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Playing Ba'al 

"There they are," Cam said, watching as the ship they’d been searching for became larger. "Open a comm channel."

"Channel open, sir."

"Odyssey, we have you in sight," he said.

"Daedalus, we read you on our scanners. Welcome to the neighborhood," Simpson’s voice echoed through the bridge.

"Still bored?"

"So far," was the response.

"That’s good. We’re gonna park beside you, about a klick off your port side," Cam told the commander of the Odyssey. "That should extend our scanning ability a bit."

"Sounds good to me. I really want to thank you for coming out here."

"No problem, Colonel," Cam said quietly. "One ship out here alone is a target. Two ships out here is a problem. Goa’uld don’t usually like problems."

"Let’s hope they decide we’re too much of a problem to deal with," Simpson said.

"We’ll be sending a report back to the SGC every two hours. Anything we need to let them know?" Cam asked, for the moment forgetting that the commander of the Odyssey could make any report needed through her own communication system.

"Not so far."

"Let’s hope it stays that way. Just to let you know, if anything does happen, we’ll have to hang on for at least half an hour…that’s how long it will take the Prometheus to get here."

On the bridge of the Odyssey, Simpson shivered slightly. If they were to wind up in a battle, the two Earth ships might not be given those thirty minutes. We’ll have to fight for them…for every second, she thought determinedly. "Understood."

"Okay, Odyssey, we’re starting our scans. If you need anything, we’re here," Cam said. While he’d love to continue chatting with that very lovely voice, he knew that he, and his crew, needed to stay alert.

"Sounds good, Daedalus."

The two ships sat together, unknowingly just out of range of the usual route taken through the solar system by the Goa’uld who ruled one of the nearby planets. Nor would that Goa’uld find any reason to scan or search the space around his territory for any intruders. Sometimes Lady Luck was generous.

The two Goa’uld scientists huddled near the device they’d been working on. So far, their efforts were less than inspiring. While the task Ba’al had given them was theoretically possible – using the mechanism he had discovered – making it a reality was far more difficult than they had anticipated. After three days of failed experiments, they had decided that they needed more space, and more power than the small lab that was offered to them could provide. If they were to build the device they were certain would bring the results they sought, the amount of energy that would be required would be…problematic…on the ship.

"We must explain to Ba’al that it is impossible to even move forward with our experiments. We simply do not have room for the device to be built here. And it would be most useless on a ship," one said, his dual voice hushed.

"I agree. As anxious has he was to see this work completed…" the second paused. "Do you not find it odd that since Ba’al returned to this ship, he has not once questioned us about our progress?"

"He has faith in our abilities," the first said offhandedly.

The second Goa’uld snorted. "Of course he does."

"A cavern would be convenient," the other mused. "I’m sure the apparatus we need to create would fit in a cavern."

"If it were large enough, that would be very convenient," the first Goa’uld agreed.

Ba’al was standing beside the helm control console when the two scientists entered the pel’tak.

"My Lord, we wish to speak to you," the first scientist said. He looked around at the Jaffa who stood nearby. "Our words are for your ears only."

With a nod, Ba’al followed the two into the corridor. He had no idea who the men were. He’d seen them once or twice as he moved around the ship. But nothing about them presented itself to his memory.

Pushing away the vague, ‘almost memories’ that teased the edges of his brain, he forced himself to listen carefully as the two explained to him what they needed. He wasn’t entirely sure what they were working on. But if he’d ordered them to carry out a task…

"…we have come to the conclusion that a cavern, a very large cavern, would allow the space for the energy source we must build in order for your device to fully function." The first of the two men was saying.

Whatever it was, it sounded important. "How far has your work progressed?"

"We have managed to calculate the variables in controlling time. Moving back in time will need be done very carefully," the first scientist said. "Even the smallest errors could create disastrous results."

"And you must be protected from any changes," the second added.

Time? Control time? The smile he gave was nothing less than sinister.

The two Goa’uld watching him shuddered slightly.

If he controlled time, he would control the universe! "I know of a cavern that will meet your requirements. And we are on our way there right now."

"You are truly a god, to have anticipated our need," the first scientist gasped.

The second scientist forced a smile. Wherever this cavern was, there was something else there Ba’al wanted, or needed. "Indeed, My Lord, truly you are a god."

