Hi everyone, this story came to me while I was bedridden for three days. (Thanks, COVID).
No particular warnings for this chapter, but the next one might be rated M. I'll let you know when the time comes.
Enjoy reading!
OoOoOoOoO
"Sorry, but I'm finalizing the plans for my next weekend with Pete."
These words echoed endlessly in Jack O'Neill's mind as he slammed the metal door of his locker shut. The memory of that phrase resonated painfully, clinging to every corner of his thoughts.
He finished buttoning his shirt, his movements slow and deliberate, a desperate attempt to maintain some form of control. His thoughts wandered, constantly returning to the previous evening spent with Daniel, Teal'c, and Sam. One of their usual evenings, a moment stolen from military rigor, a parenthesis of normality in a life otherwise marked by danger and uncertainty.
The evening had started well. They had met after an exhausting day, savoring a moment of relaxation. The dinner at the restaurant was simple but pleasant. They then played pool, an activity that had become a tradition among them. Daniel, always passionate, captivated everyone with his stories about the fascinating lost civilization they were about to explore on their new mission.
However, as the evening progressed, Jack noticed that Sam was increasingly distant. She frequently checked her phone, a tender smile forming on her lips with each new message. Daniel had noticed too. Curious, and perhaps a bit too intrusive, he finally asked what was holding her attention so much.
"Sorry, I'm finalizing the plans for my next weekend with Pete," Sam had replied, her eyes shining with a particular gleam, a soft smile on her lips.
Jack felt a dull pain upon hearing those words. Why the hell did Daniel have to ask that question? He didn't need to hear that answer. Every word from Sam resonated like a blow, every smile exchanged with Pete through her phone reminded him of what he couldn't have. Worse still, he remembered the countless times he had suggested a weekend getaway, far from the SGC, only for her to politely decline, citing work.
Unable to stop himself, Jack had remarked in a tone that was meant to be light but with barely contained sarcasm, "Pete must be a magician to finally get you out of your lab."
Sam had looked a bit embarrassed, her eyes searching for an explanation she couldn't quite formulate. She had stammered a response, unsettled by the comment.
Jack ran a weary hand over his face. The fatigue he felt went beyond physical; it was a deep-rooted weariness. Realizing his shirt was buttoned wrong, he sighed, undid each button, and redid them one by one. He adjusted his uniform one last time before leaving the locker room.
As he pushed open the door to the mess hall, he found Daniel and Sam already seated, engaged in an animated discussion. Teal'c listened silently, his eyes keenly following each exchange. Jack headed to the buffet, grabbed a bowl of cereal, and sat down next to Sam, across from Teal'c.
Carter briefly looked up, gave him a quick nod before diving back into her conversation with Daniel. Teal'c nodded in greeting, while the archaeologist gave a distracted nod. Jack started eating his cereal, chewing mechanically, the flavors seeming bland and uninteresting.
Under the table, Jack and Sam's legs brushed against each other, an almost inevitable contact when they sat side by side. Usually, this simple gesture was a silent link, a discreet way to feel each other's presence and share a mute complicity. Sam had started this habit long ago, during a particularly stressful mission. Sitting next to each other, she had let her leg brush against Jack's, seeking tacit comfort in a simple touch.
That first contact had been a timid, almost hesitant gesture, but Jack had responded by gently increasing the pressure of his leg against hers. This simple gesture had become a silent anchor between them. Since then, they had repeated this ritual countless times, whether in meetings or on missions.
When Sam felt the need to get closer, to ensure Jack was there, she would slide her leg against his, a subtle movement, almost imperceptible to anyone else. Jack, in response, would exert slight pressure, accentuating the contact with quiet assurance. Sometimes, he would lightly tap his foot against hers, a brief but meaningful gesture, a way of saying "I'm here" without uttering a word.
Today, however, things were different. Their legs brushed under the table, but Jack did not react as usual. He slightly withdrew his leg, breaking the contact almost immediately and pretended to reposition himself more comfortably on his chair. Sam, surprised by this change, tried again to establish the connection by leaving her leg against his, but Jack kept his distance.
This unusual withdrawal troubled her. She cast a quick glance at him, trying to catch his attention, to understand what was wrong. Her blue eyes briefly met his, a silent question floated between them. Jack offered a wry smile, attempting to hide his emotions behind a relaxed façade. But this simple gesture, or rather the absence of it, spoke more than any explanation could.
