The team climbed in the wagon that would take them to the designated site of the generator. As always, Nalan served as their escort, although this time they had the added bonus of having Olim with them. Jamme served as silent escort.The horses that pulled the cart were strong, but the path they took was full of ruts and potholes. The result was a slow, bumpy ride that soothed the nerves, and lulled the senses. All except for Teal’c. He studied the tracks they followed, confusion on his face.

Sam noticed the look. "What’s wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong, Major Carter, simply confusing. These tracks we follow were made by machines. Large ones by the looks of it. However, I saw nothing capable of that in the Capital."

Olim overheard the conversation. "Those were made by the transport vehicles we brought to carry the generator parts."

Jack joined in. "And we’re in a wagon………why?"

Olim smiled. He was beginning to understand the Colonel’s manner of speech. "The job was completed, and the transports were returned to Yensid. Policy dictates that such items return once their purpose is fulfilled."

The mystery solved, the conversation once again died out.

As the team looked on, the difference between the two planets appeared startling. Here they were going on a veritable hayride through green pastures, and taking in the scenery of a lush garden world. Yensid had been beautiful, but in a sterile way. Had they been asked, the consensus amongst the team to their preference would have been easy. The quiet amiable silence they were enjoying was soon broken by the startled trills of a bird, surprised by movement so close to its home.

The noise caught the attention of the group, and seemed to set the stage for discussion. Daniel finally spoke the thoughts that had weighed heavily on him since his wanderings on Yensid. "Why do you do this?"

Nalan looked at him. "Are you addressing me?"

"Yes, I am. Why do you choose to live like you do. I don’t understand."

Apparently, neither did Nalan, or the rest of the wagon’s occupants.

Daniel licked his lips before resuming. His eyes locked onto Nalan’s with great intensity. "Look at this world around you. The people we have seen here are happy. They laugh, they love, they bear children and raise them. They enjoy the fruits of their labour. I can see them wanting to protect what they have, but why do you?"

Obviously taken aback, and annoyed at the words, Nalan nevertheless kept his head. "We fight for our way of life. We defend against those who would take it from us."

"That’s what I’m saying. Why would you want to keep it. You *have* no way of life. Your people exist. They work, they eat, sleep and then they die. There is no joy on your world." Daniel pursed his lips together, his brow furrowed as he tried to find the right words to express his feelings. "Have you ever laughed at a joke, or even know what one is? Have you ever stood out in the rain just to feel alive? Do you even have rain, or are you so environmentally controlled that you’ve never seen it?"

Nalan looked coldly on the group, Daniel in particular. "I don’t know what you are getting at, but I don’t like it."

Daniel resumed. "Of course you wouldn’t like it. Look around you." He encompassed the scene around him with a sweep of his arm. "This is life. What you have is an automaton survival system. Why don’t you and your people work with the Regorians. I think they could teach you a lot." Before Nalan could protest, Daniel cut him off. "I don’t mean technologically. Obviously that isn’t the case. I’m talking about real life. You don’t live. You exist. That’s not the same thing. You’re the Minister of Trade. Why don’t you trade for life?"

Nalan went silent, his expression stunned. It appeared as though Daniel had given him a great deal to think about.

Jack leaned over and gave the younger man a pat on the back, while Sam wrapped her arm around his waist and gave him a gentle squeeze. Daniel couldn’t help the grin that crept across his features.

The rest of the ride to the site was continued in silence, the occupants deep in thought.

************************

As they approached the site, Sam almost laughed aloud at the incongruity of the scene. The generator was massive, and more advanced than anything she had ever seen. The structure towered over their primitive transportation. The two horses snorted simultaneously, expressing their opinions.

Teal’c leaped from the wagon, then turned to offer his assistance. Jack declined, jumping down lightly. Nalan accepted the offered hand, as did Olim. Sam and Daniel followed Jack’s example. Soon the cart was empty of passengers and supplies. The driver, a planet local, seemed relieved to finally move away. While he remained been silent throughout the journey, he found himself impressed by the group he transported. The young man’s words touched him deeply, and echoed sentiments felt by his people.

The group followed Nalan as he led them around the structure. The plant was several stories high, and the size of a small mall. Jack whistled through his teeth as he took in the capacitors towering above him. "Sweet."

Security appeared to be an issue even on this world as Nalan keyed in an admittance code. As the doors swung open, he gestured for the rest to enter. They walked into a small room, covered wall to wall in computers, switchboards and monitors. Nalan joined them and the doors closed behind with a resounding thud.

Jack couldn’t help the mutter coming under his breath. "Come into my parlour said the spider to the fly………"

Daniel and Teal’c seemed indifferent to their surroundings, while the place seemed to have the opposite effect on Sam. She gave a slow whistle of appreciation as she surveyed the room. Finally she dragged herself away from the sight long enough to look at Nalan. "I thought you said there was no technology here?"

Nolan smiled. "There wasn’t. While you and Olim worked on the program for the shield, Lord Jaen and I arranged to have this set up."

Sam’s eyes widened in astonishment. "Wow. You did all this in just a few days?"

Nalan’s smile faded. "We did tell you that this was important. Political pressure from Regor has been escalating. It was necessary to make a show of good faith. When your idea seemed feasible, we started the process of providing the materials. Now, what do you need to create your shield?"

Sam stood for a moment before answering. She was shocked at the immensity of Nalan’s efforts, and the task before her. The generator appeared capable of producing power on a magnitude she had never before seen. While she had been the one to create the program, the computer version had not prepared her for the reality of the situation.

Sensing her problem, Jack moved to her side. He placed his hand gently on her shoulder. "What can I do to help, Major?" Daniel and Teal’c moved to stand behind and to her other side.

Sam turned her head to smile her gratitude at her teammates. She took a deep breath before looking back at Nalan. "Did you bring the program?"

Nalan held his hand out, indicating one of several computers waiting at the ready. "The program has been placed in all three computers. If you need help, it can be easily accessed from whichever one you choose."

Sam moved to the centre terminal. She pulled up a chair, adjusted it to her satisfaction, and proceeded to go to work.

