when angels fall from grace

8/7/2019 When Angels Fall From Grace

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The entire base was on downtime. Not because they were low on threats and everything was peachy.

No, everyone was sick. Some nasty little flu bug that SG-3 had brought back. Everyone was aslight

exaggeration. SG-1 wasnt sick, in fact they were off galavanting on this quaint new planet called

Earth.

The team was in downtown Colorado Springs, theyd seen a few new species of bird, and the rarehumanoid find tourista americana. Good old Earth, new surprises around every corner, or in this case

in just as much of a pile on the sidewalk as Daniel.

OH! Oh, oh, oh, oh! I am so sorry! So, so, so, so sorry! I am the biggest klutz on Earth...

This universe, the rest of the team added in unison.

And probably the rest of them too, Spacemonkey.

Umm... your hand is bleeding Mr. Spacemonkey, the statement was nearly drowned out by the soundof quintuple whiplash.

JACK!

Yes, Daniel. Thats me. Help the lady up, didnt I teach you anything?

General!

Ah! None of that, Carter.

Jack, she half-whispered.

See, that was easy. So, who is the victim?

Daniel helped the girl up, Hey, which one was it? My hands are fine, he looked his hands overmethodically as he spoke.

If Im the victim, my name is Alma-Renee Linde, I prefer Allie. It wasyour left hand.

But, my hands arent even scratched...

I know, she said and the harshness of her matter of fact tone was cut by her softness of her fading

British accent, Jack ONeill? Two Ls anda sense of humor?

Uh... yeah...

She dug a letter out of her purse and handed it to him, then she gathered her bags and spoke, Thatsfor you.

Jack looked at the sealed envelope and before he could respond she was gone. He inspected the

handwriting, and cast a glance in the direction she had walked. After a moment of pondering he openedthe envelope and skimmed the letter that had been neatly packed inside of it.

Jack... What was that all about? Daniel asked inching closer.


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A lady I once knew...

She looks no older than Ryac, Tealc commented in his Allow-me-to-state-the-obvious tone,which sounded a lot like all of his other tones too.

Her mother. I knew her mother. We went to school together. Many, many, many, many moons ago.

Oh, wait! I just learned this one, let me see... Was Jesus still in diapers then? Vala chortled andclapped happily, she was the only one, What?

Ifanyone encourages her, I will rebuild and send you to Netu myself.

So... he was out of diapers then? Sam challenged.

Bucking for a demotion, Carter?

Do it. Ill just bring up a trip to a certain aboriginalplanet, she dropped her voice to almost nothingwhen she said planet.

Daniel, have they admitted they love each other yet?

Daniel tried swallowing his tongue just to avoid answering Valas question. Vala, about as innocent asa blood-thirsty mosquito. That girl was back.

You have my bag.

Huh?

My bag, from the bookstore, you have it. Sat down to read The Physics of Hockey, and I pulled out abook on Isis. Nice lady, bit of a windbag. Can I have my book back? Please, that was almost an

afterthought. It was then that she noticed who else was in the circle with Daniel and Jack. She stood upa little straighter and squared her shoulders.

Here, Daniel said as he swung the bag in his hand forward. They swapped bags. He looked inside

and thought, Of all the days to buy a book on knitting.

Thank you. Maam. Sirs, and with that she was gone again.

Jaaaaaaaack... Daniel looked at Jack from the corner of his eye.

I dont believe it... all grown up. She could kick my butt when she was ten. No more knocking her

down, Daniel.

What?! She ran into me!

Marine?

Worse than that, Sam. Shes Air Force, and she makes Hailey look a like a pussy cat.

Lieutenant Hailey, Hailey? Four-feet and nine-inches of ass-kicking machine Hailey? Daniel asked

remembering one of those training scenarios far too well.


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The one and only. Lets move things along campers, Jack said shooing them away from all the people.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DanielJackson, Tealc was mere inches from Daniels face.

Wha... OH GOD! Tealc! When was the last time you brushed your teeth? Your breath could take out

an entire Ori fleet.

Tealc ignored the comment on his oral hygiene, The girl from Colorado Springs is here.

Tealc, Daniel pushed his face back, steal a toothbrush if you have to, but go brush your teeth.

Daniel was grumpy, but he got up nonetheless. He raked his hands through his hair and put his glasses

on, So that Alma girl or whatever is in Cheyenne Mountain?

She is in the SGC, DanielJackson. Working in one of Sams labs.

In the SGC... so she has high clearance. Team?

I do not know, as I said, she is one of Sams labs. She must be highly intelligent as well. She does not

allow just anyone to work on those projects.

Wonder why Jack didnt say anything yesterday...

Perhaps he was unaware.

Maybe. Im going to do some recon. You with?

No, youll get caught. She is on Level 27, Tealc turned and headed for the door, I have been

enjoying Italian food.

I will not get caught! Daniel called out after Tealc, Get caught, pfft. He pulled on a shirt and

grabbed his access card, then strode purposefully to the door, Shoes, Daniel. Shoes.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lieutenant Alma Allie Linde stood up, yawned, and pulled the small earbuds from her ears, If I

were coffee, where would I be...

Commissary.

Maam! She snapped to attention faster than any bullet could fly from a gun.

At ease, Sam laughed.

Yes maam, she said dropping her shoulders only slightly, may I help you?

Hows the reactor?

Its at 167% output right now.


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Nice, so you know the General?

Yeah, you couldve just asked.

I was curious about the reactor.

I see, well a little bit longer and I think we can get this thing to run at 250% without losing stability,

she picked the headphones and mp3 player up off the desk, wrapped them up and deposited them intoher pocket.

Wow.

Not that hard, its just finding the right calibration on the input, so that when it starts recycling theunused energy it doesnt overload what is already coming in. We can talk about it more over coffee

though, because I think Im asleep.

I know that feeling. Were you listening to notes?

Ah, no. I work better with music. There were others in here when I started working, and I didnt wantto bother them. Guess I never saw them leave.

The zone, Sam smiled knowingly, no one has been able to get that reactor to work so quickly.

Gimme the time, and Ill run the whole base off of a few of them. Cut the national debt in half. Im

pretty sure that thing can do at least 500%.

Show off. So how do you know Jack? Sam asked as they walked down the corridor to the elevators.

He went to school with my mother. He was always hanging around her and the other science club

geeks. He came around when he could after my mother adopted me, well, until he got married. Sarah

didnt care for my mother much.

So Jack hung out with the science nerds, eh? Sam laughed to herself, remembering their firstmeeting, Hes like an uncle then?

Something like that, yeah... her voice trailed off.

Sam turned back to see why she had stopped talking. She saw the girl looking at a photo hanging on thewall. She walked back and looked as well, choking back the urge to cry. Hard to believe shes been

gone that long already.

Who is she maam?

Janet Fraiser. She was the best damn doctor this side of forever. She died saving a mans life off-

world.

Honorable. Sad. I think I knew her.

What? Sam questioned.

Another life. Do you believe in angels? Allie asked heading for the elevators once again.


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What? Sam was caught off guard by the whole exchange and made quick strides to catch up. Whatdo angels have to do with anything?

More than you know, she commented as she slid the card to call the elevator.

The doors slid open and Sam couldve sworn she saw something about the girl glimmer, but after aquick shake of the head it was gone. Sleep depravation, she thought to herself. After jabbing the

button for the correct floor she finally answered the question, I do believe in angels, funnily enough.

