- Two weeks later... -
Izarc, the natural satellite of Ivadoll, bathed in the bluish glow of its mother planet, presented a desolate and sterile landscape. The cold, silent wind swept across the rocky surface, creating a perfect setting for tragedy.
Three teenagers, around fifteen years old, stood bewildered in front of their partially damaged spacecraft. Their daring attempt to escape from Ivadoll had turned into a disaster, transforming their makeshift metal structure, assembled from salvaged objects, into a heap of twisted metal. Electrical wires hung from the frame, crackling with residual energy.
Victor, a physically fit teenager, stood tall, his piercing blue eyes fixed on the remnants of their shattered hope. Disappointment had consumed him, but he tried to conceal it behind a mask of resolute optimism.
Kira, a slender and agile girl, stood beside Victor. Her curly black hair flowed freely around her. In her green eyes shone an unwavering determination. Her heart was racing, but she refused to be overwhelmed by fear.
A little apart, Ayden carefully examined the wreckage of the spacecraft, his blond hair almost golden in the bluish light. His brown eyes reflected a deep tranquility, a calm that contrasted with the surrounding chaos. His analytical mind searched for solutions, seeking to find a glimmer of hope amidst the disaster.
Victor broke the silence with an ironic smile. "Well, who forgot to check the thruster?"
Kira responded with a hint of annoyance. "That was your job, Victor. You're supposed to be the little genius of the group!"
Victor shrugged, a mischievous smile on his lips. "Well, it seems even geniuses make mistakes."
Ayden smirked as he pointed at the wreckage. "Sure, that's a stroke of genius, indeed!"
Victor feigned indignation. "Got a better idea?"
Ayden smiled. "Maybe next time, we should build a spaceship that doesn't look like a tin can."
Victor picked up a rock and threw it against a rocky wall. "Okay, promise, next time we'll make sure to crash somewhere other than the most boring planet in the galaxy."
Kira burst into laughter. "I fear the worst."
Ayden headed towards the debris of the spacecraft. "Enough joking around. We have a spaceship to repair."
Despite their situation, they were determined: they would fix their spacecraft, go back home, and leave again... but this time, with a better plan.
Meanwhile, in orbit around the planet Ivadoll, an Asgard ship had just appeared, carrying the respected Thor. His mission was simple: to perform a routine check on the planet to ensure the safety of its inhabitants.
As he carefully observed the data displayed on his control screen, he was surprised to see a ship leaving Izarc and heading towards Ivadoll. This sight left him perplexed, as he knew that the Ivadollans were not allowed to possess spaceships capable of galactic travel. Such a prohibition had been put in place to protect their own security.
Intrigued and suspicious, Thor decided to inspect the occupants of the ship. Using advanced technology, he analyzed every detail, seeking to determine if they posed a threat to Ivadoll.
That's when he noticed something unexpected. One of the teenagers aboard the ship emitted a familiar energy signature. Intrigued, Thor focused on this particular individual and realized with astonishment that this signal was none other than the genetic marker of General O'Neill.
This discovery raised many questions in Thor's mind. How had a teenager from Ivadoll inherited that marker? Determined to understand this puzzle, Thor decided to contact Frigg, the Asgard genetic specialist, who might be able to shed some light on the situation.
Thor activated the holographic communication, and the image of Frigg appeared before him. The geneticist displayed a surprised expression when she saw him.
"Thor, what can I do for you?" she asked in a calm but slightly troubled voice.
"Frigg, I have an unusual situation here on Ivadoll," Thor began in a serious tone. "I've spotted a ship leaving the planet's satellite. As you know, Ivadollans are not allowed to possess such spacecraft."
"That is indeed very surprising," she responded, choosing her words carefully.
Thor fixed Frigg with intensity. "But what's even more intriguing is that one of the occupants of that ship emits an energy signature identical to General O'Neill's."
Frigg felt a sense of unease. She lowered her gaze, feeling the weight of the truth bearing down on her. She took a deep breath before responding in a slightly trembling voice.
"Thor, I have a confession to make," she hesitated. "Together with Hel, we discovered an embryo carrying O'Neill's genetic marker within Colonel Carter. After studying it, we found that the child had genetics almost identical to the Ancients. We made the decision to steal the embryo and accelerate its development."
Thor was stunned by Frigg's revelations. The pieces of the puzzle were starting to come together in his mind, but he was shocked by Frigg's audacious actions.
"How could you make such a decision, Frigg?" Thor asked, trying to contain his growing anger. "This action directly violates Asgard protocols and could have disastrous consequences."
