The sun was welcome warmth once they left the mountain. The chill of the subterranean fortress had been uncomfortable and each of the circle inhaled deeply, drinking in the scent of pine and fresh air. They hadn’t spoken since the elevator incident, respecting Shado’s unspoken need to think. Once in the visitors parking area, they removed the dusters, placing them in the cars. Gem pulled a Frisbee out of his car and with a gesture challenged his friends to a game. Keeper immediately jogged into the center of the relatively empty lot and each of the girls found their places. With a deft flick of his wrist, Gem sent the Frisbee winging to the tall slender man. Shado declined the game, leaning instead on the trunk of her car, a thin dark cigarette dangling from her fingers. Keeper frowned at her as she took a deep drag from it and she countered with yet another drag.
“Do I need to get the fire extinguisher?” he hollered. She responded by flipping him the bird. “You promised that you were going to quit.”
“Yeah, well, things change.” she called to him. “You promised that you were not going to cut your hair.” a flick of her cigarette toward his shoulder length hair made her point.
“Got you there, Keeper.” Blackmage grinned as she tossed the Frisbee to Faln, who promptly sent it spinning to Keeper. He fielded it and over-handed it to Briterra.
“How long do we wait?” Britt asked the group in general.
“Give them another 15 minutes. They will be here.” Shado said glancing at her watch. “It’s only 1300, too early to go out yet. What say we head home for a bit?” her question was met with a chorus of enthusiastic approval. She smiled indulgently at her “kids” her dark thoughts locked away behind her shades. She watched them playing the game, their yells and laughter pushing her nightmarish visions back. For the thousandth time she vowed to keep them safe no matter the cost. The Frisbee throws grew wilder and more difficult to catch and the laughter increased. She knew that they were hiding their concern in the game, their shared bonds giving her access to the emotions of them all. She also knew that in a few hours, they would be pressing her for more information. She took another drag on her cigarette and flicked the ashes into the wind. Keeper had been right in the infirmary, this coming conflict was the awaited result of everything they had been through to this point. Her musing was cut short by the appearance of Daniel and Teal’c.
She whistled in appreciation, catching the attention of the players. Daniel was wearing a deep green cambric shirt coupled with tan dockers, a black leather jacket flung over his shoulder; Teal’c had changed into solid black, matching the attire of the group, in deference to his need to remain hidden, he had a ball cap pulled low on his brow. The girls each wolf whistled at their approach, causing Daniel to blush and Teal’c to raise an eyebrow.
Britt growled and sauntered over to Teal’c. She ran her eyes over his form and matched his eyebrow lift with one of her own. “Care to ride with me?” He dipped his head in acknowledgement and she gestured to the car bearing Pennsylvania plates.
“Jack and Sam are on their way.” Daniel said joining Shado by her car. He looked at the car with approval, noting as he did so the Missouri tags. He looked at the others, seeing tags for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Montana, Washington and Louisiana. “Shadowrunners?” he asked reading the acronyms accurately.
“It’s what we are.” Faln came loping over. She grinned at Daniel. “Wanna ride with me?”
“Actually, I have my car.” he started to say, but looking at her changed his mind. If nothing else this would give him the opportunity to get some answers. “I would love to.”
“Brit, Faln, you all behave yourselves.” Shado said softly. “Alien and archaeologist need to remain in one piece. Remember we’re only borrowing them.”
Faln pouted and turned to catch the Frisbee that was being flung at her. Daniel noted that she couldn’t have known it was coming, since her back was to the man who had tossed it. Again, he wondered at exactly what these people were. She flipped it at Keeper, and then giggled. “Oh, Shado is O’Neill going to ride with you?” she asked innocuously.
Shado shrugged her attention on something over her shoulder. An eagle was soaring in the distant sky and she was watching its flight. “Dunno, up to him. Why?”
“Oh, no reason.” Faln snickered. Something in her voice caught Shado’s attention and she turned back sharply. O’Neill was making his way across the parking lot. He had changed into a pair of black jeans, and chocolate colored shirt. Over his arm he carried a leather jacket that could be the double of the one Daniel held. Black aviator shades hid his eyes and in his right hand, he held his brief case. Carter was at his side, wearing a light blue flowered sundress, Gem woofed his thoughts loudly enough that she blushed slightly. Mage retaliated by smacking him upside the head with the Frisbee and a growled admonition to remember just whom he was married too. Shado shook her head; she would never understand that pair.
“So, where are we headed? I’ll drive my team and we’ll follow you.” he said when he had reached Daniel and Shado.
“Actually, Jack, I was planning to ride with Faln. And Teal’c is going with Brit.” Daniel said.
“Oh? O-k.” Jack’s voice was a bit tense.
“Major Carter, you can ride with one of us.” Gem and Keeper spoke up. They grinned, waiting for her to choose. Eyes wide, she looked between the two.
“Guys, I have a boyfriend. A very serious boyfriend.” she said reading their expression correctly. “I think I’d rather…”
“You can ride with Teal’c and me.” Brit offered sensing the Major’s concern. She knew her “brothers” well enough that she felt the need to offer a buffer between them. Carter nodded her agreement, causing both the “boys” to groan in mock frustration.
