SUMMARY: Why do missions never go as planned when SG1 is involved?

Content warning: some violence, language

Authors notes: On pain of sounding like an acceptance speech, I've got quite a few people to thank for this one. You can fast forward if you really want to, but I think these people deserve your recognition. To Corine, Mary, Margo and Carol, thanks for the support. To Leanne and Debbie, thanks for being my cheering section. You don't know how much that helps. To Doc, thanks for laughing in the right spots. To KD,  your help was invaluable. I might never learn the lessons but I appreciate your patient teaching. And finally, to Chrisbod. Your endless support, patience and humour are true gifts. You are my mentor, but more importantly my dear friend, and I thank you for everything you do for me.

There were no two ways about it, Jack O’Neill was bored. They had been on this planet for four days now and the most excitement he’d seen was the dance Daniel did when the squirrel ran up his pant leg. The memory brought a smile of amusement to Jack’s lips even now. It was rather funny.

Leaning back against a large boulder, the rock nicely warmed by the morning sun, Jack thought back to the scene.

Teal’c led the way out of the clearing, following the path through the bush as easily as if it were daytime. Camp was set up less than a mile away, still some distance from the Stargate. **

Again Jack smiled. That night had been a fun one. Everyone had relaxed, the atmosphere mellow. Even the night was balmy, the breeze warm in the night sky. The team had enjoyed a peaceful night of friendship and laughter; something much needed after their difficult missions of late.

Since Jack’s sting operation for the Tollans, tensions had formed amongst the team members. Jack couldn’t blame them for that. He’d said and done some pretty rotten things in the name of duty. After that things hadn’t really settled down much. The Eurondan episode had further served to wear at the foundation the team had worked so hard to build.

That was one of the reasons for this mission. An uninhabited world, a simple study and retrieve assignment; in other words, a milk run whose purpose was more to reunite wayward friends than anything else. Jack couldn’t help but think it had been all that and more. The tension was gone and a sense of fun had crept back into their relationships.

Since then the camaraderie had remained easy. The tests were on schedule and Jack had managed to leave the others alone to work, despite his incessant boredom. That was his reason for being here now. Sam and Daniel had informed him in no uncertain terms that he was to stay out of their way or they would see to it that Hammond had them collecting soil samples off-world for the next few months. While Jack doubted they could manage that feat, he didn’t put it past them to try. He didn’t put it past Hammond to give the order either for that matter.

Teal’c had made himself scarce after breakfast, mumbling something about needing to meditate. Jack knew it was an excuse not to spend time with him. He had been ribbing the Jaffa mercilessly in his attempt to keep himself occupied. Teal’c went along with it for a while but even he had his limits and apparently had reached them. Jack wasn’t arguing too much, though. This place was peaceful and Jack found he was actually enjoying the solitude. He moved away from his rock and lay down on the grass nearby. He pillowed his head on his pack and closed his eyes as he listened to the sounds of his team working off in the distance being carried on the gentle breeze.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sam looked up from the samples she was taking from the survey site when she caught some movement out of the corner of her eye. Daniel had wandered over, his nose in a notebook, his expression thoughtful. He didn’t appear to notice her scrutiny as he muttered to himself, making the odd notation with the pencil he dragged from behind his ear.

"How’s it going?" Sam waited for a reply, but none was forthcoming. "Daniel?" She realised that her friend hadn’t even heard her. "Daniel… Daniel!"

"Huh? Oh, Sam. I didn’t see you there." Closing his notebook he absently tucked the pencil away again before drawing forth the rock. He held it up to the sky, suspended between his thumb and index finger, absently twirling it back and forth as he studied it.

"I can see that. What are you doing?" Sam began collecting her sample bags, packing them into boxes for transport.

"I’ve been studying this rock and trying to mark down my findings."

Sam grinned. "Don’t let the Colonel hear you call it that."

Daniel looked over at her, his expression puzzled. "Call what that?"

"The rock. You know how he likes to call your artefacts rocks."

"It is a rock."

Sam rolled her eyes. "I know that! So do you and so does the Colonel. It’s just that……," Looking over at Daniel, Carter could see that he had once again opened his notebook, "Oh, forget I said anything."

Daniel glanced up, peering over the edge of his glasses. "I’m sorry. It’s just that this is really fascinating. From what I can tell, this has no business being on this planet. It’s like it’s been brought here from somewhere else and then just dropped. I can’t find anything even remotely similar to it anywhere."

"So it’s not indigenous. It’s not like we haven’t come across that before." Sam was starting to understand how the Colonel could get so bored. It was just a rock.

"True." Daniel pushed his glasses further up his nose. "But it had to come from somewhere."

"Somewhere, as in, through the Stargate?" Sam was beginning to see why Daniel might be so intrigued. "But how? This planet has no inhabitants and no indications of recent traffic through the ‘gate."

