AUTHOR: Demon Faith
EMAIL: rosabeth@hotmail.com
CATEGORY: Romance, Angst, Drama, Series
PAIRINGS: Sam/Daniel, Tealc/Janet,
Jack/Other
SPOILERS: Major for the rest of the Charlie
series, especially #7 and #8
SEASON/SEQUEL: The entire series is set
after Season 3, but not in Season 4. This story is set about 1
month after #9.
RATING: PG-13
CONTENT WARNINGS: Language, violence, injury
and implied mental torture
SUMMARY: Danielle is making her presence
felt, while the SGC attempts to control a leak to NID
DISCLAIMER: Anything that looks familiar
(i.e. SG1, SGC etc) belongs to Showtime/Viacom and MGM. Anything
that looks original (i.e. Charlie, Danielle etc) belongs to Demon
Faith. No money was made by the author, and please dont sue
her, cos she has no money!
AUTHORS NOTES: Changing Faces attempts
to capture the atmosphere of the terrible situation Charlie is
in, and because no one has any experience of this, including me,
dont blame me if it sounds a little
odd.
Some people have expressed concern over the
realism concerning Jack falling for Charlie: all I
can say is love knows no bounds.
So, enjoy #11, and look out for #12 in the
future!
DF/xx
(THIS IS THE PENULTIMATE STORY IN THE
CHARLIE UNIVERSE)
Stargate Command. The first line of defence
for Earth, though very few people were aware of it. And SG1 was
the best in the SGC. Quite surprising really, considering SG1
wasnt exactly your regular USAF team. Sure, it had
your typical Colonel in command and his 2IC was an Airforce
Major. But the other two members were
slightly unusual. Dr
Daniel Jackson, their rather accident-prone
archaeologist/anthropologist/linguist, who Jack thought was more
trouble then he was worth, and Tealc, an alien to Earth
with an even stranger alien housed in his stomach, which just
happened to be Earths deadliest enemy. Not your
run-of-the-mill team but the best, none the less. The very best.
Then came Charlie. Beautiful, intelligent
and spirited, she was soon entwined in SG1s lives. Weaving
a spell of mystery and intrigue, Charlie came through the bad
times to create the good times. The new legend of the SGC.
Charlie: The Girl to Save the Universe
Jack! Wheres the pineapple
gone?
Charlie moved slowly round the kitchen,
navigating her bump around awkward corners and doorframes. She
took another bite out of her raw potato, savouring the delicious
crunchy snack. Jack walked in, made a face at her and slipped his
hands around her waist.
Havent you had enough yet?
Thats the third batch of pineapple this week, and its
only Tuesday!
Charlie blushed, looked regretfully at the
potato and then took another bite out of it.
Well, you ate a tin yesterday,
she said, mouth full of potato.
Jack grinned, spinning her slowly round the
kitchen, laughing when she tried to make him stop.
No Jack! Youre making me
dizzy!
She started to laugh helplessly, as the
potato sailed out of her hand and straight into the bin. Then,
she slipped on pineapple juice, crashing straight to the floor.
Ouch
Jack knelt down beside her and she glared at
him. He just grinned and she took a swipe at him.
You are going to get me off the floor,
arent you? Im not giving birth in your kitchen!
Our kitchen. Yours too now.
And, if the kids gonna have an appetite like you, what
better place then the kitchen?
Youre not funny, Jack. Now, get
me up!
Jack lifted her into his arms and carried
her through to the living room, depositing her on the armchair;
legs looped over one chair-arm and head resting on the other.
Now, thats better. You gonna
join me or does the military call?
Jack frowned for a moment, trying to work
out what she meant. The General had given him a leave extension
until Danielle was born, because it had soon become clear that
Charlie was far too exhausted to do anything for herself. It had
been a month since the wedding; Danielle was now the size of a
32-week-old foetus, meaning she was still growing at twice the
normal rate. Which left about a month until she was born; not
much time at all.
Jack and Charlie were both secretly
harbouring their fears, putting on the brave face to keep the
other happy. The question of what will happen to Danielle, or
indeed Charlie, after the birth was at the forefront of
everyones mind, especially Jacks. He knew Harry
Maybourne still wanted to get his hands on them, and it
wouldnt take much persuasion to make it happen. Jack knew
how easily laws and ethics disappeared at the first sign of the
military. Its what Daniel still labelled
Jackism, though Jack liked to think himself beyond it
all, though he knew that was impossible. So many complications;
but that was his job.