"Return to your work. You will be alerted when we have arrived at our destination," Ba’al said. He turned and walked back onto the pel’tak.

The scientists exchanged jubilant smiles, and hurried down the corridor.

Hidden from sight, the rebel took a deep breath. Clones. Controlling time. What other nightmares was Ba’al contriving? He needed to report this immediately…there might be little chance to stop this Goa’uld if they hesitated.

The sounds of birds trilling filled the air as the sun began its journey, barely lighting the deep forest floor.

Jack had been on last watch and was, at that moment, paying more attention to the fish – which continued to jump at the tiny, flying insects that hovered just above the water’s surface – than anything else around him. Just as Casey had the day before, he’d decided that there just wasn’t a need to wake everyone…not yet. Yes, they did need to make it to that Stargate before their supplies were exhausted. The fish and tomatoes they’d enjoyed for dinner the night before instilled the hope that other such discoveries would be made as they traveled to the Stargate, extending the limits of their MREs.

He studied the calm water, broken only by the occasional fish that broke the surface in search of its breakfast. The water was cold…when he and Daniel had rinsed the gutted fish it hadn’t taken but a few minutes before his fingers felt numb. Too cold to even contemplate bathing in. However…it wouldn’t be the most comfortable for the Space Monkey, but if he could just sit on the bank, and submerge his injured leg for awhile, it would certainly help the swelling. When Casey had awakened him for his watch she’d told him that Danny’s knee was still swollen and purple. Not, she had admitted, as swollen as it had been. But, she insisted, it was still not healed. That, he realized was because Danny continued to strain it as they hiked. Hopefully being on that road would make a difference.

Turning his attention to the bridge, barely visible from his vantage point, Jack contemplated how long it would take to hike around the lake to reach it. Swimming to the other side wasn’t something they could to do…not as cold as that water was. And they needed to keep their gear and their weapons dry.

He looked up when Teal’c crawled out of the pup tent he had slept in. " ‘Mornin’."

"Good morning, O’Neill."

Jack watched as Teal’c pulled the small pan from his pack, and filled with water. The empties they had been carrying had been filled with lake water, strained as best as they could using multiple layers of gauze from Casey’s med kit. She had hung the wet stuff on a nearby bush…no clue if it was dry yet. But, they’d added the chlorine tablets, and had water that wouldn’t kill them.

"It is most peaceful here," Teal’c said softly.

"Yes, it is," Jack agreed. He let his gaze move over the lake again. "I was just sitting here thinking, maybe we should just stay here for a few hours. Let Daniel soak his leg. That water is really cold…but he should be able to stand it for half an hour or so."

Teal’c nodded. "I concur. It would be most beneficial if the swelling was allowed to go down before he begins hiking again."

"We can always catch a couple more fish, and there are plenty of tomatoes left over."

"Indeed."

"From what Radar says, that road or path or whatever it was isn’t too far from the lake on the other side."

"The problem of getting to that side of the lake is the problem we face," Teal’c said.

"Yeah. I’m not holding my breath on that bridge over there," Jack pointed with the coffee mug in his hand, "being stable enough to cross."

"If we can move over it slowly, one at a time, there is the chance it will withstand our passage," Teal’c suggested.

Jack sighed. "Well, we’ll figure that out later. How about we do a bit of fishing?"

Teal’c glanced at his companion. "It was necessary for both Daniel Jackson and I to prevent you from sliding down the bank and into the water when you caught the fish yesterday."

"Yeah, a steep bank like that isn’t the best for fishing without a reel. But, I figure if I move up the shore a bit, I might find a spot not as treacherous."

"Then perhaps you should search for such a spot," Teal’c said, his cheek twitching slightly as he fought to keep the smile from his face, not at all surprised by his friend’s eagerness. It would have been surprising if O’Neill had not insisted on being allowed to fish again…at least once more.

"Guess I’ll do just that," Jack said. He finished off his coffee, then rose to his feet. With a nod, he shoved his hands into his pockets, and began to trek down the shoreline, whistling softly.

Sam slipped out of the tent she’d shared with Jack just as her husband was wandering down the lake’s edge. "What is he doing?" she asked softly.

"O’Neill is attempting to find a less steep bank from which to fish," Teal’c replied.