Sam seemed to hesitate for a moment, her lips parted as if she was going to say something, but she reconsidered and turned her attention back to Daniel. She nodded slightly, resuming the conversation with him, but Jack couldn't help noticing the slight worry line between her eyebrows, a sign that she had perceived his change in attitude, even if she didn't express it.
He straightened up and took another bite of his cereal, trying to convince himself that everything was fine. However, the slight trouble in Sam's eyes, her way of quickly looking away, and his own emotional reaction did not escape him. Jack knew things were far from clear.
They finished their meal in silence, each lost in their thoughts, but Jack couldn't help returning to the previous evening. He knew he needed to focus on the upcoming mission, but the turmoil persisted, making this task harder than usual.
"My next weekend with Pete." These words echoed one too many times in his mind. The air suddenly seemed heavier, every sound in the mess hall amplified in his ears.
He felt a surge of emotion he could no longer contain. His gaze fixed on his spoon, his fingers instinctively tightened around the handle. Then, in a brusque gesture, he set the spoon down with a firmness that made the metal clink against the ceramic of his bowl.
"See you in the gate room," he declared, abruptly cutting off the conversation between Sam and Daniel. He stood up quickly, the sound of the chair scraping the floor resonated in the room, drawing attention. A heavy silence settled, the light and relaxed atmosphere from moments before vanished instantly.
The others looked up at him, surprised by his sudden change in attitude. Daniel, his mouth slightly open, seemed to be searching for words, caught off guard by the sudden interruption. Teal'c, always stoic, raised an inquisitive eyebrow, a rare sign of emotion from him. Sam blinked, bewildered, her gaze shifting between Jack and her teammates, trying to understand what had triggered this unexpected reaction.
Daniel, visibly concerned, ran a hand through his hair before trying to break the tension. "Jack, is everything alright?"
"Everything is just fine," Jack replied with a sharp, inflexible tone. He turned away, leaving the mess hall with quick steps. His stride was fast, almost hurried, as if he was trying to escape his own thoughts. The sound of his boots pounding the floor echoed in the corridor, growing fainter as he moved away from the mess hall.
The silence that followed his departure was heavy. Each member of SG-1 remained frozen, trying to comprehend what had just happened.
OoOoOoOoO
In the gate room, O'Neill, Carter, and Teal'c were in mission attire, ready to depart. Jack paced the room, his frustration growing with each passing minute. Teal'c, impassive as usual, stood with his arms crossed, while Sam was doing a final check of her equipment.
"But where is Daniel?" Jack grumbled, glancing impatiently at his watch.
Teal'c shrugged slightly. "He should be here shortly, O'Neill."
Sam, without lifting her eyes from her instruments, added, "I saw him before arriving. He had some documents to retrieve."
The minutes ticked by, and Jack frequently glanced towards the door, visibly annoyed by the archaeologist's delay. Finally, hurried footsteps echoed in the corridor. Daniel appeared, dragging a bag that seemed far too heavy for a reconnaissance mission.
"Daniel, you're late," Jack said with a hint of impatience. "And what's with the bag? Are we moving?"
Daniel, out of breath, set the bag down at his feet before replying, "I brought some books. We're going to explore ancient ruins; I want to be ready to analyze everything on site."
Jack rolled his eyes. "Some books? Really?"
Daniel shrugged, a disarming smile on his lips. "I'd rather be over-prepared than under-prepared."
Jack shook his head with a sigh. It was clear Daniel would never change.
The Stargate suddenly activated, a bright blue light filling the gate room. The vortex's hum resonated, drawing everyone's attention. General Hammond used the microphone to give them a final message.
"SG-1, good luck with this mission. We expect your report in three hours. Stay safe."
Jack nodded towards the control room. "Thank you, General. Don't worry, I won't send Daniel to do the report; we'll be on time."
At this remark, Sam stifled a small laugh, her lips curving into an amused smile. She shook her head slightly, used to the colonel's teasing.
Daniel, on the other hand, looked exasperated, rolling his eyes. He adjusted his glasses and sighed before responding, "Very funny, Jack."
The SG-1 team finally moved towards the Stargate. O'Neill took one last look at his teammates, confirming with a nod that everything was in order. They stepped through the vortex simultaneously. In an instant, the world they knew disappeared, replaced by a new, unknown landscape.