Frigg looked up, her face expressing both guilt and a determination to face the consequences of her actions. "Thor, I am aware of the implications of what I've done," she replied in an emotionally charged voice. "I acted out of conviction, believing that this embryo could represent hope for our dying race. I assure you, Colonel Carter was still in the early stages of pregnancy and was unaware of anything."
Thor remained silent, trying to control his anger and take a step back from the situation. He was faced with a moral dilemma, as he understood Frigg's motivations while recognizing the gravity of her actions.
"Frigg, we must handle this matter with caution and responsibility," he said in a calmer but firm tone. "We must rectify this error in the best possible way. We cannot further compromise the security and integrity of the Ivadollans, nor our relationship with the people of Earth."
Frigg nodded, ready to face it and find a solution that would restore balance and trust between the peoples. "Thor, I'm prepared to take responsibility for it," she said firmly.
Thor nodded, acknowledging Frigg's willingness to face the consequences of her actions. He knew the path ahead would be difficult, but he was determined to find a balanced resolution.
"I will go to Earth immediately to retrieve General O'Neill and SG-1," Thor declared resolutely. "Frigg, I will meet you on Ivadoll. Go and explain to the governor what is happening and announce our arrival."
Frigg nodded, recognizing the soundness of Thor's words. She knew she had a heavy task ahead, but she was ready to face it.
- General O'Neill's Office, SGC -
Jack sat at his desk, lost in his thoughts. For the past two weeks, Sam had been avoiding any contact with him. She kept herself busy all the time, trying not to be alone with him. Despite his attempts, he had failed to reestablish communication.
Suddenly, a familiar figure appeared in the room, startling him. He nearly spilled his cup of coffee. "Damn it! Thor! Can't you knock before you show up like that? You want to give me a heart attack?!" he exclaimed, mixing surprise and irritation.
"Sorry, O'Neill. We have a problem," Thor replied calmly and unperturbed.
"Don't tell me those little spiders are bothering you again?" O'Neill asked, wiping off the few drops of coffee that had spilled on one of his files.
"No, O'Neill, it's about your child," Thor revealed, his voice resonating with a certain gravity.
"Excuse me?!" O'Neill was caught off guard by this unexpected revelation. He struggled to remain calm, not showing anything. "Thor, jokes about children were funny two weeks ago. They're not funny anymore," he retorted sharply.
Thor remained unfazed and continued his explanations. "Frigg, our geneticist, made a regrettable mistake. She stole Colonel Carter's embryo, accelerated its growth, and hid it on one of our planets. It's now in danger. We need to take action."
O'Neill shook his head, trying to grasp the magnitude of the situation. "Wait... say that again!" he exclaimed, attempting to grasp the reality of what was being told to him.
Thor nodded, aware of the importance of his words. "Your child has been stolen and taken to one of our planets. We must intervene without delay," he summarized.
A wave of conflicting emotions washed over O'Neill. Surprise, anger, panic... everything swirled inside him. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest like a war drum heralding an imminent battle.
Thor continued, "We don't have time to waste. I will teleport you immediately with the rest of SG-1. We need to go to Ivadoll." His voice was firm, leaving little room for debate.
Panicked, O'Neill tried to stop him. "Thor, no! Wait! I need to talk to Car..." But before he could finish his sentence, a beam of light shot out and enveloped them both.
When the glare subsided, O'Neill blinked to adjust to the brightness of the new environment. Beside Thor, the members of SG-1 also appeared one by one.
Daniel Jackson, still holding the book he was studying, looked around and eventually fixed his gaze on O'Neill. "Jack... What's going on?"
The general tried to respond as he quickly moved toward Carter, grabbing her arm and pulling her away from the group. "Two minutes, Daniel! Just two minutes!" His voice was tense, betraying his anxiety. He knew he had a difficult conversation ahead, and he wasn't sure he was ready to face it.
Jack led Sam aside, his heart racing. He knew he had to tell her the truth, but he feared her reaction.
Jack looked at Carter, a serious expression on his face. "Sam, I need to tell you something..." He took a deep breath, placing his hands on his mouth, trying to gather his thoughts. "Damn it! This isn't easy."
Sam looked at him, her blue eyes filled with worry. "What is it?"
Jack ran a nervous hand through his gray hair. "It's about our... You didn't... You didn't miscarry." He paused, searching for the right words. "The child was... stolen."
Sam blinked, surprised. "What?" she murmured, barely able to believe what she had just heard. "You're joking, right?!"
Jack shrugged, an ironic smile on his lips. "Well, it seems the Asgards have decided to play sorcerer's apprentices after all. Fragg or Frigg... I can't remember! Anyway, their geneticist... stole the embryo and grew it on one of their planets."
