Through A Candles Flame 3/6
Feb. 4th, 2007 01:03 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
angelicalangieChapter Three
All relevant informationcan be found in chapter one.
Chapter Three
“And you just thought you would show up to what? Gloat perhaps?” Jack said his dislike of all things with snakes in them obvious in his voice. He turned his face away from them and looked at the General.
“We are not here to gloat. We thought it would be prudent to advise you of the situation. However, if the Colonels attitude is indicative of the people of Earth’s opinions, then perhaps we shall leave you be until your inevitable demise.” Malek said his fury barely contained. These people were children, yet they pursued their objectives with reckless abandon, and it would one day get them killed. He wanted to break something, and the way he felt it would preferably be of the Colonel’s physiology.
“You would like that wouldn’t you. No more primitives showing up your record of taking a few thousand years to wipe out the Goa’uld.” Jack said, sarcasm dripping venomously from his words.
“This is neither the time nor the place for arguing. Now gentlemen, what can we do for you.” General Hammond said peaceably.
“We have held many council meetings since there have been power changes that are now affecting the Tok’ra. A lot of these changes have been implemented by you, and though the Goa’uld are weakening, so are we.”
“What Malek is trying to say is that we need friends, those that have proven valuable in the past. With the Tollan no longer around and the Nox the peaceful pacifists, we are looking to liaise with you. With a view to a better Alliance with you this time than last, and also a better and shared understanding.” Jacob said. He knew Jack would resist the idea. He liked Jack a lot. He had been his little girl’s commander for a very long time and she had remained alive which was testament to his intellect and skills, much as he tried to hide them.
“No, you guys wandered off into the big black nowhere, no goodbye, just a sneer and a lot of disrespect. No thanks for keeping you guys going for so long. You use and throw people away. You are no different than the Goa’uld in that respect.” Jack said bitterly. He had worked hard, put his life on the line for, and tried to be as diplomatic as he could to be turned away. He was pissed and he wasn’t about to be quiet about it.
“Our hosts have free will.” Malek said looking at Jacob. “I thought you had all been told this from the beginning of the first alliance.”
Jack poured a cup of coffee, “That wasn’t what I was talking about. You used us for all the help we could give you, and not even counting what Kanan did to me, you discarded us when you didn’t want to know us. You can’t discard your allies and expect us to greet you with open arms. All you’ve shown us is that we are useful when you want us to be, but that we are expendable. You can’t have it both ways. If you want us as allies then you are going to have to be serious about it.”
“The council have or they would not be here.” The voice wasn’t of any of the people seated at the board room table. The voice was of the young blonde man with startling eyes and a regal air.
The room quietened. An air of apprehension took over, Martouf stood at one end of the board room table, facing General Hammond. He stood looking at his friends, knowing that they had to begin opening up to one another and sharing. After a moment of silence he began.
“You all have bigger problems than just a shift in the powers of the lower system Lords. Anubis is gathering his forces in the Menara system. He has 20 small mother ships and his own large personal attack ship.” Martouf’s voice was low and serious, apprehension colouring his bearing.
“We knew where he was, we did not know that he was amassing a fleet,” Malek said. “Nor did we know how large it had become.”
“We have at least one operative amongst Anubis’s fleet correct?” Jacob tersely asked. “How did we not know this information?” Jacobs’s anger had begun to be palpable.
“You have an agent there, a non—blended one.” Martouf interjected. “He however is a traitor to the cause, he is giving you a minimal amount of information and only what Anubis wants you to know. He will not be telling you that he plans to find a ‘Lost City’ which holds a very strong weapon. The traitor also won’t tell you that Anubis plans on a sustained bombardment on Earth, nor will he tell you that he has divulged the next five gate addresses of Tok’ra worlds and he knows more. Anubis plans on, after annihilating the Tau’ri, annihilating the Tok’ra too.” Martouf felt drained, but he felt he had made some headway into making the two groups work as one.
Jacob lost the colour in his face; Malek lent back in his chair and ran his hands through his hair. The rest of the Tau’ri immediately began visibly thinking. Daniel was cycling through all the historical references to lost cities. Samantha and Jack were more than likely thinking of a special operations tactic. Teal’c, well Martouf had always been left wondering.
