Investigating Starr Gate

by Annie

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asa/annie/starrgate.php
Summary: SG-1 is sent to Starr Gate to investigate a Stargate
Info:

Notes: I didn't get the idea for this fic, two of my mates did. Jill and I both reside in not-so-sunny Blackpool, Saz was visiting for the day and three of us got together for a couple of hours. As we were pointing out the little things that made us think of Stargate around the town - The Daniel Hotel, Jackson House, Jackson's Coaches, O'Neill Pub (there had been a Jack's Pub across the road but that got shut down), a school bus route called SG1 and an area called Starr Gate - and Saz suggested a fic based in Blackpool. As I'm the only one who attempts to write, the other two are waaaaaay too sensible for that, I said I'd do it. Also, there was a convention held in a Blackpool hotel in 2002 and the place the team stay in is the same one - in honour of everyone who survived that weekend. Jack wondering about Scum Puddle is in honour of Robert Picardo (the Doctor in Star Trek Voyager) who asked the same thing when doing a convention here in 2001.

"I thought you said you knew how to drive stick shifts!" Jack exclaimed as Daniel crunched another gear change.

"I said I drove one when I was in Wales. That was sixteen years ago, Jack and if you think you can do better we can always swap," Daniel said through gritted teeth. Unlike the others he hadn't managed to sleep on any of the flights or the stop over in London and now had Jack complaining about his driving skills. The fact they hadn't even made it out of the airport parking lot was another sticky issue.

Jack muttered something Daniel couldn't make out but didn't take up the offer to take over the driving; instead he picked up a map of the local area and said, "You'll need to head left when we get out of here and don't forget they drive on the wrong side of the road over here."

Daniel ground his teeth to keep from making a comment and as he followed Jack's directions thought about how they had come to be in England.

Colorado, previous day

"I know you're meant to be starting your mission to P1M 555 but the Pentagon has received a report from the British Government and the instruction is for the SGC to investigate a matter for them."

Four pairs of eyes were watching General Hammond as he opened a file marked 'Top Secret' and looked at the two page contents.

"Why would they ask us to look into something for them?" Jack wanted to know.

"It appears one of their top resorts recently unveiled a display they thought we could be interested in," Hammond answered.

They have the weather for resorts? All it ever seems to do is rain over there, Daniel thought.

"The resort is a town called Blackpool and..."

"Blackpool as in a pool that's black? Why not just call it Scum Puddle while they're at it?" Jack muttered.

"I'm not sure about that Colonel but you'll have plenty of opportunity to find out," Hammond answered as he started the projector and an image of a coastline, the same one that was on one of the pages in his folder, appeared on the screen. "The town is located in the Northwest of England and is home to many tourist attractions."

"You said we're being asked to look at a newly opened display sir, what information has been supplied?" Sam asked.

Clicking the remote for the projector Hammond said, "Only that the exhibit is a large ring decorated with lights around it," as a picture appeared on the screen.

"Okay, now I can see why the Brits want us there. Any clue where they got a gate from?" Jack queried.

"It was unearthed on the local beach last year. There was a story in the local press about the find at the time, and again when it was opened at the beginning of their tourist season, but the significance of either story wasn't picked up by their intelligence service. That was realised after one of the political parties held their annual conference in the town and Ambassador Thomas saw it featured in a news broadcast."

"I'm sorry. Who is Ambassador Thomas?" Daniel asked.

"The Ambassador was the British Government's representative when we informed them of the existence of the SGC," Hammond explained.

"And when did this happen?"

"When you were off being a glowing squid," Jack answered.

"Oh. Okay."

"Do we have any information regarding a DHD general?" Sam asked.

"They not only have the DHD, they've also managed to connect it to the gate. Thomas reported people like to press the glyphs and watch the ring move."

"You're kidding. Right?"

"Believe me Colonel, I wish this were a joke. We're just lucky that someone hasn't been successful in engaging the gate yet. You leave for England immediately, a full copy of the report will be available for you on the flight."

In what seemed like the blink of an eye, the members of SG-1 found themselves being flown to Denver where they caught a flight to England via Chicago. Landing in London Heathrow the next morning the team had several hours to look around the city before having to get to Stanstead airport. From there they caught the Ryan Air flight to Blackpool where a car provided by MI6 was waiting for them.

****

Which is what they were currently sitting in trying to get to the hotel. The car was barely big enough for the four of them and their luggage but with a little luck the final leg of the trip would soon be over.

"This Blackpool appears to be a very interesting place," said Teal'c from the back seat, breaking Daniel away from his contemplation.

