Title: The Phantom Device
Rating: PG
Spoilers: Generally up to AoT or Continuum
Pairings: Cam/Vala, Sam/Jack, Daniel/Sha're
Genre: General....episodic stuff, with a mild side of ship.
Summary: When SG-1 travels to a remote planet to negotiate a deal for the planet's specific technological wonder, the Phantom Device, which allows its user to experience anything they desire, they soon find themselves caught in the middle of a power struggle.

Disclaimer: Naturally, I don't actually own anything. At all. It's really quite sad.

AN: This was written in bulk, as a very long one-shot, but apparently a 16k+ word fic won't fit in one post. What d'you know. So instead, get it in three shots. Pretend you get to watch an ad and an obnoxious SyFy bumper between each part. Apparently, whilst the laptop is ded,  one of the only things I can do is write obnoxiously long fiction. Yay scrappy little legal pads.

Now, this is a shippy fanfic, and written initially for shipping purposes. The more I wrote it, however, the more the story grew around it into what I feel is...pretty much an entire episode. In respect for this, the shippy content has hopefully been kept at SG-1 levels.

I am proud of this fic purely because it's so freaking long, but that does not mean you have to cover the comments in powdered sugar. I'm good with any sort of comment, as always.

 

The Phantom Device

Cameron shot a quizzical look at his dark-haired teammate, as she straightened her jacket. Frankly, he wasn't entirely certain he wanted to know whatever was making her grin about a diplomatic mission. Well, he had his suspicions, but he dearly hoped he was wrong. Caution won out, eventually, and he kept his question to himself, turning and hooking his radio into his vest. 

"Oh, come on, Mitchell. You don't find it the least bit exciting that we might be...acquiring new technology?" Vala leaned against the locker door, and just might've found a way to weave an exasperated pout. Apparently she'd be confirming his suspicions whether he liked it or not. "That is the whole reason they spend all that money to send strapping young men like you and Daniel out to explore the cosmos, isn't it?"

"Nope." He didn't even glance up at her, as he holstered his side-arm. It was a diplomatic mission, but they'd never explicitly said they were disallowed all weapons. "I do it for the women."

His comment summoned the expected smirk, but unfortunately did not deter her from her efforts. "You can't tell me you're not the least bit interested in a machine that lets you live out any scenario you want with those women."

He did look up, then. "Not at all." Where was Jackson, anyway? Sam and Teal'c were hammering out some of the details that simply didn't pertain to him, but Jackson should have been in the lockers already, diverting Vala. It wasn't really her fault that he was short with her. Obviously, she'd never been brought up to speed with the origins of the Galaran memory device she'd used on herself to capture Adria. It was understandable why she hadn't when they'd planned it, but he didn't really want to be the one to explain it. Especially not right then. A device that rooted around in your head and made you experience things that weren't real wasn't exactly something Cameron was a fan of.

Unfortunately, as was the term Cam chose to see it, the Pentagon and the IOA did not particularly care for what he approved of. He knew the potential uses of the device were vast, just as the memory device had been. He understood that. It didn't mean he had to like the device.

Vala's frown was frustrated, but to his fortune, perhaps a consolation prize of fate, Jackson finally arrived before she could respond. Given the choice between renewable entertainment and a wall of frustration, naturally her attention quickly shifted to badgering Jackson about the device. Cameron let out a subtle breath of relief he hadn't quite realized he'd been holding as she scampered across the locker room to Jackson's side.

The sooner they got this mission done, the better.

Cameron straightened his jacket, and gave Daniel a small nod as he wandered out of the locker room toward the Gate. It was going to be a long day. Of that, he was already certain.

---

There was always a strange sort of thrill to step through a Gate and find a civilization with technology at a comparable level to Earth's own. Of course, he loved stepping out into strange new worlds, unrecognizable to Earth, he loved seeing living fragments of the past--although perhaps not as much as Jackson did--and there was always a certain amount of awe and excitement at finding a cache of Ancient civilization, or of a place that simply exceeded their own level. He loved his job. But he held a special place in his heart for the ones comparable to Earth.

The thrill, unfortunately, was short-lived. Underneath the shiny white gleam, it was a really boring city. The administrative body was no better. Jackson did the negotiations and Sam scanned the details offered of the device. The rest of SG-1 served, essentially, as theoretical backup. Vala served as theoretical backup in a silver barrette, but backup all the same. If her fidgeting was any indication, she was very bored backup. Jackson was currently no help for that situation, embroiled as he was in the negotiations.

