Stargate Fanfic: Unplanned Parenthood Chapter Six
Title: Unplanned Parenthood
Author: LexKitten
Previous Chapters: Prologue, Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three, Chapter Four, Chapter Five,
Chapter: Six - Good News, Bad News
In This Chapter: Word from the Tok’Ra usually means bad news - but this time, it could be fatal.
Rating/Spoilers: Teen. Set in early S7.
A/N: My exams are finally over! More time to spend on writing Stargate fanfics. Mwa ha ha ha ^^;
I’m going away for a few days, so I won’t be able to reply to comments right away. But I look forward to hearing what people think when I get back!!
Big thanks to windsparrow & tardisinthesgc , for the super duper editing, commenting and critiquing work =)
***
General Hammond and Doc Fraiser were ready and waiting when Jack and Sam arrived in the gate room. It was unusual to get an official send-off for a simple routine mission, but the General seemed to sense that for Jack and Sam this departure felt anything but routine. Henrietta waddled between them, holding on to each of their hands and bouncing in excitement.
“We’ve been unable to get in contact with the Tok’Ra since their first communication,” General Hammond informed them. “Hopefully, they’ll be able to brief you on the planned attack and you can return in a few hours.”
“Unhelpful and unreliable,” Jack grumbled sarcastically. “Remind me why we’re friends with these people again?”
“Sir, the Tok'Ra helped save your life,” Sam reminded him.
“And how did that turn out again?” Jack slapped his palm to his forehead exaggeratedly. “Oh that’s right, I was tortured to death a couple times.”
“Nevertheless,” the General interrupted sternly.
“Yeah, yeah,” Jack conceded. “We’ll give you a call at fifteen hundred hours - assuming it’s not some kind of trap where we get ambushed on the other side.” Sam shot him a sudden horrified look - her anxiety about leaving Henrietta already had her on edge. “Which I’m sure we won’t be,” he added quickly. Sam didn’t look any calmer.
The General nodded curtly. It was time for departure. Normally, it would be no big deal. The General would wish them good luck, and they’d charge off through the gate no problem. But for the first time in a long time, Jack felt a pang of regret that he had to leave. He looked down at Henrietta, who was beaming up at him. His heart ached as he thought of leaving her unprotected. “Alright,” he said gruffly, “it’s time.”
Sam knelt down, turning Henrietta to face her. “Honey,” she began affectionately, cuping Henry's tiny cheek in her palm. “Mommy and Daddy have to go away for a while for work - but I promise we’ll be back soon.”
“I know,” Henrietta said brightly. “That’s what you always say.”
“I do?” Sam asked in confusion.
“Yup,” Henrietta said, nodding emphatically. “Every time you and daddy have to go through the ‘gate, you always say that. But you don’t have to say it anymore, because I know you’re going to come back. You always do.” She put her little hand on Sam’s head, and affectionately patted her hair. “Don’t worry mommy, you’ll be fine.”
“Umm, thanks sweetheart.” Sam looked up at Jack in confusion. Jack frowned; what did she mean ‘every time they went off world’? How could they? Unless ... her real parents were both active members of SG teams. Jack felt his mind reeling as he considered the possibilities. Surely they couldn’t get away with that. Even in an alternate universe, the regs were the regs. Right?
“Can I stay with Aunty Janey this time?” Henrietta exclaimed. She turned round to look at General Hammond and continued, “Not that I don’t like staying with you Poppy - because I do. It’s just that Cassy promised that next time I came to stay I could watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer with her - if I didn’t do anything annoying.”
Jack looked at the General in surprise. “Poppy?” he mouthed.
“That’s what my Granddaughters call me,” the General mumbled, turning red. “And apparently, your daughter as well.”
“Mommy,” Henrietta whined, wringing Sam’s hands. “Please can I stay with Aunty Janey?”
“Well, actually, yes,” Sam said, shaking off some of her bewilderment.
“Your mom already asked me,” Janet said. “And of course, I’d love to baby-sit such a clever little girl.” Henrietta squealed in delight and latched on to Janet’s arm. Janet raised her eyebrows to Sam. “Though it’s going to take a bit to explain all this to Cassie.”
“Thanks Janet,” Sam sighed. “I don’t know what we’d do otherwise.”
“Sounds like you’re not the first Samantha Carter to think of me as a baby-sitter,” Janet smirked.
As if on cue, the Stargate spun into life behind them as the technicians engaged the first chevron.
Sam gave Henrietta a quick squeeze. “We’ll miss you,” she whispered. “Be a good girl. I love you.”
Jack felt a little more self-conscious, surrounded as they were by a handful of Airmen guarding the gate and a dozen technicians in the control room. He settled for playfully ruffling her hair, feeling her tiny warm head beneath his palm. “Keep outta trouble, Henry,” he warned.
“Bye,” Henrietta waved brightly. “Bring me back a present! Some alien technology this time, not a lame old statue like Uncle Danny always brings back.”
There was a loud roar behind them as the wormhole gushed open, flooding the gate room with blue light. Jack led the way up the ramp, with Sam trailing just behind. They both looked over their shoulders - once, twice, three times - at the brightly waving child. When they reached the shimmering surface of the event horizon, they both stopped short.
“You ready?” Jack asked Sam quietly.
Sam bit her lip, her forehead creasing with four anxious lines. She was trying to keep her feelings in check, but it was an effort.