Stunned, anger settled on Sam's face. "They didn't dare!" Her voice was sharp, her words overflowing with anger and frustration.
Jack raised his hands in a calming gesture. "Try to stay calm... please..." He tried to give her a reassuring look, but he knew it was in vain.
Sam shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. She couldn't contain her anger any longer, wrenching her hand away from Jack's grip and rushing toward the control room, determined to confront Thor.
Jack anticipated her reaction and chased after her, desperately trying to hold her back. "Sam, wait! Listen to me!"
But the colonel was already too far, entering the control room with determined steps, her eyes burning with determination. The other members of SG-1, remaining in the background, watched them with perplexity and concern. Thor stood in front of the console, his gaze fixed on the screen. He turned his head upon hearing Sam's determined footsteps.
"Colonel Carter, is something wrong?" he asked in a calm but attentive voice.
Sam clenched her fists, struggling to contain her anger. "How could you let this happen? After everything we've done for you!"
Thor looked up at her, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I understand your anger, Colonel. I should have been more vigilant. The responsible individual was acting covertly, beyond my knowledge."
Not far away, Daniel approached, intrigued by the tense exchange between Sam and Thor. He raised his hand like a student asking for permission to speak. "Um... Let what happen?"
Jack fixed Thor with an accusing look, expressing his discontent, and responded to Daniel. "Seems like our dear Asgard friends have a very personal view of our alliance."
Daniel furrowed his brow, perplexed. "What do you mean?"
Before Jack could answer, Thor interjected. His impassive face conveyed the gravity of the situation. He stood tall, his gaze fixed on Daniel. He began explaining the details of the situation, gradually revealing the stakes that were at play.
Daniel and Teal'c listened attentively to Thor's revelations, astonished by what they were learning. Their surprise quickly turned to indignation as they realized the extent of the Asgard's actions.
A heavy silence settled, filled with tension and uncertainty. Each person was absorbed in their own thoughts, trying to comprehend the implications of what Thor had just revealed.
Eager to learn more, Daniel spoke up, "Tell me more about the people of Ivadoll. What makes them so special?"
Thor nodded and answered, "Approximately 80% of the population possesses the Ancient gene, making them a rare and valuable people. Their genetic potential is of great importance to us, which is why we have taken steps to protect them."
Daniel let the information sink in, trying to assimilate the facts. "And they've never had any visitors?" he asked, eager to understand why this people had remained isolated.
Thor explained the situation. "We secured their Stargate, preventing any unauthorized access," he clarified, revealing the mechanism that had preserved Ivadoll's isolation.
Teal'c, seeking to grasp the situation, asked, "How old precisely is this child?"
Thor took a slight pause before answering, "He is about fifteen Earth years old. Time passes more quickly on Ivadoll due to the influence of the temporal dilator we have put in place," he explained, unveiling the mystery of the passage of time on this distant planet.
The revelation elicited surprise and bewilderment from Sam and Jack. "What?!" they exclaimed almost simultaneously, unable to conceal their astonishment at this temporal reality.
Sam, eager to understand the motivations behind these actions, asked an obvious question. "But why alter space-time?"
Thor calmly explained his position. "It allows the Ivadollans to evolve more rapidly. We hoped to find a solution to save our declining race as quickly as possible."
Jack couldn't help but react upon hearing that. "So basically, you've turned them into guinea pigs for your genetic experiments. Fantastic!"
Thor, sensing the tension in Jack's words, shook his head. "O'Neill, we are facing a desperate situation and need a swift solution to preserve our race."
Sam, concerned about what the next steps would be once they arrived there, asked, "What do we need to do once we're on Ivadoll?"
Thor took a pause, allowing a moment of reflection before answering in a serious tone. "The governor and his wife, who are the child's adoptive parents, have been informed of our arrival. We will meet them, as well as the child, and explain the truth about his origins. It is crucial that he stops running and understands the dangers he is exposing himself to. If the Goa'uld were to discover Ivadoll's existence, we would all be in great danger."
Jack, with a hint of sarcasm, immediately reacted to Thor's proposal. "So, what? We just show up there and say, 'Hey, here's Mom and Dad, you're grounded, stay in your room'?"
Sam displayed a slight smile; Jack always had a way of making her smile even in the most dire situations.
Daniel seized the opportunity to bring some clarification to the conversation. "Just out of curiosity, is it a boy or a girl?"
Thor, looking at the archaeologist with perplexity, didn't understand the meaning of his question.
Jack chimed in, "Doesn't matter, Daniel."
