The air in Kira's house was thick with silent tension. Jack, Teal'c, and Daniel seemed surrounded by the very walls of the room, confined in a palpable disillusionment. They scanned the room with despair, almost anticipating any trace of Victor. However, harsh reality proved to be a ruthless opponent. Kira had disappeared, her whereabouts remaining a mystery to everyone, including her own parents. As for Victor, he remained an elusive enigma. Despite this apparent setback, the team remained determined. They had one lead left: Ayden's residence.
With an unspoken agreement, they decided to walk there. Ayden's house was not far, and this walk provided them with a precious opportunity to refine their strategy. Immersed in the maze of Ivadoll's streets, they carefully scrutinized the crowd, their trained eyes capturing every detail, searching for a sign of Victor in this sea of anonymous faces.
In the hustle and bustle of city life, Daniel finally broke the silence. His eyes burned with an unspoken question, shifting between Jack and Teal'c. "Remember what Victor said before he attacked Thor?" His voice was soft, almost hesitant. "He said Calypso was right..."
Jack furrowed his brow, his expression becoming a tableau of perplexity. "So what?" He couldn't hide his interest despite his detached tone.
Daniel took a deep breath. "Calypso, in Greek mythology, was a nymph residing on a secluded island. She seduced Ulysses, kept him captive for years. She symbolizes temptation, seduction, and isolation."
Jack rolled his eyes, manifesting his usual skepticism. "We're on Ivadoll, Daniel. What connection do these myths have to our situation?"
Ignoring the sarcasm, Daniel continued. "When Victor faded away, I noticed a bracelet with a clasp in the shape of a helmet and a scepter, typical symbols of the god Hades in Greek mythology. I think that's a lot more than just coincidences."
"Are you suggesting that Calypso could have given that bracelet to Victor?" Teal'c inquired, his measured tone contrasting with the gravity of his question.
"It's a possibility," Daniel admitted, "Or it could be an artifact left by the Ancients, or maybe another civilization. I would need to study it in more detail."
"Basically, you don't know," Jack replied, his thinly veiled sarcasm evident.
"Regardless," Daniel insisted, "We'll have to discuss it with Victor as soon as we find him."
Jack raised an eyebrow, his expression oscillating between amusement and exasperation. "Okay, Daniel," he responded, palpable irony in his voice. "Let's add that to the to-do list: check with Victor if he's been having recent encounters with Greek nymphs."
Daniel nodded, his expression indicating that he had anticipated Jack's sarcasm. "I know it may sound strange, Jack," he replied, "But I think it's important to clarify this point."
The golden glow of Ivadoll city immersed the streets in a serene glow, creating a deceivingly peaceful ambiance. This tranquility sharply contrasted with the palpable urgency of their mission. Daniel's words still resonated in their minds, injecting a new dose of mystery into their already complex quest to find Victor.
The imposing silhouette of Ayden's residence began to take shape on the horizon. The trio instinctively slowed their pace, moving with heightened caution. Around a corner, a figure emerged from the shadow of the house. Jack's pulse quickened as he identified the familiar silhouette.
"It's Ayden," Jack murmured, discreetly pointing out the teenager.
With a shoulder bag slung over his shoulder, Ayden moved with evident haste. The three teammates exchanged complicit glances, deciding to follow him, their curiosity piqued, eager to know where he was heading with such urgency.
Disappearing into the surrounding shadows, they stealthily trailed him, relying on their extensive field experience to keep Ayden in sight without being noticed. They tracked him through the bustling streets of Ivadoll, his determined gait betraying an intimate knowledge of his destination.
Finally, Ayden veered off the bright main thoroughfare and made his way toward a rundown industrial area. The sparkling lights of the city receded, giving way to imposing shadows of dilapidated structures. Ayden stopped in front of a decrepit warehouse.
The trio cautiously moved forward, with measured prudence, gliding through the darkness like predators hunting their prey. Every sound was muffled, every step calculated to avoid creaking floors or colliding with objects that could betray them.
They nestled into a corner, concealed behind a jumbled stack of crates. Skillfully camouflaged, they minimized their visibility while maintaining a clear view of the inside of the warehouse.
The vague shapes of scattered crates and equipment, remnants of a bygone era, cast unsettling shadows. The hearts of SG-1 beat faster as two more silhouettes appeared, joining Ayden.
It was Victor and Kira, their faces tense, consumed by worry. Ayden greeted them warmly, giving them a friendly pat on the shoulder, but he couldn't ignore the heavy aura surrounding Victor.
Ayden furrowed his brow, unable to contain his curiosity. "Victor, you look really preoccupied. What's wrong?"
Kira, always ready to tease, chimed in with a sarcastic tone. "Yeah, you don't seem to be in top form."
Victor lightly shook his head, as if trying to dismiss the dark thoughts that plagued him. "I'm fine, don't worry," he murmured in a gentle voice, attempting to calm their concerns.
But the incredulous looks from Kira and Ayden didn't deceive him. Kira took a deep breath. "Victor, we're all in the same boat. If something is bothering you, you need to tell us."
Ayden chimed in with sincere determination. "That's right, whatever happens, you can count on us."
Victor hesitated, his voice transforming into a revealing whisper of the gravity of his revelations. "Actually... I'm not originally from Iva..."
Before he could say more, heavy footsteps echoed in the warehouse, quickly approaching their location. Silas, a middle-aged man, entered with an assurance that left no room for doubt. His piercing gaze and resolute posture betrayed unwavering determination. Ayden was the first to recognize him, closely followed by Kira and Victor. Although they greeted Silas politely, their inner concerns prevented them from displaying genuine joy.
