CHAPTER FOURTEEN
"So, what do you think about this whole thing with the mystery Goa'uld?" Jack asked. He and his teammates were all gathered in Daniel's office.
"Well, the fact that he was able to take control of the drones either means that he was on the inside from the start and already knew how Anubis was controlling the drones or he's very smart and was able to figure it out for himself," Daniel replied.
Sam nodded. "We know that Anubis must have had scientists working for him. One of them may have been the person who devised the way to imprint the drones with their loyalty to Anubis. Once Anubis was gone, they might have decided this would be the perfect opportunity to grasp the power for themselves."
"It wouldn't be surprising," Daniel stated. "All Goa'uld have that desire for power, even those that are subservient to other Goa'uld."
"Indeed," Teal'c agreed. "There are those among the present System Lords who were once in service to another Goa'uld. Many times, a Goa'uld of lower station has risen to power by killing their master or by filling their master's position when he was killed by another."
Jack frowned. "So, some underling has decided to play with the big boys, huh."
"I just wish we knew who it was," Daniel said.
"Well, with their egos, you can bet that, sooner or later, he's gonna come forward and start trumpeting his own horn."
John Benedict picked up the weapon that lay upon the bed and carefully began to clean and examine it. He couldn't take the chance that the weapon would jam, especially not for this job.
This was not the first time that the assassin had been hired to kill the leader of a country, but it was the first time that anyone had approached him about assassinating the leader of a country as powerful as the United States. Benedict knew that this would likely be the most dangerous job he'd ever do, but it would place him in the history books, though, if he did his job right, the history books would never have his name.
Three days had not been much time to plan a presidential assassination, but the inside information he'd been given had helped tremendously, especially the maps of the area and suggestions on where he could set up and have a clear line of sight of where the president would be. It was going to be a challenge, but he was confident that he would succeed. Benedict did not question who it was that wanted the president dead. That was none of his business. This was a job, nothing more, and he did not involve himself in politics.
The assassin's cell phone rang, alerting him that he had just received a text message. He read the message, which told him that an email had been sent to his laptop. He went to the computer and opened the email, which had a file attachment.
"There has been a change of plans," said the email. "There is an additional target. Money has been wired to your account for the second target. It is vital that it appears that the second target is merely collateral damage. No one must guess that he was specifically targeted. If you must wound others to make it appear so, you are permitted to do that."
Benedict scrolled down to the photograph included with the email. A handsome, brown-haired man wearing glasses was revealed. He memorized the face of the man, then destroyed the email, wiping all traces of it from his computer. He was mildly curious about who the second target was, but, as long as it didn't cause any problems, he really didn't care.
Soon, the U.S. would be minus a president, and he would be on a jet out of the country with the satisfaction of a job well done.
A light snow was falling as the helicopter flew over the Catoctin Mountains. The members of SG-1 looked out the windows at the terrain below. Since there were no ski lifts, there were few people around, only cross-country skiers, people going snowshoeing and the occasional family having fun in the snow.
Soon, they had arrived at their destination. SG-1 disembarked from the helicopter and were greeted by a Navy lieutenant, who led them into the presidential cabin, the Aspen Lodge.
President Hayes came forward with a smile. "Welcome to Camp David." He shook Daniel's hand first. "It's nice to see you again, Doctor Jackson."
"Likewise, sir."
Hayes went to Jack next. "Colonel O'Neill. It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard a lot about you."
Jack shook the man's hand. "Not all of it good, I'm betting."
The president laughed. "Not everyone is a fan of mine either, Colonel. I always choose to make my own opinions of someone, not judge them by the opinions of others." He went to Sam and took her hand. "Major Carter. I can't tell you how much this country owes to you and your extraordinary skills."
"Thank you, sir."
Hayes stepped up to Teal'c. "And Teal'c. I hope you won't be offended if I say that you're the first alien I've ever met in person."
"I am not offended, Mister President, since it is the truth."
"I'm sure I speak for many when I say that I'm glad you chose to join our side. Your help has been invaluable."
The Jaffa inclined his head.
"So, everyone hungry?" Hayes asked all of them. "My cook has whipped up a very nice lunch for us."
Conversation during the meal was light, the president wanting to get to know his guests a little better. He seemed particularly impressed by the number of languages Daniel could speak and had the archeologist name them all.
After lunch, the group went to a comfortable lounge, where they were brought coffee, tea and other beverages.
"I'm guessing that you're all wondering why I invited you here," the president said. He went to a table and picked up four envelopes, handing one to each of them. "Those are official letters of commendation for your actions in saving Earth from Anubis. To be honest, they couldn't come close to thanking you for what you did. Every one of you displayed a level of heroism, perseverance and skill that few possess."
Surprised, SG-1 stared down at the envelopes.
"It would be impressive enough if this had been the first time that you saved this planet," Hayes continued, "but the fact that you've done so repeatedly makes your accomplishments nothing short of legendary. I want you to know that I am proud that you are all citizens of the United States of America, whether you were born here or," he looked at Teal'c, "unofficially adopted into this country."
"Thank you, Mister President," Jack said. This was not at all what he had been expecting.