"So." Cameron winced, as Vala spoke up, and Daniel froze in his speech. "How about...we try out this little...day-dream?" She brightened somewhat at his incremental nod, "Day-dream machine, before we continue this whole..." She waved a hand in a circle over the table, "thing? There's no point in this little dance if we don't like the goods, right?"

Jackson sighed. "Vala..."

The Chief Counselor lifted a hand, her prim brow knitting, "No, it's quite alright, your companion has a point. Perhaps a demonstration is in order."

Cam suppressed a sigh. Maybe he should have taken the doctor's opportunity for a leave of absence on this mission.

"A-a demonstration?" Jackson blinked curiously. "What sort of demonstration?"

The woman stood, arching an eyebrow. "Indeed. If you would follow, I will show you to the device terminals. You may experience its versatility first-hand, and determine its worthiness for yourself."

"Experience-"

"It is of course, perfectly harmless. There are hundreds of safety measures to ensure the device only projects what you wish it to. Among many others, there is an unavoidable built-in suggestion that all you are seeing is false, preventing harm or mental distress." She already swept out of the room as she spoke.

Vala stood quickly afterward, shooting a beaming smile at the table, before hurrying after, already voicing further questions. Cam directed a sour frown at the polished granite of the table, as Jackson sighed and followed afterward. Teal'c followed him, and Sam as well followed, with only a brief glance of concern in Cam's direction. He counted to ten in his head, before pushing up from the chair and walking out of the room after SG-1. He would have to have a discussion with Vala about speaking up in negotiations. She knew better.

The woman was already explaining the mechanics to the others when he caught up. Vala and Jackson were attempting to figure out how to strap themselves into the chair, and Sam seemed to be studying the command console display in front of the devices with fascination. Teal'c stood to the side, watching the scene without visible emotion. Cameron, however, doubted that Teal'c very much liked any of it, if past reports told him anything about the man.

"There are several thousand incidents in Xydonian history that you may choose to live through, should you wish. Or, if you would rather test its flexibility, you may create your own scenario. The interface is simple enough, and is capable of drawing on existing memories to flesh out scenarios with which it has little data for." 

Vala smirked, and winked at Jackson. "Oh, you can bet I'll be testing this one's flexibility."

Jackson had the grace to look briefly ill, before deciding he wished to visit an early event in their history. Sam hesitantly chose something newer. Neither was particularly a surprise to Cam. The woman turned her attention to Cameron and presumably to Teal'c as well, who now stood beside him. "Please, there is no need to hesitate. The device draws the same amount of power no matter how many use it."

Cam frowned, and gave a terse shake of his head. "No thanks. I'm good with just window-shopping."

"Myself as well." Teal'c inclined his head slightly.

The woman appeared skeptical, but gave a slight nod. "Very well. Perhaps you would enjoy lunch while the rest of your delegates inspect the machine."

Cam glanced over at the three members of his team hooking themselves up to the 'day-dream machine', as Vala put it. Vala already appeared lost in her dream, grinning all the while, and Jackson seemed to be in the final stage of preparation. Sam, who still only seemed half-way there, nodded. "We'll be fine over here."

Cam gave a short nod. "I could go for lunch. What about you, big guy?"

"Indeed."

The woman clasped her hands at her waist. "I shall inform the kitchen. If you will follow?"

Cam shook his head as she turned and swept down the hallway without waiting for an answer. "As if we have a choice."

Teal'c only arched an eyebrow.

--- 

There was another reason he liked the worlds that were comparable to Earth. Their food tended to be the most palatable. Glimpses too far into the past had some pretty funky dishes for their guests, and civilizations too far beyond tended to get the idea that their food didn't need frivolous things like 'taste' anymore. Of course, in the end, it was always an alien planet with an almost totally alien culture. The meal was always a gamble. You never knew when you'd get something truly bizarre that might not be edible.

Fortunately, this was one of those times the guest meal wasn't so bad. Cam would have ranked it about the level of most of the meals in the mess. It was hard to say what Teal'c thought of the meal, as he made no comment about it. He didn't make much comment at all, really, as was par for the course. Today, Cam didn't mind the silence. He wasn't feeling particularly talkative. Maybe he was being unreasonable, and the device was nothing like the Galaran one, and could never be abused in a similar fashion--right, like that had ever happened--but he preferred to play it safe. Besides, whether he approved of or enjoyed the machine would have no bearing on these talks. Officially, he was here to further represent Earth. Unofficially, he was on the planet in case things got messy.