Allie smiled and leaned against the wall of the elevator, Good.

The rest of the trip went in silence, but it wasnt uncomfortable. They entered the commissary and went

straight for the coffee. For the hour, there were a fair amount of people loitering about. Most likely

taking a break from the work they were catching up on.

Oh, sweet magical brew.

Arent you supposed to like tea? Sam laughed, grabbed a cup, and started pouring herself some of the

piping hot rocket fuel. If they did one thing right in the commissary it was the coffee. When done shepassed the pot to Allie. As she was pouring her own cup, Sam turned and collided with an airman.

Hot coffee sloshed out and Sam braced for the burn her hands were about to get. It didnt come. Her

hands had been spared the burn, in fact her once steaming coffee was now ice cold as it dripped from

her hands.

Allie quickly discarded her coffee and winced as she jammed her hands deep inside her pockets. Are

you okay? Maam? Sir?

Didnt get any on me. Are you okay Colonel Carter? Im so sorry.

Uh, yeah, fine, she mumbled transfixed on her hands and the puddle at her feet. Not one burn even

though the palms of her hands were still warm from the cup, and the puddle was even steaming.

Maam?

Huh? What? Sam snapped out of her revere and grabbed a handful of napkins, What is it?

Mop, Allie gestured toward the man and his mop.

Oh, right sorry, Sam stepped out of the way and cleaned her hands off, rain-check? I need dry

clothes.

Yeah. I just had a flash of brilliance on the reactor anyway. Sure youre okay?

Yeah, Sam left the commissary beating a path to the locker rooms.

Allie watched the man mop for a few moments, Do you have a family, sir?

Yep, he said not looking up from his duties.


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Ill get the next spill, so you can leave a little early.

What? His head jerked up.

Next spill, Ill cause it, so Ill clean it up. Working hours like this I bet you dont get to see themmuch. So, let me clean up the next one, even if it only gets you out a few minutes early.

I cant let you do that.

Yes, you can; just say thank you, she gave him a thoughtful smile.

Thank you, he finally said after looking at her a few moments, you must be an angel.

Nah, she smiled again and slipped out of the commissary and went back down to the lab. She

gingerly pulled her hands from her pockets and sighed.

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Daniel finally made it down to the lab. He had been stopped several times on the way. Everyone

seemed to need him. That or the rumor mill had kicked into warp speed with the story of the run in thewith the new girl and everyone wanted to meet the man who had saved someone from anEarthbound

threat. He had overheard several versions of the tale. His favorite was that he tackled her out of the way

of a wreckless driver.

Pushing all supposed acts of heroism aside Daniel stuck his head past the door frame and began talking.He, being Daniel, couldnt tell that she didnt hear a thing he was saying. In the moments he paused to

breathe he could hear her murmuring something quietly. He inched closer, and was almost ready to ask

her to speak up when he realized she was singing to herself.

... hes got friends of his calling friends of hers but shes nowhere to be found. Phones are ringing...

as her voice trailed off she dove back into the reactor with a vengeance. A few minutes later shegrinned proudly and took the earbuds out of her ears. Me: one. Reactor: zero.

Always talk to machines?

Only when they think they can outsmart me. Always spy on people?

Didnt want to interrupt the concert. What song was that?

Phones are Ringing All Over Town, what is it that you would like to know about me?

Damn, Tealc is good.

Good at what?

He said Id get caught.

He was right, she reproved in good nature.

Yeah... he tends to be. Lets start off with the basics...


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Born in Minnesota, did a lot of growing up there, Kansas, and Texas. I went to MIT and graduated

with the highest honors. I did some courses through various other colleges as well, brief stint at Oxford,

and then the Academy here in Colorado. I like the color pink, sushi, Celebrity Poker Showdown,

science-fiction, and Martina McBride is my favorite singer. Im 53, 105 pounds, and I have been toldI am rather feisty. Did I leave anything out?

Pepsi or Coke?

Dr. Pepper.

Well, I think that about covers it. I really should listen to Jack more too.

Hes gotten the same treatment, dont sweat it.

One last question...

Okay?

What happened to your hands?

Allie looked at the angry burn on the back of her hands. It was nice and coffee shaped. Shaped like the

spill that was on Sams hand. The spill that she was no where near.

Coffee, she finally said placing both hands behind her back.

That looked fresh, are you okay? Daniels compassionate side took over.

Silence wouldve filled the lab had it not been for sounds of a guitar and piano seeping from the

discarded earbuds. They stared silently, Daniel trying to figure the sudden change in her temperament

out, and Allie wishing Daniel would leave.

Did someone do that to you?

No! No, I... close the door, she told him as she turned the music off, this is a long, and slightly

unbelievable story.

Daniel closed the door and sat down, Lets hear it then.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sam stepped off the elevator with two cups of coffee. She went straight to the lab, and when she got

there Daniel nearly plowed her over on his way out. He looked like the Daniel who was about to dive

into an ocean of books and do a little deep-sea research. Sam watched him retreat and then continuedinto the lab.

How is the reactor? She sat a cup down on the table.

Dirty, actually. Got any canned air? I nearly sent Daniel to the infirmary when I pulled the back off of

this thing.

He sneezes in hospital iso-rooms, Sam laughed and sat her coffee down. She rummaged through a


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drawer and pulled one out, Ta da!

Thanks maam if you could just sit it by the coffee for now, Im up to my elbows in wires, she saidducking her head down again.

Daniel left in a hurry, looked like he had a mission.

He said something about fact checking. I think I said something that threw him for a loop, dont askme what I said though, she drew back to sneeze. This thing needs ventilation, she checked her

hands, barely even pink, and stood up to reach for the coffee.

Bless you.

Thanks, she said sipping the coffee, I know you said I was showing off but...

The girl turned quickly, and this time Sam was certain she saw something. It, whatever it was, was

gone just as soon as it had appeared. She focused all of her senses on detecting a goauld. Nothing.

... thing ready to test. Ive been making more tweaks. You could stand to lose a lot of the bulk on thisand... I have three heads.

Huh?

You werent listening. What is it?

YOURE DEAD! Daniel tore back into the room barely holding onto the printouts and books he had

with him, and shaking an obituary.

DANIEL! Sam said, astonished at how rude he was.

Was...ish.

What is going on? Sam looked back and forth between them, Start talking. NOW!

You might want to sit down, she waited for Sam to sit and for Daniel to get the door, long version

or short?

Short.

You want the long version. Trust me, Daniel cut in and sat down to hear the story again.

Okay... Long one I guess. Should I use the bathroom first? Sam tried to lighten the tone.

Nah. Well, like Daniel said, Im dead. Sort of. Im an angel.

Alma Renee. It means Soul Reborn.

Good job, Daniel.

Youre an angel? Sam asked incredulously.

Yeah, those flashes youve been seeing, wings. Well, they arent really wings, but for all intents and


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purposes they are. Its hard to explain.

Its fascinating, Daniel said propping his chin on his hands.

Mine are out of use right now. Clipped if you will.

Why? Sam asked starting to believe her.

Shes on a mission.

Do you want to tell the story Daniel?

Oh! Sorry, he grinned sheepishly.

Mission from... God?

No. Its a mission from Past and Destiny via Future.

Huh? Sams face showed that she just figured out Jack feels when during her briefings.

