Hello,
Sorry for the long silence. I've been busy with the kids going back to school and then got sick.
I hope you're all going well.
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Chapter 12
- Looks like good old times…, O'Neill quipped, leaning on the door frame of Carter's lab.
Sam looked up from the piece of technology she was studying and smiled at him, amused.
- Things only changed a few months ago, Sir., she told him.
- Seven months, eighteen days and… three hours and thirty-six minutes…, he pointed out, looking at his watch.
- That's really… precise, Sir., she noticed with a smile.
- Okay… I may have made up the part about the hours and minutes but the rest is real., he admitted, his hands in his pockets., Where's the fifth member of our team?
- Back at Area 51 for a few days to work on some flaws of the first ship. We had a videoconference this morning., she explained to him.
- This morning… So you're not supposed to receive another call for at least a few hours, are you?, he asked her.
- No, I'm not.
- Good… So you won't have any objection to come and have something to eat. Teal'c went to fetch Daniel. I know you're busy, Major, so don't waste time trying to refuse. Just come and have a nice meal with good company and then you can go back to work., he argued, looking at her as if she couldn't protest to his words.
She shook her head and turned the light of her desk off. Satisfied, he clapped his hands then gestured for her to lead the way.
- Don't you feel too lonely in there without your assistant?, he asked her along the way.
- Lonely? I wouldn't go that far but I can't wait for her to come back. I came to appreciate to spend some nights at home because she takes some workload off my hands., she admitted.
- No… She did manage that?, he feigned shock., To make you realize your own bed is better than the one in your quarters? So she's really a genius…
That made her laugh. She pushed the button to call the elevator and waited for it.
- She is and you know it. She's an O'Neill after all… with two Ls., she teased him.
- Oh no… you won't start another round about that… You know, I'm kind of disappointed here. That's the kind of joke I would hear from Jake but not from you., he told her sternly., And I'm not a genius. If so, I would understand your technobabble, which I do not.
- If you say so… I don't want to blow your cover… Sir., she whispered.
- My… I don't understand what you mean, Carter… See, I'm not a genius., he concluded, getting into the cart.
She followed him and they went down to the commissary where they found Teal'c and Daniel already seated at a table. They talked about everything that came to mind until a message brought them back to the moment.
- Colonel O'Neill, please report to General Hammond. Colonel O'Neill, please report to General Hammond., they heard through the speakers.
Everybody stared his way, wondering if they had to expect something bad to happen.
- I guess this is my cue to leave. See you, guys., he saluted them, rising and leaving them.
- I hope we won't have to leave right away. I still have a translation to finish., Daniel sighed.
- I think that, if it was about a mission, we all would have been called., Carter said.
- Indeed., Teal'c concurred calmly.
- Sir, you asked for me to come., Jack said to make his presence known, knocking lightly on the door.
- Come in, Jack. An unforeseen event forces me to leave the base this afternoon. I should be back tomorrow morning., Hammond told him, his hands crossed in front of him.
- If I may, where do you have to go, Sir? A little trip to Washington, DC maybe?, O'Neill inquired.
- Area 51. I have to fly there in one hour, so from now on, Colonel, you're in charge of the SGC., he informed him, rising to his feet and going to take his jacket hanged in the corner of the room., And don't worry, Jack: I let you some work to do., he said mischievously, tapping on a pile of reports.
The colonel kept for himself the little but not so professional remark that went to his mind, realizing Hammond probably wish this work to be done when he would be back. Hell, he already had one of those on his own desk.
- Yes Sir. I will give my best to not fail you., he said.
- I don't doubt that, Colonel. I have to go, Jack. Take care of the place for me. All information you need on teams off-world are in here., Hammond told him, pushing a file towards him.
- Have a good trip, Sir., Jack saluted him.
Hammond simply nodded and left his office. Jack sighed and took his place… and the first file. He smiled a little, seeing one of his reports. Well, he knew this one so he hovered over it and firmed it… and went to the second one.
