Hello again. This is another story that has been sitting on my hard drive for a while now. Only the first couple of chapters were written before I got sidetracked on other projects, but it was something I always wanted to do. It has been done for awhile now, but it never felt finished so I have been doing little tweaks here and there for the past year or so. But now, after this latest tweak, it feels ready.
If the title doesn't give you a clue, this is my attempt at a mirror story. Only a different twist than anything I've read so far.
One of the many things I love about the Stargate franchise is their belief in continuity. They were able to create this amazing world and each episode added to it. Even when the producers wished they could go back and change something to make it easier to shoot or better for the story, if those things were already on film, they were set in stone. If something was done a certain way in episode 1, it was done that way in episode 200. With one very noticeable exception. And I'm not talking about production errors or special effect mishaps. Those things happen. I'm talking about Kawalsky 's Goa'uld. That's the one thing that really bugs me about this amazing show. They never really gave an explanation for why that Goa'uld did what it did, or why no other Goa'uld throughout the franchise has ever been able to do the same. I wanted to try and tackle that question, as well as some other general plot holes that will never be answered, and this particular sandbox let me try to do that.
Another thing I absolutely love about Stargate is they tried their best to conform to the current, at that time, Air Force regulations. I know some things had to be sacrificed because, as much as I really want to believe it, there probably aren't rules and regulations regarding interstellar travel. But, where they could, they tried to be as realistic as possible. One of the areas they could be accurate was with relationships. I know everyone loves their ships. I won't tell you where I fall on the ship train, even though this has a distinctive Sam/Jack feel to it.
This is set right after Divide and Conquer, after their feelings have been brought to light. I know Jack said nothing had to leave the room, but realistically, I don't think hiding something like that would have been possible. I think it would have been brought to light and there would have been consequences. And it might have happened something like this.
As always, I have no formal training in any area that might relate to this work of fiction. I researched what I could, made up what I couldn't, and painted the whole thing liberally with artistic vision. Also, as always, this story is complete. It is coming in just over 100 pages long with 14 chapters. I will post a couple chapters every few days until it is completely available. Reviews are appreciated. I hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own Stargate SG-1. I have no idea who owns them now. I'm just borrowing them and I'll put them back when I'm done. Mostly in one piece. The only thing I own are any mistakes I made.
General George Hammond looked up at the quiet rap at his door. He motioned to enter as he turned his attention back to the last few pages that required his signature.
"Colonel Jack O'Neill reporting as ordered, Sir." Jack stood directly in front of the desk, in full dress uniform, giving him a perfect salute.
"At ease, Colonel," Hammond told him as he refocused on the stack of papers before him, his pen ghosting the lines until he saw where he needed to sign. Jack immediately dropped into parade rest, covertly scanning the room with his eyes. When he realized they were alone, he relaxed his stance even more.
"Sir," he questioned when Hammond finished signing the paperwork and moved the small pile to his outbox. The rest of his immaculate desk was unusually clean, something that rarely happened with this unique command.
"Thank you for coming in on your downtime, Colonel." Jack tensed ever so slightly. Hammond sighed. "I haven't received any word, Jack. The Joint Chiefs are still discussing the matter."
"We haven't broken any fraternization rules," Jack insisted. "I may care about her more than I'm supposed to, but we both know we can't act on those feelings. There's too much at stake to risk breaking up the team."
"I know son," Hammond reassured him as best he could. "I've given yourself and Major Carter my complete support, as did Dr. Fraiser and the rest of your team. But it may be out of my hands."
"Thank you, Sir," Jack said as he straightened up. "I appreciate that. We appreciate that. We as in the whole team, not just me and Carter."
"Colonel," Hammond interrupted Jack's rambling. "I'm doing everything I can. As soon as I hear something I'll tell you." Jack nodded. "But that wasn't why I called you in."
"Sir?" Jack stood up straighter, his eyes roaming around the office and into the briefing room looking for signs of trouble.
"Approximately four hours ago there was a breach at Area 51. Three individuals infiltrated the base via the quantum mirror."