Victor took a deep breath, his fists clenching slightly. "The thruster you sold us... It was faulty. We encountered complications during our flight." His eyes bore intensely into Silas.
Silas, surprised and slightly irritated, raised an eyebrow, his arms crossed over his chest. "Faulty? My products are of impeccable quality. Perhaps you simply lack the required piloting experience." He shrugged casually.
A glimmer of rebellion flickered in Victor's eyes, his jaw briefly tensing, but he restrained himself. "It's not about questioning our skills. The thruster you provided us was indeed faulty, and it put our lives in danger, and that's not something I can let slide."
The atmosphere in the warehouse grew heavier, tension became palpable. Silas took a moment to ponder, running a hand through his hair, searching for the words that would appease the situation. "Alright, if you insist, I'll make sure to provide you with another one." His arms dropped to his sides, a sign of concession. "When do you need it?"
Kira spoke up, her voice firm and determined. "As soon as possible."
Silas nodded, acknowledging the urgency of the situation. He rubbed his chin, his gaze momentarily fixed on the ground. "Very well, I'll see what I can do. Stay here, I'll be back within an hour."
"We're counting on you," Victor declared, nodding slightly, striving to appear confident despite the doubts and worries that plagued him. His fists slowly relaxed, a sign of his attempt to calm his emotions.
As Silas prepared to leave the warehouse, an electric tension filled the air. The determined gazes of Jack, Daniel, and Teal'c met, a silent exchange between them signaling an imminent action. Without hesitation, they rushed towards the group, their steps resonating like thunder, firmly blocking any attempt at escape.
Teal'c advanced with unwavering assurance, his imposing stature rising like an impassable wall in front of Ayden. His piercing gaze fixed on the teenager, freezing him in place. With a powerful hand, he firmly grasped Ayden's shoulder, preventing any desire to flee.
Meanwhile, Daniel hurried towards Kira, looking at her with empathy. He sought to establish a connection with her. His hands reached out slightly, as if he wanted to envelop her in a comforting embrace. "Don't be afraid," he murmured in a gentle voice, letting his benevolence shine through. "You have nothing to fear from us."
Kira, her eyes filled with uncertainty and vulnerability, intensely stared at Daniel, seeking answers in his caring gaze.
Victor, taken aback by SG-1's sudden intervention, was seized by a primal instinct to run and began sprinting. But a glance at Ayden and Kira, surrounded, made him realize that abandoning them would be an unforgivable betrayal. A burning sense of fraternity took hold of him, and he abruptly halted his frenzied run.
Jack, who was chasing after him, quickly caught up, breathless but determined. He firmly grabbed Victor's shoulder, forcing him to turn towards him. His piercing gaze conveyed both his intention not to let him escape and his desire to protect him from himself. "Victor, stop! You can't keep running forever," he said in a firm voice, while his hand confidently rested on Victor's arm.
The teenager's gaze froze under the intensity of Jack's stare. His eyes, wide open, reflected an internal conflict. He realized that running served no purpose. The time had come to face reality.
SG-1 searched the warehouse with their eyes, but Silas had already vanished into the darkness, taking advantage of the confusion to blend into the shadows like an elusive specter. Despite the urgency of the situation, the team remained focused on the teenagers, their immediate priority.
Jack maintained physical contact with Victor, seeking to establish a deeper visual connection. "Victor, look at me," he requested in a gentle yet firm voice. His eyes intensely scrutinized Victor's, attempting to convey a message of support and understanding. "We're all going to go back together, and we're going to calmly discuss all of this."
Victor took a few moments to respond. His once self-assured gaze now carried uncertainty. After what felt like an eternity, he finally nodded slightly.
Jack then slowly released his grip on Victor's arm, a gesture that symbolized both agreement and trust. He didn't divert his gaze from Victor, making sure he understood that he was there for him.
An almost imperceptible shift spread through the atmosphere of the warehouse, the electric tension that had enveloped them began to dissipate. Faces relaxed, shoulders eased. Each person could breathe a little more freely, although caution remained at the surface.
In this calmer environment, Jack slowly raised his hand, subtly signaling Teal'c and Daniel to follow him. "It's time to go back," he announced in a calm voice. His body straightened slightly, his shoulders slumping in a sigh of relief. His initially scrutinizing gaze swept the warehouse one last time, scanning the shadows and dark corners, even though Silas had long disappeared.
Ayden and Kira exchanged a knowing glance, then took the lead of the group, their steps synchronizing in a silent dance. Their arms brushed against each other in reassuring proximity. They walked lightly, whispering softly to each other about what had just happened.
In the background, Victor and Daniel walked side by side, their steps slower, more measured, as if treading on uncertain ground. Their gazes occasionally met, exchanging silent signs of understanding.
Jack and Teal'c brought up the rear. Their watchful eyes continuously scanned the surroundings, their shoulders swaying with a calm assurance. Each movement was precise, each step calculated, ready to react to any threat that might emerge from the shadows.
The holographic display floating before them was a shimmering mosaic of numbers, formulas, and ever-changing diagrams, representing their quest to predict the timing of a solar magma eruption. The interior of the ship, usually silent and serene, buzzed with intense mental activity.