“There are lots of lost cities in Earth mythology, but the most well known is Atlantis. An island or small continent known by surrounding cultures as advanced in terms of astronomy and mathematics as well as in cultural pursuits.” Daniel thought for a moment as he poured a glass of water. “It is supposed to have been destroyed some thousands of years ago and knowledge of its geographical location has passed into antiquity.”
“We have scientists that can help find lost geographical places; we can help you if you agree to help us. We know you have the locations of some planet’s gate addresses that the Goa’uld do not know about. Also if there is one traitor there might be others. We would like to use the SGC as a place to test them using a Zatarc detector.” Jacob said. Thinking for a moment Jacob added, “I am sure there are other ways to help you also.” Jacob looked at Malek and instead of a disapproving glare found Malek was giving him his full backing.
General Hammond fiddled with his glass of water, “I will have to talk to my superiors. I don’t think there will be any problems. I do have the authority to allow you to scan for more traitors on base; we can also provide the Tok’ra with quarters to stay in.”
“Sir, I think we should also plan on scaling down the odds. 21 against what? The Prometheus, glider and ground support? We will never make it, but if we can find a way to infiltrate the smaller ships and sabotage them…” Jack said having spent five minutes putting the idea together.
Jacob turned to him and saw the potential in the idea and grinned. Malek stared at Jack, he had always thought of the man as a follower not a leader or strategist. General Hammond thought through the idea for a few moments before a shadow passed across his face.
“It’s a good idea Jack; we just don’t have the resources available.” The disappointment in his voice was noticeable.
“Would you have enough resources available if we were to form a united attack force?” Malek offered. Jacob turned to the man next to him, the man who had so vociferously spoken against the Tau’ri prior. General Hammond was taken back and stunned.
“We will have to clear it with my superiors first and should they agree, mixed teams would give us enough to fight the numbers. I will also ask for some special operations teams, the more men we have the better. General Hammond looked determined.
“Daniel begin digging up every thing you can on Atlantis. Carter, dig up plans on the Naquada/C4 bombs, also dig up any and all information on geological surveys pertaining to Atlantis. Jack work with Carter and draw up plans for infiltrating Anubis’s fleet. Jacob, Malek, anything you wish to add will be gratefully received.” General Hammond stood up and pushed his seat back.” Ok people, let’s get to it.”
Rising from her seat Sam noticed something odd had occurred, the man who had been helping had somehow disappeared whilst they were all busy hammering plans out.
*******************************************************************
The following day they met up once more in the briefing room, this time instead of an empty table except from the drinks tray there lay maps, geological survey, archaeological surveys, myths and legends, books, print-outs and highlighters. And that was just at Daniel’s end of the table.
On Sam’s end lay schematics to known Goa’uld attack ships, what they knew of Anubis’s personal ship and prior effective bombs. And most importantly there were the schematics for a Naqudah enriched C4 bomb.
Also on the table were the heads of the two members of the SGC, fast asleep. George Hammond looked at the two slumbering personnel and was reminded so much of his grand-daughters that he was loathe to awaken them. Turning to the footsteps behind him he saw Colonel Jack O’Neill.
“So, what have I missed?” he jovially commented smiling.
“Jack, shush, they’re asleep.” Jack looked over the Generals shoulders. “They look like kids don’t they?” An impish delight glinted in his eyes.
“All right campers! Rise and shine!” He hollered.
“I… I just closed my eyes cause they were sore, Jack and that was five minutes ago at 4:30, which reminds me. Why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be in your quarters?” Daniel said whilst Carter simply mumbled and turned her head over, muttering about Martouf.
“Oh Danny boy, it’s 07.30 hours.” Jack said with obvious glee. “Major Carter!” He yelled once more, this time she awoke with mussed hair and paper sticking to her face.
“Sorry sir, what time is it?” She said eyes still closed.
“07.30 hours apparently.” Daniel informed her.
“But I only closed my eyes!” She sighed.
“Meeting is in a half hour Major, Daniel, go; we’ll make apologies for the mess later.
Sam all but ran out of the room and down the spiral stair case, whilst Daniel, still bleary eyed muttered thanks and followed slowly in Sam’s wake. Jack smiled remembering many missions with the pair of them. Yes, they were, for all their age, definitely resembling a pair of kids.
