The night enveloped Ivadoll in its starry cloak, and the family home was filled with the fading echoes of supper. The grand table was strewn with remnants of the meal and half-empty glasses. The dimmed ambiance added a touch of serenity to the atmosphere.

Daniel Jackson, with his inexhaustible enthusiasm, had monopolized all the dinner conversations. His gestures were expressive, his arms swung vigorously as he passionately described the wonders of the Ancient civilization. His eyes sparkled with excitement, casting an almost childlike glow upon his face. His words, filled with wonder and curiosity, permeated the room, captivating the attention of almost everyone...

Seated next to Teal'c, Victor seemed lost in thought. His head rested on his hand, elbow on the table, his gaze distant. He played with his fork, tracing invisible lines on his plate. He emanated a tension that contrasted with Daniel's effervescence. The archaeologist's words seemed to bypass him without reaching him. His mind was elsewhere, focused on his damaged ship and the technical challenges associated with its repair.

The presence of SG-1 added complexity to his thoughts. He was troubled by their visit and wondered about their true intentions. From time to time, he discreetly glanced in Sam's direction, who was seated across from him. Yet she remained impassive, her eyes seemingly deliberately avoiding his.

O'Neill, who had a knack for noticing details, had perceived the young man's indifference during the meal. He eventually nudged Daniel lightly with his elbow. When Daniel turned to him, Jack inclined his head toward Victor.

Daniel paused and addressed the teenager directly. "So, Victor, what do you think?"

Victor startled, realizing that all eyes were fixed on him. He seemed slightly uneasy, having not followed the conversation. "Uh... About what?"

Daniel cleared his throat. "Usually, it's Jack pretending to listen to me."

O'Neill displayed a smirk while rolling his eyes, partially appreciating the remark.

"Sorry, but I know the story of the Ancients by heart," Victor explained with a hint of frustration.

"Oh, really?" Daniel replied, intrigued. "But I doubt you know everything about them."

"And yet..." Victor left his sentence hanging and dropped his fork on the table with a gesture of weariness.

At that moment, Daniel's fingers plunged into his pocket and retrieved a golden medallion that shimmered under the gentle light of the room. The object was adorned with captivating gemstones and symbols intertwining in a delicate pattern. Its bulging shape suggested it held a mystery. He handed the medallion to Victor, while the other members of SG-1 observed them with interest.

"I found this among my friend Catherine's belongings," Daniel explained. "It's engraved with Ancient symbols, but the words don't seem to make sense. I'm almost certain it contains something. I'm trying to understand how to open it. Do you have any ideas?"

Unperturbed, Victor stared at Daniel. "What do I gain by helping you?"

"I promise to satisfy any of your inquiries," Daniel assured confidently.

"Okay," Victor acquiesced, his fingers closing around the medallion that Daniel handed to him. He leaned over the object with focus.

"Take all the time you need," Daniel said, not wanting to rush him.

"The symbols are disorganized. It's an encrypted message," Victor murmured, deep in thought.

"Yes, I agree, but without the decryption key, it's impossible to understand," Daniel replied, slightly frustrated.

"Ipsa vitae essentia revelabit," Victor recited confidently.

"Excuse me?" Daniel exclaimed, taken aback.

Without taking his eyes off the object, Victor explained, "That's what is written."

"But... How did you...?" Daniel stammered, astonished by how easily Victor seemed to have unraveled the mystery.

"Any other questions, Daniel?" Victor asked, clearly amused by the archaeologist's bewildered expression.

"What does it mean, Daniel Jackson?" Teal'c inquired.

"Uh... The very essence of life will reveal it," Daniel translated, still in shock.

"That inscription doesn't help us much," Carter observed, perplexed.

Everyone turned to Victor, hoping he would share more, but the teenager simply smiled, crossed his arms, and settled comfortably into his chair.

"Daniel, need a can opener?" Jack joked.

Ignoring the remark, Daniel remained lost in thought, seeking the meaning behind the inscription.

"What if we try it with light?" Sam suggested.