They were standing quite close together, laden down with gear, their backs to the General and the rest of the gate-room. Jack moved his hand just slightly, enough so that the ends of his fingers bent just slightly over Sam’s. The change was so subtle that the General - standing at the bottom of the ramp - wouldn’t notice. But it made all the difference. Sam drew in a sharp breath and lifted her chin. “Ready, Sir,” she replied.
They shared one last look back, and then stepped through the gate together, leaving their world behind.
***
The Tok’ra had set up their own campsite at the Alpha Site, away from the Jaffa camp. It was a sign of how well the alliance was going. That being: very badly. Privately, Jack thought it was probably a good idea. The Tok’ra were annoying enough to piss off a Buddhist monk, and the Jaffa weren’t exactly known for their diplomacy.
As paranoid as ever, they had hidden the entrance to their headquarters a little way from the gate, in a dense green forest. Jack and Sam followed the usual clues the Tok’Ra left for their allies, and found a small clearing of underbrush just big enough for a ring transporter. Sure enough, when they walked to the middle of it, four gigantic hoops spun up around them and moved them with a blinding flash into an underground ante-chamber of crystal tunnels.
“Greetings,” a familiar voice crooned from the shadows, “Thankyou for responding to our request.” Anise slunk into sight from a dark side-passage, quickly pouncing on Jack and taking both his hands in her own. “It’s good to see you again,” she said, and proceeded to kiss Jack firmly on the cheek.
Jack extracted his hands and took an awkward step back, hoping to avoid further contact. Beside him, Sam squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. “Hello Anise,” she said, through a tight lipped smile.
“Actually, it’s Freya,” the human host corrected Sam, from the shared body. “So nice to see you too, Major Carter,” she said sweetly.
“Well, it’s been great catching up,” Jack said loudly, cutting across the palpable tension between the two women. “But we’re really in kind of a hurry, so can you or Anise or whoever tell us what we came for, so we can head back?”
Freya frowned. “As you wish, of course. If you will please follow me, Korek of the high council would like to address you himself.” She lead them into a side chamber with an expansive crystal table in the centre, and asked them to wait.
“Why couldn’t dad meet us,” Sam frowned. “Did they have to send Anise?”
Privately, Jack agreed. Of the many Tok’Ra he didn’t like, Anise was near the top of the list. She was as amoral and opportunistic as the rest of the damn snakes. She had also once falsely accuse Sam and Jack of being Zatarcs, and in the process of fixing the mistake, she had been one of the few people to hear first-hand what Jack felt for his 2IC. And yet, her host Freya still insisted on cracking on to him when ever they met. It was damn unsettling.
Still, it was novel to hear Sam saying anything bad about anyone - let alone one of the Tok’Ra, whom she usually defended. “What’s wrong with Anise?” Jack asked lightly, baiting the line.
“Nothing,” Sam replied tersely. “It’s just - well, she’s very friendly with you.”
“Well, they are our allies,” Jack reasoned.
“It’s inappropriate,” Sam scowled.
Jack turned sideways and looked down at her. He took his time to scrutinise her expression - she was definitely scowling, and her usually wide eyes were barely more than slits. “Carter, are you jealous?” he asked.
Sam’s snapped her head up. “What? No,” she said hurriedly. “I just don’t think - she’s just unprofessional, ok?”
Jack grinned broadly. “Yup, you’re jealous.”
Korek arrived before Sam could defend herself, Anise scurrying in behind him. “Colonel O’Neill, Major Carter,” he greeted them solemnly. He was a large man, imposing and regal, and his voice was a deep baritone that demanded respect. “Thank you for coming.”
“It’s what we do,” Jack said, with only a trace of sarcasm spoiling his sincerity. He clapped his hands together. “So, what’s this imminent threat to life on earth you guys want to warn us about?”
Korek frowned, furrowing his brow in confusion. “I think there has been some miscommunication. The Earth is in no immediate danger of attack - because very recently one of our operatives prevented an attack on your Stargate.”
“Oh,” said Jack, now confused himself. “Well, thanks guys.”
“Of course,” Sam cried, her eyes lighting up. “The invisible attacker! The computer program kept the iris open, but it couldn’t have been responsible for the off-world activation. It was a combined assault: break down our defenses on the inside, while a second force sent an attack through the Stargate. Only, the Tok’Ra foiled their plan, so the second attack never came.”
“Well, we owe you one then,” Jack said, immediately wishing he’d said something different. Knowing the Tok’Ra, they’d want some stupidly dangerous favour in return.
“The information we have is limited,” Anise chimed in, “but it is clear Ai’sha was behind the assault. She is a minor Goa’uld, hoping to gain favour with Anubis. Selmak was able to infiltrate her ranks, and prevent the attack at the last minute.”
“Hey, nice goin’ Jacob,” Jack said, grinning at Sam, who beamed proudly. “Where is the old dog? We should probably thank him for saving the world.”
Korek looked at Anise, both of them frowning solemnly. “That is why we requested your presence,” he said.
Sam and Jack exchanged a momentary worried look. “Did something happen?” Sam asked. She kept her voice steady, but Jack heard the hint of nervousness underneath.
“Maybe you’d like to sit down,” Anise offered quietly.
“No, I’m fine,” Sam said firmly. She looked warily from Anise to Korek and then to Jack, and back to Anise with a glare. “Tell me where my father is.”