Seeing that she was suitably occupied, and most likely would be for a while, Jack nodded to Daniel and Teal’c to follow. Nalan stopped them at the door. "Oh for crying out loud. We just want a little fresh air." Jack made no attempt to disguise his annoyance. Seeing Nalan reach for his device, Jack tried a different tack. "Look. There’s no Stargate here for us to use. Even the horses are gone. Where are we going to go?" Seeing Nalan’s hand drop a little, he pressed on. "We’re trying to help you here. You hold the key to our going home. We’re not going to blow that." Nalan’s hand dropped to his side, and he moved away from the door. "Thanks." Jack exited the room, leaving Nalan, Olim and Jamme to hover over Carter.

"That guy is really getting on my nerves," Jack grumbled as they moved away from the building.

Daniel looked at the structure dominating the view behind them. "Yeah, but he sure can get the job done."

Teal’c joined in. "As can, Major Carter. She has explained her program to me in some detail. It is indeed impressive."

Daniel looked at him. "Do you think it will work?"

Teal’c dropped his head a little as he looked at Daniel. "I am convinced of it."

*********************

Sam and Olim worked continuously for hours under the watchful eyes of Nalan and Jamme. The two scientists worked well together. While Olim wasn’t capable of the free thinking that she was, he was more than able to take direction. He worked on making the necessary connections between the generator and the projection disks that would send out the actual barrier waves.

The shield was not so much a solid barrier, as an ultrasonic one. While it would manifest itself visually, it was technically sound generated. The principal was similar to that of glass shattering under a high enough pitch. The projection disks would send out a series of oscillating frequencies. These would be randomly rotated to prevent anyone from tracking them and tuning them out. The frequencies would layer. The closest analogy was the image of a harp. When a hand ran along the strings, each would sound at a different frequency and rate. While it might be possible to pass through one string, the cumulative effect became impenetrable.

The program not only directed the disks to project the sound waves, it also had them vary the pitches of the overlapping layers. Anything trying to penetrate the barrier would effectively be vibrated apart.

Olim finished the connections while Sam made the final calibration checks. She turned to him, clearly excited about testing her work. "Well, shall we give it a test run?"

Olim had been infected by her enthusiasm. "I think we should."

Sam positioned herself in front of the computer. "Initiating countdown to shield activation in 5….4….3….2….1….now." The building shook as the generator built up the charge necessary to power the disks. Data coursed through the banks on the walls, recording all changes. A hum started to build. It grew louder, the sound ringing painfully on sensitive ears. As it reached frequencies out of human range, the sound faded. Disks gathered information and spewed it into the atmosphere. The shield was operative.

**************************

Jack, Daniel and Teal’c had surveyed the surrounding area as they waited. They found nothing of interest, and slowly began to relax as the peacefulness of the planet wore away at the tensions they had felt since their involuntary arrival on Yensid. They were walking back towards the generator, when the massive structure sprang to life. The capacitors began distributing the electrical surges necessary to power the program. The air began to hum, and a slight vibration shook the ground. A painful sound fell on their ears, but faded quickly. For a moment, nothing seemed to happen, while the men watched the sky. Finally they could see faint violet streaks appearing above the horizon. The streaks fanned out as they grew closer overhead, until the entire sky was blanketed in the pale light. The shield was activated.

Jack looked at his friends. "Well I’ll be damned. It works."

Teal’c looked at him quizzically. "Did you have doubts, O’Neill?"

Jack started to respond. "Not really, Teal’c, it’s just that………" His voice trailed off as the light flickered then faded. "Damn."

As Jack turned to walk towards the building, a low rumble was heard. The sound, coming from above, grew louder with each passing second. The clouds above began to roil with the disturbance. Jack looked over at Daniel and Teal’c. They too recognised the signs of an approaching Goa’uld Mothership.

The men snapped into military mode. "Daniel. Go help Sam. Tell her what’s happening, and do what it takes to get that shield going again. Teal’c, you’re with me. We need to see Nalan. Let’s hope he brought some firepower with him."

Daniel took off at a run, barging into the control room where Sam was frantically recalibrating the settings on a nearby bank of controls. "We’ve got company!" he yelled breathlessly.

Sam needed no further explanation. She understood the implications. Time had run out and she needed to act quickly to prevent a slaughter of innocents. Olim was also quick to understand the situation, and moved to the Major’s side to assist.

Nalan, followed closely by Jamme, left the complex to study the situation for himself. He pulled up sharply to prevent a collision with Teal’c.

"Nalan!" Jack barked. "We need weapons."

Nalan didn’t think to question Jack’s motives. It occurred to him only later that his prisoners could have used them to escape. At the time, it seemed the sensible thing to do. While not having met the Goa’uld personally, he could see for himself the disturbance in the sky caused by the massive ship visible overhead. He ran alongside the building, past the door Sam worked behind, until he’d reached the far end. Upon close inspection, the carefully concealed outlines of a door could be seen. He felt for the wall, and pressed the switch his sensitive fingers finally made out. The armoured door slid open. He entered the room, closely followed by the three men.

The room stood virtually empty, save for the far wall. On it rested a rack of guns, different from anything the others had seen before. Nalan took in their expressions as he reached out for the closest object.

To Jack, the gun resembled a small squirt gun and he almost laughed at the thought of Apophis with a face full of water. He quickly sobered as Nalan began to explain.

He indicated the bulbous structure on top. "This is your power source. It will last for some time, but it does have its limits. When this," he indicated a small power strip, presently showing green, "glows red, you’re out of power. Otherwise, it works on a similar principal to your electrical weapons. The first shot will stun, the second will kill. Be careful you don’t leave too much time between shots, or the victim will recover and the second shot will revert to a stun." Nalan proceeded to hand two weapons to each of the men, then took one for himself.

Jack stuck both guns into his waistband, then asked for an additional weapon.

Nalan frowned. "I think what you have is sufficient, O’Neill."

Jack glared at the man. "It’s not for me. I’m taking it to my friend. He may need it while Carter finishes the shield."

Nalan looked at the soldier in front of him. Studying his face, he finally nodded and reached for the additional weapon. Jack took it solemnly. A quick look of understanding flashed between the two men, before Jack turned to Teal’c. "Let’s get this to Daniel, then we’d better check what’s happening out there."