“Sir Permission to tidy this mess up.”
“Jack, ordinarily I’d say go for it, but this seems to be vaguely ordered.” General Hammond said looking at the papers.
“Hi George, wow this is a mess. Tell me my daughter didn’t do it. Jacob Carter looked at General Hammond.
“Sorry Jake, no can do. She apparently pulled an all nighter.” Jacob pulled a face at the thought.
“Malek walked up behind the three men. “What happened? Was there some sort of incident? I see nothing but a disarray of paper...” Malek picked up one of Sam’s schematics for the Naquada/C4 bombs “Hmmm. A most fascinating formula.” Jacob beamed.
Sam was the first to return and poured herself a cup of hot, black, coffee. Malek sat staring at her.
“I now see what Martouf did when he first met you. I am sorry we didn’t tell you of his ascendance, we didn’t think it pertinent. “Sam's face changed colour and Malek was astounded.
Ice dripped from Sam’s voice as she leaned forward on the table, brought her face next to Malek’s and hissed, “The man I loved was not dead, and you did not think it pertinent to inform me? “
Malek looked to Jacob for help but found no quarter there. Malek swallowed nervously. The leashed fury in the Tau’ri’ Warrior’s voice caused a shiver of fear to run down his spine. To quell the fury in the attractive woman and so he tried a patented look of Martouf’s when he was chagrined. “I’m Sorry.”
“Don’t you dare try to emulate Martouf!” Malek's eyes widened. This was a very passionate woman, no wonder Martouf fell for her. He lowered his head. “I’m Sorry.” He repeated, then looking up at her he met her look squarely and said, “If I could undo the past, I would. You may believe that a mistake like that will never happen again.”
“Yeah you can keep on saying that until time stops existing. Not going to help you.” This time she had stood up.
“Carter.” Jack placed a hand on her arm, he’d let her have her fun, but it wouldn’t help to keep going. Sam for her part silently sat down and crossed her arms.
“I’m Sorry Major. I know it means nothing now, but please know that I am truly sorry.” Malek was visibly shaken by the glimpse of this woman’s pain and the knowledge that he was partly responsible for it caused him even more regret and something very close to anguish suddenly squeezed his heart. The look on his face proclaimed that he had just fallen for her. Looking on in disgust, Jack shook his head. No doubt about it; Sam was a snake magnet.
“Okay people, I will begin this meeting. The president and the joint chiefs of Staff have agreed to the requests of the Tok’ra, on the proviso of helping us out.” The General looked at the Tok’ra who simply nodded their heads. “Now I would like to defer to Dr. Jackson on what he has been able to find out about the lost city.”
“Thank you General. Ok there are two theories one that says that Atlantis was in the middle of a great sea ant the other that is was near Ancient Egypt. Personally I would put stronger faith on the Ancient Egypt theory, given that a lot of activity early in Earths history is within that area. However, with more delving it would make no sense why would a race be that near the Goa’uld?” Daniel took a sip of water and pulled down a blind to show the graphics he had put together.
“Thinking along the lines of Atlantis being both an island/continent of both culture and excellence of warriors, one would assume that if they weren’t Goa’uld and were ancients they would have their base far away from Ancient Egypt a well known area of Goa’uld activity. This leads me to the theory of Atlantis being in an ocean. This would be either what are now known at the Pacific or Atlantic oceans. Using geological models of the land masses we are looking at the south of either of these oceans. Other than that I can not tell you a thing. Their weapons maybe vastly superior to anything the Goa’uld had or have, and I would suggest it to be a fairly strong assumption. It isn’t a concrete affirmation of what they likely had I am afraid. What I do know is that we have to find it and it is likely in these regions.” He pointed to two regions of modern day South Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
“Thank you Dr. Jackson. Malek said thoughtfully. “The information you have provided will be invaluable to our scientists.
Sam sat there staring at the map quizzically. “Um Daniel? Did you not think of Antarctica? We did find a second gate there, not to mention an ancient.” Sam looked at Jack knowing she had released bad memories. He simply smiled at her a reassurance.
“Well, um, no I hadn’t. And your right! Yes! That’s it!” Daniel said impassioned and excited. “It was so obvious! Hell even Jack could have thought of it!”