Korek frowned, dropping his gaze and pressing his palms together as he spoke. “Our deepest apologies to you and your family, Major Carter. Selmak and Jacob are dead.”
The words hit Jack like a punch to the chest. Air rushed out of his lungs, scorching his throat on the way out. At first, he couldn’t understand what they were saying - like they’d accidentally slipped into speaking Goa’uld. What the heck did they mean “dead”? How could they just say it like that- so final, so out of no-where. The utter shock drove every thought from Jack’s head.
Then he thought of Sam. God - this was her father they were talking about. He was her hero. She’d joined the Air Force to please him. She’d found a damn cure for cancer to keep him alive. And now the Tok’Ra were just telling her point blank that they got him killed.
Instinctively, Jack lurched for Sam’s hand, crushing it in his own. He couldn’t find any words to speak - to comfort her or to protect her - but he felt somehow if he could squeeze her hand hard enough he’d get through. She squeezed back, holding on to him as the world was pulled out from under her. He scoured her face for some indication of what she needed to hear - but her thoughts were hidden behind a blank mask. She had turned bone white, her eyes wide and her mouth in a tight-lipped grimace. She drew short sharp breaths in through her nose. Her fingers shook beneath his. “What happened?” She forced the words out between her clasped lips.
“Another one of our operatives secured information on Ai’sha’s attack,” Korek said quietly. “Jacob insisted that he and Selmak attempt a pre-emptive strike, even though the chance of his success was highly unlikely. They were able to prevent the attack, but were discovered in the process. Ai’sha has ordered their execution in front of Anubis to make amends for her failure to destroy Stargate Command.”
Sam dug her nails into the back of Jack’s hand, her breath catching in her throat. “So, you’re saying he might still be alive?”
“Well, possibly,” Anise admitted.
“What?” Jack raged, his heart slamming against his chest with both anger and relief. “Why the hell did you say he was dead?”
“They will be executed as soon as Ai’sha’s ship reaches Anubis,” Anise said, cocking her head to the side in puzzlement. “There is no point avoiding the inevitable. Their death is certain.”
“No, it’s not,” Jack said firmly. “You know, you guys have a crappy idea of loyalty. If one of your guys gets captured, you’re supposed to mount a rescue, not just cut your losses and tell us you’re sorry you got him killed.”
“Selmak and Jacob will be much missed by the Tok’Ra,” Korek replied tersely, “You are not alone in your mourning. We have lost a great friend, and one of our greatest assets in the fight against the Goa’uld.”
“So go get him back!” Jack snapped.
“If there was anyway-” Anise began.
“No, you find a way,” Sam barked, advancing on Anise till they were nose-to-nose. Sam’s whole body was shaking. “We are going to get my father back, and you are going to help us.” She glared fiercely at Anise, with such intensity that Jack thought she might burn a hole right through Anise’s head. The proud Tok’Ra withered under Sam’s death glare, physically shrinking away like a snail from salt.
“Well, I suppose,” Anise squeaked. “We could try.”
***
“Are you sure this is necessary?” Sam called nervously, from the side room Anise had confined her in.
“If you are going to successfully infiltrate Ai’sha’s ship, you will need to blend in,” Anise said, in a patronising tone a parent might use on a small child. “You cannot possibly wear your earth attire.”
Jack looked up from twiddling his thumbs, wondering just how bad these get-ups were. He hoped there wouldn’t any big snake helmets this time - those were a bitch to walk in. “We might still have to fight, you know,” he said to Anise. “We should wear something practical. Nothing too heavy or bulky.”
“Don’t worry, Colonel,” the Tok’ra replied, this time in the sweeter voice of her host Freya. “I don’t think you’ll find your disguises too restricting.”
There was something about the glint in her eyes that set Jack’s nerves on edge. But this was the best plan they had. If it meant getting Jacob back, he’d wear all the silly metal helmets in the world. “So, run me through the game-plan again,” he said. “Who are we meant to be?”
“You are Anhur, and Major Carter will be Maphet,” Freya explained brightly, with almost child-like enthusiasm for the dangerous charade. “They were both minor Goa’uld previously in the service of Ra. We believe they were trying to gain favour and protection from Ai’Sha. Members of the Tok’Ra recently captured and killed them both. It was from them we learned of Ai’sha’s planned attack.”
“So, they’re friends of hers?” Jack asked.
“As much as Goa’uld can ever be friends,” Freya replied dryly.
Jack pulled his cap off and ran a hand through his hair. It was definitely one of the more stupid and suicidal plans they’d ever come up with. “Won’t Ai’sha notice that we look a little … different?”
Freya smiled patronisingly at Jack, “Goa’uld change hosts as often as they please. It would be entirely natural for two Goa’uld on the run to acquire new hosts in order to disguise themselves. And Ai’sha is not powerful enough to have crossed your path previously, to recognise you as Tau'ri. ”
“Isn’t she going to notice that we don’t have snakes in our heads?” Jack countered. “Aren’t you guys able to sense that?”
“You and Major Carter have both been Tok’Ra hosts,” this time Jack recognised Anise’s mater-of-fact tone. It made his head spin to talk to two very different people at once. “The protein marker left in your blood has a similar affect. We are still able to sense the presence of naquadah."
“So you’re saying, we smell like Goa’uld?” Jack asked, wrinkling his nose in repulsion. Ugh, that wasn’t going to wash off.