Daniel found the proposition interesting, but the remaining daylight was not in their favor. Teal'c pointed out that it would be wiser to wait until the next day to have adequate lighting. Daniel agreed.

Displaying obvious impatience and weariness, Victor seized the medallion just before Daniel could put it away and immersed it in a glass of water.

"But what are you doing..." Daniel began, before the medallion emitted a bright glow and opened like a seashell, revealing its treasure. A delicate pink opal, with an orthogonal shape, rose to the water's surface. Victor grabbed it and handed it to Daniel.

"It's a pink opal, highly valued by the Ancients, but not particularly useful. There are opals of various colors. If you don't like this one, I have a whole collection in a box, and you can choose the one that suits you," Victor explained, a mischievous smile on his face, clearly amused by the situation and the astonished expressions of SG-1.

Dumbfounded, Daniel accepted the stone. "Of course, water... it was obvious..." He locked eyes with Victor, realizing that the young man likely had much to teach him.

Glancing at his watch, Victor announced, "Well, I'm going to bed. I'm exhausted." He turned to Daniel, a mischievous smile on his lips. "Don't forget, tomorrow you'll answer all my questions." He leaned in to kiss his mother, then gave a casual wave to the rest of the group before disappearing.

"I think he got you good, Daniel," Jack commented, standing up to stretch.

"Yeah, it certainly seems that way," Daniel admitted, his eyes still fixed on the opal.

"Daniel, next time I give you a subtle nudge, try not to pull out one of your relics. It would be nice to have a constructive conversation with Victor," Jack added, his tone betraying some irritation.

"Well, nothing was stopping you from taking the initiative and starting a conversation," Daniel retorted, stung by the remark.

"Oh, I would have if you'd given me a chance to get a word in!" Jack replied.

Victor sank with satisfaction into the soft folds of his duvet. The meal had been quite entertaining, to be honest. A smile crept onto his lips as he recalled Daniel's astonished face. These unexpected visitors seemed to be more malleable than he had anticipated.

As his eyes began to grow heavy, ready for sleep, he felt a discreet vibration from his pocket. He took out his phone and saw the name "Kira" light up the screen. His eyes instantly widened, and a surge of energy ran through him.

Victor quickly answered, "Hey, what's up?" he murmured, while glancing toward his partially open door. His fingers gripped the edge of the door and gently pulled it closed.

"So, survived the evening, huh?" Kira's voice carried a hint of teasing.

Victor flopped onto his bed. "Yeah, without any issues. And you?" he replied, placing a hand behind his head.

"Same. I might as well have been furniture; no one paid any attention to me," Kira replied with a playful tone in her voice.

"And Ayden?" Victor asked, sitting up a bit.

Kira responded calmly, "He's fine, no problems on his end either."

"Cool." Victor sat up abruptly. "Guess who showed up at my place: three humans from Earth and a Jaffa."

Kira was silent for a moment, then exclaimed, "Seriously?!"

"Yeah, I swear! Apparently, they arrived with Thor," Victor explained, sitting on the edge of his bed.

Kira lowered her voice. "It's still strange that they arrived today of all days... Do you think there's a connection to us?" she asked, sounding a bit worried.

Victor shrugged. "I don't think so. It's probably just a coincidence," he said, trying to convince himself.

Kira seemed to think for a moment, then changed the subject. "We're still meeting tomorrow night, right?" she asked in a hushed voice.

"Yes, of course. Silas confirmed. Same meeting spot," Victor replied, casting one last glance at his closed door.

They hung up, and Victor, his mind now buzzing with anticipation for the events of the next day, snuggled comfortably into his duvet, the still-warm phone in his hand. Their new plan was starting to take shape.

Jack gently closed the door to his room once Hilda had left. She had brought them traditional Ivadoll attire, meant to help them blend in with the crowd without arousing suspicion.

The clothes reserved for Jack were a deep blue, adorned with delicately embroidered golden geometric patterns on the shoulders. He picked up the jacket and examined it with some reluctance. "Do we really have to wear this?" he muttered, twirling the tunic between his hands, scrutinizing every detail with a hint of skepticism.

