Chapter Text
"Get down! Fire in the hole!"
The warning makes me duck, even though I'm already protected by the bulletproof glass. Despite my protection, the echo of the automatic weapon's fire pounds at my eardrums. Finally the weapon stops firing, and the all clear is given.
I step around the protective shielding and walk up to the target. "Fire in the hole?" I question my colleagues.
Simon shrugs. "I always wanted to say that."
I shake my head as I study the target. Nothing. The black hardened subject is still smooth and unscathed. The walls surrounding it however are pockmarked and scorched from ricochets by gunfire, staff blasts and every other weapon in the armory. This new alien armor has withstood every attack.
The others come up next to me, sharing my glum expression. "No chinks in this armor so far." I report. None of us are looking forward to giving that report to General Hammond.
"What if we tried my new..."
"No!" Simon's and my voices echo through the test chamber.
"But with just a few tweaks..."
"You overloaded the entire power grid the last time you tested that thing, ruining an experiment I had been working on for six months I might add." Simon is still a little bitter about that. I sigh and back away from my two quarreling colleagues. Dr. Jay Felger and Dr. Simon Coombs have been with the program about a year less than I have. I get along pretty well with both of them. Coombs is great. Felger has a sharp mind, but he's still a little starry eyed at working at the SGC, and that tends to lead to grandiose schemes. If I hear his story about saving SG-1 one more time....Actually, he tends not to tell it when around Coombs, since the other scientist was also present and takes a great deal of pleasure in bursting Jay's exaggerations.
I try for the more conciliatory approach to end their bickering. "Do you really want to be in the forefront of Hammond's radar after Avenger?"
"That was not my fault!" Oh boy, I said the wrong thing. "Ba'al altered the virus! In fact Colonel O'Neill..." I tune Felger's voice out as Coombs rolls his eyes. We both knew from Chloe that Jay was a hair's breadth from being fired both during and after that incident. But Jay is practically giddy after working with Major Carter and being rescued by Colonel O'Neill and Teal'c. He now has a new SG-1 story that Coombs can't correct. To my dismay, a member of the team Jay hero worships has just now walked through the door. To my surprise, it's not the physicist Samantha Carter who's helping us with the project, but Dr. Daniel Jackson, one of two civilians on the team.
Jay notices him immediately. "Dr. Jackson." He practically runs the archeologist down grabbing his hand with a violent pumping handshake. "It's so great to see you OK. And dry. Very good to see you dry. We were just talking about you, weren't we guys?" He never pauses to give us any time to respond. I don't remember Daniel coming up in conversation, but like a lot of Jay's monologues, I wasn't really listening. "I'm so sorry you were stuck on that planet while the flood waters were rising, but you did hear that wasn't my fault didn't you?"
"I think Sam mentioned that," Daniel's response is cool and polite, his eyebrows raised. "Do you think I could have my hand back now?"
"Oh sure, Dr. Jackson." Jay releases his arm but keeps up the constant chatter. I exchange looks with Simon, and he nods. We've developed a routine when Jay starts babbling to the brass. Deflect and distract. Dr. Jackson technically isn't our boss, but he is the highest ranking civilian on base with the ear of the general. Plus Daniel's a friend, and I really don't want to subject him to any more of Jay's blathering than necessary.
"Jay, can you help me remove the breastplate of this thing? I want to check something with the material underneath." Simon starts steering the chattering scientist towards the armor clad dummy. Jay barely pauses in his monologue.
"What? Oh sure, Simon. Excuse me Dr. Jackson. Important..." The rest of his sentence is mercifully cut short as Simon's hold on his elbow becomes firmer, and he's yanked further across the room.
Daniel is almost successful in hiding his sigh of relief, and I suppress a chuckle.
"Is there something we can do for you, Daniel? If you were looking for Major Carter..."
"No. Actually, I was looking for you."
"Me?" I blink. "I'll be happy to help, but as you know General Hammond has made work on this Goa'uld technology top priority."
"Yes, but General Hammond reassigned you, actually us, to a special related project."
"Really? What kind of project?" It has to be something important for the general to pull me off the armor study. Wait, had Daniel said 'related'? What would I be doing with Dr. Daniel Jackson that would relate to testing this armor?