“Close enough,” Anise said. “It’s actually very disorienting,” Freya added. “I get very confused around you.”
“Ok, I think um, I’m coming out now,” Sam called nervously from the side chamber. “Sir, please, please don’t laugh.”
Jack raises his eyebrows, wondering just how silly they were going to have to look. It wasn’t like Sam to worry about superficial things like how she looked when preparing for a mission. Being a member of SG1 didn’t really lend itself to dressing well - though Jack privately thought Sam pulled of BDU’s pretty well. “I’m not gonna laugh, Carter,” Jack assured her. “Get out here. We’ve got planning to do.”
There was a strange sound, like the rustling of tiny bells. Something gold and sparkly, surrounded by a thin glowing halo of sheer material appeared at the entrance to the cavern. It took Jack a few moments to identify Sam’s nervous eyes buried somewhere in the middle of all the sparkling bells and fabric. The golden sparkly thing was attached to the top of her head, lighting up her entire face like a painting of some Roman Goddess. “Carter is that… a crown on your head?”
“You said you wouldn’t laugh,” Sam cried, clearly in some distress.
“I’m not laughing,” Jack said, running a hand through his hair. “It’s just… a crown?”
“It gets worse,” Sam sighed. She timidly inched around the crystal wall into the cavern proper, revealing the full extent of her disguise. Jack’s jaw fell open. For the most part, she was wearing nothing at all; the wide expanse from thigh to ankle was completely bare, as well as all of her flat white stomach. Thankfully, a tasteful blue two-piece somewhat resembling a bikini provided some level of decency. Still, there was entirely too much neck, and a considerable amount of chest left bare. Both of her arms were loosely swathed in the same thin gold material that adorned her hair. On closer inspection, Jack discerned this material formed a kind of sheer cape that trailed behind Sam as she walked into the room. He didn’t concentrate on the covered arms for long though - not when there was so much skin everywhere else. Jack felt slightly light headed, as blood rushed from his head down below his belt line. He stumbled backwards into a waiting chair, trying to regain control of his face before his damn gaping mouth gave him away. “See what I mean,” Sam groaned, hugging her arms to her chest, so that the translucent cape slightly obscured her bear body.
“I’m definitely not laughing,” Jack breathed.
“Are you sure I have to wear this?” Sam asked Anise, almost pleadingly.
“As I’m sure Daniel Jackson could inform you, Ai’Sha has a reputation as a Goddess of hedonism and sexual indulgence,” Anise explained. “All those in her service dress accordingly.”
“Where am I supposed to put my gun?” Sam cried, throwing up her arms in exasperation and exposing the full extend of her costume again.
Jack scoured her body for somewhere to strap a side-arm - and instantly regretted looking at her again. Her skin really was mesmerising. He suddenly understood why standard issue BDU’s were so over-sized and unflattering.
“If your deception fails you will be executed on the spot,” Anise said dismissively. “There will be no time to use weapons.”
Jack coughed loudly, aware that his continued dazed staring would start to draw attention. “It’s not all that practical,” he said, trying to keep his voice even. “But if this is the best plan we have, uh, what can we do -- right Carter?”
“I suppose,” she agreed reluctantly. “What ever gets my dad back.”
“That’s right,” Jack said, trying to focus on Jacob and the mission ahead, instead of his 2IC’s exposed thighs. “What - what’s the plan again?”
Anise rolled her eyes, “Impersonate Goa’uld, infiltrate Ai’sha’s forces. Pretty simple.” Anise - or perhaps Freya - was clearly irritated by Jack’s fascination with Sam’s disguise.
“And then what?” asked Jack, tearing his eyes away from Sam and forcing himself to pay attention to Anise. “How are we supposed to get Jacob and get out of there?”
“I have no idea,” Anise replied briskly. “You were the ones that insisted upon attempting such a foolish rescue mission. I can get you in, but you’ll have to get yourselves out.”
Sam looked at Jack, her eyes locking onto his intently. He knew she had already made up her mind - that she was going after her father no matter what. Her worried expression was concern for him. “Sir, you don’t have to do this,” she said.
“Sure I do,” he said. The idea of letting her go alone into the very nest of the enemy without so much as a handgun was more than he could bare. If she was going to put herself in danger, Jack was going to make damn sure he was there to protect her - or die trying. “If you’re in, I’m in.”
She bit her lip. “What about Henrietta?”
He knew what she was asking - what would happen if they both died on this stupid suicide mission. It was on his mind too. But the alternative was to leave Jacob to his death. Both options were impossible. It was the first of such decisions Sam had to make - but it would be the first of many. Risking their lives came with the territory - it was just a little more complicated now. “Like I said,” Jack replied firmly, “We make sure we come back.” He held her gaze, until she nodded. They were both going to go - and they were both coming back. He hoisted his pack a little higher on his shoulder. “Well, shall we do this?”
Anise tilted her head to the side, her expression a mix of puzzlement and irritation. “Colonel -- you’re clothes.”
Jack looked down at his crumpled green uniform, looking slightly worse for wear after a hike through the bush, but clearly still functional. “What about them?” he replied.
“You will also need to be disguised,” Anise said.
Jack risked another look at Sam’s skimpy outfit, and swallowed hard. “Tell me I get to wear more than that,” he said.
“Sorry,” Anise replied, holding up a rumpled band of thin blue cloth, about the size of a small bath towel. “You will wear less.”