“Thank you, I think.”
“Major Carter, what can you add? General Hammond said to bring the briefing under control.
Sam got up and walked to the front of the room. “Well,” she said. “I have been looking at the schematics of all the ships. Based on Martouf’s description of Anubis’s fleet and the type of genetically built warrior he is using I wouldn’t try to attack or infiltrate Anubis’s personal ship directly. I believe that such an action would end in a mission failure.” Sam looked at the room. Jack looked depressed, Daniel relieved, the Tok’ra intrigued and General Hammond thoughtful.
“We can, however, infiltrate and disable or destroy the 20 motherships he has in his fleet.” Sam said with a lighter tone. She looked at Teal’c, but no emotion showed on his face. “I recommend 19 full teams that separate into a and b teams, thus increasing success. A half team will be able to immobilise a mothership. A full team will destroy one.” She started a PowerPoint demo to illustrate what she was saying.
“If we place Naqudah bombs at these four computer junctions we can destroy both primary and secondary computers. A secondary team can then place a bomb at a deeper part of the ship. In the engine room.” She shifted the presentation to how they would infiltrate. “We will infiltrate through the rings. Two members of the team will transport onto each ship first. They will then either take out the guards if there are any and radio to their teams that it’s clear for the rest to transport to the ship also.” Malek’s eyebrows rose. This was a great plan.
“Thank you Major. Are there any questions?” General Hammond’s eyes roved the room until Teal’c’s eyes showed more activity. “Yes Teal’c? He asked feeling much like a school teacher.
“How do we get to the Menara System?”
Sam felt like an idiot. “We’ll be using Teltac's, four of them.” Teal’c turned his head and bowed it satisfied with the answer. Sam berated herself mentally for leaving that out of her presentation.
“Are there any other questions?” Silence reigned supreme. “Alright, Jacob, Malek, how are things going for the Tok’ra?”
“We are currently evacuating to the SGC at the moment, we have screened 26 members so far and all are loyal. The council wishes to thank the Tau’ri for being so accommodating.” Selmak said. Malek took over.
“Our scientists and archaeologists are most eager to solve the mystery of Atlantis under the direction of Dr. Jackson. It is not often they get the opportunity to solve a mystery of natural proportions.” Malek, much as he was a military man seemed excited at the thought.
“Okay teams keep working at it. Daniel be ready to work with the Tok’ra, Major Carter, you too.” General Hammond picked up a folder. “We have found several hospitable planets, some with natives, none within a few days walk of the Stargate. All are primitive.” General Hammond gave Jacob the folder with both addresses and reports of the planets.
“We will make sure that these addresses remain safe until such time as all members of the Tok’ra have been tested.” Malek said with determination edging his voice.
“Okay folks, you are dismissed.” All members, other than Sam, Daniel, Jacob and Malek filed out.
“George, can we talk to you? The council have put forward a proposal.” Jacob said seriously, Malek fidgeted whilst looking at Sam as she sorted through papers.
“Certainly Jake, Malek, will you follow me into my office.” General Hammond held his door open and ushered the two men inside.
“Wonder what that is about.” Daniel said piling his papers together into something resembling order.
“No clues. I suppose we’ll find out at some point.” Sam shrugged. Her paper work was sorted into two piles one of ship schematics and the other of weapons designs, including schematics for a Naquadria/C4 bomb.
“General Hammond, the Tok’ra council wish to make a council made of the Tok’ra, members of the SGC and also of your Earths main countries.” Jacob looked at his stunned friend.
“Wow Jake, that’s not small fry, nor is it not permanent.” George ran his hands over his head.
“This is not meant as short-term, this is a permanent fixture to stop what happened to the last alliance.” Malek said firmly.
“I will have to talk to the president for the council side. However what I have been given jurisdiction over is the formation of Alliance teams in infiltration, Sciences, medical etc.” George said hoping that this would be enough until the major players could come forward for the council alliance.
“That will be satisfactory until such time as arrangements can be made with the leaders of you planet for a meeting.” Malek said amenably.
As Daniel and Sam left the board room they saw the three men looking rather happy and light in mood.
“What happened there?” Daniel was fascinated.
“Well Daniel, we’ll find out soon enough, we usually are the first to know anything.” They walked out, arms laden with files and paper.
