| Part 5:
“Uh, Jack…” You hear Daniel calling, how annoying, especially since the ache in your leg has not diminished.
“You’re right. The Tok’ra won’t tell you. But they did tell me.”
It can’t be. They wouldn’t let him leave. You turn around, knowing what you’ll see. Yep. That’s it. “Hebron of Paraval.” He’s holding a Zat gun, trained on your friends and the indigenous people of the planet.
“Actually, Tanith. But, essentially correct.”
“What do you want?”
“That.” He points to the ozone-layer box.
“What? Moving to a planet known for deadly suntans?” You hold back the wince of pain creeping toward your face. Anything to ease the ache would be greatly appreciated. You feel a pressure against your arm, then a sudden harsh stop, and you realize you’ve been shoved to the ground, a Zat blast barely missing your chest. A quick glance across the room assures you Carter is okay. You owe her a big one for this.
“Good, I have your attention. Now, Colonel O’Neill,” he props the Zat gun under your chin, lifting your face to look into his. “I will be leaving with that device and no one will stop me or,” he fires the Zat gun at one of the local men, “Do I make myself clear?”
There is nothing you can do with your leg the way it is. You hope one of your comrades takes some initiative. Just as this thought crosses your mind, you hear a thud and a clatter. It’s right there. The Zat is two inches from your outstretched fingers. Reach, reach, use those long fingers of yours. You freeze; Tanith moved and might have brought friends he could summon at any time.
A smile creeps over your lips as you watch Carter clock Tanith in the groin with the butt of her weapon. She’s 2 – for – 2 against Tanith, just today. “Colonel, you all right?” she calls over her shoulder, not even considering taking her eyes off Tanith.
“Yeah, I’ll live.” You are sure there ought to be an easier way to solve some of these problems, but nothing is coming to mind. As you push yourself to your unsteady feet, you hear Daniel working damage-control at the entrance. Good, he’s got that covered and you can focus on Tanith and that crazy ozone box. “Carter, that thing work?”
“It does now, sir.”
“So, we can leave?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Great. Tie him up and give him to Teal’c. We’re taking him with us.”
“To Earth, sir?” Carter looks concerned as she restrains Tanith, who is snarling at her.
“You have a better idea? We’ll take him back and hand him over to the Tok’ra, in exchange for something useful. I’m sure they already know we’re on our way back.” You feel no need to wait for a response and turn and walk away, slowly, the only way you can. A pause to speak with the leader of these people, he thanks you for your help and apologizes for injuring you. Daniel has mended any potential riffs and the trek back to the Stargate is uneventful.
Continued yet one more time... |