***
Continued In Chapter 7
Author: LexKitten
Previous Chapters: Prologue, Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three, Chapter Four, Chapter Five,
Chapter: Six - Good News, Bad News
In This Chapter: Word from the Tok’Ra usually means bad news - but this time, it could be fatal.
Rating/Spoilers: Teen. Set in early S7.
A/N: My exams are finally over! More time to spend on writing Stargate fanfics. Mwa ha ha ha ^^;
I’m going away for a few days, so I won’t be able to reply to comments right away. But I look forward to hearing what people think when I get back!!
Big thanks to windsparrow & tardisinthesgc , for the super duper editing, commenting and critiquing work =)
***
General Hammond and Doc Fraiser were ready and waiting when Jack and Sam arrived in the gate room. It was unusual to get an official send-off for a simple routine mission, but the General seemed to sense that for Jack and Sam this departure felt anything but routine. Henrietta waddled between them, holding on to each of their hands and bouncing in excitement.
“We’ve been unable to get in contact with the Tok’Ra since their first communication,” General Hammond informed them. “Hopefully, they’ll be able to brief you on the planned attack and you can return in a few hours.”
“Unhelpful and unreliable,” Jack grumbled sarcastically. “Remind me why we’re friends with these people again?”
“Sir, the Tok'Ra helped save your life,” Sam reminded him.
“And how did that turn out again?” Jack slapped his palm to his forehead exaggeratedly. “Oh that’s right, I was tortured to death a couple times.”
“Nevertheless,” the General interrupted sternly.
“Yeah, yeah,” Jack conceded. “We’ll give you a call at fifteen hundred hours - assuming it’s not some kind of trap where we get ambushed on the other side.” Sam shot him a sudden horrified look - her anxiety about leaving Henrietta already had her on edge. “Which I’m sure we won’t be,” he added quickly. Sam didn’t look any calmer.
The General nodded curtly. It was time for departure. Normally, it would be no big deal. The General would wish them good luck, and they’d charge off through the gate no problem. But for the first time in a long time, Jack felt a pang of regret that he had to leave. He looked down at Henrietta, who was beaming up at him. His heart ached as he thought of leaving her unprotected. “Alright,” he said gruffly, “it’s time.”
Sam knelt down, turning Henrietta to face her. “Honey,” she began affectionately, cuping Henry's tiny cheek in her palm. “Mommy and Daddy have to go away for a while for work - but I promise we’ll be back soon.”
“I know,” Henrietta said brightly. “That’s what you always say.”
“I do?” Sam asked in confusion.
“Yup,” Henrietta said, nodding emphatically. “Every time you and daddy have to go through the ‘gate, you always say that. But you don’t have to say it anymore, because I know you’re going to come back. You always do.” She put her little hand on Sam’s head, and affectionately patted her hair. “Don’t worry mommy, you’ll be fine.”
“Umm, thanks sweetheart.” Sam looked up at Jack in confusion. Jack frowned; what did she mean ‘every time they went off world’? How could they? Unless ... her real parents were both active members of SG teams. Jack felt his mind reeling as he considered the possibilities. Surely they couldn’t get away with that. Even in an alternate universe, the regs were the regs. Right?
“Can I stay with Aunty Janey this time?” Henrietta exclaimed. She turned round to look at General Hammond and continued, “Not that I don’t like staying with you Poppy - because I do. It’s just that Cassy promised that next time I came to stay I could watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer with her - if I didn’t do anything annoying.”
Jack looked at the General in surprise. “Poppy?” he mouthed.
“That’s what my Granddaughters call me,” the General mumbled, turning red. “And apparently, your daughter as well.”
“Mommy,” Henrietta whined, wringing Sam’s hands. “Please can I stay with Aunty Janey?”
“Well, actually, yes,” Sam said, shaking off some of her bewilderment.
“Your mom already asked me,” Janet said. “And of course, I’d love to baby-sit such a clever little girl.” Henrietta squealed in delight and latched on to Janet’s arm. Janet raised her eyebrows to Sam. “Though it’s going to take a bit to explain all this to Cassie.”
“Thanks Janet,” Sam sighed. “I don’t know what we’d do otherwise.”
“Sounds like you’re not the first Samantha Carter to think of me as a baby-sitter,” Janet smirked.
As if on cue, the Stargate spun into life behind them as the technicians engaged the first chevron.
Sam gave Henrietta a quick squeeze. “We’ll miss you,” she whispered. “Be a good girl. I love you.”
Jack felt a little more self-conscious, surrounded as they were by a handful of Airmen guarding the gate and a dozen technicians in the control room. He settled for playfully ruffling her hair, feeling her tiny warm head beneath his palm. “Keep outta trouble, Henry,” he warned.
“Bye,” Henrietta waved brightly. “Bring me back a present! Some alien technology this time, not a lame old statue like Uncle Danny always brings back.”
There was a loud roar behind them as the wormhole gushed open, flooding the gate room with blue light. Jack led the way up the ramp, with Sam trailing just behind. They both looked over their shoulders - once, twice, three times - at the brightly waving child. When they reached the shimmering surface of the event horizon, they both stopped short.
“You ready?” Jack asked Sam quietly.
Sam bit her lip, her forehead creasing with four anxious lines. She was trying to keep her feelings in check, but it was an effort.