"That’s the mystery." Daniel’s eyebrows rose and his eyes sparkled with the light of discovery. "It must have come here recently for it to have been sitting out like that. It hasn’t been buried by rain or wind at all and it doesn’t appear as though any animals disturbed it or it wouldn’t have been out in the open like that."

Sam’s eyes were looking equally intrigued. "So you’re saying that someone dropped it there?"

Daniel nodded. "Yes, I think so."

A slight frown creased Carter’s brow as she thought about the implications of that statement. "If that’s true, the UAV should have picked up some life-signs, or at least some indications of a settlement."

"You’re assuming that there is a settlement. Plus, it’s not like the technology hasn’t failed before. It is a big planet and the forests would conceal a lot. Not to mention that if someone is here, they might not want to be found." Daniel crossed one arm across his chest and put his other hand to his chin, cupping it as he studied the blond Major across from him.

Sam cast her eye about. "Where’s Teal’c? I think we should find him, then let the Colonel know about this."

A deep voice came from behind. "I am here, Major Carter. Do you require my assistance?" Having finished his meditation, Teal’c had sought out his teammates. He was somewhat reticent to do so until he spotted the Colonel resting on the overlooking bluff. At that point he felt it was safe enough to join the others.

Sam spun around to face the Jaffa. "Actually, Teal’c, we do. We need to find the Colonel. Daniel thinks there’s something going on here that the Colonel needs to know about."

"He went to keep watch from the bluff. I believe he said he was ‘keeping out of harm’s way’." At Sam’s smiling nod, Teal’c set off in the indicated direction. He hadn’t gone more than a dozen or so feet before he sensed something amiss. Before he could process the thought, a distinct sound rang out and he fell to the ground, stunned by the all too familiar feel of a zat gun. He was knocked flat but managed to stay conscious. Hearing ominous thuds behind him, he craned his neck and managed to catch sight of his comrades who appeared similarly incapacitated before he once again fell back against the effects of the shot.. He pushed up weakly with one hand in an attempt to locate and identify his attackers when he was caught by an unexpected blow alongside his head. He caught a brief glimpse of a retreating staff weapon before the world went dark and he slumped to the ground.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jack’s eyes flew open instantly when he heard the distinctive whine of multiple zat discharges. He bolted upright, instinctively grabbed his pack and veritably flew down the hill towards the source of the disturbance. As he drew near the identified site, he slowed and drew his Beretta, caution superseding worry. He recognised the sample area in which Carter had been working and moved nearer to the fringe of the area, stealth evident in every step. His senses were on full alert as he listened intently, but nothing sounded amiss. Slowly he made his way forward. As the area came fully into view, he realised quickly that it was empty. He stood tall and walked towards the abandoned sample boxes, his gun level and index finger resting eagerly on the trigger.

Looking around he could see drag marks heading off into the bush. There was enough disturbance in the dirt for him to get a pretty good indication of what had happened. His team, or a portion of it, had been ambushed. His guess was that all three had been taken judging from the marks. As he scanned the immediate area, trying to get an idea of who their attacker might be, he spotted a red stain close to the path leading to his previous location. He knelt in the dirt next to it and pressed two fingers against it. Rubbing them together, it didn’t take much for him to identify the substance. Someone had been injured and bled on the ground. Judging from the amount present, it didn’t appear as though the injury was too severe, small consolation that it was.

Before leaving to follow the tracks, Jack took a final look around. Near Sam’s sample boxes he spotted Daniel’s notebook. As he stooped to pick it up, he saw the rock that had so captivated his friend. Unsure of his motivation, Jack picked that up, too. He placed both items in his vest pocket then set off to follow the trail left behind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Ow."

"Daniel Jackson. Are you now awake?" Teal’c’s voice was a soothing balm to a sore head.

"I think so." Choosing not to comment on the redundancy of that question, Daniel slowly opened his eyes, letting them adjust to the dimness of his surroundings. He found himself lying on a cold, hard floor, his muscles protesting their recent treatment. Moving slowly so as not to jar his head unduly, he tried to swing his legs alongside him as he pressed himself into a sitting position. Finally achieving his desired pose, he looked around his new environment with a critical eye. The dim, heavily shadowed room appeared to be nothing more than four walls with a dirty slit of a window high on one wall and a door which appeared rather sturdy, even to his eye. Looking for anything more telling, his eyes finally rested on the sight of Teal’c. "What hit us? It felt like a zat." As Daniel ran his hands over his aching head, he felt a swelling that indicated that the zat might have had some company. It felt as though someone had clubbed him, although he couldn't exactly remember that happening.

"It was indeed a zatniketel that fired on us."

Daniel looked closer at his friend, noting the livid welt just behind his ear. "No offense, Teal’c, but you don’t look so hot."

"I was hit on the head with a staff weapon. It is already healing and will present me with no difficulties. Do not concern yourself further." The Jaffa tilted his head in a dismissive manner, effectively ending that line of questioning.

