A/N: I know the second chapter was not much… So here's the third chapter… you're not going to like me in the end… I know. That's okay… I can make it up to you all later. And thank you all for your ideas and suggestions :o) We'll see where those will take us :o) At first I wanted to post these two together but decided against it in the end… it's better to keep you all waiting and not knowing for a while… hehe… :o) I'm evil, I know… but good girl in the heart ;o)

And I'm sorry it took a bit longer than usually but I really wasn't feeling well… I still feel like crap actually… so… I will have to check this chapter up for mistakes again later… I'm sorry for all of them! The fourth chapter will be up next week probably… I'm busy and I won't be online during the weekend, besides I'm not well and I don't want to post anything that wouldn't be ready and just perfect, so I'm sorry about that... but I hope you can forgive me. Actually it gives you time to think about the story and send me some ideas and suggestions, hehe… :o))

And THANK YOU for your reviews, alert, hits and PMs – they all mean a lot :o)

LOVELY LITTLE LADYBUG - CHAPTER 3

They had to decide what to do next. And that was not easy, not at all. They wanted to find out what happened out here, what was it with the skeletons, what those columns meant… but on the other hand, something felt a bit too much wrong for their liking.

Besides they didn't feel really well. Maybe it was because of the time change, maybe because of something in the air, maybe because of those dead bodies inside… coming along with that strange smell… they couldn't be sure.

Daniel wanted to get back to the cave system. He wanted to some pictures if nothing else. He was sure that there was something vital about that. He just had to finish his job.

Carter thought that she should try to find more about the cave system, try to walk further in. Besides she was hoping for coming back to the city, to see the columns. She wasn't entirely okay though. She was afraid that Janet shouldn't have let her go. Her ribs were hurting and the bruise on her shoulder was giving her a hard time as well. She didn't like it. She felt weak. Maybe the Colonel was right and she should be coming back to Earth… She decided to take the pain killers, wait and see. She would die of embarrassment while asking to be send back home because of this.

Yeah, you shouldn't be taking pain killers if you were not sure about your condition… but she was sure it wouldn't hurt. Those were just mild pills, nothing to knock you out. It should be okay. However, she would have to let O'Neill know first. And hopefully he would be understanding…

Jack knew that Carter and Daniel would want to stay. And this was not their first mission so… why not. They would stay and try to figure this out, carefully. He should just let the Earth know about their situation. Besides they would need proper equipment soon to take some samples and to take care of the bodies, or of what has been left of them anyway.

"Okay… I guess you want to stay? Daniel, Carter?"

"I would like to, Sir. I'd try to take a look at the cave system, try to find out more… besides I was hoping for trying to figure out those columns later as well."

"Understood."

"And I need at least some pictures of the writings and everything. Might be helpful."

"Okay… so you two stay here and be careful, okay? We have no idea what happened here. Don't touch anything suspicious."

"Understood, Sir."

"Sure, Jack. What are you going to do?"

"I'll take Teal'c and we'll go and take a look around. Plus I want to call the SGC and update them on our situation. Besides we could use some stuff to take more samples and maybe one of those bodies or… something."

They nodded at each other, everything clear.

Jack with Teal'c left those two to play in the cave system. He was just hoping that they wouldn't touch anything. Because with their mission record it was more than possible that something terrible would happen anyway. There was no need to be pushing their luck.

He was worried though. He didn't want to talk about it with Teal'c. He was the only one that knew about Sam's accident and her bruises. He knew that it was not his place to tell the others about her discomfort. But he could see her frowning all the time, trying to ease the pressure from her shoulder. She must have been in pain. He would ask the doc about the situation and then talk to Sam again. He would gladly send her back home if needed. He didn't want to risk anything.

On their way they checked some of the traps Teal'c has set up earlier. They all looked okay. At least something looked good for them.

"Do you need me here, O'Neill?"

"Nah, don't think so. Why?"

"I think it would be wise to check out the area behind the Stargate."

"Yeah, good idea. Go ahead, T."

He gave him his usual nod and walked away. They should have thought about that earlier… But there were no life-signs on this planet so… it was understandable that they didn't. However after their recent findings it would wise to check it out anyway.

He dialed the Gate and talked to Hammond. They agreed on staying on the planet, gathering more information, being careful, and trying not to get into troubles, of course. SG-1 and SG-3 would usually end up in troubles anyway. Nobody knew how or why… they just would.

