Okay - so I've been good right? I haven't whumped Jack once through this whole series - well, I've decided he needs a little bit. My apologies but the muse made me do it! Hope you enjoy.

"MAAAAMAAAAA!" Alex screamed, trying to pull out of his father's arms. Tears ran down his cheeks and he continued to call for his mother. Everyone was looking at Jack like he was a child murderer or something when, in actual fact, he'd simply come to the mall to get Sam some slippers.

She could no longer bend over to put her present ones on and insisted that she needed a pair for the hospital. He tried to convince her she wouldn't be there that long, but she told him she had to have a new pair.

"Jack, you have time now. Why don't you take Alexander with you – he'll enjoy it.

Hah! Famous last words! Instead of 'enjoying it', Alex had done nothing but fuss and cry since he'd left. He'd spent the last 45 minutes trying to find the exact slippers Sam insisted she had to have but of course he couldn't find them. If a store had them, it didn't have her size; if it had her size, it didn't have the right color. Then there were the stores where he couldn't even find where they kept the damn slippers.

By the time he'd covered most of the mall, Alex had started to cry. He wanted his Mama – and nothing else would do. Jack should have known better – it was the baby's nap time plus the fact that lately he'd been clinging on to Sam for dear life which probably meant that leaving him home would have been the smart thing to do.

Jack was pretty sure that Carter didn't in fact need slippers at all. What she probably needed was a little peace and quiet and this way she'd managed to get rid of both her boys.

Jack had been retired now for almost two whole weeks and he'd already realized that he was driving Sam crazy. It wasn't that she didn't like having him around, it was just that neither of them were used to him not having something to do. He'd spent the first few days sleeping in – a real luxury – and watching sports on TV. That had quickly palled. He'd really been looking forward to spending more time with his son, but for some reason that neither of them could understand, Alex suddenly seemed to want his mother, and only his mother.

Daniel hypothesized that the baby knew something was about to change and therefore was clinging on to his mother. Soon he would no longer be the only baby in the family – so he was making the most of his time left.

Jack figured that sounded reasonable – at least he hoped so – although there was a worrisome voice in his head that kept telling him his son didn't like him anymore. Whatever the reason, between his lack of anything to do and the fact his son didn't want him, meant Jack was feeling pretty aimless.

It wasn't that he was sorry he'd retired. Okay, let's be honest Jack, he said to himself, you are feeling like you made a mistake. He didn't want to make Sam miserable by hanging around and it looked like his son preferred him when he was gone most of the day. So now he had to figure out what the hell to do with himself for the rest of his life. Maybe he should call the President and get his job back quickly, before they hired someone new.

"MAAAAMAAAA!" Alex screamed again. Jack had to hold on to him carefully as the little boy flailed about, clearly wanting something - anything other than his father. With a sigh he turned around and headed to the nearest exit before some security guard decided to call in and report him.

He eventually found his car and buckled the now hysterical Alex into his baby seat. Driving home to the cacophonous sounds of a 15 month old, he really wished he was off somewhere, battling something or someone he could actually defeat. He knew that right now, his son was a foe he could not vanquish. No – Alexander had him down and out.

He pulled into his driveway and unstrapped the desperately crying little boy. Holding him securely, so he didn't throw himself to the ground, Jack made his way into the house. As soon as they entered the front hallway, the baby started back up with his screams for Mama.

It was only a minute or two before Sam hurried – okay, maybe 'hurried' wasn't the right word in her state but he didn't want to even think the word 'waddled. He knew if he thought it' he'd eventually end up saying it one day in front of Sam. He'd grown very fond of his testicles, thank you very much, and didn't need them ripped out by an irate wife.

"What is it?" she asked frantically. "What's wrong?" She walked over and took Alexander in her arms. It was like turning off a bloody faucet, he thought in disgust. The moment she took him he stopped crying. Oh, there was still the odd little 'hiccup' from the extended crying, but for the most part he was now as happy as a clam.

Well Jack, he said to himself, that'll show you. You're just chopped liver – it's Mommy that's all powerful, and the one that little boys want and need. He sighed – he was just tired and hot and feeling very sorry for himself.

"What did you do?" asked Sam with a frown.

"What do you mean – what did I do? I didn't do anything", he answered, peeved.

"Well you must have done something. He doesn't usually cry like this unless he's been hurt or something."

"What! You think I hurt him?" Jack asked, both astounded and hurt by her accusation. "Yeah Carter", he drawled, "I decided to rough him up a little. Too bad I didn't have a zat so I could have kept him from crying." With that he slammed down the car keys and walked out of the hallway towards his study. Damnit! He couldn't believe she'd suggested he would do something to hurt their – his – son.