So, do we have any more
pineapple?
Jack smiled, and moved into the kitchen,
searching for the stash of pineapple that he had carefully hidden
from Charlie. He took out a tin and a spoon and walked back into
the living room. He found Charlie leaning over as far as she
could, trying desperately to reach the remote and failing
miserably. She cursed at it, picked up a cushion and threw it at
the remote. The remote flew off the table and crashed into the
wall, spilling its batteries onto the floor. Charlie clapped her
hand on her head.
Oh, to hell with it!
And that was my favourite
remote
Charlie looked up and smiled wearily. Jack
sat down on the next chair and gave her the pineapple.
Thanks Jack. Sorry about the remote. I
just
got mad at it.
Dont worry about it. It was a
lousy remote anyway.
Charlie chuckled and began to eat the
pineapple, leaning into Jack as she did. He absently stroked her
hair, reaching out to steal a pineapple chunk.
Hey! Thats mine!
Charlie frowned at him, shouting, red-faced,
and Jack looked genuinely bewildered. Charlie sighed, lay back in
his arms and shook her head.
Sorry Jack, I dont know what
came over me. Im so, so sorry
Charlie stopped eating, put the tin down on
the table, and snuggled deeper into Jack. He picked up the other
remote and switched the television on. It had never been like
this with Sarah. They had just shouted blue murder at each other
for hours, stormed to different rooms and then later gave a
grudging apology. But then, Charlie wasnt Sarah and Jack
hoped it wouldnt turn out so badly for them.
Oh, Jack, no! Change the
channel!
Jack snapped out of his reverie and looked
up at his indignant wife and the offending television. Then, he
winced. The Great Pyramid of Giza? Oops
guess the History
Channels out then!
Wait! Leave it a minute!
Charlie strained to hear the droning voice
of the professor talk about the interior of the pyramid.
We are not sure why the Great
Pyramid is completely devoid of writings. There have been many
theories, the most absurd of which suggests that the pyramid was
built by aliens!
The man chuckled to himself and Charlie and
Jack bristled.
The young archaeologist was laughed
out of academia, but now we tell his story
Omigod Jack! Theyre talking
about Dad!
But Jack had already dialled the number,
holding the phone to his ear.
Sam? Put the television on the History
Channel right now! Theyre doing a biography of
Daniel!
Sams eyebrows hit the ceiling. She
picked up the remote and changed the channel.
Hey Sam! What are you doing? I was
watching that!
Look, you blind idiot!
Daniel squinted at the screen and his eyes
widened.
Oh hell
what brought this
up?
Sam jumped back onto the sofa, still
clutching the phone.
Thanks sir. Bye!
Sam dialled Janets number and got
Cassie.
Hey Aunt Sam. Whats up?
Cassie, put the television on the
History Channel and tell your mum to watch it.
Okay, Sam. Bye!
Cassie ran down the hallway and shouted to
Janet.
Mum! Put the TV on the History
Channel.
Cassie jumped onto Tealc, who was laid
out on the sofa, with Janet beside him. Janet sighed and switched
on the channel. Janet sat up and stared.
In Daniels house, Sam dropped the
remote.
Charlie gasped and her glasses slid off her
nose, while Jack tightened his grip on her arm.
It was Tealc who stated the obvious:
Janet Frasier, that is the
Stargate.
~
Jack rung through to Cheyenne immediately
and everyone was called to an emergency meeting.
What about Charlie, sir?
I want her here, Colonel. Can you
manage that?
Yeah sir, I can.
Charlie ejected the tape from the video
recorder and Jack frowned at her.
Didnt I tell you? I recorded the
whole program. I think the General might want to hear it.
Jack smiled proudly at Charlie, helped her
off the floor and supported her all the way to the car. They
drove quickly through Colorado Springs, neither speaking a word.
When they arrived at Cheyenne, Sam and Daniel were waiting at the
gate and Tealc and Janet pulled in behind them. Jack jumped
out of the car, dashed round the other side and got hold of
Charlie before she fell over.
Thank you, she whispered.