Sam's brow furrowed, her forehead marked by an expression of deep concentration. Her fingers danced with agility on the holographic keyboard, tweaking equations, adding variables, and adjusting parameters. Her eyes flickered rapidly between the real-time simulation of the star and the calculation interface, desperately seeking patterns, trends, and clues that could aid them in their quest.
Beside her, Thor remained unruffled, his narrow eyes scrutinizing every move Sam made with captivating interest. His expression, though impassive, exuded a serene calm that strangely contrasted with Sam's fervor. His role was less activebut equally crucial, providing his Asgardian knowledge and making strategic adjustments as needed.
Yet, despite their combined efforts, the solution to their problem remained elusive. Each predictive model they constructed seemed to bring them closer to a resolution, but the inconsistency of stellar data and the ever-evolving characteristics of the star made predicting a solar magma eruption extremely challenging.
Exhausted, Sam leaned back, massaging her temples in a gesture of weariness. Her gaze drifted into the vastness of space visible through the ship's viewport. Ivadoll, so peaceful and serene from up there, seemed to mock their helplessness.
Sam's tired eyes landed on Thor, revealing a stark contrast between her obvious agitation and Thor's almost stoic serenity. "Thor," she began in a hoarse voice, a testament to hours of intense work, "I'm afraid we've reached the limits of what your computers can accomplish."
Thor's piercing gaze fixed on her. "Colonel Carter, our technology was never designed to decipher such unpredictable phenomena," he admitted with surprising tranquility.
Sam took a deep breath, seeking to draw energy from the very ship itself. "I'm going to return to Ivadoll. Maybe if Victor could help us..."
Thor inclined his head slightly, implicitly acknowledging the validity of her suggestion. "Indeed, it is possible that his knowledge could help us refine our data," he conceded.
Feeling a renewed determination welling up within her, Sam fixed her gaze on the planet below. "Send me back there."
No sooner had she made her request than the ship's command room lit up with a dazzling light, enveloping Sam in a radiant aura. In the blink of an eye, she vanished from the ship, her body dissolving into a burst of light only to reappear instantly in the governor's house's living room.
Once Sam reappeared, she took a moment to acclimate herself to her new surroundings. Her eyes landed on Jack and Sigurd, discovering them engaged in a conversation, their voices filling the room with a constant murmur.
Jack leaned forward, arms crossed over his chest, his brow slightly furrowed. His expression carried a mix of seriousness and concern. The lines on his face bore witness to the many challenges they had faced in recent days.
Sigurd, on the other hand, stood tall, though his shoulders were slightly slumped. His eyes were fixed on Jack with sincere attention. He nodded from time to time, punctuating Jack's words with murmurs of agreement or pertinent questions.
Silent, Sam observed them for a moment, realizing the significance of their exchange. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward to join them, intruding into their circle of discussion. Jack and Sigurd's gazes turned towards her, a glimmer of welcome and curiosity in their eyes.
A faint smile of relief spread across Jack's face when he saw Carter. He greeted her eagerly, albeit with contained enthusiasm. "Sam! Tell me we're going to be able to make that time jump."
Sam lowered her gaze, her expression reflecting a hint of disappointment. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding. "Unfortunately, it seems impossible... But perhaps Victor could help us."
The idea didn't exactly thrill Jack, and it showed on his face. A sigh escaped him as he rubbed his temple wearily with his index finger. "How?" he asked with a slight hint of irritation.
Sam replied without hesitation, seeking to convince Jack of the value of this approach. "Victor has an in-depth knowledge of Ancient technology. He might be able to enhance our computers to find a solution."
Jack wasn't entirely convinced, but he understood that the urgency of the situation compelled them to explore all options. He acquiesced, resigning himself. "Okay..."
Curious, Sam inquired, "Have you found him?"
Jack responded with a slight smile. "Yes, he's in the garden with his friends, Daniel and Teal'c."
Sigurd gestured toward the outside, inviting Sam and Jack to follow him. "Let's go see them," he declared in a determined voice.
Sam nodded, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, demonstrating both a certain apprehension and an unwavering determination to find a solution. She knew they had to leverage all available resources to overcome this seemingly insurmountable challenge. With a slight nod, she set herself in motion, her determined steps leading her towards the exit of the living room.
As for Jack, he felt a whirlwind of conflicting emotions stirring within him. His forehead creased slightly, revealing his internal disagreement with the idea of relying on Victor. His hand absentmindedly rubbed the sleeve of his jacket as he searched for an alternative solution. Nevertheless, despite his reservations, he decided to follow Sam and Sigurd.
The usually peaceful garden seemed to be swayed by the emotions that prevailed within it. Daniel and Teal'c had settled in chairs, observing the three teenagers with a mix of curiosity and concern, ready to intervene if necessary.
A few meters away, Victor was lying in the grass, his face bathed in a troubled glow. Kira and Ayden sat beside him, their eyes filled with surprise and incomprehension, absorbing every word Victor spoke with a curious mix of emotion.
Victor continued speaking, gradually revealing the details of his hidden identity. His words were imbued with vulnerability and a certain apprehension about his friends' reaction. He could feel their gaze on him, seeking to understand, to integrate this new facet of his being.
Once he finished his story, Ayden took a deep breath before speaking. "I never would have believed that the Asgard could do such a thing." His tone was tinged with surprise and incomprehension.
Victor, his gaze lost in the skies, offered no response. His mind seemed to navigate the depths of his own history.
Wanting to break the heavy silence, Kira addressed Victor with a slight smile on her lips. "I understand certain things better now."