Hammond also agreed on sending some proper equipment in the morning… They agreed on exact hour, which was needed because of the time shift, difference, whatever…

"Sir, can I speak to Fraiser on a secure channel?"

"Something wrong, Colonel?"

"I don't think so… just need to check something with her and … it would be best if nobody else would know about it for now. I'll make sure to update you later, if that's okay, Sir."

"We were having some troubles with the communication systems here… so just let your team know and come back for a short visit. I let Fraiser know, she'd be in the Gate room in five."

"Roger that, Sir."

Then he turned something on his radio to be allowed and able to talk to others. They didn't hear a single thing of what was said before. He informed Teal'c of the situation and asked him to wait for him by the Gate. And not to mention this trip to anyone. Teal'c didn't really understand it, but he was not asking any questions. He trusted his friend implicitly.

O'Neill sent his ID and walked through. Fraiser was waiting for him, concerned and afraid. He didn't mean to scare her though. They walked down from the ramp so they wouldn't get killed while dialing back to the planet.

"Something wrong, Colonel?"

"Look, I know that there is this doctor-patient confidentiality and everything… but I'm concerned about Carter. You cleared her to go, right?"

"Yes. I did. I know that you know about the accident. Well her ribs were bruised as well as her shoulder. But I checked her, Sir and she was fine. No internal damage, nothing broken or so. She might be a bit sore, but that should be all."

"Well she didn't actually take the pills you gave her and she didn't use that cream either. Well she is planning on using that cream tonight because I forced her to..."

"She just probably didn't want to feel numb or weak. It should be okay for her to take it all in the evening if you … ehm… can take her out from the night shift."

"I already told her that. No night watch shift for her tonight… but still. She seemed to be getting worse, doc. And I don't want to order her to go back."

"She would not be happy about that…"

"Exactly. I don't want to piss her off. But I need to know if she is really okay or if there's a chance something might be wrong with her. I'm not saying you overlooked something, I know you didn't. But …"

"I understand, Sir. Okay…. Well… there might be something wrong, something could have appeared later. I would have to do a proper examination to know for sure. But the first sign would be more swelling, hard abdomen and the area around stomach, fever… and for her shoulder it would be just pain and again, more swelling, fever. All you can do is watch out for her, maybe try to check her arm and abdomen; her ribs… if she lets you… and then bring her back sooner."

"Doc… She had a lot on her plate recently. I don't want to make her feel bad because of this."

"Okay, Colonel. Look… two days should be okay. You can collect the samples, try to figure everything out and then head back home. Blame it on the samples. And I'll talk to General Hammond to let him know about this. I'm sure he will support us."

"Thanks, doc."

"No problem, Sir. So we'll send everything tomorrow and the day after tomorrow come back, or you can send just her. And I would take her over and talk to her in private. Just… present it as an opportunity for her. Try to talk to her… she values your opinion."

"Okay, doc. I will try to do my best. And I will let you know in the morning, okay?"

"Good luck, Sir."

Then he walked back up the ramp and through the Gate.

It would be pretty hard to persuade her to go home. But maybe he would be lucky. He would just try to tell her that it would be for her best… just take the samples, bring them back and talk to Fraiser. Oh and of course he would have to promise her that she'd be able to come back… Nobody else would know and she wouldn't have to feel bad because of it.

In case Hammond would agree. Jack knew that he should have told him… but it was better to consult it with the doc first. She would talk to Hammond… and that guy could be really understanding.

Teal'c was waiting for him by the Gate.

"Is everything all right, O'Neill?"

"Yup, no problems. Here?"

"Everything seems to be in order."

"Good, let's go back."

Jack didn't tell him about the headaches he's been experiencing during the last ten minutes. They were getting worse. He didn't like that… Nobody could tell what the Gate travelling would do exactly… so some headaches could be normal, even after all this time. They were all warned about this possibility. That didn't mean he would like it though.

Daniel kept on reading, trying to translate the writings, listing in his books, talking to himself. He knew he was missing something but he didn't know what. And that was kind of horrible. He didn't like that at all. Who would like it anyway?

Sam went into the system but she didn't find much. She didn't get lost, which was good, but the labyrinth was big and she had no idea where the end could actually be. She found three other rooms with skeletons and remains of clothes and things. It was disgusting. On every skeleton was a deep cut in one of the bones, usually on the chest. She didn't know what happened here but she was sure that it was bad.