TBC
All relevant informationcan be found in chapter one.
Chapter Three
“And you just thought you would show up to what? Gloat perhaps?” Jack said his dislike of all things with snakes in them obvious in his voice. He turned his face away from them and looked at the General.
“We are not here to gloat. We thought it would be prudent to advise you of the situation. However, if the Colonels attitude is indicative of the people of Earth’s opinions, then perhaps we shall leave you be until your inevitable demise.” Malek said his fury barely contained. These people were children, yet they pursued their objectives with reckless abandon, and it would one day get them killed. He wanted to break something, and the way he felt it would preferably be of the Colonel’s physiology.
“You would like that wouldn’t you. No more primitives showing up your record of taking a few thousand years to wipe out the Goa’uld.” Jack said, sarcasm dripping venomously from his words.
“This is neither the time nor the place for arguing. Now gentlemen, what can we do for you.” General Hammond said peaceably.
“We have held many council meetings since there have been power changes that are now affecting the Tok’ra. A lot of these changes have been implemented by you, and though the Goa’uld are weakening, so are we.”
“What Malek is trying to say is that we need friends, those that have proven valuable in the past. With the Tollan no longer around and the Nox the peaceful pacifists, we are looking to liaise with you. With a view to a better Alliance with you this time than last, and also a better and shared understanding.” Jacob said. He knew Jack would resist the idea. He liked Jack a lot. He had been his little girl’s commander for a very long time and she had remained alive which was testament to his intellect and skills, much as he tried to hide them.
“No, you guys wandered off into the big black nowhere, no goodbye, just a sneer and a lot of disrespect. No thanks for keeping you guys going for so long. You use and throw people away. You are no different than the Goa’uld in that respect.” Jack said bitterly. He had worked hard, put his life on the line for, and tried to be as diplomatic as he could to be turned away. He was pissed and he wasn’t about to be quiet about it.
“Our hosts have free will.” Malek said looking at Jacob. “I thought you had all been told this from the beginning of the first alliance.”
Jack poured a cup of coffee, “That wasn’t what I was talking about. You used us for all the help we could give you, and not even counting what Kanan did to me, you discarded us when you didn’t want to know us. You can’t discard your allies and expect us to greet you with open arms. All you’ve shown us is that we are useful when you want us to be, but that we are expendable. You can’t have it both ways. If you want us as allies then you are going to have to be serious about it.”
“The council have or they would not be here.” The voice wasn’t of any of the people seated at the board room table. The voice was of the young blonde man with startling eyes and a regal air.
The room quietened. An air of apprehension took over, Martouf stood at one end of the board room table, facing General Hammond. He stood looking at his friends, knowing that they had to begin opening up to one another and sharing. After a moment of silence he began.
“You all have bigger problems than just a shift in the powers of the lower system Lords. Anubis is gathering his forces in the Menara system. He has 20 small mother ships and his own large personal attack ship.” Martouf’s voice was low and serious, apprehension colouring his bearing.
“We knew where he was, we did not know that he was amassing a fleet,” Malek said. “Nor did we know how large it had become.”
“We have at least one operative amongst Anubis’s fleet correct?” Jacob tersely asked. “How did we not know this information?” Jacobs’s anger had begun to be palpable.
“You have an agent there, a non—blended one.” Martouf interjected. “He however is a traitor to the cause, he is giving you a minimal amount of information and only what Anubis wants you to know. He will not be telling you that he plans to find a ‘Lost City’ which holds a very strong weapon. The traitor also won’t tell you that Anubis plans on a sustained bombardment on Earth, nor will he tell you that he has divulged the next five gate addresses of Tok’ra worlds and he knows more. Anubis plans on, after annihilating the Tau’ri, annihilating the Tok’ra too.” Martouf felt drained, but he felt he had made some headway into making the two groups work as one.
Jacob lost the colour in his face; Malek lent back in his chair and ran his hands through his hair. The rest of the Tau’ri immediately began visibly thinking. Daniel was cycling through all the historical references to lost cities. Samantha and Jack were more than likely thinking of a special operations tactic. Teal’c, well Martouf had always been left wondering.
