Here's another story I'm posting on behalf of Jackie. Again - it's already been archived elsewhere, so if it seems familiar you may have read it before. Here are the content warnings - violence, torture, non graphic sexual references. Yes - it is a Jack whumper, and yes - it is Sam/Jack, and no - Jackie does NOT kill Jack off - ever!
You are getting a nice long piece to start, because I'm in a good mood.
I hope you enjoy it. Remember - all reviews go to Jackie, but I post the fic, so be nice and send lots of reviews
Flatkatsi
A Single Man of Courage – Part one
"Doctor Jackson," said the General as Daniel shuffled through the notes, "any questions?"
"No General, I think the notes cover more or less everything we need to know for now."
"No mention of Goa'uld whackers, honking big guns, world-saving kick ass techno gizmos?" grumbled Jack O'Neill.
"No Jack," began Daniel patiently, "the Mosems aren't as advanced as ourselves, but some of the minerals they are prepared to trade will be very useful to us."
"But no Goa'uld killers?" Jack asked again, his posture said 'okay, that's it, I don't wanna know more if not.'
Sam Carter put her head down to hide a smile at his antics, while Teal'c just looked on, his expression blank.
"Jack ..." began Daniel.
General Hammond looked from his 2IC to Daniel and decided to pull the plug on his 2IC's antagonizing of the Doctor.
"Well people, Colonel, if there's nothing else you join SG-6 at thirteen hundred hours and Doctor Jackson you can start on the trade negotiations.
Jack O'Neill sat up straighter. "Are you sure SG-6 can't handle this on their own Sir?" he tried one last plea.
"Colonel, I know how you just adore diplomatic missions, but SG-6 aren't qualified for this on their own and Doctor Jackson is the only available person at the moment. So, SG-1 you have a mission. Dismissed."
SG-1 stood and General Hammond left the briefing room with a grin, knowing how much his 2IC hated these types of missions.
"Mosems," said Jack gathering his notes together.
"Sir?" queried Carter.
"Mosems – funny name," said Jack, somewhat absently.
"Actually, the name suggests a definite link with Earth. From what I can gather from the reports they appear to be the descendants of an Arabic race that disappeared – or rather appeared to die out suddenly. They speak a dialect similar to today's Arabic races and their customs and …"
"Ack, Daniel, please, one lecture a day is enough." The tall Colonel stretched to his full height and scooped his paperwork under his arm. "Arabic – as in Arabs?" he asked, stilling suddenly.
"Well it seems – yes Arabs. You spent some time in the Middle East, perhaps it'll stir some memories," said Daniel not looking at Jack as he gathered his own papers up.
"I hope not," murmured Jack as he hurried out.
Sam looked at the Colonel's disappearing back. "Don't think he's too happy about that."
"What?" murmured Daniel absently "Oh," he looked up at Sam, "I only said about Middle Eastern memories."
"I don't think the Colonel's got happy memories Daniel, those were Special Ops days."
"Oh, err, oh God, should I…?" Daniel stuttered, slightly uncomfortable.
"I should not partake of this further Daniel Jackson," said Teal'c.
"I think he means leave well alone," said Sam with a grim smile.
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Jack sat in his office, supposedly to tackle his mountain of paperwork that had piled up when he wasn't looking, which lately was pretty often, given the amount of time he spent off world, but his thoughts kept drifting back, way back … With a shudder he stood up shaking himself mentally.
'Don't go there Jack, keep busy,' he told himself, but the paperwork held even less appeal than usual.
Giving up on the in tray, he locked his office and went to find Teal'c to badger him into a workout. Teal'c felt his friend's need of a distraction and accompanied him willingly.
A couple of hours later Jack felt better. A good work out and a hot shower put him in a much better frame of mind and he returned to his office to plough through his work and then the mission plan.
Getting ready in the locker room brought forth fresh nerves. 'Nerves?' he questioned himself, sure he'd always felt a slight nervousness before a mission, gave him an edge, kept him alive. No matter what outward appearance he gave, inside was always alert. Today however, he felt fear, a prickle that he couldn't shake and that settled into the pit of his stomach.
He finished dressing and stashed his personal weapons, knives, berretta and some other odds and ends he always concealed about his person, before he left to pick up his pack to check it again as always.
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Daniel, Teal'c and Sam hurried through their preparations. Well, Daniel and Sam hurried and Teal'c went through the motions in his usual calm methodical way.
"Can't believe where this morning went," moaned Daniel, still only half dressed as he hopped around frantically.
"Me neither," panted Sam as she at last zipped up her kevlar vest.
"I will collect our packs to save some time, if you will assist Daniel Jackson," offered Teal'c.
"Thanks, that'll be a help. If we keep the Colonel waiting he'll be in a worse mood."
"O'Neill did seem distracted," admitted Teal'c as he left.