Jack grinned, and nodded to everyone else,
as the silent crowd disappeared into the secret mountain.
~
General Hammond waited anxiously. Jack had
called him with the news, and he wanted his best people around
him. And that meant SG1, leave or not. And, of course, the other
two people who now came with the package.
He had just had word of their arrival, and
was pacing the Briefing Room, desperate to hear the full story.
He needed facts, he needed opinions: he needed SG1.
Colonel ONeill: - smarter than
everyone seemed to think, full of wise cracks and one of the best
soldiers America had to offer.
Dr and Major Jackson: - two brilliant
scientists, always theorising, contemplating: possibly the most
intelligent people on the planet, and very much in love.
Tealc: - stoic, calm, unflappable
the mystery that was Tealc. Fountain of Goauld
knowledge and a good and honest man and soldier.
And that was SG1 the premier team of
the SGC. Making up two-thirds of the dejected crowd before him.
So, what have we got?
Jack helped Charlie into a chair, before
saluting and handing the General the tape.
This, sir, is what weve come
for.
The General called for a screen, as SG1 and
co settled round the table. Daniel was just pouring coffee when
the TV arrived. Sam put the tape in, and they sat back to watch.
No one knows what this artefact is,
but we do know that this was the proof Daniel Jackson was looking
for, the verification of his theories. Unfortunately, soon after
becoming involved with its study, the military reported him
dead and he was never heard of again. And that, my friends, is
the weird and wonderful story of Doctor Daniel Jackson.
Sam paused the video, and they were
left staring at Daniels face in the centre of the Stargate.
Sam cocked her head on one side and smiled.
You were kinda cute then.
Daniel glared at her, as everyone cracked a
smile. However, Charlie frowned.
Wait, Ive seen that picture
before. Yes, definitely before
Airman!
Graham Simmons came running to her side,
while everyone looked at her, completely puzzled.
My satellite laptop, a-sap.
Graham nodded, and returned a few minutes
later with her laptop. Charlie started it up, then, connected to
the Internet via Cheyennes satellite link. Jack stared over
her shoulder, as she called up Area 51s website. Typing in
Harrys password, she was soon on the user net. And before
her, was the photograph.
Its his personal homepage,
complete with backdrop of the Stargate. I knew Id seen it
before.
While Jack observed in silent awe, Daniel
was thinking ahead.
But, where are we gonna find him? And
we have no real proof: just a picture on his desktop. We
dont even know how he got it
Yes, we do. It was probably taken when
Airman Philips was here. Its just a question of finding the
source of the picture. Then, we can find out the real leak. But,
first, we need Harry.
Charlies voice had gone hard, cold,
dead, unfeeling. There was steel in her tone: that sent a clear
message to everyone present. Sam broke the uneasy silence.
Sir, do you want us to go after
him?
The General looked at the expectant faces
around the table, all looking to him for guidance. Sam was
uneasy, Daniel was feeling humiliated, Tealc was subtly
glaring, Janet was anticipating danger, and Jack and
Charlie
you didnt want to cross. Their faces were like
thunder, with almost identical expressions of hatred and anger.
And they used to be the concealers, hiding their emotions from
the world, extra guarded and afraid. Now, they were so open; it
was a miraculous transformation.
Yes, you can go. However, only
Tealc and Dr and Major Jackson. I dont think Jack and
Charlie should
We understand, sir. I dont think
Id be much use anyway. But Jack could
No way in hell.
The General smiled.
Fine then, its settled.
Youre off to see the Wizard.
~
So, whats the plan?
They all headed for their various cars, Jack
guiding Charlie to her seat.
We head out in a few days. The
Generals looking up some contacts. Daniel and I were
planning a get-together for tonight; you up for it?
Janet and Tealc nodded but Jack looked
hesitantly at Charlie.
Jackll be there, have no fear!
See ya!
Sam smiled, got in the car and Daniel drove
off, followed closely by Janet. Jack got in beside Charlie and
started the engine.
What do you mean Jackll be
there? What about you?
Im not going anywhere. You need
a night off: you dont have to worry about me.
Jack shot her a yeah, in hell
look and then concentrated on driving.
Charlie sat back and sighed. When was Jack
going to realise she wasnt a child? She had turned
seventeen last month: and she had handled herself a long way
before that.