A sudden thought occurred to Daniel. "What about Sam? Is she here?"

"She is. She was hit by a zat blast, as were we. She sleeps still." He nodded off to his left, indicating the Major’s sleeping form, barely visible in the shadows. She, too, was lying on the ground, her body resting haphazardly against the wall.

"How long have we been here?"

"It is difficult to say. Our watches were removed with the rest of our gear. My sense is that many hours have passed since our capture, though. Perhaps as many as ten, although I cannot be sure."

Daniel was satisfied with that. He knew that the big Jaffa tended to be quite accurate about things like that. He supposed it was part of his training for being First Prime, but that was just a guess. It also confirmed his suspicion that he’d been knocked out when he was down. A zat blast didn’t tend to be quite so incapacitating and he’d been hit by enough of them to know. He was just about to move over to check on Sam when a sudden thought occurred to him. "Did you say you were hit with a staff weapon?"

"I did."

"So there are Goa’uld here?"

"I cannot say. Our attackers appeared to be Jaffa. I saw nothing else, nor have we been approached since our arrival here." Teal’c shifted his legs slightly as he spoke.

"O-kay. That brings me to my next question. Where is here?" Before the question could be answered, a new sound was heard; a faint stirring. "Sam?"

"Daniel?" Sam’s voice was raspy and soft.

"Yeah, it’s me. Teal’c’s here, too. How are you feeling?"

After going through the same motions of sitting up and getting her bearings, Sam finally answered. "Let me guess. Zat?"

Despite himself, Daniel couldn’t help but grin. "You got it."

"Who?"

"Well, Teal’c and I were just trying to figure that out. He thinks it was a group of Jaffa but isn’t really sure." Daniel rolled his head around, trying to work out the knots that had formed in his neck.

"What about the Colonel? Is he here, too?" Sam couldn’t see him, but in the dimly lit room she might have missed him. She also recognised that he could be held somewhere nearby.

"He is not with us. I believe they captured only us. To my knowledge, O’Neill is still free." Teal’c couldn’t quite manage to keep the satisfied note out of his voice.

"Well, there you go then. Jack will figure out what happened, kick a little Jaffa butt - no offense, Teal’c - come and get us out and we’ll all go home. Simple as that." Daniel grinned at the look of incredulity on Sam’s face. His eyes had finally grow accustomed to the lighting and he was able to see better than he thought possible.

"That’s it? There could be a whole garrison of Jaffa out there, Daniel! I mean, I know the Colonel is good in combat, but there are limits."

"I concur with Major Carter. For one man to take on a garrison, if indeed that is what is here, would be most unwise. O’Neill would be far better off to go back to the SGC and return with reinforcements." Teal’c spoke from experience. He knew how well trained a squad of Jaffa could be. He himself had trained them in the past with a great deal of proficiency. He elected not to share that bit of information with the others.

"Unwise maybe, but this is Jack we’re talking out. You know as well as I do that if one of his team is in trouble, he’ll move Heaven and Earth to help them." Daniel took in the solemn faces of his friends, knowing that neither of them could dispute the words. They had become quite familiar over the years with Jack’s single-mindedness when it came to his team. Before any more could be said, though, the door flew open and light came flooding into their cell.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jack followed the tracks for miles. From the footprints left in the soft earth, he figured he was following a group of no less than six persons, excluding his team. He still had no clue as the identity of the attackers but he was determined to find that out before proceeding with a plan. If he were to head back to the SGC for reinforcements, he would need to know what they were up against.

Hours passed and the miles between him and the Stargate grew, but Jack continued on determinedly. Someone had his team and he was going to find them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The brightness of the opened doorway quickly dimmed as a figure filled the space, blocking the light. As the person entered the small room his outline became clearer. It was a man, and a large one at that. His expression, illuminated by a stray beam of light from the window, was forbidding and a chill ran up and down Daniel’s spine as he looked on. On his forehead was a brand similar to Teal’c’s, only plain instead of golden. It wasn’t Apophis’ symbol, rather one that Daniel was unfamiliar with.

Not knowing what was expected of them, Daniel decided to try reason. He rose stiffly from his position on the floor and moved towards the imposing figure. "Hello. I’m Daniel Jacks……ooph!" The words were abruptly cut off as a fist swung out, connecting violently with the archaeologist’s jaw. Daniel went down hard, landing in a sprawled heap near Sam. He looked up from the floor, rubbing gently at the already forming bruise. Despite the intense ache in his face he couldn’t help his next words. "You could have tried shaking hands you know."

The Jaffa growled. "Silence. You will speak when spoken to and not before."

Teal’c rose smoothly from his position on the floor. He, too, had noticed the strange tattoo. "Whom do you serve?"