Sam managed to get Daniel ready and they met Teal'c in the corridor outside the gate room where they donned their packs. Together they made it into the room just on time. Daniel was waiting for some remark from Jack, but it didn't happen. Jack merely gave the control room the signal to dial when ready.
"Okay campers, move out." Jack gave the order as the wormhole stabilised and to the General's all clear, he gave a quick salute.
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The bright sun dazzled them slightly as they stepped from the Stargate. A large body of men stood waiting at the foot of the steps. In the middle of the group, SG-6's team leader, Major Tom Dawson, stood waiting to greet them.
He stepped forward as he spoke. "Colonel O'Neill, Sir," and saluted.
The Colonel returned the salute "Major," he drawled, his eyes already inspecting the group that stood around them.
The 'natives' were all dressed in black robes, complete with long headdresses. They were heavily armed with guns and swords, old fashioned, but guns all the same. A movement behind the Major brought a man forward to stand beside him.
He was almost as tall as the Colonel, a little older perhaps; similar in dress to the other men, except that he wore a scarlet sash and a black turban, clearly dignifying his status. They silently inspected each other. The Major cleared his throat and made introductions.
"Colonel O'Neill, this is the commander of their armies, Hussein Kissain." The Major was sweating profusely and looked decidedly nervous, a fact which Jack hadn't missed.
The Colonel and the Commander stood eye to eye, weighing each other up. Jack didn't like what he saw, but for the sake of diplomacy, he bit back the comment he felt like making and instead introduced his team.
Kissain acknowledged the others with a slight inclination of his head before settling his attention once more on the Colonel.
"Shall we make ourselves more comfortable in our camp?" The Commander turned without awaiting a response and moved towards his troops, who stood nearby holding large camel like animals, complete with saddles and harnesses.
Daniel moved forward eagerly, the animals very much reminded him of those from Abydos.
"Camp?" queried the Colonel to the Major. "Where's the rest of your team?"
The Major was prevented from answering by Kissain's smooth tones. "Our camp is but a couple of hour's journey. It is however, a three day journey to our city where the Major's team awaits. If you please," he motioned them towards the waiting transport.
O'Neill stepped down and gave his team the signal to follow, catching up to Daniel. As he drew level with the Major he took his arm, drawing him with him.
"Major, are you okay?" he asked in a low voice as they walked.
"Err yes Sir, I'm fine, just tired I guess," stuttered the Major.
Jack could see he certainly wasn't fine, but let it drop as they reached the animals.
Daniel was already mounting the beast with help from one of the soldiers and the others were helped in turn.
Jack eyed the beast suspiciously; wary, having been bit and spat at by camels back home. The beast seemed docile enough though and he was soon up - not happy, but up.
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Daniel was sitting precariously, grabbing at the saddle as he turned around to see the others. He fought the urge to laugh as he saw Teal'c trying to keep his dignity as the animal lurched to its feet. Sam held on tightly and gave an exclamation as her beast did likewise.
Jack looked at home and he rolled with the motion comfortably.
'Lots and lots of camel riding,' Daniel thought as he gathered himself together taking a moment to look around.
"Even looks like the Sahara," he commented to no-one in particular.
"Ya think!" was Jack's sarcastic response as he urged his beast forward to walk beside Daniel's.
Daniel grinned at him. "Had plenty of practice then?" he enquired with a nod at the beast.
"Some," responded Jack briefly. He looked around quickly and then turned back to Daniel. "Daniel," he said, lowering his voice, "Keep your eyes open, don't get carried away on this one," he urged.
Daniel's eyes widened behind his glasses "Is there something?"
Jack shook his head. "I don't know, it's, well a gut feeling I guess. The Major doesn't seem to be himself, not a happy camper."
"Well, they've been here for over a month Jack, perhaps he's tired or just plain fed up."
Jack shrugged. "Yeah, maybe, just stay alert Daniel."
Jack let the animal drop back till he rode beside his 2IC.
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The rocking motion made Sam feel slightly sick and the smell from the beast didn't help much either. She couldn't help the envious glance she cast at her Colonel as he sat with ease.
"Having fun Carter?" He grinned at her discomfort.
"Not so I'd noticed, Colonel," she complained, wrinkling her nose towards the beast. As if sensing her distaste, the animal lurched suddenly, throwing her off balance, and it was fortunate that the Colonel was close enough to give her a push back onto the saddle.
"Thanks Sir," she panted, grabbing at her hat with the other hand to straighten it.
"My pleasure," he grinned at her, which made her heart lurch just as violently as it had when the beast stumbled. His face changed back into Colonel mode. "Keep your eyes peeled Carter, I don't like this, maybe nothing – but…" He shrugged.
"The Major didn't seem himself I noticed, seemed a little edgy, but he hasn't had many missions yet has he Sir?"