Sam let out a slight laugh at Jack's hesitant expression. "Yes, it's important not to draw attention," she replied, amused.

Jack let out a soft sigh and carefully folded the jacket on the bed, trying to conceal his annoyance.

O'Neill moved closer to the window, drawn to the enchanting celestial spectacle unfolding before him. Ivadoll's sky was a true marvel, scattered with twinkling stars that bathed the night in a mysterious and captivating glow. He lost himself in this contemplation for a few moments, allowing the magic of the universe to transport him into a profound tranquility.

Meanwhile, Sam relaxed in a chair, removing her jacket and freeing herself from the constraints of military footwear. A slight sense of relief washed over her, underscoring the intensity of the day that had just passed and the accompanying emotions. She stretched delicately, feeling each muscle gradually relax.

Silently approaching Jack, Sam nestled against his back, gently resting her head on his shoulder. Her arms enveloped him tenderly, creating a comforting embrace. They surrendered to this soothing closeness, their breaths naturally synchronizing.

Jack slowly turned his face toward Sam, delicately grasping her arms to make her pivot and face him. They tightened their embrace, their bodies pressing even closer together, savoring the shared intimacy.

Sam rose on her tiptoes, seeking Jack's lips, and their mouths met in a passionate kiss. Sam's hands lovingly roamed Jack's chest, exploring every contour, awakening pleasant and electric sensations within him.

They finally pulled apart, their breaths heavy, and Sam grabbed hold of Jack's black t-shirt, enticing him to follow her towards the bathroom with a voice filled with sensuality.

"A shower, General?" she murmured, her desire evident.

A smirk formed on Jack's lips, subtly lighting up his face. He nodded, sharing a knowing look with Sam, before allowing himself to be guided towards the bathroom.

Once inside, Sam turned the key in the lock. They were now alone, cut off from the rest of the world. Their lips found each other almost instinctively, while their hands began to explore. Jack held Sam firmly as she smoothly removed his t-shirt.

The tension between them intensified with each passing second, their senses awakening under the touch of their hands. However, as Sam started to undo Jack's pants, a wave of rational questions flooded his mind. Did she still have contraception? Was it necessary to take precautions? What if they weren't careful enough? What if she got pregnant again?

This sudden realization cast a shadow over the intensity of the moment. Jack slowed his movements, and Sam sensed a change in his demeanor.

"Is something wrong?" Sam murmured, a mix of concern and unfulfilled desire in her voice.

Jack stared at her, searching for the right words. After a sigh, he managed to awkwardly articulate, "I... I'm just thinking about the possible consequences if we... well, you know..."

Sam immediately understood. She raised her hand and gently caressed his cheek, her eyes expressing as much tenderness as determination.

"Don't worry," she assured him. With a confident gesture, Sam pulled him towards her for a kiss that seemed to hold all the reassurances he needed. This contact dispelled the last lingering doubts that haunted his mind.

Whispers from the bedroom's glass door pulled Victor from the warmth of his sleep. He cautiously opened one eye, and his still-groggy gaze landed on the clock. It displayed a late-night hour. His attention then shifted to the faint sounds that had awakened him. To his surprise, he noticed his two friends, Kira and Ayden, standing on the balcony, waving their arms and gesturing towards him.

The unexpected presence of his friends and their agitation filled him with a renewed energy. Driven by curiosity about what could have brought them here in the middle of the night, he sat up in bed.

Victor dispelled the last remnants of drowsiness with a wide stretch, followed by a yawn that emphasized the lateness of the hour. He got up and purposefully made his way towards the glass door, opening it to join Kira and Ayden outside, his mind buzzing.

"What are you doing here?!" he exclaimed.

Wide-eyed, Ayden seemed on the verge of panic and launched into a hurried explanation. "My father was on the phone! He mentioned a ship, talked about Izarc, and your name came up! We're screwed!"

"Take it easy," Victor soothed in a calm voice. "What exactly did he say?" trying to untangle the thread of the story.

Ayden made a evasive gesture. "Nothing directly. I was supposed to be asleep." His expression turned darker. "But it's certain, he's going to interrogate me tomorrow."

