Rain, Hail or Shine

The terrain of world the Stargate had opened to was a large, flat field; small blue-green bushes dotted the tall, yellow grasses. A wide river meandered its way around the Stargate and the dark smudge on the horizon brought the promise of rain. As the team stepped through, the wind began to pick up sending gold ripples along the plain.

Of the five, only Alexander Emerson did not belong to SG-1. He was a civilian botanist assigned to this mission because they believed they had found a plant cure for the AIDS virus. He was surprised when the USAF had approached him and offered to include him on a top-secret mission. He was adamantly curious and decided to take the job on a whim as it had paid him fairly well. What he did not expect was to be transported halfway across the galaxy, through an alien device to study a plant. This by far was the most exotic project he had joined and he hoped he wasn't dreaming.

He had met Colonel O'Neill, Major Carter, Dr Jackson and Teal'c only two hours before and had been informed by Dr Fraiser that SG-1 were the unknown heroes of Earth. They were a close knit team that had faced more trouble than all of the other eleven teams put together. Apparently they had a hefty price on their heads and all of them had died, or had been close to death at least once. Together along with the SGC they had saved Earth and other planets from invasion by the Goa'uld. He had immediately liked Dr Jackson and Major Carter when he met them in the lab when Dr Fraiser was bringing him to the debriefing room. Both of them had stayed up the whole night studying the plant. He was unsure about his reaction to O'Neill and the Jaffa, Teal'c. It was not like he disliked them, he found O'Neill very funny and Teal'c impressive, if not intimidating. Still he had the feeling that O'Neill felt very uncomfortable around him.

"This is different," said the Colonel, as he adjusted his sunnies. "Not a pine tree in sight." He turned towards the three scientist that had followed him.

After scanning the surrounding area Teal'c added, "There are no hostiles in sight O'Neill."

"Good. C'mon kids, get your samples, make your sandcastles, prune your plants, do...whatever. Teal'c and I will stand guard here, in case any baddies show. We'll only be here for five hours, so stay close and play nice." He stopped and added on a second note. "Emerson, stay close to Carter and Daniel."

As they moved forward, Dr Emerson turned toward Major Carter, "Sam, you mentioned to me that you've been here before."

"Yeah, about three or four days ago. The MALP indicated livable conditions, lots of oxygen, clean water and no signs of any locals. General Hammond was considering setting up a mining camp because of the high traces of naquadah in the soil. Why?"

"What was the weather like then?"

"Umm...temperatures of about 43° Fahrenheit, moderate cloud cover, light breeze. It was like a normal autumn day. We only stayed long enough to collect some soil and plant samples."

Looking around he touched her shoulder and pointed towards a rock formation. "I think I know why there are no signs of civilisation around here. I was looking at the tapes the MALP had sent back on the previous mission and I noticed something on the rocks."

Following to where he was pointing Dr Jackson began examining the rocks, he took off his hat and peered closer, "Sam, are those watermarks?" pointing to a line on the rock about one and a half metres high.

Sam bent down to take a better look. "Yep, those are watermarks all right and it's pretty new." She asked Alex "Do you think this plain is flooded every year?"

He nodded his head. "See the plants, none of them seem very old even though the soil is very rich. I think it happens every two years or so drowning the plants, once the flood waters recede the plants just start to growing again."

"So what do we do? I mean if it's flooded on a regular basis I don't think it would be a good site for a permanent mine." Daniel stood up and dusted the knees of his pants.

Sam shrugged "We do what we came here to do. If this plant works out Dr Emerson and I can start looking a plant on Earth that could produce similar results. To do that we need more plant and soil samples."

"Wait, I'm confused. Why would we need to look for a similar plant on Earth if this is the miracle plant right here?" asked Emerson.

"Remember the SGC is a secret, we can't tell the world where we got this plant so..."

"We need a substitute, I get it." He ran his fingers through his hair as he contemplated a thought. "You think they would let us bring a live plant through the gate?"

"I'm not sure, there are lots of things to consider. It could contain new diseases, pests, a whole list of things." She turned back towards the Stargate and looked at the probe. "We could always ask."

The three quickly agreed and headed back to the Stargate where Jack and Teal'c were pacing up and down the stone platform. As Sam was explaining to Alex how to dial home and use the probe, Daniel went up and talked to Jack.

"Well, I thought you would have taken your time. If you're done maybe we could go back home and catch the Cubs game."