The archaeologist kept a slight smile, respecting the seriousness of the atmosphere. He wanted to highlight the inherent challenges of adolescence without appearing too amused. "At that age, communication isn't necessarily easy. Usually, boys want to kill their fathers, while girls want to marry them. Just ask Oedipus."
Thor simply replied, "It's a boy."
Daniel held back his smile and nodded, patting Jack's shoulder. "Good luck, Jack."
Perplexed, Jack turned to Daniel. "What?" His confusion was palpable, but Sam couldn't help but smile.
Jack, lost in his thoughts, found himself in a peaceful room of the Asgard ship. Stars streamed through the window, their shimmering lights reflecting in his contemplative eyes. Thor's revelations kept looping in his mind, the news of his unexpected fatherhood weighing heavily on his shoulders.
Beside him, Colonel Samantha Carter settled gently, her gaze lost in the stellar landscape beyond the window. She knew that Jack needed time to process the news, but she felt an urgent need to talk to him. She took a deep breath before breaking the silence.
"Jack," she began softly, her voice barely audible above the gentle hum of the ship's systems. "Have you thought about what it will mean to meet him?"
Jack turned his gaze towards her, his brown eyes locking with hers. "I have to admit," he replied, his deep voice resonating in the room. "I'm not really sure what to expect."
Sam nodded in understanding. "Neither am I," she admitted, her voice filled with uncertainty. "I just hope that everything goes well..."
Feeling Sam's concern, Jack reached out and pulled her gently towards him. "Come here." She nestled against him, finding comfort in their closeness.
After a moment of silence, Jack turned his gaze to Sam. "You know," he said, a hint of humor in his voice. "I never thought I'd say this, but I hope he inherited more of your genes than mine."
"Why?" she asked, intrigued by his remark.
Jack shrugged. "Well, for starters, he'd have a better chance of understanding math and physics."
Sam laughed and retorted, "And maybe he has your sense of humor."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "That's what worries me, because if that's the case, we'll have a science genius with an incredible sense of humor. Sam, the world isn't ready for that!"
Sam laughed again. "No, probably not," she said, shaking her head in amusement.
After spending a few hours in that room, Carter had fallen asleep in Jack's arms. He, however, remained awake, still pondering the situation.
Daniel eventually joined them, "Thor asked me to let you know that we're arriving soon."
"Thanks, Daniel, we're coming," Jack replied, gently waking Sam.
The three of them joined Thor and Teal'c, who were waiting in the control room.
- Somewhere on Ivadoll -
The teenagers' spacecraft had managed to land, not without difficulty, amidst the lush vegetation. Victor was the first to step out, followed closely by Ayden and Kira. They all displayed palpable nervousness.
"Victor, you could have chosen a spot closer to the city to land this ship! We're going to take forever to get back!" Ayden exclaimed, visibly annoyed.
"Yeah, sure! And why not make a grand entrance in the middle of the central square, so everyone can see us!" Victor retorted, raising his hands to express his annoyance.
Kira, trying to calm the situation, chimed in. "Come on, guys, stop arguing! We made it here safely, that's already a victory in itself."
The teenagers, aware of the need for discretion, hurried to conceal their spacecraft under thick foliage, hoping to camouflage it within the planet's natural environment. After taking all necessary precautions, they set off towards the city center, knowing that a few hours of walking awaited them.
Ivadoll's trails were imbued with wild beauty, with exotic flora and strange fauna surrounding them. They moved cautiously, careful not to attract attention.
Hours passed slowly as they approached the city center, their anxiety growing. They hoped that no one had noticed their absence.
Thor's ship manifested majestically in the sky of Ivadoll, a planet of breathtaking beauty that curiously resembled Earth.
Teal'c, lost in thought, eventually posed a question. "Thor, once we're there, what will be our best strategy to resolve this situation?"
Thor answered with marked seriousness, "It is imperative to reveal the truth to the child to prevent further reckless actions."
Intrigued, O'Neill asked, "What reckless actions?"
Thor pointed towards Ivadoll's natural satellite and explained, "I discovered your son and two of his friends aboard a ship on Izarc. Their ship encountered difficulties, and they redirected themselves towards Ivadoll."
Jack raised an eyebrow, realizing the gravity of the situation. "I see."
Teal'c continued the inquiry, "And then? Are you planning to transfer this child into Colonel Carter's body?"
Sam jolted, taken aback. "What?"
Thor answered straightforwardly, "No, Teal'c, that is not possible."
A fleeting sense of relief washed over Sam. It wasn't that she didn't want to be pregnant, but the idea of reintegrating the child she thought she had lost made her uneasy.
Daniel chimed in, seeking a solution. "So, what's the plan? Should we bring him back to Earth?"