Meanwhile, in an adjacent room, Jack was sound asleep, entwined with Sam under soft, comfortable sheets. Suddenly, he was jolted from his sleep by indistinct murmurs. Blinking his eyes, slightly disoriented, he realized that the voices were coming from outside. He carefully got up, doing his best not to disturb Carter's sleep, and silently made his way to the glass door to see what was happening outside.

O'Neill gently pushed aside the curtains and observed the silhouettes of three young individuals on the expansive balcony that connected the rooms. He instantly recognized Victor among them. He cracked open the door and listened in on their conversation.

"...and my father was talking about Izarc. Isn't that serious?" Ayden trembled as he spoke.

O'Neill straightened up. Izarc? The name rang a bell, memories flooding back. It was the name of Ivadoll's satellite that Thor had mentioned when he explained that he had spotted Victor and his friends aboard a ship.

"Stop panicking, Ayden. Just deny everything. There's no chance they could have located our ship," Victor tried to reassure him.

"And what about tomorrow night? What do we do?" Kira asked.

"Contact Silas and see if he can move up the meeting time. I have a simulator session, but I should be free afterwards," Victor replied.

"Okay, I'll keep you posted," Kira acquiesced.

The words 'simulator' and 'ship' triggered an alarm in Jack's mind. He hesitated, then decided to continue listening without intervening.

"Go back home. I'll message you as soon as I'm free. In the meantime, stay calm and don't say anything," Victor advised firmly.

Ayden and Kira nodded silently, then they carefully crossed the balcony, making as little noise as possible on their way down.

O'Neill, still hidden behind the curtains, watched them move away with a deep furrowed brow. After ensuring that Victor was heading back to his room, Jack closed the glass door with caution and slowly made his way back to his bed. However, the idea of falling back asleep now seemed impossible. His mind was filled with a mix of questions and worries.

He glanced at Sam, who continued to sleep peacefully, unaware of the events of the night. Jack briefly considered the idea of waking her up to share his concerns, but he ultimately decided it was best not to worry her at the moment.

- Morning -

The relentless noise of the alarm persisted, besieging the atmosphere of the room. Victor buried his head under the pillow in a futile attempt to escape the cacophony that seemed to assault his temples. The night had been short; after the unexpected arrival of his friends, sleep had eluded him like an elusive shadow. His mind was a whirlwind of questions and worries, making every attempt to return to the arms of Morpheus impossible.

He finally managed to silence the shrill concert of his alarm, then dragged himself almost mechanically to the bathroom. Part of him hoped that a cold shower would help him fully emerge from his drowsy state.

The refreshing shower provided some respite, but Victor still felt the remnants of fatigue as he descended the stairs to the main living area. Upon arrival, he noticed that his parents and all the members of SG-1 were already gathered around the table.

A tinge of apprehension filled Victor. He silently hoped they wouldn't inundate him with unnecessary questions. He wasn't really in the mood to answer superficial inquiries. His mind was focused on one thing: getting a large cup of his favorite morning beverage, the ultimate remedy to rid himself of persistent fatigue.

After carefully obtaining his soothing drink, Victor settled comfortably on one of the sofas, seeking a moment of tranquility. But his hopes were quickly dashed when Sam joined him.

"Did you sleep well?" she asked, sitting down beside him.

Victor sighed slightly and took another sip of his drink. "Not really," he muttered, sounding slightly weary.

She gave him a sympathetic look and continued the conversation. "Hilda told me you have a session on one of the simulators today. I'd love to experience that technology. Would you mind if I join you?"

Victor raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "Just you?"

Sam shook her head slightly. "No, the rest of my team wants to join us too."

A small sigh escaped Victor, his expression clearly showing his disappointment.

"Is there a problem?" asked Sam, sensing his hesitation.

Victor stood up to put an end to the conversation, feeling the need to distance himself momentarily. "No, no problem," he replied calmly. "I'll finish getting ready. See you later."

Having left Sam, Victor found himself alone in his room. His thoughts were in turmoil. The fact that the members of SG-1 wanted to accompany him to his simulator session left him skeptical. The connections between the events of the previous night and this sudden curiosity tormented him.

