Snake in the Horse's Shadow By Lord Raa Disclaim-me-do: I love it when common materials are dangerous. Part 8 The entity in control of Captain Samantha Carter grit her teeth as she was confronted by the proof that she was hosting a Goa'uld symbiote. She gripped the bars of her cell. "I need to get off this world." "Really, and are we just supposed to let that happen?" Colonel O'Neill asked sarcastically. "Do you really think that we're stupid enough to let you leave with one of my team?" The blonde turned on her heel in frustration. "I'm telling you that I need to get off this world. I promise that I'll do everything to give you back your precious Captain Carter." "Yes, and the Goa'uld have really earned that level of trust," O'Neill smirked. "It's not going to happen, so stop trying to convince us to let you go through the Stargate. You're not going off-world." "Fine, then let me speak with the Ha're Kek. I know that they're here." "What makes you think that Ranma wants to speak with you?" "We've met before and I need his help. If you do not bring him here, you are signing the death warrants for countless people." General Hammond was not sure what to make of the Goa'uld's request. Colonel O'Neill was absolutely correct to refuse the demand to leave Earth. Captain Carter's knowledge of the planet's defences and strategies would be invaluable to the System Lords. But an audience with Ranma was a much more reasonable proposition. Assuming that he'd be willing to entertain the idea, that was. "What do you think is our best option?" he asked the members of SG-1. "I suppose we could contact Ranma in Japan," Jack answered. "See if he's willing to talk to the snake in Carter's head." "What if it's a trap?" Daniel asked. "What if it's a ploy to get Ranma's body for a host?" "There are indeed many Goa'uld that would give a great deal to possess a host with the physical capabilities of Ranma Saotome," Teal'c said. "That's not something we can allow," Jack quickly added. "How long can the Goa'uld survive outside of a host, Teal'c?" "It would depend on the health of the symbiote, but it would survive a short while. Long enough for it to cross a room and try to enter another host," the Jaffa answered. "As long as he kept his distance, I do not think that Ranma Saotome would have a problem preventing it from entering his body." "Again, assuming we can convince him to come back here," Hammond sighed. "Alright, Colonel O'Neill, you talk to the Goa'uld and get it to give Ranma a reason for coming over here. I'll see if I can get a contact number for him from General Ellis. Teal'c, you're to help guard the prisoner." The Jaffa nodded. "So then, whatever your name is," Jack said, leaning against the door frame, "We've agreed to speak with Ranma, but I don't see why he wouldn't just hang up on us. What happened between the pair of you and why would Ranma agree to help you?" "Your interrogation technique is lacking," Jolinar said dismissively. "But you should tell the Ha're Kek that Jolinar needs his help." "Ok, but I don't think that's enough to get Ranma to come from the other side of the world," the Colonel shrugged. Ranma had just finished helping Kasumi clear the dinner table when the phone started to ring. "I'll get it," Kasumi smiled. "Good evening, how can I help you?" "¬I... Ranma Saotome please,¬" an American voice replied. The brunette shrugged, but called to the kitchen. "Ranma-kun, it's for you." The pigtailed martial artist blinked in surprise. "I didn't think anyone knew I was here. Hello?" "¬Ah, Ranma, it's Colonel O'Neill here. We need your help.¬" "Again?" Ranma asked in English. "What's up now? You need me to find some naquadah for you? Or perhaps there's another alien invasion you need me to stop?" "¬You know where we can get some naquadah? No, it's not that. Apparently you know someone called Jolinar. He, she, it needs your help.¬" "Jolinar?" the martial artist repeated. "Oh yeah, I helped rescue her from Netu when I broke my dad out of Sokar's prison. What's up with her now?" "¬She seems to think that she's in danger and she's requested your help,¬" Jack answered. "¬Are you willing to come over here to speak with her?¬" "Yeah, I guess," Ranma sighed loudly. He called out to his father. "Dad, I need to borrow the car." Genma walked up to his son. "What's up, Son?" "Those SG-1 jerks need me again. Apparently Jolinar's in trouble. I'll be back before you know it." "Jolinar? I don't know," the balding man teased. "Try not to seduce too many women on your trip, Ranma." "I make no promises, Dad," Ranma said, sticking his tongue out. "Ok, O'Neill, put the kettle on, I'll be there in five." After hanging up the phone, Ranma stuck his head into the kitchen. "Kasumi, I need to run an errand." "At this time of night? Do you know when you'll be back?" the brunette asked. "Unfortunately not, so don't wait up," the martial artist said before leaving for the dojo. Kasumi nodded for a moment before she realised that Ranma wasn't heading for the front door. She followed him to the dojo and caught the briefest of glimpses at the flash of