Choices
Chapter one
Colonel Jack O'Neill looked around the area at the base of the Stargate. All was clear on P3X-471. He turned back to his team mates: Major Carter, Daniel Jackson, Teal'c, and Sergeant Miller, who was along for some extra training before being placed on an SG team.
"Okay campers. You remember what General Hammond said. Our mission is to retrieve the defense mechanism that the Tok'ra found and bring it back home. We are not to get side tracked by scientific or cultural pursuits. Got that Daniel and Carter?"
"Yes sir, yes Jack," they replied simultaneously.
"Good, let's head out. Carter, how far is this object supposed to be from here?"
"It's less than two clicks to the northwest sir. About 200 meters west of a small village that should be just up ahead," replied Major Samantha Carter.
"Lead the way then, Carter. Teal'c, you cover our six. I hope to God we don't run into any snake heads around here!"
The four members of SG-1 headed to the northwest. The going was easy due a well worn path that ambled through the brush and trees of the planet. All kept a close watch on their surroundings, looking and listening for any suspicious activity along the way. The climb began to go uphill, though not at a steep incline. However, the bushes and trees were starting to hang over the path so Sam slowed down a little to cut back some of the more bothersome branches. After about 20 minutes of walking, they came to a small clearing. To the left was a large, rocky hill that rose up about 20 meters. More trees and bushes were to the right.
Suddenly, there was a rustling sound heard from the bushes. SG-1 all turned at the same time, weapons at the ready. From out of the bushes came a man with a frightened look on his face, hands up in the air. He clothes were torn, his face dirty, and he had scratches on his bare arms and face.
"Please, do not hurt me! I mean you no harm. We are in need of your assistance."
"Who are you?" asked Colonel O'Neill. "And where did you come from?"
"I am Treyem, from the village of Kortual. We are a small village of 50 members. We are a peaceful people who have had our world turned upside down!"
Daniel looked carefully at the man. "What has happened to your people?" "Large men with marks on their foreheads and weapons such as his," he said, pointing at Teal'c, "entered our village 2 nights ago. They have taken some of my people away, and killed many others."
"Carter," said Colonel O'Neill, "I thought the Tok'ra operative told us that there were NO snakeheads in the area!"
"They did sir. If the Jaffa just came two nights ago, it's possible that the Tok'ra didn't have time to get the information to us."
"This is true O'Neill. If the Jaffa came in at night, they were undoubtedly very stealthy in their work and may have remained undetected to the Tok'ra," remarked Teal'c.
"Just great! Why can't we ever have a mission that actually goes according to plan?" groaned the Colonel.
Daniel looked sideways at Jack, and then addressed Treyem. "Are there any of your people who have been able to get away from the Jaffa?"
"Yes," Treyem replied. "They are hiding in the caves along this ridge. We have nowhere else to go though. The next village is at least one moon's walk from here and we don't know if it is even safe!"
"How many villagers are in the caves," asked Daniel.
"Only about 25 have made it out," Treyem sadly answered. He looked up at Daniel with great sorrow. "The worst part is that none of our children are with us. The Jaffa, as you called them, took the children away. I don't know if they are even in the village any longer."
"How many children were in the village Treyem?" Sam gently asked the distraught man.
Treyem looked at her with tears in his eyes. "There were 10 children in the village; two of them are my own precious ones. My son, Josef, and my daughter Kiera. My wife is beyond consoling, as are the other parents."
"What can we do to help you Treyem? asked Daniel.
"Oh please, can you help us see if your children are still in the village and help us to find a safe place to relocate? We would be ever so grateful to you!"
"Uh, Danny, a word please?" said Jack. He pulled Daniel off to the side and motioned Sam and Teal'c to follow. "Danny, what is the main objective of the mission?"
"I know we are to retrieve the defense devise, Jack but we can't just leave these people like this! The Jaffa have wiped out half of their village, taken their children and they have nowhere to go."
"I agree with Daniel sir," added Sam. "Can't we do both? Retrieve the devise and bring these people back with us? We could then relocate them to a safe planet. We've done it before."
"I know we've done it before Carter. I don't want to leave these people any more than you do. However, I don't think that we are going to be able to launch a rescue mission for the children. For all we know, they have been taken back to some planet or another. We also have no idea how many Jaffa are still hanging around the village, or even which Goa'uld they serve. We don't have enough information here and I won't jeopardize this mission."
"I could go and take a look O'Neill. See how many Jaffa warriors are around and if there are any children or other villagers in sight," remarked Teal'c.