Thor voiced his concerns, "I fear he would not be safer on Earth."
Carter quickly thought and suggested, "The best way would be to intervene in the past and prevent this theft."
Thor regretfully explained, "I have considered that possibility, Colonel Carter, but Asgard ethical code forbids us from using such methods."
Jack, annoyed, retorted, "We don't care about your ethical code!"
Daniel tried to calm the spirits. "Jack..."
"What?" Jack replied, annoyed by the interruption.
"Remember that time travel can have disastrous consequences," Daniel reminded him.
"Consequences more disastrous than stealing my son for genetic experiments?!" Jack exclaimed.
"Jack, actually, there aren't really any genetic experi..." Daniel tried to explain.
"That's enough, Daniel!" Jack interrupted. Then, turning to Thor, he continued, "Thor, let's go back in time and fix this!"
Thor sadly lowered his head. "Impossible, O'Neill. The Asgard do not possess the necessary technology."
Jack, with a touch of sarcasm, swept his gaze across the ship's dashboard. "Well, get to work on it! With all these buttons, I'm sure you can whip up a time machine for us."
Thor replied with a certain sadness, "We do not possess that knowledge. Only the Ancients have achieved such a feat."
Jack turned to Sam, hoping, as always, that she would have a solution to offer. "Sam?"
Carter shook her head. "It's not that simple."
Jack rolled his eyes, clearly frustrated.
"We must be able to predict a solar flare, and even if I spend hours working on it, I'm not sure I can do it," Sam added.
Thor intervened in a soothing voice. "I can try, Colonel Carter."
Jack turned to Thor, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Finally, some good news."
Daniel, with a hint of concern, questioned Thor. "And what about the temporal dilator? We won't risk... aging too quickly, will we?"
Thor reassured him. "Do not worry, Daniel Jackson. I took care to deactivate it before coming to fetch you."
Without further ado, a beam of light enveloped them, and they found themselves quickly in front of a residence.
The house stood before them, majestic and imposing. It was pristine white, with a modern and futuristic architecture. Its streamlined structure, with clean and precise lines, was a harmonious blend of gentle curves and sharp angles. The smooth and glossy surfaces reflected the planet's light, giving it an almost ethereal appearance. Organic-shaped panoramic windows dotted the facade, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The whole structure exuded serenity and sophistication, a true architectural masterpiece.
As they admired the building, the main door opened slowly, and two figures appeared. The governor, a middle-aged man with gentle features, and his wife, a mix of elegance and timeless beauty, stepped out of the house to join them.
Thor approached the governor, a sign of respect in his gaze. "Governor Sigurd, thank you for receiving us," he said, his voice resonating with a certain gravity.
Sigurd nodded respectfully. "It is an honor for us, Thor," he replied, his voice filled with serenity.
Thor respectfully nodded. "Allow me to introduce to you SG-1, coming from planet Earth," he declared, pointing at each of them in turn. "General Jack O'Neill and Colonel Samantha Carter, the boy's parents, as well as Dr. Daniel Jackson and Teal'c."
Sigurd and Hilda welcomed them with a respectful nod. "It is a privilege to meet you," the governor said, his gaze resting on each of them in turn.
Hilda approached Sam, a glimmer of concern and unease in her eyes. "We are devastated. If we had known he was abducted... We would have never agreed."
Sam gently took the hand Hilda extended to her. "We are convinced that you were deceived, just like us," she replied, a smile of shared understanding appearing on their faces.
With a gesture of his hand, Sigurd indicated the house. "Please, come in. Victor is not here yet, but he shouldn't be long."
"Victor?" Jack wondered, furrowing his brows.
Sigurd replied with a slight unease, "That's the name we gave our... your son. When Frigg entrusted him to us, he didn't have a name. So, we decided to choose one. We hope it suits you."
Daniel, true to himself, couldn't help but make an etymological reference. "Victor is of Latin origin, derived from the verb 'vincere,' which means 'to conquer.'"
Jack displayed a look of annoyance. "Thanks for the clarification, Daniel."
Thor respectfully nodded before declining the governor's invitation. "I must return to my ship to work on the initial calculations," he declared, looking at Colonel Carter, his voice resonating with calm determination. Without another word, he rose into the air, enveloped in a beam of blue light, and disappeared from their sight.
Sigurd and Hilda guided the members of SG-1 inside the house. The interior was as impressive as the exterior. Immaculate white walls were contrasted with pops of vibrant colors from futuristic artworks adorning them. Touchscreen displays were embedded in the walls at regular intervals, showing various real-time information. The furniture was minimalist and elegant, with clean lines and geometric shapes.