Victor turned his head towards his friend, intrigued by her remark. He sought to grasp the hidden meaning behind her words.
"Your nasty character could only come from somewhere else," Kira said teasingly in her voice, hoping to lighten Victor's mood.
A smirk appeared on Victor's lips as he sat up slightly. "Because yours is better, I suppose?" he retorted, a hint of sparkle in his eyes.
Kira wasn't deterred. "Of course! Stop being so gloomy. You have four parents instead of two, it's not the end of the world." She sought to provoke him, to remind him that he was surrounded by support and love.
Victor lay back in the grass, letting out a slight sigh. "If you say so." He once again lost himself in his thoughts, contemplating the sky that stretched above him.
Kira, holding a glass of cold water that she had carefully filled before heading to the garden, looked at it thoughtfully. The contents of the glass remained almost intact. In a spontaneous gesture, almost without premeditation, she poured the water in a freezing cascade onto Victor's face, hoping to snap him out of his despondency.
Victor sat up abruptly, surprised by this unexpected gesture. "Are you out of your mind?!" he exclaimed, shaking his head to get rid of the water droplets.
"I wanted to make sure that water also wets humans. There, you look normal," Kira said teasingly, trying to coax a smile out of him.
"You'll see if water wets!" Victor replied, leaping to his feet. Without hesitation, he began to chase after Kira, engaged in a frantic race through the garden, their laughter and joyful cries mingling with the peaceful atmosphere.
Ayden, still seated, brought his hands to his face with a touch of exasperation. "And here we go again," he muttered to himself. He watched them move away, bickering with each other, knowing that it was their own unique way of communicating, a dynamic that had forged their strong friendship.
Jack, Sam, and Sigurd entered the garden, their gaze immediately drawn to Victor and Kira who seemed caught up in a frenzied chase. They approached Daniel and Teal'c, observing the scene.
Sam, intrigued by the commotion, asked, "What's happening with them?" curious to understand the origin of this agitation.
Teal'c, his eyes fixed on the two teenagers, nodded in their direction. "Kira threwwater at Victor. It seems he wants to get back at her," he replied calmly and impassively.
Sam, surprised, watched the scene unfold before her eyes. She couldn't help but smile at the mischievous bond between the two friends. "I see," she murmured.
Victor and Kira continued their race through the garden, chasing each other with contagious energy. Their laughter and joyful cries filled the air, a testament to their undeniable camaraderie.
Their chase eventually led them around the swimming pool. Out of breath, Victor and Kira found themselves at opposite ends, their eyes sparkling with mutual challenges. Kira, as playful as ever, couldn't resist teasing. "Turns out, humans aren't very fast."
A mischievous smile spread across Victor's face as he took a few steps back. With a determined gaze, he sprinted at full speed, propelling his body with force. With a powerful leap, he soared over the water, his legs stretching to reach the other side of the pool.
Victor landed with precision, his feet touching the edge of the pool's rim. He took a moment to catch his breath, a triumphant smile illuminating his face, ready to savor his victory.
Surprised and admiring, Kira burst into laughter at her friend's success. She couldn't help but give him a gentle push, trying to make him lose his balance. But Victor grabbed her by the arm and pulled her into the sparkling water of the pool.
Laughter erupted from Kira's lips as the water engulfed them both.
The rest of the group, witnessing this lively scene, couldn't help but smile. Their friendship, turbulent as it may be, was a breath of fresh air in the midst of the heavy atmosphere. It was delightful to see Victor smile again.
As they were submerged underwater, Kira gently cupped Victor's face in her hands and kissed him softly. Air bubbles escaped around them, creating an intimate and mysterious ambiance.
When they emerged from the water, Victor was completely taken aback, his heart pounding. He looked at Kira, his eyes filled with confusion. "Why... why did you do that?" he murmured, seeking to understand the meaning behind this unexpected gesture.
Kira offered him an enigmatic smile, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "I'm sure now you're thinking less about your origins," she replied in a soft and teasing voice. Her words hung in the air, laden with innuendo and hidden meanings.
Victor stood frozen for a moment, his thoughts swirling in his head. He was both surprised and intrigued by Kira's gesture. He tried to approach her to reciprocate the embrace, but she gently pushed him away with a teasing smile, creating an electric tension between them.
However, their moment of intimacy was abruptly interrupted by the imposing presence of Sigurd, who stood near the pool. His grave and authoritative tone left no doubt about the importance of the impending conversation. Victor and Kira glanced at each other, a hint of curiosity mixed with some apprehension.
Without a word, they both exited the water, their movements silent, indicating the seriousness of the situation.
Sigurd scrutinized the two teenagers closely, observing their faces with a concentrated expression. "Victor, Sam wants to talk to you," he stated calmly but resolutely.
The two young individuals nodded silently and gathered around the garden table where the SG-1 team was already seated.
Once everyone was seated, Sam spoke up, her gaze fixed on Victor. Her hands were slightly clenched. "Victor, we need your help. We need to develop a program to predict a solar eruption."
Victor furrowed his brows, a veil of confusion crossing his face. His eyes locked onto Sam's, a mixture of curiosity and confusion evident in his gaze as he wrung out the excess water from his shirt hem. "For what purpose?" he asked, a certain suspicion creeping into the tone of his voice.
Daniel spoke up, sensing the importance of providing an explanation. "We want to send a message to the past to prevent your abduction and your presence on Ivadoll." His gestures were calm and measured, showing his sincere desire to find a solution.