Her ribs were hurting like hell, her shoulder was nothing but troubles and she hated the feeling of being weak and hurt and useless. She knew that the Colonel noticed… and she was afraid he would send her back ASAP. Maybe she would be able to talk him into letting her stay at least for another day… she would try her luck later.

"Daniel, I'm coming back."

"Sure, Sam. Did you find anything?"

"More caves, more bodies. No writings though."

She took her way back. She felt bad… but at least the headache was gone.

They all met by the entrance to the cave system. Teal'c noticed that his team-mates felt more at ease while being around the cave. He wasn't sure about the relevancy of this information though. The only thing he could do was to observe and take care of them. And he was doing exactly that.

"SGC will send some stuff tomorrow; they want samples and short report. Did you find anything?"

"More caves, more dead people, nothing interesting, Sir. "

"Danny?"

"I'm not sure, Jack. I have symbols for gift, threat, love, death, pain and I suppose fear. So … that leads us nowhere."

"Great."

"What do we do now, O'Neill?"

"I don't know, buddy."

"Actually, I'm hungry, Jack."

"Sir? I'm hungry too."

"Lunch time! Let's go kids."

"I would like to stay… can't you just bring something over?"

"Sure we can… T.?"

"I shall stay with Daniel Jackson."

"Okay."

So Jack and Sam left to get themselves some lunch… or dinner, whatever. And it was actually the opportunity to talk that they needed so desperately. Teal'c was a good friend…

While fixing today's share of MRE, Jack kept on stealing glances at his 2IC. She was in pain. And that was something he has always hated. There was probably nothing worse than seeing her in pain.

"Carter…"

"Yes, Sir?"

"Are you in pain?"

"Sir?"

"Answer the question, Major."

"Yes, Sir. Yes, I'm in pain, Sir."

He walked over to her and made her look at him. His anger about the whole situation was slowly disappearing. She looked hurt and unsure of herself, afraid of something.

"Look… I… I talked to Fraiser. There might be something wrong with you."

"You want me to go back? Sir, I can handle it!"

"I know you can, Sam. So no, I'm not ordering you to go back. I just want you to take care. And take the pills as soon as you can. And no getting up at night for you today. Understood?"

"Sir…"

"Tomorrow we'll get the equipment. And somebody has to take the samples back and report to Hammond the day after tomorrow. And that person will be you. It will give you a chance to talk to Fraiser. And nobody has to know…"

"Sir why would you…?"

"What?"

"Why would you do this?"

"Because I know you, Sam…"

And he didn't need to say anything else. He was right. He knew her. And it sometimes still could surprise her. He cared about her, about her reputation and everything.

"I know you would never endanger us or the mission. I know you are responsible… reliable. But I also know you like to press your limits…"

He wanted to caress her cheek, kiss her, hug her, tell her that she would be okay… he hated it when his body seemed to be in charge. He hated it when his concern for his 2IC was affecting him like this. But he could deal with that… he had to.

"Just take care, okay? I don't want you to kill yourself."

"Understood, Sir."

"Good."

"And thank you…"

"You're welcome, Sam."

She smiled at him and he knew she would be okay. She would never betray his trust.

They had their meals and then took other two for their friends. Daniel was still looking at the walls while Teal'c has been looking around.

Teal'c had his senses; he could feel something around them. And he knew that something was wrong. He just couldn't place it. It was not just the fear for his friends, it was not the fear of unknown territory, this was different. And it was worse. He decided to wait till the next day before worrying the others. Besides they would get the new supplies tomorrow and they should be heading back to Earth soon.

Jack and Sam arrived. They gave them their meals. Daniel sat down on the grass and started to eat. Teal'c did the same. They've never really enjoyed the food… but it was better than starving… besides everything they could possibly need was in those… packages.

"Sam can you check out the wall niche or whatever it is? I think the structure there is different than in the rest of the caves."

"Sure."

Sam and Jack went inside the caves. About five meters from the entrance they found the niche.

"Sir could you… please?"

She pointed at the flashlight. And he helped her. She was looking pretty close at the structure of the niche while he was being her torch. These small things were the best for them… helping each other, standing close, smiling, working together… nothing wrong with that and yet it meant to be … close.

"This looks familiar… I think it's similar to those columns… but I don't know how to make sure, sorry."

"You'll figure it out, Carter. And with Daniel working on the translation… we're gonna be gone in no time."

"You don't like it here, do you?"

