Spoilers: some for Solitudes and Fire and Water. Takes place in Season 4.
Disclaimer: Stargate is property of its producers, I don't a thing.
A Will to Survive
Chapter 1
On a distant planet a wormhole was engaged, an event horizon leading to an unknown place amidst a broad galaxy. A moment ago all had been as it should be on this barren wasteland when suddenly everything had changed. Suddenly the pool activated, energy coursing out of control in the established wormhole. Flickering in and out it was clear that stability was an issue. Then shooting out of the pool was one loan passenger now on a collision course for the mountainside.
For Daniel Jackson it was just an ordinary day that had somehow landed him here. Flying out of the open wormhole at an inhuman velocity he hit the rocky ground with a thud before making his descent down the rough terrain. His world spun out of control as he rolled down the rocky mountain tumbling into what seemed like every rock along the way. Shards of agony gripped his right leg as it contacted with something hard followed by another wave of pain in his ribs. Before too long he made a few more rough tumbles before his head made a final impact with a rock. One quick, sharp pain exploded through his head before his world went black.
The klaxon sounded in the SGC alerting all personnel of Gate activation. Naturally it only took seconds for General Hammond to be at the helm, in the control room looking out the window at the spinning Gate. Standing behind Walter as the sergeant watched the computer console he wondered which team it was. No team was scheduled to return and the only other team scheduled for check-in, SG-2, had already radioed in. That could only mean one thing that the current off-world team SG-1 had run into trouble.
"Close the iris," Hammond ordered Walter.
"Yes sir," Walter didn't even look up from the console as his hand flew to the iris control panel.
They waited as codes flew across the screen, identifying friend from foe, the reinforced alloy sliding closed over the shimmering wormhole. To say he was anxious was an understatement but with long years of experience Hammond did a good job of hiding it. While he was stone still on the outside on the inside he was shaking. He didn't even want to think of what could be on the other side of that wormhole. So he waited for that familiar code to flash across the computer and only then would Hammond have peace of mind.
"Receiving IDC sir," Walter began causing the general to stand straighter. "It's SG-1".
"Open the iris, have a medical standing by," Hammond ordered before turning abruptly and stepping out of the control room.
As Hammond ran out of the control room on the way to the embarkation room the iris slid open to once again show that shimmering wormhole. It only took a second for the occupants to exit. In a mad rush Major Carter was first turning only after a few steps to do the final run down the ramp backward with her gun at the ready pointing at the Event Horizon. Colonel O'Neill was next taking up a similar stance as his 2IC, stumbling only once as a bolt of energy whizzed passed his head. Following that orange superheated plasma was Teal'c who had his staff weapon up ready to fire at any enemy who dare to follow.
"Close the iris!" O'Neill shouted up to the control room ducking while he ran as another staff blast hit the ceiling.
Hammond could only watch in surprise backing up to the wall to avoid any enemy fire. That's when he noticed, only three members had come through the Gate. Why was O'Neill ordering the iris closed but then again he never looked behind him. Maybe he figured Daniel had followed as usual. But Walter never had chance to touch the control as the wormhole began flickering.
"The wormhole's destabilizing!" Walter called out.
As the Gate began to spark, more smoke seeping out the top the wormhole was overloaded. The cause was running through Sam's head, mathematical equations dancing in her mind to solve the energy surge. While she stared at the Gate confused Jack finally remembered. It was then he made the startling realization, a realization that would come to haunt him. He was about to halt the hasty order he had made but the wormhole had other plans.
"The wormhole has disengaged!" Walter added.
Jack's head snapped to the Gate at the technician's last words, watching in horror as the wormhole blinked out leaving nothing but the wall behind the Gate visible. He saw Hammond coming towards them as his team attempted to collect themselves, what little adrenaline left in their bloodstream fast disappearing. Breathing hard the three remaining members of SG-1 watched as their CO came to stand in front of them, his head dancing back and forth between them and the Gate.
"Where's Dr. Jackson?" Hammond asked, his eyes betraying his fear.
"Carter where's Daniel? He was right there," O'Neill turned sharply to Sam.
"I don't know sir, he was right behind us," Sam countered her eyes wide.
"Daniel Jackson was right behind me O'Neill," Teal'c put in his own fear evident.
All four looked to each other before Sam spoke up, "Oh my God, we left him behind".