light through the door. Rushing, the homemaker forced the door open, only to find the dojo was empty. "Where did Ranma-kun go?" Five minutes later, Airman Cervantes was walking past the briefing room and noticed that Ranma was standing there. "What the heck? Ranma?" he asked. "When did you come back?" "Just got here," the martial artist answered. "Colonel O'Neill asked me to come over. Do you know where he is?" "Not right now, but if you'll let me check. Please stay here while I call it in." Two minutes later, Jack O'Neill walked into the room. "Glad you could join us," Ranma smirked. "So, what's so important that you dragged me here from Tokyo?" "We've got Jolinar in one of our holding cells," O'Neill answered. "I hope she's not expecting me to break her out of your jail. Sokar's one thing, but you guys aren't so bad. So why are you keeping her behind bars?" "Jolinar is in Captain Carter's head and I need to get it out of there." Ranma scratched his head. "And how am I supposed to help with that?" "I don't know," the Colonel conceded. "But she wanted to speak with you in person." "Fine, lead the way then." Jolinar looked up when she heard the door open. In walked Ranma, Teal'c and Jack. "So," the pigtailed man drawled, "What's so important that you insisted that I drop everything and rush over here?" "I am in need of your help, Ranma," Jolinar answered. "Well, yeah, I can see that. But I'm not busting you out of this prison." "On the planet where I took Carter's body as host, there was an Ashrak looking for me." "Teal'c, what's an 'Ashrak'?" Jack asked. "It means 'hunter', one that will go to great lengths to ensure the termination of its target," the Jaffa answered. "If there is an Ashrak here, then we have to increase security." "I'll make the call," the Colonel said, picking up the phone and dialling General Hammond. "So you've led an assassin here?" Ranma asked, turning to the blonde woman. "Why do I let you guys bring this kind of trouble onto me? Fine, what's he look like?" "I do not know, but perhaps you could stay and protect me?" asked Jolinar. She fluttered her eyelids at Ranma. "Please, I am desperate." "Let me speak with Carter." "Colonel, Teal'c, this Ashrak... can you protect us?" the Captain asked. "I do not know," Teal'c replied. "The Ashrak are feared with good reason. But I would feel more confident with the help of the Ha're Kek." "Fine," Ranma sighed. "I'll stay and help you out; but only until this Ass-ram guy's dead. After that, I'm going back home." "Are you sure that the Tok'Ra cannot convince you to join us?" Jolinar asked. "There are benefits to joining our ranks." "Yeah, like not being in complete control of my body," Ranma mocked. "I've spent my life learning how to control my body. I'm not about to let some alien take that control away from me." "I see. Well, I thought it was worth trying," the Tok'Ra shrugged. "So, assuming that we stop this assassin, what then?" O'Neill asked. "Is there any chance of getting you out of Carter's body?" "Some, but it is very risky to both of us. I will not know if this host will survive until I attempt the procedure." "Well, if you do decide to stay in Carter's body, I think this host is cuter than the last one you had, Jolinar," Ranma shrugged. "It might get you further when trying to negotiate with people." "Really?" Jolinar asked. "You really like this host body more than the last one? So what are my chances of getting you into bed in this body?" "Hey," O'Neill barked. "I can't let you do that to Carter's body!" "He does have a point," the martial artist conceded. "And it gives everyone here a good reason why I'm not going to let you put an alien in my head." Inside the Tendo Dojo, Kasumi was looking for any trace of Ranma. She had watched him enter, but the way he had just vanished was something that unsettled her greatly. After five minutes of searching, she decided to go back into the house to have a word with Genma Saotome. "Excuse me, Mr. Saotome," she said politely, "but I can't seem to find Ranma-kun. I don't suppose that he told you where he was going?" "He said that he was going to run a few errands and that he didn't know when he was coming back," the portly man answered. "That's what he told me, but I saw him go into the dojo and I can't find any trace of him." "Ah, well, you shouldn't worry about that. Ranma will be fine." "But how can he just disappear like that?" Kasumi asked. "He hasn't disappeared," Genma smiled. "This is one of those 'it's best not to ask' things." "I don't understand..." "It's somewhat related to what happened on our travels, Kasumi. I'm not sure that Ranma can tell us about it." "But how did he vanish like that?" the brunette demanded. The balding man smirked. "Let me show you something." In the blink of an eye Genma Saotome had faded from view and unsettled Kasumi. "M-mister Saotome?" "I'm here," Genma said, reappearing in his seat as if nothing was wrong. Now Kasumi was truly confused. "But how did you?" "Some things are best left unknown, Kasumi." "So, how do you know Jolinar, Ranma?" asked O'Neill as he stood outside