Shado straightened from her position against the trunk; she looked at the dangerously handsome colonel, then away for a moment. “I guess that leaves you and me, O’Neill.” She ground her cigarette out under her foot.
She opened her door, signaling the others that it was time to go. O’Neill considered for a moment, and then climbed into the shotgun seat. He slid his briefcase into the back seat, where it joined another. He saw the corner of a sheaf of papers sticking out, a road map, and a cd carry case on the seat. Shado leaned in, laid the ronin blades across the briefcases and then carefully placed the obsidian katana in the back window. She scooped up a ball cap that lay on top of a small suitcase behind the seat, and snugged it on her head. She tucked in the ends of her hair, and O’Neill wondered how long it would be if it was released from the confines of the braid she had it in. She slipped behind the steering wheel and clipped herself in. Flipping the visor down, she took a headset from it’s place, and then reached over his lap to open the glove box. She pulled out a walkie-talkie and a cell phone.
As if on cue, the talkie clicked and the voice of Keeper filled the car. “You about ready there Sensei?”
“Smart ass.” she replied. Chuckles from the radio let O’Neill know that the others had heard the remarks. “I’ll take rear guard. You all remember the way?” She started the car as her crew crowed their agreement. She slanted a look at O’Neill and grinned.
“Play list?” Brit’s voice asked.
“Not Zombie.” Blackmage answered.
“Hmmm…” Shado shifted into reverse and pulled out of her parking space. She reached over and popped a cd out of the player. “I have ZZ Top loaded. Sound ok to you all?” A smattering of bickering ended as the first car was through the front gate, the guard saluting, letting him know that it must be the one with Carter in it. Shado pulled through, she grinned at the salute the guard gave them. “Something’s never change.”
“So, you from Missouri?” Jack asked.
“Sort of.” she answered. “My car is registered there but I’m not in state very much. You?”
“Chicago originally.” he said following her train of thought. “Look, I’m not good at small talk, let’s just cut to the chase.”
“I know. You are here to persuade me to see it the Military way, and agree to help.” He had the good grace to flush slightly. “Honest, Colonel, I don’t know if I can do that. You have to understand our, my situation. She pointed her finger to the cars ahead of her. “I have spent the last twenty-plus years keeping those ‘kids’ safe, helped them deal with things that you couldn’t even begin to understand. We are family.” she glanced at him. He nodded his understanding; he felt the same about his team. They drove in silence for a few miles and then she spoke again. “I am sorry Colonel. I’m taking my frustrations out on you. This isn’t your doing.”
“I understand. I feel the same about my ‘kids’. And my name is Jack.” he grinned at her boyishly.
“Ok, Jack.” she returned his smile.
“So, you think I’m do-able huh?” he teased her gently. She groaned and smacked her hand against the steering wheel.
“I am so going to make Keeper pay for that.”
He chuckled. “You and he seem to be quite close…?”
“Not in that way. He’s my 2IC if you will. Has loads of Talent but not the control at least not yet.” Shado risked taking her eyes off the road to look at him.
“Oh. So,” he looked out the window, then down at his hands. “what exactly do you do when you aren’t slaying Class 2 demons and talking to dragons?”
“You mean in the ‘real’ world?” he nodded. She considered her words for a second. “I do a lot of different things with myself. Primarily I write.”
“And the others?”
“Brit runs half a dozen programs for teens at risk in Philadelphia. Gem is a computer programmer; he specializes in security programs. Blackmage has a degree in veterinary medicine and has a refuge for exotic animals in Montana. Faln likes to say that she is paid to play with Legos. Actually, she’s part owner in a major video game company. And Keeper owns a computer graphics firm in Seattle. We get by.” she shrugged. “And you? What do you do when you aren’t off killing bad guys?”
“Oh, just the usual. Pissing off senators, trying to avoid the NID…” he shrugged as well. “you know that type of thing.”
“Ever think about retiring?”
“All the time.”
The crackle of the radio interrupted their conversation. “Tree.”
One of the cars ahead swerved to the shoulder and stopped. The others did the same, the lead car reversing. Doors opened and people piled out. Jack and his team followed, confused as Shado trotted up to Faln’s car. She laid a hand on Faln’s shoulder and spoke softly to her. Jack couldn’t hear their conversation, but evidently, it was something serious, because Shado nodded and Faln tossed her leg over the guardrail.
“What’s going on?” Jack asked Daniel.
“Don’t know. One minute we’re talking about books, and the next she’s pulling off the road. Very odd.”
“Indeed, DanielJackson.” Teal’c agreed. Jack frowned and sauntered over to where Shado stood watching the girl climb carefully down the mountainside. The others were leaning against the car talking softly amongst themselves. They fell silent at his approach.
“Everything ok?” he queried laying a hand on her shoulder. She covered his hand with hers briefly, an unconscious gesture he knew, her gaze riveted to the figure below.