"No T. We have to get that defense devise before the Jaffa do, and I'll need all of you to help with that. We are just going to be able to take the villagers that we can round up from here. Carter, Miller, tell Treyem to get his people rounded up from the caves and ready to go. Teal'c, you and Danny are with me. We are hightailing it up to the top of the hill, get that damned devise and head out of here before something else happens!"
Chapter 2
As Sam and Miller helped Treyem round up his fellow villagers, Jack, Daniel and Teal'c made their way to the top of the hill, where they found the defense devise that the Tok'ra had told them about. "I sure hope those Tok'ra know how this thing works and what it does," said Jack, as he examined the devise. It was cylindrical in shape, about 24 inches tall with a domed top. It appeared to be made of some silvery metal and had six blue crystals arranged around the top in an even pattern.
"Let's try and lift it up, hey T?"
"Certainly, O'Neill." The two men went on either side of the devise, looking for somewhere to grasp it. There were ridges along the bottom that enabled them to get a good grip and lift it up. Jack grunted as he lifted his end. "Are you alright O'Neill?" questioned Teal'c.
"Just peachy," came the somewhat terse reply. "I hope I don't end up with a hernia the size of New York when we get back. Let's move slowly here Teal'c, we need it in one piece. Daniel, you guide us and watch for tree roots and other things that are bound to trip us up."
"Sure thing, Jack."
As the three men were working on retrieving the devise, Sergeant Miller, Sam and the villagers were slowly heading back to the Stargate. Sam hung back at the rear of the group, quietly talking with Treyem. "Treyem, do you have any idea if the children are still in the village?"
"I am not sure Major Carter. Some of the children were seen being taken away, but I saw the Jaffa take my two children into the building we use as our meeting center. This was last night, I am not sure if they are still there."
"How many Jaffa did you see?" asked Sam. She was trying to ascertain if they could possibly try and rescue the children.
"I saw 8 or 10 of these warriors, but there may have been more. After they took the children, I got my wife out of the village as fast as I could. There was no hope of me getting my children out alive," Treyem replied sadly. "I thought I might be able to find others to help."
"What is this structure like where they took the children? How many entrances, rooms, that type of thing?" Sam enquired of the distraught father.
"The meeting house is a one story structure made of stone from the ridges. There are but two entrances, which are now most likely guarded. There is one large main room and six smaller rooms, three on each side of the hall. The meeting house is situated at the edge of our village, atop the Blasling Ridge. There is a tunnel in the Ridge that leads into the meeting house. No one has used it in generations, it is said to have been made when we were warring with other villages."
Sam looked thoughtful at this information. "So," she reiterated slowly, "there is a way into this meeting house that the Jaffa most likely don't know about?"
"Yes," responded Treyem. "But I do not know what condition it is in. Remember, it has not been used in many years."
On the path down to the clearing where they had met Treyem, Teal'c paused and listened. "O'Neill, I believe I hear the footsteps of some Jaffa. They seem to be headed this way."
"Shit! Let's get off the path and hide in the bushes. I don't want to start shooting and draw more attention to ourselves and the villagers."
The three men quickly hid in the bushes off of the path. Jack prayed that Daniel would not decide to sneeze just then! After several moments, the Jaffa went past and on up the hill. "Must be on their way to find this thing," whispered Daniel.
"Right, head out. Daniel, can you carry this end for a while? I need to contact Carter and tell her to get those people through the gate ASAP."
"Carter, come in."
"Yes, sir," replied Sam.
"We've got four Jaffa in the vicinity. They are headed up the hill to where we found the defense weapon. I need you and Miller to get those people through the gate now. Copy?"
"Yes, sir. We'll be at the gate in two minutes. Sir? Treyem told me where some of the children may be hidden. There is a secret entrance to the building that may make a rescue attempt feasible."
"No Carter. I already told you that we can't attempt a rescue. We have our orders to return this weapon ASAP." Jack thought of how the General had pulled him aside after their briefing and told him in no uncertain terms that they must return with the weapon. Kinsey was making more threats that if they didn't bring back something useful soon, the future of the SGC program was in serious doubt.
"But sir, we should at least try! Treyem is quite certain that his two kids are still there. We can't just leave them behind!" pleaded the Major.
Jack was getting frustrated with Sam's insistence on questioning him and not following his orders. "Major, I gave you a direct order and I expect you to follow it. Get those people and yourself through that gate now!"
"Colonel, I..." began Sam.
"Am I going to have to bring you on charges Major?" Jack's deadly serious voice came over the radio.