The two men took off. Nalan watched Jamme follow them, moving silently through the tall grass, weapon drawn. As he watched the clone, he couldn’t help but recall Daniel’s words. Pushing them back, he took a deep breath then closed the door to the armoury. Once secured, he headed off in the same direction as the others.

Jack entered the control room, having dispatched Teal’c to stand watch. Sam was frantically checking numbers, calling out sequences over her shoulder to Olim. He was equally busy, making the necessary adjustments to the computers. Daniel stood watch, waiting to help where necessary. Jack took his arm and drew him silently outside where their conversation wouldn’t distract.

Jack pressed the gun against Daniel’s chest. "Take this. Use it if you have to. We need Carter to finish that shield." Daniel nodded his understanding, and prepared to leave before Jack stopped him. After looking around to make sure he wasn’t overheard, Jack spoke again. He kept his voice low, and his tone was dead serious. "Watch Olim. If he looks like he’s trying anything, shoot him. Understand?" Knowing that Jack wouldn’t make such a statement lightly, Daniel nodded. With that, he left to rejoin Sam.

*******

Jack went off to find Teal’c. The big man had moved a couple hundred metres away from the generator. His gaze was fixed on the sky. He acknowledged Jack’s arrival, without taking his eye off the targets.

"So, what have we got?"

"What we have, O’Neill, is a mothership in orbit, and six fighters soon to arrive. They were dispatched only moments ago, and should land shortly."

As Jack scanned the sky, he finally made out the ships. "Can you guess their trajectory?"

"I can."

"Then let’s be there when they land." Jack followed the Jaffa, who moved at a rapid pace away from the compound. Neither man paid attention to the clone who pulled up the rear.

Teal’c stopped the trio some ways from the generator. "Look there." He pointed up ahead. The crafts were settling to the ground.

"Okay. Teal’c, you go left. I’ll take right. Jamme…….." Jack hesitated. He had yet to even hear the clone speak. Whether it could function was unsure. Finally he decided that if it could at least point and shoot, they would take the help. "You go wherever you see fit, okay?" Without waiting for a reply, Jack crouched over and began to move nearer the landing crafts. By his count, it was twelve against two. He didn’t want to factor Jamme into the count, not knowing his capabilities. That meant they had to use the element of surprise to their advantage, and take out as many in the initial assault as possible. He knew that Teal’c would complement his own moves. In battle, they shared a similar mind.

Finally he ran into range. Powering up the weapons, one in either hand, he waited to act. The moment was not long in coming as the Jaffa huddled together to go over strategy. Jack broke from his place of hiding, firing both weapons simultaneously. Teal’c tandemed the move, and seven of the Jaffa fell in place. While doing his best to ensure a second hit on each, Jack’s attention turned to the five remaining men. They had scattered at the first blasts and were now turning the tables. Teal’c and Jack were surrounded by firepower. Only quick reflexes and instinct saved the two men from becoming casualties themselves. Both dropped to the ground, and spread as flat as possible. Jack ended up facing one direction, Teal’c the other. The result was a broad range of coverage.

******

Daniel heard the shots in the distance, and knew the first wave had arrived. He only hoped it would be the last. He moved into the opened doorway to watch for anyone approaching.

******

Sam was getting close the problem. She knew there were only a few adjustments to be made. She only hoped time would permit her to make them. She forced herself to take a deep breath, slowing down her heart and her breathing. Panicking would lead to mistakes she could ill afford. As the next set of numbers scrolled into view, she resumed calling them out.

Olim watched the woman work. He was impressed by both her ability and her nerve. Once again, he thanked the powers that had brought these people to them. The shield was something he never could have thought up on his own, although once he saw the workings, he realised that they should have used their technology in this way years ago. He broke from his musings as Sam called out another sequence.

*******

Teal’c lined up his shot, and almost smiled as the Jaffa dropped. Carefully he sent a second blast out, ensuring the soldier would not rise. He looked to see how the Colonel fared. It appeared he was matching the Jaffa nicely as his target fell also. Teal’c looked for one of the remaining three. He spotted two, near to the ships. Lining his shot up, he pulled the trigger. The shot passed by both men, only to hit the nearest ship. As it exploded with concussive force, it took out the two Jaffa. He rolled closer to the Colonel.

"Teal’c. How many?"

"Three initially, three now."

"Okay, I got four off the bat, one now. We’ve got one left."

"For now, O’Neill. They appeared to have dispatched additional ships."

Jack rolled to bring the mothership into view. As stated, six more ship approached the atmosphere. "Sweet. Got any idea where twelve is?"

Teal’c scanned the area. His eyes finally lit on the last Jaffa. The man was halfway to the generator. As Teal’c watched, he spotted Jamme on the soldier’s tail, weapon drawn. It appeared he had not yet been sighted. Within seconds it was over as Jamme pulled the trigger. The target fell and did not rise again. Teal’c nodded in satisfaction. "All twelve are now accounted for."

"Good. Let’s hope Carter can get that shield going before the others get too close."

*******

Sam called out the last set of numbers while Olim input the final changes. He looked at her questioningly as he listened to her next set of instructions.

"Okay, cross your fingers and hope for the best. Here we go!" Sam punched the activation switch and stepped back to monitor the results. A hum filled the room, growing louder and louder until it finally settled into an even tone.

The three scientists looked at one another. Finally, Sam broke the silence. "Well?"

Daniel looked at her. "Can’t you tell?"

Sam looked at the readouts. "According to this, it’s working." She looked up as the doorway darkened. Expecting the Colonel, she was surprised to see Jamme.

"It works. That is most unfortunate. I was rather hoping you would fail." Both Daniel and Sam whirled at the unfamiliar voice. Jamme stood in the doorway, a sinister smile on his face. Judging by that smile, the two teammates knew they were in trouble.

*******

Jack and Teal’c kept an ever vigilant eye on the sky as they made their way back to the complex. The gliders were coming steadily closer. As they neared Jamme’s victim, the air began to hum. Electricity crackled as it arced up and down the capacitors. As the humming grew louder, the crafts closed in. Finally, the telltale violet streaked across the sky. While it moved more rapidly than before, it was a toss-up whether the shield would close before the ships got too close. Both Jack and Teal’c readied their weapons.