He slammed the door behind him, letting her know he really didn't want to see her right now. He knew she was tired and anxious and almost ready to give birth but still – he didn't need this. Not when he'd tried everything he could to help and support her.

He stayed in his study for the next hour, just sitting and staring at the bookcase in front of him. He didn't feel like reading or listening to music or anything. He didn't know what the hell he wanted to do – and that was the problem.

When he and Sam had talked about him retiring it was with the idea that he'd spend time with the kids. Eventually Sam would go back to work and then he'd be a stay at home Dad. He'd been looking forward to it – more than anything he could remember wanting in a long time. The thought of taking his kids places and teaching them to ride a bike and throw a ball, well it was just about the best thing he could imagine. Now, he had to figure that maybe there was something else he should be doing. He wondered if Sam would start resenting being married to him if he was home more often. His kids might not want him around more. They would probably prefer their mother.

He sighed again and finally decided to pick himself up and go see how Sam and Alex were doing. Hopefully by now everyone had calmed down and they'd laugh about it. He walked down the hallway, wondering where everyone was, until he heard the sound of the baby laughing in the Family room. With a small smile he turned and headed there, hoping to have some time to play with his son before his nap.

He walked in to see Sam sitting on the floor, her back against the couch, and Alex in front of her, laughing and playing with some toys. He looked up just as Jack walked in and immediately the smiles turned to frowns.

"NO!" the little boy yelled. "NO!" He crawled over to his mother and pulled himself into her lap and held on for dear life.

Jack stood stunned. What the hell was going on? He had done nothing to bring this on. Was his son suddenly frightened of him?

"Jack?" Sam turned her head, a frown on her face again.

"I don't know. I don't know what's wrong", he said bitterly. "I just took him shopping and he started acting up. Maybe it's like Daniel said – he's just clingy because he senses something is about to change."

"Maybe", she said, although she sounded doubtful. "Or – you know – maybe you're giving off – I don't know, vibes or something."

"Vibes?" he asked incredulously. "What the hell does that mean?"

"You don't have to yell at me – and that's exactly what I mean. You were in a bad mood and maybe you're scaring him."

He stood staring at her, shocked again at her accusations. Where was this coming from? He really didn't think he'd done anything to deserve this. He hadn't been in a bad mood prior to taking Alex shopping and his son had still been fussy. But then hell – maybe she was right. Maybe it was his fault.

"I didn't yell at you – and I don't think I'm the one who is in a bad mood. I walked in the house and you practically accused me of beating our son. I did nothing to him – he was the one in the bad mood and nothing I could do, and believe me I tried everything, helped." He turned and strode to the door. "I think maybe you'd both be happier if I was gone. Call if you need anything."

A part of him hoped she'd call him back, but when she didn't he kept walking and picked up his keys and headed out to his car. He didn't really know where he was going, but he knew he had to get away for a while before he said something he'd really regret. He couldn't figure out where this was all coming from. Up until recently things had been good. Then again, it was probably the fact that he'd retired. The truth was, Sam just didn't want him around that much.

He pulled out of his driveway and decided to head out of the city. Maybe a bit of 'country air' would help clear his mind. He checked to make sure he had his cell phone – he wouldn't leave Sam this late in her pregnancy without being able to be in touch. A part of him felt guilty for leaving her alone at all but a bigger part of him was angry and hurt and wanted to go somewhere and lick his wounds. He took the highway west, heading towards the Blue Ridge Mountains. For some reason, he really wanted to be in the mountains right now – maybe because it would remind him of Colorado.

After Jack had left, Sam continued to sit on the floor and play with Alexander, although her mind was on her husband. What had gotten into her? She knew there was no way in hell Jack would ever do anything to hurt their son. He was the most loving, tender father and husband you could hope to find. She'd been a complete and absolute bitch to him and she didn't know why. For some reason she was just feeling out of sorts today, and so had decided to take it out on the person nearest her. She'd sent him on an errand to get some peace and quiet, even though she knew that Alex was fussy and in a bad mood himself.

She too knew that what Daniel - and Jack – had said was most likely the truth. Alex was feeling needy right now and was clinging to his mother. She knew it was just a phase and that soon he'd be back to worshipping his Daddy. The books all agreed and she'd spoken to some of the other Mom's in her Mom and Tot group and they all told very similar stories. The thing was, instead of reassuring Jack, she'd turned on him, accusing him of being at fault. She knew how sensitive he was about things like that and how fragile his belief in himself was when it came to being a good father. He lived everyday with the knowledge that his carelessness had caused the death of his first child – and here she'd gone and stoked those insecurities.