See there are all these forces that work together up there. Futures story got changed, so Past andDestiny sent me here to fix it. So that everything pans out like it is written. If certain things dont

happen when they are supposed to... well poof.

Like The Fates? Daniel again.

Not quite. Fate is actually a pesky little bugger. He likes to muck things up and never really fix them.

That is where Destiny comes in. She fixes what Fate screws up. Think of Fate as the trouble making

younger brother. Hes getting more mature though, no plagues of late.

Does that mean God and...

Oh no, quite real, he plays a lot of Clue with Buddha, the realRa, and the rest of his bowling league,

she would have continued but she knew how silly it sounded.

What no Monopoly? Sam asked.

They play that too, anyway, Im here to make right. Destiny acts through.

Wow... this is a lot to take in at once.

Show her! Daniel, a veritable kid in a candy store.

Allie shrugged her coat off and showed Sam the wings. Though incapable of flight she was hovering

slightly above the floor, in this energy. She seemed to glow from within.

How did you die? I couldnt find any information on that.

DANIEL! Sam all but yelled.

She waved it off and spoke, I was killed by a drunk driver. I was camping with some friends. There

was this little country road with a hairpin curve, our campsite was sat way down the hill on one side,


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and the creek was down on the rocks on the other. We had taken the four wheelers down to the creek to

get some water to do dishes and clean up. I was taking a load of water back over the road. He came

flying around the corner, I bet I heard him coming from a good mile up the road. I was still sitting on

the shoulder. He swerved, and I hit a cliff face. Cracked my head on the rock. I was dead before I hitthe ground. Pretty messy.

Wow... what a... way to go... Sam couldnt force much else out.

Not so bad. I didnt feel much of anything, and the guy who did it is rotting in a jail cell right now.Im not bitter though, Destiny told me I was born to do this. To fix this for you all.

Then... why die? Sam asked, getting the beginnings of a nastyheadache.

Destiny dictates one thing, Fate goes about it funny.

What is Heaven like? Daniel asked.

Heaven is... Its the perfect world. Its what you make it. Life is limbo. Shes fine, Daniel.

Isnt the good or bad set before youre born? Pre-destined? Daniel questioned.

Destiny cant control your free will. That dark path is... out of her hands. Everyone gets a destiny for

each path. There are lots of rules and loop holes, and its quite complicated. I dont want to get into it,but pretty much you pick the good or the bad.

How? Sam asked.

Youre heart picks it for you, when its ready.

What is the wrong you have to right? Sam asked speaking up again hoping to direct the conversation

back to something a little less extraordinary, and boy was she wrong.

Allie smiled softly, Stay here. She disappeared into the hallway and returned a few moments later.She was holding a picture frame.

Sam ran through the list of who or what could be on the photograph, You have to straighten the

picture frames?

No, she looked at the photo and then turned it around.

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Tealc! Vala called across the infirmary, Tealc, you have got to see this!

Tealc strode over, What?

Look! Vala stacked a few playing cards into a small house, You can make cute little buildings withthem!

That is correct, Tealc took the entire deck and quickly constructed a house using all fifty-twoplaying cards and the jokers.


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Can we play poker now? the patient asked.

Keep your pants... err funny dress thingy with no back on Walter, Vala chided the rather huffylooking technician.

It is a hospital gown Vala, designed that way for quick removal in case of an emergency. The breeze

provided is also quite nice, Tealc explained in his Oh-so-helpful tone which again... sounded just

like all the others.

I want one!

You are not a patient, Vala.

Oh, come on. Tealc, you could sweet talk one out of them for me couldnt you?

The Jaffa do not sweet talk, he deadpanned.

Hello, poker? Walter broke in.

You are extremely pushy, Walter. You know that?

In fact he is not. I came looking for DanielJackson. He is not here, so I shall leave.

Bummer, I was going to ask what he did this time. Death by paper cut? Eyes stuck open from reading

too long? So much coffee he can actually fly, Jack joked complete with little hand motion wings,from the caffeine high?

ONeill. I came looking suspecting that the young Lieutenant Linde had injured him while he was on

his doomed recon.

Recon? Danny? He cant even hide in the bushes when he makes the call to hide in the bushes.

Perhaps he was not harmed. This would be a first.

Hes probably been stuffed into a locker, Jack said after a moment of thought, I dont think hes

been in one of those in a long time.

A... locker? Tealcs eyebrow rose to new heights.

Yes, its a Tauri thing. The jocks put the geeks in lockers and left. All for fun of course.

Of course. What is a jock?

Football players, athletes, the tough guys.

You? Tealc asked, knowing when to stroke Jacks ego.

Yeah, me, but I never put any geeks in lockers.

Tealc let his eyebrow raise again, but said nothing. He turned back to see if Vala had begun to play

cards yet. What he saw did not surprise him, she was talking... a lot.


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Anyway, Walt, that just happens to be how I feel about it. What do you think?

NURSE!!! Walter screamed, NURSE! Morphine, please! Please, I am in pain over here!

I know that question, Jack shuddered, fartoo well.

The time loops.

Yep.

Have you kissed Colonel Carter any other times?

Now Tealc, Jack ONeill does not kiss and tell.

You lie, ONeill.

Do not, Jack returned.

You do.

Not.

ONeill, you lie.

Tealc, I do not.

Do.

Not.

Do.

Not.

Do.

Not.

Do.

Not.

Do.

Not.

ONeill, you are unable to lie where Colonel Carter is concerned.

Fine. Yes, Tealc, I have. More than once as a matter of fact. I happen to enjoy it as well.

So you have told her that you love her then? Vala butted in.


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Shes known that for a while Vala. Zatarc testing.

Does she know that you are in love with her then? And you people get on me for not understandingthe intricacies of your language.

I dont know Vala, I hope she does.

Tell her just in case, she turned back to the poker, Go fish!

Jack laughed and left with Tealc, She can be pretty wise.

So can you, Tealc replied, we should check the lab for Daniels body.

Probably. Get a bite to eat first? Im starving.

Very well, Tealc moved to the other side of the hallway as the door swung open and a civilian

scientist with his nose in a book walked out.

Great! I hope they arent out of blue Jell-o yet. I love that stuff.

As do I, ONeill. The texture is like nothing else, quite tasty as well.

Good old Jell-o, Jack stepped onto the elevator, only thing worth eating in the comm.

The Sloppy Joe is good as well.

Toxic sludge, buddy. Wouldve been a great torture device on Apophis or Anubis.

ONeill, I see no blue Jell-o, Tealc said after getting a look at the selection in the commissary, Iwill have red.

Bah! Jack grabbed a box of Froot Loops.

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We have to tell someone else! Like Jack and Tealc! Daniel said pacing. How is your hand?

Fine, I heal faster being sort of dead and all.

Wait... what? Sam interrupted.

The coffee, from earlier, it shouldve burned your hands, but it burned mine. I can do that.

You healed my hand before it happened.

Not quite. I healed your hand as it was being burned. I healed Daniels hand too in Colorado Springs,

ex post facto though.

How does it work? Daniel asked with that kid in a candy store look on his face again.

Got a paper cut?


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What, you just do hands? No paper cut today, just a bruise.

Desk? Sam asked, an amused look on her face.

Yeah, fell off my stool putting a book away.

Come here, let me see the bruise.