They were led to an open living space, where several white sofas were arranged in a circle around a glass coffee table. The sofas, simple in appearance but incredibly comfortable, seemed to invite the members of SG-1 to settle in. Made of a soft and supple material that perfectly molded to the body, they offered optimal comfort, enticing everyone to sink into them.
"Please, have a seat," invited Hilda, gesturing gracefully towards the sofas. The members of SG-1 sat down, sinking gently into the plush cushions, while Governor Sigurd and his wife took their places across from them.
As they all settled into this welcoming setting, Jack spoke up, breaking the silence. "How long do you think it will be until he arrives?" His tone reflected a mix of impatience and worry.
Sigurd nodded slightly. "He shouldn't be long. In recent days, Victor has become increasingly distant, which concerns us."
Hilda hurriedly added, "We were shocked to learn that he participated in an expedition to leave Ivadoll. He is fully aware that it is strictly forbidden." Her face expressed a mix of concern and confusion.
The gazes of SG-1 instinctively turned to Jack, knowing well that O'Neill had passed on his own penchant for recklessness to the adolescent.
Jack, feigning ignorance of the meaning behind their insistent looks, exclaimed, "What?!" attempting to hide his own discomfort.
Daniel continued enthusiastically, "Thor explained to us that most of your people possess the genetic heritage of the Ancients. Have you been able to harness those abilities?"
Sigurd responded with a voice filled with regret. "The Asgard provided us with simulators to access the knowledge of the Ancients, but only a few of us have been able to use them fully."
Curious to know more, Daniel encouraged him to elaborate. "Simulators? What do you mean?"
Sigurd, mimicking his words with gestures, explained, "They are virtual simulators. You put a helmet on your head and experience events related to those lived by the Ancients. It allows you to acquire their knowledge."
Daniel nodded, understanding better. "I see. We have come across something similar twice a sort of library that seems to produce similar effects to your simulators."
Jack interrupted Daniel sarcastically. "And believe me, from my experience, it's better to avoid sticking your head into those things."
Daniel rolled his eyes, annoyed by the interruption.
Hilda intervened to clarify the differences. "I've heard of those libraries. They don't work exactly the same way. Our simulators adapt to our physiology and the importance of our genes. They will never teach you something you wouldn't be capable of mastering."
Sigurd added, "That's why only a few of us actually use them. The majority of Ivadollians don't yet have the required neurological aptitudes."
Perplexed, Daniel sought answers in Sigurd's eyes. "I see. And what about Victor?"
Sigurd, filled with a certain pride, replied with assurance, "Victor is the exception... He is the only one who has nearly completed the training."
This revelation surprised Daniel, unable to contain his astonishment. "Oh, really?!"
Sam, realizing the magnitude of what she had just understood, needed confirmation. "You mean he possesses almost all the knowledge of the Ancients?!"
Sigurd nodded slightly, approving Sam's words.
O'Neill, increasingly irritated by these revelations, retorted, "And there it is, another thing Thor forgot to tell us! It's becoming a habit!"
The idea that Victor might possess the knowledge of the Ancients terrified Jack. It implied an extreme level of danger. He was beginning to understand why Thor had insisted so much on keeping Victor safe.
General O'Neill's face betrayed his worry. A thousand disastrous scenarios crowded his mind. He imagined his son captured, tortured, or even killed by Goa'ulds or other even more dangerous beings. The air around him suddenly felt suffocating. He ran a hand over his face, trying to regain some composure, but it was difficult for him. Teal'c, sitting next to him, noticed and immediately became concerned. "O'Neill, are you alright?"
"I'm fine... Do you have any water?" he asked, turning to Hilda, making an immense effort not to break down in front of Carter.
"Of course," Hilda got up and headed towards the kitchen.
Sigurd became aware of the situation. "You've had a long journey. You must be exhausted. I will show you to your rooms. You can rest while waiting for Victor's return."
Fortunately, the room he had just entered had an attached bathroom. Jack immediately headed there, turned on the faucet, and let the water flow over the top of his head. The glass of water given by Hilda had not been enough to calm his turmoil, but feeling the coolness of the water on his head provided instant relief. He stood up and quickly dried himself to avoid completely wetting his military jacket. Sam, who had followed him, noticed how disturbed he seemed, which was completely unusual.
"Jack, what's wrong?" Sam asked, her voice filled with panic.
O'Neill gave her a reassuring smile, but she could perceive a slight tension in his gaze. "It's nothing. I just need to take some time to process all of this."