"Oh, were not done. Sam and Alex just needed to ask Janet something."

"So, what have you gotten so far?"

"Nothing much, Alex seems to think that this plain gets flooded every now and then, that might explain why there are no signs of civilisation. Either they were never here or it was all washed away. The mine's probably a no go. He's asking if we can take a live plant back. You know, to study."

"Alex? On first name basis already?"

"Jack..." Daniel said in a warning tone, he knew how much his friend disliked scientists; they often confused and was frustrated him when he couldn't understand what was going on. Hell Jack didn't even like Sam or him when they first met. "Intimidated by his intelligence already?" Daniel laughed, "C'mon, he's not that bad."

"Not yet."

"So you don't like him? He likes you."

"No, it's not that. I like him, or I could get to like him. It's just...just..."

"Just..."

"I'm wondering if he talks to his plants."

"Jack, that's not what you're thinking."

"Oh, all right. I'm wondering if Hammond is thinking of adding him to SG-1."

"What's wrong with that?"

"I'll be surrounded by scientists then, you'll all be talking in your big words, the only other person besides me who wouldn't understand would be Teal'c and he's not much of a big talker."

Daniel was surprised at O'Neill's words, he could see that Jack was really bothered by this. He didn't know how to react to this so he tried to make light of it. "He doesn't even use big words, anyway I try to stay away from plants as much as possible. Chances are I wouldn't know what he's talking about."

"Good point."

"What makes you think that Hammond's gonna make him part of SG-1?"

"It's a possibility."

"I don't think so. What would we need a botanist for? He'd be more useful at the base."

Carter and Emerson interrupted their conversation; they had contacted Fraiser and Hammond and started heading back towards where they had left all their tools.

"Carter, what did Hammond say?"

"Sir, he is allowing us to take a plant back."

Teal'c was suddenly ran towards the rest of his team. He pointed to the sky and as he made to say something there was a low rumble. The rain clouds that were earlier on the horizon had made their way above them. They were dark and cast a shadow over the plain.

"O'Neill, the rain will come soon."

"OK, lets move out. Daniel start dialling."

"Sir" protested Carter "We need to get the samples."

"For cryin' out loud forget the plants."

"That's what we came here for sir, the samples. Otherwise this whole mission would be a waste of time.

'It already is,' Jack thought. It took him another second before up his mind, he turned to Teal'c "We'll make it quick, stay here and be ready to dial. Go ahead if it starts to rain." As Teal'c nodded he turned to Carter and Alex. "C'mon, lets get going. It'll go quicker with the four of us go."

They quickly walked back to the rock formation. There, Daniel and Jack began to collecting the soil samples while Carter and Emerson dug up three plants. As they were doing so it began to rain.

"Oh, shit. This is just great." Jack exclaimed, as the rain became a downpour.

"I think this is the start of the flood season." Daniel yelled over the sound of the falling water.

They were packing up when the rain turned to hail.

"Head back now!" Yelled O'Neill, all of them grabbed the samples and started running for the gate. Teal'c had already dialled out and was waiting for them to reach the gate. He ran forward to help O'Neill who was bringing up the rear. After Emerson, Carter and Daniel had dashed through the size of the hail had increased. Teal'c and Jack were being bombarded by golf-sized balls of ice. One of them hit O'Neill on the head, causing him to black out, but Teal'c pulled him through.

For the few seconds where they were in the wormhole the noise of the hail was silenced by the sound of stars rushing by them. When they came out the other end the iris closed behind them and all they could hear was the racket caused by the ice hitting the titanium-trinium steel. The ramp was covered in melting ice as the nurses rushed forward and hoisted Jack onto a stretcher and taken to the infirmary. Teal'c walked down to the bottom of the ramp where three SF took his staff weapon and the samples that O'Neill had carried. The rest of the team stood with General Hammond watching Jack's exit before they were told to change out of their wet clothing before going to the infirmary for a check up.

Jack was still unconscious by the time they were given the all clear by Dr Fraiser; they had left the infirmary to begin the debriefing with the General. Halfway through, Dr Fraiser joined the meeting announcing that O'Neill had a mild concussion, but he was showing signs of improvement, even though he still hadn't woken up. After the meeting they were all ordered by Dr Fraiser to get some sleep. Teal'c refused as he wanted to stay by his friend's side. After some arguing it was agreed that Teal'c get some sleep, but it would be in the infirmary bed next to Jack's in case he woke up.