Daniel walked over and pulled his shirt up. The bruise was dark, but didnt look too bad. Allie

examined the bruise for a moment and then closed her eyes. As she inhaled the bruise on Daniels sidefaded away.

Ahh, SHHHHHHHHHHIIIIICRAP! I think you did more than bruise your side. My rib feelscracked.

Can I see? Daniel asked curiously.

Allie raised the side of her shirt up to reveal Daniels bruise, It should be healed by the end of the

hour, rib and all.

As many injuries as youve gotten you cant tell when you have a cracked rib? That couldve

punctured your lung. She would kill you herself for that, Daniel

Saaaam, I was in a hurry to get back here...

NOT an excuse Daniel, Sams tone was almost motherly.

Sorry.

Woooooah, thats skin, Jack exclaimed walking in, hell of a bruise. What happened?

Daniel.

What the helldid you do? Jack asked advancing on him.

He fell off of a stool and hit his desk.

That hurt you how? His natural grace did not put that bruise there.

Yes, it did, Allie said, well I helped.

I think I speak for... well me, when I say, huh?

She healed me, Jack.

She did, I saw it happen. The bruise on his side faded and then she was telling Daniel he had crackedhis rib, Sam said knowing her two-cents could make Jack believe that Hammond was actually a

twelve-year old girl.

Confused here, make with the sense, Jack had the look of technobabble induced pain on his face.

She absorbed the injury, that is the only way I can explain it. She did it downtown when we collided,


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with Sam earlier, and...

With Sam what? Jack said spinning to look at her.

Coffee spill in the comm, my hands should be bandaged up pretty good right now, but she took theburn herself.

Her hands arent burned, and that bruise is fading... Jack trailed off and reached for his sidearm,What are you?

An angel, remember?

Jack froze, his eyes went out of focus as the fog lifted in his mind to reveal something a little chilling.I remember the funeral. Everyone was crying, and I... I hadnt seen so many kids since... since Charlie

died. Why couldnt I remember?

Its an illusion. Put there to keep my identity safe from those who could keep me from completing my

objective. That sounds so Star Trek. Jack?

What?

Hes okay.

Jack just nodded, knowing she was truthful.

What else can you do? Daniel asked steering the conversation away from the touchy subject.

Speak more languages than you, she replied quickly and turned back to Jack, Do you need a

minute?

What do you mean more languages than me? Daniel asked slightly shocked.

I think she said it to shut you up, Sam supplied.

No, she meant it, Jack murmured, she was a smart kid. Picked things up real easy.

I was up to about fifteen when I died. Time passes differently up there. I know just about everylanguage this universe has to offer, and a few from others.

There are languages in other universes that arent here? Sam asked.

Like... Daniel tried to draw out.

Well, in a universe about thirty-three universes that way, she pointed up and to the left, is a shrimpworld. Forty-three different dialects alone of a language that this universes shrimp dont speak. That is

just one planet mind you.

Shes kidding right? Daniel asked Jack.

Why would I kid? Allie grinned, Im even fluent in a few made up languages.


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Like... Klingon? Sam supplied.

Yeah, wanna know a secret?

Do we? Daniel asked cautiously.

Not entirely made up, she half whispered gleefully.

It... isnt?

No, they dont tell this story but I witnessed it. One of the writers had this crazy dream, where he

imagined what the Klingon language would be like. There was actually a tear in the fabric of space

time created on the other side, it opened up right underneath him, kind of like serendipity. He spent alittle time with the people who spoke the language, and when they sent him back they sent him back to

when he fell through. So he thought he had a dream. All the words are totally real, just not the

meanings. I cant help but laugh, they say some not exactly pleasant things in the most innocent ofcomments.

I have a fronache, everyone froze, What, do I have a booger?

Jack... you said fron, Daniel said slowly.

No I didnt.

Yeah, that might be my fault.

Can ya fix it? I dont want to go Ancient.

No, but this time you wont go Ancient. I think when I helped you remember me, I helped you

remember some other stuff too. So... you might spurt out a really old word now and then, and you

might solve some old Earth problems. Common cold, cancer, global warming, AIDS, ya know... littlestuff, Allie smiled sheepishly.

So, Im smarter than Sam now?

Yeah... kinda, she cast a glance to Sam who looked rather crestfallen, Dont worry, wont be for too

long. Youll get a great gift soon, Sam.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tealc had eaten a sloppy joe while in the commissary with Jack. Tealc had also decided that Jack was

right about it being toxic sludge.

Vala pinched her nose at the stench invading her nostrils, and her now nasal voice queried, Tealc, are

you okay? That smells... bad.

Do not eat the Sloppy Joe, Vala, Tealc said before heaving into his little pan again.

GROSS!

Indeed.


17/34

Ill go find a doctor for you.

I have already received the appropriate treatment. Continue playing cards with Walter until I amallowed to leave.

Walt went to sleep, something about a really good drug. Wheres Daniel? I havent talked to him

lately...

He is in a lab on Level 27. I assume he was not injured when ONeill got there.

You look horrible, get some rest, Vala said refusing to let go of her nose until she left the infirmary.

After inquiring what lab she was looking for exactly Vala made a bee-line to the elevators. She steppedin and punched her floor. On Level 26 the doors slid open and a janitor stepped on.

Good morning maam.

Hello, Vala chirped, What have you got there?

Tools of the trade, I have a spill to mop up on 27, more coffee.

Mop, funny word.

I suppose so, yes, he said as the door quietly whooshed open. They made their goodbyes expecting to

part there but instead they both continued to Lieutenant Lindes lab.

Oh, definite coffee spill in here, she almost sing-songed to the janitor.

Done torturing Walter already? Daniel quipped.

He was put to sleep, he became quite uppity after Jack left.

You mean they gave him a sedative right...

Yes, what did you think I meant?

The janitor shook his head, having quickly figured out the cause of the mans problems. He pulled the

mop and bucket over to the spill and dipped his mop into the water, Ill just be a moment.

No, Ill take that. I told you I was going to clean it up because I would cause it. Hand me the mop,

she held her hands out and he passed it to her, Where do I put this when I am done? Then you go see

your family.

Twenty-six. Storage closet.

Go!

Thank you, he smiled, turned, and quickly left.

What was that about? Vala asked.

A promise I made earlier, Allie said as she quickly cleaned the mess up. She pushed the bucket and


18/34

mop off to the other side of the room.

SWEET! I out sudokud you again!

Bite me.

Where? Jack had that flirtatious grin on his face. He was rewarded with a close up view of Sams

middle finger.

Well, I dont think that is normal, Vala commented offhandedly.

Its not. She unlocked his Ancient memories. Why do you smell like vomit? Daniel supplied.

I do? Vala sniffed at herself, I dont smell anything.

Again, why do you smell like vomit?

Tealc advised me to not eat the Sloppy Joe, Vala, she mimicked, what are those anyway?

Then...gross.

Told him they were toxic, Jack grinned and then switched gears, I hope hes okay.

Hell be fine, right? Daniel looked at Allie.

Not with my help. Not giving myself food poisoning, not when I have so much to do to get ready for

her return. Even with the healing thing it would take days.

Her who? Vala interrupted.

Janet, Daniel said softly.

Who?

She was Chief Medical Officer here. Shell be coming back.

Oh, thats lovely! Where did she go?

Heaven, she was killed, Daniel snapped not meaning to.