Cam glanced up from his meal, not for the first time today, sensing eyes on him. This time, he managed to spot the shady looking character watching from across their equivalent to a mess hall. It was more Atlantis-feel than Cheyenne Mountain, but there weren't enough people milling about that he could confuse which person seemed to find him so interesting. It could have been nothing--the man could have been an engineer or scientist on the project who'd heard about 'aliens' visiting, and was as fascinated as anyone else in the room would have been.

Because the problem person was never the scientist, or anything.

Teal'c glanced up from his meal, between Cam and the other, arching a silent eyebrow.

Cameron frowned, turning back to the strange vegetable concoction. "Guy's actin' awfully interested in what we're eating."

"Indeed."

The councilor chose then to appear once more, prim and proper as ever. The figure on the other side of the eating hall turned his attention fully on his food. Cam turned his own gaze from the man to the councilor. "Free trial period over?"

A gray brow arched, and the woman seemed to take a moment to parse together his speech, before responding. "The demonstration is finished. I trust you likewise found the accommodations here to your liking?"

"Oh, yeah, it was very...filling." Teal'c nodded as well, likely to both of their statements. 

"If you will follow, we shall return to our discussions." She swept away without waiting for an answer.

Ah, yeah. Discussions. Doubtlessly Jackson would be even more anxious to get back to figuring out a way to make everyone happy, and get a brand new toy. It was very likely Sam and Vala would also have  a renewed interest, if the machine was anything close to what they promised. As far as trial runs, he had little doubt that it lived up to its hype. They wouldn't have been here if it didn't at least appear to be what it was advertised to be. That was all well and good. Cam, however, had something to investigate. Teal'c could remain with the others in case things went violently south, or there were hostages. Frankly, if something did go down, it would be in their best interests to have someone outside of the situation.

Cameron exchanged a brief glance with Teal'c, before standing and following after the woman. Who knew how the woman would react the day she turned around and found someone not following her. It was probably in their best interests not to be the people to find out today. Depending on one's definition of 'best interest'. 

The rest of SG-1 was already waiting outside of the devices, speaking amongst each other. Vala waved her arms excitedly as they approached, before spinning on her heel, and greeting them with a smile. 

"Alright, so your product does work..."

"Which means we can absolutely continue negotiations." Jackson pushed past Vala, quickly putting an end to whatever follow-up Vala had planned.

The woman nodded. "Then we may continue in the negotiations room. If you will follow."

Cam didn't bother to watch for her to wander off on her purposeful lonesome. Instead, he hung back, and caught Sam's arm. "Tell Jackson to continue without me. I need to investigate something."

"Cam?"

He waved a hand, and shook his head. "Don't worry about it. Just need to make sure we've checked all the loose ends. The negotiations should be fine without me."

She nodded after a moment, "I'll tell Daniel."

Cameron nodded, and watched the others walk on ahead for a few moments, before turning down the hallway he came from. If he'd learned at anything from the reports, and from his own experience with SG-1, it was that he wouldn't get the real story from the official council. If he was going to figure out what that person's issue was--or more importantly, why these people were willing to trade their clever device away--he'd have to investigate it all himself. If things turned out to be alright, it was best he kept those theories low-profile.

The Councilor would just have to deal with one less person following her around. Technically, there had been no agreements that they could only follow the Councilor. They...simply had.

It didn't take long to retrace his steps to the cafeteria/eating hall room, but much of the people milling about there were already gone when he arrived, including the shady looking one who'd been watching them eat. Unsurprising, given his general...skeevy style. He probably left not long after they did, just to make sure they didn't send anyone back for him. He was not a bouncer, however. Walking out of the room while he wasn't looking would not shake him from the trail.

Fortunately, one of the cooks recognized his description well enough to give a believable direction and time that the man left the eating hall. Right out the opposite door they went, only minutes after they left. It was very predictable, but then again...that was unsurprising. The civilization was advanced, but they'd only ever had contact with a few traders and the Goa'uld system lord Bastet. They were among the few lucky enough not to be touched by the Ori crusade. They wouldn't have had the knowledge and experience that came with SG-1 and more than a decade's missions. Even if most of those missions hadn't included him, he'd learned the lessons the missions imparted, and in this particular instance, that was what mattered.

The population seemed to thicken the further he went from the center of the building. It made sense, if it was a matter of some sort of security, but he'd have preferred if the hallways remained mostly empty and easy to find the man he was looking for. Even though the crowd itself provided him a certain level of cover. Not much of one, since his outfit wasn't even close to most of the others passing him, but more than an empty hallway would afford.