"Wasn't that thing supposed to be destroyed after last time?" Jack asked gruffly. Hammond nodded.
"Apparently all attempts to destroy the device have been unsuccessful."
"No kidding," Jack groused as he started unbuttoning his jacket and loosening his tie to get more comfortable.
"Until they are able to destroy the mirror, it remains under constant surveillance. The intruders were captured moments after they stepped through."
"Good for them," Jack stated, looking around to the briefing room again. "And this concerns us how?"
"One of the intruders identified herself as Dr. Carter." Jack rolled his eyes.
"As in," he gestured to where the gate stood. Hammond nodded.
"Given our track record that's more than likely," he agreed. "I've already contacted the Tok'ra. Major Carter and Jacob have already left to return Martouf's body to his homeworld, to be buried in the traditions of his people. They are not sure when they will return but assure me they will pass on our message the second they are able."
"And their messaging service is always so reliable," Jack grumbled. "Are Daniel and Teal'c still offworld playing in the dirt?"
"If you mean assisting SG-12 with the excavation of the ruins on P6X-632, then yes," Hammond answered. "Should I recall them?"
"Nah," Jack said immediately. "It's been kinda hectic around here lately. This is the closest thing to a vacation we'll get Daniel to take. Besides they'll be back later tonight."
"My thoughts as well." Jack looked around the room before letting his shoulders droop.
"I take it I'm going on a trip?" Hammond nodded. "Let me guess. A quaint little part of the Nevada desert where I can meet the woman of my dreams, sweep her off her feet, and return them all here for safe keeping."
"Along with the mirror," Hammond added as Walter brought in another stack of paperwork. Hammond sighed, looking at the large pile now sitting on his once clean desk. "There's a plane waiting for you. Godspeed."
"Yes Sir." Jack gave another perfect salute before executing a perfect pivot and marching out of the room. Hammond reached for the top paper, almost wishing he was going with him.
"How have they been?" Sergeant Jasper asked as he quietly approached the conference room door. As if in response to his question, a loud wail erupted from behind the door. His partner, Sergeant Rodriguez, winced and raised one of his hands up to his ears in a valiant, but ultimately unsuccessful, attempt to drown out the noise.
"Loud," he ruefully admitted. The crying ebbed off before coming in even louder. Jasper looked on in sympathy before routing through the bags he carried. He pulled the little bottle of Aspirin out and gave it to his fellow guard. "Thanks," he said, taking several pills and swallowing them immediately.
"Don't mention it," he said, grabbing up the bags again. He waited for Rodriguez to get into position then rapped quickly on the door. "Dr. Carter," he called out, just loud enough to be heard over the crying, "I have supplies. If you can just open the door far enough to slip the bag inside…" He let the rest of the sentence drop as the sounds of tables and chairs being pushed back filled the air. A few minutes later the door opened enough to slip the bags in one at a time.
"Thank you, Sergeant," a cautious voice called out after the last bag passed into the room. Jasper nodded and was about to close the door when a strong hand suddenly held it open. He looked into the room, surprised to see the smallest portion of a face and an eye staring at him.
"Of course, Ma'am," he responded politely. "Is there anything else I can get you?"
"Have you heard from Stargate Command yet?" the older woman asked. Jasper eagerly nodded.
"Yes Ma'am. They are sending someone to meet with you. They should be arriving within a few hours."
"Thank you." The visible parts of her lips turned upward into a smile. A smile that was shared with everyone when the crying finally stopped.
"Finally," Rodriguez mumbled beside Jasper. The lady's smile faltered as she looked his way. Jasper glared at his friend.
"We'll let you know as soon as they arrive," Jasper reassured her. She nodded, then closed the door. Jasper stared at the closed door as the sounds of furniture being moved back into place sounded on the other side. He turned to his partner. "Really?" he asked, as he took his place on the other side of the closed door.
"Hey," Rodriguez defended himself. "You haven't had to listen to that for the last who knows how long."
"Wait till it's your own," Jasper said, getting as comfortable as possible.