When he awoke he was painfully aware of the agony that rippled through his body. Slowly Daniel began to surface, his eyes fluttering as consciousness came. His eyes sluggishly opened to a sight so unreal and unexpected it had him squeezing them closed before taking in his surroundings. The searing sun pierced his concussion-addled brain causing an instant migraine and any movement sent shards of agony through right knee and ribs. Okay so he was hurt, and bad, that much he could gather but what the hell happened. The last thing he could clearly remember was racing to the Stargate narrowly avoiding Apophis's forces and the staff blasts whizzing passed his head. Then they had reached the Stargate going through then nothing.
The next question that came to mind was where was his team and were they hurt as bad as he. He had a vague memory of flying, so much like his imitation of a rock in the Gate room three years ago. Taking a deep breath Daniel prepared himself for another go at opening his eyes. Eyes fluttering open once again he squinted against the sun noticing very quickly that his glasses were missing. The sun still sending agony through his skull in his concussion haze he worked passed it to survey his surroundings.
Right off he recognized a wasteland, a red and sandy wasteland. Nothing for the eye to see beyond a vast desert a thought came to Daniel's mind. A thought that only his years around Colonel O'Neill could conjure. I'm not in Kansas anymore. Well maybe not Kansas per say, more like P-whatever they were on before he ended here. Taking stock he could barely make out the blurry Stargate around twenty feet away leaving him to wonder just how far he tumbled down the rock covered slope that led to it. What scared him more than the prospect of his tumble was the absence of a DHD in its usual place beside the Gate.
"Oh not good," he groaned softly.
Laying back in defeat he wondered if his team was safe. Maybe if they were close Sam could work her magic but it was becoming more apparent to Daniel that he was alone in this. Running a mental list he tried to tick off the many items that ensured his permanent stay on this barren planet. The most significant being his injuries would hinder any movement and escape. Second, and foremost, the absent DHD before leading to the third and final reason no team, nobody.
Mental sit-rep performed it was time to inventory his injuries. He didn't need a doctor to know there was something seriously wrong with his knee. Actually of what Jack had described of his past knee injury Daniel ventured it felt very similar to that. His ribs didn't feel too hot either but the absence of that ominous shifting accompanied with trouble breathing told him they were merely cracked and bruised. His concussion left a permanent headache behind his eyes and blurred his vision, or maybe that was the lack of glasses. Speaking of which Daniel found them on the ground a few meters away having fallen off in his tumble, frames bent and lenses cracked. So nearly useless but at least it was something to help correct his myopic vision if only a little.
"Okay what next?" he asked the heavens if anyone was actually listening.
Even if there were a higher being up above to lend a hand Daniel was doubtful it would do any good. Seeing that he was utterly alone in the middle of nowhere far from Earth Daniel was left to his own devices. Those devices included what he carried on his person, being much smaller than usual considering the nature of the mission. A diplomatic mission to a clan where Jaffa forces stood guard. Jack had made it perfectly clear that they were only to bring what they could carry on a long hike. That being said Daniel figured at some point he needed to take inventory of supplies in his small pack and vest but as of this moment he was content to surrendering to exhaustion and pain. Falling back limply on the ground he let the heat from the rock and sand soak into his aching body to relieve his pain as his eyes once again slipped closed.
The tension in the briefing room was palpable as they sat in silence. Jack was currently angry with himself and very much ready to take it out on anyone who dared to cross him at the turn of events. Sam still sat contemplating where it all went wrong, tears glistening in her eyes. Teal'c was at a loss knowing all too well that Daniel Jackson was indeed right behind him as they made their retreat. For Hammond there came a moment when all was thought to be lost and this was that moment right down to the loss of Dr. Jackson. But was he really dead or just left behind? It had happened before even against O'Neill's code to live by of 'never leave a man behind'.
It was that code he had broken, a code he swore to never break all the way back to the Middle East. In fact it was this broken code that had lost him a friend after his stay in that Iraqi prison. Now O'Neill was no different thinking back to his recent failure to ensure his entire team came through that Gate. Out of everyone it was supposed to be him, he was the team leader….he was the soldier. Daniel was a civilian but he had become so much more than that these past three going on four years. Jack knew if he were in this position now Daniel would think no different actually had when he and Sam were trapped in Antarctica.
He would ensure even if it came to literal hell and high water that he, Colonel Jack O'Neill, would bring Daniel home. If that meant going back and taking on an entire Jaffa army than so be it. He would take this moment to his grave as being his biggest failure since Charlie. And he would die before declaring Daniel gone forever.