Daniel opens his mouth and shuts it twice, seemingly dismissing ways to approach me. He glances to where Coombs and Felger are struggling with the breastplate, which Jay tried to remove before extracting the helmet. Daniel raises his finger and cocks his head. "Maybe we'd better talk in my office." He turns and heads back out the door. I'm still standing in shock as he pokes his head back through the doorway. "Come on."
I glance at Coombs and Felger, the latter's back toward me. I shrug at Simon and wave a farewell, then follow Daniel into the corridor.
I'm astounded by the amount of information Daniel has scattered across his office worktable. I've been trying to keep up with his rapid fire lecture. When Daniel gets into his professor mode, he tends to recite facts and background like he's driving in Daytona. This tendency has only gotten worse post-ascension. Following his trail of thoughts and intuition takes my full concentration.
"So this ancient Goa'uld Telchak was using a device developed by the Ancients to create the sarcophagus and healing technology."
Daniel blinks at my concise assessment. "Yes."
"And you think Anubis is using similar technology to create these new warriors?"
"Well, not me specifically, but Selmak seems pretty sure."
Selmak. It takes me a second to realize he's referring to Major Carter's father. I'm still not completely used to the fact that half the time I'm talking to a contemporary of General Hammond's and the other half I'm talking to a centuries' old alien.
"I still don't understand what you need me for."
Daniel's eyes light up, but I also notice an odd expression on his face. "I think I know where it is. General Hammond has green lighted a mission for us to retrieve it."
"Oh." We? "He wants me to join SG-1 for a mission?"
Daniel's face falls and I get a full view of the unease I've seen shadowing Daniel since he walked into the test chamber. "Not SG-1. It'll just be you and me."
"What? He wants the two of us to go offworld alone?" That's not standard operating procedure and very unusual for General Hammond. He usually sends at least some military presence as protection for any offworld mission, no matter how benign. And this mission sounds anything but benign.
"No, no, no." Daniel's expression clears slightly, and I see a lopsided half-smile. "I thought I had explained that." He may have, but like I said, it's hard to keep track of everything Daniel says when he's talking that fast. "I think the device is here, on Earth."
"Oh. OH!" I've got the picture now. We're doing a planet-side field trip. That makes me feel better, but I wonder why Daniel's still got that odd expression on his face. "Where is it?" Man, I hope it's not Antarctica. I heard about the Ancient virus that affected the outpost.
"Somewhere in Central America. Here, look at these." Daniel passes me a couple of old handwritten notebooks. Their covers are labeled as the journals of Dr. Nicholas Ballard. I've heard of him. He was a promising archeologist until he came up with a crazy story about aliens in the 1970s. Huh. Kind of like Dr. Jackson. Actually, I thought I had seen a report that Ballard was now doing diplomatic work with the SGC. He must be in his eighties by now. "Selmak's still working on the translations, but with his help, I've been able to narrow down Nick's research to Honduras. Selmak will have the final translation before we leave. In the meantime, Nick's notes give some descriptions of the area in the legend where we can find the fountain of youth."
"Telchak's device is the fountain of youth?"
"Well, at least it's the likely basis of the legend. Anyhow, General Hammond will have a plane ready for us at Peterson in a few hours. You're up to date on your vaccinations, aren't you?"
"What? Yeah." Since I go offworld on occasion, I have to visit the infirmary for regular checkups and vaccinations. It's a lot easier to keep up with the SG team schedules than be subjected to tons of needles and pills while trying to prep for a mission. One guy had to be scrubbed from a mission once because he missed a booster that required a 48 hour hold before being cleared. I didn't think about needing them for an Earth mission, but I guess it makes sense. We will be traveling to another country. Anyplace but our posting uses these vaccinations for international, not interstellar travel.
"Good." Daniel is studying the notes again, tracing the old archeologist's handwriting.
"Did Dr. Ballard leave his notes here before going offworld?"
"What?" I guess Daniel's thoughts are elsewhere. "Not exactly. I've had Nick's journals for a while. I ended up with all his stuff after...well, I kept his research for him for some years before we even realized his theories on the skull were correct." Daniel drops the journal and crosses his arms across his chest. Easy to read that body language. I've touched a nerve.
