirty in the sense that it needed several coats of paint, repairing some walls, water fountains and so on.
-Let's follow the priests," Jack ordered, observing two priests walking down a street, who led them to a large mansion.
-Sir, I don't think this city is the residence of that alien. Ra didn't mix with his slaves, maybe he's visiting," said Carter, who had apparently studied the mission report to the letter.
-Carter, this is no time for assumptions. We'll watch this place until further notice," Jack ordered, and Carter frowned, since they had gotten there on pure assumptions. But Jack was in charge, and they could only frown.
...
-Jack, we are wasting our time. It seems that those priests only attended a party..." -Daniel had not finished speaking when they saw a column of Jaffa entering the palace with several prisoners. Jack raised an eyebrow as he looked at Daniel.
-How do you plan to get in? -Daniel asked angrily. It seemed that if he didn't get them in trouble, he was unhappy.
-The same way we entered the city," said Jack, smiling as he saw other priests approaching.
-If you hit those people, we'll be found out," Daniel warned. Jack rolled his eyes and motioned for them to go wait for him in an alley.
...
After ten minutes, they were changing into priest's robes.
-How did you get them to follow you? -asked Daniel in amazement.
-I approached them, pointed down the alley and said, "Jafa kree" and indicated the alley apprehensively, motioning for them to follow me.
-Those were the words used by the alien on Abydos. Very clever of you, sir," Carter complimented. Jack nodded. He knew that the word "kree" meant to pay attention, and the Jaffa were the loyal warriors of the Goa'ulds. If they told a priest to approach, he would be obliged to do so.
-"Well, now we pretend to be men of faith, 'no tongue,'" Jack emphasized, turning especially to Daniel, "and we go into the palace to see if Skaara is there," Jack explained.
...
-It's a party," reported Daniel, ten minutes after he had been exploring the surroundings with Carter.
"Yes, Daniel, I realize it's a party," Jack thought, this guy was starting to annoy him more than expected.
-I've checked the back area and I think that's where they keep the prisoners, because there is more security," said Jack. He had found a corridor guarded by jaffa.
-We'll wait to see if we can take advantage of any distractions," said Jack, but as he spoke, they all began to kneel and he hurried to imitate them along with the others.
Jack watched slyly as Apophis entered with his new queen, a cinnamon-skinned woman who fortunately was not Share, as Jack had managed to save her from that fate. Unfortunately, he had not been successful with Skaara.
-Stay here and don't even think of trying to talk to anyone. Remember, priests without tongues," Jack warned Daniel.
-What are you going to do? -asked Daniel.
-I think I saw someone I knew," said Jack and turned away without another word.
...
A couple of minutes later, he was behind a corner at the beginning of a corridor, next to Teal'c, whom he had managed to lure there by showing him his P90. Depending on Teal'c's reaction to seeing the weapon, Jack could either talk about an alliance or start returning fire.
-Who are you? -Teal'c rebuked, slamming him against the wall as he grabbed him by the neck and removed the weapon from his tunic.
Teal'c had approached discreetly, indicating that he was willing to talk, but that did not mean he was friendly.
Jack didn't mind trying this strategy, because if he failed, he could still escape by relying on his hidden men.
-Teal'c, do you believe in fate? -Jack asked, holding his neck to prevent the stone statue from strangling him by mistake.
The guy was just like in the series: tall, muscular, bald and dark-skinned. He was wearing the full jaffa suit, but had his helmet open, which made Jack recognize him.
Jack could feel the enormous strength the jaffa possessed, being held by only one hand, without causing him any discomfort in inspecting the P90 with the other.
-Speak," Teal'c threatened.
-Teal'c, my name is Jack O'Neill, I am a Tauri, and we have met before. In another world and place, you joined me to fight against the tyranny of the Goa'uld. I know your hope, Teal'c. I know that you wish for a better future for your son and your wife. But more importantly, I know that together we can defeat the Goa'uld. They are just parasites, Teal'c, and you know it. Help me and your hopes will be realized," Jack concluded, releasing Teal'c's hand, for as he spoke, Teal'c was letting go.
-How do you know about my family? -Teal'c asked suspiciously.
-Teal'c, I know many things about you and I do not know many others. I cannot explain to you how I know what I know. Call it fate, call it magic, call it dreams of the future. But I need your help, and you need mine. Apophis has taken a group of people as prisoners, among them are a soldier from our planet and a Habidonian, who were captured in a raid in which my people were involved. Do you know who I'm talking about? -Jack asked, and Teal'c nodded.