“There are lots of lost cities in Earth mythology, but the most well known is Atlantis. An island or small continent known by surrounding cultures as advanced in terms of astronomy and mathematics as well as in cultural pursuits.” Daniel thought for a moment as he poured a glass of water. “It is supposed to have been destroyed some thousands of years ago and knowledge of its geographical location has passed into antiquity.”
“We have scientists that can help find lost geographical places; we can help you if you agree to help us. We know you have the locations of some planet’s gate addresses that the Goa’uld do not know about. Also if there is one traitor there might be others. We would like to use the SGC as a place to test them using a Zatarc detector.” Jacob said. Thinking for a moment Jacob added, “I am sure there are other ways to help you also.” Jacob looked at Malek and instead of a disapproving glare found Malek was giving him his full backing.
General Hammond fiddled with his glass of water, “I will have to talk to my superiors. I don’t think there will be any problems. I do have the authority to allow you to scan for more traitors on base; we can also provide the Tok’ra with quarters to stay in.”
“Sir, I think we should also plan on scaling down the odds. 21 against what? The Prometheus, glider and ground support? We will never make it, but if we can find a way to infiltrate the smaller ships and sabotage them…” Jack said having spent five minutes putting the idea together.
Jacob turned to him and saw the potential in the idea and grinned. Malek stared at Jack, he had always thought of the man as a follower not a leader or strategist. General Hammond thought through the idea for a few moments before a shadow passed across his face.
“It’s a good idea Jack; we just don’t have the resources available.” The disappointment in his voice was noticeable.
“Would you have enough resources available if we were to form a united attack force?” Malek offered. Jacob turned to the man next to him, the man who had so vociferously spoken against the Tau’ri prior. General Hammond was taken back and stunned.
“We will have to clear it with my superiors first and should they agree, mixed teams would give us enough to fight the numbers. I will also ask for some special operations teams, the more men we have the better. General Hammond looked determined.
“Daniel begin digging up every thing you can on Atlantis. Carter, dig up plans on the Naquada/C4 bombs, also dig up any and all information on geological surveys pertaining to Atlantis. Jack work with Carter and draw up plans for infiltrating Anubis’s fleet. Jacob, Malek, anything you wish to add will be gratefully received.” General Hammond stood up and pushed his seat back.” Ok people, let’s get to it.”
Rising from her seat Sam noticed something odd had occurred, the man who had been helping had somehow disappeared whilst they were all busy hammering plans out.
*******************************************************************
The following day they met up once more in the briefing room, this time instead of an empty table except from the drinks tray there lay maps, geological survey, archaeological surveys, myths and legends, books, print-outs and highlighters. And that was just at Daniel’s end of the table.
On Sam’s end lay schematics to known Goa’uld attack ships, what they knew of Anubis’s personal ship and prior effective bombs. And most importantly there were the schematics for a Naqudah enriched C4 bomb.
Also on the table were the heads of the two members of the SGC, fast asleep. George Hammond looked at the two slumbering personnel and was reminded so much of his grand-daughters that he was loathe to awaken them. Turning to the footsteps behind him he saw Colonel Jack O’Neill.
“So, what have I missed?” he jovially commented smiling.
“Jack, shush, they’re asleep.” Jack looked over the Generals shoulders. “They look like kids don’t they?” An impish delight glinted in his eyes.
“All right campers! Rise and shine!” He hollered.
“I… I just closed my eyes cause they were sore, Jack and that was five minutes ago at 4:30, which reminds me. Why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be in your quarters?” Daniel said whilst Carter simply mumbled and turned her head over, muttering about Martouf.
“Oh Danny boy, it’s 07.30 hours.” Jack said with obvious glee. “Major Carter!” He yelled once more, this time she awoke with mussed hair and paper sticking to her face.
“Sorry sir, what time is it?” She said eyes still closed.
“07.30 hours apparently.” Daniel informed her.
“But I only closed my eyes!” She sighed.
“Meeting is in a half hour Major, Daniel, go; we’ll make apologies for the mess later.
Sam all but ran out of the room and down the spiral stair case, whilst Daniel, still bleary eyed muttered thanks and followed slowly in Sam’s wake. Jack smiled remembering many missions with the pair of them. Yes, they were, for all their age, definitely resembling a pair of kids.