The ships closed in as the violet met itself. A tremendous explosion took place, the shockwave blasting the two men. The sight was incredible and the sky darkened momentarily as debris blocked out the sun.

Before recovering their senses, a blast hit the ground only metres away. Jack shook his head to clear it, then took in the sight of a lone glider swinging up and away, preparing for another run. "Teal’c! Go make sure the others are okay. I’ll get this one." As he spoke, Jack opened fire on the nearing ship. His first shot went wide, but the second managed to take out one of the front mounted weapons. The ship wobbled momentarily, then gained control. Jack took advantage of the time and when the next volley hit the ground, he was no longer in sight.

Teal’c did as asked and took off at a full run, rapidly closing the gap to his friends. He never looked twice at the fallen Jaffa who stared sightlessly at the purple sky.

********

Olim approached Jamme, not fully understanding the danger. Daniel tried to halt him. The reward for his effort was a single shot from the energy weapon, that threw him across the room to land in a sprawled heap against a wall. His head hung limply, his glasses hanging askew. Blood slowly trickled down his forehead from a gash at his hairline.

Sam looked Daniel, then quickly back at Jamme. A flicker of something passed across his face. Sorrow perhaps. The look came and went so fast that she couldn’t quite place it. What returned was the cold look he previously held, touched by something else. Something frightening. The man looked to be out of control, his eyes wild.

Olim turned his horrified glance onto Jamme. "I don’t understand. These people are helping us."

Jamme laughed. "They are helping you, and themselves. I don’t need them, and I don’t need you."

Olim was chilled to the bone by the tone of Jamme’s voice. He knew if he survived, he would hear those words in his dreams. "I created you. You needed me then and you need me now."

Jamme turned cold eyes onto Sam. "What I need is for you to deactivate this shield."

"I won’t do that." Sam’s head snapped to the side with the force of Jamme’s blow. After delivering the hit, he nonchalantly moved to his prior place.

Sam rubbed her hand against her stinging cheek. The bruise was already forming, in the shape of a large hand. "I can’t allow the Goa’uld to take control of this planet. You have my knowledge, you should know that." Lowering her hand, she glanced around for something to fight with. She spied the gun Daniel had been holding, but it was too far away to reach. It had landed near her fallen friend, and lay there awaiting use.

"It doesn’t matter. I programmed the shield to deactivate at intervals. The ships will simply come through when the timer engages." Jamme’s face appeared to change as he spoke. His expression stayed constant, but his features appeared to shift slightly.

Sam was quick to realise that this took Olim off the hook. She also understood that Jamme wasn’t aware she had discovered the commands, and corrected them. Giving in to morbid curiosity, she couldn’t help her next question. Her first thought was to ask how he had managed the task, but she quickly dismissed the thought. After all, he had been present in the lab all along, and with her intellect, he would easily have been able to infiltrate her own commands. Instead, she asked the other question preying on her mind. "Why would you alter the program? You were created to protect these people."

Again Jamme laughed. "That may have been my purpose, but it is not my intent. I have been given the skills to do what I want, without the moral trappings to restrain me, such as you possess." He turned to his creator. "I must thank you. I am pleased with my body." He looked back at Sam. "I am also pleased with my mind." He held up his hand and studied it for a moment. He spoke softly, in a voice of sincere curiosity. "Strange how this all came about. When your Colonel gave me his knowledge, I sensed great anger. I didn’t understand the feeling at first. I thought that was simply what one felt like. Then came the linguist. From him I got a different feeling. I can’t explain it. It was like a warmth in my heart." He took Sam in with his green eyes. "From you I got a mixture of the two. It is most confusing. All of your thoughts and emotions are in my head. They are all so different, so confusing." Jamme looked at her, his pensive look replace with a sneering expression. He seemed to be switching gears, his facade shifting in time. "Each of you keeps many secrets from the others. Your Colonel especially." He took in Sam’s expression of feigned disinterest. "You might want to question him sometime about some of his adventures. P-537 is a particularly interesting story."

During this time, Olim had also spied the gun. Taking advantage of Jamme’s distraction, he moved ever so slowly towards it.

Jamme continued. "When I first saw the intruders land, I felt a strange excitement. I wanted to hurt them."

Sam cut in. "That’s because they’re bad. They’re here to take the people of this planet as hosts. They wish to force people to act against their will. Just like you."

"Just like me." Jamme repeated the words over and over again. "You know, I didn’t want to kill because they were bad. I wanted to kill because……..I wanted to." He smiled, then frowned, then laughed.

It was the coldest thing Sam had ever seen, and she couldn’t help the shudder that ran up her spine. The man in front of her was clearly disturbed. She had watched the shifts dancing on his face, and a theory sprung to mind. Sam knew that were she right, it only lent more urgency to stopping the creature in front of her. As she looked away, her eyes lit on Olim. He had positioned himself near enough to the gun to reach it, if he could bend down to grab it without being noticed. Sam needed to come up with a distraction. Fortunately, one presented itself at that precise moment. "Um, you might want to look behind you."

Jamme sounded frighteningly like Jack as he snorted in derision. He clearly did not expect the well-place punch that fell between his eyes as he turned towards the exit. Teal’c’s blow stunned him momentarily, and he fell against a control panel, his finger reflexively tightening on the trigger. The gun he held discharged.

At the same moment, Olim grabbed for the weapon at his feet. Before he could question his own actions, he fired.

Jamme and Olim felt the blasts at the same moment. Jamme accepted the hit, his body slumping to the floor as he lost consciousness. Olim was not prepared, and was thrown by the impact. His head struck the edge of a console, his temple absorbing the blow. He was dead before he hit the ground, his body rolling, only to come to a stop as he butted up against his surrogate son.

Teal’c collected the fallen weapons, before moving to Sam’s side. The bruise on her face stood out in stark relief against her pale skin. "Are you well, Major Carter?"

Sam pointed to Daniel. "I’m fine, Teal’c. Daniel’s hurt, though."

Teal’c moved alongside the fallen archaeologist. Feeling for a pulse, he was relieved to note its strong, steady rhythm. Daniel’s breathing seemed easy and unimpeded. It appeared that the head wound was the only injury. Already the bleeding had stopped. The diagnosis seemed favourable.