She saw that Alex was getting sleepy and was only sporadically playing with his toys. He'd be out any minute now and she'd have to put him down in his crib – which was going to be difficult in her condition. With a groan she began to stand up, which immediately made her son upset and he started to cry. By the time she was standing, she had a wailing child on her hands.

She closed her eyes briefly, realizing just what Jack had been dealing with – and then she'd laid into him. God, what is wrong with you Samantha!

She quickly fed the little boy, knowing that part of it was he was hungry. It then took her almost half an hour s to get Alexander calmed down enough to be willing to come with her to their bedroom. When he realized she was going to put him in his crib, he started up again and within moments was throwing a full-blown tantrum.

"God Jack, where are you? I could really use your help." She remembered that she'd basically driven him away with her accusations. "Well Sam – you got what you deserved!"

Alex was finally in bed, asleep and she was exhausted. She made her way to her own bed and curled up – as much as she could with a huge belly – and tried to relax. Unfortunately, it didn't work! She was consumed with guilt and knew she owed her husband a huge apology. She thought about giving him a call, but didn't have the energy to even get up and move to his side of the bed where the phone was situated. She'd just rest for a while and then call. Her eyes drifted closed, and she was soon asleep.

Jack kept driving, the anger and resentment slowly draining out of him as he got farther west. He knew that Sam was emotional right now, as was Alex. They were all going through lots of changes and it would take a while to work things out. He knew he had to find something interesting to do and stay out of Sam's hair, but he also knew that when the baby came he'd need to be there for her and for Alex and the baby.

As far as his son was concerned, he knew he was a good father. He loved his son and his son loved him. Daniel was totally right – it was just a phase and Alex would get over it. He'd just have to wait it out. He smiled softly – it was probably good training for the teen years when his son would probably not want anything to do with him then either.

It was getting dark and it had started to rain. He glanced at the clock and realized he'd been driving for over an hour and a half. God, he needed to get back. Sam would be worried about him. Although at that thought he frowned – she hadn't called, so maybe she was too angry still. He sighed and knew they'd have to talk this out but he'd better get home. Running away wouldn't solve anything.

He glanced in his rear view mirror and then ahead but the road was clear. The road had narrowed and he was driving through the mountains now so it was hard to find a place to turn around. He finally saw a little area that looked like a truck run off and decided to turn into in and head back. He checked his rear view mirror again and there was no one behind him. He then glanced forward, just in time to see something run right in front of his car.

He slammed on the breaks and turned the wheel but still felt the impact of something as it hit his car. The car suddenly began to swerve and he was unable to control it on the wet pavement. He desperately tried to keep it on the highway but, as it headed for the edge of the road which dropped sharply down the mountain, he thought briefly of his wife and children.

"I'm sorry Sam", he said, sure that he was about to die.

She sat up suddenly, her heart pounding. What? She turned and looked at the clock by the bed. It was almost 11:00 o'clock and the room was pitch black. It took her a moment to figure out where she was and what was going on. She looked at the clock again and then over at the crib. She could hear the soft sounds of Alex breathing in his sleep. She then looked at the other side of the bed. Where was Jack?

She figured he must still be downstairs, probably watching TV she thought. She wondered if he was still mad at her, acknowledging that he had a right to be. She'd been horrible to him. Moving to the side of the bed and struggling to her feet, she decided to head downstairs and apologize. She wanted him with her and hated that she'd caused this stupid fight.

She'd only taken a few steps when she felt the contraction. It wasn't terribly painful, but it was real and it definitely was not a Braxton Hicks. This was the real thing. She grimaced slightly, knowing what was to come, but she then smiled. She was ready to have this baby already.

"Jack", she called softly down when she reached the top of the stairs. She suddenly wondered why all the lights were out. Usually if he was up he'd leave the hall light on. "Jack", she called again, but again there was not answer.

With a grimace, and holding her belly, she slowly made her way downstairs and headed toward the Family room. It was obvious, she saw when she arrived, that he wasn't there. She continued to search for him but it quickly became apparent that he wasn't home. Had he been that angry that he'd leave her for good, she suddenly wondered. No – that wasn't like Jack. He wouldn't do that, especially knowing she was so close to her due date.

Suddenly, with that thought, she felt another contraction. It still wasn't bad, but it forced her to stop and ride it out. They were still coming far enough apart so she knew she had time. What she had to do was find her husband.