She had taken up a gun at the age where he
was probably still kicking a football around the backyard. And
yet, he insisted on protecting her, trying to impose on her. She
knew how to take care of herself; there had been no other choice.
Handle it or die: the one rule of survival in war. She had chosen
to live.
And to do that she had done some pretty
loathsome things, things still whispered about in the back alleys
and military offices of North India. She lived by fear; the only
way to overcome it was to invoke it. Which is exactly what she
did.
Emotion is a curse: hide it all away.
Tears are often shed; but not from your eyes. A philosophy
to live by: Sinayas philosophy.
And now, Jack wanted to save her, protect
her childlike innocence. Innocence? I lost my innocence before
Apophis even got his filthy hands on me. For innocence is lost in
many ways, some more frightening than others
Charlie shook off the painful memories, and
opened her eyes. Jack was looking across at her in concern, and
she realised they were outside his house. Correction: our
house. Charlie still couldnt get used to that. Jack got
out of the car, and offered her his hand. She accepted gratefully
and stumbled into him. He held her for a moment, smoothing back
her short hair.
This is kinda nice.
Charlie smiled, pulled away and motioned to
the door.
And we can continue it without the
neighbours spying on us
Jack chuckled and helped into the house,
guiding her to the sofa. She sat down heavily and leaned back
against the pillows.
Jack? Dont spose you
could
Black, no sugar.
Charlie smiled. Jack saluted her, grinned
and went off into the kitchen. He couldnt believe how lucky
he was. Charlie, young vibrant Charlie, had chosen him to
be her husband, to love for all eternity. Just thinking about it
brought tears to his eyes. What had he done to deserve it? What
value was there to his life? He wasnt a proud man; there
were many things he had done under orders, on some military whim,
some mistake to be cleared up. Life had been one big game; then,
Charlie had died. The event that had destroyed his marriage, made
him suicidal, and eventually, brought him to the Stargate and the
saving grace of one Doctor Daniel Jackson. The person that had
restored his faith in humanity, and, though he couldnt work
out why, apparently Charlies as well.
Jack sighed, and stirred the coffee and
dumped some sugar in it. He made up his and then carried the two
through to the living room.
There you go, one coffee courtesy of
Kenco.
And one handsome looking waiter to go
with it?
Jack bowed to her and sat beside her on the
couch, stretching his legs to slide beneath her. She leaned back
onto him, staring up at the swirling patterns in the ceiling.
Are you ever afraid, Jack?
Yknow, really afraid?
Jack absently began to stroke her hair,
while his other hand slid onto her stomach, and hers settled on
top.
Everyones afraid of something,
Chaz. Im scared of losin people: You, Danny, Carter,
Tealc, Janet and Cassie hey, even old Gen Hammond!
Youre all too precious to lose.
Yeah, that can be scary. Dads
fraid of heights: Im not too bothered about them.
But, really, I guess Im afraid of fear. Fear traps you,
confines you, limits you and overwhelms you. I cant afford
that: none of us can. Not with what we do.
Jack stopped his ministrations for a moment
and just held her tightly, and Charlie leaned into his warm
embrace.
I know, Chaz, I know.
~
Okay, we have two alternatives:
Government operation or The Matrix?
Sam laughed and threw the dishcloth at him.
Briefing first. Then, we can watch the
movie. Honestly, Daniel, cant you ever be serious?
Serious? I thought that was your
job!
Sam sighed and went to pick up her
dishcloth, which hadnt quite made it. She bent over and
then realised her mistake. Daniel grabbed her from behind and
swung her into his arms.
Gotcha!
She placed her arms around his neck, and
they looked at each other for a minute.
We are really getting too old for
this.
Sam kissed him on the cheek and then
frowned.
Us? Old? Heck, thats
scary.
Daniel nodded and walked out into the living
room. He crossed it quickly and then stood on the balcony.
Great view, isnt it?
Sam nodded and kicked her legs a bit.
Shouldnt we be doing something?
Like working? Or cooking?
Yeah, we probably should.
The doorbell rung, and they both sighed.
Daniel swung Sam to the ground and then hastily wiped the
lipstick off his cheek. Sam ran to answer the door, smiling at
the visitors.
Hey Aunt Sam!
Cassie ran in and hugged her, while Sam
nodded to Janet and Tealc.