Oh, Im sorry, Daniel. I didnt... Im sorry. I suppose this question will be just as touchy, but how is

she going to come back if she is, well, dead?

Shes going to fall from Grace.

What? Daniel hadnt ever thought to ask how Janet was coming back.

Its not bad, she has to lose her wings. Then shell fall from Grace, back to her body.

Grace is a place.

Right, Sam. I dont want to reveal more on the how until everything is ready.


19/34

Why? Daniel asked.

Its better this way, for you all. Trust me. Youll have far too much invested to have to worry aboutthis as well.

There is already too much invested. This is Janet were talking about! Dammit, shes.... shes...

Daniel wasnt sure what she was to him.

Important. Believe me, I know, more than you think. I know what is going to happen if you dontget

her back. I have to do this right, just as much for you all as for her. If you lose her you lose any

chance...

Any chance of what? Daniel cut in, Tell me please!

Seeing the Ori fall. Seeing peace not just on Earth, but all over the universe. She is key, Daniel. As

more and more time passes I will be able to tell you more, but not now. I dont want to mess this up foryou.

Then why did she have to die? If she is so key as you say? Vala inquired.

Fate, Daniel spat the word out, he already hated the guy.

Destiny, Allie corrected, she was meant to die. So that on her return she could have the power tosave you. Shes not going to be the same Janet.

What do you mean? Sam asked.

There arent many who are granted permission to return to a life that they left. I was never going toremain here like she will, Im a go-between. She will remain Earthbound, until she too dies of old age

with the rest of you.

You are going to die for her. You are going to do whatever you did for them to her, Jack stated

wagging his finger at Sam and Daniel, only this time will be a little more permanent.

Allie said nothing. She said nothing to confirm or deny what Jack had said, instead she looked to

Daniel, Put that down. Its irreplaceable.

When will she come back? Vala could ask that, no, she was the only one brave enough to ask.

When they tell me. Could be today, could be tomorrow, could be a year from now. When the right

events begin to unfold they let me know.

Cassie, someone needs to tell Cassie, Daniel jumped out and ran for the door.

NO! Allie screwed her eyes shut and Daniel was back in his seat, you cant tell her until we know.

Its like putting a flashing neon sign on her head that says Hey Fate, Fuck with me!. She needs toknow, but it isnt safe yet. I want her to know too, but... we cant yet.

Fine.

Question time, Jack said after they were done, how did he get back on that stool?


20/34

About the same way Thor plays Beam me up, Scotty with you. Jut no fancy technology.

And here I thought Sam had a powerful mind, Jack quipped.

This is all wild,Icouldnt make this up if I tried.

I know, Vala, Allie replied.

You are rather convincing as well. I dont think I wouldve bought this off of Daniel, Vala continued

on.

Shes right, Sam added.

We all readily believed this. You could be a hostile alien in a human suit, Daniel threw out.

Kind of Urgo like, only you arent in our heads or annoying, Jack supplied.

Yeah, Sam nodded after Jack finished.

Is this another semi-dead specialty? Making people believe things?

No, Im just highly influential. If you werent already inclined to believe me, you wouldnt. That free

will thing.

Can you make the food in the commissary taste good like he did? Daniel asked.

No.

Daniel? Is Machello in your head again? Youre bouncing around like a rubber ball, Jack called out.

Why do we need to trust you so easily? Sam asked.

A fail-safe. Jack replied.

Right.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cameron Mitchell flung his pack hard against the ground in the locker room. The sound of metal being

dented and creased within it only added to his frustration. His foot connected with the locker below his

and the metal buckled inwards against the force. DAMMIT! Cameron yelled, hopping around on onefoot like an idiot.

SG-12 quickly exited the locker room, in favor of showering later. If they had learned one thing on

their trip off world it was that Colonel Mitchell in a mood like this was best left alone. His little temper

tantrum in Heimdalls lab was proof of that. They made for the infirmary to get there post-missionphysicals over with.

I swear, Cameron muttered, pounding his fists on his locker and banging it open, I am going to quitthis job tomor... He was gone. Taken to who knows where by who knows what. Just what he needed at

a time like this.


21/34

Cameron Mitchell, I presume.

...row... Not in Kansas anymore, Toto... he said looking around.

You are in my home, she said the word ship with utter disdain. She stepped out of the shadows asshe spoke, but the darkness seemed to hold onto her. The deep purple of her robes seemed to melt into

the blackness behind her.

Who are you? Why am I here? he reached for his sidearm as he spoke.

Looking for this? She dangled his gun from her fingertip.

Id like that back now.

No, she drug him toward her with her mind, Not until you do something for me. She kissed himhard and pushed him down onto the ground.

Uh... what? he said recovering from the double shock of being the telekinetic rook to her queen and

from the kiss.

You, are going to do something for me. Get up.

Cameron stood up quickly, Yes maam.

Such a good boy. You would make a wonderful puppy, she mused and with a wave of her hand hemorphed. Cameron turned into a bulldog; frowning she waved again. She turned him into a toy poodle,

Arent you a little cutie? She scratched his head and he growled. Bad dog, she waved and he was

Cameron again.

What was that?

A little fun. What happened to your clothes? she laughed and he wore nothing but his boxers.

Doing a perfect imitation of Botticellis The Birth of Venus Cameron stood glaring at the striking

woman, Funny.

No, this is funny, she grinned and his boxers were gone as well. Do I have your attention now? she

glanced down to his hips.

Yes. Can I have my clothes back?

No. Youll get them back when Im done. Follow me, she began walking and he followed obediently.

Where are we going?

Youll see, Cameron.

Got a name? You seem to know mine.

You want to know my name? Very well, she turned and paused. Cameron looked at her and waited

patiently. She opened her mouth and an unholy sound escaped, Thatis my name.


22/34

Ow. Got something a lowly little human like myself can say?

Binet Sat.

Interesting. I think I can remember that.

I know you will. Enter that room, she commanded and pointed at the wall where a portal suddenly

appeared.

Cameron entered and looked back to see where she was. What is going on here? he mumbled. Shewas gone and he looked back into the room, barren as it was. Black walls streaked upwards out of

sight. A single light hung in mid air above him, casting a dull, dead glow over the room.

Welcome to your play yard, puppy.

Play yard?

Youre mine now, Binet Sat said stepping out of the shadows; this time she was stark naked. She ran

a sharp blood red fingernail down his cheek, Dont you like it here?

The room went from black and menacing to inviting and lavishly furnished . Rich fabrics were draped

on the walls and on the bed, gold plated bibelot were scattered about, and windows stretched so far up

it hurt Camerons neck to try and see where they ended. Lush burgundy carpet replaced the cold...stone? Plants of all vibrant colors in full bloom graced marble tables, and in the center of the room was

large pool of crystalline water.

Speak.

Its beautiful.

Binet Sat stood still, taking Cameron in. She contemplated what to do with him before finally sighing.With one finger on her cheek and the rest curled up at her chin she spoke, I do so wish I had more

time with you. So many things I could do... but I digress. You have to do something for me.

You see, I cant appear on your pitiful little plane myself. Some silly rule, but you can come and go as

I please. You, are going to do my bidding. Understand? You are going to do what I tell you, when I tellyou, and if you fail to do it, you will die. You dont want that do you? Her voice grew seductive,

When you succeed, you will never have to worry about anything ever again. Doesnt an eternity here

with me sound wonderful?