She couldn’t help but smile. "So we’ll be having fish and tomatoes for breakfast, huh?"

"So it would seem. It would also give Daniel Jackson a chance to soak his knee in the cold water of the lake," Teal’c said.

"That’s a good idea," Sam nodded. She pointed at Jack with her chin. "I think I’ll go see what he’s found."

The Jaffa watched with amusement as the colonel hurried after her husband. He decided to examine the large bush beside him when the two wrapped their arms around one another and shared a kiss. For too long O’Neill and Colonel Carter had been forced to ignore the feelings they held for one another. Thanks to the feisty seer who had joined them, they could finally be open with their feelings. Seeing the two married had been a most joyful experience. Teal’c couldn’t hold back his smile when he thought of the night that Casey had insisted that he and Janet Fraiser were a ‘couple’, and that she could see the ‘white light of love’ around them. He had been hesitant; love hadn’t always been easy for him. But Casey had insisted, and in spite of his better judgment, he’d allowed himself to fall in love with the petite doctor. His life had been much improved by doing so. He found it difficult to even imagine a future without Janet Fraiser at his side.

Daniel and Casey crawled out of their tent, Daniel looking around curiously…and Casey making a beeline to her pack and the coffee that one of the MREs would provide.

"Good morning, Daniel Jackson," Teal’c said quietly.

"Good morning, Teal’c. What’s he doing?" Daniel asked, pointing to where Jack and Sam were standing.

"O’Neill is attempting to find a less steep bank to fish from."

He couldn’t help but grin. "It’s going to be a battle to pull him away from here," Daniel chuckled.

"Indeed." Teal’c watch Jack and Sam, smiling as Jack gestured broadly, and Sam began to laugh. He turned his attention back to the archaeologist. "O’Neill believes it would be beneficial if you were to soak your leg in the lake water today."

"It’s the closest thing to an icepack we’re going to get," Casey said, nodding her agreement as she joined the two men. "We can put one of the sleeping bags down for you to sit on…it will be easy to wipe off."

"Uh huh," Daniel replied noncommittally.

"You’ll have to just sit in your boxers, your pant leg won’t roll up far enough," Casey continued.

"Uh huh."

Casey settled the pan from her kit, full of water, into the embers of the fire. Then looked up into amused cerulean blue eyes. "Don’t even think you’re getting out of this. You’ve put too much stress on your knee. If you want it to heal, you have to give it time. And the cold water will take the swelling down."

"It’s not that swollen," Daniel argued.

"It’s still swollen enough that soaking it in cold water should help," Casey responded.

"She’s right, Danny."

Daniel looked over to see that Jack and Sam had rejoined them. "It’s not that bad."

"Good. You can soak for an hour or so, and be good as new," Jack insisted. "I found a place that’s not quite as steep to fish from. Sam and I will go see if we can land a fish or two for breakfast. Danny, get your leg into that water."

"But-"

Jack held up a hand. "Don’t want to hear it. Soak the knee."

Casey smirked at her Husband. "See, the boss says you have to soak your knee. I’ll get one of the sleeping bags while you take your pants off."

He looked helplessly at Teal’c. "I suppose you’re going to make certain I do this."

"I am," Teal’c replied.

With a roll of his eyes, Daniel followed his Wife back into their tent. He waited until he’d pulled the flap closed before turning to her. "Casey-"

She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Daniel, your knee is still swollen. I agree, not as much, but it’s not back to normal. And I heard you moan when you stood up a little bit ago."

"It was only because…it was just because my knee…was stiff," Daniel informed her.

"Please?"

There was no way he could deny her when she looked at him like that. He hugged her tightly. "You’re just being over-protective."

"Maybe. But remember what Jack said. If you don’t take it easy, you could make that knee worse, and then Teal’c will have to carry you out of here."

He didn’t want to admit that there might…just might…be a bit of truth in what she was saying. "That water is frigid."

"I know," she said softly. "I figure if you can stand it for at least thirty minutes, that will do you a world of good."

"I’ll be lucky if I can take it for fifteen," Daniel grumbled.

She knelt down and unzipped the two bags. Deftly rolled one, then carefully folded the other. "Pants off, Stud Muffin."

"But-"

"Sam is with Jack. And it’s not like she’s never seen you in your boxers. It’s just you and me and the Big Guy."