-The woman was not worthy to be a guest for the queen of Apophis and is dead," Jack already knew this, but wanted to confirm it. The young man showed great bravery and strength by killing two jaffa, and as a reward he was taken as a guest by Klorel, the son of Apophis. At this moment, his body is being prepared," Teal'c explained, and Jack frowned. Attempting to help Skaara had only made him more attractive to the Goa'uld. It was bad luck for Skaara, but there would be other opportunities to help him. For now, Teal'c was the priority.
-That wasn't supposed to happen yet," said Jack.
-Destination? -Teal'c asked.
-Yes, but don't mention this to anyone else, because in my world they would lock me up in a place for the insane if they found out about this. Their spiritual beliefs don't allow for such things," Jack explained earnestly.
-Your knowledge of the fate of others must be a great burden to you," Teal'c said, giving him room to move. Jack watched the party, where Apophis was still presenting his queen to his servants.
-If I betray Apophis, I will be persecuted and your world will earn his eternal enmity," Teal'c warned.
-I know, but this action is too important to ignore," Jack said, massaging his neck. Teal'c had a great deal of information that he could not reveal to the SGC without arousing suspicion. Teal'c, what happened to the people who were abducted? -Jack asked without waiting for a good answer.
-Apophis has already obtained what he sought from them and they have all been executed by me and the other Jaffa," Teal'c explained. Jack grimaced, "Do you still think I am worthy to serve the great cause of defeating the Goa'uld? -Teal'c asked.
Jack understood that the man had just suffered a hard blow, and it was all his fault, by bringing forward the implantation of Skaara, he also brought forward the death of those people.
-Teal'c, it was not the destiny of these people to die. This is my doing. I have tried to save someone I care about from becoming a host, but I have only succeeded in hastening his fate and sealing the fate of all those people.
"Your hands have executed them, but I was the one who sent them to their death by trying to change something without having the means or the strength to do so," said Jack with his stomach churning. He didn't even want to think about how many people Apophis had captured.
Wanting to help Skaara was a very stupid idea. There would be other opportunities, but he decided to intervene when he hadn't even taken the first steps to save himself. His impatience was his biggest flaw, and it was a shitty flaw...
-O'Neill, one day we will make the Goa'uld pay for all their crimes," Teal'c assured him, patting him on the shoulder and interrupting his thoughts. We must stay strong now," Teal'c advised. His depression must have been evident.
-You're right, there's nothing we can do for them now," said Jack unconvincingly, as his stomach was still churning and he felt like throwing up. How long will Apophis stay? -asked Jack.
-Not much more. As soon as Klorel is ready, he will leave to present his queen and son to the lesser Goa'uld. I will stay behind to visit my family and train new jaffa. Afterwards, I will likely be called upon to initiate new conquests on behalf of Apophis. The planets selected will be those where Apophis has confronted you," Teal'c explained. Jack nodded.
-Then there is no need to cause trouble. We'll wait until Apophis returns to his world to talk calmly. Where can we find you? -asked Jack.
-Go to my house and tell my wife that I sent you..." Teal'c explained how to get to his house and Jack returned with the others.
-Jack, did something happen? -asked Daniel. Jack thought he should work on his expressions, it was obvious he wasn't fooling anyone.
-Bad news, let's get out of here first," he said pointing to the exit of the room, where they slipped out one by one, since it would be unthinkable for priests to abandon the feast of their god.
...
When they reached the alley, they took off their priestly robes and dressed as common people.
...
-Teal'c sent me," Jack said as a brown-skinned woman opened the door. She let them in without asking questions, leading them into a sort of sitting room.
-Skaara has been taken as host, like that boy who was Ra's guest," Jack explained as Teal'c's wife went to prepare tea or whatever they offered to the guests there. Daniel patted him on the shoulder.
-Sir, how did you hear about that? -Carter asked.
-A jaffa, who are those warriors in armor that serve Apophis, recognized us at the party. He told me. He did not inform Apophis of our presence because he believes Apophis is a false god and seeks help in defeating the Goa'uld, which is what Ra's species calls itself. This jaffa was present at both of our confrontations against Apophis. He has seen our technology and weapons, and believes we can help him free himself from Apophis," Jack explained.
-Has he contacted you before? -asked Daniel. Jack shook his head.
-No, I tried to approach, but he was already waiting for me," Jack lied.
-Sir, it's good to get allies, but do you think we can trust him? -Carter asked.