The Jaffa turned to the former First Prime, taking careful note of the mark on his forehead. If he was angry with Teal’c for ignoring his previous statement, he didn’t show it. "If you are allied with Apophis, why are you with these?" He cast a disdainful glance over Daniel and Sam.

"I am no longer in service to Apophis. I know him for who and what he is and will not serve a false God. I ask again, whom do you serve?" Teal’c held his ground as the Jaffa took a massive stride in his direction, nor did he flinch at the blow that landed on his cheek.

The Jaffa took a step back and contemplated the man in front of him. Teal’c’s reaction pleased him. It spoke of great control, something many of his men were lacking. "I am Leg’nor. I serve no God."

Sam broke into the conversation. "If you don’t serve, then what is that mark for?"

Leg’nor addressed only Teal’c. "My mark is my own. I lead the Jaffa of this world. They, too, bear my mark."

"I do not understand. Where were you trained? Who was your master?" Teal’c had spent many years training under Master Bray’tac before ever coming into Apophis’ service. It was the life of a Jaffa that they began training at a young age, soon after receiving their prim’ta.

"I have no master. I trained myself as I now train others."

Sam and Daniel exchanged looks before turning questioningly to Teal'c, each wondering about this strange statement but quickly losing the chance to ask.

Leg’nor snapped his fingers loudly before turning back towards the door. "Enough of this. I have many questions that you will answer." Without another word he left the room, only to have three more Jaffa enter in his wake. All bore zat guns which they carried with the ease of practice. None spoke, but the gestures they made with the weapons were sufficient to carry out their orders.

Mutely, Teal’c crossed the small room to help Daniel back to his feet. The young man seemed okay despite the vivid color rapidly appearing on his face, although he looked like he might be nursing a headache. Sam rose and together the three team-mates followed the first Jaffa out the door, followed closely by the other two.

They were led out into an open compound. The sun was getting low, confirming Teal’c’ suspicions that they had been held for a number of hours. The three friends were lined up side by side. A Jaffa escort stood guard behind the team members while Leg’nor paced back and forth in front. None of them were bound in any way, but the ring of armed men lining the compound suggested that to attempt an escape might not be prudent at this time.

"Where do you come from?" The question was barked out, addressed to all of them. With barely a look at each other, all understood that silence was the best policy. "Who are you?" The team neither spoke nor moved in any way. Leg’nor was apparently not a fan of passive resistance as he marched up and landed a vicious backhand across Carter’s face.

Teal’c fought his urge to lunge at the man, holding himself in check. He knew he would be stopped before he could accomplish anything, nor would the Major appreciate the effort. She had proven herself a worthy adversary on many occasions and needed no-one to fight for her.

Sam’s head snapped to the side with the force of the blow but she righted herself quickly, unwilling to give the Jaffa the satisfaction of knowing he’d hurt her. "I guess you subscribe to the ‘ladies first’ theory, huh?" Apparently that was not the right thing to say as another blow landed, sending her vision swimming. This time she was slower to regain her composure and she fought hard against the urge to wipe at the trickle of blood coming from her nose.

Daniel wasn’t sure what to do. He knew he couldn’t say anything but he also couldn’t stand by and watch this guy beat on his friend. "Stop it!" The unbidden words burst forth before he could stop them.

Leg’nor had raised his hand to strike Sam again but checked the motion as Daniel spoke. "I told you not to speak."

Daniel levelled a challenging glare at him. "You also asked a question. Which one do you want? Silence or answers? You can’t have it both ways you know." Daniel held Leg’nor’s gaze as the man walked towards him.

The big Jaffa apparently failed to appreciate the less than subtle approach Daniel had taken. "Insolence! I will not tolerate such attitude!"

"Well that’s one I haven’t heard before." Daniel knew he was asking for trouble but couldn't help himself. It was as though he felt the need to make up for Jack's absence. The Colonel never failed to provide amusing repartee in situations such as this.

At a gesture from Leg’nor, the guard standing behind Daniel moved forward, grabbing the archaeologist’s arms and wrenching them backwards and up. The young man was forced to double over in an attempt to keep his shoulders in their sockets.

"It is a simple enough question. Why do you not answer?"

Daniel forced himself to look up at Leg’nor. "Because you didn’t ask nicely."

If the Jaffa was angry before, he was furious now. He launched a blow at Daniel’s midriff, the man bending over even more in response. Groaning softly, Daniel mumbled under his breath. "Thanks, Jack. Of all the people I could take lessons from, it had to be you."

"Where are you from?"

"No." The reply was gasped out.

Another hit. "Where are you from?"

This time Daniel didn’t speak, merely shaking his head which had fallen forward, his body still hanging from the guard’s arms.

Leg’nor moved towards him, grabbing the injured man by the hair and forcing his head back. Daniel’s face was white and pinched, his pain evident. "I ask you again, where are you from?"

Daniel merely held his gaze, saying nothing.