"No, sir," Sam quietly replied.
"Good, we will be about 3 minutes behind you, out."
They had arrived at the gate. Sergeant Miller dialed Earth on the DHD and waited for Sam to send the GDO code through. Sam then looked at the villagers assembled and explained that they would walk through the shimmering pool and be safe on her world. "Sergeant Miller, please accompany the villagers through the gate. I am going to cover the Colonel's back in case the Jaffa are on their trail. I'll be right behind them, ready to come through about one minute after them."
"Didn't Colonel O'Neill want both of us to go through right away Major?" asked the Sergeant.
"Yes, but I need to make sure they arrive safely, we have a very important piece of equipment to bring back." More important than trying to save some children?, Sam thought to herself. She then made a decision that she knew would get her into a lot of trouble, but it was the right one to make.
As Miller began to lead the villagers through the gate, Sam pulled Treyem aside. "Treyem, I am heading back to your village to see about those kids. Don't tell the Colonel until he is through the gate. I want to give myself time to check things out, but not risk any other lives. Can you do that for me?"
"Major Carter. Let me come with you. These are my children we are talking about. I don't wish you to go against orders and put yourself in grave danger for me. I should be there to help."
"No Treyem, I need you to help your people get adjusted to your new home. I will do my best to find them, then come back and get more help if possible. Please tell me you can do as I ask. Don't tell the colonel until he is thought the gate." Sam reiterated her previous instructions. She knew the Colonel would come back right away and probably drab her butt back to the brig.
"Alright Major Carter, I will do as you ask. But don't take the path to the village. Climb the ridge here and follow it back to the East. It runs into Blasling Ridge. You should see the tunnel from down below without anyone seeing you. Be safe Major Carter. And thank you for your willingness to try and find my children."
Sam squeezed Treyem's arm lightly, picked up her pack, and moved into the bushes. She was indeed going to make sure that her team mates made it through the gate before heading around to the village. Two minutes later, Daniel and Teal'c came rushing to the gate, Jack right behind them. He was urging them to hurry as he ran backwards, gun at the ready. As they were making their way up the steps to the Stargate, 3 Jaffa came rushing by Sam's position. They shouted at the humans to stop and began shooting.
Daniel and Teal'c made it through the gate as Jack covered them. He was able to take out 2 of the Jaffa right before he leapt through the gate after his team mates. Sam stood up from her spot and shot the last Jaffa with her Zat gun, just after he shot his staff weapon through the gate.
On the other side of the gate, back at the SGC, Sergeant Miller, Treyem and the villagers watched as Daniel, Teal'c and Jack came stumbling through the gate. "Close the iris!" yelled Jack. He had heard the last Jaffa get off a staff blast and didn't want to take any chances that the blast came through the gate with him.
"But sir, what about..." tried Sergeant Miller.
"Miller! I do not need anyone else today questioning my orders!" Jack yelled as the iris was closed.
General Hammond came up to the group on the ramp. He looked at Sergeant Miller, then at Jack. "Colonel, is there something you need to tell me?"
"It's just that first Carter, then Miller have been questioning my orders on this mission. I have enough to worry about without having to argue with my own team about my orders." Jack glared at the offending Sergeant.
Sergeant Miller was wary of Colonel O'Neill's temper, he had heard many things about this man and how volatile he could be. But knew he needed to speak up. "I am sorry sir. I don't mean to be disrespectful. I just don't understand why you closed the iris before Major Carter came through. She said she would be right behind you."
You could hear the proverbial pin dropping in the room. General Hammond, Jack, Daniel and Teal'c looked around the crowded gate room in stunned silence. There was no sign of the blond haired Major. No one knew what to say for a few moments. Jack felt his stomach clench and his heart skip a few beats. "She's not here? She was supposed to come through the gate with you and all of the villagers." He said in a deathly quiet voice.
Treyem walked slowly up the ramp to stand before Jack. "I am sorry Colonel O'Neill. This is my fault. Major Carter went back to the village to try and rescue my children. She wouldn't allow me to come with her."
"One person against God knows how many Jaffa? What were you thinking Treyem?" hollered Jack.
"Jack," Daniel came and put his hand on Jack's arm, "Yelling at Treyem isn't going to do any good. You know how Sam is when she makes her mind up about something."
"Yeah, but I never thought she'd be this stupid and do something so dangerous that was directly against my orders! General, we have to go back now!" Jack pleaded as he looked back at the empty gate. He was so angry with her for defying orders, yet so worried that something would happen to her before they could get there.