-Sam, I don't think Apophis would have let us go. Ra simply tried to kill and humiliate us," Daniel explained. First Ra and now Apophis, maybe this is not a coincidence?
Jack ignored Daniel's theories and leaned back in his chair, throwing his head back to close his eyes and try to calm himself.
-Kawalsky, we may have visitors soon. It is likely that Skaara will be with them. Let them in, he has been taken as a host and we can't do anything at the moment. We will remain here for a few more hours. I think we've found an ally with valuable information that Earth needs," Jack reported.
-I understand," said Kawalsky. Colonel... I'm sorry," Kawalsky added and closed the line.
"You don't even know what really disturbs me," Jack thought. Having saved a small number of people had cost the lives of perhaps dozens of them... It could be more than a hundred... Jack gritted his teeth hard. If he hadn't intervened, he wouldn't be responsible for the deaths of dozens of people.
This was exactly what he feared. This kind of situation was why he didn't want to get involved in a war, but a few simple words had led to a tragedy and now he had caused the death of...
"Shit," Jack cursed in his mind. Dozens of people had died just because he was impatient and wanted to show off smart.
...
-Jack? -Daniel called, tapping him on the shoulder, after a couple of hours. Jack looked up and saw Teal'c beside him. He was not wearing his snake helmet.
Jack stood up with a clearer mind. He had made a sorry spectacle of himself, but to fail at one of his main objectives before he could do anything was embarrassing, disgusting and disheartening. He felt completely useless.
It sucked and I wasn't even sure I could fix it. Although it was possible, there was a long way to go and many dangers along the way. Before he thought he was doing everything right and taking every advantage, but now he had made a stupid mistake at the beginning of his journey in this world. His lack of patience had caused a mistake that resulted in the death of many people...
Jack sighed in his mind. He couldn't fall for that again. He looked at his team.
-Daniel, Carter, this is Teal'c, the Primate of Apophis," Jack introduced, pointing to Teal'c. "Teal'c, this is Dr. Daniel Jackson and Captain Samantha Carter of the Tauris. Teal'c, this is Dr. Daniel Jackson and Captain Samantha Carter of the Tauris," Jack introduced.
-Tauris? -asked Daniel.
-The first world where humans evolved and then were discovered by the Goa'uld, who took them as hosts, jaffa warriors or slaves, taking them to thousands of worlds across the stars to serve them," Teal'c explained. Daniel and Carter were surprised.
-That means there are millions of humans out there who need our help," said Jack.
-I would be honored to serve your cause," Teal'c said, raising his fist to his heart.
-Thank you, Teal'c. Your help would be most welcome. Let me make a call to resolve your diplomatic situation before I do anything else. Will you bring someone with you? -Jack asked.
-My wife and son," Teal'c said.
-Talk to them while I report to my superiors," Jack said. Teal'c nodded and turned to his wife, who was waiting outside the room.
-Sir, what is a primate? -asked Carter.
-He is the chief jaffa of Apophis. He commands their armies in battle, has piloted their ships, knows how to use their weapons, and in general has a lot of knowledge that could be useful to us, especially when it comes to information about the Goa'uld," Jack explained.
-That would be of great value," said Daniel.
-I agree, but I must discuss this with General Hammond and explain Teal'c's situation. I don't want him to end up incarcerated upon arrival," Jack explained, then called Kawalsky.
-Kawalsky, this is O'Neill. I need a direct line to Stargate Command. I have urgent information to report. Don't worry about the Stargate, there will be no activity there," he explained.
Kawalsky quickly connected him to SGC Command, where he reported the death of the soldier and the possession of Skaara by a Goa'uld. Jack then explained Teal'c's situation, mentioning that he was bringing his wife and child with him and would need a place to stay. General Hammond promised to make the appropriate calls and contact him later.
...
A few hours later, they had passed through the gate and were back home.
-Welcome, Colonel," said General Hammond. Jack approached him with Teal'c at his side and saluted.
-Sir, allow me to introduce Teal'c, a Jaffa warrior and former primate of Apophis, who is willing to join our side to fight for his freedom and the freedom of those like him," Jack explained.
-Earth welcomes you, Teal'c of the Jaffa," General Hammond greeted. Teal'c took the Jaffa oath to serve and protect, and then introduced his family.
-Sir, soon Apophis will learn that his primate no longer obeys him, and as I mentioned before, we have left some bodies behind.