I'm not sure what to say. "I didn't realize you were close to Dr. Ballard."
Daniel ducks his head, and his mouth twitches in a slight grin. "You could say that. Nick's my grandfather." He shakes his head and sighs at my discomfiture. "Sorry, I thought you knew. The way base scuttlebutt is around here."
"Yeah, I mean, no, I never heard it mentioned. I didn't realize. Oh. Umm." Open mouth, insert foot. Now what do I say? Didn't realize that alien first contact was a family trait? I decide it's best if I just change the conversation entirely. "The information here seems to show the device should be in a temple. With all the excavations, do you think it might already have been found?"
Daniel shakes his head. "I've already checked the databases, and nothing even close to resembling this device, even mislabeled, has ever shown up. Besides, the device should include the writing of the Ancients, and the SGC flags anything in archeology circles that is similar to any alien technologies we know. So we'll just have to use the notes and track it down. I hope it will be a simple mission, in and out. We need to find this device and hopefully be able to use it to discover a weakness in the warriors we can exploit."
Daniel is lost in thought, then bites his lip and looks at me closely. "Do you know anything about this part of the world?"
"Honduras? Not really."
"Well, the country is relatively stable, but there are some revolutionary factions that make trouble from time to time. I've done some research, and though it's pretty safe now since it's harvest time, there's some occasional skirmishes."
"You mean it's dangerous?" Now I know what Daniel's expression is, it's worry. "Then why aren't we getting some military backup?" I can't help the bit of a stutter I hear creep into my voice.
"Well, the Honduran government doesn't take too kindly to American military forces entering its sovereignty. Plus we need to be as low profile as possible. General Hammond feels it's best if just a small technical group goes. So, it's just you and me." He gives me a rueful smile. "Can you get the equipment together? I've got to meet up with Sam and her dad. We'll probably have to finish our briefing on the flight."
"Sure, no problem, Daniel."
Dr. Jackson does the fine art of delegating well. Of course, my embarrassment over the grandfather snafu had helped me volunteer for the job. I've forgotten what a chore it was to inventory and prep for an expedition. Nothing is simple in the military. I can't just pull our stuff, pack it and get ready. I have to fill out requisition forms, with additional forms to explain why this is not for offworld use, plus the unusual request for petty cash. Not too much call for greenbacks when going to other planets and moons. Teams don't often find offworld money exchanges. Then there's triplicate additional forms because this is an emergency. Thank goodness the supply sergeant has become used to clueless civilians and abnormal requests. She walks me through the process without too much hassle.
I'm a little early for my rendezvous with Daniel, but I'm hoping to get a closer look at Dr. Ballard's journals. I'd like to get to know as much as possible in background, so we can hit the ground running. The biggest lesson I got from Daniel's talk is that time is of the essence.
Unfortunately, I think I'm interrupting something. Daniel's already got a visitor. The alien member of SG-1, Teal'c. Neither acknowledges my presence.
"...William Lee is a knowledgeable scientist, but from what you have told me, perhaps I should ask General Hammond to accompany you as security. Since I no longer have my symbiote, it would be possible for me to..."
"Thanks Teal'c, but you know Hammond would never approve it. It's funny, if it was just me, I wouldn't mind. It's just being responsible for Bill too."
"I have no doubts in your abilities. Many times you have 'watched my back.' Considering your tendency for self-sacrifice, Daniel Jackson, perhaps it is good you are responsible for an individual less experienced in combat. It may prevent any unfortunate occurrences."
"Is that your way of telling me not to get myself killed, Teal'c?"
"I believe that is what I said, Daniel Jackson."
Great, first I bring up offworld family members, now I'm eavesdropping. It's too late for me to just back away. I've been on missions with Teal'c before. You can never sneak around a Jaffa First Prime. I clear my throat and make loud noises while entering. The universal sign of 'I know I'm interrupting, please stop talking.' "Hi Teal'c, Daniel. I think I've got everything together."
"Hey Bill."
"William Lee. I was just discussing the dangers of your mission with Daniel Jackson."
"Teal'c!" Daniel's jaw clenches as he glares at his friend.