Taking another look into those amazing green eyes, Daniel unfastened his belt, quickly unbuttoned the BDU pants, and slid them off.

Casey knelt down to unwrap the ace bandage. "Still purple. And still a bit swollen."

He heaved a sigh. "If I have to do this, let’s get it over with," Daniel sighed.

A few minutes later, sitting as comfortably as was possible on the sleeping bag, his leg stretched out in front of him and in the cold lake water, Daniel was forced to admit that the cold seemed to be helping. He was certain the fact that the knee didn’t feel as tender was simply because his entire leg was numb. But he also was forced to admit that fifteen minutes later, although he was shivering slightly, his knee didn’t look as puffy as it had been.

A shout of glee echoed up to them, and Daniel grinned to see Jack pulling in a huge fish, Sam helping him to land it.

"There’s one," Casey giggled. She was rearranging her pack trying to fit as many tomatoes into it as possible, without crushing them.

"Casey Jackson, if you put your water bottles into my pack, I believe you will have more room," Teal’c suggested, watching as she worked.

"That’s a lot of extra weight," she said.

Teal’c looked at her, and simply raised one eyebrow.

She burst into giggles. "Right. Thanks, T, I’ll do that."

Teal’c stood up, and went to fetch his own pack. In just a matter of minutes, his pack held all of Casey’s water, and her pack was filled with juicy red tomatoes.

When Jack and Sam returned to camp, carrying two fish that seemed larger than what they had caught the night before, the team settled down to have the first meal of the day.

The task of finding a way across the lake to the road that waited hung over them, although they adroitly avoided the subject as they ate.

Tents were down, and re-attached to packs. Sleeping bags were rolled, Casey had carefully wiped the mud off the sleeping bag Daniel had sat on, doing so while Sam re-wrapped the ace bandage around his knee. He didn’t even bother to move away from the team as he pulled his BDU pants on. He sat down to pull on his socks and boots.

Teal’c and Jack were standing as close to the edge of the lake as they dared. "It looks like there’s a small isthmus right there. We’ll have to backtrack a bit, but there are plenty of rocks to cross the river in that spot," Jack said quietly. "Water isn’t as fast there as it was further down."

"I agree. I believe that will lead us directly to the bridge," Teal’c responded.

Jack looked over at the rest of his team. "Okay, we do this carefully. Danny, Teal’c will help you move over those rocks. Don’t try to jump."

Daniel nodded his understanding.

"Carter, you take the lead. I’ll take the six. Keep your eyes open, we don’t know if we’ll run into any critters out here or not," the team CO continued.

So far, multifarious birds, the fish in the lake, and numerous insects and the worms discovered and used for bait were the only fauna on the planet that they were aware of. None of them would take for granted that there wasn’t something else that might be out there…and might be a problem.

The sun was at its zenith as team slowly made their way across the rapidly moving river, moving from one boulder to another. They took their time, making certain each step was safe before fully planting their boots. It took just over an hour to make the crossing.

Jack had been correct, they found themselves on a narrow strip of grassy turf, with water from the lake lapping lazily at each side. At the end of that strip of land was the bridge.

It looked worse up close.

"Oh, hell no!" Casey hissed. "That thing is older than planet Earth!"

Daniel chuckled. "I doubt it’s that old, Angel."

Jack walked toward the weathered wood. "These are planks," he announced, carefully examining the structure. He pushed against the railing on one side. Watched as it broke free and dropped into the water. "Okay, that’s not good," he muttered.

Teal’c approached, and very carefully stepped onto the first planks of the deck. The wood groaned, but held steady.

"Okay, we’re gonna have to do this one at a time," Jack announced. "Teal’c, take the lead. If any spot gives out, get back here as quickly as possible."

The Jaffa nodded his understanding. He took another step. Again, the wood groaned. Another step. One board snapped, and fell into two pieces. He glanced over his shoulder. "I believe I can continue."

Jack took a deep breath. "Slow and steady, Big Guy."

Another step…the bridge was groaning in protest. Another step.

The team watched, mentally holding their breath as Teal’c slowly moved over the expanse. Another board snapped and fell into the water…and another. When the Jaffa was halfway across the bridge, it began to sway slightly.

"Teal’c, be careful!" Jack shouted.