Fortunately, he didn't have to look long. The shady man was weaving through the crowd ahead of him too quickly, and shot furtive looks around the area every so often. Honestly, it was as if the man wanted Cam to follow him. It was a disconcerting thought. If he was willingly walking into a trap, he'd have liked to have some backup with him. Yet, even if one of them could arrive in a timely manner, it would mean drawing one out of the discussions mid-way, and make the entire situation look that much more suspicious to the woman. Much as he was not a fan of the whole idea, he was not going to be personally responsible for its failures.

He understood its benefits. He did.

Eventually, the man turned from the main corridor, into a smaller, less well-lit one. Frankly, it felt like the classic alley-dodge trap.  Still, if he wanted answers, he would have to risk it. He'd have to bank on whatever trap they set for him underestimating his abilities. There was no reason to believe that they wouldn't. When he followed after, there was no immediate blade or tackle-dive. That was fortunate.

In fact, there wasn't an attack at all. Maybe he was being overly suspicious.

He'd be more reassured if the man hadn't vanished.

"Look, I just want to talk."

No response. Nice.

Cameron frowned, making his way further down the 'alley'. Maybe the guy was just a really fast runner. Or maybe he had a secret passage he'd ducked into, and Cam was only talking to the air. Again, this would have been a good time to have back up. He'd worry about regrets later.

Like if he recovered from the particularly potent tranquilizer the wall in front of him decided to spray him with. Or, perhaps more importantly, if he woke up after the expected ambush crew was finished with their plans. He put up a decent fight, despite the predictably fast-acting drug. He even took down one of the four, and severely hampered another's effectiveness in dragging him off, but...he simply didn't have the endurance to fight them all off. He did make certain to vocalize his protests, however slurred, as enthusiastic as possible.

---

Councilor Solyin's expression thinned to a stern frown, as she nodded. That latest concession clearly didn't sit well with her. As well it shouldn't, really. The IOA, as always, were being completely unreasonable. If he had any say in that particular matter, he would have done it very differently. In that one aspect, among few others, he really had no authority to alter the agreement. Even if he did, they would only weasel their way out, or retract it completely an send someone else to do the job. He knew. He'd tried that before. Recently, in fact, which was not a good sign for the current state of the IOA.

Maybe he'd ask around about investigating the IOA. It could have been that Trust operatives, or something similar and as yet unknown had infiltrated their ranks, and were purposefully sabotaging and wringing potential allies for everything they had. "If there were any other way..."

Solyin lifted a hand to silence him. "I will have to deliberate this with the other members of the Council. I cannot say for certain what the decision will be." She stood in a quick, fluid motion. "I trust that we can find a satisfactory medium. If you would wait?"

As she was wont to do, being so familiar with commanding so much power and respect, she marched out of the room without waiting for an answer.

Vala blew air out through her teeth as the woman vanished from sight, and slumped in her chair. "I hope all that sitting around and talking doesn't come out to nothing. We'd be missing out on such a wonderful new toy for the mountain."

"Vala," Sam placed her elbows on the table, launching into her subconscious explanation mode. "First, if we do receive this technology, it will be going to Area 51 for research, until we can  adapt it to our own technology. We've found time and again it's just too risky to graft alien technology straight into our own."

"Still," Vala raised her eyebrows, and waved a hand. "it can't take long."

Daniel spoke up before Sam could reiterate more explicitly, because as much as he agreed with Sam in everything she said about the matter, there was a more pressing issue he needed to clarify first. "It's not a toy, Vala. It...the practical applications for this technology are almost infinite."

Sam nodded. "It could be used to simulate hypothetical situations through the input of specific data, with virtually zero inaccuracy, zero danger, and the ability, unlike contemporary simulation technology, to actually see what's happening. The level of advancement it would provide to research and development is astronomical."

"Exactly." Daniel nodded, and gestured toward Sam, just a little bit glad he hadn't needed to say all that. "And the ability to study historical events, or map out training scenarios in minute detail could be invaluable to scholars and soldiers alike."

Vala muttered something under her breath that Daniel couldn't quite make out. "Study, research. I think you're missing out on the most important part. This device could revolutionize your  planet's methods of entertainment."

Daniel sighed, before turning his attention toward Sam. "Where did you say Mitchell went?"

"Evidently somewhere more interesting than here." Vala glanced down at her nails, "I'd bet he looped back to enjoy the machine when he wouldn't be self conscious of all the dirty fantasies he's indulging in."