Sam looked around. "Where’s the Colonel?"

"He is attempting to dispatch the lone glider that your shield missed. The rest were destroyed."

Sam breathed a sigh of relief. "What about the Mothership?"

"I can answer that." Jack appeared in the doorway, Nalan in tow. "I found him," he gave the Trade Minister a disgusted look, "hiding behind the building. Seems he’s afraid of wrinkling his uniform." Disregarding the fact that he still wore the bracelets, Jack was none too subtle with the nudge he gave the man. Nalan fell to the floor and scrambled over to sit beside Daniel. "The ship is still trying to blast the shield, but nothin’s getting through." Jack grinned. "Well done, Major." Jack placed the two guns into his waistband, taking careful note of the red strip appearing on each. The destruction of the glider had expended the weapon’s power.

Sam blushed under the praise. "Thank you, Sir."

Jack finally noticed the dark bruising on his 2IC’s face. He then took in the sight of the still form of his friend. "What happened in here?" Anger darkened his face as he took in the rest of the scene.

"Sir, Jamme arrived just a few minutes ago. He wanted the shield shut down. He shot Daniel and then Olim. Sir…..Olim didn’t tamper with the programming. It was Jamme. One other thing, Sir…….."

Jack looked at her expectantly.

She took a deep breath. "I think we have a greater problem with Jamme than we thought."

Jack looked at her curiously. "How so Major?"

"I was watching him as he talked. His features seemed to shift with his moods. It’s a classic sign. Sir, I think he might suffer from Dissociative Identity Disorder.."

Jack looked down at the figure on the floor, then back to Carter. "What?"

Sam looked at him. "It’s also known as having a split personality. Think about it. He’s essentially got three different people in him, with very different viewpoints and outlooks. I look at something and see it’s scientific implications, Daniel sees the same thing and looks for the cultural relevance. You………."

Jack interrupted quickly. "That’s okay. I get it Major. I don’t pretend to know much about the subject, but I thought only children could contract the illness?"

Again Sam was somewhat surprised that the Colonel would have some knowledge of the subject. "Generally yes, that’s true. But in this case, I would say that essentially Jamme is a child. His mind had to absorb a lot of information all at once, then he was forced to act in a violent manner. That would be more than enough trauma for any child."

Jack looked at her worriedly. "So what does that make the rest of the population? Are they all talking to themselves?"

"I don’t think so, Sir. As I understand it, their knowledge is accumulated as they are developed. Jamme was the only one whose mind was left blank. I think the rest are safe enough, Sir."

"So, bottom line, Major. What does all of this have to do with the price of tea in China?"

Sam blinked a little at that before replying. I think Jamme has gone, for lack of a better word, a little insane, Sir."

"Understood, Major." Jack looked at Nalan. "I want some transportation here, pronto!"

Nalan seemed to accept the role reversal without question. Gone was the self assured man with the discipline device in one hand. He moved to a control panel, and keyed in the call. The reply came seconds later. He looked at the glowering Colonel, and hoped he was no longer considered the enemy. "They will be here shortly."

Jack nodded, satisfied that the man was sufficiently cowed. The last thing he needed now was for Nalan to start zapping his team. "Good. Wait outside and let us know when they arrive."

Nalan nodded, then tried to slip past the Colonel without touching him. His relief at being freed was readily apparent. Despite the situation, Sam had a hard time maintaining her grim facade as she took in the sight. Her grin broke free once the man had exited the room. Jack couldn’t help but smile as well. Intimidation felt really good sometimes.

A groan came from the floor. All eyes turned to the younger man. Daniel slowly moved, his hand coming to press against his forehead, while his eyes slowly blinked open. He propped himself up, then used his free hand to fix his glasses. His fuzzy vision began to clear immediately. He took in the faces smiling down on him. "Ow."

Jack finally took pity on him and moved to his side. "You okay, Danny boy?"

"I guess so. What happened?"

Jack couldn’t help but rib his friend. "Nothing much. We saved the world, defeated the bad guys and generally kicked some Goa’uld ass! All while you slept."

"Real funny, Jack." Daniel’s eye strayed to Olim. He didn’t need a medical degree to recognise the fact that the man was dead. "Seriously, Jack. What happened?"

"I think Sam is better able to answer that Daniel." Jack turned the floor over the Major, then moved nearer to Jamme.

She cleared her throat before starting. "Well, after you got shot, Jamme tried to get me to shut down the shield. Apparently, he isn’t the loyal soldier they had hoped for." She waited patiently for the Colonel to stop sniggering before continuing. "Teal’c distracted him while Olim went for your gun. The two managed to shoot each other. Olim hit his head when he fell. You know the rest."

Daniel looked sadly at the fallen man. "Now what will they do on Yensid?"

Jack’s anger had once again flared up while he looked upon the clone. "They’ll probably just cook up another one to take his place."

Before anyone could comment, Nalan poked his head inside the doorway. "Our transportation is here." Seeing the Colonel so near to him, he decided on a tactical retreat.

"Funny how they came so much quicker this time. Think they’re grateful or something?" The question was apparently rhetorical as Jack started issuing orders. "Carter, go make sure everything’s in order. Teal’c, give Daniel a hand." He kicked the body nearest to him. "I’ll take Jamme here."

The team moved to carry out their appointed tasks. Daniel swayed on his feet, and was leaning heavily on the Jaffa as they moved outside. Jack bent to grab the clone in a fireman’s lift. His movements were suddenly halted by the tug on his ankle which sent him sprawling across the floor. The guns flew from his belt. One landed behind a control panel, one slid across the floor, ending up slightly outside the open door. Neither was within reach. It appeared as though Olim’s shot had worn off as Jamme stood up. With cold, calculating eyes he watched the Colonel do the same.

The deep voice spoke almost pleasantly, in direct opposition to the look on his face. "Well, Colonel. This should be most interesting. After all, you taught me everything I know."