The next day the rest of SG-1 took shifts staying next to Jack's bed. It was Daniel's shift and he was writing in his journal when Emerson came in bringing a cup of coffee.

"Hey. Any changes?" he asked.

Daniel shook his head. Emerson walked over and offered Daniel the coffee.

"Thanks." He took a careful sip of the hot liquid. "How'd you know I liked it like this?"

"I asked Samantha. Um...do you want me to get you some food?"

Daniel nodded, "Sandwiches please, preferably with meat of any kind."

"Will do."

Later he came back bearing a tray loaded with two boxes of sandwiches and a flask of coffee.

"Thanks again."

"Your welcome." He put the tray down, "You know...I could stay here for a while. You could go get some rest if you want."

"You don't have to do that, Teal'c will be here soon."

"I know, but I had to offer."

"No, thank you anyway. I'd rather stay here, I just had some sleep."

"Yeah, he probably wouldn't have wanted to wake up with me next to him rather than you, Sam or Teal'c."

"He doesn't dislike you, you know."

"I'm not sure, it just seem like he doesn't want me hanging around."

"It's not like that, SG-1 is the closest thing to family, Jack has. He thinks that you're going to change things."

"How would I do that?"

"He thinks Hammond is going to make you part of the field unit."

"General Hammond hasn't offered me anything like that. I'm not even sure I'm going to be wanted after I finish this experiment."

"Oh..."

"Would you resent me if I joined? I mean SG-1 is like a family to you too, right?"

"Yeah, Sam well, she's like the sister I never had." Daniel chuckled. "And Jack's the kind of brother I never wanted. Teal'c is...well...like a cousin. If you joined I wouldn't resent you."

Both men heard the sound of footsteps in the hall, they turned towards the sound and saw Teal'c dominate the doorway.

"Hey Teal'c, no changes yet."

"Daniel Jackson, I will relieve you of your duty."

"Yeah, thanks Teal'c." He picked up his journal and made to leave with Emerson a few steps behind him when he heard a sound. On the bed Jack was groaning and he opened his eyes.

"I'll go get Sam," said Alex as he headed towards the lab.

"What the Hell? What happened?" asked Jack; he moved his hand over his eyes to shield them from the harsh light.

"We were on the planet PQ6 499 collecting plant samples when it started to hail. We headed back towards the gate when you were hit on the head. You blacked out and Teal'c had to pull you through. You were seriously hurt, but the rest of us managed to survive, as always.

"Rain, hail or shine. How long have I been unconscious?"

"Only for a day O'Neill." Answered Teal'c.

"Good, I didn't miss much."

Emerson came back with Carter, Dr Fraiser and General Hammond in tow. All three greeted him and Dr Fraiser went up the Jack's side and checked out his vital signs, taking notes onto the medical file she had bought with her. Once she was done with her quick checkup General Hammond asked her how Jack was doing. She replied that he would be up and about tomorrow, but she would like keep on base in case he has a relapse. The three left, Hammond to his office, Sam to her lab and Dr Fraiser to her other patients.

Once the four men were left alone Jack said Emerson. "Hey Alex, it seems you were right about the flooding on that plain."

Surprised at the older man's use of his first name, the botanist just nodded and tried not to let it show. "Yeah, too bad I didn't notice anything about the hail. I could have saved you a day and the pain."

Jack shrugged "I've had worse. How goes the plants?"

Remembering Daniel's words he chose his words carefully. "They're doing fine. There's a huge amount of work to be done, I think I'll be stuck in the lab for quite a while."

Jack smiled, "Glad to hear you're staying."

"Thanks," finding he had nothing else to say he decided to leave it as it was, while the going was still good. "I think I'll go back to the lab. My plants need me."

"See you around Alex."

"Will do...Jack."

After he left Daniel turned towards his friend, suspicious. "On first name basis already?"

"What? I can't be nice to him? He's a good man."

"What made you change your mind?" He looked closely at his friend who was avoiding his gaze. "Wait a minute, you were awake before Teal'c came in. You were eavesdropping."

"I couldn't help it."

Shaking his head, Daniel said, "You are completely hopeless." He picked up his journal, sandwiches and flask "But I'm glad you like him now." When he was in hallway he heard Jack yell out. "You're right, he's not that bad."

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