Sam offered a brief, slim smile at Vala's suggestion. "Cam said he needed to investigate something suspicious."

"See what I mean?" Vala gestured toward Sam, arching her eyebrows. "Right now he's pretending to be doctor with...someone. Maybe the doctor on the base."

Daniel groaned, and brought a hand to the bridge of his nose, attempting to wipe away that particular image from his mind as quickly as possible. Teal'c, who had been silent since the meeting reconvened finally spoke up then. "There was, in fact, one of the Xydonian citizens acting suspiciously in the eating hall. Perhaps he is investigating further suspicious activity associated with the man."

"Well, that sounds like something more interesting than here." Vala straightened in her seat. "I vote we go help him explore that lead."

"We need to be here in case the Councilor returns." Sam spoke up before Daniel could. "Besides, depending on what he might have found, a larger group of people searching might actually hamper his investigation."

"Good idea. You three stay here, I'll go looking for him."

Daniel held out a hand to interrupt her rising from her seat. "Until the meeting is adjourned, no one is looking for anyone. Mitchell leaving to...follow his lead was bad enough, but if anyone else leaves, it will be seen as a sign of waning interest on our part, and frankly disrespect."

"That's ridiculous. All they have is one, and you're the only one talking anyway."

"It's their culture, Vala."

Vala made an annoyed sound.

"He's right, Vala." Sam steepled her fingers on the table. "Until this meeting is over, Cam is on his own. He wouldn't have gone on his own if he didn't think he could handle it."

Vala finally fell silent at that, but Daniel could see in Sam and Teal'c's faces that he wasn't the only one who would have preferred if Cam had at least checked in with them by then. It wouldn't be the first time Cam had overestimated his abilities, or underestimated a threat.

---

His brain hammered against his skull like no one's business, and his ears were ringing. Wonderful. On one hand, he was alive. On the other, he had a headache that was arguing whether that particular fact was an advantage or not, and he was apparently captured. Depending on how long he'd been out, they could have still had hours of negotiations to work through. That was not a particularly lovely thought. On the other hand, he could have been out long enough that they'd find him soon.

Because that happened all the time, didn't it?

His vest and equipment were gone, but—unlike some other captors—they'd at least left him with his basic clothing.

Cameron groaned, and rolled off of the harsh 'bed' he'd been put on, bringing a hand to his head, and blinking away the lingering grogginess of the drug. The building around him was much less pristine than the one he'd been in before. Much more like familiar stone than sci-fi walls. Even if that would have been reassuring—which given the circumstances, it wasn't—the presence of the metal bars encircling his cell made the situation appropriately foreboding.

He only just had time to stumble to his feet, and begin to scan the area around his cramped cell and sparse bed, when his captor made his presence known.

Just a glance told him it was the man he'd been following, but there was no sign of the others who'd attacked him before. It was too early to say where they might be. Cam straightened his shirt, rather than worry about where they were.

“Look, whatever impression you might've had of me, you're wrong.” Cam held up his hands—as if, at this point, he really needed to show further evidence of his harmlessness. “I only wanted to ask you a few questions. No need for violence.”

The man furrowed his brow briefly, resting one wrist in another hand. “I simply wish to speak, as well.”

“I think we have a different understanding of what's necessary for 'speaking'.” He was entitled to a bit of annoyance. He was kidnapped and drugged on a diplomatic mission. He hated diplomatic missions.

The man paid no mind to his annoyance. “I needed you to listen. Alone.”

Well. That was ominous, but at least that meant he might actually get what he'd been looking for. Answers to just exactly what was off about the so-styled daydream-machines. Cameron crossed his arms, and tilted his head. “Listen to you about what?”

“You....you're the delegates from another world. You've come here for the phantom device? I am called Cassian, I was one of the engineers that created the device.” The man gripped the metal bars, fixing him with an intense stare. “Do you realize what it does?”

Finally, a name and occupation. “Alright, Cassian...you've got me interested.” Cameron frowned, and took a step forward. “I've read the pamphlet, but I get the feeling you're going to tell me I missed the fine-print.” At the man's puzzled look, Cam waved a hand. “Never mind. Tell me. What exactly does it do?”

The man smiled. It wasn't the most impressive smile Cam had ever seen. “It does exactly what they say it does. It will show you anything you program into it, and fill out any details you might be unclear or indecisive about by accessing its database, or by snatching it right out of your head.” His grip flexed on the bars, as he leaned in closer. “But have you considered what sort of potential technology like that has?”