“Sir Permission to tidy this mess up.”
“Jack, ordinarily I’d say go for it, but this seems to be vaguely ordered.” General Hammond said looking at the papers.
“Hi George, wow this is a mess. Tell me my daughter didn’t do it. Jacob Carter looked at General Hammond.
“Sorry Jake, no can do. She apparently pulled an all nighter.” Jacob pulled a face at the thought.
“Malek walked up behind the three men. “What happened? Was there some sort of incident? I see nothing but a disarray of paper...” Malek picked up one of Sam’s schematics for the Naquada/C4 bombs “Hmmm. A most fascinating formula.” Jacob beamed.
Sam was the first to return and poured herself a cup of hot, black, coffee. Malek sat staring at her.
“I now see what Martouf did when he first met you. I am sorry we didn’t tell you of his ascendance, we didn’t think it pertinent. “Sam's face changed colour and Malek was astounded.
Ice dripped from Sam’s voice as she leaned forward on the table, brought her face next to Malek’s and hissed, “The man I loved was not dead, and you did not think it pertinent to inform me? “
Malek looked to Jacob for help but found no quarter there. Malek swallowed nervously. The leashed fury in the Tau’ri’ Warrior’s voice caused a shiver of fear to run down his spine. To quell the fury in the attractive woman and so he tried a patented look of Martouf’s when he was chagrined. “I’m Sorry.”
“Don’t you dare try to emulate Martouf!” Malek's eyes widened. This was a very passionate woman, no wonder Martouf fell for her. He lowered his head. “I’m Sorry.” He repeated, then looking up at her he met her look squarely and said, “If I could undo the past, I would. You may believe that a mistake like that will never happen again.”
“Yeah you can keep on saying that until time stops existing. Not going to help you.” This time she had stood up.
“Carter.” Jack placed a hand on her arm, he’d let her have her fun, but it wouldn’t help to keep going. Sam for her part silently sat down and crossed her arms.
“I’m Sorry Major. I know it means nothing now, but please know that I am truly sorry.” Malek was visibly shaken by the glimpse of this woman’s pain and the knowledge that he was partly responsible for it caused him even more regret and something very close to anguish suddenly squeezed his heart. The look on his face proclaimed that he had just fallen for her. Looking on in disgust, Jack shook his head. No doubt about it; Sam was a snake magnet.
“Okay people, I will begin this meeting. The president and the joint chiefs of Staff have agreed to the requests of the Tok’ra, on the proviso of helping us out.” The General looked at the Tok’ra who simply nodded their heads. “Now I would like to defer to Dr. Jackson on what he has been able to find out about the lost city.”
“Thank you General. Ok there are two theories one that says that Atlantis was in the middle of a great sea ant the other that is was near Ancient Egypt. Personally I would put stronger faith on the Ancient Egypt theory, given that a lot of activity early in Earths history is within that area. However, with more delving it would make no sense why would a race be that near the Goa’uld?” Daniel took a sip of water and pulled down a blind to show the graphics he had put together.
“Thinking along the lines of Atlantis being both an island/continent of both culture and excellence of warriors, one would assume that if they weren’t Goa’uld and were ancients they would have their base far away from Ancient Egypt a well known area of Goa’uld activity. This leads me to the theory of Atlantis being in an ocean. This would be either what are now known at the Pacific or Atlantic oceans. Using geological models of the land masses we are looking at the south of either of these oceans. Other than that I can not tell you a thing. Their weapons maybe vastly superior to anything the Goa’uld had or have, and I would suggest it to be a fairly strong assumption. It isn’t a concrete affirmation of what they likely had I am afraid. What I do know is that we have to find it and it is likely in these regions.” He pointed to two regions of modern day South Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
“Thank you Dr. Jackson. Malek said thoughtfully. “The information you have provided will be invaluable to our scientists.
Sam sat there staring at the map quizzically. “Um Daniel? Did you not think of Antarctica? We did find a second gate there, not to mention an ancient.” Sam looked at Jack knowing she had released bad memories. He simply smiled at her a reassurance.
“Well, um, no I hadn’t. And your right! Yes! That’s it!” Daniel said impassioned and excited. “It was so obvious! Hell even Jack could have thought of it!”
“Thank you, I think.”