"Maybe. Keep an eye open anyway."
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Teal'c was too close to the other soldiers for Jack to converse with, but he knew he could trust Teal'c to be alert, regardless of the situation. He observed that the soldiers contrived to keep Major Dawson a little separated from them.
Eventually an encampment came in sight. It seemed to surround an oasis; some straggled grasses and several palm like trees surrounded the pool of water. The temperature rose steadily, the sun approaching its zenith when they entered the camp.
"My aide will escort you to a tent for yourselves to rest. We observe a break at the sun's peak," said Kissain before he abruptly departed with a slight bow in O'Neill's direction.
A younger man came darting forward with a bow. "I am Samels. Please come with me."
He led the way over to a large tent where two guards stood and, bowing low, bade them enter. Jack stood back until his team were inside. Glad of the shade they quickly removed their packs.
"Where is Major Dawson?" questioned Jack.
"The Major was already assigned a place to rest. He will join you later." The man bowed again but didn't meet Jack's eyes when he spoke.
"I need the Major to report to me as soon as he is rested."
"I will see what I can do." Samels bowed once more.
The man's demeanour was beginning to aggravate the Colonel. "These guards?" He indicated the two men standing to attention at the door of the tent.
"For your protection," said the man with a grim smile before he took his leave.
Jack gave an exasperated sigh and entered the tent, unbuckling his pack, and letting it drop to the floor.
Four low cots were arranged in the large space and a central area was festooned with large cushions for a seating area. Jack eyed the brightly coloured cushions with distaste. They seemed so out of place in a military camp.
Sam was lying across some of the cushions, looking hot and sticky, as was Daniel. Teal'c looked the same as ever, but chose to sit cross-legged on the floor.
"More like a harem," muttered Jack as he plonked himself down on a cot, ignoring the cushions.
Daniel grinned at Jack. "Been in many harems Jack?"
"Two," came the gruff response.
"Two?" echoed Daniel, looking at Jack with interest.
He got no further response from the Colonel. Sam leaned on her side to look at Jack.
"Hey you can't admit that without giving us more, Sir. I didn't think they existed these days," she called from her position on the cushions.
"Too true they do." exclaimed Daniel, still watching Jack. "But they don't permit visitors."
Jack saw their looks and knew he had to shut them up. "Well the first time was an accident. I was trying to make myself scarce in … well in somebody's palace and it worked, so the next time I got stuck I used the same tactics."
"How long were you there? Do you know what they'd have done if they'd caught you?"
"Hey Daniel, they'd have separated my head from my neck before going into the harem, I figured it was worth the risk. First time I was only in a few hours till it calmed down, but the second time I had to spend a week."
"A week!" exclaimed Sam.
"I bet that was erm, interesting," put in Daniel with a smirk.
Jack shrugged. "Not really. There was nothing to do but eat and sleep."
"And?" asked Daniel.
"And that's all I'm gonna tell," said Jack and he lay down on the cot, his face bearing a grin, knowing he had irked his team. "Get some rest. We don't know what's in store," he advised them.
Daniel frowned at Sam and whispered. "Only Jack would throw us a bone and then keep the meat."
Sam giggled.
"I heard that. Daniel, maybe I'll tell you one day, when you're old enough."
Daniel made an exasperated sigh and got up, throwing himself onto one of the cots. "One day, Jack, maybe I'll get you so drunk you'll talk."
"In your dreams, Danny-boy. In your dreams."
Teal'c looked puzzled. "Why should Daniel Jackson want for such in a dream?"
Daniel smothered a laugh.
"Oh, for cryin' out loud. It's just an expression, Teal'c."
"It means never really," put in Sam helpfully.
"I see. Then,Daniel Jackson, we are to remain in the dark until you are old enough, though I fail to see what your age has to do with O'Neill's story."
"Never mind, don't worry about it," said Sam as she moved over to lounge on one of the cots herself.
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The camp was very quiet. Nothing disturbed their rest, but after a couple of hours Jack had had enough of lying down. He joined Teal'c on the floor, talking quietly until a noise outside the tent alerted them to someone approaching and they stood ready as Samels entered.
"You are rested?" he enquired politely.
"Yes, we are keen to proceed," said Jack impatiently. "I'd like to be briefed by Major Dawson as well."
"We are to remain camped until dawn. My commander will receive you now."
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Jack accompanied Samels from the tent, but he wasn't gone long and his mood when he returned was worse.
"What's happening?" asked Daniel, noting Jack's face.
"Nothing yet. I've been informed that Major Dawson is indisposed for now, but should be fit to travel tomorrow. Kiss-insane won't be negotiating anything. The council of twelve in the city do that, so we can't make any progress for at least another three days. It seems this is going to take a while," he growled.
