A Hidden Threat

Chapter 10

It killed Carter to return Amiri to her planet. Something deep inside her knew it wasn't the right decision. But the fact that if the NID got a hold of her, and did what they usually did to anyone that had an advanced technology within or the like, she knew that Amiri had to get off earth as soon as possible. Carter knew that she had to let her go. For Amiri's, sake and safety. Although sending her back to her planet to live in solidarity didn't sound like much of a trade off.

Carter and O'Neill made their way up to Hammond's office.

"Major, Colonel. Come in. So have we gotten anywhere with Amiri." Hammond asked.

"Well I think we've come up with a plan that will benefit all of us Sir" O'Neill stated. He treaded lightly for he knew that Carter feared for Amiri's well being.

"Colonel?" Hammond asked.

"Well Sir, Amiri wishes to be returned to her planet. She says she can lead us to Catek. Since the gate is far from the village, we can easily get in and out, without alerting the Jibartan people. "

"And you think this plan will work?" Hammond asked.

"Major?" Hammond asked. Knowing that Major Carter has gotten more involved than she should have.

"Sir, it seems that this connection that Amiri and I grow's stronger the longer we are together. ..." Carter stated.

"Sir, she read her mind..." O'Neill interjected. The treading lightly went right out the window.

"Sir" Carter almost yelled with the misinformation he was giving to Hammond.

"What?" Hammond immediately stated with an alert look on his face.

"Sir, it's not like that." Carter tried to regain control.

"It's not Carter, then how she know about Jolinar?" O'Neill continued to try to take control of the situation but had no idea what he was talking about.

"Sir, please can I explain since it's me that Amiri has the connection with?" Carter stated trying to remain calm.

"Go ahead Major but you better have a good explanation, or Amiri has just become a huge security risk" Hammond stated.

"Sir...Amiri and I can not read each other's minds. It's more like emotions, feelings. Yes, she read Jolinar but all she got was the name, and that Jolinar had gone through the same horror she did. That was the extent of it. " Carter tried to explain, hoping to regain control.

"Well Major, then I think that the Colonels plan is best for all of us." Hammond stated with great concern.

"Well actually Sir, it was Carters plan" O'Neill trying to get back in good graces with Carter for he knew he was going to get the silent treatment for weeks after what he just pulled.

"Whomever's plan it was...if the Doctor approves of her traveling through the gate, the sooner we get this over with the better." Hammond stated.

"Yes Sir" O'Neill said.

"Fine. Colonel you get with Dr. Frasier and if she gives you the go, then SG1 will leave tomorrow at 0700.." Hammond stated. He didn't wish the girl any harm, but he too knew that if the NID found about her, she would be in worse hands.

O'Neill looked at Carter. He knew that everything in her wanted Amiri to stay, but she also knew her government and the paranoia that part of it worked under.

"Dismissed" Hammond stated.

They both stood, and Carter waited for O'Neill to pass. She was livid. But she did not lose control. One thing about Carter was she never disrespected command. Her CO was her CO, no matter what feelings she may or may not have for him. They proceeded to leave Hammonds office. She headed to the infirmary to alert Amiri of the final decision that was made. But O'Neill headed to the same place, since he had to find out from Dr. Frasier if Amiri could be released for gate travel.

When she realized that they were both headed in the same direction, she slowed down her pace, so as not to be in step with him. She lagged behind him. What she wanted to do was, arm wrestle him to the ground, but she knew she had to keep her cool. He was out of line, and somehow she knew that he knew he was. But he was still her commanding officer. And for that she had the highest respect for him. But right now she didn't like him.

O'Neill made it to the infirmary first. He saw Amiri laying there. She was awake.

"You are O'Neill? Yes?" Amiri asked him.

"Yes I am?"O'Neill looked at her. He did pity the girl for what she had gone through.

"I know Carter has already stated to you, that I am no risk to your people, but I want to tell you myself. I am not a security risk, or a danger to your planet. Yes...Carter and I seem to have a connection. But I swear, on the life of my family, that I do not understand it, or can I control it." Amiri stated to O'Neill.

He didn't know what to say or do. A part of him, wanted to believe her. But he had seen so many tricks from the Goauld that he had to convince himself that he couldn't trust her.

Carter had reached the infirmary by this time. She saw O'Neill by Amiri's bed, and feared that he had already given her the news. He sometimes didn't have the best bedside manner.

"Sir?" Carter stated, hoping he hadn't said anything to her yet.

"Carter, I was just going to find Dr. Fraiser" O'Neill stated. He gave that all familiar look, and with that she knew he hadn't said anything.

"Sam..." Amiri said, with a smile on her face. It was nice to see someone she knew. Well sort of knew.

"Hey Amiri. How are you feeling?" Carter asked. Trying not to think too much.

"I feel much better. Thank you for asking. ..." Amiri stated, but by this time she had a puzzling look on her face.

"They've agreed to return to me planet. Haven't they? And yet you still feel like I shouldn't go." Amiri immediately stated.

Carter wasn't going to beat around the bush. The girl could sense her emotions. It was no use.

"They will be returning you to your planet tomorrow morning. As long as the Dr. states you are ok for travel." Carter simply stated.

"Thank you for letting me know Sam" Amiri stated. "And if it helps any, there is no need to worry. Catek hid me before, he can do it again. Especially if Tenan and his people, believe I am gone." Amiri tried to state with reassurance.

"I'll be fine." Amiri stated.

Carter smiled. She saw that she was trying to be brave. But Amiri forgot that Carter could sense her emotions as well. Carter sensed the fear in her. But there was nothing she can do. She felt so helpless.

She leaned in and gave Amiri a hug.

"I'm so sorry Amiri" Carter said as she held the young girl.

"I know Sam...I know...but this is the best thing for the both us. Catek will care for me, and maybe just maybe one day, I'll be able to return and see you once more." Amiri said trying to make the situation easier. They held the embrace, as if sisters departing forever. Carter could not hold back the tears. She tried to be the good soldier. No attachment, no emotions. But the flood of emotions she felt was overpowering.

Dr. Frasier and O'Neill had walked into the room. Carter released Amiri.

"Hello Dr. ... , O'Neill" Amiri tried to calm the noticeable quiver in her voice.

"Doc says she's good to go" O'Neill stated.

Carter looked at O'Neill. He could sense that Carters heart was being pulled both ways. She wanted to protect Amiri from her own people. But she knew that part of the government she lived by, was as bad as the people on Amiri's planet. There wasn't much she could do about Amiri's people, but she knew she could protect her from her own. Letting Amiri go was her only choice. How she wished there could be another way, but Samantha Carter could not solve this equation. It had a null factor, and it made her sick to her stomach. She can only hope that Catek would hide her well, and continue to teach her. She knew tomorrow would be one of the hardest days of her life.