Victor shook his head, his brows furrowing even more. He let out a frustrated sigh. "What?! Is that your plan? Erase my current life?"
Jack, whose patience was wearing thin, interjected firmly. "Victor, you need to understand that you should have never experienced all of this."
Daniel, concerned about diffusing the situation, quickly interjected, raising his hand to calm the spirits. "Jack..."
"What, Daniel?" Jack interrupted, annoyed. He pointed at Carter to emphasize his point. "As we speak, Victor should still be inside Sam's belly."
"But hey, I didn't ask for any of this!" Victor vehemently replied, his fists clenched on his knees. His emotions were visible on his face, reflecting his categorical refusal.
"Listen, Victor," Jack said in a calmer yet firm tone, seeking to put an end to any further discussion. "Either we find a way to erase these past few weeks, or you come back with us to Earth."
Victor fell silent, his eyes expressing his frustration and disagreement. Sam, sitting next to him, sensed his distress and gently grasped his hand to get his attention. "We're all affected by this situation, Victor. We just want to get you back."
Daniel, searching for an alternative, proposed an idea in hopes of finding common ground. "Victor, why don't you come with us to Earth for a while? You could experience new things, broaden your horizons. Maybe that would help you see things differently."
Victor, in a moment of hesitation, seriously considered the proposal. "And if afterward I want to come back to Ivadoll?" His gaze was questioning, seeking assurance.
Daniel turned to Jack, his eyes searching for validation. Jack, understanding the silent message, spoke up. "You'll be free to make your choice."
Victor locked eyes with Jack, trying to discern sincerity in his gaze. "Okay, but only if Ayden and Kira come with me."
Jack nodded in agreement, accepting the condition.
After a poignant series of goodbyes to Sigurd and Hilda, Victor joined the rest of the group aboard Thor's ship. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of excitement and melancholy. They were leaving Ivadoll behind and heading towards Earth. The separation from his adoptive parents left Victor with a heavy and dark feeling in his chest, his thoughts swirling with uncertainties—would he ever see them again? The unanswered question haunted his mind.
Within the intimacy of the ship, a solemn mood prevailed. Kira and Ayden stood close to a window, their eyes fixed on the infinite cosmos, the shooting stars capturing their awe-struck gaze. As for Sam, she had chosen to isolate herself near the control room. Sitting alone, she absentmindedly watched the vast expanse of stars unfold before her, her thoughts getting lost in the ebb and flow of contrasting emotions.
Victor, seeking to break his own solitude, decided to approach Carter. He took a deep breath, swallowed with difficulty, and cleared his throat softly to signal his presence. Sam turned around, her empathetic gaze resting on him. "Can I sit?" Victor asked, indicating the empty space next to her with a slight nod of his head.
"Yes, of course," Sam replied, offering a reassuring smile. She shifted slightly to make more room for him. "How are you feeling?"
Victor ran a hand over his face, seemingly searching for the right words. "Stressed, I'd say," he admitted finally.
"I understand," she responded with a gentle inclination of her head.
After a moment of silence, Victor spoke again, his hands nervously twisting in his lap. "Tell me... about your life before all of this."
Sam stared at him, surprised, but after a split second, she leaned back slightly, as if seeking some distance. "I'm not quite sure where to begin..."
Victor offered a small encouraging smile. "Do I have any brothers or sisters? Family?"
Sam, slightly taken aback by this sudden question, took a deep breath before answering. "To be honest, Jack and I had only recently gotten together when I became pregnant." A heavy silence followed this confession.
She took a moment to gather her thoughts, then continued, her gaze fixed on her hands that she nervously twisted. "We've had feelings for each other for a long time, but our military duty prevented us from acting on them... After my father's death, I realized it was time to stop pretending." Victor listened attentively, his intense gaze urging her to continue. "That was less than two months ago. It's very recent."
"So, no brothers or sisters," Victor summarized, rubbing the back of his head.
"No, but I have a brother who has two children. So you have cousins," Sam added, mustering a weak smile in an attempt to lighten the conversation.
"And on Jack's side?" Victor asked, a frown creasing his face.
"He doesn't have any family," Sam replied, avoiding delving into Jack's old wounds.
Silence once again filled the room as they both absorbed the shared information. Victor began to fiddle with the laces of his sneakers, his gaze fixed on the repetitive movements of his fingers. Finally, he looked up at Sam. "At what point in the past do we need to go back?"
"I think I got pregnant during our fishing weekend. But to be safe, I'd say we should go back about a month. Do you think that's possible? I know the Ancients have tried time travel several times," Sam explained, her voice breaking slightly at the end.
Victor nodded, an air of uncertainty on his face. "The knowledge I've acquired isn't always organized clearly in my mind. Itoften emerges when I'm confronted with a situation. We have to try," he replied calmly.
Victor and Sam, immersed in the soothing ambiance of the vastness of space, spent the remainder of the journey talking. Sitting side by side, they shared snippets of their lives. Sam spoke to him about her work, her explorations across the stars, the beauty she had seen, and the dangers she had faced. She told him about her father, Jacob, a man of principles and courage who had an undeniable impact on her life and career. She mentioned her mother, who had passed away too soon, the evident nostalgia in her eyes.
Victor listened, savoring her words, discovering the life his mother had lived before his birth. They talked, laughed, and sometimes fell into silence, just in each other's company. There was no need for words to fill those moments. Simply being there, mutually keeping each other company, was enough.