“Yeah, she just needs to visit a tree for a minute.” Shado’s voice was distracted and her thumb rubbed against his hand in the same manner. He could feel the strange tingling warmth flow over his skin and almost hear a whisper of a voice. With a snap the connection was severed and Shado shot him a quick glance. “Sorry, didn’t mean to do that.” she apologized. She pulled her hand away and moved out from under his, breaking the contact. He let his hand drop but stayed close to her. Something was going on here and he didn’t know exactly what it was. Keeper glared at him for a moment, then turned his regard skyward. He pointed directing their attention to an eagle soaring overhead. The bird cried out twice and then dropped lower until they could see its dark plumage. It back winged slightly and dropped to the guardrail in front of them.
“Wow.” Carter whispered. Daniel seconded her whisper. The eagle, a golden from what they could tell, cocked its head and stared at them all. It looked at Keeper and ‘chortled’, ruffling its feathers, then it hopped from its perch, strutting to the silent man, beak open and panting slightly. He knelt, one knee on the ground and ducked his head to gaze levelly into the bird’s eyes. After a long moment, it turned its head and began to preen one wing. It tasted each primary until it found one it like. Plucking it, the bird allowed the feather to drop to the ground. Keeper stretched out his hand and mindful of the wild raptor, gently took the offering. He stood, and ran the feather through his fingers, deep in thought. He bowed his head and with that acknowledgement, the bird hopped back to the guardrail. With a piercing cry, it was gone into the trees and back into the blue sky. He didn’t speak but walked to Shado and O’Neill, handing her the feather. She played with it for a moment and then returned it to him.
“Still doesn’t convince me.” she said softly. A cry from down the mountain, and they could see Faln returning, holding something in her hands. They watched as she gingerly made her way up the mountainside and over the guardrail. She handed it to Shado for her perusal. She shook her head and gave it back to Faln, who cradled it gently against her. The watching SG team could see that it was a thin round wand of wood, almost three feet long, but shining blood red. Not a wood they recognized from around this area. Shado shook her head.
“Come on. Time’s wasting.” she returned to her car. Her circle members stood silently, watching her intently, and then they too went to the vehicles. Their passengers, confused and bewildered, rejoined them.
Jack waited until they were back on the road to ask the question burning in his mind. “What was that all about?”
“Some one is trying to influence my decision.” she thumped the steering wheel. “I will not be influenced in this.” There was controlled anger and frustration in her voice. “and that Someone had better knock it off.” her last sentence was almost shouted and the threat in it most evident. Jack could feel the tension coming from her and opted for once to stay silent. Something he didn’t understand was going on, and it made him uneasy. Shado continued to mutter under her breath, carrying out an argument with herself. Listening with half an ear to the mutterings, he wondered what was going on in the cars ahead of him. If any of his team was getting answers to the questions they all had.
Twice more the journey down the mountain was interrupted, with each of the circle members returning with something from the mountain. Gem was gifted with a bear claw from what Jack could have sworn was a grizzly; at least it was the biggest damn bear he had ever seen. Blackmage trekked off down the mountain to return with yet another “wand” of strange wood, this time an odd silvery white. She had allowed Daniel and Sam to examine it, and they whispered to Jack that it was definitely not pine or cedar, but some type they had never seen. Daniel also told him that Faln and Mage both said that it was heartwood from ‘inside’ a tree. Brit was the last one to request to stop. She headed across the road, to climb up this time instead of down. Shado remained in her car watching until she returned with a fist-sized rock, that when they looked at it proved to be a diamond of incredible beauty. With this last “offering” Shado growled and slammed her car into gear. She took the lead, and they finally managed to get down to the valley. Her mutterings had ended yet she still didn’t speak. Jack, uncomfortable from the tension she exuded, also remained silent. He spent that time trying to come up with reasonable explanations for all these odd occurrences. Finally, as they entered the outskirts of the Springs, he gave up. His words from the infirmary echoing in his ears, “Nope definitely not normal.”
“Ya just now figuring that out Jack?” Shado snarked at him. He had the grace to blush when he realized that he had spoken out loud. She keyed the radio. “Guys, you still want to go home?” at their response, she spoke again. “Since it took us ‘longer’ to get down, hang on.” again they acknowledged her request. “Hold tight Jack.” She slowed the car, pulling it off to the side of the highway they were now on. The others did the same, and once they were all stopped, she took off her shades.
She held her hands on the wheel but framed a small triangle with her thumbs and forefingers. He caught the glimmer of light in the triangle it shimmered and sparked. Then there was a gut wrenching twist, similar to the feel of gate travel and a brief darkness. When the darkness receded, he was shocked to find them no longer sitting on a busy highway but instead they were in front of a tall gate in the middle of a concrete retaining wall.
“What the f****?” he exclaimed. She smiled at him, her eyes slightly unfocused.
“Our version of gate travel.” she gestured to the gate in front. “Welcome to Sanctuary.”