Sam sensed that something was troubling Jack, and she wasn't convinced by his answer. She approached him gently, trying to pierce through the veil surrounding his thoughts. Jack slowly moved closer to her, locking his gaze with hers, as if he wanted to convey all the sincerity of his words. "Don't worry," he murmured. They were now very close. O'Neill looked at Sam's lips, then raised his gaze to her eyes, before getting even closer and kissing her.
For the past two weeks, their proximity had been set aside, overshadowed by tensions and concerns. The softness of Jack's kisses had been sorely missed by Sam. She held onto his neck, seeking to intensify their embrace as much as possible, as if she wanted to make up for lost time.
Three knocks sounded at the door, pulling them out of their bubble of intimacy. "Yes?!" Jack replied, slightly annoyed by the interruption.
Hilda opened the door. "I'm sorry to disturb you. Samantha, when you have a moment, I have something to show you. I think it might interest you."
Curiosity piqued Carter's mind. "I'll be right there." Sam turned to Jack and smiled at him. "I'll be back." Jack watched her leave, wishing he could keep her close a little longer. He sighed and fell onto the bed, letting his thoughts overwhelm him.
The soft light filtered through the delicately embroidered curtains of the main room. The scent of old books and dried flowers lingered in the air. Carter looked around, admiring the paintings hanging on the walls. Hilda, the governor's wife, seemed worried but determined as she led Carter to a comfortable corner of the room.
They settled on one of the plush couches, and Hilda delicately placed a finely carved wooden box on Carter's lap. She nervously stroked the lid, her eyes lost in thought.
Carter observed the box, curiosity beginning to take over. What could it contain?
Finally, Hilda handed the box to Carter and gently encouraged her to open it. Sam nodded and slowly lifted the lid. She was surprised to find a collection of photographs inside.
Her fingers brushed against the photos, and as she lifted one, her heart squeezed. A slight pang, as if a part of her connected to this object.
"Is this...?" she murmured, her voice choked with emotion.
Hilda replied, her voice tinged with nostalgia, "Yes, it's Victor. He was 2 years old in this photo."
At that moment, something extraordinary happened. The photo, which initially appeared still, came to life. She could see Victor, a young boy with chestnut hair and sparkling blue eyes, with a radiant smile, playing enthusiastically in a small pool. His crystalline laughter resonated in the room.
Carter was overwhelmed with emotion. This joyful little boy was hers. She couldn't tear her gaze away from the animated photo, as if she wanted to imprint that image in her mind for eternity.
"He was a very happy little boy," Hilda murmured, an affectionate smile illuminating her face.
Sweat trickled down Victor's forehead as he ran through the forest, low branches whipping at his legs. Four hours of trekking? Another one of your brilliant ideas, Victor! he silently grumbled, trying to ignore the pain and fatigue. Finally, the family home appeared through the trees, a halo of safety and comfort.
Reaching the door, Victor tried to catch his breath and calm himself. Okay, stay discreet, he thought. He gently opened the door, and a quick glance into the hallway reassured him; no one seemed to be waiting for him.
He quickly removed his mud-covered shoes and began wiping his pants and T-shirt. Erase all traces, pretend you never left, he repeated to himself in his mind.
The kitchen offered its usual welcome, and familiar scents reminded him of his hunger. But first, he needed water, lots of it. He filled a glass to the brim and downed it in seconds.
As he refilled his glass a second time, he heard voices coming from the adjacent living room. Curiosity overwhelmed fatigue, and he approached the slightly ajar door, seeing his mother sitting on a couch. Beside her was a woman he didn't know, wearing a green-colored uniform.
His eyes widened when he saw scattered photos of himself as a child.
He walked towards the two women. "Mother, why did you bring out these old photos? I look ridiculous in them," Victor said, trying to hide his embarrassment.
Upon hearing that, Hilda and Sam turned and stood up.
"Victor, you're finally here! Allow me to introduce our guest, Colonel Samantha Carter. She's from planet Earth," Hilda announced, gesturing towards Carter.
"Earth? Seriously?" Victor exclaimed, while locking eyes with Sam. He extended his hand. Sam momentarily froze, intensely studying him. The teenager towered over her, and although his eyes were bright blue, she noticed a striking resemblance to Jack in his gaze. Victor raised an eyebrow, confused by Carter's reaction.
She shook her head slightly, as if snapping out of her thoughts, and shook his hand in return. "Nice to meet you, Victor. You can call me Sam," she said, her smile softening her face.
"I thought strangers weren't allowed here," Victor questioned, intrigued by this unprecedented situation. He took a sip of water, while fixing his gaze on his mother, waiting for an explanation.
"It's exceptional, Sam and her team came with Thor for an urgent matter," Hilda replied, carefully choosing her words.
"What matter?" Victor asked.