"Bah!" Leg’nor released Daniel’s hair, the man’s head falling forward once again. "If you won’t answer me……," he sidestepped until he stood in front of Carter, "….perhaps you will?"

Sam stood tall, matching his look. "Don’t count on it." The blow that caught her this time staggered her but somehow she managed to retain her footing. Her mind was muddled, though and her sight hazy.

Judging by her slightly dazed expression, Leg’nor realised he’d get no answers from her for some time. He moved down the line to Teal’c. "So, will you be the one to tell me?"

Teal’c’s face revealed nothing.

"You do not fear me." Leg’nor observed.

"No."

"Why?"

"I have stood against worse than you and survived." Teal’c said the words calmly, passively, but a hint of pride still shone through.

Leg’nor nodded. "So, you do not fear for yourself. But what of your friends? Will you give me my answers to save them, or do you wish for them to die slowly, knowing that you could stop me at any time?"

The turmoil in Teal’c’s mind never revealed itself on his face. He knew his friends would never forgive him for talking, just as he would not want them to give in for his sake. He had learned a great deal about bluffing from his poker lessons with O’Neill. It was his belief that Leg’nor was indeed bluffing at this point. Leg'nor didn’t have his answers and Teal’c did not believe the man was ready to give up any potential sources of information at this point. Making his decision, he looked at the Jaffa, "They did not answer you, nor will I."

Leg’nor stared in disbelief. He had expected the traitor to Apophis to provide him with his answers. He had not counted on his loyalty to his friends. His first inclination was to kill all three prisoners but practicality won out. He needed to know who they were and why they were here. Had the System Lords found him out? Were they plotting against him and sending these three as spies, or was their arrival here merely coincidence? Either way he planned on killing them, but he needed his information first. Deciding he needed to rethink his strategy, he waved an absent hand at his guards.

Sam and Teal’c were able to move back to their cell on their own, Daniel supported between them while the guards prodded them along.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jack finally approached the encampment just past nightfall. It had been over twelve hours since his team was taken and he'd managed to cover just over ten miles in that time. Had the terrain not been so rough he knew he would have been able to cover more ground.

Scanning the area, he saw nothing save the buildings and sentry towers. He counted four towers in all, each manned by a single guard. He also spotted an additional four ground sentries. Thankfully they appeared to patrol within the perimeter of the camp. He hoped there were no scouts in the woods but he kept himself on the lookout just in case.

Pulling his binoculars from his pack, he surveyed the camp. He counted six buildings. One appeared to be a barracks judging from its size. Another was the kitchen, the telltale smells of cooking wafting up in his direction. A third seemed to house some sort of generator. The area was well lit and the power had to come from somewhere; he made an educated guess as to its locale. He studied the other buildings to see what they might be but as of yet, he had no clue, although he presumed one must be an armoury. He studied the encampment for signs of his team, but again it was impossible to tell at this point. The courtyard was set up with climbing equipment and a crude yet obvious obstacle course, leading Jack to believe that this was some sort of training facility. That gave him some hope. If these people were training, that meant they might have some weakness he could prey upon; he hoped so anyhow. He resumed his study of the camp, watching for anything that might help.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

General George Hammond looked out through the window of the control room, absently studying the ring standing idle below him as he stood, lost in thought.

It had been quiet these last few days. As he thought about it, he realised that it had in fact been rather peaceful since SG1 had left for their current mission. The halls were no longer filled with the excited voices of Major Carter and Daniel Jackson as they hashed over some new theory about the inception of the Goa’uld. Even more noticeably missing was the loud, confident, somewhat sarcastic voice of the leader of SG1. Hammond snorted at that thought. Who was he kidding? O’Neill wasn’t somewhat sarcastic, he personified the word. Equally missing, though not verbally, was the large, reassuring presence of the fourth member of the team. Despite his somewhat reserved nature, Teal’c’s mere presence inspired hope in those that met him. Hope that things could and would change in time. That their enemy was in fact fallible.

Hammond smiled briefly as he thought about the team. He would never admit to it, but this group of people were among his favorites under his command. They never ceased to amaze him with their daring, loyalty and friendship; all qualities he admired. He was glad the last report they’d sent from their current locale was so favorable. Not only did the planet seem to have some potential for both mining and potential colonisation, but the team sounded rested and strangely invigorated. He knew instinctively that the distance that seemed to surround them lately had closed and he was grateful for that.

The sound of the large security doors opening in the Gateroom drew him from his thoughts. SG3 strode into the room, gathering at the base of the ramp, geared up and ready for their mission to P54 3P9. They had been to the planet on previous occasions and had struck a rapport with the locals. They had been requested back in the hopes of striking a trade agreement. The General had been quick to give the go-ahead.

Hammond looked over and gave the order to dial up the planet. As the Stargate spun into life, the chevrons locking, he called down to the waiting team. "Good luck, people."