_________________
Shado picked up her cell phone and pushed a button, listening intently for a second she grinned slightly. “Hey Jordan. Open the gate please. We’re home.” O’Neill could hear a man’s voice whooping as she pulled the phone away from her ear. A grimace as she waited for the hollering to subside. Jordan asked a question and she sighed before answering. “No, not for good. Just for a few days. We brought company, tell Seamus to have the car sent around in about,” she glanced at her watch, “three hours ok?”
The gate in front of them opened inward slowly to reveal a long winding drive. Shado chuckled at something Jordan was saying. “We’ll try to stop by but no guarantees. Anything I need to know? Things that quiet huh? Good. Ok, sug, thanks.” still chuckling slightly she hung up the phone. The gate had opened fully, and she eased the car into gear, driving slowly through the portal. As they proceeded up the drive, O’Neill looked around.
They were passing through a wooded area, massive pines and cedars lining both sides of the road. Through them, he could see movement, deer possibly, he thought. There were well-marked hiking trails, wide paths cut through the trees, wooden markers pointing the way. The trees continued for about ten minutes, then gave way to open grass. There were buildings, small cabins really dotting the landscape, with pathways leading from each to a much larger structure in the distance, people were moving from building to building, some seeing the cars, stopped to wave as they passed. They drove over a bridge spanning a good-sized creek and O’Neill could see fish swimming in the crystal, clear water.
“What is this place?” he asked curiosity eating at him.
“Sanctuary is just that. A place for those seeking themselves to find peace, find their God, whatever they need. At any given time, there are a couple hundred ‘pilgrims’ in residence. Everyone is welcome here, no one questions the reasons.” she shrugged and gestured out the window. “Everyone needs somewhere at some time.”
They rounded a sharp bend in the road and she slowed the car to allow him to take in the sight before them. A tall black wrought iron fence separated the grassy field, the road bisecting it at an angle. Beyond the fence, he could see a house. My god, he thought, this place is a castle. Indeed his internal description wasn’t too far off. The home was framed by the woods behind it, the front lined with windows. The drive circle around to the side and ended at a garage. He couldn’t help but stare at the house as they drove past it. He craned his neck to get a better look at the structure, succeeding only in deciding that this place was huge. Shado watched her companion trying not to grin. She didn’t think he had been expecting anything like this. Heck, there were times when their accomplishment astounded her. Still grinning to herself, she parked the car in the first bay of the six-car garage and opened her door. As everyone else parked, she pulled her luggage out of the car and went to open the door. O’Neill followed, pulling his briefcase off the back seat. Shado motioned for him to follow her as the excited chatter of the others filled the once quiet garage. From the overheard comments, it appeared that his team members were succeeding where he had failed, making friends with their companions. Even Teal’c was talking to Brit. Not paying attention, he found himself suddenly running into the back of Shado where she stood in the doorway, frozen in place.
“Mother fuck.” she whispered. He could feel a shiver run through her but before he had time to question, she sidestepped something and entered the hallway. He looked to see what she had moved around, and raised puzzled eyes to Keeper next to him. A crystal vase sat in the center of the hallway, about a foot from the now open door. In it, a single black rose glittered in the soft light from the windows. He could see Shado’s back retreating down the hallway, she had dropped her case and the swords in the floor next to a door and was all but running through the house.
Keeper’s movement caught his attention. He bent and picked up the vase examining it carefully before handing it off the Brit. “I guess that answers our question.” he said softly. He pushed past O’Neill, and at a loss, the colonel followed into the home. Keeper added Shado’s things to his own as he passed.
“You guys just make yourselves at home.” Brit said. “Give us a few minutes to put our stuff away and we’ll be right with you. The family room is to the right, there are drinks in the fridge under the bar, and bathroom is the third door on the right. Feel free to look around; just don’t go into any room with a closed door. Those are personal quarters and the workroom. Wouldn’t be too safe for you all to go in there.”
Following Brit’s direction the SG team found their way into the family room. Daniel’s eyes were as wide as they could get as he looked around the “home”. The décor was in exquisite taste, a combination of the spartanesque style found in the Japanese culture and warm wood. The family room was obviously the focal point of the home, being in the center with several hallways leading off in to the depths. It was a sunken affair; the floor deep, rich wood with a design inlaid in other types of wood. The inlay was of a dragon entwined in a pentagram, and the workmanship so detailed that it looked as if the dragon was breathing. The front of the room was nothing but solid glass from floor to ceiling, giving a stunning view of the mountain range and forest behind the house. Through the windows, the shadowy form of a deck could be seen, with chairs inviting people out to enjoy the weather. The furniture was minimalist, a few recliners, a sofa and a few tables. The fireplace on one wall lent to the cozy atmosphere, and Carter wandered over to look at the photos lined on the mantle. Jack found the aforementioned bar, very well stocked, and searched out something cold to drink. He offered the others their choices and then joined Daniel in looking out over the mountains in front of them.
“Sir?” Carter’s voice drew his attention. She pointed upwards with a finger, and he traced its path to the ceiling.
“Wow.” was all he could say. Fascinated, he looked at the darkened glass, through which lazy clouds could be seen.