When he arrived at Area 51, Hammond went directly to the office of the General in charge of the base. They talked for an hour about some issues before he asked to see Lieutenant O'Neill.
- You came all the way to see a lieutenant, Georges? You don't have enough work down there?, General Grant teased him.
- She works with Major Carter who had really important information to give her., Hammond replied., As we have had some things to see together for a long time now with no time to spare for it, I gave it a go.
- Ok. I won't be able to lead you to her and maybe not before you go away., Grant apologized.
- Don't worry. I'll find my way. I just need to know where she is., the General of the SGC said.
Grant waved the airman at the door of his office and asked him to lead Hammond to the place where the new ship was built. After half an hour, he finally arrived in sight of the offices where the engineers and technicians were working on plans and parts. He overlooked the places and finally saw the one he was looking for.
- Lieutenant O'Neill., he called out to her in his best General's voice, everyone coming to attention right away.
- General Hammond, Sir., she answered, saluting him.
He heard the relief in her voice, saw the exhaustion on her face and knew she was going through a rough time.
- At ease, everyone. Lieutenant, Major Carter gave me this for you. It was what you were waiting for, I guess., he told her, giving her a file as soon as she was near him.
He saw her confusion but, as he insisted, she took it and smiled thankfully at him.
- Yes, it was, Sir… and I… I have a file I have to give to her. May I give it to you? With some information you could probably tell her?, she questioned him hopefully.
- What about going to a spare office? We're kind of in the way here., he stated, people passing by them regularly.
- Yes, Sir. Come with me, please., she told him, turning on her heels and leading the way to a small office a little further away.
She closed the door behind him and leaned on it, closing her eyes for a little moment. As there were no window apart from the one on the door, the General let down his guard to face the young woman. His concern showed as he frowned.
- Charlotte, why did you call me? What's the problem?, he asked her, coming close.
- I've been approached by someone and they asked me to do things for them., she told him warily.
- It's not the first time. What is different today? Why did you call me and ask me to come?
- They send someone new…, she began, her voice shaking.
She crossed her arms around her, trying to contain her stress. She was so at loss, so scared, she hadn't known what to do and so she called him, thinking he was the only one who could help her to a certain extent.
- They sent Ellie's progenitor. He came to see me and told me about her, how she was cute and a healthy baby, how she reminds him of his first daughter when she was that young… She was approached, they took pictures of her, I saw them. Even in the NORAD daycare…, she told him, her voice tense., He told me he was really proud of me, the way I was leading my career so far and how it would be pitiful that our night together came to taint my file more than my being a single mother had already done. He wants me to help him by stealing and giving them information from the SGC., she explained before passing a hand on her face to lessen the tension she felt.
- What did you say to him? Did you agree to do it?, he asked her.
- No! I told him to go to hell!, she shouted before apologizing., Sorry… I'm so sorry, Georges. I'm scared.
- I supposed he didn't leave it at that., he suggested patiently, patting her shoulder.
- No… He… he said… that if I didn't help him, he would ask for Ellie's custody. He said it was not a problem that he was running for Senator. He would make me look like a woman ready to use drugs to compromise him and have an unwanted baby in search of easy money, ready to blackmail an honest candidate. He said he has this power. He said it would be good publicity for him, that people despised women like me and had sympathy for their victims, that it would make him closer to them., she went on, growing nervous.
She stopped and took a deep breath to calm her shaking and get rid of the lump in her throat. She inhaled and exhaled a few times before looking up at him, her eyes watering.
- She's all I have left. I can't lose her. I love her so much it would kill me., she whispered.
- You won't lose her, Charlotte. Everything will work out. We'll find a way to help you., he assured her in a comforting voice, hugging her briefly.
- I… I have an idea… but I need to know Ellie's safe, at least for the first part. Could you… could you take her back with you? I know I'm asking a lot from you, mostly after all you already did for me but…, she asked him.
- I'll do it but I need to know you're safe too. So what is your plan?, he asked her, pointing to a seat.