Raising one hand to confirm that he’d heard the warning, Teal’c continued to move forward. He moved toward one side of the bridge…although his teammates weren’t certain why.

As soon as his feet touched the grass on the far side, Teal’c turned around and waved.

"Okay, Danny, let’s get you across," Jack said quietly.

Daniel stepped warily onto the old wood. Like it had beneath Teal’c’s feet, the wood groaned in protest. As much as he wanted to hold onto the railing that remained on one side, he refrained. It might be the only thing keeping the damned thing together, he thought. He watched carefully, knowing that there were boards missing now.

Moving as slowly and with as much care as Teal’c had done, Daniel moved forward. Realized that the reason the Jaffa had moved to one side was because there was a large hole in the bridge…much too large to try to jump across. His heart was pounding when he finally stepped up beside Teal’c. He turned around, knowing that Jack would send Casey next.

"Okay, Radar. Slow and steady," Jack said, giving her shoulder an encouraging squeeze.

I can do this, she told herself sternly, taking a deep breath. She glanced up, could see Daniel watching anxiously. Weighing considerably less than Teal’c and Daniel, there was less groaning and complaining from the old, wooden trestle. She moved slowly, and as Daniel had done, kept her hands away from the railing. Her heart jumped into her throat when she saw the huge hole in the middle of the walkway. There was enough room to bypass the damaged area…barely. She marveled at the fact that Teal’c and Daniel had been able to walk on the narrow pieces of planks that remained.

His heart was in his throat as he watched his Wife slowly making her way toward him. If that span gave out, there was no telling how deep and cold the water beneath her was. And it was possible that the fast-moving water in the river that connected to the lake created swirling undertows. "Easy babe, just take it slow and easy," Daniel murmured. As soon as she was close enough, he reached for her and swung her to the firm ground beside him.

Jack dropped a kiss on Sam’s lips "Okay, Colonel. Your turn."

Sam nodded. "See you on the other side."

"Right behind you," he grinned.

Following the example of her teammates, Sam didn’t touch the railing beside her. She walked carefully, trying to determine which board looked the strongest before taking a step. Missing boards didn’t give her a choice in several spots. The groaning of the old bridge was becoming louder. A fact that worried her. She began to move just a bit faster. Like Casey, the hole in the bridge sent her heart into her throat. She moved passed the gaping chasm as quickly as possible.

As soon as Sam was safely on the other side, Jack took a deep breath. "Here goes nothin’," he muttered. The boards beneath his feet groaned in objection as he took a step. Then another. The groaning was becoming one continuous moan now. That just can’t be good, he thought worriedly.

Jack was barely a third of the way across when the boards he’d just stepped on began to drop into the water. He glanced over his should. The bridge was beginning to shake. Deciding that he had one chance, and one chance only, he began to run, barely avoiding the hole that the others had managed to bypass. By now, the wooden planks were falling almost from beneath his feet.

"Jump!" Teal’c shouted.

Jack dove headfirst toward the bank, felt strong hands wrap around his arms and pull him to safety. He turned around just in time to seen the entire span drop into the water. He looked up into the pale faces of his teammates and grinned. "Now that’s what I call SG-1 good luck."

Relieved laughter bubbled up. Jack laid on his side for just a few moments, willing his heart to drop back into his chest and stop pounding like a jackhammer. "Okay, we made it," he said. "Radar, how far to that road?"

She looked around. "Oh, about this far," she replied, finding the paving stones she’d seen as she’d astral traveled above the path."

"Sweet!" Jack crowed. "Let’s get moving. We still have a long way to go."

Packs were readjusted on their backs. They grinned at one another. Then began to follow a road that had been built when humans were still living in trees.

General Hammond hurried to the control room, the walls splashed with red as the warning lights whirled. The sound of the klaxons split the air around him. "What have you got?" he asked Walter as soon as he was close enough.

"Waiting for an IDC," Walter replied.

"Do we have any teams due to check in right now?" the general inquired.

"No, sir," Walter said. "IDC coming through…it’s Bra’tac, sir."

Hammond couldn’t keep the grimace from showing on his face. If the leader of the Rebel Jaffa was coming here, and right now, then something was wrong. "Open the iris."

Walter manipulated the controls, and the iris spun open. "SGC clear," he announced, knowing that the Jaffa Master had a radio.