Hey guys. Come in!
They smiled and Janet handed a bottle of
wine to Daniel.
Isnt Jack here yet?
Sam shook her head, and then indicated the
phone.
Actually, Im expecting him to
call any minute. Unless Chaz can talk him out of it.
Janet gave a knowing smile and settled on
the sofa, between Tealc and Daniel.
Hes really changed, hasnt
he? Since the whole thing with Apophis, hes just become a
different man.
Yeah. I think hes scared of
losing her, especially to the Goauld.
Daniel smiled sadly as he said that, and
leaned back into the sofa. This was their usual conversation
topic of late, and it became very depressing after a while.
Well, he shouldnt be, Sam
called from the kitchen, Chaz can take care of
herself.
Then, the phone started to ring shrilly and
Daniel moved to answer it. Sam slapped his hand away and picked
it up.
Hello?
Mum, hey.
Charlie glanced across at Jack, who was
looking disapprovingly at her.
Hey! Whats up? Is Jack still
coming?
Sam put her hand over the receiver.
Its Charlie.
Daniel nodded, and Janet leaned over to him.
Charlie? Whys she calling?
Who knows.
Listen Mum, Jacks refusing to
come. Youve got to talk him into it.
Jack had had enough. He swiped the phone out
of Charlies hand.
Sam? I cant make it.
Oh, really? Are you sure? Charlie
sounds fine. Actually, why doesnt she come as well?
Oh, I dont know. Ask her
yourself.
Jack dropped the phone back into
Charlies palm and she gave him a sarcastic smile.
Thank you, Jack.
Charlie put the phone to her ear, to meet
Sams argument.
Why cant you come, Chaz? We all
want you to.
Everyone on Sams side of the phone was
getting very confused. Who was Sam talking to: Jack or Charlie?
It sounded like both!
Mum, I cant. I really dont
feel up to it.
But you must! Come on, Charlie, it
wont hurt!
Mum, no. However, expect Jack in
twenty minutes.
Jack? I thought he wasnt
coming.
Well, he is now. Bye Mum.
Charlie put the phone down and turned to
Jack with a smile.
Youre going and thats
final. No buts, no excuses: youre going!
~
Almost exactly twenty minutes later, there
was a knock at the door. Daniel rose to answer it.
Jack! Come in!
Jack smiled and came in, handing Sam a box
of chocolates. Cassie ran to meet him and he swung her into his
arms.
Hey trouble! How are you?
Fine, Uncle Jack. Wheres Aunt
Charlie?
Jack put Cassie down and sat in one of the
chairs.
She couldnt make it, honey.
Shes not feeling well.
Cassie mouthed a silent o and
went to sit on Tealcs lap, where she had been perched
all evening, listening to the adults interesting
conversation.
So, how are you going to play
this?
It was then Janet realised Cassie was still
there.
Cass, darling, why dont you go
and play with Uncle Daniels Egyptian game?
Cassie knew when to make herself scarce. She
dived out of the room, but kept one ear to the door.
Were still trying to access the
rest of NID, but no luck yet. Yknow, the girl we
need
No, Charlie is not getting involved in
this
Too bad, she already is. Right now,
shes accessing NID. Didnt you wonder why she was so
eager to get rid of you?
Jack pursed his lips. Hed been had.
Suddenly, the phone rang and Sam picked it up.
Charlie! Whatve you got?
Well, if youre interested in the
wanted list, were all on it. As for Maybourne,
you are not going to believe this. Hes been working at the
White House!
Sam gasped, and quickly relayed it all to
her friends, who were just as shocked.
And, thats not all. Hes
currently working at NID New York, looking for a place in
NORAD!
Where hell be right on top of
us. Quite literally. Thanks Charlie: youve been
brilliant.
Any time. Just send Jack back when you
feel like it.
Charlie put the phone down, and made her way
slowly across the room to the couch. She switched on the
television.
Charlie soon got bored of it, flicking
through endless channels of rubbish quiz shows and cheesy TV
presenters. She struggled to her feet and made her way to the
kitchen. She reached out for a tin of pineapple but her hand
stopped in front of her, shaking beyond her control. Her hand
lowered to her side, where it stayed.
Damn you, child, stop it right now. I
need that food!
(((Sure you do. No, I wont let you.