As their destination drew near, a palpable tension permeated the atmosphere. It was as if each pulse of the ship, each passing star through the window, evoked the imminent end of their journey. Faces were tense, eyes fixed on the infinite void of space, everyone absorbed in their own thoughts and feelings.
Finally, the dull hum of Thor's ship subsided as the spacecraft stabilized. A gentle, moonlight-blue glow bathed the interior of the ship. The luminous aura enveloped SG1 and the three teenagers. In an instant, teleportation took effect, erasing Thor's ship from their view and gently depositing them at the heart of General O'Neill's office.
They were greeted by the reassuring familiarity of the office: meticulously organized files, furniture that seemed to have absorbed years of history. A wave of confusion washed over them, but Jack quickly took control. He immediately approached the phone, picked up the receiver, and confidently dialed Sergeant Harriman's number.
Jack briefly explained the situation to the Sergeant. His words were concise, precise, justifying their sudden absence and return with an Asgard mission that had unexpectedly added three teenagers to their ranks. He avoided delving into the details, keeping the mystery intact for now. The soft tone of his voice contrasted with the weight of his words, but he managed to inject a certain assurance into each syllable.
Once the call was finished, Jack carefully placed the receiver back, almost affectionately. He straightened up, his gaze shifting to the three newcomers, a hint of sympathy softening his features. "I'll show you to your rooms."
Nodding, the teenagers rose from their seats and began to follow Jack. Their eyes swept over the surroundings, trying to absorb as much information as possible. Daniel, Sam, and Teal'c lined up beside them. They meandered through the labyrinthine corridors of the SGC, the sounds of their footsteps resonating on the metallic walls and concrete floor. The hallways seemed to stretch into infinity, winding through the depths of Cheyenne Mountain.
Finally, they arrived at an elevator, its doors opening as Jack swiped his badge and pressed the button. The interior was surprisingly minimalist, in stark contrast to the warm ambiance they had experienced on Ivadoll. Victor, Kira, and Ayden exchanged uncertain glances, as if trying to make sense of this strange and unfamiliar environment.
Arranged in a row along a plain corridor, the rooms assigned to the teenagers were as functional and austere as the rest of the base. Jack opened the last door and invited Victor to enter, his hand gesturing in a welcoming motion toward the modest space. Sam, Daniel, and Teal'c stood a few meters away, patiently explaining the procedures and protocols of the SGC to Kira and Ayden in a pedagogical manner.
"There's your room," Jack declared, his conciliatory tone tempering the coldness of the room. He nodded towards a corner of the room where a television sat. "It's not much, I know. But we make do with what we have. And if you need to unwind, the TV can come in handy."
Victor replied with a simple "Thank you" before crossing the threshold with some reservation. He looked around, his gaze analyzing every detail of the room that would be his temporary living space.
About to leave, Jack turned to Victor, the silhouette of the teenager outlined in the dim lighting of the room. "I have some paperwork to take care of, but we'll meet for dinner in an hour, okay?" He seemed hopeful that this proposition would add a touch of normalcy to the situation. Victor nodded and offered a shy smile in response, appreciating the effort.
Loneliness settled in as Victor let himself fall onto the bed, every muscle in his body expressing its exhaustion from the day's events. His hand glided over his face in a gesture of weariness, delicately touching his closed eyelids. Suddenly, a gentle vibration emanating from his wrist snapped him out of his stupor. His bracelet, which he had almost forgotten amidst the turmoil of the past few hours, reminded him of its presence.
His eyes opened to gaze at the clasp adorned with the inscription "Tartaros." The engraved letters seemed to dance under his gaze, captivating his attention. His hand rested on the bracelet, and immediately, a bluish glow emanated from it, vibrant and mystical. Victor, mesmerized, let his gaze wander over this luminous apparition.
A thought of Calypso crossed his mind, and an urgent desire to see her crept within him. This impulse, too strong to be suppressed, compelled him to reach out towards the vortex that had just opened. Yielding to his desire, he brushed against the blue light, and in an instant, his body was engulfed by the vibrant brilliance, making him vanish from the room.
Instantly teleported, Victor found himself immersed in the darkness of Tartaros. Every detail was familiar to him—the thick, heavy air, the solemn silence that seemed almost tangible. The dark landscape, eternally unchanging, stretched infinitely, unaffected by the passage of time.
As he surveyed the surroundings, he slipped his hand into the pocket of his pants, his fingers brushing against the pendant that Calypso had entrusted to him. It was soft and reassuring to the touch, like a tangible connection to the girl he had left behind. He took it out of his pocket and placed it around his neck, his fingers hesitantly tracing the outline of the suspended stone. Closing his eyes, he softly murmured Calypso's name, each syllable vibrating with silent hope.
Elsewhere, Calypso was in her room, her melodious voice gently echoing off the walls as she sang to escape boredom. But when she heard Victor's distant call, her song abruptly ceased. Her eyes closed as she concentrated, guiding Victor through the shadows of her mind towards her.
Torn between the invisible bond guiding his steps and the oppressive darkness, Victor traversed this landscape of desolation for what felt like an eternity. His steps echoed hypnotically on the rocky ground, creating an echo that disturbed the macabre serenity of the place. Finally, the towering silhouette of a massive and austere structure appeared, proudly standing like a solitary beacon amidst the endless darkness.
Hardly had he laid his eyes upon the imposing structure when a familiar figure emerged in the frame of the heavy entrance door. Calypso stood there, a smile forming on her lips as she saw Victor. Without wasting a second, she hurriedly walked towards him and took his hand.