They emerged in the midst of lush vegetation, strangely similar to that of Earth. Tall trees surrounded the clearing where they had landed, and the birds' songs echoed in the air, creating an atmosphere both familiar and exotic.
Jack took a deep breath, appreciating the fresh air. He put on his sunglasses and adjusted his cap. "Let's go see this famous temple."
Daniel, already captivated by the exploration ahead, nodded enthusiastically. "It should be a few meters north. This site could be one of the greatest archaeological treasures we've ever discovered."
Sam glanced at her measuring device. "We need to stay cautious. The sensors show unusual energy levels near the temple. There could be ancient technologies still active."
The SG-1 team set off and progressed slowly through the dense vegetation, heading towards the temple indicated by Carter's readings. The rough terrain and thick underbrush made the walk difficult. Daniel advanced laboriously, his bag laden with books and scientific equipment weighing him down significantly. He occasionally stumbled over roots, his glasses sliding down his nose, accentuating his frustrated expression.
Noticing Daniel's struggle, Teal'c stopped and turned towards him. Without a word, he extended a powerful hand towards the bag. The archaeologist hesitated for a moment, then relinquished the heavy load with a sigh of relief.
"Thanks, Teal'c," he said, adjusting his military jacket.
The Jaffa nodded slightly, took the bag with surprising ease, and hoisted it onto his shoulder as if it weighed nothing. He resumed walking, his heavy and regular steps leaving deep impressions on the damp ground. Beside him, Daniel, now relieved of his burden, walked with visible relief.
Behind them, Carter and O'Neill walked side by side, a heavy silence full of unspoken words between them. Sam cast furtive glances at Jack, trying to decipher his inscrutable expression. The tension in the air was palpable, and she felt the need to break this oppressive atmosphere.
"So, Colonel, do you think we'll find something interesting in this temple?" she asked, trying to adopt a light tone.
Jack kept his gaze straight ahead, his features hardened by an expression of cold concentration. "I prefer not to speculate," he replied, his sharp voice closing off any attempt at conversation.
Sam felt a wave of frustration and sadness wash over her. She had known him for a long time and knew he wasn't easily perturbed. But this time, he seemed genuinely affected by something, and she had the unpleasant feeling that it directly concerned her.
She glanced at Teal'c and Daniel ahead, absorbed in their discussion. Taking advantage of their distraction, Sam took a deep breath, her heart beating slightly faster. She turned to Jack, seeking his gaze.
"Listen, Colonel," she began softly, her voice tinged with concern. "I can tell something's wrong. If it's because of..."
Jack abruptly interrupted her by raising his hand. His features hardened, and he stubbornly fixed his gaze ahead. "Everything is just fine, Carter. We have a mission to accomplish. Focus on that."
Sam blinked, surprised by the coldness in his voice. She remained silent for a moment, searching for her words. She lowered her eyes slightly, then looked up, determined. "I just wanted to make sure everything was fine between us."
Jack clenched his teeth, his jaw tightening slightly. He continued to avoid her gaze. "Everything is perfectly fine, Major," he replied with a mechanical firmness, quickening his pace slightly to put distance between them.
Sam sighed inwardly, not believing her superior's words for a moment. She knew, however, that she wouldn't get him to talk at that moment. Observing his tense shoulders and quick stride, she understood he was closing himself off like a fortress. She took a deep breath, promising herself to find another moment to confront him. For now, the mission had to come first.
Picking up the pace a bit more, Jack eventually caught up with Daniel and Teal'c, who were still walking ahead. "Is that temple still far?"
The archaeologist, absorbed in his notes, looked up and scanned the surroundings. "We're almost there. According to my calculations, we should find it soon."
Teal'c, surveying the horizon, nodded in agreement before pointing in a direction. "I perceive stone structures."
Jack nodded, satisfied with this confirmation. "Perfect, let's continue."
The group advanced cautiously, the temple gradually revealing itself through the vegetation. Its ancient stone walls emerged in the subdued light, offering a promising glimpse of what they would discover. Vines and moss partially covered the inscriptions and carvings.
O'Neill raised his hand, signaling everyone to stop for a moment. He scanned the surroundings warily, his eyes scrutinizing every shadow, every movement. The forest's silence suddenly seemed heavy with threat, and the birds' songs sounded strangely distant.
"Stay alert," he murmured, his voice barely audible but firm. He gestured for Teal'c to advance cautiously to explore the temple's surroundings while Sam and Daniel stayed back, analyzing the visible inscriptions.