Outside the house, Jack, Sam, Teal'c, and Daniel were waiting for Victor. O'Neill, leaning against a wall, gazed thoughtfully at the clear morning sky. He broke the silence that had settled, "I overheard Victor and his friends talking last night. They mentioned a spaceship and a meeting with someone named Silas."

Sam looked up, surprised. "Do you think they're going to try to leave?"

Jack nodded, his face expressing deep concern. "Yes, I'm afraid so."

Daniel spoke up, looking worried. "Maybe we should talk to Sigurd and Hilda about this."

Jack shook his head. "Not yet. We don't know what's really going on. I'd like to have a clearer picture before alerting everyone. Let's go to this simulator session and see what happens."

Victor and the members of SG-1 strolled through the cobblestone streets of Ivadoll's city center. The surrounding buildings reached up towards the sky, their ancient architecture blending harmoniously with modern technologies. The shimmering sun bathed the scene in warm light, but a palpable tension hung in the air.

Finally, they arrived at an imposing building that rose majestically before them. The simulation facility was both elegant and intricate, with stone arches spanning glass surfaces. Filaments of vibrant light wove along the walls, giving the impression that the building itself was alive.

At the entrance, they were greeted by an imposing man with gray hair. His thick beard framed a deeply lined face, and his eyes, an almost otherworldly brown, seemed to pierce the soul. He introduced himself as Charon, Victor's trainer.

Victor stepped forward to greet him, and they exchanged a warm handshake. Jack, Sam, Daniel, and Teal'c were introduced to Charon one by one.

"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," the trainer said in a deep, captivating voice, capturing the attention of each person. He invited them to follow him inside.

As they walked through the corridors of the complex, Charon cast a fleeting glance at O'Neill, a slight smile stretching the corners of his lips. "Jack, I've heard that you're a man of action with a particular connection to Ancient technology."

Victor, listening with interest, was surprised by this revelation. His eyes quickly shifted from Jack to Charon, seeking to discern the implications of this statement. "What kind of connection?" he asked, curious.

Jack's gaze briefly met Sam's, feeling his pulse quicken. How did this man know such information? Jack maintained a neutral expression, masking his concerns, aware of the sensitivity of the subject.

"He shares the same genes as you, my dear student," Charon replied, his words laden with unspoken implications.

At that moment, Jack and Sam exchanged a nervous glance. What did he mean by that? Was he only referring to the Ancient gene, or was he insinuating that he knew about their familial connection? They didn't want to delve into it further, afraid of revealing too much. It wasn't the right time.

Only Victor intervened, trying to dispel the strangeness of the situation. "The same genes? Impossible!" he said, laughing. How could a human have so many similarities with him? It was ridiculous, he thought.

Jack cleared his throat, giving Sam a meaningful look.

"Jack, you should try the simulator. It might give us some answers," Victor suggested eagerly.

"Thanks for the tempting offer, but I'll pass," Jack replied.

Victor teased him, "Scaredy-cat."

They eventually arrived at the simulation room, where Victor put on a snug, deep black suit. Resting on his head was a virtual reality helmet adorned with intricate patterns and glowing stones.

Meanwhile, Charon guided SG-1 to an adjacent room with comfortable seats arranged in a semicircle. A large glass window offered them a breathtaking view of the simulation room, hinting at the unlimited potential of this virtual world.

Unable to suppress her curiosity, Sam began inspecting the computers in the room, trying to decipher the complex mechanisms of the simulator. Her fingers grazed the surfaces with a mixture of fascination and apprehension.

Charon turned towards SG-1, a mysterious smile adorning his lips. "The simulation room is a window to the knowledge of the Ancients. It holds infinite possibilities and is a path to uncovering forgotten mysteries."

A sense of anticipation electrified the air as each person was overwhelmed with questions and uncertainties but ready to plunge into the unknown.

"From here, we'll be able to see and hear everything that Victor experiences," Charon explained, his enveloping voice, pointing to a large wall screen in front of them. "Give me a sign when you're ready," he said, addressing Victor while pressing on his earpiece, enabling communication.