All too well. He took another step toward the man, and sighed. “If you're hoping to appeal to a scientific mind, you kidnapped the wrong team member.”

The man continued as if he hadn't spoken at all. It was really getting to be an irritating habit of the people of this world. “It can do more than simply fill out your designated scenario. If you were to give it full control, it could use what it finds within your head to construct your own personal utopia. Or, with the information it records from everyone that uses the machine, it can construct the worst nightmare you could ever imagine.”

Yeah. That was pretty much what he'd guessed already. Cam held out a hand. “Look, Cassian. All technology can be abused in some way or another. You should know that. I'm not saying I particularly like the machine myself, because I don't, but if the benefits outweigh the potential-”

“They're not potential!” The man's sudden ferocity nearly made Cam blink. “Everything I've told you has happened. When we were first testing the device, we couldn't find a way to reign in the device's access to the user's mind. Test runs were disastrous, swinging uncontrollably from paradise to nightmare, dominated by the user's subconscious whims. Even when we were able to prevent it from traumatizing or killing those who tested it, the device was beyond addictive, as you can imagine. You see, anyone within the device truly believed everything they were experiencing. When we extracted them from the project, they went into shock, crashed into despair, or drove relentlessly to return.”

Cam's expression thinned into a frown. “They've installed safety features-”

“Afterward!” The interrupting thing was getting old fast. “When the first trial ended in abject failure, they refused to let the idea go. Loss of lives didn't matter to them. All that mattered was the potential they saw in the technology. They drove us onward, forced the project onward until we managed to implant the subconscious understanding that everything witnessed in the device is only an illusion. But even with all of the safety procedures we came up with, the ability to see and to 'live', even if you know its only a dream, your every desire is a powerful addiction. In the end, after dozens of trials, and countless lives lost, we eliminated the option for purely user-generated fantasies entirely.”

“I see where you're going with this.” Cam took another step toward the man, leaving them separated only by inches and metal bars. “This device was bought and paid for with hundreds of lives, and quite possibly corruption. I get that, but now that the device is right, are you going to throw those lives away for nothing?” He hated arguing for the side of the device, because frankly...he saw where the man was coming from. But he was a member of SG-1, and a representative of Earth as a whole. His personal opinions didn't trump...and it was much the same reasoning he'd used when he'd decided to use the Galaran device on Ferguson, after vehemently opposing their acquisition of it.

“No, I don't think you do.” Cassian scowled. “The device hasn't changed we just removed a button. That's their flawless safety procedure. Strict AI and the lack of user choice to live out fantasies. It's still capable of it, and the device is still used for it. Regularly.” He shook his head. “From the master control, they can still activate whatever they want. If they want someone to disappear? If they want to punish someone for stepping out of line? All they have to do is press a few buttons, and they have the perfect torture device. Anyone with the controls could. Today the Council is at the helm. There can't be a tomorrow.”

Cam narrowed his eyes. “So. You brought me here to tell me not to finish the negotiations? To avoid the machine at all costs, because the power will eventually corrupt anyone who controls it?” Theoretically, that was true. Absolute power did corrupt, even when the 'absolute' was on a small scale. Much as he loathed the device and its implications, however, 'its too powerful' wasn't an argument the IOA would settle for, and he wasn't certain Sam and the scientists at Area 51 couldn't find a way to fix it, as they had with the Galaran device. With the Galaran device, they'd managed to eliminate the even possibility of making someone believe another's memories were their own. With the daydream device, maybe they could remove the daydream/nightmare part entirely.

“No.” Of course it had to be 'no'. “Even if you could convince your people to back out of the negotiations, the device will still exist, and eventually, there will be more like you who arrive, who will take the device instead. It would solve nothing, but to protect your own people.”

He did not like where the man was going with his speech. “Look...”

“There is only one answer. We had hoped to wait until we were better prepared, but if they are willing to trade the device for favor, it can only mean they have developed something far worse, and the danger of this device spreading throughout the galaxy is too great to wait any longer. We must strike now, and stop this before it destroys us completely.”

Yep. He definitely didn't like it at all. “My team has nothing to do with this.”

“As I said, they force our hand too early. But you...your planet has further resources, and their trust. With your help-”

“We don't get involved in civil wars.” If there was one thing smart the IOA and associations like it had learned over the years, it was that getting involved in other worlds' spats ended only in misery for everyone involved.

“This isn't a war.”