Jack looked at him, noting the man was unarmed. He had wondered if it would come to this. While looking nothing alike, the man before him could be considered his evil twin. He also knew that he was being somewhat foolish in contemplating fighting the clone. After all, Jamme had taken out the former First Prime of Apophis without undue difficulty. No small feat. Physically, he was the clone’s inferior. Skill wise they were on a par, but Jack had a secret weapon that Jamme wouldn’t understand. Jack possessed the emotions that Jamme did not, and right now, he was supremely pissed off. Jamme had messed with his team, and no one did that without paying the price. His brown eyes darkened as he prepared for war.

Jamme made the first move. Jack almost laughed at its predictability. While Jamme may have been in possession of his knowledge, he wasn’t practised in the use of it. Jack avoided the head-on lunge with a quick twist of his body. He smiled a little as the man crashed heavily into a console panel. The smile quickly faded as he realised the damage they could do. The shield was far too important to risk. Taking advantage of the moment, Jack exited the room, with Jamme close behind.

When he had moved to a safe distance from the building, Jack turned. Jamme had moved swiftly, closing the distance between them. Jack used that momentum to launch Jamme up and overhead when the man closed in. The clone crashed heavily, landing on his back. Jack followed up on the move by pinning the fallen man to the ground, his legs straddling the man’s torso, and his knees pinning his arms to his sides. With his hands now free, Jack began his assault on Jamme’s face. Blow after blow landed, bruising not only Jamme’s face, but Jack’s hands. His advantage did not last, however. Jamme piked at the waist, bringing his ankles up to wrap around Jack’s shoulders. The clone gave a wrenching twist. Jack’s torso was thrown sideways and his leg hold was weakened. Jamme threw him off. This time, Jack was at the disadvantage. Using his greater strength, Jamme launched himself at the Colonel. He established a choke hold around Jack’s neck and single-handedly lifted him off the ground. The Colonel pulled at the hands clamped onto him, to no avail. He hung in the air, trying not to give in to the darkness of suffocation.

Deciding he was not yet tired of the game, Jamme threw the Colonel over-head to land heavily on his left shoulder. Jack bit back a scream as he felt the shoulder dislocate. He tried to grab steady breaths through his bruised throat, but was only partially successful. He hauled himself to his feet, wondering why Jamme wasn’t following up. Finally, the Colonel stood, left shoulder slouched unnaturally, the arm hanging limply by his side.

Jamme took in the sight with grudging respect. He could have ended things, but he was having far too much fun, and wanted to see how much the man before him could take.. "It doesn’t have to be this way, Colonel. I can let you and your friends walk away."

Jack looked at him incredulously. "You think I’m going to let a you go free? You don’t know me very well."

Jamme smiled maliciously. "Oh, but I do. I know your codes for your precious SGC. I know where you live, who you work with. I know all your dark little secrets." Jamme feigned sorrow as he sought to antagonise. "Let’s see. Hmm, there was that little expedition into Iraq a while back. They didn’t treat you very nicely, did they?" Jamme looked blank for a moment, remembering. His head snapped up, a smile on his face. "Oh, I like that. They had some pretty ingenious interrogation techniques." He looked maliciously at Jack. "And you survived? I’m impressed, Colonel. Not everyone would have. I think I might just have to use some of those tactics myself. They do look like fun. Perhaps on your friends once I’ve taken care of you."

Jack stood, breathing heavily, determined not to give in to the tactics the clone was employing.

The blank looked momentarily returned to Jamme’s face. "Ooohh, what’s this? Hathor? Well, she seems like a bitch, but she is kind of cute. Lucky you, getting to that freezer in time. You do seem to live a charmed life." This time there was no searching through memories. Just the mocking look of a man who knew which button to push. "And then there’s Charlie…….."

Jack didn’t wait for any more highlights. He rushed forward, and dove in a forward roll between Jamme’s legs at the last moment. While expecting a reaction, Jamme was somewhat taken by surprise at the agility the Colonel demonstrated. Jack grabbed Jamme’s ankle with his right hand, and finished his roll, studiously avoiding his injured shoulder. Jamme toppled sideways as his body twisted under Jack’s guidance. He landed heavily and wound up on his stomach.

Jack bent over the fallen man. Trying to finish the fight quickly, Jack forced his injured arm to co-operate with his next move. The nerves and muscles screamed for him to stop, but that was out of the question. He brought both hands together above Jamme’s exposed neck. His efforts to club the man were only partially successful. His injured arm, even coupled with the other, lacked the strength to do more than deliver a glancing blow. Jamme rolled quickly to his back, kicking out as he did so. His right leg missed the target, but the left connected solidly with Jack’s ribcage. The crunch of breaking bone resonated loudly, and the impact was agonising. Jack fell back, but retained the presence of mind to scramble out of reach.

Jamme righted himself, watching for the Colonel’s next move.

Jack tried not to show the pain he was feeling. He was working on a bluff now and had to keep it going for as long as possible. He drew himself somewhat unsteadily to his feet and faced his opponent. Jack surreptitiously glanced about to see if there was anything that might aid him. Aside from being in closer proximity to the building than before, he saw nothing. He tried to stand nonchalantly as he placed his right hand on his hip, all the while trying to regain the precious air that had been forced out of his lungs. Jamme led the next assault. He rushed up to tackle the Colonel about the waist, but changed tactics at the last moment and threw himself to the ground. He spun his legs around to connect with the side of Jack’s left knee. The joint gave way in an excruciating manner, and Jack collapsed heavily to the ground. Jamme launched himself on top, trying to recreate the Colonel’s earlier move. He pinned Jack with his knees, the left arm trapped, the shoulder pulling further away from it’s home. Jack managed to free his right arm and wound his hand between the blows Jamme was delivering, to land his own on Jamme’s chin. The clone’s head snapped back, and Jack tried to line his palm up under the man’s chin to drive his head away. Jamme was expecting the move though, and in turned looped his head around, grabbing Jack’s hand in his teeth.

Jack howled as Jamme tightened his bite. Red began to flow from between his teeth, as muscle and tendon gave way. Finally, before he gagged himself on the blood, Jamme released his hold. Leaning in closely to taunt the wounded man beneath him, he found himself on the receiving end of a brutal head butt. As he lost his bearings, Jack used his injured hand to club the side of Jamme’s head, then twisted his strong legs. Jamme toppled and Jack rolled away, trying to put some distance between himself and his aggressor. Finally he stood, trying not to put any weight on his blown knee. He just knew Janet would kill him for that one.