"How so?" Sam asked sitting next to him.

"From the literature provided it has many attractions."

"T, we're not here for the attractions or whatever else there was in the flyer."

"What can it hurt to look around? After all, it's not everyday we're going to go on a paid trip to England," Daniel said as he finally made it out of the airport complex.

"We're here to work."

"All work and no play make Jack a dull boy."

"Daniel."

"What? I'm just saying we can have some fun while we're here."

"We could show Teal'c there's more to the Tau'ri than America, sir," Sam said.

"Okay, okay. We do what we're here for then, if there's time, we can look around," Jack finally agreed.

"There is the Tower with a circus, several theatres, the Lights, the Pleasure Beach which has Valhalla and something called a Big One..."

"Big One?"

"Yes, O'Neill, it apparently coasts on rollers."

"So it's a roller coaster."

"Is that not what I just said?"

Jack, Sam and Teal'c continued to talk about roller coasters and the attractions as Daniel drove towards the traffic signals. Turning right onto the promenade he saw the Stargate lit up by blue spot lamps.

"Found it."

"Found what, Daniel?"

"Found the Stargate, Jack."

Seeing the ring as well Jack asked, "So where can we stop?"

"I don't think I can or haven't you noticed the amount of traffic about? I wonder if it's normal."

Before Jack could say anything Teal'c answered, "We will have more success during daylight hours. There is an annual display of lights along the Promenade that stretches for six miles and utilises almost a million light bulbs. The features are all produced within the town and new designs are added each year."

"Where on earth are you getting all this info?"

"From the briefing material provided on the plane, O'Neill. It was most interesting."

"So you're saying we can get close to it tomorrow."

"Indeed."

"It's going to take us forever to get to the hotel," Jack groaned twenty minutes later. The car had gone less than a mile and it appeared the traffic wouldn't be speeding up any time soon. Teal'c reached into his bag and pulled something out. Pressing a button he activated it and a familiar sound was heard in the car. Jack turned round to see Teal'c holding a zat.

"Where did you get that?"

"From the SGC."

"Why?"

"General Hammond stated, knowing SG-1's capability to find trouble, it would be prudent if we had some protection. He felt a zatnikitel would be found to be unobjectionable if someone was to look in my luggage."

****

Two hours later and Daniel finally pulled into the hotel parking lot. Everyone was glad to get out of the car and they wearily made their way up the steps to the lobby where an overly cheerful desk clerk greeted them. Sam and Teal'c booked into a twin room and were making their way to the elevator when Jack's voice stopped them.

"Whatcha mean we'll have to share?"

"I'm sorry sir. This is the busiest time of the year and it's the only room left in the hotel."

"We'll take it."

"Daniel?"

Taking the key to the room Daniel said, "Jack, if you want to stand and argue then go ahead. Personally I want to go to the room and sleep, I haven't slept for almost forty-eight hours and I'm tired."

"But it's a double room, Daniel."

"With a double bed. I know. I also know that five minutes from now I plan to be asleep in that bed, with or without you."

Having said that Daniel took his bag and walked over to where Sam and Teal'c were holding the elevator doors open leaving Jack by the reception desk. After confirming once again there was no other room available to him Jack took the proffered key and when he finally got to the room he saw Daniel had been true to his word. He was sprawled across the bed asleep. Sighing, Jack took off his clothes and quickly unpacked his bag before slipping into the space next to Daniel.

****

The next morning and ringing woke him from his sleep. Opening his eyes Jack saw the phone was on the table on his side of the bed so stretched and picked up the receiver. After grumpily telling Sam that yes he was awake and no, Daniel wasn't, they arranged to meet for breakfast in an hour. Putting the receiver down Jack managed to extract himself from his position under Daniel and headed towards the bathroom. When he walked back into the bedroom Jack saw Daniel was still asleep so switched on the kettle to make a drink. Placing a steaming cup of coffee on Daniel's bedside table Jack headed towards the shower and when he re-entered the bedroom for the second time there were signs of life from the bed.

"Morning."

"Huh?"

Shaking his head Jack made another two cups of coffee and gave one to Daniel before starting to get dressed.

"Come on, it's time for you to make a move. We're meeting Carter and Teal'c in the lobby for something to eat then heading out to take a look at the gate."

"You go eat and I'll stay in bed."

"Do you think I'm going to fall for that one? Go have a shower and I'll have another coffee ready for you when you get out."