With that and what Skaara knows, it is very likely that Apophis will link us to this, so we expect retaliation as soon as he finds out about everything," explained Jack.
-We'll take that under advisement, Colonel O'Neill," General Hammond said. Anything else? -he asked when he saw that Jack did not withdraw.
-The enemy are those creatures in the jaffa bags that can take control of people. I recommend that I and the entire returning team undergo medical examinations," said Jack. He did not want any future surprises with the Goa'uld. General Hammond nodded and sent them all to the infirmary without further delay.
...
A few hours after concluding his report on the mission, General Hammond called Jack into his office. Jack entered and saluted.
-Colonel, come in. Sit down," said General Hammond, pointing to the chair in front of his desk. Jack sat down.
-Sam has mentioned to me, off the record, that I may need to take some time off. Can you tell me why? -General Hammond asked.
-She hasn't told him? -Jack asked despondently.
-He told me that his relationship with the young man captured by the Goa'uld was unusual," said General Hammond. Jack grimaced, but decided to tell part of the truth. Otherwise, he could not live with himself.
-Someday, I'll get that Goa'uld out of Skaara's head. Don't doubt it," said Jack with determination, and the General looked at him perplexed.
-He doesn't seem to be too worried about it," said the General, and Jack nodded.
-Earlier, during the mission on Abydos, I had... a strong feeling that something similar to what happened on Earth might happen, and that the alien had not visited Earth by chance. So I warned the Abidonians and my team to guard the gate seriously. I also handed my weapon to Skaara because the boy was too impulsive and refused to retreat from there," explained Jack.
-Did he surrender his weapon? That is not in his report. Nor in the report of the others," said General Hammond with a helpless expression. You seem to be gaining the loyalty of your men quickly. Carry on," said General Hammond. Jack guessed that seeing them surrender their weapon to Skaara moved them, those guys were softies.
-After handing the weapon to Skaara, we continued with the mission and discovered the Abydos stele. Shortly after arriving there, we heard gunfire and returned to the portal room, where there was a Goa'uld attack. However, my team managed to repel it with a balance of one wounded, Ferreti, one dead Abidonian and one kidnapped, Skaara.
"At that point, I just gritted my teeth. It was bad luck. I would get Skaara back later. I had confidence in that and it didn't affect me. After making the arrangements I considered important and mentioned in my report, we returned through the portal and set out on the rescue mission to Chulak.
"Once in Chulak, I met Teal'c and, after introductions, I asked him about the soldier and Skaara. The soldier was killed when she was rejected by the Goa'uld, and Skaara was made a host without any prior evaluation, simply because the Goa'uld found her brave and bold.
"That's what I mentioned in my report. What I didn't mention is that everyone captured by Apophis was taken to a prison. There, Apophis kept choosing hosts who were rejected. There were dozens of people there, perhaps more than a hundred.
"People who didn't even know the Goa'uld, people like the Abidonians, some simply slaves and some belonging to abandoned worlds. Skaara would have been taken there if he had not given her that weapon and alerted the team to the attack.
"Apophis would not have chosen Skaara upon meeting him, and he would still be waiting in that prison until I arrived. All those people would have been there... Long live," Jack concluded through gritted teeth. It took General Hammond a few seconds to understand, but he finally did.
-After getting the hosts he wanted, Apophis ordered the rest executed," said General Hammond, and Jack nodded, still gritting his teeth.
-So you think that if you hadn't ordered your team to defend the portal on Abydos, you could have saved all those people," General Hammond said. Jack smiled dejectedly, he already knew what he would try to say, but that wouldn't work. Not for him, who knew what really should have happened and how his recklessness had caused the death of all those people.
-General Hammond, I know what you are trying to say, and you may be right from your perspective, but not from mine. Before I left this base for Abydos, I suspected that this Goa'uld would show up there, so I equipped my team. I had some certainty that it would happen and I wanted to teach him a lesson. The risks were calculated. His exploration plans were too naive for anything to go wrong. So I acted. I didn't really think about the consequences, it was my impatience that led me to act.
"And now I know that if I hadn't, things would have been a bit complicated on Chulak, but with Teal'c's help, I'm sure we would have returned safely. But I decided to act stupidly and caused the death of many people," Jack concluded. General Hammond was silent for several minutes. Jack grimaced as he waited.
-"Earlier, you told me that you had already imagined that there would be more portals, more ships and more threats to Earth, but you did not act or report them," said General Hammond.