the room where Carter was being held. "I saved her from Sokar when I rescued my dad." "She seems..." "Yeah," Ranma chuckled, "I know what you mean. Seems to happen a lot to me. Still, it's better than them trying to skin you alive. What are you going to do about Carter?" "We've got to get Jolinar out of Carter's head," the Colonel said. "After that, I don't know. What can you tell me about the Tok'Ra?" "They're like Goa'uld, only not evil," the martial artist answered. "They're jerks like the Tollan, but still better than the Goa'uld." Jack nodded. "So, would they honour a peace treaty or what?" "They would, but they won't come rushing to your aide if the Goa'uld decided to attack you when you're on mission," Ranma sighed. "How long are we going to have to wait for that Ass-ram guy?" "I don't kn-" the Colonel was cut off by the doors bursting open and a hooded figure purposefully striding towards them. "I think-" Ranma didn't wait for Jack to finish his comment and launched a vacuum blade at the man's leg, severing it at the knee and stopping him in his tracks. "Are you the Ashrak?" "I will fight on!" he said as he pulled out a zat'nik'tel and aimed it at Ranma. Before he could fire, his body convulsed as five 9mm rounds entered it. The Ashrak's head hit the floor with a dull thud. Colonel O'Neill stood still, his sidearm trained on the hunter. "Are you ok, Ranma?" "Yeah, I'm fine. This guy though, he's looking a little leaky," the pigtailed man said as he approached the body and rolled it over. He checked for a pulse and found none. "I guess I'm done here. See, you don't always need my help. Catch you later." "Don't you want to say goodbye to Jolinar?" "Fine," Ranma sighed. He opened the door and waved at the blonde behind the bars. "We've just killed the Ashrak, so I'm off. Have a nice life." "But..." Jolinar trailed off. "What? I'm not letting you put one of your snakes in my head. And Colonel O'Neill won't let you stay in that body. You'll just have to work something out on your own. I'm going home," the martial artist said as he headed outside. Ranma emerged from the dojo and walked into the house. He noticed that his father was watching a sports bulletin on the evening news. When it finished, he announced his return. "That didn't take long," Genma noted. "Yeah, just needed to save Jo..." Ranma trailed off when he noticed that Soun was also in the room. "It's alright, but I'm tired. I'm going to bed now. See you in the morning." Soun turned to his friend. "What sort of errand was Ranma-kun undertaking, Saotome-kun?" "It's a long story, Tendo-kun. But Ranma's right, it's getting late," the balding man said as he rose to his feet. "I'll see you in the morning." "Yes, of course," the moustachioed man nodded, not entirely sure what was going on. Kasumi lay awake on her bed, troubled by where Ranma had gone. She turned to the door when she heard someone walking across the landing. "Oh, you're calling it a night too, Dad?" "Yeah, Tendo's got one of those 'what's all this about then' looks on his face." The brunette frowned. 'Just what is it that Ranma-kun was doing? And why doesn't he or Mr. Saotome want anyone to know about it?' The voices disappeared into the bathroom and Kasumi opened her door a fraction to listen in better to the Saotomes, hoping to glean something from their conversation as to Ranma's errand. Three minutes later, they emerged from the bathroom. "Oh, Kasumi asked about you," Genma said. "Oh? What did she ask?" "Just the usual: where did you go, what were you doing. That sort of thing." "Did you tell her anything?" Ranma asked. "No, but if she's asking those sorts of questions, she might be interested in you, you know in _that_ way." "Anything's possible, Dad," Ranma said as he held the door open for his father. "Anything's possible." Kasumi gently closed her door and pondered what she'd observed. 'Mr. Saotome knows where Ranma-kun went, but didn't tell me. There's something suspicious about this...' At the SGC, General Hammond was reviewing the casualty report from the Ashrak incident. "Five dead, two dozen injured," he sighed. He looked up at Colonel O'Neill. "And you say that Ranma just walked out of here?" "He did, Sir. He didn't seem terribly impressed with Jolinar, to be honest." "Oh? Why not?" "I think it's to do with the fact that doesn't want a snake in his head. That and she was acting... well, a cat in heat wouldn't be a bad analogy, Sir," O'Neill explained. "Ranma Saotome seems to be quite the ... gamesman," Teal'c said. "Yes, he does have a way with the ladies, doesn't he?" O'Neill said. "And it's playboy, Teal'c." "What about Jolinar?" the General asked, trying to keep the conversation clean. "It's... not going well, Sir. Our options seem to be leaving her in Captain Carter, killing them both or finding Jolinar a new host. But I don't know anyone willing to give up their body just yet." "We are not going to abandon Captain Carter," the Texan stated flatly. "Agreed, Sir." After breakfast, Kasumi was standing near Ranma as he meditated in the dojo. "Is there something wrong, Kasumi?" he