Chapter one
Colonel Jack O'Neill looked around the area at the base of the Stargate. All was clear on P3X-471. He turned back to his team mates: Major Carter, Daniel Jackson, Teal'c, and Sergeant Miller, who was along for some extra training before being placed on an SG team.
"Okay campers. You remember what General Hammond said. Our mission is to retrieve the defense mechanism that the Tok'ra found and bring it back home. We are not to get side tracked by scientific or cultural pursuits. Got that Daniel and Carter?"
"Yes sir, yes Jack," they replied simultaneously.
"Good, let's head out. Carter, how far is this object supposed to be from here?"
"It's less than two clicks to the northwest sir. About 200 meters west of a small village that should be just up ahead," replied Major Samantha Carter.
"Lead the way then, Carter. Teal'c, you cover our six. I hope to God we don't run into any snake heads around here!"
The four members of SG-1 headed to the northwest. The going was easy due a well worn path that ambled through the brush and trees of the planet. All kept a close watch on their surroundings, looking and listening for any suspicious activity along the way. The climb began to go uphill, though not at a steep incline. However, the bushes and trees were starting to hang over the path so Sam slowed down a little to cut back some of the more bothersome branches. After about 20 minutes of walking, they came to a small clearing. To the left was a large, rocky hill that rose up about 20 meters. More trees and bushes were to the right.
Suddenly, there was a rustling sound heard from the bushes. SG-1 all turned at the same time, weapons at the ready. From out of the bushes came a man with a frightened look on his face, hands up in the air. He clothes were torn, his face dirty, and he had scratches on his bare arms and face.
"Please, do not hurt me! I mean you no harm. We are in need of your assistance."
"Who are you?" asked Colonel O'Neill. "And where did you come from?"
"I am Treyem, from the village of Kortual. We are a small village of 50 members. We are a peaceful people who have had our world turned upside down!"
Daniel looked carefully at the man. "What has happened to your people?" "Large men with marks on their foreheads and weapons such as his," he said, pointing at Teal'c, "entered our village 2 nights ago. They have taken some of my people away, and killed many others."
"Carter," said Colonel O'Neill, "I thought the Tok'ra operative told us that there were NO snakeheads in the area!"
"They did sir. If the Jaffa just came two nights ago, it's possible that the Tok'ra didn't have time to get the information to us."
"This is true O'Neill. If the Jaffa came in at night, they were undoubtedly very stealthy in their work and may have remained undetected to the Tok'ra," remarked Teal'c.
"Just great! Why can't we ever have a mission that actually goes according to plan?" groaned the Colonel.
Daniel looked sideways at Jack, and then addressed Treyem. "Are there any of your people who have been able to get away from the Jaffa?"
"Yes," Treyem replied. "They are hiding in the caves along this ridge. We have nowhere else to go though. The next village is at least one moon's walk from here and we don't know if it is even safe!"
"How many villagers are in the caves," asked Daniel.
"Only about 25 have made it out," Treyem sadly answered. He looked up at Daniel with great sorrow. "The worst part is that none of our children are with us. The Jaffa, as you called them, took the children away. I don't know if they are even in the village any longer."
"How many children were in the village Treyem?" Sam gently asked the distraught man.
Treyem looked at her with tears in his eyes. "There were 10 children in the village; two of them are my own precious ones. My son, Josef, and my daughter Kiera. My wife is beyond consoling, as are the other parents."
"What can we do to help you Treyem? asked Daniel.
"Oh please, can you help us see if your children are still in the village and help us to find a safe place to relocate? We would be ever so grateful to you!"
"Uh, Danny, a word please?" said Jack. He pulled Daniel off to the side and motioned Sam and Teal'c to follow. "Danny, what is the main objective of the mission?"
"I know we are to retrieve the defense devise, Jack but we can't just leave these people like this! The Jaffa have wiped out half of their village, taken their children and they have nowhere to go."
"I agree with Daniel sir," added Sam. "Can't we do both? Retrieve the devise and bring these people back with us? We could then relocate them to a safe planet. We've done it before."
"I know we've done it before Carter. I don't want to leave these people any more than you do. However, I don't think that we are going to be able to launch a rescue mission for the children. For all we know, they have been taken back to some planet or another. We also have no idea how many Jaffa are still hanging around the village, or even which Goa'uld they serve. We don't have enough information here and I won't jeopardize this mission."
"I could go and take a look O'Neill. See how many Jaffa warriors are around and if there are any children or other villagers in sight," remarked Teal'c.