“No, it's a coup. I'm not saying that it's wrong, or that there's a better way. I don't know. I haven't been here long, and I don't know the whole story, but I'd like to think there's a way that this can be resolved without killing everyone that disagrees with you.” He rested his hands on the crossbar between them, inching in on the man's personal space, and ideally discomfiting Cassian, to further his point. “But we. Do not. Get involved with coups, wars, rebellions, or any other kind of disagreement. Violent or otherwise.”

The man made a frustrated sound, straightening. “That's not an option! You brought this on yourself, coming here, and you're not leaving until you fulfill your responsibilities.”

Oh, no, he wasn't going to play that game. Not when he had no idea how long he'd been out, what happened to SG-1 or the negotiations, and was apparently trapped in a hidden rebel base with a bunch of rebels the Xyndonian Council never bothered to mention. As the man turned to flounce out of the room, Cam snatched a hand out through the bars, and yanked Cassian's arm forcibly back within the cell. In a simultaneous, fluid movement, he twisted and locked the arm around one of the bars, and snatched up Cassian's belt-knife, pressing it to the man's neck.

Cam gave the man a sidelong glance—which was about the closest he could come to actually looking the man in the eye in his current position against the bars. “Now...I can only speculate what the shapes pressed into the blade are supposed to be for, but I'm pretty sure we both know what will happen if I cut you with the sharp end.”

The man closed his eyes a moment, whether in reaction to the blade, his arm, or the threat, was difficult to say. “Killing me will serve you no good.”

“Maybe. Maybe you've got the keys to this place on you. Maybe you're planning on kidnapping another one of my friends and spitting out this whole spiel to one of them, too.”

“I don't have any intention to hurt you or the other delegates!”

“Yeah, not really convincing with the kidnapping thing.” He tightened his grip on the man. “Let me go. I'll tell the rest of the delegates this whole thing is a bust, and we'll be gone.”

“We need-” He cut off as the blade pressed dangerously close to his throat. “Alright. I'll release you from your imprisonment. Just...before you make your decision, let me show you something. Then make your decision whether to help us.”

Cam frowned. He didn't want to hurt Cassian. Sure, he was an ass, and the whole kidnapping and threatened imprisonment weren't exactly points for him, but Cam saw where he was coming from, and he had a feeling the man was the leader of whatever rebellion they had. If the Council really was abusing the machine on the people, some sort of action needed taking. It wasn't SG-1's action to take, but all the same, it wasn't their job to suppress rebellion, either.

He sighed, and released the man after a moment. “Fine. Show me.”

 

Councilor Solyin smoothed her skirt absently, as she frowned in thought. “Are you certain your companion has not simply chosen to indulge in the device, and lost his time? It is not an uncommon occurrence.”

“See, that's what I said.” Vala spoke up before he could, as she lounged at a nearby wall, and waved a hand.

“I don't think so.” Daniel frowned over at Vala briefly, before turning his attention to the Councilor. “I don't think our companion would...indulge. Not for this long. Something must have happened to him, for him not to have checked in with us by now.”

The woman nodded after a moment. “Well then. I shall speak with the head of security. It is possible, in his wandering, he might have made contact with...some of our culture's less morally adherent populace. Much as we might wish to proclaim ourselves free of crime, it is a regrettable existence. I had hoped to prevent you, the delegates from suffering from it...”

“No, no, it's...understandable. What kind of crime are we talking about?”

“Rabble, miscreants. burglars, there are violent individuals he might have encountered, but of course the knowledge of these negotiations are limited. He would not be in any great danger. Perhaps he was merely injured from an encounter, and has been recovering in a clinic, and simply has not been able to contact you due to negotiations.”

Daniel frowned softly, and nodded. “You're...probably right.”

Solyin nodded, and turned. “I shall inform security to search for him.”

Vala watched the woman intently as she walked away, with her own sort of thoughtful frown, before turning her gaze on him. “I don't believe her, Daniel. Mitchell wouldn't have left us hanging like this so long.”

“No...he wouldn't.” He frowned, studying the retreating form of the woman for a long moment, before turning to walk back toward where Sam and Teal'c were waiting. Something was missing.

Sam looked up from the document she'd been flipping through, anxiety written across her features. “What did she say?”

“I think she's lying.” Again, Vala spoke before he could. It was something he'd gotten used to, if only grudgingly. “She suggested he might have lost track of time, but Mitchell's never late. Unless he's lost in an elaborate fantasy about me, that poor, repressed man simply can't be having so much fun he's forgotten about the rest of us.”