Victor nodded, giving a thumbs-up sign of readiness. His eyes were filled with determination. Charon, with a graceful motion, pressed a few buttons, plunging the room into darkness.

SG-1 watched eagerly as the massive screen slowly illuminated, revealing the first images.

They saw Victor standing on a lush green hill under a sunny sky. The landscape around him was splendid, with brightly colored flowers swaying gently in the wind and majestic trees standing proudly.

Victor moved with remarkable ease, leaping from rock to rock. As he progressed, wonders unfolded before him: ancient ruins emerging from the greenery, mysterious inscriptions on stones, delicate sculptures telling the story of a lost civilization.

The simulation was rich in detail, and Victor showed astonishing confidence as he navigated through the challenges, relying on his knowledge and instincts.

Meanwhile, Charon guided Victor through the simulation with subtle advice, helping decipher the symbols and hidden meanings behind each element. His voice blended with the atmosphere, filled with ancient wisdom.

Suddenly, Victor found himself facing a column adorned with ancient symbols. Intrigued, he placed his hand on a circle carved into the rock, and in a flash of light, the Stargate materialized behind him. Surprised, Victor turned around to search for the DHD but was taken aback by its absence. It was the first time he faced its absence, questioning the familiar rules of the simulation.

As he focused on analyzing the inscriptions on the wall, Victor felt an electric surge brush against his skin, crashing into the rock with force. Caught off guard, he turned around and saw three Jaffas charging towards him, weapons in hand, seeking to eliminate him. Without hesitation, Victor ran to take cover behind a nearby tree, skillfully evading enemy fire.

The sudden change in the simulation environment also surprised the members of SG-1. Jack stood up from his seat, worry evident on his face as he sought answers to this unexpected situation.

"What's happening?!" exclaimed O'Neill.

Charon remained calm, his assured voice resonating in the room: "Sit down, it's nothing."

"Are you kidding me?!" Jack insisted, frustrated by Charon's nonchalant reaction to the sudden aggression.

Tension mounted in the room as SG-1 watched the unfolding situation in the simulation with concern. Jack's eyes were glued to the screen, his face marked by worry and a desire to protect his son. He felt a mix of frustration and anger in the face of the powerlessness of the situation.

Victor, behind his makeshift shelter, observed the Jaffas as they searched for him. His mind raced, evaluating the options available to regain the upper hand. He knew he had to be resourceful and act quickly to escape this perilous situation.

He closed his eyes for a moment, focusing intensely, and tried to visualize the movements and positions of the Jaffas. Then, seizing a brief moment of respite, he launched into a series of swift and precise movements, using his speed and agility to dodge enemy fire. His body moved with an almost graceful fluidity, a testament to his training and mastery of combat techniques.

Charon, still calm, watched the situation with a mix of interest and satisfaction. He seemed fascinated by Victor's skills and the evolution of the simulation, as if he knew something that others didn't. His piercing gaze scrutinized every move Victor made, capturing the nuances of his strategy.

Finally, Victor retaliated with surgical precision. His movements were fluid and calculated, his deep knowledge of combat tactics evident in every gesture. The Jaffas were swiftly neutralized, putting an end to the attack.

A tense silence filled the room as everyone realized the extent of Victor's abilities and the unexpected turn of events in the simulation. The members of SG-1 exchanged looks filled with questions and apprehension. They were impressed by Victor's skills but also concerned about the risks involved in this virtual reality.

Victor caught his breath, his veins still pulsating with the adrenaline of the encounter. His eyes frantically scanned the surroundings of the Stargate, searching every corner for the DHD. However, a barrage of gunfire erupted, a distant echo growing closer, this time coming from the opposite side of the stone column. Victor cast a fleeting glance, and his heart raced as he saw a dozen Jaffas converging rapidly towards him. A sigh of exasperation escaped him.

In the control room, SG-1 sprang to their feet, panic taking hold of them. Anxiety was written on Sam's face, while Daniel struggled to find logical explanations for this seemingly uncontrollable situation.