They were standing quite close together, laden down with gear, their backs to the General and the rest of the gate-room. Jack moved his hand just slightly, enough so that the ends of his fingers bent just slightly over Sam’s. The change was so subtle that the General - standing at the bottom of the ramp - wouldn’t notice. But it made all the difference. Sam drew in a sharp breath and lifted her chin. “Ready, Sir,” she replied.
They shared one last look back, and then stepped through the gate together, leaving their world behind.
***
The Tok’ra had set up their own campsite at the Alpha Site, away from the Jaffa camp. It was a sign of how well the alliance was going. That being: very badly. Privately, Jack thought it was probably a good idea. The Tok’ra were annoying enough to piss off a Buddhist monk, and the Jaffa weren’t exactly known for their diplomacy.
As paranoid as ever, they had hidden the entrance to their headquarters a little way from the gate, in a dense green forest. Jack and Sam followed the usual clues the Tok’Ra left for their allies, and found a small clearing of underbrush just big enough for a ring transporter. Sure enough, when they walked to the middle of it, four gigantic hoops spun up around them and moved them with a blinding flash into an underground ante-chamber of crystal tunnels.
“Greetings,” a familiar voice crooned from the shadows, “Thankyou for responding to our request.” Anise slunk into sight from a dark side-passage, quickly pouncing on Jack and taking both his hands in her own. “It’s good to see you again,” she said, and proceeded to kiss Jack firmly on the cheek.
Jack extracted his hands and took an awkward step back, hoping to avoid further contact. Beside him, Sam squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. “Hello Anise,” she said, through a tight lipped smile.
“Actually, it’s Freya,” the human host corrected Sam, from the shared body. “So nice to see you too, Major Carter,” she said sweetly.
“Well, it’s been great catching up,” Jack said loudly, cutting across the palpable tension between the two women. “But we’re really in kind of a hurry, so can you or Anise or whoever tell us what we came for, so we can head back?”
Freya frowned. “As you wish, of course. If you will please follow me, Korek of the high council would like to address you himself.” She lead them into a side chamber with an expansive crystal table in the centre, and asked them to wait.
“Why couldn’t dad meet us,” Sam frowned. “Did they have to send Anise?”
Privately, Jack agreed. Of the many Tok’Ra he didn’t like, Anise was near the top of the list. She was as amoral and opportunistic as the rest of the damn snakes. She had also once falsely accuse Sam and Jack of being Zatarcs, and in the process of fixing the mistake, she had been one of the few people to hear first-hand what Jack felt for his 2IC. And yet, her host Freya still insisted on cracking on to him when ever they met. It was damn unsettling.
Still, it was novel to hear Sam saying anything bad about anyone - let alone one of the Tok’Ra, whom she usually defended. “What’s wrong with Anise?” Jack asked lightly, baiting the line.
“Nothing,” Sam replied tersely. “It’s just - well, she’s very friendly with you.”
“Well, they are our allies,” Jack reasoned.
“It’s inappropriate,” Sam scowled.
Jack turned sideways and looked down at her. He took his time to scrutinise her expression - she was definitely scowling, and her usually wide eyes were barely more than slits. “Carter, are you jealous?” he asked.
Sam’s snapped her head up. “What? No,” she said hurriedly. “I just don’t think - she’s just unprofessional, ok?”
Jack grinned broadly. “Yup, you’re jealous.”
Korek arrived before Sam could defend herself, Anise scurrying in behind him. “Colonel O’Neill, Major Carter,” he greeted them solemnly. He was a large man, imposing and regal, and his voice was a deep baritone that demanded respect. “Thank you for coming.”
“It’s what we do,” Jack said, with only a trace of sarcasm spoiling his sincerity. He clapped his hands together. “So, what’s this imminent threat to life on earth you guys want to warn us about?”
Korek frowned, furrowing his brow in confusion. “I think there has been some miscommunication. The Earth is in no immediate danger of attack - because very recently one of our operatives prevented an attack on your Stargate.”
“Oh,” said Jack, now confused himself. “Well, thanks guys.”
“Of course,” Sam cried, her eyes lighting up. “The invisible attacker! The computer program kept the iris open, but it couldn’t have been responsible for the off-world activation. It was a combined assault: break down our defenses on the inside, while a second force sent an attack through the Stargate. Only, the Tok’Ra foiled their plan, so the second attack never came.”
“Well, we owe you one then,” Jack said, immediately wishing he’d said something different. Knowing the Tok’Ra, they’d want some stupidly dangerous favour in return.
“The information we have is limited,” Anise chimed in, “but it is clear Ai’sha was behind the assault. She is a minor Goa’uld, hoping to gain favour with Anubis. Selmak was able to infiltrate her ranks, and prevent the attack at the last minute.”
“Hey, nice goin’ Jacob,” Jack said, grinning at Sam, who beamed proudly. “Where is the old dog? We should probably thank him for saving the world.”
Korek looked at Anise, both of them frowning solemnly. “That is why we requested your presence,” he said.
Sam and Jack exchanged a momentary worried look. “Did something happen?” Sam asked. She kept her voice steady, but Jack heard the hint of nervousness underneath.
“Maybe you’d like to sit down,” Anise offered quietly.
“No, I’m fine,” Sam said firmly. She looked warily from Anise to Korek and then to Jack, and back to Anise with a glare. “Tell me where my father is.”