She did one last check to make sure his car was gone. When she verified that fact she made her way to the phone in the kitchen. Sitting down, she dialed his cell number, hoping he wasn't too far away.

"Hello, O'Neill here. I can't take your call so please leave a message."

Damn – he wasn't answering. Surely he wouldn't avoid her calls? No – again she was pretty sure he wouldn't do that. He must be someplace where he didn't hear the phone. Maybe he was in a bar somewhere, having a drink. After waiting a few moments she tried again, but got his voice mail a second time.

She continued to try for the next half hour but still got no reply. It was at that point that she began to worry. She'd had a couple of more contractions but they were still far enough apart that she didn't think anything was imminent. Right now her priority was to find her husband.

She bit her lip and stared blindly out of the window onto the darkened street, illuminated only by the soft yellow street lamp. Where could he be? Suddenly making a decision she picked up the phone and dialed a well-known number. It was still only 10:00 o'clock in Colorado, so he should be up.

"Hello."

She breathed a sigh of relief. "Daniel, it's me, Sam."

"Sam! What's up? Everything okay there. Wait – it's almost midnight in DC. Is something wrong?" His voice changed from pleased to worried in a moment.

"I don't know. Jack left – oh, hours ago and he's not back and he's not answering his cell phone. I'm worried that something has happened."

"That doesn't sound like him. Where did he go?"

"I – I don't know. We had a bit of a fight and he left. I thought he'd just drive around for a bit and come back. I fell asleep and when I woke up he still wasn't home. I've tried calling him for the last hour but I get no answer. I can't figure it out."

"I'm sure he'll be okay. Have you – did you try the police?"

"They won't do anything Daniel. He hasn't been gone that long."

"No, I guess not. He's probably at some bar somewhere having a drink and can't hear his phone."

"That's what I thought but – he knows I'm close to my due date and he's always pretty careful about staying in touch." She stopped for a moment. "Uh Daniel – I've gone into labor."

"WHAT! Are you okay? Is it close?"

"No – I mean, I'm fine. I'm in early labor and the contractions aren't that close yet. I just need to find Jack before too much time goes by. I didn't know what else to do. I'm sorry to have disturbed you."

"Wait, Sam, don't you dare hang up and don't even think of apologizing to me. Of course you should disturb me – that's what friends and family are for. Look, why don't you call some of his former people from the Air Force – they should be able to help. In the meantime I'm going to call Landry and Teal'c and see if we can make it to Washington. Is there someone you can call who can come over and stay with you? You shouldn't be alone with the baby coming."

"I – yes, I have a friend here I can call – but Daniel – I'll feel silly having you wake everyone up and cause a huge fuss when Jack will probably walk in any moment."

"If he does you can blame him and kick his ass. Still – this is a good excuse to be there when your baby is born. We missed being around for Alexander since he was born – uh – out of state."

She smiled, knowing that he was being careful since they were on an insecure line. 'Out of state' actually meant 'out of galaxy'. "Thanks Daniel, I appreciate that."

"Okay look, I'll be in touch so keep your phone close. If anything happens – I mean anything – call me, okay Sam?"

"Okay." After she hung up the phone she took a deep breath and forced herself to stand up. She was growing increasingly worried and had this ominous feeling that something really was wrong. "Where are you Jack?" she asked for the dozenth time "Don't you dare go and do something to get yourself into trouble. I need you – Alexander needs you and our new baby needs you. Please, come home to me."

The first thing he knew was pain. His whole right side felt like it was on fire and he had trouble catching his breath. He couldn't figure out what had happened, or where he was yet. That would come in a second. First, he had to make sure he was in one piece.

He slowly opened his eyes and immediately panicked. He was blind – damnit all to hell – he couldn't see a thing! A few seconds later, after his heart had stopped trying to force its way out of his throat, and his breathing slowed, he tried again. This time he realized that he couldn't see because it was dark out – and one of his eyes was swollen completely shut. Okay – that explained the headache and the burning on his forehead and down his face. He tried to lift his hand to feel for the damage. After a few minutes – when the screaming pain in his arm had settled to a slowly beating rhythm – he took another breath and this time made the attempt with his other arm. Although stiff, it didn't appear to be hurt, at least not like the other one. He felt gently on his head and face and discovered cuts, scrapes and swollen tissue. Oh yeah, he had a shiner all right. He was also bleeding from a gash above his left temple.

Now all he had to do was figure out where the hell he was. His mind was pretty confused – to say the least. He was sure he wasn't off world – no, he was sitting in an earth vehicle – so he must not have gone through the gate. Was he close to home in – Colorado? He frowned. That didn't seem right but – he couldn't remember anything else.