For Sam and Teal'c they felt no different. Sam still couldn't understand how she had failed to notice Daniel's absence. Teal'c was just as angry with himself as Jack was considering he had usually taken it as his job to protect Daniel Jackson. A job he had failed in doing today. The silence continued until Hammond took a deep breath, they all knew what was coming next. A detailed explanation as to why their archeologist was currently missing and how all three of them came through that Gate unscathed.
"What happened out there?" Hammond asked.
"Simple General, we got overrun and had to run. Gate closed, Daniel never made it," Jack spat out angrily.
"Sir it was an ambush, they were waiting for us in the village. They started firing…," Sam began.
"And I ordered a retreat, end of story," Jack finished his frustration evident.
"Colonel O'Neill," Hammond warned.
"Sorry," Jack resigned if not for a moment as his team went on with the explanation.
"We were running to the Gate, Daniel dialed. I think he lagged behind to wait but I remember him laying down covering fire," Sam explained.
"I recall Daniel Jackson being directly behind me as I entered the Stargate. I do not believe he stayed behind willingly," Teal'c finished for Sam.
"Of course not willingly," Jack countered.
"Sir, if Daniel was injured?" Sam piped up her voice betraying her fear.
"We're goin' back and getting him," Jack said with very little room for protest in his voice.
"That is precisely why I'm sending a MALP through to assess the situation," Hammond compromised.
"Situation my ass, we need to go back and get him now! General if he is injured….," Jack began to protest.
"Colonel O'Neill, that's enough! I won't send anymore of my people into danger," while Hammond had a point it fell on deaf ears.
"But sir….," it was Sam's turn to protest.
"No buts, I intend on getting Dr. Jackson back once I declare the situation safe. If I know Dr. Jackson he would want to know I wasn't risking your lives," now Hammond had a good point, one of which they all agreed on.
"Fine, when is it scheduled?" Jack conceded.
"Now," and with Hammond's final word the briefing was dismissed as they all hastily left for the control room.
When Daniel woke up for the second time his mind was admittedly clearer. The amount of time that passed a mystery but Daniel could actually say he was a little refreshed. The pain was still there each individual ache in competition with each other. He knew he had to practice some of that basic first aide taught to him by Janet on himself if he were to continue. His knee would have to come first, which he regretted, followed by his ribs and head. He couldn't do much for his ribs, not being able to strap them up himself and there was little more that he could do for the concussion except aspirin. He wasn't vomiting, yet, so he figured that was a good sign and his breathing was even.
Squinting against the sunlight as he levered himself on his elbows Daniel set to find something to immobilize his leg. He remembered the few bandana's he kept in his vest but needed something straight to keep the injury protected as Janet instructed. Glancing around he figured that the planet must have been an outpost of some kind as he spotted bits and pieces of wood and metal. A long skinny piece of wood with its metal twin stood out in the sun like a mirage. It was perfect, something to put behind his knee and tie up with the bandana's.
Dragging himself on the hot sand and rock, adding to the scrapes and abrasions that already marred his arms and palms, Daniel reached for the objects. Breathing hard against the pain and heat he didn't know how much more he could take. Dragging them back to his side he lay back a moment, reaching to the back of his belt for his canteen. Yanking it out of its strap he uncapped it and sipped greedily to sooth his parched throat. Shaking it before returning it to his belt he made a mental note of how much was left for future use. He had another one but that was it, two canteens versus the hot scorching desert. It didn't bode well for a good outcome but he would have to make it last.
"Okay, here goes nothing," he said to himself as he lined up the metal.
Straightening his knee Daniel couldn't help the gasp that escaped his lips as agony raced up towards his hip. Sliding the metal rod behind his knee he set about securing it with the bandana he had torn out of his vest pocket. The wood branch he used on the side for added support in case he had to walk, lining it up the best he could before sliding the bandana under the metal rod. He braced himself for the pain to follow as he began to tie the knots. With one swift tug he knotted the bandana and nearly screamed at the pain that followed. Okay with thigh secure it was time for below the knee, something he regretted repeating because of the pain. Shaking and close to passing out Daniel took a deep breath before grabbing the second bandana.
"Okay. One, two, three," he counted off aloud before doing it.
A second tug later and the bandana was tightened around both metal and wood secure on his leg. If the first was painful the second was agonizing as his vision grayed overwhelmed with pain. Screaming involuntarily tears began leaking from his eyes as his body betrayed him. Not since his bout with appendicitis had he felt this kind of unimaginable pain. Looking down at his knee he quickly learned the reason. The joint, swollen three times the normal size, was grossly discolored and misshapen. Something was horribly wrong inside and Daniel didn't doubt that he had broken something or snapped ligaments.