Jamme finally stood, a maniacal look flashing in his eyes. "Well done, Colonel. You have some fight left, I see."

Jack held the man’s gaze with his own. His body protested further action, but his mind rebelled against backing down. He knew he needed an advantage, and he cast his gaze about, trying to find something to aid him. He spied a rock on the ground to his right. Before he could contemplate his actions, he threw himself to the ground, landing on his right side. He was never so grateful for adrenaline as at that moment. The chemical was the only thing protecting him from giving in to the excruciating pain in his side. He felt for the rock, and as his right hand grabbed it, he rolled over on his left, then got his feet under him and stood, teetering. He took quick note of the fact that he was now much closer to the building than before.

Jamme launched himself at the Colonel, only to find the man was no longer there. He roared in frustration, turning slightly to locate him. Jack stood behind him, and brought the rock down savagely on the clone’s head. The man sagged, as blood began to flow from the wound. Jack raised his hand to deliver another blow, when Jamme managed to stop his fall by bracing himself with his knee. Using the same knee to push off, he shoved forward into Jack.

********

Teal’c helped Daniel onto the wagon. Once the man was comfortably settled, the Jaffa left him in the Major’s care. Noting that the Colonel had not yet appeared with Jamme, Teal’c went to offer his assistance. If it was not needed, Olim had yet to be removed and returned to his own planet. The wagon had been situated in the field around the corner from the control room. It was not until he drew close that he heard the sounds of fighting. He moved to the corner, and as he rounded it, he took in the scene.

******

Jamme dropped his shoulder and tackled the bedraggled soldier in front of him. Jack was thrown backwards and crashed into the wall of the building. His injured shoulder screamed in agony and his head throbbed mercilessly where it collided with the unforgiving wall. Darkness threatened and he fought to stay conscious. To do otherwise meant death. Bracing his right hand on the wall to prop himself up, his outstretched fingers felt the frame of the open doorway. Looking up, he saw Jamme striding purposely towards him. The clone’s face was bruised and swollen, with fresh blood flowing copiously from the gash the rock caused to his head. Despite the injuries, Jamme seemed unaffected. Dragging his eyes away from that intimidating sight, he glimpsed the energy weapon lying near the sill, dislodged earlier in the fight. He reached to grab it, then hid it from view behind his back. Jamme bent over and delivered a stunning blow to Jack’s left cheek. Before he could follow up with a second hit, Jack slammed the butt of the gun against Jamme’s temple. The man fell over, heavily stunned. Flipping the gun reflexively in his hand, Jack pulled the trigger. The gun whined, but the shot never came. Jack steeled himself to finish the fight.

Unknown to Jack, Teal’c was witness to the final moments of the fight. He rounded the corner in time to see O’Neill crash into the wall. He ran up behind Jamme, weapon drawn. Jamme managed to get in a first blow before he was in range. He watched as Jack returned the hit. As the clone slumped over, Teal’c pulled the trigger. He watched as Jack also fired, surprised when the shot never came.

Teal’c closed the rest of the distance to his friend. As he watched, O’Neill’s eyes started to close. Still, he was able to catch the words Jack murmured. "You’ve got to do better than that." His strength gone, Jack started to topple over. Teal’c stopped the fall and supported his friend easily. He looked over in the direction of the clone. Jamme was rapidly recovering.

As the green eyes lifted, they took in the sight of the Jaffa holding his prey. He struggled to rise, to finish the job. Teal’c levelled the weapon at him. Jamme sneered. "You won’t do it. You are just like the rest of them. You have grown weak." He started in surprise as he heard the whine of the weapon Teal’c carried. One hit landed, then another

Teal’c looked at the body lying in front of him. Much as he wanted the satisfaction of draining the energy weapon into his foe, he stifled the urge. He laid the firearm down on the ground, and turned his gaze away from the lifeless form in front of him, to the wounded man in his arms. A quick glance told him his friend needed prompt medical attention. Knowing they would have to leave the area to obtain it, Teal’c gently lifted Jack into his arms and carried him to the wagon.

******

Sam gasped in surprise as she took in Teal’c’s burden. She quickly vacated her spot to allow for room to lay the Colonel down. Even Daniel forgot about his headache as he took in the sight. Sam looked at Nalan. "Do they have a doctor in the city?" Nalan nodded. "Then we need to get him there, fast!" Nalan nodded at the driver.

Teal’c looked at the man. "What about Olim?"

Nalan looked at the unconscious Colonel. The decision wasn’t difficult. "We will come back for him."

As the wagon started to move, the team turned back to Jack. For his part, the rise up through the darkness came too quickly. He gasped as he woke to the pain flooding through his body.

"Take it easy, Sir. We’re going to get you some help." The voice was unmistakably Carter’s.

Jack slowly opened his eyes. The violet of the operative shield filled his vision. Despite the pain from his injuries, the sight made him smile. They had done it. The shield worked and Jamme was dead. "I told you he’d bite them in the ass one day." Jack’s voice came out as a raspy whisper, but it was clear enough to put a smile on the faces of his team.

Daniel patted his uninjured shoulder gently. "I guess so, Jack."

Sam moved into his field of vision. "What happened, Sir?"

Jack looked at her for a moment before replying. Visions of Jamme swam before him. "Let’s put it this way, Major. I think one O’Neill in the universe is enough." His voice was even more strained than before.

Sam heard the difference and realised the Colonel was overdoing it. "It’s going to be a long trip home, Colonel. You should rest."

Without any argument, Jack closed his eyes.

*************************

The doctor came out of the only room the clinic possessed. The team and Nalan crowded around, awaiting the verdict. "Your friend will be fine. He wasn’t too happy when I did the shoulder reduction, but it will heal with time and patience."

Daniel muttered, "Scratch that then." As Sam gave him a sharp nudge to the ribs he followed with an "Oof."

The doctor continued. "He has a couple of broken ribs, and a rather sore head. He knee is badly twisted. There is not much I can do to help with that. It’s his hand I’m most worried about. Human bites are notoriously dirty. I’ve applied a poultice, a local concoction, but I don’t believe it will be strong enough to prevent infection, and I don’t have the necessary medicines."