Cameron choked the ball in his throat down, his only response was to nod. He had no idea who she

was, or what her agenda was. He just knew he could not say no to her. He was drunk with her presence.She was perfect. Inky hair hung in loose curls around her face, her lips painted crimson, contrasting

sharply with her porcelain complexion, and her long neck ran down to her licentious body.

You will speak when I speak to you.

Yes, eternity sounds wonderful.

Much better, she inhaled and ran her hand over Camerons chest, I do so wish I had more time. I

suppose though, I could, as you puny humans say, knock out two birds with one stone. Would you like


23/34

that?

Yes, he exhaled, and then he went flying backwards until he was sitting on the bed.

She laughed in her throat and looked down, I thought you might. My, my, Cameron, you cannot tell alie can you? This time she laughed out loud, Cameron, you are such an interesting creature. All

humans are really, but you... youre special. Youre... mine.

Im special?

Of course. I picked you didnt I? She linked her arms behind his neck and bent down closer to him,

I dont do that often. I also see no reason for you to not get anything out of this, imagine your wildest

fantasy. Ill make it come true for you. Just picture it in your mind... She bit his lip lightly after shehad trailed off, Anything at all.

Cameron closed his eyes and let his mind wander on that subject. His wildest fantasy; hed gone solong without getting any that he had plenty of fantasies to offer up. He searched through them, for the

one that had no chance of ever coming true.

Well isnt someone naughty, she was in his head with him, watching everything he thought about,

several of those are quite interesting.

Her presence in his mind spurred him on, trying to find something, anything, to give her. Finally he

spoke, Nothing I have is good enough for you.

Mmmm, too bad, guess well just have to make it up as we along, She whispered and then gaveCameron a once over, I think I may have to say Screw the time table. Ill tell you what it is you are

going to do for me later, she was mere inches from his face and ended the sentence with a bite. She

kissed him hard and then shoved him onto his back. As she crawled up over him an evil grin spread

over her face. Cameron was putty in her hands, putty which was going to be molded to do her bidding,whether he wanted to do it or not.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Macgyver can build an airplane out of gum and paper clips, but Chuck Norris can kill him and take

it, Tealc finished with a small smirk.

No way! Jack shot back, MacGyver wouldve outwitted him, just like every other violent goon he

ever ran into.

ONeill, MacGyver would be far too engrossed in his work to see Chuck Norris. Everyone knows that

if you can see Chuck Norris he can see you, but if you cannot see him you may only be seconds fromdeath, Tealc said effectively cutting a hole in Jacks argument.

Sam snorted into her coffee and looked up to see who had come in the commissary door, Oh hey,Cam! Havent seen you in a few days... you look rough.

Cam grunted in response to Sam and grabbed a raspberry scone before heading over to get some coffee.

After downing half the cup he sat down, Hi.

Who would win, Cam, Chuck Norris or MacGyver? Jack asked eyeing the younger man with his


24/34

General-ONeill Face.

Carter, he replied.

What? she asked, hearing her surname.

The person who would win in a battle between MacGyver and Chuck Norris is you, Carter, Cameron

replied stiffly.

He makes a valid point. She posses the combat skills of Chuck Norris and the intellectual superiorityof MacGyver. However, I do not believe she is involved in this battle, Tealc pondered aloud looking

over to Jack.

What can you say, its Carter? Shes like the Oma Desala to their combined Daniel; shed dazzle them

and make them forget they were fighting. She does not need to be invited. Carter shows up, does her

thing, and wins at life, Jack tossed back as if it was something he said daily.

Um, thanks... I think, Sam said scratching her head and trying to sort the compliment that she was

sure was in there out.

Hey, its what I do, Jack grinned.

Keep it down, Cam growled digging his face into his hands.

And we find out why he looks so rough. Little tip for you Cam: Party when you dont have to be upand saving the world the next day, Jack thumped Cam on the back to really drive his point home.

Cam grunted again and went for more coffee. Carter cast a sidelong glance at Jack and turned back tolook at Tealc, Replicators or Ori?

I feel as though I will have to say Carter, your brilliance has proved invaluable to the people of thisplanet. The Asgard did come to you for help, and we have squashed the immediate threat of the

Replicators since that time. I am also confident your brilliance and physical skills will no doubt play a

large part in defeating The Ori as well.

Tealc, the question was Replicators or Ori, and according to Allie its Janet who gets to save theuniverse this time, Sam replied shortly.

The Replicators would consume the Ori, then we would have to use your brain to destroy yet another

formidable foe, Tealc finally replied after a moment of thought.

Nah, its all her. We were SG-Carter not SG-1. Think about it, Tealc. She saved our asses how many

times? From how many threats? Jack was just having fun now as he watched Carter turn a few shades

pinker.

I have lost count. No, that is not true, I gave up counting quite some time ago, Tealc added

increasing the burn on Sams cheeks.

Thats true, Daniel added dipping his spoon into his yogurt, The Asgard used her to save their homeonce, worked herself to the bone trying to save us, she blew half of Apophiss fleet to high hell, it is her

little program that lets us dial out... Lets go see if Landry is busy. If he isnt well get him to change the


25/34

team to SG-Carter, Daniel grinned.

You guuuuuuuuys, Sams face was an un-officerly shade of pink and she ducked her head to avoidtheir gazes.

ONeill, would you not be more of a threat now with your ancient memories unlocked? Tealc

questioned.

I just build the machines her fron is the vis uban.

My head is a place of great power? Carter looked at Jack with amusement and confusion in her eyes.

She then countered, YOU are derentis.

Hey! I resemble that remark, Jack laughed.

Keep it DOWN! Cam crushed his paper cup against the table and digging his face deeper into his

hands.

Im going to ignore that Colonel Mitchell, based simply on the fact that I am feeling quite jovial.However, if you ever speak to a superior officer, or any other officer with that tone again, I will

personally see to your punishment, Jack glowered at the younger man and made as much noise as oneman can possibly make while leaving the commissary.

Way to dodge a bullet, Sam said after he was gone.

Hello everyone! Vala chirped hopping in.

I have to get to the lab, but Cam just sat down, Sam said quickly taking off.

Translations, Daniel hurriedly cleaned his place and left.

I have nothing else to do, but I am going to do it elsewhere, Tealc pointed to the door as he stated it

then nodded at Vala, Be safe.

Well that was odd, Vala mused watching Tealc exit, I dont smell like vomit again do I?

Shit, Cam muttered.

I smell like what? Vala asked plopping into the seat across from him.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Was Cameron PMSing? Carter asked her two companions.

If that was PMS, then you must be a man. I have never seen you cop that kind of attitude, unless it

was deserved of course, Jack replied.

Certainly not being his normally perky self, Daniel commented.

Indeed.


26/34

Hey, whats with the glum faces? Allie said walking into the lab to work.

Glum? Damn! I was going for adorably contemplative, Jack stuck his bottom lip out.

Sam rolled her eyes. Cam is having a bad day.

And the winner of the Understatement-of-the-Year Award is Samantha Carter, Daniel said looking

at her, hes had bad days before, but hes downright terrible today.

Hes never done anything like this before, though. Hes always been job first, Carter repliedknowingly.

Everyone has their missteps. Hes just lucky that he doesnt have to go off and save Earth today.

Since when do you have precognitive abilities, Daniel? Carter returned.

I hate to interrupt, but can you argue over another lab table? You have your elbows in my reactordroppings.