Jack was surprised, because that was a lie he made up to quickly make General Hammond understand the danger facing Earth and to gain access to the portal and set his survival plans in motion. Jack nodded somewhat chagrined at the lie, but General Hammond seemed to misinterpret his reaction and nodded in agreement.
Colonel, if you had included that information in your report and the higher-ups had listened to you, it is likely that by now the gateway would be buried, so that politicians and a few people could sleep soundly at night. It is also possible that someone would have listened to him and the program to explore worlds in search of a way to protect the Earth would have been reactivated. In the first case, it would have been a disaster for Earth. In the second case, we would already have a huge head start on the current state of the project.
"On Abydos, you decided to act and things went wrong. But the young man could also have been left behind. He could have been injured or, at worst, killed.
"We also know that if you had not acted, there would be more dead and wounded on Abydos. Although there were fewer than Apophis had executed, remember that if you ever let people die because you "might" affect more people later, you will have become a despicable person, someone who only sees others as numbers.
"Colonel O'Neill, you seem to have an uncommon ability to anticipate problems. But I want you to understand that you can't really foresee the future and are as limited as the rest of us when it comes to making decisions," General Hammond concluded.
Jack reflected. He knew what might happen because he had seen the original story. However, he could not see the future. If he could, he would have taken Skaara with him into the mazes and solved the problem. Jack sighed helplessly.
-No, sir, I can't see the future," said Jack dejectedly. And yes, I would feel like crap if I decided about people's lives based on numbers," Jack admitted.
-Well, it is good that you understand your limitations, because we need you. I have reviewed your recommendations regarding Abydos to secure the planet without the need to bury the portal and ensure benefits for both the Abidonians and us.
"First, keep the portal sealed to prevent unauthorized access. Options could be a false burial, drilling into the rock beneath the portal to move it like an elevator, or building a large sphere to house it in the middle of the portal. These are brilliant ideas in Sam's opinion, and she is already a genius.
"Second, send a full mining team to extract Naquadah, a key material for future projects on Earth, and compensate the Abidonians for supplying this material through food, clothing, housing and utilities.
"Third, investigate the labyrinths and recover any treasures that Ra has hidden there. It is important to emphasize the recovery of these treasures, but also to remain cautious, as there may be more treasures hidden in the walls. Should they be thoroughly examined? -General Hammond asked, raising an eyebrow as he read the report on his computer.
-Sir, Ra was shrewd, he wouldn't want us to miss something important by being distracted by trinkets. Everyone knows that the real treasures are hidden behind the walls," Jack said with a smile. General Hammond shook his head.
-I'll be sure to remind the exploration team when they're ready. As for your idea of trading with the Abidonians for the Naquadah and advising Dr. Jackson not to bury the portal, the President has offered you a medal," Jack gritted his teeth, not in the mood for awards. I'll have it sent to you discreetly," said General Hammond, understanding his situation. Colonel O'Neill, you've done a good job. Take a day off," he finally ordered. Jack had to grit his teeth and nod, they both knew he was still affected by his mistake...by how things turned out.
-Thank you, sir. I will try to work on my character flaws, such as my lack of patience. I think I will talk to Teal'c about it, he is a very focused person," said Jack, standing up and saluting. General Hammond returned the salute, and Jack left the office.
...
After wandering around for a while and drinking three cups of coffee to avoid falling asleep and having nightmares, Jack tried to play games on a computer he found in an empty office, but the best he could find was solitaire and minesweeper. The computer didn't even have Windows XP. His life as a gamer was going to be bleak in this world.
Jack thought that maybe he could buy a PlayStation 1, since for that console very good games had been released, such as the whole Resident Evil saga or Parasite Eve 2, which despite the fact that the fans of the saga hated it, he loved it...
-Sir," Carter asked. Jack gasped and as he turned away, he desperately tried to close the solitaire and minesweeper he had opened.
-Carter, what are you doing here? -Jack asked, realizing as he looked from the corner of his eye that he had pressed the wrong keys and the windows were still open.
"Why the hell aren't the keys on this keyboard where they should be!" exclaimed Jack mentally.
-Sir, I've moved the window lock on the other side, reassigning the F4 key," said Carter when he saw the mess he had gotten himself into. It turned out that she was responsible for this vile trap that had not allowed her to keep her dignity...
-Carter, why have you been fiddling with this computer? -Jack asked accusingly.
-This is my work computer, sir. This is my lab," she explained. "Shit," Jack thought. She must have suspected something when she saw a computer that was too new for the Stone Age machines they had in this place. Jack looked at her uncomfortably. He hadn't managed to close the damn solitaire after all.