“It’s polarized. When it gets dark, we can see the stars.” Faln said as she joined them in the family room. She held the vase from the hall in her hand. She crossed to one side of the room and placed it carefully on a small end table next to the wall. She frowned at it for a moment, tracing her finger over the table’s edge. Daniel joined her.
“Is this her message?” he asked quietly. Faln nodded. “May I?” Faln shrugged and Daniel picked up the vase. Gently he touched the rose, his eyebrow doing a perfect imitation of Teal’c. “It’s not a living rose, Jack. Look.” he carried the vase carefully to Jack and Carter. “It’s obsidian. Very finely crafted, very thin. But still obsidian.” As they examined it, none of them could see how it had been made. There were no marks of a stonecutter’s tool, no joining lines. Indeed, it appeared to be fashioned out of a single piece just like her katana. A perfect, flawless recreation of a rose just beginning to open its petals.
From the one of the halls to the left came a muffled scream and the sounds of something large and breakable shattering. All stared for a moment, then Faln took off at a trot, SG-1 on her heels. When they finally came to a halt outside a closed door, the other circle members were clustered around it. Sounds of violence could be heard on the other side, and the door shuddered as something shattered against it. Keeper stood head down, listening to the voice raised in anger coming through the walls.
“Oh boy.” Faln said. She gestured to the door. “Shado.” O’Neill raised an eyebrow and looked pointedly at the door. Keeper, interpreting the gesture correctly, shook his head.
“We’d better wait until she calms down.” A particularly loud crash made him wince. There came a brief silence, and then a solid thunk and the blade of a katana sliced through the door, quivering with the impact.
“Goddamn, mother fucking avatar!” Shado’s voice came clearly through the door. “Don’t you fucking tell me what’s the best….” thunk, crash. “I will decide….” sounds of breaking glass. “Stupid bastards… my kids…” the walls rocked slightly as something slammed against them. A stream of curses in what sounded like four different languages had Faln and Brit blushing since their content was obvious. The diatribe, punctuated by various sounds of destruction, continued unchecked for another ten minutes. Another scream, followed by an incredibly loud crash and the tinkle of breaking glass had Keeper staring up at the ceiling whistling tonelessly under his breath. Blackmage sighed and pulled her cell phone out of her pocket. She dialed a number then spoke softly.
“Hi, Jordan. Yeah, um, we’re going to need the windows in Shado’s quarters replaced. Yeah again.” there was another crash. “Yeah, the whole suite from the sound. Sorry, can’t tell you… yeah classified. Thanks Jordan.”
“BACK ME INTO A CORNER?! I DON’T FUCKING THINK SO!” came loudly through the wall, followed by yet another crash and the floor shuddered. Finally silence reigned. The door opened and Shado appeared. She looked pointedly at the crowd in the hall.
“Aren’t you all supposed to be getting ready for tonight?” she asked calmly. She walked down the hall, without looking back. “The car will be here in two hours.” She turned a corner and was lost to sight.
Through the open door they could see the destruction clearly. Broken glass, books, overturned furniture and several gaping holes in the walls attested to the violence they had heard. Keeper stepped into the devastation, looking around with wary eyes. He pulled the embedded katana from the door and eying the silent audience he laid it carefully on the overturned dresser. Curtains hung drunkenly from the shattered windows, one gave up and slid to the floor. A muffled thump attested to something further in the suite of rooms losing the battle with gravity. Gingerly he picked his way further into the rooms, the others following. He stopped in the doorway to what had once been the study, his progress halted by the toppled bookshelf unit across the doorway. Daniel groaned at the sight of hundreds of books shredded and destroyed in the room. Keeper turned his back and laid a commiserating hand on the bibliophile’s shoulder in passing. The devastation was total in all four of the rooms that made up Shado’s suite. Her closets had been emptied, their contents buried under the broken glass and splintered doors.
With a deep sigh, Keeper motioned the others out of the suite. Gently he closed the door. “Mage, where did she go?” he asked quietly. Concern was in his voice and his shoulders were hunched. Mage cocked her head and “listened” intently.
“Family room.” Mage replied.
“Is it safe?” Faln asked slightly shaken. Mage nodded. Without a word they walked back into the family room. Shado was standing beside one of the windows looking out into the distance. She appeared to be lost in thought but at their approach she turned to them. Her face was composed, with no sign of the anger that they had overheard. She looked at everyone standing there, uncertain of their reception. A wry grin split her face and she spoke humor in her voice.
“If I am taking you all out tonight, I would suggest you change clothes. After all *I* do have an image to maintain.”
“Oh really? And you think this wouldn’t be appropriate?” Keeper asked grinning back at her. He motioned to his attire, a navy blue shirt and grey stone washed jeans. She considered for a moment then frowned.
“Absolutely not. No way in Netu would *I* be caught dead with someone looking like that.” Faln snickered and Shado looked at her. “Or like that either.” her eyes unfocused for a second, “Go, change. Clothes will be on the beds for you all. Colonel, Brit will show you were you and your team can change. Rooms are available for everyone for the night.”
She pulled a cell from her jeans pocket. “When you all are ready, I’ll be in the office. I have a few emails to answer and some galleys to finish.”