She did what he silently asked her to do and sighed, feeling the tension that had been building up going down a little.
- I don't want to be always on the breach. I don't want to wonder if I'm followed when I go to the park with Ellie. I have to know she's safe. So…, she trailed, casting him a quick glance fearing he might prevent her to act as she wished.
- So you want to get them. You want to go after them, make them believe they finally managed to get to you., Hammond guessed.
- You know me too well…, she sneered wrily., Yes, I want to be the hunter and not the prey. This situation can't last any longer.
- I won't interfere but I have one condition., he told her firmly and she knew he wouldn't take no for an answer.
- I'm all ears. You know I've always valued your opinion., she answered, refraining from taking his hand.
If someone saw it, that could bring trouble to him and she wouldn't allow something like this to happen. He was like a father to her and she respected him too much to endanger his career.
- I want you to have a back-up team. I want you to contact Colonel O'Neill and take his advice for your… mission., he told her wisely.
- But… I can't do it officially. I cant' just call him like that., she affirmed.
- I'm sure you'll find a way but get in touch with him before accepting to do whatever they want you to do. Until then, you refuse to cooperate., he ordered her.
- That was what I meant to do. It would look too suspicious if I suddenly accepted., she quipped.
- You're a smart girl. Where is the princess?, he asked her with a warm smile.
- I have to go take her at daycare in about an hour and pack some things for her. I don't think it'd be wise to give her to you on base. What about meeting at 1800 in the parking lot of the mall nearby? When do you fly back?, she asked him.
- I booked a commercial flight at 2000. Ticket is free for her so don't worry., he told her.
- I'm really sorry to bother you with all this. Are you sure Ellie won't be a problem for you?
He patted her hand reassuringly and rose, thinking that making their meeting last longer could raise questions.
- I am the one who is sorry for this. It's the program who attracts too much unwanted attention and don't worry about your daughter. She's a nice kid and I know she'll let me sleep all I need. Just be careful and keep me updated as much as you can while undercover., he asked her, knowing the next time they met, it would be really short, just the time needed to take the baby and go away.
- Thank you for your help, Sir., she said, opening the door.
Lieutenant O'Neill was back as was General Hammond.
- Do a good job here, Lieutenant, and be back ASAP. We need you back there., he ordered, giving her a little more weight on their organization if some ears were listening.
- Well, thank you, sir. I'll do as I can., she promised and then saluted him until he dropped his hand and turned on his heels, going away.
A few hours later, they met again, outside the base this time and, as foreseen, it lasted only a minute or two. Charlie took her daughter wrapped up in a dark overall in her arms, briefly hugged her before sitting her down on the ground. Still, kneeling, she took out two bags from her car and then a bundle looking like Ellie, another dark overall she had filled with other clothes to make it as big as her baby girl. She closed the door and left the place with the bundle safely cradled in her arms. As she headed towards the mall, she suppressed the tears welling in her eyes, knowing she left her daughter for her own good but it was hard nonetheless. A few minutes after that, Hammond rose to his feet and took the little girl with him.
- You'll see your mom soon, don't worry., he told her before securing her in the baby seat and leaving the place.
- Jack?
O'Neill looked up from the umpteenth report he had to read today and almost thanked Daniel's arrival for the welcomed break. Even as Hammond's 2IC, he didn't look forward to the prestige of the place nor rank. He preferred to go on the field than fly a desk even if the danger was greater out there.
- Daniel! What can I do for you?, he asked.
- I just came by to see how you're doing. Everything's alright?, Daniel inquired, hands in his pockets.
- Just peachy! You know, reading reports, signing reports, reading forms, signing forms… It's hard to be The Man…, O'Neill sneered.
- Well, look at the bright side: you don't have to fight an invasion and even less pretend you're working…, the archaeologist quipped with a little smirk.
- Gee, thanks Danny-boy… you know how to cheer someone up., O'Neill quipped in a sarcastic voice.