"And now, it's still nothing?" Sam trembled, her worries threatening to overwhelm her.

Charon remained silent, his gaze fixed on the simulation screen, meticulously analyzing the unfolding events.

All eyes were locked on the screen, where Victor hesitated for a moment, and an enemy shot grazed his leg, eliciting a cry of pain. In the control room, SG-1 could see Victor clutching his leg, a visible mark confirming that the damages in the simulation were physically felt.

"It was supposed to be virtual, right?" Daniel questioned, seeking clarification in the face of this contradiction.

"Victor is in an advanced level where the intensity is higher. The risks are calculated, but the injuries felt are real, even if they are not lethal," Charon explained with an Olympian calm.

Frustration and anger mingled on Jack's face, unable to bear seeing Victor in danger. "Enough! Stop the program!" he ordered firmly, no longer able to remain passive in the critical situation.

Charon shook his head. "It's not possible. Only Victor can activate the simulation shutdown."

SG-1 exchanged worried looks as Victor appeared helpless.

"Fine, give me a helmet. I'll help him!" Jack intervened with determination.

"You won't be able to join him. You don't have the same level of access," Charon replied, crushing Jack's hopes.

Charon kept his gaze fixed on the control screen, seemingly undisturbed by Jack's fury. The atmosphere in the control room was electric. Unable to bear it any longer, O'Neill lunged at the instructor, grabbing him by the collar and throwing him forcefully to the ground. His voice, filled with rage, filled the room.

"Stop this damn simulation now!" he yelled, the tension in his veins reflecting the intensity of his anger.

Daniel, Teal'c, and Sam rushed forward to intervene, grabbing Jack's arms in an attempt to calm him down and prevent the situation from escalating. Sam tried to reason with him. "Jack, calm down!"

However, despite his precarious position, Charon remained unwavering, facing Jack's blazing gaze. In a composed voice, he replied, "Settle down, General O'Neill. Your son is not in any danger."

A heavy silence fell over the room, enveloping Jack in a veil of astonishment and confusion. Charon's words echoed in his mind. "How do you know he's my son?" Jack murmured.

Charon remained silent, leaving the mystery of that answer hanging in the air. Unable to bear the uncertainty, Jack reacted instinctively and ripped the communication earpiece worn by the instructor, placing it on his own ear.

"Victor! Can you hear me? Stop the simulation immediately!" he ordered with authority.

Victor heard Jack's voice resonating in his mind, but he chose not to respond. He was too focused on the inscriptions on the column and his own survival. Taking cover behind the column to avoid the approaching Jaffa gunfire, he desperately sought a solution to this dire situation.

In the control room, a wave of frustration washed over Jack as he realized Victor hadn't listened to him. A mixture of helplessness and irritation engulfed him. Suddenly, he turned to Charon, who had managed to regain his footing, and grabbed him by the collar once again with heightened resolve.

"Who are you really? What are you after?" he demanded, his voice heavy with intensity, desperately wanting to unravel the enigma surrounding this individual and the unfolding events before their eyes.

"I am but a mere observer," Charon retorted with an almost enigmatic assurance, but Jack was not fooled. His instincts told him that Charon was concealing important information.

Meanwhile, inside the simulation, Victor began reading and rereading the inscriptions on the column, desperately searching for a solution to escape the Jaffa. His gaze lingered on the end of the text, which mentioned a world known as "Tartarus," a prison for defeated gods. The Jaffa fire closed in, pushing him towards imminent peril. Behind him stood the Stargate, and although there was no visible DHD to dial an address, he made a bold decision. He chose to sprint towards the Gate, aware that his options were running out.

Teal'c, who had kept his attention on the simulation screen, suddenly exclaimed, "I believe Victor is attempting to use the Gate to escape."

This announcement captured everyone's attention. Jack's eyes widened, while Charon, undisturbed, continued to scrutinize the screen with an almost otherworldly focus.

"But how? There's no DHD," Sam retorted, her concern not subsiding despite the glimmer of hope that this option brought.