"It's my pleasure, Colonel." Hayes smiled. "You might be wondering why I went to the trouble of bringing you out here instead of just mailing those commendations to you. I've been intending to give you those ever since the events in Antarctica, but my job has been just a little busy lately. I suddenly decided that you deserved to have them presented to you in person." He paused. "There is another reason as well, however." He focused his attention on Daniel. "Doctor Jackson, I think I can safely say that there isn't another civilian on the face of this planet that we owe more to. It would take hours to list every one of your accomplishments and every way that you have helped the people of Earth, not to mention human beings on other worlds. I know that it cannot come close to repaying you for all that you have done, but I am announcing to you that you are being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom."
Sam let out a sharp gasp. "Oh my God," she whispered.
An ear-to-ear grin split Jack's face as he was filled with pride. 'Yes! You're finally getting the recognition you deserve, Daniel.'
Teal'c was delighted that Daniel was being given such an honor, one that he richly deserved.
As for Daniel, he was stunned speechless. He'd never considered that he'd be awarded the Medal of Freedom. He'd never even thought about it.
"I . . . I don't know what to say, sir," he said in a quiet, shocked voice.
Hayes smiled in understanding. "No words are necessary, Doctor Jackson. If it had been up to me, you'd already have a closet full of the things. And if it was also up to me, you would be receiving the Congressional Gold Medal as well, but that one isn't within my power to give. But I can assure you that if, for some reason, the Stargate Program goes public during my term, I will recommend to Congress that you be given one. Heck, I'll even recommend it to them if it happens after my term."
Daniel's mind was whirling. He was also feeling rather embarrassed by the effusive praise. He had definitely not been prepared for this.
"Thank you, sir. I, um . . . thank you."
"No, Doctor Jackson. Thank you." Hayes walked toward the door of the lounge. "Now, if you'd all like to freshen up and relax for a while, one of the guest cabins has been prepared for you. Lieutenant Trask will take you there. He has been assigned the duty of being your aide during your stay."
The same man who met them at the helicopter showed them to the cabin. SG-1 saw that their luggage had already been taken there.
The moment the lieutenant was gone, Sam gave Daniel a big hug. "Oh, Daniel, I am so happy for you!" she exclaimed in delight.
Jack grinned broadly. "It's about time they gave you proper recognition for everything."
"Indeed," Teal'c agreed. "I am most pleased that you are being given this honor."
"Well, I'm just plain shocked," Daniel admitted. "This really isn't something I ever expected or even thought about."
"Which doesn't surprise me a bit," Jack said. "You deserve it, Daniel, more than deserve it."
"I wonder how they're going to do it," Sam said. "The Medal of Freedom awards is public. They couldn't make Daniel's public."
"I guess it'll be a private ceremony," Jack determined. "It wouldn't surprise me if they have it at the SGC."
Daniel sat on the couch, still feeling rather stunned. "This isn't something I ever would have asked for, you know. I don't do all these things for recognition."
Sam sat beside him. "We know, Daniel."
Jack took a seat. "But don't you dare say that you don't deserve it. You heard the president. You should have enough of the doggone things to wallpaper your living room with. And it is too bad that you can't be given the Gold Medal, too. That would be sweet. There aren't many people who have both it and the Medal of Freedom."
"What is the Congressional Gold Medal, O'Neill?" Teal'c asked, never having heard of it.
"It's awarded by Congress," Sam explained. "It is considered to be an honor equal to the Medal of Freedom, given to a person who has perform an outstanding deed or act of service to the prosperity, security, or national interest of the U.S. It's been in existence a whole lot longer than the Medal of Freedom – since 1776, I think – but a lot less people have been awarded it. Every medal is unique, usually picturing the person it's awarded to."
"If everyone in Congress knew about the Stargate Program, I bet Daniel would get one," Jack stated, "that is if they could figure out how to keep it a secret."
Daniel stared at the carpet, once again embarrassed.
Jack clapped his hands together and got to his feet. "I am in the mood to celebrate. I wonder if they've got any champaign in this place."
"Probably not, sir," Sam responded, smiling.
As Sam had guessed, there was no champaign, but when Jack asked Lieutenant Trask if he could get some, the man assured him that they would have some at the lodge and called for someone to bring some.
Fifteen minutes later, Jack, Sam and Teal'c were giving a toast to an extremely embarrassed Daniel, the two humans with champaign, the Jaffa with sparkling cider.
Afterwards, the foursome went to investigate their cabin. Actually, "cabin" wasn't really an adequate word for the structure, which had four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a big kitchen – with a fully stocked refrigerator – and, to Sam's delight, a hot tub. The major was determined that she was not going to pass up the chance to use it. Fortunately, someone had thought to place various sizes of men's and women's bathing suits on a table near the hot tub, so the fact that she didn't bring a suit was not going to be a problem.
The teammates each chose a bedroom and unpacked their single change of clothing so that the stuff wouldn't get wrinkled. Daniel was looking out the window of his bedroom when Sam knocked on the door. He called for her to enter. The astrophysicist joined him at the window.
"I can't say that this is someplace I ever expected to spend a weekend," he told her.