"No T. We have to get that defense devise before the Jaffa do, and I'll need all of you to help with that. We are just going to be able to take the villagers that we can round up from here. Carter, Miller, tell Treyem to get his people rounded up from the caves and ready to go. Teal'c, you and Danny are with me. We are hightailing it up to the top of the hill, get that damned devise and head out of here before something else happens!"
Chapter 2
As Sam and Miller helped Treyem round up his fellow villagers, Jack, Daniel and Teal'c made their way to the top of the hill, where they found the defense devise that the Tok'ra had told them about. "I sure hope those Tok'ra know how this thing works and what it does," said Jack, as he examined the devise. It was cylindrical in shape, about 24 inches tall with a domed top. It appeared to be made of some silvery metal and had six blue crystals arranged around the top in an even pattern.
"Let's try and lift it up, hey T?"
"Certainly, O'Neill." The two men went on either side of the devise, looking for somewhere to grasp it. There were ridges along the bottom that enabled them to get a good grip and lift it up. Jack grunted as he lifted his end. "Are you alright O'Neill?" questioned Teal'c.
"Just peachy," came the somewhat terse reply. "I hope I don't end up with a hernia the size of New York when we get back. Let's move slowly here Teal'c, we need it in one piece. Daniel, you guide us and watch for tree roots and other things that are bound to trip us up."
"Sure thing, Jack."
As the three men were working on retrieving the devise, Sergeant Miller, Sam and the villagers were slowly heading back to the Stargate. Sam hung back at the rear of the group, quietly talking with Treyem. "Treyem, do you have any idea if the children are still in the village?"
"I am not sure Major Carter. Some of the children were seen being taken away, but I saw the Jaffa take my two children into the building we use as our meeting center. This was last night, I am not sure if they are still there."
"How many Jaffa did you see?" asked Sam. She was trying to ascertain if they could possibly try and rescue the children.
"I saw 8 or 10 of these warriors, but there may have been more. After they took the children, I got my wife out of the village as fast as I could. There was no hope of me getting my children out alive," Treyem replied sadly. "I thought I might be able to find others to help."
"What is this structure like where they took the children? How many entrances, rooms, that type of thing?" Sam enquired of the distraught father.
"The meeting house is a one story structure made of stone from the ridges. There are but two entrances, which are now most likely guarded. There is one large main room and six smaller rooms, three on each side of the hall. The meeting house is situated at the edge of our village, atop the Blasling Ridge. There is a tunnel in the Ridge that leads into the meeting house. No one has used it in generations, it is said to have been made when we were warring with other villages."
Sam looked thoughtful at this information. "So," she reiterated slowly, "there is a way into this meeting house that the Jaffa most likely don't know about?"
"Yes," responded Treyem. "But I do not know what condition it is in. Remember, it has not been used in many years."
On the path down to the clearing where they had met Treyem, Teal'c paused and listened. "O'Neill, I believe I hear the footsteps of some Jaffa. They seem to be headed this way."
"Shit! Let's get off the path and hide in the bushes. I don't want to start shooting and draw more attention to ourselves and the villagers."
The three men quickly hid in the bushes off of the path. Jack prayed that Daniel would not decide to sneeze just then! After several moments, the Jaffa went past and on up the hill. "Must be on their way to find this thing," whispered Daniel.
"Right, head out. Daniel, can you carry this end for a while? I need to contact Carter and tell her to get those people through the gate ASAP."
"Carter, come in."
"Yes, sir," replied Sam.
"We've got four Jaffa in the vicinity. They are headed up the hill to where we found the defense weapon. I need you and Miller to get those people through the gate now. Copy?"
"Yes, sir. We'll be at the gate in two minutes. Sir? Treyem told me where some of the children may be hidden. There is a secret entrance to the building that may make a rescue attempt feasible."
"No Carter. I already told you that we can't attempt a rescue. We have our orders to return this weapon ASAP." Jack thought of how the General had pulled him aside after their briefing and told him in no uncertain terms that they must return with the weapon. Kinsey was making more threats that if they didn't bring back something useful soon, the future of the SGC program was in serious doubt.
"But sir, we should at least try! Treyem is quite certain that his two kids are still there. We can't just leave them behind!" pleaded the Major.
Jack was getting frustrated with Sam's insistence on questioning him and not following his orders. "Major, I gave you a direct order and I expect you to follow it. Get those people and yourself through that gate now!"
"Colonel, I..." began Sam.
"Am I going to have to bring you on charges Major?" Jack's deadly serious voice came over the radio.