SG3 turned in unison, throwing a salute in his direction before turning back to face the ramp. Chevron 5 engaged and the ‘gate continued to spin, heading for the sixth symbol. It reached it’s desired glyph, the calliper drew back…then stopped, sparks suddenly showering the room.

Hammond looked at the scene. "What the hell?" He took a deep breath, analysing the situation before turning to Simmons, who sat working the controls. "Can you redial?"

"Negative, Sir. The gate is locked."

"Damn." Two strides took him to the phone mounted on the wall of the control room. "This is Hammond. I need Sergeant Siler and a maintenance team to the ‘gate room." Without waiting for a reply he hung up, heading back to the microphone. "SG3, we’re facing a delay. Stand ready and I’ll keep you informed." With that he exited the control room, moving down the stairs and entering the ‘gate room mere seconds before Siler and his team.

"What have you got, General?"

Hammond pointed to the now dormant chevron. "It sparked then froze. We attempted a redial but it’s locked."

Siler walked up the ramp to stand under the chevron in question, studying it carefully. "I think I see the problem, Sir."

"Good. Now can you fix it?"

"I should be able to, Sir. It might take a while, though. The calliper seems to have cracked. I’ll have to remove it to see how extensive the damage is…" Siler’s voice tapered off as he set his mind to the task at hand.

"How long will that take?" Hammond waited somewhat impatiently for the answer that was not forthcoming. "Sergeant?"

"Oh, sorry, Sir. What was the question?"

Hammond suppressed a smile. One of the things that made the SGC tick was the dedication of his people, in all capacities. He knew Siler would give the problem his full attention, not stopping until the job was done. "I asked how long it will take."

"I wish I could tell you, Sir. If the problem is contained to the calliper it shouldn’t take too long. I think the wiring may have shorted, though, that’s why you saw sparks. If that’s the case it will take a bit of time."

"All right. Do what you can and keep me informed of your progress."

"Yes, Sir." Siler looked over at his team, calling out instructions, apparently oblivious to the fact that he had not yet been officially dismissed.

Hammond turned to the still waiting team. "SG3, stand down. We’ll reschedule when we know more." He watched as the team left the room before looking back over at the crew now swarming over the gate. He realised that not only could he not send any teams until the repairs were made, he also couldn’t get any teams home. Thankfully all were on safe planets and in no danger. Heaving a sigh he turned and left the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jack spent the next fifteen hours studying the Jaffa camp, the layout, the surrounding area and the men residing there, paying particular attention to shift changes. It was a seemingly long time to waste in observing, but experience had taught him that schedules didn’t always remain the same around the clock. Many times security actually increased after dark and he needed to know if in fact the same held true in this situation. He wanted to know not only when they rotated, but also what they did before and after. He paid particular attention to his team’s cell. It hadn’t taken long to determine that the only guarded building was the most likely place they’d be. While he debated about staying longer in the hopes of seeing his team in the flesh, he knew that time was ticking away. It was a hard call in some ways, easy in others. Taking one long, last look at the camp, the internal struggle apparent in his eyes, he left. While he hated the thought of leaving his team behind, he knew he had to go for reinforcements. He wouldn’t be doing his people any good if he were captured without informing someone of their situation.

Jack had no idea how many miles he travelled that day. Between the hike to the Jaffa camp and the trek to the Stargate he'd lost track. Despite the distance, however, he made good time. All through the long hike he paid close attention to the terrain, subconsciously looking for any advantages to be found. His past training had ingrained the need for constant awareness. It never hurt to know both your enemy and ways to defeat him. Not all conflict was won with weapons; sometimes ingenuity was a soldier’s greatest asset. The ability to turn ones environment to his or her advantage was something that should never be underestimated. It was something that had saved his life more than once in his past.

For once Jack was grateful for the physical conditioning the Air Force insisted on when he finally reached the clearing where the ‘gate stood. He'd gone without rest since the previous morning and had covered an untold number of miles in that time. Not giving in to his fatigue, however, he walked up to the DHD, pressing the glyphs confidently. Despite letting the others routinely perform this task, he knew Earth’s address like the back of his hand. So it was that he was completely surprised when nothing happened. The glyphs were all lit but the ‘gate failed to react. He tried redialling. The outcome was the same.

"Dammit!"

Trying to understand what was happening, he leaned down and opened the panel at the base of the device, peering in to check the circuitry. He didn’t really know much about the DHD. That was Carter’s department, but to his eye everything looked in order.

Each member of the team had been given basic training on DHD mechanics since the devices had been known to fail from time to time on off-world missions. While they couldn’t replace major components, they could affect minor repairs. In this case, though, there didn’t appear to be anything wrong. Closing the panel, Jack tried dialling a third time. The result mimicked the previous two attempts. Frustration taking over, he kicked the base of the pedestal hard, only to hop around on one foot as his toe protested the action. "Smart, Jack. Just break your foot why don’t you? ‘Cause that’s really going to help matters."