Maybe he was at his cabin? He tried moving his head – slowly, carefully – but still had trouble seeing anything. All he knew was that he was in a car and he was hurt. His eyes began to drift close and he allowed himself to rest. He was so tired, he just wanted to sleep.

She decided to try Jack's cell again with the hope that he'd hear it and pick up. She wanted nothing more than to hear his voice telling her he was on his way home. She'd throw her arms around him and tell him how sorry she was and how much she loved him. She just wanted him with her.

The phone rang once, twice, three times, then four. She knew that after the fifth ring his voice mail would click in. She was about ready to press the button to hang up, when she heard a click.

Jack was almost asleep when he heard a strange noise. It sounded familiar, but he couldn't figure out what it was. It happened again and it was on the third ring that he remembered. It was his phone and he also realized that he could feel it vibrating, on each ring, in his pocket.

He carefully reached down, thankful it was in his right pant pocket, and retrieved the phone. It hurt, but he managed to pull it out and then fumbled for the button. He almost dropped it, at one point, unable to grasp it tightly with his blood covered hand.

He finally managed to hit the button and knew he'd connected. The problem was, he didn't really have the energy to lift it to his ear.

He heard a faint 'hello Jack' and tried to respond but the words didn't want to come out in anything that resembled a spoken language. He was pretty sure he'd grunted, but didn't know if the person at the other end of the line had heard him. He just wished he knew what this was all about.

Sam heard the click and knew someone was on the line. She could hear something – but no one spoke. There certainly wasn't the sound of voices or music, so that seemed to preclude him being in a bar. Still, he wasn't responding. "Jack?" she asked, but there was nothing.

Just then she heard a noise – it sounded human, although she couldn't distinguish any words. She felt a cold shiver run up her spine. Something was wrong – definitely wrong. "Jack, if that's you, just stay on the line. I'm going to get help, okay? It's me, Sam, just hang on there and help will be on the way."

Sam? Carter? Why was Carter calling him? He tried shaking his head but stopped when the pain almost made him pass out. He still held the phone and could hear her voice but couldn't figure out what to do about it. Maybe he was wrong. Maybe they were on a mission somewhere and she was trying to give him a 'sit rep'. He tried licking his lips – God, he was so thirsty – and again tried lifting his hand. This time he made it almost to his ear, although when he saw the phone he was confused. Shouldn't he have a radio on a mission? Since when did they use cell phones off world?

"Car-" he croaked, into the phone.

"Oh God Jack – is that you?"

Jack? Why was she calling him 'Jack'. "Col - nel", he replied. They were on a mission – she should still use proper military protocol. He wasn't a hard ass like some in the military, but he did believe in proper discipline (except for Daniel of course, who wouldn't know discipline if it came up and bit him in the ass!).

"Colonel – what? Jack, can you hear me? It's Sam – your wife, Sam. Are you alright? What's happened? Where are you?"

Okay – she was talking way too fast and throwing all sorts of things at him that were totally confusing. Yes, he could hear her – he could hear Carter – but why was she calling herself his wife for god's sake? It's not like it wasn't a nice thought – hell, it was much more than nice – but it couldn't' happen. They served together and they were on a mission. At least – he thought they were on a mission, but why was she asking him where he was? Didn't she know? Or could it be that he'd been captured? That would explain the pain – although the car part was still confusing.

"JACK!" her voice came over loudly and he started.

"Huh?" he muttered, resting his head forward on the steering wheel. He was careful to lay the right side down as everything on the left hurt too badly. All he wanted to do was sleep.

While Sam had been talking to Jack on the phone she'd made her way to her purse to retrieve her cell. She needed to contact someone right away and tell them about Jack. Without thought she hit speed dial and called Daniel.

"Sam?"

"Hi Daniel. I've got Jack on the phone and something's wrong. I think he's hurt. Can you call Landry and ask him to get someone to track Jack's cell signal."

"He doesn't know where he is?" he asked.

"He's not coherent. I don't think he knows what's going on – that's why I'm pretty sure he's either hurt or drugged."

"Do you think he could be drunk?"

"It's possible, but not likely."

"Okay Sam, I'll do it right away. Have you called someone to come over yet?"

"No – I have to go Daniel. Just hurry, please."

Daniel stood looking at his phone for a second and then shook his head and called Landry back. He'd been speaking to him a few seconds ago, but now had something concrete. He also wanted to ask a huge favor.

"Jack, are you still there?"