- Well, you're welcome., the younger man smirked., When will General Hammond be back?
- Tomorrow in the morning, he said. Don't you have work to do? Or are you thinking about actually going home?, Jack asked him, gauging him.
- I don't know yet. I still have work to do…
- Why am I not surprised?… Go away, Space Monkey. I want to go home and spend the night in my bed., the colonel shooed him away.
The younger man went away, laughing lightly. He didn't make it to the elevator though as his phone rang. He picked up but didn't recognize the phone number.
- Hello?, he answered cautiously.
- Daniel? Don't tell my name. Just listen please., he heard Charlie ask him.
- Ok.
- Ask the colonel to call me back on that number from a safe line… and he has to be only with people he trusts. By tomorrow 0600, the line will be dead., she told him before hanging.
He looked down at his phone, frowning in confusion but he didn't even question her demand. He went all the way back to Hammond's office and came in, closing the door behind him without asking for permission. Surprised, O'Neill looked at him as he went to close the other door that led to the briefing room.
- You're taking me as a hostage? You'd better close the curtains too if so., he joked but Daniel closed the curtains too, which drew the colonel's attention., Daniel, care to explain?
- This room… It's safe, isn't it?, he asked.
- It is. No way to eavesdrop or anything else., Jack concurred.
- Ok. You have to call Charlie at that number and, before you ask, this is not her number. But she asked me to ask you to call her on that number from a safe line., he told him, visibly worried.
- Well, did she tell you why?, O'Neill inquired, frowning.
- No but… you will, Jack. Tell me you will call her., the archaeologist asked him.
- Yes, I will.
- When?
- Hey… Gimme a minute here. I have to call…
Daniel rose to his feet, his hand on the desk.
- She said no one you didn't trust should be there., he informed him.
- Carter. I have to call Carter, she'll set everything up., O'Neill precised, astonished by his friend's behavior.
- Charlie said by 6 AM tomorrow, the line will be dead.
- Can't you say everything at once?!, Jack exclaimed frustrated.
- Sorry, it came out of the blue. I'm worried there., Daniel apologized.
- Well, I call Carter… might as well have the big guy in here. I think she trusts him as much as you., the colonel said, knowing things were still a little off when it came to trust among the five of them.
Daniel nodded and called Teal'c while O'Neill phoned to Carter. Ten minutes later, they were all there and waiting for Sam to finish her set-up.
- Here we are, Sir. Before you call her, you have to know that another item disappeared., she told him.
- She's not the one., Daniel intervened forcefully.
- I know. She just makes the good goat and I'm sure of it now. Her leaving the base was the perfect moment to steal again. Pity they took something that arrived just after she left…, she affirmed calmly.
- Let's go. All doors are closed, you all have your earbuds. I do the talking., O'Neill ordered, composing the number., Dad?, he heard as soon as she picked up.
He saw the smirks around him, well two smirks and a smirking eyebrow, but didn't say anything. It was a good way to acknowledge him without saying who she was calling and using Jacob's little taunt was a good idea.
- Are you alone?, he asked her, hearing some music and conversations.
- I'm taking a walk in a park. There's this wonderful carousel with the music., she told him, her voice strained.
- You fear for your safety? Someone is eavesdropping on you?, he questioned, knowing as she did that a public place with some noise was a better way to cover a phone call than the silence of one's apartment.
- Yes, I think so. I get everything needed to safety and now, I need some… advice., she whispered and he thought she sounded tired.
- Listen, all SG-1 is here and ready to help you. Tell me what's going on., Jack said calmly.
- Can't she come back?, Daniel whispered.
- I guess you can't come back…, O'Neill repeated, casting a warning glance to his friend.
- I could… but I don't want to. They will find me wherever I go., she answered, dejectedly.
O'Neill raised his hand to stop Daniel's next question.
- What do you need our help for?
- I've been approached by a guy I met last year. He threatens me to talk publicly about our… night together and how I'm supposedly currently blackmailing him. He's running for senator., she told them, speaking freely as she was presently alone, closing briefly her eyes before opening them again and scanning her surroundings.