"No, sir," Sam quietly replied.
"Good, we will be about 3 minutes behind you, out."
They had arrived at the gate. Sergeant Miller dialed Earth on the DHD and waited for Sam to send the GDO code through. Sam then looked at the villagers assembled and explained that they would walk through the shimmering pool and be safe on her world. "Sergeant Miller, please accompany the villagers through the gate. I am going to cover the Colonel's back in case the Jaffa are on their trail. I'll be right behind them, ready to come through about one minute after them."
"Didn't Colonel O'Neill want both of us to go through right away Major?" asked the Sergeant.
"Yes, but I need to make sure they arrive safely, we have a very important piece of equipment to bring back." More important than trying to save some children?, Sam thought to herself. She then made a decision that she knew would get her into a lot of trouble, but it was the right one to make.
As Miller began to lead the villagers through the gate, Sam pulled Treyem aside. "Treyem, I am heading back to your village to see about those kids. Don't tell the Colonel until he is through the gate. I want to give myself time to check things out, but not risk any other lives. Can you do that for me?"
"Major Carter. Let me come with you. These are my children we are talking about. I don't wish you to go against orders and put yourself in grave danger for me. I should be there to help."
"No Treyem, I need you to help your people get adjusted to your new home. I will do my best to find them, then come back and get more help if possible. Please tell me you can do as I ask. Don't tell the colonel until he is thought the gate." Sam reiterated her previous instructions. She knew the Colonel would come back right away and probably drab her butt back to the brig.
"Alright Major Carter, I will do as you ask. But don't take the path to the village. Climb the ridge here and follow it back to the East. It runs into Blasling Ridge. You should see the tunnel from down below without anyone seeing you. Be safe Major Carter. And thank you for your willingness to try and find my children."
Sam squeezed Treyem's arm lightly, picked up her pack, and moved into the bushes. She was indeed going to make sure that her team mates made it through the gate before heading around to the village. Two minutes later, Daniel and Teal'c came rushing to the gate, Jack right behind them. He was urging them to hurry as he ran backwards, gun at the ready. As they were making their way up the steps to the Stargate, 3 Jaffa came rushing by Sam's position. They shouted at the humans to stop and began shooting.
Daniel and Teal'c made it through the gate as Jack covered them. He was able to take out 2 of the Jaffa right before he leapt through the gate after his team mates. Sam stood up from her spot and shot the last Jaffa with her Zat gun, just after he shot his staff weapon through the gate.
On the other side of the gate, back at the SGC, Sergeant Miller, Treyem and the villagers watched as Daniel, Teal'c and Jack came stumbling through the gate. "Close the iris!" yelled Jack. He had heard the last Jaffa get off a staff blast and didn't want to take any chances that the blast came through the gate with him.
"But sir, what about..." tried Sergeant Miller.
"Miller! I do not need anyone else today questioning my orders!" Jack yelled as the iris was closed.
General Hammond came up to the group on the ramp. He looked at Sergeant Miller, then at Jack. "Colonel, is there something you need to tell me?"
"It's just that first Carter, then Miller have been questioning my orders on this mission. I have enough to worry about without having to argue with my own team about my orders." Jack glared at the offending Sergeant.
Sergeant Miller was wary of Colonel O'Neill's temper, he had heard many things about this man and how volatile he could be. But knew he needed to speak up. "I am sorry sir. I don't mean to be disrespectful. I just don't understand why you closed the iris before Major Carter came through. She said she would be right behind you."
You could hear the proverbial pin dropping in the room. General Hammond, Jack, Daniel and Teal'c looked around the crowded gate room in stunned silence. There was no sign of the blond haired Major. No one knew what to say for a few moments. Jack felt his stomach clench and his heart skip a few beats. "She's not here? She was supposed to come through the gate with you and all of the villagers." He said in a deathly quiet voice.
Treyem walked slowly up the ramp to stand before Jack. "I am sorry Colonel O'Neill. This is my fault. Major Carter went back to the village to try and rescue my children. She wouldn't allow me to come with her."
"One person against God knows how many Jaffa? What were you thinking Treyem?" hollered Jack.
"Jack," Daniel came and put his hand on Jack's arm, "Yelling at Treyem isn't going to do any good. You know how Sam is when she makes her mind up about something."
"Yeah, but I never thought she'd be this stupid and do something so dangerous that was directly against my orders! General, we have to go back now!" Jack pleaded as he looked back at the empty gate. He was so angry with her for defying orders, yet so worried that something would happen to her before they could get there.