Sorry, Daniel said moving away from the table so Allie could work.

So Cameron is in an abysmal mood, huh? Remind me to stay out of his way.

If I catch him snapping at anyone else, that includes you Allie, Ill make sure he gets dropped on some

uninhabitable planet. Off days are one thing, but based on what I saw hes damn close to dangerous,Jack replied cooly.

After a few minutes of silence had passed Cameron came to the door, Im sorry for the behavior back

there. I had no right to take my lack of sleep out on you guys. I had this crazy dream last night and I

woke up exhausted. Its not an excuse, but I am sorry for how I acted.

Apology accepted, Jack replied on behalf of the room.

What was your dream about? Daniel asked.

I... I cant really remember, its all fuzzy. The only thing I remember clearly is this almost unholy

screech and a poodle.

Did that noise come from the poodle? Jack laughed.

No, I was the poodle. A woman made that sound. I thought my ears were gonna bleed.

A woman? Allies head whipped up from her work.

Uh, yeah.

Black hair? A little Snow-White-like with curves for days?

Hey.... yeah, Cameron said, how did you...

Shit, Allie said backing away from him.


27/34

What? Sam asked looking mildly confused.

Sounds like my Aunt Gertrude, Allie said with a laugh, She had this evil little poodle and wouldliterally screech. Just out of the blue. I think she had Tourettes.

Funny, Cameron said eyeing her suspiciously. Who are you anyway?

Lieutenant Alma Linde, sir, Allie said coming to attention and saluting.

Okay, Cameron leaned back on a counter, So, hows things Sam?

At ease, Jack said nodding to Allie, and casting a sideways glance at Mitchell.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Allie finished up her work for the day, and tidied in the lab. Once finished she gathered her things and

headed for the barracks. On her way to the elevator she got a strange tingling on the back of her neck.He was there. She could feel him, and she was all alone. She swung a quick left at the next corridor and

it took all her willpower to keep from sprinting. She came to a halt at Daniels door, and knockedrather loudly.

Daniel opened the door just as Mitchell rounded the corner, Allie?

Dr. Jackson, she said pushing her way in, I got those notes you were asking for.

Notes? What no... the rest of Daniels question was cut off as the door swung shut.

Damn, Cameron stopped and pressed his ear to the door. He was unable to hear any of the

conversation going on inside.

What in the hell are you doing here? Daniel asked.

Hiding, Allie replied flippantly and began perusing Daniels room before sobering, When is the last

time you went home?

Daniel picked his jaw up off the floor and started to contemplate what to respond with, an honest

answer to her question, a question of her sanity, or to ignore her and ask why she was hiding. He opted

for, A while.

I see, she continued to look around, Someone is going to try and stop me. Someone close. I justwish I knew who it was. Whomever it is, theyre on the base.

Stop you how?

The easiest way would be to kill me, and as quickly as possible.

But, I thought... I mean... you can die?

Yep. Just like I can get a paper cut or a cracked rib, I can die. Not as well as you can, but Im working

on it.


28/34


29/34

NRRRUNGH! Allies steel toed boot came into contact with Camerons groin. Camerons grip on

Sam immediately loosened, and he dropped his gun as well. His hands scrambled to his injury and

Allie spoke, Kill, no. Injure, yes.

You are dead already, Cameron spoke, his voice a few octaves higher.

Allie kicked his gun away and exhaled, No shit Sherlock, how else do I get my angel wings?

Sam sputtered and coughed in the corner, as Daniel nailed Cam with the fire extinguisher, until she

could finally catch her breath, I thought he was after you.

You were in his way. He will go through you to get to me. Get her to the infirmary, Jack, Allie

ordered, Daniel, Tealc, go find Vala. I need the three of you to do a little something for me.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Who happened to you? The doctor asked.

Cameron Mitchell has been possessed by some... thing, and he attempted to strangle Sam, Jackanswered for her.

Im fine. Just a nasty bruise coming up...

Youre not that kind of doctor maam. I want to do an x-ray to make sure everything is okay, and the

doctor escorted Sam to another room.

Jack! Get Cassie back here now! Allie spoke with Landry and he is having Janets body exhumed.

Tealc, Vala, and I are.... Daniel fell unconscious into the infirmary.

Cameron stepped in, a gun in hand, and came at Jack, Where did she go!

Jack did not hesitate to shoot Cameron in his right shoulder, and the bullet did just what it was

supposed to. Camerons arm went limp and the gun clattered to the floor. Jack grabbed a vial, a needleand ducked around Cameron as he made his way to an arms closet. He found a tranquilizer gun and

stood waiting for Cameron to show his face.

Bad idea, General, Cameron said as he rounded the corner with a newly acquired P-90.

Jack fired. One. Two. Three. Cameron hit the ground and Jack filled the syringe with the contents of

the vial, glancing at it he recognized the label and grinned as he emptied the liquid into Camerons

blood stream, Sleep tight.

Daniel rounded the corner, Ow.

Help me get him into a holding room, Jack kicked the gun away and started dragging Cam down the

hall by his foot.

Daniel quickly grabbed the other foot and before 3 minutes had passed they had him locked securelyinto a holding room, Will it hold him?

Doubt it, but it will slow him down. Im getting a helicopter and going to get Cassie. Want me to stop


30/34

and pick you up some aspirin while Im out?

Funny, Daniel said as he took off to find Tealc and Vala.

Jack ran the other way to head up to the surface, where would then acquire something fast and flighty.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sam...

All...

Shhhh, Allie hushed her stepping in, just lay still.

Okay, Sam stilled herself completely and Allie healed her injury.

I need you in peak form. You have to watch my back for me, Allie croaked.

Wow, I sounded bad, but I guess one would with a half crushed trachea. Ive got your back though.

Just tell me what you need me to do.

Allie cleared her throat and dug something from her pocket, When I tell you to you need to read out

loud what is written on it. Its one time only, so dont read it before then. It will release Cameron from

Binets hold. If he is still under it when I succeed hell die.

Why cant you release him?

Gotta be alive. Safeguard that.

Sam nodded and tucked it into her jacket pocket, I know this goes against everything I know about

time travel, but earlier you said I would get a great gift. What is it?

Sam, I cant reveal that to you, but it will be here soon. Trust me when I say that it will be yours

before the day is over, What is the quickest way to the surface? Landry has someone up there waitingfor me.

Follow me, Sam zipped her jacket and poked her head out of the infirmary. Checking for any signs ofCameron she ran up he hall a ways and opened a hatch. Allie ducked in and Sam closed the door

behind them.

Climbing out. Nice, Allie began the long climb up. Hand over hand she drug herself upwards with

Sam keeping pace behind her.

Youll have to unlock the hatch using my code.

I know an easier way, and no one will be any the wiser, Allie finished the climb in silence and looked

back at Sam. Just follow me.

Where else could I go?

Allie went right through the hatch, almost as if it were simply a projection. Sam followed suit, and on


31/34

the other side touched the lid and found it was as solid as could be.

Neat trick, are you part Tollan? Sam asked looking at her.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh, whats this thing?

A ski, Vala, put it down and help me dig through these boxes, Daniel ordered.

Vala, I believe it would behoove you to help us find our quarry, Tealc spoke in a softer tone. Vala

dropped the ski and resumed looking through the boxes.

Damn, not in here, Daniel shoved the box aside and went for another one.