Daniel was immediately captivated by the first signs of inscriptions on the stone walls, half-hidden by climbing plants. "Look here," he said, crouching near a wall. "These look like hieroglyphs, but with variations I've never seen before."
Jack approached, keeping a vigilant eye on the surroundings. "Can you decipher them?"
"I think so," Daniel replied, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Sam continued scanning the area with her detector, noting anomalies in the energy readings. "There are fluctuations here but nothing worrying for now."
O'Neill nodded distractedly, his eyes still alert for any sign of danger. Sam, though absorbed in her own readings and analyses, couldn't help but cast furtive glances at Jack, hoping for a sign of relaxation from him. But his expression remained hard.
They continued to make their way, Teal'c leading the way. Branches and leaves crunched under their steps. Finally, they reached the main entrance of the temple, a massive archway covered in moss and vines. Daniel stopped, his eyes wide at the sight of the ancient structure's majesty.
"It's incredible," he murmured, touching the inscriptions with almost religious reverence.
Jack quickly looked around. "Let's go," he said, entering the temple, followed closely by the rest of the team. Once inside, he took a moment to assess the situation. The dim daylight barely penetrated, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
"Teal'c, stay close to the entrance, just in case," Jack instructed, his voice echoing slightly in the vast space. "Major, give us a full scan of the area. Daniel, I'll leave you to play with your books."
They quickly organized themselves, each assuming their role with the precision and efficiency of a well-oiled team.
Minutes passed, and Daniel continued studying the inscriptions, captivated by each discovery. "These frescoes depict an advanced civilization, both technologically and culturally. But there are also signs of their decline, apparently caused by a devastating internal war."
Sam, having finished her inspection of the site, approached Jack and shared her findings. "The energy fluctuations seem to be coming from a nearby source. This temple must have several rooms."
O'Neill glanced at his watch. "Time for the report is approaching. Daniel, will you be long?"
Daniel shook his head, still focused on the complex inscriptions covering the temple walls. "I need more time. These inscriptions are extremely detailed, and I've barely started understanding them."
Jack sighed, visibly annoyed. "Alright. Teal'c, go back to the Gate and inform the General that the excavations will take longer than expected."
Teal'c nodded, his expression impassive, and left the temple silently, his steps echoing softly on the stone floor. Meanwhile, Daniel and Sam continued their analyses, immersed in their discoveries. The murmur of their voices exchanging technical observations and theories mingled with the quiet hum of measuring instruments.
Daniel, kneeling before a particularly complex fresco, took notes feverishly, his eyes shining with excitement. "These symbols... they tell a fascinating story of this civilization. Look, Sam, this detail here... it's advanced technology we've never seen before."
Sam, absorbed by her scanner, nodded in understanding while tapping on her device's screen. "The energy readings are really abnormal. There's something powerful here."
Jack, on the other hand, began to feel his impatience rise. Waiting and inactivity were things he struggled with, especially in a place so filled with mystery and potential danger. After glancing at Daniel and Sam, engrossed in their analyses, he decided a bit of movement would do him good.
"I'm going for a walk outside."
Without waiting for a response, he headed towards the exit. Outside, the fresh jungle air welcomed him, contrasting pleasantly with the temple's stuffy atmosphere. Jack took a deep breath, savoring the mix of damp earth and lush vegetation scents.
He walked around the building, his eyes scanning every detail. The forest sounds, the birds' songs, the insects' buzz, the rustling leaves, created a natural symphony that slightly calmed his alert mind. However, he couldn't help but stay on guard, aware that danger could arise at any moment.
Approaching a part of the temple covered in vines, he noticed a barely visible small opening, concealed by the vegetation. His soldier's instinct immediately awakened. Pushing the vines aside, he discovered a narrow passage leading inside the structure. His curiosity piqued, he cautiously entered the dark corridor, his weapon ready to be drawn if needed.
Inside, the darkness was almost total, only pierced by a few rays of light filtering through the stone walls' cracks. Jack advanced slowly, his senses on high alert. The corridor led to a small room cluttered with ancient artifacts and unknown machines. Fascinated despite himself, he observed the objects with meticulous attention.
Approaching a strange device, Jack noticed it was composed of several luminous panels and delicately arranged levers, surrounded by unknown symbols engraved on a metal plate. The device, though complex, seemed ancient yet strangely well-preserved. His curiosity aroused, he reached out to examine the inscriptions more closely.