Increasingly nauseous, whether from the concussion or pain, Daniel could feel bile in the back of his throat. He tried breathing to will it to pass, too worried of what might happen if he threw up the water he just drank. The last thing he needed on top of his injuries was dehydration, a problem that may very well secure his death on this barren planet. Breathing hard Daniel was slowly losing the battle with his stomach as his throat burned. Then before he could help it he gagged, his stomach beginning to spasm painfully as what little water he drank was brought up. Turning to heave on the ground he retched until only acid was returning. Wiping his mouth and spitting pain was beginning to skyrocket through his body as the vomiting set agony through his cracked ribs and head. Maybe his concussion was worse than he thought initially.
Now doubled over the pain in his chest and abdomen was become unbearable. He needed a better look at all the damage done to his body. Unbuckling his vest slowly Daniel unzipped his jacket and pulled his shirt from his pants. The jacket was too hot anyways but he had decided to leave it on to protect from exposure. Pulling his shirt up he lightly probed the hot skin hissing as his fingers came into contact with bruises. He dared to look down surprised at the multicolored canvas his torso had become. Bruises ran from the left side of his chest all the way down to just below his bellybutton. Gently palpating his abdomen over the bruises he made a quick assumption that the injuries were merely superficial judging by the lack of agony the touch produced. So that was a good thing, at least Daniel knew he wasn't going to bleed out any time soon.
Pulling his shirt back down, electing to keep it untucked, he zipped up his jacket halfway keeping his vest open. Reaching up to the clips he relieved himself of the pack letting it drop on the ground to be rummaged through in a moment. Shrugging out of his vest painfully he let it drop next to the pack before laying back again. An aspirin would be good right about now, or maybe morphine. First aide kit! He had a first aide kit stocked by Janet complete with three single dose morphine injectors.
Dragging the pack to him along with his vest it was time to take a quick inventory before setting off to find refuge or escape. Opening the zipper he began to pull items out and lay them out in front of him. One MRE, a first aide kit, journal, a tool kit, two extra magazines, water purification tablets, light sticks, one sterno, and one cup. Okay so he had just enough to last a half a day maybe even less. In his vest the picture was almost the same except a few other items. A packet of antihistamines, bottle of aspirin, a handful of powerbars, extra magazine, one broken GDO, a miniature flashlight, one and a half canteens, knife, extra bandana, and boonie. It wasn't exactly a mixture that was fit for a survivalist but Daniel knew he would have to make it last.
Putting all items back in the pack and vest respectfully he left the first aide kit in front of him. Military issue and stocked special by Janet it was something that became something of a Godsend on SG-1 missions. Unzipping the canvas bag he dug through it until his hand hit a familiar cylinder. Pulling out the injector he double-checked the label before snapping off the cap. Normally he detested to any narcotic, declaring that they made him feel disjointed, but this was no normal time and Daniel felt that only through narcotics would he develop the courage to keep moving. Both protective caps off he placed the needle-side to his left thigh and pushed hard, waiting for the snap-hiss of the needle as it entered his muscle. Wincing slightly as the needle hit home he pulled the injector away throwing the spent cartridge on the ground. Now he waited, maybe ten minutes, for the drug to work.
Ten minutes passed and the morphine hit in a rush as warmth spread through his body, the pain becoming a distant memory. He knew he had a short window of time before the pain returned and in that window Daniel knew he had to get moving somehow but the morphine took him over. Eyes opening wide as his pupils dilated he was engulfed with pure euphoria. Oh he felt good, even with that one dose. While his knee was still a shadow the pain in his ribs and head were virtually absent, well as absent as the perception in his mind. Reaching into one of the Velcro pockets on his vest that contained his antihistamines he pulled out a blister pack. The blister pack normally forbidden by Jack as it contained pills of pure caffeine needed for working double time without the access to coffee. He figured they were just the thing to counteract the tiring feeling that inevitably followed a morphine dose.
Pushing out two little white tablets he tossed them in his mouth before putting the pack back in his vest, one more dose left for the duration of the stay. Chewing to hopefully achieve a rapid effect he winced at the bitterness. Okay with pain managed and stimulant ingested it was time to get moving, well as quick as he could. Carefully and mindful of his ribs he shrugged back on his vest, keeping the buckles open as always. He opted to carry his pack to take some strain off his back. Remembering from before Daniel glanced around him spotting those forgotten broken glasses. Leaning over as far as he dared his fingers just touched those wire frames as his hand closed around them. They wouldn't be much good but at least it was something so he pocketed them in a free pocket of his vest for later use.