Korek frowned, dropping his gaze and pressing his palms together as he spoke. “Our deepest apologies to you and your family, Major Carter. Selmak and Jacob are dead.”
The words hit Jack like a punch to the chest. Air rushed out of his lungs, scorching his throat on the way out. At first, he couldn’t understand what they were saying - like they’d accidentally slipped into speaking Goa’uld. What the heck did they mean “dead”? How could they just say it like that- so final, so out of no-where. The utter shock drove every thought from Jack’s head.
Then he thought of Sam. God - this was her father they were talking about. He was her hero. She’d joined the Air Force to please him. She’d found a damn cure for cancer to keep him alive. And now the Tok’Ra were just telling her point blank that they got him killed.
Instinctively, Jack lurched for Sam’s hand, crushing it in his own. He couldn’t find any words to speak - to comfort her or to protect her - but he felt somehow if he could squeeze her hand hard enough he’d get through. She squeezed back, holding on to him as the world was pulled out from under her. He scoured her face for some indication of what she needed to hear - but her thoughts were hidden behind a blank mask. She had turned bone white, her eyes wide and her mouth in a tight-lipped grimace. She drew short sharp breaths in through her nose. Her fingers shook beneath his. “What happened?” She forced the words out between her clasped lips.
“Another one of our operatives secured information on Ai’sha’s attack,” Korek said quietly. “Jacob insisted that he and Selmak attempt a pre-emptive strike, even though the chance of his success was highly unlikely. They were able to prevent the attack, but were discovered in the process. Ai’sha has ordered their execution in front of Anubis to make amends for her failure to destroy Stargate Command.”
Sam dug her nails into the back of Jack’s hand, her breath catching in her throat. “So, you’re saying he might still be alive?”
“Well, possibly,” Anise admitted.
“What?” Jack raged, his heart slamming against his chest with both anger and relief. “Why the hell did you say he was dead?”
“They will be executed as soon as Ai’sha’s ship reaches Anubis,” Anise said, cocking her head to the side in puzzlement. “There is no point avoiding the inevitable. Their death is certain.”
“No, it’s not,” Jack said firmly. “You know, you guys have a crappy idea of loyalty. If one of your guys gets captured, you’re supposed to mount a rescue, not just cut your losses and tell us you’re sorry you got him killed.”
“Selmak and Jacob will be much missed by the Tok’Ra,” Korek replied tersely, “You are not alone in your mourning. We have lost a great friend, and one of our greatest assets in the fight against the Goa’uld.”
“So go get him back!” Jack snapped.
“If there was anyway-” Anise began.
“No, you find a way,” Sam barked, advancing on Anise till they were nose-to-nose. Sam’s whole body was shaking. “We are going to get my father back, and you are going to help us.” She glared fiercely at Anise, with such intensity that Jack thought she might burn a hole right through Anise’s head. The proud Tok’Ra withered under Sam’s death glare, physically shrinking away like a snail from salt.
“Well, I suppose,” Anise squeaked. “We could try.”
***
“Are you sure this is necessary?” Sam called nervously, from the side room Anise had confined her in.
“If you are going to successfully infiltrate Ai’sha’s ship, you will need to blend in,” Anise said, in a patronising tone a parent might use on a small child. “You cannot possibly wear your earth attire.”
Jack looked up from twiddling his thumbs, wondering just how bad these get-ups were. He hoped there wouldn’t any big snake helmets this time - those were a bitch to walk in. “We might still have to fight, you know,” he said to Anise. “We should wear something practical. Nothing too heavy or bulky.”
“Don’t worry, Colonel,” the Tok’ra replied, this time in the sweeter voice of her host Freya. “I don’t think you’ll find your disguises too restricting.”
There was something about the glint in her eyes that set Jack’s nerves on edge. But this was the best plan they had. If it meant getting Jacob back, he’d wear all the silly metal helmets in the world. “So, run me through the game-plan again,” he said. “Who are we meant to be?”
“You are Anhur, and Major Carter will be Maphet,” Freya explained brightly, with almost child-like enthusiasm for the dangerous charade. “They were both minor Goa’uld previously in the service of Ra. We believe they were trying to gain favour and protection from Ai’Sha. Members of the Tok’Ra recently captured and killed them both. It was from them we learned of Ai’sha’s planned attack.”
“So, they’re friends of hers?” Jack asked.
“As much as Goa’uld can ever be friends,” Freya replied dryly.
Jack pulled his cap off and ran a hand through his hair. It was definitely one of the more stupid and suicidal plans they’d ever come up with. “Won’t Ai’sha notice that we look a little … different?”
Freya smiled patronisingly at Jack, “Goa’uld change hosts as often as they please. It would be entirely natural for two Goa’uld on the run to acquire new hosts in order to disguise themselves. And Ai’sha is not powerful enough to have crossed your path previously, to recognise you as Tau'ri. ”
“Isn’t she going to notice that we don’t have snakes in our heads?” Jack countered. “Aren’t you guys able to sense that?”
“You and Major Carter have both been Tok’Ra hosts,” this time Jack recognised Anise’s mater-of-fact tone. It made his head spin to talk to two very different people at once. “The protein marker left in your blood has a similar affect. We are still able to sense the presence of naquadah."
“So you’re saying, we smell like Goa’uld?” Jack asked, wrinkling his nose in repulsion. Ugh, that wasn’t going to wash off.
“Close enough,” Anise said. “It’s actually very disorienting,” Freya added. “I get very confused around you.”