“Um, Shado, dear, aren’t you going to change?” Keeper asked sarcastically. She looked down at her attire, and then smiled evilly.
“Oh yes. Indeed.” she walked slowly out of the room, her voice trailing to them. “In more ways than you can image, dear Keeper.”
O’Neill and his team followed Brit to the guest area of the home. Their eyes bugged as they passed open areas in the structure, a music room complete with soundboard, a complete gym, a library that had Daniel drooling, smaller office areas, and what looked like a control room of some sort. She motioned for them to proceed her into a spacious set of guest apartments. Seeing them settled, she made her excuses and left to change. Left alone for the first time, the SG team took the opportunity to talk.
“So-what do you all think?” Jack asked his team. Carter whistled slightly and shook her head. “Did you manage to learn anything?”
“Well, actually, quite a bit.” Daniel said picking up a large parcel that had a name on it from the end of the bed. “Here Sam, I think this is yours.” He tossed it to her, and then handed one to Teal’c. Jack eyed the remaining one with trepidation. Carter turned the package over in her hands, one eyebrow raised. “Seems that they have spent the last ten years just as she had said earlier, trying to keep a balance between the good and evil taking place. Faln also said that without Shado, they would have all gone insane years ago. She seems to be an odd combination of mother, teacher, leader, counselor and friend to them. She was the one responsible for figuring out how to control and use their unique abilities. They all share the same abilities, only with different levels of,” he paused for a moment, “control, but each of them has an area in which they excel. Faln for example is a healer, she heals any wounds they receive during their altercations. I’m not sure what Brit and the others are masters in. But it would seem, Shado has the most power of them all. According to Faln, she is more than able to channel enough power to destroy an entire world and still survive.”
“What about these-avatars?” Jack asked still eying the package on the bed.
“Actually, Sir, Brit told Teal’c and I about those. They are apparently the physical embodiment of, for wont of a better way of putting it, the Ancient powers that primitive man once worshipped. Each member of the circle has a particular set of avatars that guide them, offer advice and help them within a very strict code. It’s kind of like the code that Oma Desala and the Ascended have, their avatars can only advise but not directly interfere.” Carter’s voice was distracted but there was a hint of excitement in it.
“Indeed, Briterra spoke of receiving messages from her avatars in the form of objects that held specific meaning to her. These objects may not have the same meaning to the others of the group, but to her their intent is never in doubt.” Teal’c intoned.
“Those, things, they picked up on our way here, those were messages?”
“Yes. I believe they were intended to show that the Avatars thought they should help us.” Daniel was opening his package, having allowed his curiosity to win him over. “Something that Shado, apparently, has or had a problem with.”
“Ya think?” Jack intoned. “Well, we had better get ready for wherever it is that we are going tonight.” he picked up the package and turned it over in his hands. Carter and Daniel shared a slight smile as they went into separate rooms to change, this should be a most interesting evening from what they had been told.
Thirty minutes later, changed into appropriate clothing, they met in the sitting room. Carter looked appreciatively at the men of her team, she had to admit, Shado had an eye for clothes. Jack was wearing black Armani, its tailored lines accentuating his lean physique, Daniel was also in Armani only his was a deep Navy blue, and Teal’c also in black. She herself was wearing a slinky black designer label that she could only imagine the price of. The looks on their faces showed that she looked just as well as they did.
“Gotta admit, she’s got excellent taste.” Jack said straightening his tie.
“Expensive taste.” Daniel muttered. He fiddled with his cuffs and then looked at Jack. “Armani definitely looks good on you, Jack.”
“Yes, well, we all know I’m do-able.” Jack cracked. “Come on let’s go see if we can find our way back to everyone else.”
They found their way to the family room with little trouble, entering it to find the others of the group waiting for them. Evidently Shado’s idea of proper attire extended to her team members as well. Each of them was also dressed in designer labels, the “boys” in Armani and the girls in Dior. Even the grins matched. Keeper whistled his appreciation of Carter’s appearance and leered at her in a friendly way. She blushed and attempted to hide behind Faln, who chuckled and warned her “brother” to keep his hands to himself.
Jack locked his hands behind his back and rocked on his heels. “So where is she?” he asked nonchalantly. Brit and Mage exchanged a look then smiled at each other.
“Probably getting dressed. I saw her headed toward the other guest quarter about 15 minutes ago. Shouldn’t be too much longer.” Keeper said his voice a little sharp. The tone made the others snicker. His jealousy regarding Shado was legendary among them. None had missed the fact that he considered O’Neill a threat to his somewhat strange relationship with their sensei.
The sounds of running feet came from the hallway. A deep woof and the scrabble of claws on hardwood alerted everyone. A very large grey shape burst into the family room, swiped around the sofa and nearly bowled over Teal’c. It slid to a halt, sides heaving tail wagging fiercely, the remnants of something black hanging from its jaws.
“FRODO! Goddamn you dog! Where the hell did you go…!” Shado’s shriek floated down the hallway. The dog, hearing its name, woofed around the sodden material. “Frodo, alante! This is NOT a game, you stupid moron!” she burst into the family room, caught sight of the dog, who took off running the minute she took a step toward him. “Frodo, damn you, I said Alante. Havodad!”