"I'm glad to see you," she admitted, joy lighting up her face.
"Me too," Victor replied, his hand instinctively tightening around hers. Despite his comforting words, a veil of concern clouded his gaze, which Calypso couldn't help but notice.
"What's wrong?" she inquired, her forehead creasing slightly in confusion.
"I want you to leave this place, come with me," Victor proposed with unwavering determination.
"I can't, you know that," Calypso replied, a tinge of sadness in her voice.
"I'm telling you, the Ancients are gone, you have nothing to fear anymore," Victor insisted.
"I can't abandon my people here, and without my father, they won't follow me," Calypso responded, palpable pain in her voice.
"Where is your father?" Victor asked.
"He has been exiled to the planet Hesperides. Only an Alteran can free him from his prison," Calypso explained.
"I will go and get him and bring him back to you," declared Victor, unwavering determination in his voice. His gaze hardened, ready to face any dangers to help Calypso and her people.
"No, I'm afraid he'll get stuck here if we bring him back," retorted Calypso, worry seeping into her eyes as she shuddered at the thought of her father being trapped in this dark land.
Victor stopped, his breath catching, as the gravity of the situation echoed within him. His gaze momentarily lost itself in the surrounding darkness as he searched for a way out of this dilemma.
That's when Calypso offered a solution. "Go to Hesperides, free him, and once that's done, come back for me with the bracelet. We can then relocate my entire people to that planet," a glimmer of hope shining in her eyes.
She handed him a folded sheet. "Here are the coordinates of the planet."
Victor nodded, his face freezing as he took the sheet. A wave of shivers ran through his fingers as he brushed against his bracelet, preparing himself to dive into the shimmering vortex that would once again take him to Earth.
But before his fingers could touch the electric blue halo, Calypso took a step forward, closing the remaining distance between them. With infinite gentleness, she placed a tender and almost melancholic kiss on his lips. "Take care of yourself," she murmured with a pained sigh, her hand delicately caressing his cheek, leaving a trace of warmth where she had touched him.
In an instant, Victor found himself propelled onto the mattress he had left what felt like centuries ago. The bed, incongruous after the harshness of Tartaros' rocky ground, felt almost foreign. He sat up abruptly, his wide-eyed gaze quickly scanning the room to confirm that he was indeed back at the SGC. His heart was pounding frantically in his chest, his breath was ragged, as if he had just run a marathon. He lightly touched his lips with his fingertips, reliving Calypso's kiss, a sensation that had stirred him to the core.
When the agreed-upon hour arrived, Victor, still filled with the recent events, cautiously rose from his bed. His muscles were tense, his mind alert, once again adapting to Earth's reality. He left the room, making his way down the corridor to meet Kira and Ayden.
They set off toward the mess hall. Upon their arrival, they were greeted by the reassuring sight of Jack and Teal'c.
Meanwhile, Sam had isolated herself in her laboratory, immersed in a storm of numbers, graphs, and mathematical formulas, determined to find a solution to their problem. On the other hand, Daniel had delved into the labyrinth of Greek legends and myths, searching for clues and information in the time-yellowed pages of old grimoires.
Dinner proceeded in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. However, Victor remained on the sidelines of the animated conversations, his distracted gaze and laconic responses not escaping Jack's keen eyes. Nevertheless, Jack attributed Victor's behavior to accumulated fatigue and the absence of his adoptive parents. Once the meal was over, the teenagers were escorted to their respective rooms.
Alone, Victor quietly made his way to the door, opening it slightly to cautiously observe the corridor. Detecting no presence, he took the opportunity to step out and discreetly knock on Kira's door. When it opened, he glanced inside. "Can you come with me to Ayden's room?" he asked in a low voice.
Without asking any questions, Kira nodded and followed him. Once all three were gathered in Ayden's room, Victor addressed them, "Are you still ready to explore new worlds?"
"Of course," Kira responded without hesitation.
"Isn't that what we're doing by being here?" Ayden questioned, raising an eyebrow in perplexity.
Victor shook his head, "I'm talking about genuine exploration, with real stakes," he clarified. Faced with their questioning looks, Victor pulled out his bracelet and proceeded to recount his journey to Tartaros, his encounter with Calypso, the tragic fate of her people, and the mission Calypso had entrusted to him.
Ayden's expression furrowed with curiosity. "And how are we going to get to Hesperides?" he asked, a note of skepticism coloring his voice.
A smug smile formed on Victor's lips. "Through the Stargate," he declared.
At that statement, a nervous laugh escaped Kira's lips. "The Gate is heavily guarded, I doubt we can simply walk through it."
Victor responded, his smile widening into a teasing grin, "So, all those hours you spent training in the simulations were for nothing?"
A conspiratorial smile appeared on Kira and Ayden's faces. Their decision was made: they would go through the Gate that very night. They waited for the late hours of the night to settle in, hoping that most of the military personnel would have retired from the complex.
In hushed silence, the three teenagers left Ayden's room, stealthily navigating through the corridors of the SGC with surgical caution, striving to avoid any contact with potential late-night passersby. Without a precise idea of the Stargate's location, they had to rely on their instincts, with each turn and intersection becoming a silent challenge.
Finally, they arrived at a familiar place—the office of General O'Neill. A glimpse through an adjacent door revealed a large conference room—deserted at this late hour of the night. Their eyes widened as they fixated on the imposing Stargate visible through the wide glass panel of the conference room.