What am I looking for again? Vala asked unwrapping a small box.

That, actually, Daniel said taking it from her.

Oh, well lucky me. What is it?

Something Allie needs, lets go, Daniel got up and left all of the things he had pulled from Janets

boxes scattered around Sams basement.

Ladies first, Vala, Tealc said ushering her quickly up the stairs and out the front door into Daniels

waiting car.

Daniel peeled out the driveway and sped back toward the base. He was barely obeying traffic laws, and

had Tealc holding on to the arm rests white-knuckled. I remember seeing that box on her desk, I justassumed she kept paperclips in it.

I saw it open one day, I believe she stored jewelry in it, Tealc replied.

Never saw it before today, Vala interjected.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oh my, that looks rather nasty, Cameron.

It fells rather nasty, my queen. I found the girl though. Just as you ordered, I allowed them to

incapacitate me and set forward events that will derail the return of The Keeper.

Good boy, a treat for you then?

If you so wish, my queen.

Binet stroked Camerons face as she pondered. As her fingers neared his wounds they seemed to seep

into the air, and form a ball of gas. She leaned in and inhaled it. Mmm, destruction tastes so sweet.

With her failure, destruction will reign.

You learn so quickly, my pet. Now, to think of a treat for you... Should I change forms? her form


32/34

began to shift through a myriad of possible people. I can be anyone for you. Perhaps that droll creature

you call Vala? Maybe Major Carter? Or maybe that girl you dated in high school, remember her? She

was such a big tease wasnt she? Always wearing those skin tight shirts and short-shorts.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sam led Allie up to the front of the base where they ran into, or were nearly run over rather, by Daniel.

They barely got out of the way in time. Once Daniel had parked they ran over to his car.

We got it! Daniel shouted getting out.

I found it! Vala chimed in behind him.

When does this thing start? When do we get her back? Daniel asked impatiently.

I... dont know yet. What just happened was a show for Cameron and Binet. I was warned that she

would attempt to strike early. They told me that it was her usual strategy. Once Cassie and the body get

here we need to protect them until the time comes.

Then what the hell did you send us out for? Daniel demanded.

There is an item in that box I need now! I need to make sure Cassandra has it as soon as she arrives.

Here, Vala forked the box over.

Allie opened the box and dug her finger around in it until she found what she needed. She lifted a thin

silver chain from the box attached at the bottom was a single black pearl. This, will let us know when

it is time.

How? Sam asked.

Allie enclosed the pearl in her hand, and when she uncovered it the pearl glimmered white. When the

pearl turns black again, it will be time. Only the purest love will transform it. The love of a child.

Is true love not just as pure?

Yes, Tealc it is in some cases, but it wont work this time.

Why? Vala asked curiously.

Its been tainted, Vala, by rage, pity, terror, and destruction. It will only be pure once again when she

is back. Its like math with positives and negatives or like atoms with protons and electrons. Her return

cancels out all of the bad.

I see, Tealc responded thoughtfully.

An uncomfortable silence settled among the group. No one dared say anything else on the previoussubject, and no one knew what to say next. They wouldve remained in this state for quite some time

were it not for the shrill call of a cell phone.

Hello, Sam quickly pulled the phone out and answered it, what? Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Understood, well


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meet you there.

Goody, I love field trips! Vala chirped.

Not a field trip, Vala. We need to meet the Colonel at the airfield. Apparently Colonel Mitchell gotout. He cant get to Cassie. He needs you, Sam said looking at Allie, to distract him.

Oh sure, send the dead girl to do a grown-mans job. One express trip to Colonel ONeill coming rightup. I cant promise this wont be a bumpy ride, Allie inhaled deeply and closed her eyes. She focused

hard and the whole group was engulfed in energy. In mere moments they were just outside the airfield,

and in the time it took them to appear Allie fell to the ground unconscious.

Woah! Daniel got down on one knee, Hey, you okay? Wake up. Allie, Allie hey, come on, wake up.How many fingers? Daniel wiggled three fingers in front of Allies crossed eyes.

Eleven?

Um... no, but good try. Sit up, Sunshine. Daniel helped her get to a sitting position. Are you okay?

Yeah, just a little foggy; that took a little more energy than I thought it would.

What were you expecting to just hop off like a rabbit? Sam asked.

No, I was expecting to just be weak and maybe dizzy; not to be repeating our first encounter.

I would say fair enough, but I dont think we have time. Mitchell has ONeill in a bad spot over there.

Lets go, Sam took off running with the rest of the team following behind her. They made it within

about three feet of the pair when they ran into an obstacle; a wall actually. An invisible barrier stoodbetween the team and Jack ONeill.

Thaaaat smarted, Daniel said rubbing his nose.

Really? Sam said dusting herself off. What was that?

Bad news. He got stronger, did you guys knock him out?

I think Jack pumped him full of a sedative, Daniel said straightening out his clothes, and I am

thinking that is a bad thing since you had to ask.

Do you not get stronger when you sleep? Tealc asked.

I get it Tealc. I get it, but how do we get around that? Daniel stabbed the air in Jacks direction.

Stand back.

Youre still too weak, Sam stated stepping close.

Stand. Back.

The group moved back, and Allie summoned all the strength she could. She focused all of her energy at

the barrier and it shattered. Allie fell to her knees and barked, Help him!


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It took the whole group to take him down, but with each team member holding on to a different part

and a newly freed Jack standing with his foot on Camerons head... well he wasnt getting out anytime

soon.

Five minutes. Just give me five minutes, Allie was heaving.

Wheres a doctor when you need one? Sam asked, and then she busted out laughing, Im sorry, I

didnt think about that before I said it. Ya know, Daniel and I, and... its not that funny. Sorry.

Adrenaline rush? Jack asked her with one of those Jack smile.

Tell me something... Are you still Colonel Mitchell? Allie asked making eye contact with him.

I walk like the duck and talk like the duck.

You dont talk like a duck. They quack. What do ducks have to do with this anyway? Vala asked

holding tight to Mitchells left leg.

Its a saying, Vala. If it walks like a duck and it talks like a duck then it must be a duck. It means ifsomething looks and acts like what it is, then it probably is what it is., Jack explained.

Oh, well... He doesnt sound like Mitchell. Does one out of two count?

No. So the question becomes who is he now? Allie drug herself to her feet, Who has Binet turned

you into? What has she made you? What did she take away from you? Go Jack.

Jack stepped away from Mitchell slowly; waiting to see if he would try to escape before he ran for the

helicopter. Jack was in in the air and gone before anymore was said. Cameron gave a good struggle, butthe group held strong. Vala on his left leg, Daniel his right, Sam held his right arm, and Tealc pinned

his left arm to his back with the full weight of his body.

No human would still be breathing right now, what are you? Are you like me now? Are you in some

limbo between life and death? Are you aware that Nefret promises everything and delivers nothing?

She willkill you; whether you stop me or not. You are foolish to trust her! You are not the first to fallvictim to her temptations. She will twist you around in the wind.

I will obey my queen, and you will not stop me.

You know what happens if you win? Everything disappears. There is no anything anymore if I fail.

She wont be there to make good on her promises to you.

Ha!

Think about it Mitchell. If there is no one to tempt she disappears. If there is no one, no thing to tempt

then there is no need for good orevil.

That makes sense, Vala put in.

Would you shut up? Cameron yelled.

when angels fall from grace

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