The dog, a massive Irish wolfhound, just shook his head and jumped over the back of the sofa. He started to dodge around Daniel, then change his mind and tore off down another hallway. Shado didn’t even pause, but chased after him, swearing a blue streak. Stunned faces followed the sight as she disappeared.
“I think it would be wise to forget what just happened.” Keeper said in a choked voice. His shoulders were shaking from the effort to keep his laughter in.
“Indeed.” Teal’c intoned. His word said volumes. It would indeed be wise to forget that they had all just seen much more of Shado than any of them had been comfortable with. Somehow, O’Neill didn’t think she would appreciate any comments on the black silk robe she had been wearing. They were still chuckling when she finally joined them. She came from the opposite direction, wolfhound at her heels. Her hair was upswept and she was fastening an earring in place. Keeper growled his views on her attire, and crossed to her. She was wearing a dark pewter, off the shoulder dress and stiletto heels. The skirt of the dress swirled softly around her ankles.
“I must say, you all cleaned up nicely.” Shado said grinning. She finished with the earring and cast a discerning eye over the group. “Yep, I don’t have to be worried about my image after all.” She sidestepped Keeper and motioned to her dog. “Frodo, na chiste.” At her command he curled up on the floor. “Ne da cha iiban, Frodo. Cha iiban, chiste.”
“You all ready?” she asked still grinning and ignoring Keeper’s attempt to take her hand. “Seamus should be…” the sounds of the door chime interrupted. “Ahh, there he is. Jack, shall we?” she slid her arm in his and grinned up at him.
“My pleasure.” O’Neill said softly. His eyes met Keeper’s, the challenge issued and accepted. This was indeed shaping up to be a most interesting evening. He upped the stakes a bit by holding the door open for Shado as they left the house. Seamus stood beside the sleek black limo she had ordered, looking like every stereotypical chauffeur until he removed his sunglasses and a twinkle in his eyes could be seen. He greeted the Circle with affection, opening the door and standing to the side to allow them to seat themselves in the car. Shado was the last in, standing and chatting with him about their plans for the evening. A loud laugh from him prompted Jack to look askance at her, but she just shook her head as she joined him in the car. He was pleased to note that she declined to sit next to Keeper and sat instead between him and the door.
“So where exactly are we going tonight?” Carter asked from her position between Keeper and Mage.
“It’s a place that we used to haunt way back when, a small East Indian restaurant in the University district. I think you all will like it.” She responded giving Shado a quick grin. “Then we are heading out for a night of clubbing, Mom’s treat at a place that we have been trying to get her to take us to for years. Seems she’s got quite the past and seems that the Underground used to be her old stomping grounds. You’d think she had something to hide.” Mage’s grin was definitely teasing.
“Look, it’s not that I have anything to hide. I just don’t think you all know exactly what you are getting into by going to the Underground.” Shado said the threat in her voice obvious.
“Shado?” Jack’s voice was inquisitive. He could feel the slight tension in her body as she spoke about the Underground.
“Let’s just say the Underground specializes in a ‘sub-culture’ that could be quite interesting.” She said. Daniel’s eyes lit up and Jack groaned.
“Sub-culture?” he asked. Shado rolled her eyes, she had forgotten for the moment that Daniel was an anthropologist in one life. She spent the next few miles explaining the type of sub-culture that she had referred to. Jack kept his eyes from showing his surprise, somehow he hadn’t expected her to be into that type of thing, and for a moment he wondered just what he might be getting himself into with the flirtation they had going on. However, he wasn’t about to back off, especially not with the challenging looks Keeper was sending his way. He really found Shado attractive and her quiet quirky sense of humor intrigued him.
The area that the restaurant was in was definitely the older part of the Springs, from the college students walking the evening streets to the older buildings, the ambience was old. The limo stood out like crazy, causing stares of speculation. When it pulled to a smooth halt in front of the window front proclaiming Neelam’s, heads turned and a group of students stopped to stare and whisper. Jack supposed that although limos weren’t exactly unusual, the lack of prom night might be a cause. Seamus hurried around and opened the door, handing Shado out with a perfunctory dip of his head, definitely playing up the crowd. He inclined his head to Jack as he followed, placing his hand under Shado’s elbow to escort her to the door. Once everyone was present, Shado allowed Seamus to open the door of the restaurant for them, her head up and eyes gleaming with mischief.
“I really enjoy this sometimes.” She whispered to Jack. He grinned down at her. Something told him that she rarely allowed this amount of fuss, but that on occasion she did indeed love it.
The restaurant was small and rather homey, there were only a few tables and a handful of booths, the register was situated at the back of the place, between a closed door and what was obviously the door to the kitchen. A long buffet warmer took up the opposite corner and the smells coming from it were mouth watering. Daniel sniffed in appreciation at the spicy odors. Even Jack had to admit that they were tempting. A woman came bustling out of the kitchen her face frowning for a moment. Theirs was a large party and there were already several diners in the place, she was obviously trying to figure out how to seat them all. Suddenly the frown cleared and she threw her hands in the air with an excited squeal.