"Kissain," corrected Daniel automatically, but the irate Colonel didn't respond. "It didn't come across that way in the briefing notes."
"I'm gonna go back to the gate and have a word with Hammond," said Jack, making his mind up.
"I will accompany you, O'Neill."
"Not this time, buddy. I'm on the verge of pulling us all out of here, but that'd mean leaving SG-6 behind and trying to find a good enough reason to break the negotiations, which as it stands, I don't have, but we are going to need more time."
Jack went to the entrance and called to the guards. "Get me Samels," he ordered, but the guards gave him a blank look.
"I don't think most of them speak English Jack," said Daniel.
"For crying out loud!" scowled Jack. He took a further step from the tent and let loose a stream of words that made the guards jump to attention. One of the guards snapped a bow and moved off quickly.
Daniel stood open-mouthed, staring at Jack. "Well." he blinked recovering. "Did you learn that in a harem?"
Jack ignored the looks he was getting as he came back into the tent and began to done his vest and pack.
Samels appeared in the entrance with a bow.
"I need to go back to the gate and report in," snapped Jack, not looking at the man.
"That may not be possible," whined the man in response.
"It'd better be," growled Jack who pushed his way past the hapless man to go outside. He stood tall, scowling as he donned his dark glasses.
Samels rushed out after him, the rest of the team followed close behind.
"Please go inside I will …"
Jack cut him off. "You will provide me with transport to the gate. I don't need an escort or we pull out now – all of us."
Samels seemed to be getting more flustered. "Please, do not be hasty. I will go see." He set off at a run to another tent and disappeared inside.
"Do you think this is wise?" asked Daniel.
"I can find my way."
"Never thought you couldn't, but what I meant was pushing their buttons."
"Kiss-ass has been pushing mine. If I don't get a message to Hammond then this is a dud mission. I'm not prepared to take off to God knows where, especially when they're holding SG-6 incommunicado."
"Sir, what if General Hammond won't let us pull out?"
"We still need to get SG-6 out, but negotiations would suffer I think. If we have to go ahead then at least the record will show my objections when I'm dead, Major."
The commander himself was making his way over to them closely followed by an unhappy aide.
"Colonel" he greeted as he approached. "What is this? You want to journey back to the gate?"
"We were not made aware of the length of the journey. The negotiations will take much longer than the time given to me by my superiors."
"I see. Major Dawson made no mention of a time limit."
"So you see, I need to contact base and advise them. We don't want armies pouring out thinking we're lost or something do we?" said Jack calmly, ignoring the reference to Major Dawson's neglect.
"Certainly Colonel, but you cannot go alone. It is not safe."
"You have enemies?" asked Jack.
"Do we not all, Colonel?" remarked Kissain.
"Then I think you should give me a couple of men and delay me no longer."
"Certainly." Kissain clicked his fingers and two soldiers came forward. He spoke rapidly in his own language and the two men saluted and ran to where the animals were tethered to prepare for the journey.
"They do not speak your tongue Colonel, but they are good men," said Kissain with a smile.
Jack returned the smile. Obviously the guard whom he'd yelled at in his own language hadn't mentioned that fact to his superiors. For once he was thankful of the apparent fear the soldiers held for their leader. "Thank you. Before I go however, Major Carter here needs to check on Major Dawson. She has medical training and I
"Certainly. The Major was suffering from stomach cramps and my healer gave him a draught, but you are welcome to see for yourself. I am sure he will be fine in a day or two. No doubt it is something that has disagreed with his stomach."
"No doubt," responded Jack.
Samels stepped forward at a signal from his commander. Kissain inclined his head at Jack. "I look forward to your return," and he walked off.
"No doubt," murmured Jack, with a grimace.
"Daniel, you and Teal'c stay put in the tent. Major, with me."
They followed Samels into another nearby tent and were led inside. Jack pointedly waited until Samels' departure before he let Sam move forward to the figure on the bed.
She checked his pulse and felt his forehead, frowning as she counted the beats.
"He's certainly hot. Pulse is slow but steady. Drugged maybe, and I can't really tell anything else."
"Drugged so he can't talk to us," said Jack, with frown.
"They'll have to let him wake sometime."
"Only if it suits them. Probably be too late to be of help." He knelt down besides the cot and began slapping at the Major's face lightly.
"Major, Tom, can you hear me?" Getting no response he tried a few more slaps before standing in disgust.
"Right, Carter, stick with Daniel and Teal'c. If I'm not back by dawn you can take it I'm not coming back. Your orders are to get the hell out of Dodge and home by any means necessary – you are not to continue the mission and you are not to go after SG-6 or myself. Is that clear?"
"Yes Sir," said Sam, "You will come back though?" she whispered shyly.
"Wild horses Major, wild horses." He smiled and they left, Jack to the waiting transport, Sam back to their tent.
xoxoxoxoxoxo