"Hmmm", he replied, almost passed out again. "Not – Jack – Colonel", he murmured softly.

"What? Jack?" She wasn't sure if she'd heard him correctly, but she was beginning to realize that he thought he was still 'Colonel' O'Neill, rather than General. If that was the case – oh God – that's why he kept calling her 'Carter', although even now he sometimes did refer to her that way – usually in moments of either exasperation – or passion.

"Colonel", she said sharply.

"What?" he jerked his head up and moaned in agony. He blinked a couple of times. What was he doing? He was on a mission for god's sake. He needed to stay alert. "Carter – what – what's the – situation?"

"I don't know Sir – you'll have to tell me. Do you know where you are?"

"Where - ?"

"Yes Sir. Can you look around you and tell me where you are? Are there lights, people, anything you recognize?"

"Huh? Dan – iel, Teal'c?" he asked. Was his team okay?

"Colonel – Daniel, Teal'c and I are fine. It's you who is missing. We need to find you and bring you home with us. So please Sir – look around and tell me where you are."

He forced himself to lift up his head. He was relieved that the others were okay but he clearly needed to get out of wherever he was and make it back to earth. He blinked a few times, trying to see if the lights would come up, but things still stayed dark.

He carefully turned his head and looked around. He was in a – car? That didn't seem right. Maybe this was another of – what was her name? – oh yeah, Hathor. Maybe she'd designed a fake car to make him think he was on earth.

"Hath – or", he said haltingly, trying to let Carter know his suspicions.

"Hathor? Sir, she's dead. You killed her, remember?"

"Dead?"

"Yes Sir. Please, just tell me where you are."

"Looks like – car – earth – car. Not – Hath – or?"

"No, it's not Hathor Sir. You really are in a car. Are there lights outside? Can you see houses or people?"

"Houses?"

"Yes Sir. Look out the window and tell me what you can see."

He squinted – which was a mistake considering his swollen eye – and tried to look through the window. The front window – which was pretty smashed up looking – was totally black. He thought it might be the darkness of night, but then realized that there were things sticking through the window. He pulled back, gasping in pain, when he saw the arms reaching for him. God – it was the snakes – the Goa'uld were coming to get him.

"Goa' – uld Carter. Coming!"

"No Sir – there are no Goa'uld here. Tell me exactly what you are seeing." God – she hoped there weren't Goa'uld involved in this.

He tried to settle down but it was hard. There was nothing that terrified him quite so much as the thought of being Goa'ulded again – that and something happening to Alex. He stopped at that thought. Who the hell was Alex and why would he be nervous about something happening to him?

"Al – Alex?" he asked. He was pretty sure he heard a sob on the other end of the phone – although that wasn't at all like Carter. "Car – ter – wrong?"

"I'm fine Sir. Alex is – Alex is an important new member of your team, remember? You said you would look after him. He needs you Sir – you have to tell me where you are so we can bring you back and you can look after Alex."

"Al –ex – doesn't – like me", he replied, although he had no idea where that came from.

"Yes Sir – yes he does. He lov – likes you a lot and he really needs you. You promised you'd watch out for him Sir so come on, get your ass in gear and give me some information soldier!"

He took another breath and this time really tried to concentrate. If he'd promised this – Alex – he'd be there for him, well he damn well better be. He looked again at the snake-like creatures in front of him and watched as they slowly morphed into – trees! There were branches sticking through the broken front window of the car.

He turned then to the right and saw more trees, but this time they were outside the car. The passenger side window looked to be okay. He tried looking out the left side but wasn't able to turn his body far enough and he couldn't see a thing from his left eye.

"Trees", he muttered into the phone. His hand was getting tired and he wasn't to drop it and go back to sleep.

"Colonel! Stay with me now. Don't you dare fall asleep!"

He couldn't figure out what had gotten into Carter all of a sudden. She was tossing around orders at him as if he was some young recruit instead of a 4 star – wait – he was a Colonel! Where the hell did the 'General' come from? As if they'd ever make him a General. He laughed softly – until a sharp pain stopped that in its tracks. "General O'Neill", he chortled. "Not – bloody – likely!"

Sam kept trying to talk to Jack to figure out where he could be. So far all she knew was that there were trees where he was. Well, since they lived in a heavily treed part of the country, that didn't do much good. She was waiting to hear back from Daniel – to find out what steps were being taken to locate her husband, when she heard a knock on the door. Since it was 1:00 am she was a little nervous as she made her way to the door. Checking through the peep-hole she was more than relieved – she was downright thrilled – to see the faces of Daniel, Teal'c and Cassie. She quickly unlocked the door.

