Serpent's Vow

12: Briefing

"So that's Nirrti," O'Neill muttered as he watched the traitorous Goa'uld be forcibly taken through the Gate by the other two System Lords Cronus and Yu. He shook his head and clicked his tongue. "Not impressed."

Daniel shrugged. "Well, at least we have the Treaty now. That's all that matters."

"And Maj. Carter can use a Goa'uld healing device," Teal'c added, glancing respectfully at his blonde teammate. "An ability I believe will be of much use."

Sam nodded and rolled her shoulders self-consciously. "Let's hope so," she agreed.

Teal'c gazed at her for a moment longer before looking back up at the Stargate just as the wormhole disengaged. Perhaps the Jaffa was aware of how uncomfortable her ability to use Goa'uld devices made her feel. Jolinar may have been a Tok'ra, but she still took Sam without consent. All Sam could do was find a way to use her Goa'uld given abilities for something that could help her friends. It was the only way to heal.

"Penny for your thoughts, Major?" O'Neill asked, clearly aware of her inner turmoil without even looking.

"I don't think they're worth that much," she said, shooting O'Neill a wry grin.

"Oh." The colonel actually looked a bit disappointed. "Well, I guess I get to keep my penny."

Despite her mood, Sam still found herself huffing a laugh. Eager to change the subject, she said, "Actually sir, I didn't want to say anything before in case it offended our guests," she glanced significantly at the now inactive Gate.

"Who are so easily offended," O'Neill said, nodding. "Did I tell you saying 'hello' offended them?"

This time even Teal'c lips twitched in what could be a smile.

"I think I may have found Nephthys, sir," Sam said, and yes, she was now the center of three very surprised and interested gazes.

"You did?" Daniel asked, looking less eager and more apprehensive.

The major nodded. "With your permission, sir," she said to the colonel, "I took the liberty of putting together what I have in the briefing room."

O'Neill smiled. "Well, what are we waiting for? Always ready to go snake hunting."

Daniel opened his mouth to say something before ultimately deciding against it. Probably for the best.

While Col. O'Neill went to inform General Hammond of her findings, Daniel and Teal'c made themselves comfortable in the briefing room overlooking the 'Gate Room. Sam went to work setting up her presentation. Since she hadn't directly been involved in the Treaty negotiations progress and preferred to keep her distance from the Goa'uld, she'd put her unexpected downtime to use. By the time Gen. Hammond and O'Neill joined them, she was ready.

"Whenever you're ready, Major," her senior commanding officer said, startling her.

She looked up and nodded respectfully to the grandfathery man. "Yes sir." Taking a deep breath, she began. "Based on the information we got from Dad and the Tok'ra, we know that even though Nephthys is a queen Goa'uld, he prefers a male host. Judging from our encounter with him at Seth's compound, we can assume he hasn't changed his preferences."

"So, I took that into account and began searching for anyone matching Nephthys' current description in the databases I had access to," she continued. "I used Daniel's method of tracking down Seth to narrow the results."

"Which was?" the general asked, resting his arms on the table and listening closely.

"We know Nephthys is a Goa'uld," Daniel spoke up, "and the Goa'uld enjoy power, worship, being the center of attention on some level," he gestured vaguely, "you get the idea."