“Lady O, namaste! We had given up on ever seeing you here again!” she grabbed Shado’s hands and held them tightly.
“Nami, it’s been a long time. How are you?” Shado asked warmly and listened intently to the responses given.
“It is good to see all of you again. And you have brought friends to our humble establishment this time.” Nami said her eyes taking in the uncertain team standing with the circle.
“Yes we have, Nami. This is Jack, Daniel, Sam and Murray, they are working with us for a few weeks.”
“Ah, then it is not pleasure that has brought you back to us.” Nami said her voice becoming quiet and sad. “I am sorry that you have been called here once again.” She looked at the floor for a moment, then just as quickly switched back to her cheerful patter. “Come, I have your places reserved. Just as you left them the last time you were here.”
“Nami?” Keeper asked confused. She sparkled at the tall man for a moment then pulled a key from her pocket and opened the door next to the register. She stepped back and gestured for them to enter. “Holy shit, Nami, you weren’t kidding.”
“I told you that you would always be welcome here after what you did for Hadim. I meant it.”
“Jeez, Nami, What did you all do?” Gem asked his eyes wide. The Circle was looking around stunned. This was obviously not something they were expecting.
Nami shrugged, “When you all left, we thought you would return one day. And you have.”
”Nami, this goes way beyond anything….” Shado’s voice trailed off. She wandered around the room to the gaming table. She looked at it for a long moment then chuckled. “Gem, you were sooo certain that you could take me. Care to re-think your position?” She gestured at the game that had been in progress. He joined her, after a moment of scrutiny, reached out with a chuckle, and toppled a figurine.
“Take all the time you need.” Nami said from the door, she smiled at them. “I will have your usual brought to you, there will be no interruptions here. You are safe.” She pulled the door closed and they were alone. Stunned the Circle members stood in the center of the room.
Jack crossed to Shado, questions flooding his mind. She looked at him and shook her head.
“I didn’t expect this. A quiet meal yes, but this…” her gesture took in the room that had been kept for them. “It’s a long story, and not really ours to tell.” She said in an effort of explanation. He nodded in understanding. The stunned members of the Circle wandered around the room for a few moments, and then pulled chairs out from the table.
Gem sat a few chairs down from her and pulled Mage down beside him. He pulled her tight against his side and looked around the room. All their faces were a bit pale and shadows haunted all their eyes. “You know, maybe coming here wasn’t’ such a good idea after all.” He said to no one in particular. The SG team didn’t know what exactly was going on, only that their hosts, once happy and full of fun were now silent and troubled. Shado left Jack’s side and moved to the rack of cloaks hanging in the corner. She fingered the material for a moment, and then swept one of the garments around her shoulders. It settled in a deep purple swirl of heavy velvet.
“You know, that was a long time ago, relatively speaking.” She murmured. “We have come so far. Learned so much.”
“Yeah things like, how not to go after a class one demon.” Brit agreed.
“And when to leave shit well enough alone.” Keeper agreed. Shado glared at him over her shoulder.
“Leave shit alone?” she growled. “I suppose you are talking to me?”
Keeper pulled his head up and looked her in the eyes. “If the shoe fits…”
“Oh here we go.” Mage whispered her eyes on the sensei and her second. Brit managed to get Jack’s attention and motioned for them all to take a seat.
“And what exactly do you mean by that?” Shado whipped around her blue eyes sparking with anger.
“Gang, do you…?” Faln started to interject but both Shado and Keeper cut her off.
“Just what the fuck was that stunt you pulled today? Huh, care to elaborate?” Keeper’s voice was deathly cold and his anger palpable. “Where the hell do you get off putting yourself at risk like that? And for what?”
“I was doing my JOB in case you had forgotten. Intel is what I do.” Shado snapped. She stalked up to the tall man and stood toe to toe with him. Any further words were cut off by the opening of the door. Nami followed by a younger version of herself came in, bearing trays of food and drink. Shado’s glare at Keeper promised that this was not finished by any means. She replaced the cloak and without a word sat as far from Keeper as she could. Nami chattered, ignoring the tension that filled the room, as she poured a light orange concoction into the glasses in front of them. The younger girl placed heaping plates of enticing smells at intervals along the table. Then with smiles and a slight bow, they were left alone again.
It took a bit of time for the tension between Keeper and Shado to subside. Jack watched them thoughtfully trying to determine just what exactly their relationship was. Shado had said that there was nothing between them, yet he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to it than that. Granted, the circle members seemed to be close, closer than he was with his own team. Not even twenty odd years of being a team could bring about this level of ease and familiarity. Daniel finally asked the question that he had been wanting to all evening.
“So exactly what does final conflict mean?” His words caused an immediate cessation of activity around the table. Forks were put down and the once open faces of the Circle became shuttered. He looked from one face to the next, waiting for someone to answer.
“Well, I have to say you lasted longer than I thought you would.” Shado said softly. “I suppose it’s time.”