"What are you doing here?" she asked them, giving each of them a big hug.

"Landry got the Daedalus to pick us up and then beam us over. We got them to put us in your back yard so no one would see."

"God – it's so good to see you."

"Any word on anything?" Daniel asked, as they all walked to the Living room.

"No – I still have Jack on the phone but all I know is that there are trees where he is."

"You want me to try?" Daniel asked gently. "Landry has the cavalry out looking for him, so it shouldn't be long."

"Thank God", she murmured, handing him the phone.

"Jack, hi. It's me Daniel."

They could hear some loud – and uneven – breathing and then a shaky voice answered. "Dann – y?"

"Yes Jack, I'm here. Teal'c is here as well as are Cassie and Sam."

"Jan – et?" he asked.

Everyone glanced at Cassie – who looked as if she was trying not to cry. She leaned forward and took the phone. "Hi Uncle Jack. I'm here for my Mom, okay? She asked me to look after you for her."

"Kay", he answered, clearly having trouble speaking. "Jan – et – power mong – er – but gotta – love her."

"Yes, we all love her", Cassie said, this time the tears running unchecked down her face. "My Mom wants to know where you are Uncle Jack. Can you describe the area you're in?"

Jack tried to look around again, carefully this time, using the methods he'd been trained to use. "Trees – lots of – trees", he said again. "No – people. Country – dark, no – lights."

"Okay, that's great. There are lots of trees and no lights or people. It does sound like you're out in the country. Do you see or smell the ocean?"

"Ocean?"

"Yes, do you think you're by the ocean or a body of water?"

"No – no water. Rain. It was – raining."

All the while Cassie was talking, Daniel was on his phone, passing on the information.

"It was raining and there are lots of trees. Anything else you can tell me Uncle Jack?"

"No", his voice was sounding fainter with each passing moment. Cassie was beginning to look distressed so Teal'c reached over and took the phone.

"O'Neill", he said calmly.

"Teal'c – that – you?"

"Yes my friend, it is I. You must concentrate O'Neill – if we are to retrieve you we must have more information. You are a warrior, a soldier, your duty is to think and to tell us where you are. You must do this O'Neill."

Jack knew that Teal'c was right. He wasn't being a good officer right now. He had to get back to his team and to – Alex. He forced himself to wake up and to try and think. Where was he? What had he been doing to get himself in this situation? He peered at the inside of the car and then tried to look outside again. This time he concentrated, and looked beyond the trees. It was only then that he realized something. He was sitting at a strange angle. The car was tilted slightly on its side and the left side was jammed against solid earth. The passenger window was tilted up, although he couldn't see the sky, only trees.

It came to him with a flash – mountains – he was in the mountains. He'd been driving and the next thing he knew, he'd woken up here. He couldn't quite figure how his team played out in this whole thing but at least they were safe.

"Mount –ains", he explained. "Stuck, in car."

"You are stuck in your car O'Neill and you are in the mountains." Teal'c looked at Daniel and Sam, his eyebrow raised. Daniel immediately nodded and spoke into his phone. "Just stay on the phone my friend, help is on the way."

"'Kay – no – "Goa'uld Teal'c?" he said. He worried that he'd be discovered before his team got him away.

"There are no Goa'uld here O'Neill. You are perfectly safe. You are on earth and we are searching for you. We will bring you home my friend."

"Earth?" Why was he on a mission on earth? He couldn't understand what was happening as he grew increasingly weak and tired. All he knew, as he faded out, was that his team was coming for him so he'd be okay. His fingers slowly relaxed and the phone slipped out of his hand and onto the floor. It didn't really matter anyway, as the battery was about to die.

"O'Neill. O'Neill", Teal'c said into the phone, but there was no answer. He looked over at Sam and Daniel and shook his head. "He is no longer responding", he said.

Sam let out a small whimper and clutched her stomach. The contractions were getting harder and closer together but she had to concentrate on Jack. Oh God – what if he was dead?

"Sam, take it easy and sit down", Cassie came over and helped the woman who was now the only Mother she had left, and led her to the couch. "Do you need to go to the hospital", she asked.

"No, no I'm fine. It'll be a while yet. What's happening?" she looked at Daniel. "Haven't they found him yet?"

"The Daedalus is looking and so are the police Sam. I told them that he's somewhere in the mountains so that narrows the search." He didn't have the heart to tell her they'd lost the cell phone signal. Either Jack had turned off the phone or the battery was dead. Either way, it was now a race against time.

