Chapter Text
"Unscheduled wormhole activation." Hammond strode to Sgt. Harriman's computer screen and looked for the expected code.
Harriman looked up at Hammond, puzzled. "It's SG-1, sir."
Hammond took a deep breath and nodded. "Open the iris, Sergeant." He left Harriman to his duties and moved to the Gate room to meet his flagship team.
Said team strode down the ramp, still dressed their best: Jack O'Neill and Samantha Carter in Class A uniforms, Daniel Jackson and Teal'c both wearing suits. All wore similar dark expressions that Hammond both expected and dreaded.
"SG-1. You haven't been gone long," Hammond stated.
"Didn't need to stay long, General. We came, we saw, we left with a lovely parting gift." Colonel O'Neill waved a small rectangular device in his hand before handing it over to the General. It did not escape Hammond's notice how cold Jack's expression was as he did it. The rest of SG-1 looked no better. Major Carter's eyes were wide as they darted from Hammond to O'Neill, and she was biting the inside of her cheek. Dr. Jackson's face was flushed, his brow furrowed. Teal'c was as stoic as ever, but Hammond wondered if he was imagining the Jaffa standing stiffer than was usual.
Jack continued speaking before Hammond could say more. "If you'll excuse us, General, I'd prefer to change before debriefing."
Hammond once again took in O'Neill's class A uniform and his black expression. He took a deep breath and nodded. "Understood, Colonel. Change and get medical clearance, then report to the conference room for debrief."
O'Neill nodded curtly and practically stormed out of the Gate Room, his team stiffly following in his wake.
SG-1 moved quickly down the corridors. O'Neill was outpacing his team, but not by much, and they all met up outside the elevator.
Daniel kept his voice low, checking for passersby before speaking. "Jack, what is this?"
"Just what it looks like, Daniel." O'Neill purposefully spoke loudly and shot him a glare, but none of the team were cowed by it. The elevator doors opened, and they all piled inside.
"Sir, you stole technology from an ally."
"Not much of an ally are they, Carter? It's all 'don't call us, we'll call you. Thanks for saving our planet, but our toys are just too advanced for you. Wouldn't want you "destroying yourselves",' and even your buddy Narim says the same." Jack gestured with his hands to emphasize his point. "Are these elevators running slower?" he muttered.
As if in answer, the elevators pinged open, and they exited.
"But sir, those actions could be grounds for court martial. You could..." she blinked, "we...could be dishonorably discharged, even imprisoned. But all of that is beside the point. These actions go against every principle you have led this team with for three years!"
Jack spun on his heel, stopping Carter short. He leaned forward taking full advantage of the few inches he had over her. "You are taking liberties, Major. Need I remind you that insubordination is also a court martialable offense?"
"Sir." Carter's voice trembled, uncertain how to respond. Before she knew it, O'Neill had stormed further down the hall. Daniel and Teal'c, also in shock at their teammate's behavior, hovered near her protectively before all three followed. By the time they caught up with the Colonel, he was at the door to the locker room. Jack already had his coat unbuttoned and was loosening his tie. His jaw set, he sneered at her, "Men's room only, Carter."
Years of training kicked into gear. "Yes, sir. Permission to be dismissed, sir." If O'Neill noticed the insubordinate tone of her response, he didn't mention it, merely waved her away. Daniel and Teal'c were right on his heels as they entered the empty locker room.
"You may be able to shut Sam up with military protocol, Jack, but Teal'c and I aren't that easy." Daniel was trembling with fury by this time. "What the hell was all that?"
Jack opened the door to his locker, carefully tucking his uniform jacket and tie inside before beginning to unbutton his shirt. "All of what, Daniel?" O'Neill's voice was mild, almost calm.
Daniel spluttered. "Wh-what? You just chewed Sam's head off out there in the hallway, not to mention STEALING from the Tollans. You don't think there'll be repercussions from this?"
Jack spun around, his head cocked to one side as if considering something. "What, you think those all too superior Tollans will pull their heads out of their asses and attack us for stealing their toys?"
Daniel blinked, bewildered. "Attack? N-no. The Tollans don't use force except as a last resort. It's not their way."
"Right. 'Not their way.' Not their way to stop the Goa'uld, even though they can. They even have to have a 'trial' to protect the snake's rights. The goddamn snake's rights, Daniel!"
Daniel appeared shaken, but gamely regained his footing in the argument. "Not their way to use force as their first option, only as their last and only as defense. You know that as well as I do. And those weren't the repercussions I meant. Sam was right, you didn't just break Tollan law when you did this, you broke our laws. I-we... Jack, what were you thinking?"
"Indeed, your actions are out of character, O'Neill. Major Carter was correct. You have violated your uniform code of military conduct."
O'Neill rolled his eyes. "We've got to find you better reading material, Teal'c." He grabbed his BDUs and tried to ignore Daniel's glower for as long as possible. Sitting down and untying his shoes, he muttered to the floor, "If it makes you feel better, Daniel, I plan to tell Hammond exactly what happened. You won't take the fall."
"What?!? No. That's not what I mean at all." Daniel sat on the bench from the opposite side. His anger evaporated. "Jack, we just want to understand what's going on. Something's not right. We're worried about you."
Jack stood, changing his pants. He gave Daniel a sardonic grin. "Don't worry about me, Daniel. I'm a big boy." The smile disappeared. "One who's tired of getting a pat on the head when the Goa'uld are knocking at our doorstep." He finished buttoning his pants and slipped into his black t-shirt. Grabbing the overshirt, he started heading to the door. "Better hurry up, boys. Don't want ol'Doc Fraiser thinking you've been taken over by aliens...Junior excepted, Teal'c."
He left the door swinging as Daniel and Teal'c looked at each other in bewilderment.
"Do you think O'Neill has been infected with an alien presence, Daniel Jackson?"
Daniel merely shook his head as he pulled his tie free of his collar. "I don't know what to think, Teal'c. Not at all."