Daniel understood she was talking about Ellie's father, the one that hadn't been in the picture since the morning he left her without notice.
- He… well they because he works for something bigger, they want me to take part in their actions and I've kind of understood that they're the ones already acting at the base. I refused once again but he can destroy me, take away from me everything I cherish. I said no, I swear, but I can't let them go on like that forever. I can't let them steal us and have them behind my six at any time., she told them, finally releasing totally her breath.
- So, you want to go after them. Do you know how hard it is to be undercover?, Jack asked her seriously, hearing an astonished "what?" from Daniel.
- No, I don't but I know how hard is my life now. I'm ready to do whatever is necessary to get rid of them and I guess I can count on your experience to help me get through this. I know you don't trust me but, please… help me., she asked him and he thought he heard her voice shake slightly.
- You can't do that, Charlie! It's too risky. Think about…, Daniel intervened.
- Daniel!, she whispered forcefully, cutting him off before he said too much., I took care of everything aside. I'm the only one at risk right now and I'm trying to make it as low as possible.
- O… Ok…, he answered, defeated.
He didn't want to lose her. They already had lost too many people down there and some closer than others but most of them had died in fighting situations or at the hands of the Goa'ulds. Personally, he still had to overcome Share's death. Now, Charlie was threatened by people from Earth and he found that unbearable.
- First, you can't say yes right away the next time they come to see you., O'Neill began to advise her.
- I thought so.
- Show them how much they get to you, fear, sadness, anger. Just show them reactions that suggest you're losing control, they have some influence on you. Even when you come back here next week…, he said, glancing at Carter for confirmation of the timing., go on that way increasingly. They'll be cautious at the beginning so no mic, no recording. We'll set up a plan for you and never hide us if it's too much. Better safe than sorry, Ok, Lieutenant?, he asked her calmly.
Charlie felt her confidence increase lightly and mostly she didn't feel alone anymore. Ellie was safe and she had some back-up even if at the moment, they were far away. She would need them more when she would be helping the enemy.
- Yes, s… Dad. I'll take care of everything and I promise I'll never meet a guy again., she said as people come to a stop next to her.
She smiled at them and turned slightly the other way around as if looking at the kids on the carousel.
- Good girl., O'Neill quipped, slightly embarrassed when hearing her call him "Dad" once again., Take care, Lieutenant. We'll watch your six.
- Thanks. See you soon., she saluted him before hanging up.
She headed back to her apartment, getting rid of the phone stealthily.
- She can't do this, Jack. She doesn't have your experience. She's so young., Daniel whispered.
- I know but she's in too deep now. They probably targeted her because she was affected to projects related to the Stargate and now that she's here in the labs, in a special lab…, he pointed out., she's even more valuable for them. They won't let her alone.
- She's smart, Daniel, and courageous. She's been trained for fight and strategy and even went to war zone., Carter added, one hand on his shoulder for support.
- You heard her as I did: she was scared and exhausted., he emphasized.
- Daniel Jackson, Lieutenant O'Neill is strong and level-headed. She has admitted her weaknesses and asked for help. These are signs of a great warrior., Teal'c said., I am very confident in the fact that she will face this fight and win it.
- Teal'c said it all! Carter, Daniel, find some things she could give them and a way to make them traceable except one or two, the first ones. Teal'c, I want you to train her in hand-to-hand combat when she comes back. She won't be behind a stick but right in front of the enemy. She needs to be able to defend herself. I will give her personal training too on other stuff. Major, sorry but I guess your timetable won't be respected. And don't forget to stay discreet. We don't talk about it with her. We'll find a way to meet in a safe place if need be. Daniel…, he called out to his friend that looked at him, downcast., try not to be overprotective. She'll be okay. Dad's word!, he promised.
The words made them all smile and it was worth the slight uneasiness he felt. He had been a dad once but he was not her dad.