Daniel reluctantly got out of bed muttering something about lack of sleep and instant coffee meeting trashcans before heading towards the bathroom giving Jack the view of his naked ass. Switching on the television Jack flicked through the channels until he reached one with an accent that was familiar and watched the news to find out what was happening in the world. Hearing the shower stop he made the promised cup of coffee.

"So what was your problem last night?" Daniel asked when he walked back in.

"When?"

"When we were told we'd have to share a room, it's not like we don't do it back home."

"Exactly. Home. We don't share a bed when we're on a mission."

"We share a tent."

"Separate sleeping bags, Daniel."

"Well needs must, Jack. I could always swap with one of the others for the rest of the stay if you'd prefer."

"And have me sleep with Carter or Teal'c? Sleeping with Maybourne has more appeal thanks."

"You'd rather sleep with that lying traitorous sleaze than the rest of your team?"

"Have you heard Teal'c snore since he lost junior at the ambush?"

"Uh, no."

"Let's just say sleeping under a jet would be quieter."

"And Sam?"

"You want me to sleep in the same bed as Carter? No. Just, no. At least Harry doesn't snore and there wouldn't be the... Oh for crying out loud, Daniel. Carter!"

"So when did you get close enough to Maybourne to find out he doesn't snore?"

Jack explained about his trip to Paradise as they headed down to meet the others and Daniel commented maybe if they had to put up with Harry the books were balanced where the Tok'ra were concerned. Jack was adamant the balance was still in Earth's favour as they still had to deal with Anise but before the conversation could continue the others joined them and they went in for breakfast. After finishing the meal the group prepared to head into Blackpool and, deciding it would be easier to travel on the local transport, Daniel spoke to one of the desk clerks to get some tips on how to get around.

"If you wait at one of the stops nearest the road you'll be able to get a tram. If you cross over the tracks to catch a tram you'll end up in Fleetwood," she said.

"Fleetwood?"

"Yes sir. It's a fishing port and they have a market there."

That's all we need, Jack will probably want to go fishing if he finds out, Daniel thought.

"So if you stay at the stop nearest the hotel you'll be headed towards Starr Gate."

"Pardon?"

"It's the name of the stop at the end of the tracks. There used to be an arch that went across the road that lit up which was called the Starr Gate, only it had to be taken down a couple of years ago when it got old and rusty." The clerk continued to talk for a few more moments before Daniel said goodbye and joined the rest of the team.

Daniel told the others about the coincidence of the names as they left the hotel and crossed over the road where they caught the tram, one that was going in the right direction, all the way to where the Stargate was situated. When they walked towards it SG-1 were glad to see no one else around. Putting her hand on the ring Sam could sense the Naquadah and nodded to Jack. Pulling out his mobile he phoned General Hammond.

"Carter's verified it's real, sir. Okay. Yes, sir."

After ending the call Jack put the mobile back in his pocket and turned to his team.

"He's going to contact the Pentagon and will call back when they've decided what to do."

"Would it not be best to disable the gate while they decide, O'Neill?"

"Good idea, Teal'c." Checking they were still alone Jack ordered, "Carter, see if you can remove one of the crystals from the DHD. At least that way people won't be able to accidentally engage a wormhole."

Once the crystal was secured in Daniel's backpack they made their way to the Pleasure Beach.

Later, whilst Sam was proving what a good shot she was, Teal'c saw something that caught his attention. Crossing over to the stand he bought it and rejoined the group in time to see Sam win the large cuddly bear. As they continued round the park Jack saw the item.

"Where did you get that?"

"From that vendor, O'Neill."

"Okay. Why did you get that?"

"I find it amusing."

Sam and Daniel stopped walking and turned to see what Jack was talking about. On top of Teal'c head was a new hat - one that said 'Kiss Me Quick, Shag Me Slow'. They looked at each other, shrugged and as there wasn't a queue continued towards the Valhalla ride. Jack and Teal'c had just joined them when George called back.

"Hello. Yes, sir. They did? How are we meant to do that? Yes, sir. Bye."

Jack let out a sigh and Sam asked what had been decided.

"That it has to be moved but it can't be tracked back to us."

"And how are we meant to accomplish that?" Daniel wanted to know as he climbed into the middle of a carriage. Jack sat in the front of him and Teal'c in the rear. After giving her prize to one of the attendants Sam climbed in between Teal'c and Daniel as Jack said, "That would be up to us to arrange."

They were half way round the ride when Daniel asked, "Um, doesn't that remind you of someone?"

Everyone looked to the side where he was pointing and Sam replied, "Why would they have Thor as a ride feature?"

"That's not Thor, Carter, it's just a really poor puppet."

"O'Neill. I am here to..."