"Me neither." Sam looked at him closely. "You do deserve that medal, you know. It's given for achievements over a lifetime, not for a single act."
Daniel smiled a little. "Sometimes, it does seem like these years with the program has been a lifetime."
Sam smiled, too. "Well, considering that you've died several times, you could almost say it's been more than one lifetime."
After relaxing for a little while in the cabin, everyone decided to go exploring outside. Daniel and Sam went for a walk in the woods while Teal'c and Jack explored the area around the lodge. Fortunately, there wasn't so much snow on the ground that it made walking difficult.
Later that afternoon, they all got together with Hayes in the recreation room, where the president enjoyed watching Sam demonstrate her proficiency with a pool cue.
"So, anyone here play chess?" Hayes asked.
"The answer to that all depends on how good you are, sir," Jack replied.
"Oh?"
"If you're a good player, I'm your man. If you're a brilliant player, Daniel's the guy you want to go up against."
The president turned to the archeologist. "A chess master on top of everything else?"
"Not even close, sir," Daniel replied. "I can hold my own in a game, but I wouldn't win any tournaments."
"I've been playing against him for seven years, and I have yet to win a game," Jack informed Hayes. "Of course, if I'd known in the beginning that he started playing when he was five years old, I wouldn't have even bothered trying."
Daniel shrugged. "My dad had a set that he always took with him on digs. He taught me how to play."
"Uh huh, and why don't you tell the president how old you were when you started beating your dad."
Daniel blushed faintly. "Um . . . seven."
Hayes laughed and lifted his hands. "You are way beyond my league, Doctor Jackson. I think I'll have a better chance with Colonel O'Neill."
Hayes and Jack enjoyed their game, which lasted almost until dinner. While they played, Teal'c and Sam took turns blasting aliens in an arcade game. Daniel had discovered the library and disappeared into it, which didn't surprise any of his teammates.
Everyone enjoyed dinner, the conversation being lively and friendly. As Hayes looked at the four people seated at the table with him, laughing and talking about ordinary things, it was hard to believe that they traveled to other planets, saving entire civilizations on a regular basis.
After dinner, everyone retired to the lounge to listen to music and talk some more.
"Um, Mister President, I hate asking you a favor, but. . . ." Daniel began.
"Doctor Jackson, I doubt that any favor you asked me would be too much for me to grant," Hayes responded.
Daniel told the president about the trouble he was having with the NID, Sam and Jack adding things here and there.
"And you want me to tell them to back off?" Hayes guessed.
"If you wouldn't mind, sir," Daniel said. "It's getting kind of irritating."
"Consider it done."
"Thank you, sir. I appreciate it."
It was ten o'clock when SG-1 returned to their cabin. They were all starting to get tired by then since they'd had to get up so early to catch their flight.
"I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm ready to call it a night," Jack announced.
"Yeah, me too," Daniel said.
"I, too, will be retiring," Teal'c answered. "I wish to Kel'no'reem before I sleep."
"Not me," Sam said. "There's no way I'm going to pass up using that hot tub, even if it's just for a few minutes."
Jack started up the stairs to the bedrooms. "Just don't stay in too long. You'll get all wrinkled."
Saying goodnight to her teammates, Sam changed into one of the swimsuits and got into the tub with a deep, contented sigh. She'd only be in there for around ten minutes when she began getting sleepy. Not wanting to leave the tub so soon, she decided to stay a bit longer. A few minutes later, she was asleep.
Sam awoke with a start about an hour later, appalled that she'd fallen asleep.
"Well, that would be really stupid, wouldn't it, Sam. Risk your life on a daily basis fighting aliens, and you end up drowning in a hot tub."
She got out of the tub, dried off, and slipped into a robe, figuring that there was no point in getting dressed since she was going to bed. Just as Jack had warned, her hands and feet closely resembled prunes – not that she was ever going to tell him that.
Clothes in hand, Sam headed upstairs. She was passing by Daniel's bedroom when she heard a faint, gasping cry. Concerned, she opened the door a crack.
"Daniel? You okay?" When there was no answer, she peeked in to see the archeologist sitting up in bed, breathing heavily. She came in the rest of the way. "What is it? Did you have a nightmare?"
"No. No, it wasn't a nightmare." Daniel looked up at her. "Something's wrong, Sam."
"You had a vision?"
"Yeah, but I couldn't make heads nor tails of it. But something is definitely up. I can sense it."
"And you have no idea what it is?"
"No. All I know is that there's some kind of danger."
"Maybe we'd better get the colonel."
"There's no point, Sam. I don't know what I'm being warned about. It could be something back at the SGC or maybe not even on Earth."
"If something big was happening at the SGC right now, they'd call us."
"If they could."
Sam fetched the cell phone out of the pocket of her coat and called the SGC control room. The man who answered said that everything was quiet.
"Okay, so nothing's happening there," she said as she hung up. "I guess all we can do is wait and see what happens."
"When we get back to the SGC, I'll try to see something more."
After Sam was gone, Daniel laid back down. He stared into the darkness, his sixth sense sending a constant tingle of warning through him. He didn't know what it was warning him of, but, whatever it was, he had a feeling it was going to happen soon.
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