Hopping over to the stairs leading to the ‘gate, he sat down, wiggling his toes back and forth within the confines of his boot. Jack looked thoughtfully back at the DHD, trying to figure out his next step. He was torn. If he waited at the ‘gate in the hopes that the problem was temporary, his team might suffer. He could try another planet, but the SGC wouldn’t be at the other end, and if he went back for his people now, it would be him against a garrison. While that might be appealing in a paintball fight, this was life or death, with his team standing in the direct line of fire. Still, he needed to find out if the problem was on Earth’s end or his.

Standing slowly, Jack walked back to the DHD, trying Earth one last time. When the Stargate failed to engage again, he turned away, thinking. He wracked his tired mind for another destination he might try. Unlike Daniel, he didn’t have a ready rolodex of addresses in his head. Finally the symbols he needed came to him and he punched them purposefully into the DHD. When the ‘gate failed once again, he knew his decision was made. He would free his team and deal with the ‘gate issues later. He hoped that Carter would be able to discover and fix the problem that blocked them from Earth and that their escape route off this world wasn’t lost to them.

This time as he entered the woods he took a different route. He headed towards their base camp, hoping it had eluded discovery by the Jaffa. He needed some supplies if he were to be successful in his rescue campaign.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The team lay quietly the dark. Each was lost in their own thoughts, trying to figure out a way to escape and barring that, a way to save themselves while they awaited rescue. None dared to question if help was on the way; to them it was a matter of when. They knew Jack would come through. They just needed to buy him the time he needed. To do that they needed to stay strong, both mentally and physically.

The only significant change in their situation was their location in the room. They now stayed together against the furthest wall from the door. Leg'nor hadn't seen fit to provide much in the way of basic comforts. He'd adamantly refused to allow them to leave the small building. His only concession to their basic needs was to provide a small bucket for their waste. The experience was both humiliating and degrading. In a small act of defiance on Sam's part, the bucket was placed near the door where Leg'nor was sure to encounter it on his next visit. The added benefit to the action was that the slight breeze wafting in from a crack in the door frame helped to clear away the noxious fumes.

To this point they had been left alone since their return to the cell. Teal'c estimated that almost twenty-four hours had passed since they were questioned. During that time they had been given neither food, water and the lighting situation hadn't improved. It was still dark and dank in their cell. Unable to see each other to check for injuries, they had to content themselves with a verbal assessment.

Daniel appeared to be the worst off. He didn’t seem to have suffered any internal injury, but he was extremely sore. He wondered to himself if he hadn’t broken a rib but he kept that information to himself. After poking himself in a crude attempt at an examination he came to the conclusion that while bruised, his ribs appeared intact.

Sam had a raging headache. She couldn’t tell if her vision had recovered fully, given their environment, but she wondered about having a concussion. Since she remained fairly lucid, she doubted it but wasn’t about to rule it out. Besides, there was nothing she could do about it at this point anyhow and worrying about it wouldn’t change the facts. Given that, she did her best to ignore her symptoms, difficult as it was.

After a long, sleepless night, the sun finally rose, its faint rays piercing through the grimy window, allowing the trio to recognise the start of a new day. Hopefully it signalled their last day in this place. The quiet was quickly shattered as the door to their cell once again flew open, Leg’nor’s surly visage greeting them. "Get up!" He left without waiting to see if they obeyed, although the Jaffa standing on either side of the door pretty much guaranteed their co-operation.

As before, they were led into the compound. It was just past daybreak and they desperately tried to shield their eyes against the morning light, the transition from their darkened cell to the bright sunshine proving painful, especially to Sam’s still aching head.

They were lined up once again, the ever-present guards taking their positions at the team’s backs. Daniel was tempted to comment on their lack of originality but wisely held his tongue.

Leg’nor paced in front of them in a scene reminiscent of the previous day, the only exception being the staff weapon carried by a fourth guard who stood nearby. Not wasting any time, Leg’nor resumed his questioning. "Where do you come from?" He was not surprised by the ensuing silence.

This time Daniel took the first hit, the blow catching him on the jaw in the same place as before. Slowly he placed his hand on the bruise, rotating his jaw back and forth to make sure it wasn’t broken.

Leg’nor simply smiled at him before striking him again. Daniel knew he’d have a heck of a shiner when they got home. The funny thing was, he’d always wanted one as a kid, thinking it would make him look tough. Now that he had one he realised they just plain hurt.

Leg’nor panned his gaze over the other two. He took note of their set expressions and the way they refused to look at Daniel. Changing tactics, he moved in front of Sam, standing uncomfortably close to her. He leaned in closer and she could smell his rancid breath as his mouth moved next to her ear. "You are a lone female in a camp full of lonely men. I can make your stay pleasant, or not……your choice."

It took supreme willpower, but Sam stood firm, her eyes set and staring straight ahead, refusing to allow him the satisfaction of knowing how much he scared her.