-And what are you doing here? If I'm not mistaken, it's bedtime," said Jack. It was already past eleven o'clock at night.
-I sleep very little, sir. Especially when there are new discoveries that keep me awake," Carter explained.
She would come to work late into the night. No wonder being a prodigy, it seemed her brain was constantly harassing her demanding knowledge. This woman's life is very hard, Jack thought.
-Carter, you have to learn to rest. In this place, from now on, there will always be new things to do or investigate. If you're always thinking about them, you'll end up collapsing. I don't want to scare you, but they say that prodigies are more likely to lose their sanity if they get too stressed out," explained Jack, surrendered to the stupid game he couldn't close without looking at the keyboard.
-I'll keep that in mind, sir," Carter agreed, but he didn't leave, and while Jack wondered if she was bothering him on purpose, she kept talking. Sir, sometimes when I'm out of ideas for my work, I also play solitaire. Would you like to play a few games? -Carter asked.
Jack was moved. He who didn't believe she played any games, her mind obsessed with new knowledge, had no time to entertain herself with games. But considering that she had warned General Hammond about his state of mind, it was possible that she also believed he needed company, which was why she was offering to play solitaire.
-Carter, are you asking me to play you, a prodigy, in a numbers game? -Jack asked. Carter, how dumb do you think I am? -added Jack with a grin.
-Sir, I think you are exaggerating my intelligence. You should read my job reports more. Actually, I've only been here most of my career and haven't had a great deal of accomplishments. Your theories are much more amazing... -Jack grimaced and Carter stopped talking. His theories were a sham and had led him to kill a lot of people.
-Carter, don't underestimate yourself. You're a prodigy, and you'll soon see for yourself," said Jack, getting up to leave.
-Sir," Carter saluted. Jack responded with a salute as he walked out.
...
Jack thought he needed to buy a PlayStation 1. He would have to go shopping the next day. Teal'c had asked him to show him Earth, it would be a good opportunity to do so and avoid questions about buying the console. He could even smuggle it in, claiming it was a gift for Teal'c's son. The child would be the perfect age to serve as an excuse. He would say he was saving it for his birthday, including the games.
Teal'c and his family would not live there, but for the time being they were there until military intelligence finished approving Teal'c.
With nothing else to do that night, Jack decided to hit the gym. From his recollection, hitting the sandbag was a comforting experience when his stomach was churning from the results of his missions. Although he preferred to play games, the only decent computer on that base, other than a top-secret server from which he would be handcuffed and targeted if he tried to tinker with it, was in the hands of a prodigy with a severe case of hyperactivity.
...
Arriving at the gym, Jack saw Teal'c working out. He was jumping rope. Jack imagined him more like the guy who lifted weights.
-O'Neill," Teal'c nodded as Jack approached.
-Teal'c, shouldn't you be with your wife and son? -Jack asked.
-O'Neill, my mood is not the best, and my mind is busy with all the things coming up," Teal'c explained. It seemed that he too was restless. No one seemed to be able to sleep that night.
-I thought the Jaffa meditated when their minds were not in the right state," Jack said. Teal'c raised an eyebrow and Jack remembered they hadn't talked about that. I know you need to meditate daily," Jack clarified.
-Destiny? -Teal'c asked, referring to his knowledge of the future. Jack nodded, "When we meditate, we blank our minds and try to detach ourselves from the world, but that is not my goal at this time. My goal is to reflect and think," Teal'c explained.
-Did the Goa'uld teach you this meditation process? -Jack asked. Teal'c nodded. That's interesting. I wonder what would happen if you did it all backwards.
-It may not give the expected result," Teal'c said.
-It is possible," Jack said and motioned for her to sit down to try it out. Teal'c nodded and sat down on his knees. Jack supposed that was uncomfortable, but for the sake of solemnity, he sat the same way in front of him.
-Well, young padawan, let's begin your apprenticeship," said Jack with a smile.
-Destination? -Teal'c asked.
-No, one of my favorite movie sagas. Tomorrow I'll buy you... Shit," Jack said. Teal'c raised an eyebrow, "My favorite movies aren't out yet. They're way in the future. Well, we'll buy others, Star Wars still has three movies," said Jack. Teal'c nodded.
-Well, let's get started. Close your eyes and concentrate on the air around you. Try to feel it on your skin, like the water of a river or the waves of the sea. Try to listen to it, like the sound of the rain or the song of the birds...