asked. "I... I wanted to..." "Wanted to what?" Ranma asked, finally opening his eyes and looking at the brunette. "It's about last night," Kasumi murmured. "Oh, that. Nothing to worry about, I shouldn't have to run off like that again anytime soon. Now, if you'll excuse me, I want to get back to meditating," the pigtailed man said as he closed his eyes. Kasumi felt her left eye twitch in frustration as she found herself casually brushed aside. It was something that she wasn't used to. "I meant where did you go?" "Out." "Out where?" "You wouldn't believe me if I told you," Ranma said, his eyes still closed. "Try me," Kasumi said firmly. "Colorado." "Where?" "Colorado, in the United States of America," Ranma sighed. He opened his eyes again. "See, I told you that you wouldn't believe me." "It takes 10 hours to fly from Tokyo to America," the brunette insisted. "Just what kind of fool do you take me for?" "Fine, I didn't go to America. Believe what you want," the martial artist said, rising to his feet. "I'm going for a walk. I intend to be back later. I don't know where I'm going to end up or if I'm going to go shopping. Will that be all, or do you want to give me some advance idea of what questions you're going to ask when I return?" Kasumi was so taken aback by Ranma's tone that she missed the way he casually jumped over the wall and off into Nerima. "How rude!" "Yeah, Ranma can be like that," Genma Saotome said from the doorway to the dojo. "But..." Kasumi said as she turned to face the portly man. "He doesn't like being interrogated, Kasumi. And neither do I. But I will say this: he was asked to help out a friend." "A friend?" "Yes, a friend. From what I gather, it's become a complicated situation," Genma said with serious tone. "Ranma values his friends, and if you want to be one, you should allow him his space." "But..." Kasumi let out a sigh. "Alright, I'll apologise to Ranma-kun when he returns." Ranma returned a few hours later. "I'm back!" he called as he strolled into the living room as if he owned the place. "Ranma, can you come to the kitchen with me for a minute?" Kasumi asked. She was biting her lip and had trouble looking him in the eye. "I want to talk to you." "What did you want?" Ranma asked rather rudely once Kasumi had shut the door. "I just wanted to apologise for my earlier behaviour. Where you go and what you do isn't any of my business. I was just..." she trailed off as she struggled to come up with the right words. "You were just bored and lonely because you're a 29 year-old housewife without a husband and nothing to do all day, so you thought you'd meddle a bit in my life." Kasumi gasped, her eyes widening as a lovely red blush spread across her face and neck. "That's ... that's ... How dare you say something like that?" Pinching the bridge of his nose, Ranma shook his head. "You're right. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that." Kasumi fought to regain her composure. "All right, apology accepted," she managed to say in an even tone, yet her eyes were still flashing with barely suppressed anger. "I had intended to cook you dinner as a way of apologising for the way I acted earlier, but I'm suddenly not feeling very well. I think I'll go lie down for a bit. Food's in the fridge if you're hungry." She turned and stormed out of the room before Ranma could say anything. "What's her problem?" Ranma asked the empty room. "It's not my fault her life's so boring." The martial artist rubbed his face and sighed. "I suppose I could do something nice for her." Kasumi lay on her bed, tears threatening to leak out of her eyes as she chanted, "Ranma you idiot!" over and over again. There was a knock on the door. "Go away, I'm not feeling very well." "Kasumi, it's me, Ranma. I wanted to apologise for being such a jerk earlier." "Like I said, go away." "Look, Kasumi," Ranma sighed, "I know you want to know more about me, but I can't tell you – I made a promise. What kind of man would I be if I didn't keep my promises?" Kasumi remained silent as she considered those words. 'He's got a point, but still...' "What do you want me to do, Kasumi?" "I don't know... How you disappeared last night," the brunette replied. "That's one of the things I can't tell you." "Then what about your dad disappearing?" "Oh, that? That's easy," Ranma smiled. "If you'll open the door, I'll show what we did." Kasumi opened the door and saw Ranma standing there with his hands on his hips. "I hope you're paying attention, Kasumi," the martial artist said moments before he faded from view. "Ranma-kun?" "Right here, Kasumi," he smiled as he became visible again. "It's a technique that lets you sneak around. It's saved my life more times than I can remember." "But how does it work?" the homemaker asked. "Can anyone do it?" "I don't know the specifics, just how to make it happen. And no, I only know two people who can do this me and my dad." "I see." To be continued... Pre-read by Chi Vayne. Previewed on various intertubes. 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Snake in the Horse's Shadow
Chapter 08: Chapter 8
By: Lord Raa