Now time for the hard part, Daniel tried to think of all the easy ways and only came up with one. Leveraging himself off the ground in one swift move with his left side he winced as pain once again shot through his body. Swaying slightly on his feet he wished for a stick to stabilize his weak side. Seeing nothing he opted without, keeping all weight on his left leg as his right one remained straight. Pack in his right hand he searched the horizon for a direction before taking a random path. He could just make out something maybe a hundred feet away, something that gleamed in the afternoon sun. Limping, practically crawling, he dragged himself in that direction hoping for a miracle amidst the other side of that mirage.
The Control room was bustling with activity as technician's and staff prepared for the MALP transit. Anger flaring Jack watched Siler and his crew in the debarkation room ready the MALP in his mind not moving fast enough. But Siler had gotten word and Jack could tell even behind the tempered glass that the sergeant was putting more work into this transit than usual. Everyone was if it meant getting Daniel back faster because no one on this base held any bad attitude towards the mild mannered archeologist.
Finally it was ready as Sam gave the go ahead, a quick thumbs up aimed up to the control room before running out. She wanted to be with her team for this, wanted someone to metaphorically lean on if something went wrong. There was no telling what they would see on the other side, of whether or not Daniel was even still alive even if Jack didn't believe it. Running back into the control room Sam took her place between Teal'c and Jack as Hammond prepared the order.
"Dial it up," the general ordered.
Within seconds Walter's hands were dancing across the dialing computer as he typed in the address that only hours ago was considered dangerous territory. Chevron 1 encoded, Chevron 2 encoded, Chevron 3 encoded….. They held their breath until his final words hit nervous ears.
"Chevron 7 locked," only a millisecond later the Stage whooshed opened, the ring spinning no more.
"Send it through," Sam ordered into the mike after Hammond gave her the nod.
They could see Siler nod before turning back to the MALP. Pushing the necessary buttons he guided it up the ramp and up to the Gate. As if in slow motion the MALP made its way through the Gate, disappearing in that shimmering blue puddle. They all held their breath as static came on the screen. Even the tension could be felt radiating off Teal'c who almost always took the neutral ground. In her head Sam counted off the seconds it would take for transmission while Jack's eyes never left the screen. Hammond only took a deep breath and closed his eyes almost as if in silent prayer.
"Transmission in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1," Walter counted down.
As he reached one the screen changed on the console to one very familiar to SG-1. All three instantly recognized the perimeter of the Stargate on P5C-118, complete with the scorch marks from recent staff fire. Everything was as they left it save for one thing. Daniel was nowhere in sight, injured or otherwise. The area around the Gate was abandoned by both villagers and Jaffa.
"He's not there sir," Sam spoke up.
"It doesn't mean he's not on that planet," Jack countered, there had been a lot of that today.
"Daniel Jackson may have gone to seek refuge in the village," Teal'c suggested.
Hammond didn't believe him, not after what he saw, "There doesn't appear to be a body".
Hammond regretted his words immediately after seeing SG-1's reaction, namely Jack who shot him a look that could kill. General or not Jack was out for blood for the situation he felt he, as team leader, caused. They continued to watch as the MALP continued its slow journey, the camera moving and zooming at different angles to pick up any sign of the wayward archeologist. It was then Sam spotted something, something she always feared but tried to never think about.
"Sergeant, turn the camera to the right and focus on the DHD," Sam instructed.
Walter didn't say anything as he did what he was told. Positioning the MALP to focus on what was said the image sharpened on the screen. It was something none of them had expected and frankly wanted to think about. The fuzzy image told of a tale that may have proven that their friend was lost forever.
"Zoom in on that," Hammond added.
As the camera zoomed in the carnage became sharply apparent. Sitting in its normal place beside the Stargate was the DHD, or more importantly what remained of it. Charred almost beyond recognition with its crystals disintegrated what had been the DHD was no more. Most likely taken out by the weapons of a glider there was no way anybody was getting off that planet anymore.
"The DHD, its destroyed," Sam stated the one thing they already knew.
"Shut it down," Hammond ordered.
"Yes sir," Walter lowered his head in sadness knowing all too well that Daniel was lost possibly for good.
"This rescue mission is scrubbed, sorry SG-1 but I'm now listing Dr. Jackson as MIA until further notice," it was those words out of Hammond's mouth that had all their hearts dropping.
It was the only thought on Jack's mind as he interpreted Hammond's solemn voice, MIA: Presumed Dead.
TBC-will update as soon as possible