The general hurried to the ‘gate room, making his way through the squad of Marines who were kneeling on the floor, weapons aimed at the open Stargate.

A few seconds later, Bra’tac was standing at the top of the ramp, his expression one of determination. "Hammond of Texas, I request permission to enter your compound."

"Of course, Bra’tac. It’s nice to see you," Hammond said, smiling.

The old Jaffa hurried down the ramp. "I have information regarding SG-1," Bra’tac said immediately, not taking time for the pleasantries he’d learned to exchange with the Tau’ri.

Hammond’s eyes went wide, and fear made his heart begin to pound. "I see."

"There are at least a dozen rebel Jaffa on Ba’al’s ship." Bra’tac shook his head, and gave a sheepish smile. "On the clone Ba’al’s ship."

"We were aware there were rebels there, though I didn’t know there were so many," Hammond admitted.

Bra’tac nodded. "I have instructed them to make their escape as soon as possible. I also received a coded communication just an hour or so ago. One that is of grave importance."

"Let’s go to my office, shall we?" Hammond asked, gesturing with his arm as invitation for the Jaffa to join him.

Bra’tac remained silent until he was settled in the chair in front of the general’s desk. "First, about SG-1. They were able to escape Ba’al’s ship after he disengaged hyperdrive. He did not jump far. Which was a good thing for your people. They were able to steal a tel’tak and make their escape. One of the gliders that was able to follow them was piloted by a rebel. That Jaffa was able to see to it that the other pilot believed that the explosion of the tel’tak had indeed killed the Tau’ri."

General Hammond put both hands on his desk, closed his eyes, and breathed a sigh of relief. "That’s excellent news. This rebel pilot saw the team?"

The smile on Bra’tac’s face brought one to the general’s as well. "It is SG-1 of which we speak. Seeing them was not necessary to know that they had survived."

He couldn’t help but chuckle. SG-1’s reputation was well known in more places than just the SGC, Hammond thought. "I see."

"I also have the coordinates of that planet."

It was sheer military training that kept Hammond in his chair and looking calm. Inside, he was jumping up and down and shouting ‘Yee haw!’. He cleared his throat. "That is the best news you could give me, Bra’tac."

The old Jaffa nodded his understanding. "I wish I could leave you with just the good news. However, the rebel who contacted me just a bit ago also had disturbing news to share. It is one of the reasons I am having the Jaffa leave that ship."

It never failed. It seemed that good news was always followed by bad news. His sigh was heartfelt. "What did your rebel learn?"

"It seems that Ba’al…the real Ba’al…has been studying and experimenting with more than just perfecting the cloning process. He has also been attempting to create a time device," Bra’tac said, understanding the ‘bomb’ he’d just dropped on his ally. "The rebel was able to locate an unusual apparatus, hidden in a small wooden chest in Ba’al’s quarters on the ship where the clone is in control. He overheard two Goa’uld scientists reporting to the clone about their work, and the need for a large cavern. My Jaffa followed the two, and heard more of their conversation, including their desire to have the actual device, rather than just the description of it. One Goa’uld chided the other, saying that Ba’al believed the cursory examination he had allowed them, before securing it in his quarters, was all they needed to proceed," Bra’tac explained.

"Does your Jaffa have the device?" Hammond asked immediately.

"Indeed. He has hidden it among his personal gear. As he and his rebel brethren will be leaving the ship within the hour, there is no chance of loyal Jaffa nor Ba’al finding it," Bra’tac assured him.

"That’s reassuring," the general sighed. "You said there was another reason you wanted your rebels off that ship?"

Bra’tac grinned. "I believe that your teams have been successful in their attempts to start a war among the Goa’uld. I have no doubt that the real Ba’al is even now in search of the clone, and I don’t want any rebels caught in that battle. I’ve sent word to the rebels on the real Ba’al’s ship to evacuate as well."

Hammond grinned as well. "I’m hoping we’ll hear soon of other Goa’uld learning about what Ba’al has been doing."

"My rebels were able to ‘gossip’ in front of several minor Goa’uld who are serving Ba’al, although none of these Goa’uld are as loyal to him as he believes. It is only a matter of hours before one of them contacts a System Lord, looking for favors, and perhaps a bit of profit," Bra’tac gloated.