Before Hilda could respond, Victor was distracted by something else. Footsteps had caught his attention. On the other side of the room, two men entered, engrossed in conversation. Victor didn't know them either but noted that they were wearing similar uniforms. How many of them are there with these ridiculous clothes? he wondered with amusement.
Daniel was enthusiastically explaining to Jack that the architecture of the building was typical of the Ancient civilization. As usual, O'Neill didn't seem particularly interested in the archaeologist's explanations. Upon entering the room, Jack quickly noticed Victor's presence, and his heart skipped a beat.
Victor observed the two strangers as he saw his father entering with them. He took another sip of water, expecting to be reprimanded for his lateness, mentally preparing himself to defend his actions.
Before he could gather his thoughts, Victor's eyes fell on the figure following his father. Upon seeing this person, his heart raced in his chest. The glass he was holding slipped from his hands and shattered on the floor with a muffled sound, scattering water around him. In an instinctive movement, he firmly grabbed Sam and Hilda's arms, pulling them to the ground to keep them safe.
With surprising agility, he leaped over the couch, rushed towards the newcomers, maneuvering between Jack and Daniel, who stumbled under his momentum.
"FATHER, WATCH OUT!" Victor shouted. He swiftly pushed Sigurd aside and pounced on Teal'c. Everything happened so quickly that the onlookers struggled to comprehend what was happening.
Teal'c, known for his stature and strength, was taken aback by the assault. Victor, displaying unexpected agility, managed to grab Teal'c by the throat. He wrestled the Jaffa to the ground, his right hand squeezing Teal'c's neck, and his knee pressing down on his chest, making it difficult for him to breathe. His other fist was raised, ready to strike.
Instinctively, Teal'c gripped the hand choking him, struggling to catch his breath, but the grip tightened relentlessly around his larynx, preventing him from freeing himself.
"Move, and you're dead!" Victor growled in a menacing voice.
Victor locked eyes with Teal'c, who looked alarmed. The Jaffa appeared petrified, unable to shift his gaze or make any move. Incomprehension was written all over Teal'c's face as he desperately tried to grasp how he could be immobilized in such a way. How was it possible for a young man to overpower him? Teal'c, usually full of confidence, found himself disarmed and unable to break free.
"Victor! Stop! He poses no threat!" Sigurd interjected forcefully, while getting back on his feet.
"What? But, father, look, he's a Jaffa! He has the symbol of Apophis's Prim'tah on his forehead," Victor replied with agitation, tightening his grip on Teal'c's throat.
"I beg you, let him go! He arrived here with Thor. He's a friend," the governor insisted, trying to appease his son.
"But..." Victor paused and scrutinized Teal'c more closely. He then noticed that the Jaffa was also wearing an unusual green uniform. Gradually, he loosened his grip and stood up.
Members of SG-1, who had witnessed the scene, were stunned and trying to understand what had just happened. Jack, quickly regaining his composure, rushed to Teal'c and offered him a hand. Teal'c accepted the help and stood up, cautiously touching his throat.
"Sorry, I don't see new faces around here often," Victor said with a tone of embarrassment and confusion.
Teal'c nodded to indicate that he accepted the apology. "It's all right."
The tense atmosphere in the room gradually subsided. It was then that Daniel took the initiative to break the silence. "Hello, Victor, I'm Daniel Jackson from planet Earth."
"Hello," Victor replied, shaking his hand, but his gaze remained fixed on Teal'c.
Victor was overwhelmed by a sense of bewilderment. Why were there Earthlings and a Jaffa here? Was it related to his secret expedition to Izarc? He observed Sam, Teal'c, and Daniel with suspicion, but it was Jack on whom his gaze lingered, as he had not yet introduced himself.
Jack felt Victor's probing gaze, and wanting to defuse the situation, he cleared his throat before addressing the young man. "Well, I'm Jack O'Neill. I guess you have a talent for greeting people," he said with a hint of humor.
Victor, still on guard but slightly amused by Jack's relaxed tone, retorted, "So, what brings you here? The beauty of Ivadoll's landscapes?"
Jack smirked and replied lightheartedly, "Exactly, couldn't resist the call of intergalactic tourism."
Victor was about to respond when Sigurd intervened abruptly. "Alright, go change. You look like you've been rolling in the dirt. Dinner will be ready in an hour."
The teenager hesitated for a moment, casting one more suspicious glance at Jack, and then headed towards his room.
Once Victor was out of sight, O'Neill let out a sigh. He had hoped their arrival would go more smoothly, but this brief interaction made him realize that the challenges they would face were far more complex and delicate than anticipated.
To be continued...