"Not happening," his friend said as they settled in to wait.
"Colonel O'Neill." Jack looked up at the greeting.
"Can I at least get off the plane first?" he responded as he refocused his attention on the stairs. A few seconds later he was standing in front of the over enthusiastic Major. "Marks," Jack greeted.
"Sorry Sir," Marks apologized, though it echoed with insincerity. The Major threw him a salute, which Jack automatically returned before looking around at all the activity on the tarmac.
"Are you trying to get rid of me or something?" Jack asked as he followed the Major to the waiting car. Teams were already servicing the plane while another truck was transferring a crate that looked like it could hold the mirror. Jack hoped it was the case. He didn't want to be here any longer than he had to.
"Absolutely not, Sir," Marks told him as he opened the door for the Colonel. He quickly rounded the car and climbed in. "We love having members of SG-1 stop by. The chance to pick the brains of Dr. Jackson and Major Carter are regarded as a rare treat around here." Jack looked up sharply. "Not that we don't love having you here as well, but…" He stopped sheepishly.
"But you prefer Carter," Jack said with a smile. Marks looked guilty.
"Especially in situations like this," he smiled slightly before remembering who he was talking to. He straightened up immediately. "No offense intended, Sir." Jack waved away his apology.
"None taken. In fact, I also prefer Carter when science and technology are involved." Marks nodded in agreement. "Speaking of Carter…"
"It's not Major Carter," he told him as the car pulled up to the administrative building. An airman quickly opened the door for the Colonel, leaving Marks to scramble after him.
"What can you tell me about our visitors?" Jack asked as he marched through the building towards the CO's office.
"Not much," Marks admitted. "They appeared at approximately 09:30 in the secure holding facility the mirror was stored in. They were unarmed and offered no resistance when they were taken into custody."
"Did they say anything?" Marks shook his head.
"Nothing of substance beyond asking to speak to someone from the SGC." Marks paused for a moment. "They are cooperating as best they can, but they are very skittish."
"Skittish?" Jack asked as they opened the office door.
"They don't trust us," Colonel Emerson interjected, rising from behind his desk in greeting. He shook Jack's hand before looking over to Marks. "Please oversee the loading of the quantum mirror."
"Yes Sir," Marks nodded respectfully before leaving. Jack watched him go before turning to his fellow officer.
"Why do I get the feeling you're trying to get me out of here ASAP?"
"Not you, Colonel," Emerson said, passing over the paperwork transferring custody of their guests and the mirror into the SGC's hands. "It's them. They are driving everyone insane."
"Marks said they were cooperating," Jack commented as he signed all the indicated spots.
"They're cooperating," Emerson agreed, "but the crying is getting to everybody." Jack looked up abruptly.
"Crying?" Emerson nodded. "Who exactly came through?"
"Two adult females, ages approximately mid-sixties and late teens, and an infant approximately 18 months."
"A toddler?" Jacked asked in disbelief. "Tell me they aren't in holding cells."
"Who do you think we are, Jack?" The Colonel asked gently. He gathered up the paperwork and slipped it into his desk before leading Jack away from the office. Jack heard the soft crying almost immediately. "We offered them guest quarters, which they declined. Instead, they preferred something a bit more light and airy."
"The conference room?" Jack recognized the route they were taking. He winced when a particularly loud wail was heard.
"We've also allowed them to barricade the room from the inside. Nothing my men can't overcome should the need arise, but it's helping them feel safe." They arrived at the room. Emerson nodded to the guards. Jasper immediately stepped forward, knocking on the door gently.
"Dr. Carter. The representative from the SGC has arrived. If you could please clear the door he would like to speak to you." The crying quieted momentarily as furniture being pushed around masked the sound. Soon the door opened. Just a quarter of an inch at first. Then, after Jack showed himself, it was flung wide open.
Silhouetted in the doorway, the setting rays of the sun framing her, the confident woman stood proudly; the golden, slightly graying hair haloing her timeless face. Her smile lit up the whole room as she stared at the man opposite her.
"Hello Jack."