The four friends sat and waited for word hoping and praying that Jack would soon be found. Sam continued to stand and walk around the room and then rest on the couch. Pretty soon the pains began getting more severe and she had to stop and breathe through them. Teal'c, Daniel and Cassie all took turns walking with her and supporting her, both physic ally and emotionally.

Suddenly, Daniel's phone rang. "Hello", he answered. He looked up and mouthed 'Daedalus'. "Okay, great!" He smiled and nodded. "Can you beam him up?" He listened for a few moments, and nodded again. "Okay, let us know. Thanks."

"That was the Commander of the Daedalus. They found him. His car was found just off the Blue Ridge Parkway."

"Oh thank God – did they beam him up?" Sam asked, wondering briefly what he was doing all the way out there.

"Uh – unfortunately he said they can't. It has something to do with where his car is. It looks like it – went off the road and is surrounded by trees. It's lying against the side of a mountain and the Captain said they can't get a good enough read on it to get him out. The police and ambulance have been notified and they're going to his position. They should get him out soon."

Sam just nodded, wanting to scream that no, they had to be able to get him, but she knew logically that sometimes technology just wasn't able to help – that they needed 'human power'. "Did they say how long?"

"No, although he figures they'll be in position soon. It's just a matter of how long it takes to get to him. I guess – " he stopped, not wanting to worry her.

"What? Daniel, it's worse not knowing. Please, just tell me." Sam said, looking at her friend.

"It – it looks like his car went off the side of a cliff. The police said it was raining and he may have lost control. It may take a while to get to him."

"Oh God", she gasped, wrapping her arms around herself as another contraction hit. "What if he's dead?"

"O'Neill?" Teal'c said calmly. "He has too much to live for Samantha. He is strong and he will hold on. He knows we will not leave him and therefore was able to rest, confident that we will bring him home."

"But we're not", she cried. "We're just sitting here, doing nothing."

"Sam – you're having his baby, that's not doing 'nothing'", Cassie said, holding her hand. "Jack will hold on. You know him well enough by now. He's as stubborn as they come and he'll make damn sure he's here for you and his kids. I think Teal'c's right. He just stayed conscious enough to make sure we knew he was alive and to hear that someone's coming for him. He probably just fell asleep. I know he'll be okay. There's no way Jack O'Neill is going to let something like a little car accident take him away from all he has."

"But I was horrible to him", she cried. "I practically accused him of hurting Alexander and he'd never do anything like that!"

The others were silent, surprised by her admission. If there was anything each of them knew it was that Jack O'Neill would never hurt a child, least of all his own.

"Sam – you're tired and very pregnant. Jack knows that. I'm sure he just left to cool down. If he'd made it back you guys would have talked and worked everything out." Daniel said logically.

"What if we can't? What if he – doesn't make it? I'll never forgive myself."

"Now is not the time to be thinking such things Samantha", Teal'c said sternly. "O'Neill knows you love him. He undoubtedly needed to 'cool off' as Daniel has said. I have never known two people who love each other the way you and O'Neill do. Arguments are common between couples but neither of you would have let this destroy what you have together. You must concentrate on giving birth and on the fact that O'Neill will be well and will be overjoyed to see his new child."

The words of her friends calmed her down. Teal'c was right – she had to concentrate right now on giving birth to this baby. She needed to focus and to remain confident that everything would be okay.

It was almost an hour later before they received another call. As before, Daniel took it and spoke briefly to the person on the other line. Sam almost broke into tears when she saw Daniel give a grin and a 'thumbs up'. After hanging up the phone he looked at them.

"He's alive", he said. "They found his car and said it's a miracle he survived. The car hit a bit tree and it stopped it from going all the way down the mountain. They said if it had there was no way he would have survived. As it is they say he'll be okay. Paramedics are at the scene and are treating him until they can get him out and take him to the hospital."

"Oh thank God!" She did burst into tears at that moment, completely relieved and grateful. She soon discovered that uncontrollable crying was a difficult thing to do in the middle of severe contractions. She knew her friends were looking at her in concern so, once the last contraction was over, she sat up and wiped her face. "I'm okay – just relieved", she said. "Do we know where they're taking him?"

"They're bringing him in by chopper once they have him out", he said. "There are too many people around to beam him out but the Daedalus is standing by just in case they're needed. They'll let us know which hospital."

Sam nodded and waited for the next contraction. She knew she'd have to go to the hospital herself soon, and she asked Daniel to call her doctor and midwife and let them know. She almost started to cry again when she realized Jack wouldn't be with her. He had been so looking forward to being at the birth again. She hated that he would miss it, but was thankful he was alive.