Yep, no sense in hiding I overheard. "It's okay, Daniel. But you don't need to feel responsible for me. We're a team. We'll look out for each other." I kind of gloss over the warrior talk I heard. I think my mind is still in denial that this could be dangerous. Then I gulp as I realize Teal'c may interpret my words as some kind of blood oath to protect his friend.
Teal'c just studies us both. "I hope you are successful in your mission."
"Teal'c, Daniel." Major Samantha Carter enters Daniel's office from the other door. "I'm glad you're both here. Hi, Bill, you can help too."
"What's up, Sam?" I think Daniel's as relieved as I am for the interruption.
"I've been going over the autopsy results with Janet, and we discovered something interesting. Look at this." Major Carter proceeds to tell us her latest theory about the strange being who wore that armor I've been testing. "Unfortunately, any other results are limited by the breakdown of the tissue. It's like the creature isn't even fully formed."
"So there's nothing conclusive."
"No. I'm hoping the device you guys find will help us learn more from the tissue, but I can't be certain."
I can't help but notice Major Carter's confidence we'll be successful. Still, I don't like the implication that it might be for nothing. I'm aware of the rumor that Major Carter and I are feuding. Like Daniel said earlier, base gossip is an amazing thing. I know the origins of this rumor though.
Last year, while Daniel was, well, dead for all intents and purposes, we thought we had lost Colonel O'Neill to an alien device. I had exhausted every resource and test to figure out what happened to him, and there was nothing more I could do. Major Carter was understandably upset, and we had words about what action should or in this case, shouldn't be taken. Major Carter had lost one member of her team when Daniel ascended, and she would not be responsible for losing another. I had to convince her that everything humanly possible was done. After Colonels O'Neill and Maybourne were found, neither Major Carter nor I mentioned the incident again. Next time she worked with our lab, she was her usual self, bringing cookies she said were extra from a baking session with Cassandra Fraiser. I made sure she knew of a motorcycle show going on in Colorado Springs. It's well known Sgt. Siler helps her rebuild them. Since that time, Major Carter and I have worked on many projects together.
"Anyhow, we might not be able to learn anything until we have a living subject."
"Whoa, Sam. You're not thinking of capturing one of these things alive?"
"Well..."
"Interrogation would be an effective means of learning more about this new enemy."
"Teal'c, that thing killed a whole host of Jaffa. You and Bra'tac only survived because it had a heart attack."
"It doesn't matter anyway, Daniel. We won't be able to do anything until Bra'tac returns with intelligence about Anubis's movements." She flashes a smile at us. "You'll probably already be back with a tan by then."
Daniel scowls. "Let's hope so. I don't need to be worried about you guys."
Jacob Carter, or is it Selmak at the moment? joins our impromptu conference. "Here, Danny. I've translated the rest of the dialect. Hopefully, it'll give you everything you need." Daniel glances over the inscriptions and nods.
"This is great. Thanks, Jacob."
"Anytime. Sam, I've got to get going. I need to report back to the council with this latest information. Hopefully, we'll be able to come up with some basic defenses that we can incorporate with the device once you find it."
Wow. As if I wasn't feeling the pressure before getting the Tok'ra slant. I'm not sure if I'm anxious to get on the plane to get the mission going, or go back to my lab and forget I ever saw Dr. Jackson today.
"I'll walk you back to the gateroom. Bill, Daniel, be careful."
"We will. Stop worrying, Sam. And wait for me to get back before you start...," he waves his hands to indicate her plans.
"All right, Daniel. I'll try. Though why should you get to have all the fun?" Major Carter deflects his warnings with a laugh, but we all know the dangers and the stakes involved. I almost feel like Jay for a moment, basking in the camaraderie of the SGC's flagship unit.
"If you do not require my assistance, Daniel Jackson, I will take my leave."
"Thanks, Teal'c." The warrior bows his head in farewell. I look at Daniel.
"So, I guess it's just you and me. Umm, everything's set up and on its way to Peterson."
"Good. Hammond's already greasing the wheels to get us in quickly. I think we may even leave an hour earlier. We'll pack most of this to read on the plane. Ready?"
"No." I grin sheepishly. "But I guess I'd better be." Daniel returns my grin and we start packing the various books and notes.