Sam gave a passing smile at Vala's comment, but it was Teal'c who spoke before Daniel could get a word in. “I do not believe Colonel Mitchell would use the device willingly.”

“Mm, that's what Daniel said.” Vala planted her hands on her hips. “But if it's not that, then there must be something wrong with him.”

“She said 'the knowledge of our negotiations is limited'.” It barely even registered that Vala in fact managed to fit in two statements before he'd managed to run his train of thought to its completion. “That's why the Councilor felt that Mitchell couldn't be in any danger, because the 'knowledge of the negotiations' was limited.”

Vala gave him a look that was somewhere between exasperated and expectant, but this time it was Sam who spoke up, the glimmer in her eyes saying she'd caught on to the same thing he had. “Why would the knowledge of the negotiations have anything to do with it? The Stargate is a secret on this planet, isn't it?”

“Exactly. If anything, she should have said that 'the knowledge of the Stargate is limited', so no one would have seen him as a target to be attacked or ransomed—at least, no one that Cam couldn't handle.” His mind now charged along at least a sentence ahead of what he said, and he gestured along with his words, attempting to accentuate his words as best as he could for Vala and Teal'c...well, for Vala, really. After so long, Teal'c tended to follow him almost as well as Sam. “But she didn't! She said 'the negotiations'.”

Sam nodded in understanding. “...Meaning there must be a group of people who know about the Stargate, and presumably about us, who don't agree with the decision open negotiations.”

Vala glanced between the two of them, and finally pointed at him. “Exactly! See? I told you she was lying. She's hiding a corrupt group of xenophobic rebels!”

“Not necessarily.” He sighed, and glanced around the room, hoping to pick out something that might be a clue toward the true answer to Mitchell's whereabouts. The chances of finding anything with a quick glance, or even a thorough search of the negotiation hall were slim, but it was force of habit. “All we know for sure is that there's someone out there who might not agree with our budding alliance, who might know more than Councilor Solyin realizes.”

“I told you we should have gone looking for him!”

“I doubt we'd have found anything more slinking off in the middle of negotiations than waiting until now. If he was captured, it had to be early on.”

“Not if she's in on it, and is just wasting our time until they fulfill whatever dastardly purpose they have for him.”

“I...don't think that's the case.” Daniel shook his head. “There's no advantage to it. They'd know any hostile actions against us would only hurt diplomatic relations. And they were the ones who came to us to start negotiating. She might be covering up something to save face, but there's no way she's in on it.”

Well. Probably.

Sam straightened, looking over his shoulder, and Daniel turned, putting back on his diplomatic face. Councilor Solyin was just walking into the room, and beneath her smooth expression, there seemed a brief flicker of annoyance that they'd retreated to the other side of the room in her absence.

He started immediately forward to rectify the situation. “Have you found any news?”

She gave a small shake of her head. “There have been no official spottings of him since shortly after lunch hour.”

“That's...well over four hours of nothing.”

“It is only a preliminary report. I have only just sent men out on foot to search for him. It is possible he simply found himself lost within the city.”

Daniel knit his fingers together at his stomach, and glanced down momentarily, calculating just how to broach the subject. Preferably before Vala could contain herself no longer. “Councilor...is it possible there might be an element who might have knowledge of the Stargate, who wouldn't approve of these negotiations?”

One prim brow arched. “Excuse me?”

Oh, it had to be difficult. He grimaced.

“Look, we know you're not telling us everything.” And there would be Vala. “It's embarrassing, not having control of your entire government, and you don't want to...run your dirty clothing in front of everyone. But if we're going to be friends, you're going to have to stop hiding things from us.”

“What she means to say is...we know that there's a group of people out there that doesn't approve of this. Is it possible the information got out somehow? With all due respect, Councilor, if our friend might be captured by an unfriendly force...”

“There is only one...'unfriendly force', as you say. However, even if they could have discovered these negotiations, they do not possess the abilities to provide any threat to these negotiations, or any of the delegates.” She knit her hands at her waist. “Nevertheless, I will ensure the head of security leaves no possibility unexplored. We shall adjourn negotiations until the missing delegate is found. If you would return to your rooms?”

Vala barely waited until the woman left the room before shoving from the wall she'd reclined against once more. “That's it then. We'll just have to search for him ourselves. No more 'negotiations' or politics to worry about.”

“Oh...” He frowned at the glass doorway Councilor Solyin vanished behind. “I have a feeling it's not going to be that easy.”