Sam looked pointedly at Nalan. "Maybe you don’t, but we do." Nalan slowly nodded. Sam turned back to the doctor. "May we see him?"

"That shouldn’t be a problem, Carter." All eyes turned to the Colonel as he emerged slowly from the exam room, hanging on to the wall with his bandaged hand, and trying to keep the weight off his bad leg. His face was pale, with lines of pain etched around his eyes and mouth. A savage bruise had ripened on his left cheekbone, spreading around his eye, the colour rivalled that seen around his throat. His movements were stiff and his left arm was strapped securely to his side, supporting not only his ribs, but immobilising his shoulder. His right hand resting gently against the wall was bound in a swath of clean bandages. All in all, he looked terrible. Totally incongruous with his appearance was his smile. He was looking rather pleased with himself.

"Sir, should you be up?" Concern showed clearly in Sam’s countenance.

Jack waved his bound hand. "I’m fine, Carter. Nothing a cold beer won’t cure." Jack turned his attention to Daniel who sported a rather large bandage on his forehead. "How are you doing?"

Daniel grinned. "Peachy."

Jack chuckled, then winced as the movement caused his headache to flare.

Nalan moved to stand beside him. From his pocket, he produced the discipline device. With the team watching closely, he turned the disk over. On the back were a series of buttons. He pressed three of them in sequence. The disk then went back into his pocket. In answer to the curious expressions surrounding him, he explained. "Your bracelets are no longer operative. If you check, you will see they may be easily removed. I am sorry to have subjected you to their effects. Rest assured, you have my gratitude for all you have done."

Teal’c was the first to remove the encumbrances. As Sam and Daniel worked on theirs, Nalan carefully removed O’Neill’s.

Nalan thanked the doctor for his help before turning to the Colonel. "If you feel up to it, we will make the return trip to Yensid." At Jack’s nod, he turned to the others. "Follow me, please. I have arranged our transport to the shuttle."

Daniel sniffed audibly. "Please tell me it’s not another horse. I think I’m developing an allergy to them."

Sam laughed and placed her arm around his waist as they followed Nalan from the building.

Teal’c moved to Jack’s side. "Might I assist you, O’Neill?"

Jack quickly assessed his condition. "I think I can manage, Teal’c. Thanks." He took his first step towards the exit. His body protested the movement. He looked to his able friend. "On second thought………."

Teal’c nodded, the movement more designed to hide his smile than to acknowledge the words. He moved alongside the Colonel and lent his aid to the man.

***********************

The shuttle trip back passed uneventfully. Apparently their efforts on the planet rated them better treatment this time. Instead of the cargo bay, they were directed to the roomy cockpit. Jack was made comfortable, Daniel at his side. Sam was allowed to privilege of taking a co-pilots seat. Teal’c as always took his position of guard. As the ship approached the shimmering shield, the team was treated to the site of the violet barrier parting. The opening grew large enough to allow the ship to pass, then closed behind it, once again securing the planet.

Luckily, Sam had foreseen the need to provide a window for transport. The shield possessed a small area capable of being shut down on request. The on-board computers sent a signal that temporarily opened the window. The codes were complex, and could be changed at anytime. It was fascinating to watch the window opening and closing, while the rest of the shield remained unaffected.

Jack had questioned the safety of leaving the planet in the shuttle, with the Goa’uld mothership nearby, but it appeared that the ship had left Regor’s orbit after expending massive amounts of energy in a futile attempt to penetrate the shield. Apparently, it sought greener pastures.

****************************

The team was led from the shuttle hanger to the room they had gated into. Their gear was as they had left it. Nalan provided escort, and they were met by Jaen.

"I wish to thank you, and apologise for what we have put you through. You have helped us, and the people of Regor. You have taught us a great deal." Jaen offered a rare bow to the team.

Nalan offered his thanks as well to the team in general. Then he turned his attention to Daniel. "You have opened my eyes. I begin to see how we have closed ourselves off. We do have some learning to do. Perhaps the Regorians can assist us in those lessons."

Daniel smiled. "We would be happy to lend our aid as well."

Nalan gave him a bow before turning to Jack, who still leaned heavily on Teal’c. "We would be honoured to meet with you and your people Colonel. Once again, I offer my apologies. We will send you home now."

Jaen lifted his right hand. His ring finger was dominated by a large ring sporting a single stone. He passed his left hand over his right. The stone lit from within. Jaen looked at the team and smiled. "Farewell."

A beam shone down from the ceiling, and within its light appeared the DHD. The light faded, but the pedestal remained. Daniel approached it and began dialling the sequence that would send them home. The gate sprung to life while Sam moved to retrieve their gear. Sam took Jack’s share, then punched in the codes on the GDO.

The team took a final look around, then walked together through the event horizon.

***********************

The sight of familiar grey walls of steel and concrete greeted the team as they emerged in the gateroom. Hammond stood waiting, as did Janet Fraiser and a bevy of armed soldiers.

Hammond’s voice boomed out. "Stand down, people." He took a step towards the ramp, a smile on his face. "SG1, welcome home."

Jack grinned. "Glad to be back, General. Have we got a story for you."

Janet strode up the ramp to stand in the Colonel’s path. She took a long moment to study his appearance. The bruises and bandages were obvious, as was the stiffness in his stance. That and the fact that she didn’t believe he could stand if not for the assistance of the Jaffa beside him, prompted her next words. "Not right now you don’t. I want all of you in my infirmary in the next five minutes." Despite Jack’s smile, she caught a look in his eyes that she had never seen before. It worried her more than the injuries. She gently touched his hand as her gaze swept over the rest of the team. None of them looked much better. She sighed heavily as she moved back to join the General. Despite her worry, however, she couldn’t disguise the smile on her face at seeing the team home once again.

"But…….." Jack started to protest, but was silenced by the General.

"No buts, Colonel. You heard the lady. Move out."

Jack turned to flash a worn, lopsided grin at the rest of his team. "Ah, but there’s no place like home." He hopped slowly down the length of the ramp, and out the door, Teal’c as always at his side.

************************

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