Accidentally brushing the central lever, a sharp click was heard, followed by an intense light suddenly emanating from the device, enveloping him entirely. Before he could react, he felt himself being pulled in an unknown direction, as if traveling through a tunnel of light and energy.
When the light dissipated, Jack found himself in the same place, but everything had changed. The laboratory was no longer abandoned. Scientists and soldiers in strange uniforms bustled around the tables, handling various devices and exchanging urgent orders in an unknown language. Jack realized he had been transported elsewhere, but where exactly? The confusion and strangeness of the situation overwhelmed him.
Jack quickly grasped the situation's magnitude. Spotting the device that had transported him, he hurriedly grabbed it and hid behind a pile of metal crates, out of sight. His movements were quick and precise, each action calculated to avoid drawing attention.
In the shadows, he feverishly examined the device. His fingers brushed over the luminous panels and levers, desperately searching for the one he had activated earlier. The device was complex, each button and lever seemed to have a specific function. He tried to reactivate it, hoping to reverse the process.
But nothing happened. The mechanism remained inert, as if the mysterious force that had transported him here had vanished. The light and energy that had enveloped him earlier seemed lost, disappeared without a trace. A surge of panic overcame him, but he quickly suppressed it, aware that giving in to fear would serve no purpose.
He looked around again, searching for clues or information that might help him. The scientists and soldiers seemed increasingly disorganized, their frantic movements betraying a barely concealed urgency.
Suddenly, Jack heard an explosion that made the temple walls vibrate. Shouts followed, piercing the already tense atmosphere. He knew he had to act fast. He searched for clues, information, something that could help him understand where he was and how to return to his starting point.
He discreetly slipped behind a pile of equipment. Scanning the area quickly, he spotted plans and screens displaying complex schematics. Perhaps there was a solution among this information?
But suddenly, another explosion sounded, much closer this time, shaking the ground beneath his feet. Jack felt a surge of adrenaline course through him. The chaos was general. Inside the temple, scientists and soldiers abandoned their posts, rushing towards the exit. The explosions echoed closer and closer, and the sounds of battle outside intensified.
Jack pressed himself against a wall, observing the scene with keen attention. He knew it was now or never. Taking advantage of the confusion, he slipped out of his hiding place and mingled with the panicked crowd fleeing the temple.
Once outside, the reality of war hit Jack head-on. Ruined buildings, burning vehicles, and people running in all directions, exchanging fire with disconcerting ferocity. The sky was obscured by smoke, and the air was thick with the acrid smell of burning. Jack weaved through the chaos, his survival instinct on high alert.
He had only one thought: reaching the Stargate. It was his only hope of returning to Earth. Recalling the path they had taken to arrive, he headed towards the forest, where the Gate was concealed. The sounds of battle faded as he delved deeper into the vegetation, but he knew the danger was still present.
Every noise, every movement around him, made his heart beat faster. Snatches of voices, the snapping of branches, distant gunfire, all contributed to keeping his mind on high alert. He ran, his breath growing heavier, but he didn't slow down. Determination and urgency guided each of his steps.
Finally, he reached the clearing where the Stargate stood. It was still there, imposing and silent, surrounded by a few alert guards. Jack hid behind a tree, observing the surroundings. He had to act quickly and discreetly.
Taking advantage of a moment when the guards seemed less attentive, he dashed towards the DHD. His fingers flew over the symbols, dialing Earth's address and his identification code. The familiar hum of the Gate activating resonated, and the shimmering blue vortex appeared.
Just as he was about to jump through the Gate, shouts erupted behind him. Armed soldiers, realizing what he was attempting, yelled at him to stop. Jack ignored them, his eyes fixed on the vortex. He ran with all his might. Every fiber of his being was focused on one goal: returning to Earth.
A shot rang out, and a searing pain pierced his side. He staggered, his steps becoming heavier and more uncertain. The intense burn spread, but he knew he couldn't stop. Ignoring the pain and the blood flowing, he gritted his teeth and continued running. His vision blurred slightly, but he refused to give up. The Gate was so close.
As he dove into the vortex, the blue light enveloped him. Just before losing consciousness, he felt a brief sense of relief, a strange sensation of security.
The next moment, he found himself thrown to the other side, collapsing heavily on the ramp of the Stargate room at the SGC.
To be continued...
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