Shaking his head in disbelief he moved in front of Teal’c. "What about you, former servant of Apophis. Will you speak?" The silent stare answered his question. He spun on his heel and strode over to the waiting guard, grabbing the staff weapon and whirling on his prisoners. In a subtle move he activated the weapon, the jaws parting, electricity crackling ominously from the opening. He moved it back and forth in front of the team, taunting them. "If you do not answer my questions I shall be forced to take more persuasive action." He lined the weapon up with Sam. "I ask again. Who are you?"

Sam knew how much that shot would hurt, if in fact she survived it at all. Still, she had a duty to her friends and her planet to hold out as long as possible. Steeling herself, she looked at him, smiling slightly. "Go to hell!"

"As you wish." Leg’nor grinned ferally at her. The weapon discharged but Sam was not his target. He’d swung it away at the last moment, the blast taking Teal’c in the side and throwing him to the ground where he lay, his hand clasped tightly to his wound.

Leg’nor walked over, standing alongside the downed man. He looked up maliciously, taking in Sam’s shocked expression. "Are you prepared to talk to me now or should I proceed?" Without waiting for a reply, he kicked Teal’c hard, his foot connecting with burnt tissue. The Jaffa couldn’t withhold the groan that issued forth.

Sam looked away, unsure of what to do. Her actions prompted another kick, a soft oomph coming from Teal’c as the air exited his lungs in a rush.

Leg’nor was somewhat surprised. "He is your friend and yet you do not come to his assistance? Has he not suffered enough? Perhaps that is the problem?" Judging his next blow carefully, Leg’nor kicked Teal’c a final time, this time in his pouch.

Daniel was beside himself. He looked frantically around for something he could use to stop the assault on his friend. It didn’t take long to realise that they were on their own. He had no gun, there was no cavalry swooping in to rescue him and physically he was no match for his tormenter. Instead he turned to his best weapon…..his words. "Like you we come from beyond this world," the words tumbled out in a rush. Daniel didn't exactly know what to say, he just knew he needed to say something....anything to get Leg'nor's attention off Teal'c.

Leg’nor turned away from Teal’c to face the young man, sarcasm lacing his words. "Thank you for that. I might not have figured that out on my own."

Daniel knew he would have to play things carefully. This man was obviously no fool, but he did appear to possess the same arrogance as the Goa’uld. He hoped to use that to his advantage. "We came through the Stargate, the Chappa’ai." He looked over to see how Leg’nor was taking his words. Luckily, he didn’t appear to be insulted yet. "We travel from world to world, searching for new civilisations."

"For what purpose?"

Daniel heaved a quiet sigh of relief. If he played this carefully he might get this to work. At the worst he’d get Leg’nor to think things through, at best he’d gain them a reprieve. "To learn. To exchange knowledge and to make alliances."

Leg’nor’s eyes narrowed. "Alliances against whom?"

Daniel thought quickly. He didn’t know how tied to the Goa’uld this Jaffa was. His impression was that this was a rogue unit but he had no way to be sure. He realised, though, that as humans the obvious answer would be the Goa’uld. He could fall back on the excuse that his people were enslaved. It was a stretch of the truth, but close enough to be believed. "The Goa’uld."

The Jaffa nodded. "What did you say your home planet was?"

"Um, I didn’t."

The look Daniel was treated to told him that he’d better come up with something and quick. Already Leg’nor was closing the gap between them, the man’s presence intimidating in itself. "I don’t know how to tell you. We use symbols to designate the worlds we travel to."

Leg’nor halted his progress. He looked at Daniel thoughtfully for a moment, as though judging his credibility. Finally he moved away, allowing Daniel to breathe again. He walked to the edge of the encampment where a woodpile had been stacked. He rummaged through several pieces of kindling before finding a satisfactory piece. He carried it back, presenting it challengingly to Daniel. "Show me."

The words brooked no argument and Daniel reached gingerly for the offered implement. He ran through the series of addresses stored in his considerable memory before deciding on one that might work. Crouching down, he ran his hand across the ground in front of him, trying to smooth out a large enough workspace, all the while conscious of the guards who moved ever closer. Taking great care, both to give himself time to think and to allow Teal’c some time to recover, he began to scratch out a series of glyphs. When he was done he stood slowly, handing the stick back to Leg’nor without a word. He took a step back, moving himself in line with his team.

The Jaffa moved until he was in a position to read the address. He studied it for several minutes before resuming his place in front of the team. He looked at Daniel for a long moment, his face impassive. Daniel began to wonder if that talent was a part of a Jaffa’s training. The silence stretched out, along with Daniel’s nerves. He geared himself up to make a comment when Leg’nor finally moved. He directed a discreet nod at the men forming a barricade behind the team. The air was promptly filled with the sound of zat guns discharging once again into SG1.

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