With utmost discretion, the three teenagers descended the stairs leading to the control room. Four personnel members, absorbed in their screens, didn't notice the silent approach of the intruders. In an instant, with synchronization that testified to their intensive training, Kira, Ayden, and Victor disarmed and incapacitated the military personnel, ensuring their actions didn't cause the slightest echo.
Ayden, whose aptitude for technology far surpassed that of his comrades, quickly moved towards one of the control stations. His fingers flew across the keyboard, unfazed by the complex interfaces of Earth's systems. After a few minutes of effort, he managed to trigger the lockdown of the doors leading to the embarkation room, incorporating various security measures.
"Hurry, we only have a few minutes before the doors lock," Ayden announced, his voice filled with urgency.
Kira and Victor exchanged a glance and, without making a sound, followed Ayden. Their muted footsteps echoed softly in the corridor as they cautiously approached the embarkation room.
Hardly had they entered through one of the heavy doors when they found themselves facing three armed guards. Their military uniforms created a stark contrast against the steel gray walls of the room. Their posture was that of soldiers ready to defend their post until the end.
Without hesitation, Kira, Victor, and Ayden sprang into action. Their intensive training and numerous simulations had prepared them for situations like this.
Kira lunged at the nearest guard, using her momentum to knock him down. Her hands closed around the guard's arm, and with a swift and precise twist, she wrested the weapon from his grasp, causing him to grimace in pain.
Meanwhile, Victor charged at the second guard, skillfully dodging the rifle butt swing aimed at him. He slid across the floor in an agile maneuver, delivering a swift kick to the soldier's knee, causing him to collapse under the impact.
As for Ayden, he faced off against the last guard. Unfortunately, the guard managed to trigger the alarm before Ayden could reach him. The shrill sound filled the room as the soldier pressed the red security button.
Nevertheless, Ayden didn't hesitate. Seizing the opportunity while the soldier was momentarily distracted, he threw himself at him, using his entire weight to neutralize him. The alarm continued to blare, but they had managed to regain control of the situation.
The sound of the alert echoed like thunder throughout the base, with the heavy access doors closing with a dull rumble. The teenagers found themselves isolated in the embarkation room.
Kira's eyes darted around the room, barely concealing her nervousness. Her fingers nervously gripped the fabric of her shirt as she posed an urgent question, "But where are the controls to activate the Stargate?"
"They should be nearby!" Ayden's reply came more as a growl than an answer. His brows furrowed, lips pressed into a thin line under the mounting pressure of the moment. His gaze scanned the room before settling on Victor.
Victor felt the weight of their expectations. He raised his hands in a calming gesture, his shoulders subtly rising in an almost imperceptible motion. "Don't look at me like that! I don't know any more than you do," he defended himself, his voice tinged with a hint of regret.
The blaring alarm acted as a catalyst. In no time, Jack, Sam, Daniel, and Teal'c burst into the control room. Sam rushed to the consoles, her fingers tapping the keys with an almost mechanical precision.
"What the hell are you doing here?!" Jack's voice boomed through the room, his frustration palpable even through the crackling of the speaker. His gaze was fixed on the teenagers through the control room window, a mixture of exasperation and confusion tinting his eyes.
"Victor, it's time to come up with a brilliant idea!" Ayden's voice cut through the chaos, his panic seeping through despite his efforts to hide it.
Victor swallowed hard, his gaze shifting from his friends to Jack and then to the Stargate. He took a few steps forward, his eyes gently closing. "Hespérides," he murmured, emphasizing each syllable.
"Sam, for God's sake, close the iris!" Jack commanded, frustration vibrating in his voice almost tangibly.
"I'm trying, Jack, but someone has modified all the security codes!" Sam's voice was tense as her fingers continued to dance frantically on the keyboard.
Amidst the chaos, Victor remained a statue of immobility, his eyes closed and his face relaxed despite the ambient tension. He took a deep breath and whispered the word that echoed in his thoughts, "Hespérides," once again.
Kira's exasperation pierced through her voice, tearing through the tense silence that had settled. "Victor, this isn't exactly the time to meditate! Unless you haven't noticed, we have a slight problem to solve!"
With a sharp motion of his hand, Victor pointed at the Stargate. "What do you think I'm doing?!" he retorted, a breath of irritation coloring his voice, his eyelids stubbornly remaining closed.
Suddenly, the Stargate lit up, a vortex of intense, shimmering blue light bursting forth in the room. The members of SG1 froze, their eyes wide with disbelief.
"That's it, let's go!" Victor shouted to his friends, his voice trembling with adrenaline.
Ayden and Kira exchanged a look filled with excitement and anxiety. They had never truly stepped through a Stargate before. Without wasting a moment, they rushed towards the swirling vortex, closely followed by Victor.
"Victor! No!" Jack roared, his voice blending with the blaring alarm, in a futile attempt to change his mind.
Standing at the threshold of the vortex pulsing with energy, Victor abruptly stopped, slowly pivoting to face Jack. A mischievous smile slowly crept onto his lips. He raised his hand, the gesture frozen in time like a still image, a final salute infused with unwavering determination.
Then, without further hesitation, he took a step back, the void of the vortex calling to him like a magnet. His blue eyes remained locked with Jack's, a silent challenge in his gaze until the very last second.
And then he vanished. Swallowed by the whirlpool of energy, his image dissipated, blending into the vortex before the Gate closed behind him with a final rumble.
To be continued...