Im in control now and theres nothing you can do about
it.)))
Charlie flared, angry, staring at the vile
bump.
Right, thats it. Ive had
enough of you, you despicable, disgusting child; you represent
everything Ive grown to hate. I never wanted you, I never
asked for you; you just appeared: evil, domineering, just like
your bloody father!
Charlie realised her mistake, the moment
it was over. A sharp pain shot up her spine, back arching,
bringing more pain. She thudded slowly to her knees, stretched
her arms out to break her fall, and fell onto her side, groaning
in pain. Just before her eyes drifted shut, she said the only
thought that came to mind.
Damn you to hell, bitch.
~
Once they were all clear on the plans, they
settled down to dinner.
Wow, Sam, your cooking is
better!
Sam blushed and Daniel smiled, laying his
hand on top of hers.
Well, we got bored of take-out.
They all laughed, able to relax for blissful
minutes, to forget they had the most dangerous job on the planet,
and to just be human.
After dinner, Daniel moved to put the video
in, but Jack excused himself.
Ive gotta go, Im afraid.
Chaz will be worried.
Okay then, see ya when we see
ya!
Yeah. Good luck!
Just as he moved towards the door, Janet
stood up.
Jack? I could come over now, to do
Charlies check-up. Its overdue, as it is.
Jack nodded and smiled, and they made their
way to his car.
~
You planned this?
No, I just had my equipment with
me
And the ultrasound?
Janet was caught. She held up her hands in
surrender.
Okay, youve got me. I thought it
would be a good idea.
And it was; so, thank you.
Jack turned the key in the lock and opened
the door.
Charlie? Where are you?
Jack wandered into the house, slightly
puzzled. He went towards the stairs, and then noticed the kitchen
door slightly ajar. He opened it and cursed.
Janet! Get in here!
The doctor ran through and gasped. Charlie
was laid out on the floor, face twisted into a grimace. Jack
checked her pulse, and turned his eyes heavenward in silent
thanks.
Shes alive. Do you
think
The sooner she gives birth, the
better.
Jack nodded, and gently lifted her into his
arms. He hurried through to their bedroom and laid her on the
bed.
What do you think happened?
Janet shook her head, checking
Charlies vitals.
Temperatures a little up, blood
pressures normal: Ill give her a stimulant.
Jack nodded, and Janet gave her the hypo.
Charlies eyes moved rapidly under her eyelids, before
opening to the bright light of Janets torch.
Oh hell
she murmured.
Jack squeezed her hand tightly, shooting
worried glances at Janet, who was setting up the ultrasound.
How are you feeling, Charlie? What
happened?
Charlie was still a little disorientated,
but once she was satisfied this wasnt the infirmary, she
began to answer.
Um, Ive felt better, Ive
felt worse. On a scale on one to ten, this is
probably
Charlie gasped, as pain shot through her
back.
eleven
Jack was getting worried. Danielle was only
a child, for goodness sake! How could she have so much influence,
so much power? Harseisus she may be, but this
Okay, Charlie, where does it
hurt?
My
back
spine
Janet
help
she managed to stutter.
Janet gently rolled her onto her side,
pulling up her loose t-shirt to see the skin beneath. And what
she saw appalled her.
She was a military doctor, she had seen the
battle scars of soldiers, but what Charlie had was enough to
rival Jack. Dozens of thin white scars crossed her back, which
could only be caused by leather whips; jagged scars that spoke of
sharp knives and several badly healed bullet wounds.
But, that she had seen before. Charlie was
always in and out of her infirmary, these scars were nothing
knew. Except to Jack.
Charlie, what the hell are
these?
Drop it, Jack. Ill tell you
later, she said in a strained whisper.
What had shocked Janet this time was no
ordinary injury: the end of her spine was slightly raised out of
her back, and there was discolouring and inflammation. It was
if
something was pushing it out.
Charlie, tell me when it hurts.
Janet probed the lump gently, and elicited a
sharp oath from Charlie.
What the hell did you just do?
Janet knew she could keep no secrets from
them.
Charlie, I think Danielle has done
something to your spine.
That would be my guess, actually. She
can completely control all my motor functions: the only way to do
that would be through my spine. But, how?
Janet nodded at her explanation: it made
sense. Jack was still trying to drink it in.