Victor picked up his pace, his heartbeat pounding in his temples. As the Gate loomed ahead, his desperate need for survival became even more pressing. Closing his eyes, he raised his arm towards the Gate and repeated the word "Tartarus" with fierce determination. The chevrons engaged all at once, and the Gate suddenly came to life. The blue vortex emerged just in time as Victor narrowly dodged a shot aimed at him and dove through the ring, which promptly closed behind him.

A solemn silence enveloped the control room. The members of SG-1 were dumbfounded, trying to comprehend what had just occurred. They struggled to assimilate the incredible turn of events. When Victor had passed through the Stargate, the control screen had suddenly gone dark, displaying no image.

In the control room, a tumult of astonishment and relief washed over the members of SG-1. Jack, who had still been gripping Charon firmly, released his hold and approached the screen.

"How did he do that?" Daniel murmured, his voice filled with admiration and confusion.

Charon smiled and finally spoke. "He unlocked the potential that was missing within him."

The members of SG-1 turned to him, their piercing gazes demanding further explanations, but Charon remained silent.

Sam then refocused her attention on Victor in the simulation room, who remained frozen. "Is the simulation over?" she questioned, turning once again to Charon for clarification.

"It will be when Victor removes his helmet," the instructor replied.

"But there's nothing on the screen anymore," Daniel retorted.

"That can happen," the instructor attempted to reassure them with an imperturbable demeanor, but his words only served to further fuel Jack's anger.

"You're hiding something from us! I want to know what's going on!" Jack thundered, determined to extract answers.

The landscape unfolding before Victor was a vision of desolation. Ruined structures dotted the horizon, bearing witness to a ravaged past. Gradually regaining his composure, he tried to slow the frenzied beating of his heart. His eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for landmarks, when he was drawn to a distant glow. Intrigued, he approached cautiously and found a bracelet adorned with deep red beads, its clasp displaying an intertwined helmet and trident.

Victor delicately took the bracelet, captivated by its enigmatic glow. Enveloped by a mysterious force, he felt drawn to the object and slipped it onto his right wrist. The clasp sealed itself, uniting the bracelet with his skin.

Suddenly, a suave and captivating female voice whispered in Victor's mind, "Help us." He shuddered, searching for the source of this enchanting voice. His eyes scanned the surroundings, but he was alone.

At that precise moment, the virtual reality helmet abruptly shut off, plunging Victor into total darkness. He decided to remove the helmet to end the simulation.

The visor of the helmet slowly opened, revealing the control room and its occupants. Victor briefly glanced at his instructor and the members of SG-1, realizing that they were still there. However, his attention quickly turned to his wrist, where the bracelet remained in place.

Intrigued, Victor gently caressed the bracelet with his fingertips to ensure its reality. Upon contact, a strange light emanating from the beads seemed to envelop him. His vision blurred, and a deep unease washed over him. Disoriented, his legs gave way, and he collapsed to the floor.

Sam and Daniel reacted immediately, rushing to Victor's side to try to wake him up. Concern etched their faces as they quickly checked his vital signs, searching for clues as to what could have caused his sudden loss of consciousness. Meanwhile, Jack observed the scene with a mix of worry and a hint of anger.

"What happened?" Sam asked.

Daniel shook his head slightly, looking perplexed. "I don't know. I think I saw him touch his bracelet," he said, pointing a finger at the mysterious object.

Jack approached Charon with determination. "Victor will not be doing any more simulations, is that clear!" he asserted firmly, fixing his gaze intensely on him. "If anything happens to him because of this experiment, I will hold you responsible."

Charon held Jack's gaze, a smirk forming on his lips. "Simulations will no longer be necessary," he replied, fueling Jack's suspicions about his true intentions and the nature of this experiment.

Frustrated by the opaqueness of the situation and concerned for Victor's safety, Jack turned to Teal'c, seeking a concrete solution to get them away from this place.

"Teal'c, find someone in this building who can contact Sigurd. We need to leave," he ordered resolutely.

Teal'c nodded, understanding the urgency of the situation. He swiftly exited the control room, his imposing stature disappearing into the shadows of the hallway.

To be continued...