“Major Carter, what can you add? General Hammond said to bring the briefing under control.
Sam got up and walked to the front of the room. “Well,” she said. “I have been looking at the schematics of all the ships. Based on Martouf’s description of Anubis’s fleet and the type of genetically built warrior he is using I wouldn’t try to attack or infiltrate Anubis’s personal ship directly. I believe that such an action would end in a mission failure.” Sam looked at the room. Jack looked depressed, Daniel relieved, the Tok’ra intrigued and General Hammond thoughtful.
“We can, however, infiltrate and disable or destroy the 20 motherships he has in his fleet.” Sam said with a lighter tone. She looked at Teal’c, but no emotion showed on his face. “I recommend 19 full teams that separate into a and b teams, thus increasing success. A half team will be able to immobilise a mothership. A full team will destroy one.” She started a PowerPoint demo to illustrate what she was saying.
“If we place Naqudah bombs at these four computer junctions we can destroy both primary and secondary computers. A secondary team can then place a bomb at a deeper part of the ship. In the engine room.” She shifted the presentation to how they would infiltrate. “We will infiltrate through the rings. Two members of the team will transport onto each ship first. They will then either take out the guards if there are any and radio to their teams that it’s clear for the rest to transport to the ship also.” Malek’s eyebrows rose. This was a great plan.
“Thank you Major. Are there any questions?” General Hammond’s eyes roved the room until Teal’c’s eyes showed more activity. “Yes Teal’c? He asked feeling much like a school teacher.
“How do we get to the Menara System?”
Sam felt like an idiot. “We’ll be using Teltac's, four of them.” Teal’c turned his head and bowed it satisfied with the answer. Sam berated herself mentally for leaving that out of her presentation.
“Are there any other questions?” Silence reigned supreme. “Alright, Jacob, Malek, how are things going for the Tok’ra?”
“We are currently evacuating to the SGC at the moment, we have screened 26 members so far and all are loyal. The council wishes to thank the Tau’ri for being so accommodating.” Selmak said. Malek took over.
“Our scientists and archaeologists are most eager to solve the mystery of Atlantis under the direction of Dr. Jackson. It is not often they get the opportunity to solve a mystery of natural proportions.” Malek, much as he was a military man seemed excited at the thought.
“Okay teams keep working at it. Daniel be ready to work with the Tok’ra, Major Carter, you too.” General Hammond picked up a folder. “We have found several hospitable planets, some with natives, none within a few days walk of the Stargate. All are primitive.” General Hammond gave Jacob the folder with both addresses and reports of the planets.
“We will make sure that these addresses remain safe until such time as all members of the Tok’ra have been tested.” Malek said with determination edging his voice.
“Okay folks, you are dismissed.” All members, other than Sam, Daniel, Jacob and Malek filed out.
“George, can we talk to you? The council have put forward a proposal.” Jacob said seriously, Malek fidgeted whilst looking at Sam as she sorted through papers.
“Certainly Jake, Malek, will you follow me into my office.” General Hammond held his door open and ushered the two men inside.
“Wonder what that is about.” Daniel said piling his papers together into something resembling order.
“No clues. I suppose we’ll find out at some point.” Sam shrugged. Her paper work was sorted into two piles one of ship schematics and the other of weapons designs, including schematics for a Naquadria/C4 bomb.
“General Hammond, the Tok’ra council wish to make a council made of the Tok’ra, members of the SGC and also of your Earths main countries.” Jacob looked at his stunned friend.
“Wow Jake, that’s not small fry, nor is it not permanent.” George ran his hands over his head.
“This is not meant as short-term, this is a permanent fixture to stop what happened to the last alliance.” Malek said firmly.
“I will have to talk to the president for the council side. However what I have been given jurisdiction over is the formation of Alliance teams in infiltration, Sciences, medical etc.” George said hoping that this would be enough until the major players could come forward for the council alliance.
“That will be satisfactory until such time as arrangements can be made with the leaders of you planet for a meeting.” Malek said amenably.
As Daniel and Sam left the board room they saw the three men looking rather happy and light in mood.
“What happened there?” Daniel was fascinated.
“Well Daniel, we’ll find out soon enough, we usually are the first to know anything.” They walked out, arms laden with files and paper.
TBC