The kid did all this? It hasnt
even been born
Some are born great, some
achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon
them
Charlie, now really isnt the
time for Shakespeare.
Janet switched on the ultrasound. She moved
the hand device gently over the lubricated area, and then
observed the images.
Oh hell on earth
She could see a large network of blood
vessels penetrating the spine and connecting to the spinal
cord. And the maze centred on Danielles head.
That isnt good, is it?
Janet observed the childs movements:
very controlled and reserved. This was no innocent; this was
someone completely in control. Janet studied the network of blood
vessels, and then realised they werent blood vessels at
all. They were complex nerves, linking Danielles brain to
Charlies spine. And Janet could swear there was some kind
of reinforcement around them, possibly Naquadah
they were
dealing with a parasite. Janet grimaced at her own definition.
Janet? Tell us whats
wrong.
Janet turned to the two anxious faces, and
knew she had to tell them. Charlies life could be in grave
danger.
It appears Danielle has grown a link
to your spine. From the positioning, Id say she has mental
control over your entire body.
Charlie swallowed, and her breath caught.
She couldnt breathe!
(((Your doctors right. Look what I can
do!)))
Charlie clasped her hand around her chest,
and Janet quickly turned to her.
Charlie?
(((Marvel at the power of the
Goauld!)))
The childs voice was echoing in her
mind, as black sparkles dotted across her vision.
Stop this! Im dying
(((I will not kill you. If you worship me as
your Goddess
)))
Charlies eyes widened, and Janet knew
something was seriously wrong. She couldnt see
Charlies chest moving.
Janet! Whats happening to
her? Jack shouted at her, pleading.
She cant breathe, Jack.
Charlie knew she hadnt got much time
now. In a few seconds, she would be dead. She could deal with it,
but what about Jack?
Youre a Goddess. I will worship
you.
(((Beautiful!)))
Danielle released her. Charlie drew in her
breath sharply, drawing deep, quick breaths to try and level out
her oxygen supply.
Oh hell, Janet. She almost killed
me
Jack supported her, arms around her
shoulders. Why was this happening? His beautiful Charlie,
helpless to the Goauld. It tore him apart.
Charlie, Im worried about the
total control Danielle seems to have over you. I want you to stay
in the infirmary until shes born
No way, Janet! She is not staying
there for a month!
Jack, you have to think of whats
best for her!
And I am HERE!
Charlies shout abruptly stopped the
bickering.
Jack, Janet is only trying to think of
me. Janet, Jack just wants to be with me. I dont mind; but
I would prefer to be here. Danielle was just exchanging
pleasantries: it wont happen again.
Exchanging pleasantries? She made it
sound so innocent. But there was nothing innocent and infantile
about Danielle.
Can you guarantee it? whispered
Janet.
No I cant, said Charlie,
equally quiet in her response.
They sat in silence for a moment; the truths
spoken in whispers crashing them back to earth faster than the
SGCs klaxons ever could.
Okay, Ill provide equipment
here. The infirmary isnt really suited to permanent
residents anyway.
Charlie smiled thankfully, but Jack was
still glaring daggers at Janet. The doctor swallowed nervously,
before backing towards the door.
Okay, Ill get Daniel and
Tealc to help me bring some stuff over.
Janet left, and Jack just sat there with
Charlie for a moment.
Jack, Im going to get some
sleep.
He nodded, kissed her lightly on the
forehead and left the room. Charlie settled into the soft bed,
and her eyes drifted shut.
(((I can control your nightmares, Charlie.
You cant escape me
)))
~
Okay, are we ready?
Sam grabbed her suitcase and looked around
for Daniel. Tealc had just arrived, looking a little
strange in shorts, t-shirt and a straw hat.
Is this correct, Major Jackson?
ONeill instructed me in this attire.
Yeah, well, Jack has a twisted sense
of humour, she murmured.
Aloud, she said, Great, Tealc.
And, please, call me Sam.
Very well
Sam. What is Daniel
Jackson wearing?
Just Daniel, Tealc, said
Sam, as she turned and gasped.
What do you think?
Daniel was wearing dark blue jeans, a tight,
white t-shirt and a soft leather jacket. Sam eyed up the blushing
archaeologist, before grinning.
I like it. Its
very
sexy.
Daniel blushed again, and Sam smiled.