Whatever else Thor said was lost as the car SG-1 went round a corner.

"That was Thor!"

"Sam just said that, Jack."

"What's Thor doing here?"

"Well the ride is modelled around Viking mythology so I suppose it's appropriate for an Asgard to show up here."

"So again, Daniel, what's Thor doing here?"

"I don't know, maybe you could get out and go and ask him."

Before Jack could reply a light flashed and Thor was sitting on the front of the carriage.

"Thor, buddy, what can we do for you?"

"O'Neill. I am here to offer the assistance of the Asgard in the removal of the Stargate."

"You are? Cool. Hang on, how did you..."

"After your abduction by Loki, the High Council directed that both your activities and those of your team should be monitored to prevent any further attempts of tampering."

"Well that's comforting to know," Daniel muttered quietly.

Arrangements were quickly made for the removal of the gate and Thor left just as the ride neared its ending. As the group were climbing out of their carriage a little old lady came up to Jack and hit him with her umbrella.

"Hey! What's that for?"

"That's for talking to aliens."

"Excuse me?"

"You going to stand there all day or are you coming with the rest of us mum?" a short man asked as he walked towards the group.

"In a minute dear, I just want to know what he was saying to the alien."

"Excuse me?"

"See, that's exactly what I just said."

"This isn't the time for smart comments, Jack," Daniel whispered.

"I saw one on their carriage as we went round the ride, Phillip."

"Did you forget your medication again? You know Dr Eyland said it was important that you remember to take your pills."

"I took them, I'm not totally senile."

Jack managed to put on his most innocent of 'who me?' looks whilst saying, "I'm sorry but I don't know what she's talking about."

"No, I'm the one who should be apologising. Mum sometimes forgets her medication and it causes problems as you can tell.

"How about we forget about the whole thing," Jack said wanting the whole incident to be over.

"I know what I saw, Phillip, and I saw that man talk to a little grey alien."

"Little grey... You've been watching the X-Files again haven't you."

"It's a good programme and it's right. The truth is out there." SG-1 quietly left while Phillip and his mother continued to debate the merits of the television show.

"It's just as well he didn't believe her, sir," Sam said as they headed in the other the opposite direction.

"Tell me about it. Hammond could have been right when he said gave Teal'c the zat."

"You can't just zat someone in the open, Jack."

"I know that, Daniel. I would have at least waited till she was away from the crowds before doing it," he replied with a grin.

****

The group had fun for the rest of the day, Teal'c enjoying riding the Big One more than once. It was early evening and raining when they got back to the hotel and by the time they had finished dinner a storm had started. Jack and Daniel went back to their room to rest before having to leave to meet Thor.

"Well this storm will mean we have fun tonight. Did you bring your wet weather clothes?" Jack asked as the wind caused the window to rattle.

"If you think I'm going out there in a storm you can think again," Daniel muttered. "I had enough of high winds and rain back on P3L 997 to last a lifetime."

"That wasn't so bad. Teal'c and I got stuck on P3C 249 when negotiations with a bunch of Jaffa leaders turned into a battle whilst Carter and Folger ended up on P5S 117 trying to sort the gate system out. Mind you he was the idiot who caused the problem in the first place."

"Not too bad? Did you even read my report, Jack? If the gate hadn't come back online we'd have been spending the rest of our lives paddling. As it was they weren't impressed at the Alpha site when we literally surfed back through the gate."

"You know I would have paid money to see that."

"It's a shame you were too busy having fun with Teal'c then, isn't it," Daniel said.

****

"Tell me again how you managed to talk me into being here in the middle of a storm in the early hours of the morning."

Jack, who was unsuccessfully trying to keep some warmth in his body, replied, "I didn't know the weather was going to be like this when I made the arrangements."

"Agreed, but it still doesn't explain why the others are at the hotel warm and dry when I'm here freezing my ass off."

"You're not the only one who has a frozen ass, Daniel, in fact I'll be lucky if it's just my ass that is frozen by the time this is over. And the way the windows were being rattled by the wind the hotel is probably going to fall down around their ears before the night is through."

"It was a bit noisy. Just where the hell is Thor anyway?" Daniel asked as the gate and DHD disappeared in a flash of light. Then another, smaller, light flashed and Thor was stood in front of them.

"Thanks for the help, Thor."

The Asgard bent forward slightly as he nodded his head and said, "Can I assist in your return to the SGC?"

***

A week later and as SG-1 were waiting for General Hammond to arrive for their mission briefing they read the headline story in Jack's National Enquirer - English tourist resort claims, 'Aliens stole our attraction.'