“Ok, I think um, I’m coming out now,” Sam called nervously from the side chamber. “Sir, please, please don’t laugh.”
Jack raises his eyebrows, wondering just how silly they were going to have to look. It wasn’t like Sam to worry about superficial things like how she looked when preparing for a mission. Being a member of SG1 didn’t really lend itself to dressing well - though Jack privately thought Sam pulled of BDU’s pretty well. “I’m not gonna laugh, Carter,” Jack assured her. “Get out here. We’ve got planning to do.”
There was a strange sound, like the rustling of tiny bells. Something gold and sparkly, surrounded by a thin glowing halo of sheer material appeared at the entrance to the cavern. It took Jack a few moments to identify Sam’s nervous eyes buried somewhere in the middle of all the sparkling bells and fabric. The golden sparkly thing was attached to the top of her head, lighting up her entire face like a painting of some Roman Goddess. “Carter is that… a crown on your head?”
“You said you wouldn’t laugh,” Sam cried, clearly in some distress.
“I’m not laughing,” Jack said, running a hand through his hair. “It’s just… a crown?”
“It gets worse,” Sam sighed. She timidly inched around the crystal wall into the cavern proper, revealing the full extent of her disguise. Jack’s jaw fell open. For the most part, she was wearing nothing at all; the wide expanse from thigh to ankle was completely bare, as well as all of her flat white stomach. Thankfully, a tasteful blue two-piece somewhat resembling a bikini provided some level of decency. Still, there was entirely too much neck, and a considerable amount of chest left bare. Both of her arms were loosely swathed in the same thin gold material that adorned her hair. On closer inspection, Jack discerned this material formed a kind of sheer cape that trailed behind Sam as she walked into the room. He didn’t concentrate on the covered arms for long though - not when there was so much skin everywhere else. Jack felt slightly light headed, as blood rushed from his head down below his belt line. He stumbled backwards into a waiting chair, trying to regain control of his face before his damn gaping mouth gave him away. “See what I mean,” Sam groaned, hugging her arms to her chest, so that the translucent cape slightly obscured her bear body.
“I’m definitely not laughing,” Jack breathed.
“Are you sure I have to wear this?” Sam asked Anise, almost pleadingly.
“As I’m sure Daniel Jackson could inform you, Ai’Sha has a reputation as a Goddess of hedonism and sexual indulgence,” Anise explained. “All those in her service dress accordingly.”
“Where am I supposed to put my gun?” Sam cried, throwing up her arms in exasperation and exposing the full extend of her costume again.
Jack scoured her body for somewhere to strap a side-arm - and instantly regretted looking at her again. Her skin really was mesmerising. He suddenly understood why standard issue BDU’s were so over-sized and unflattering.
“If your deception fails you will be executed on the spot,” Anise said dismissively. “There will be no time to use weapons.”
Jack coughed loudly, aware that his continued dazed staring would start to draw attention. “It’s not all that practical,” he said, trying to keep his voice even. “But if this is the best plan we have, uh, what can we do -- right Carter?”
“I suppose,” she agreed reluctantly. “What ever gets my dad back.”
“That’s right,” Jack said, trying to focus on Jacob and the mission ahead, instead of his 2IC’s exposed thighs. “What - what’s the plan again?”
Anise rolled her eyes, “Impersonate Goa’uld, infiltrate Ai’sha’s forces. Pretty simple.” Anise - or perhaps Freya - was clearly irritated by Jack’s fascination with Sam’s disguise.
“And then what?” asked Jack, tearing his eyes away from Sam and forcing himself to pay attention to Anise. “How are we supposed to get Jacob and get out of there?”
“I have no idea,” Anise replied briskly. “You were the ones that insisted upon attempting such a foolish rescue mission. I can get you in, but you’ll have to get yourselves out.”
Sam looked at Jack, her eyes locking onto his intently. He knew she had already made up her mind - that she was going after her father no matter what. Her worried expression was concern for him. “Sir, you don’t have to do this,” she said.
“Sure I do,” he said. The idea of letting her go alone into the very nest of the enemy without so much as a handgun was more than he could bare. If she was going to put herself in danger, Jack was going to make damn sure he was there to protect her - or die trying. “If you’re in, I’m in.”
She bit her lip. “What about Henrietta?”
He knew what she was asking - what would happen if they both died on this stupid suicide mission. It was on his mind too. But the alternative was to leave Jacob to his death. Both options were impossible. It was the first of such decisions Sam had to make - but it would be the first of many. Risking their lives came with the territory - it was just a little more complicated now. “Like I said,” Jack replied firmly, “We make sure we come back.” He held her gaze, until she nodded. They were both going to go - and they were both coming back. He hoisted his pack a little higher on his shoulder. “Well, shall we do this?”
Anise tilted her head to the side, her expression a mix of puzzlement and irritation. “Colonel -- you’re clothes.”
Jack looked down at his crumpled green uniform, looking slightly worse for wear after a hike through the bush, but clearly still functional. “What about them?” he replied.
“You will also need to be disguised,” Anise said.
Jack risked another look at Sam’s skimpy outfit, and swallowed hard. “Tell me I get to wear more than that,” he said.
“Sorry,” Anise replied, holding up a rumpled band of thin blue cloth, about the size of a small bath towel. “You will wear less.”
***
Continued In Chapter 7