Mission accomplished. Hammond sent up a silent prayer of thanksgiving. Their plan had worked. If their luck continued, the Goa’uld would battle one another, which would weaken each of them. That would give the Tau’ri of Earth and their allies the chance to come in behind the Goa’uld and weaken them even farther. If they were extremely lucky, there would be a few dozen names to add to the ‘Dead Goa’uld Wall’.

Bra’tac rose to his fee. "There are two ships under the control of the clone Ba’al that my rebels will be able take control of easily. I must go now…I am taking one of our ships to meet those two."

"That’s great news, Bra’tac. I know the Rebel Jaffa will make good use of those ships. And thank you for the news about SG-1."

The Jaffa Master reached into the sleeve of his robe, and pulled out a small piece of paper. "This is the planet where SG-1 landed." Bra’tac lowered his eyes for a moment, then looked up and met Hammond’s gaze. "The news of the time device that Ba’al has…had…was too important to risk sending a message."

"I understand. What do you plan to do with the device?"

Once again Bra’tac grinned. "We will see how many pieces we can make of it, and then we will burn all the pieces."

General Hammond chuckled. "That sounds like a fine plan to me!"

The two leaders made their way back to the control room. Bra’tac looked up at Walter. "Can you dial the coordinates from which I came?"

"Yes, sir," Walter replied. "Dialing now."

The inner wheel of the Stargate began to spin. "Hammond of Texas, soon we shall celebrate our victory over the Goa’uld."

Not willing to jinx the work in progress, Hammond merely smiled and nodded.

The impressive ‘whoosh’ of the event horizon opening filled the room. "Until then, Hammond of Texas, be well," Bra’tac said.

"And you, Bra’tac," the general replied. He watched the Jaffa disappear into the swirling blue that filled the center of the ‘gate. Then hurried to the control room. He had the location of the planet where SG-1 was assumed to be. He could send the Odyssey and the Daedalus to pick them up. Given that the news about Ba’al and his clone was being spread, it was going to be dangerous for any Tau’ri ship to travel alone. Until word came that the Goa’uld were truly fighting one another, all of the ships would remain in orbit around Earth until the opportunity to knock Goa’uld down and out presented itself. "Walter, contact the Daedalus and the Odyssey. I have the coordinates for where SG-1 managed to get to."

"Crossing that bridge must have scared me more than I realized," Casey admitted. "My legs are still shaking."

"Mine, too," Sam said.

"My legs are shaking as well," Daniel added.

"I do not believe it is our legs," Teal’c said, standing perfectly still. "I believe we are experiencing an earthquake."

"That’s why that bridge started shaking and falling apart like it did," Jack declared. Lurched sideways when the ground beneath his feet began to roll. "Oh hell…hang on, campers!"

Knowing that they would be thrown to their knees if they remained standing, SG-1 carefully sat down on the shaking ground. The groaning of the trees around them was cause for concern…there was absolutely no where to go to avoid the giants. If any of them began to fall, it could be a disaster for the team.

"…eight…nine…ten…" Sam was counting softly.

The ground continued to shake and roll. Smaller trees were beginning to wave from side to side.

"…fifteen…sixteen…seventeen…eighteen…nineteen…" Sam continued to count the seconds.

The ground stopped moving.

"Twenty-two seconds," the colonel said, just a bit shakily. The longer the earthquake, the more damage was likely.

"Does anyone else hear that?" Jack asked, his head turned to one side.

"Sounds like trees falling," Daniel replied after a moment.

Eyes wide, faces pale, the team continued to listen to the disturbing sounds.

"Stopped now," Jack murmured.

"It didn’t sound close," Casey remarked, sighing with relief. "Maybe we’ll be lucky and it was just a couple of old trees somewhere very far away from our path."

"Even if it falls over the path, we’ll be able to climb over it," Daniel said.

"True," the seer admitted.

"Let’s move out. We’ll deal with whatever we find when we find it," Jack said, climbing to his feet. "Danny, don’t push yourself. If your knee starts bothering you, let us know."

It would do no good to point out that the swelling had gone down considerably when he’d dangled his leg in that cold lake water. Sam had wrapped it carefully, he had no doubt that his Immortality would have the healing process completed by nightfall. "Right," he sighed.

Wary of what they might find, the team began to move forward…toward the Stargate that would take them home.

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