"Naaah, can't go fishing…"

And that made her smile. Like usually. Somehow he always knew when to make a joke. She felt foolish for reacting like that… but she couldn't really help it.

Suddenly the wall began to glow a bit. They both stepped back and called for Daniel. But in the same second some tubes appeared. They looked like… coming from the wall. And almost... alive or intelligent.

Two of those tubes caught Sam's wrists and ankles and brought her close to the niche. She screamed in pain. O'Neill knew that the impact must have hurt like hell because of her already bruised ribs and shoulder. Oh he would scream too... and maybe even faint.

"Carter!"

He called for her and tried to get a hold on her and free her from the wall. But those tubes were holding her pretty close. He was fighting with them but he stood no chance.

"Sir, I can't move…"

"Wait, I'll cut you out."

He was pissed, afraid and desperately trying not to lose his mind. Daniel came there with Teal'c, both looking with horror at the scene in front of them.

O'Neill tried to cut one of the tubes. He didn't expect that kind of outcome though. The tube disappeared and another one appeared. But this time it didn't just encircled Sam's hand, it went right through her wrist. She screamed in pain. This was just too much.

There was no blood though. Nothing. Just the tube coming through. It looked disgusting and ... wrong.

Sam was breathing heavily, trying not to cry. But it was way too hard.

During the next few seconds she had her wrists and ankles connected to the wall. Those tubes were … in her body. It was like a horribly big IV. And painful.

"Sir…"

"It will be okay, don't worry."

She was trembling and she couldn't help it. She felt weak and stupid. But most of all she felt afraid.

Yellow and purple liquid started to flow through the tubes into her body.

"Sir!"

She was panicking. Nobody was blaming her. O'Neill was getting furious and the whole situation seemed only to escalate even more... Daniel and Teal'c couldn't do a single thing. The space there was too small and allowed barely enough space for Jack to move there.

"Carter we can try to cut them all in the same time."

"Do it."

"It's gonna hurt. A lot."

"DO IT!"

She screamed at him and he understood. This was… extreme situation. Desperate and terrible. Horrifying even.

"Daniel, you're smaller. Come here and help me. Get the other wrist."

"Sure."

They had their knives ready. Jack looked into Sam's eyes and she nodded. This was a bad idea… she just had to... make it through.

They both cut the tubes in the same time. Before the ends could fall down, another two appeared and replaced them. Sam screamed again. Daniel looked even more scared than she did. They've been put through a lot but this... was not good at all. It was possibly one of the worst situations ever.

"Sir…

"It's gonna be okay…"

"No, it's not. I cannot feel my legs… and my arms are a bit numb."

That was bad.

O'Neill tried to move even closer. He could see the fear on her face and he was not surprised by it. Not by a long shot. He didn't know what to do. She was crying, her lips trembling, she looked so pale. Before he could realize it, he was holding her face in his hands, caressing her skin. She was looking directly into his eyes.

"Hold on…"

"Sir… I can't feel anything from my shoulders down…"

"You feel my hands?"

"Yes…"

"Good… focus on me… Sam! Just stay with me… keep looking into my eyes, you understand?"

"Yeah…"

She was slowly losing it. She was crying openly, scared to death. And he kept on caressing her skin. He was holding her a bit too much firmly but he wasn't actually aware of that. And she was not complaining. She needed the contact and he needed to know that she's been alive.

"Daniel will figure out the writings… and we will get you out of here… it's supposed to be a test, right?"

She could only nod lightly, too afraid she would completely break down in case she'd try to speak.

"See? Test about honesty and trust or something?"

"That's right."

"So no worries then… you're honest and always telling the truth, you're the best… Hm? See? Piece of cake... you're the best..."

She wasn't answering and it scared him. She looked lost.

"Samantha!"

She looked at him again, directly into his eyes, focused again.

"God… just stay with me, you understand, stay with me!"

"Something is happening… I feel… dizzy and … it's like drugs or something…"

"Listen to me, Sam, listen to me!"

"Sir..."

"Just hang in there you hear me? Just… stay with me. And we're gonna get you out of there. Okay?"

"I'm scared."

She sounded so small and broken that he lost his inner battle suddenly. Few tears, full of anger and fear, sadness and love, fell down from his eyes. He hated himself for being weak. But this was… just crazy and horrible. How the hell did it even happen?

"I know, me too… but we're gonna get you out…"

He was leaning closer and closer now, resting his forehead against hers. He wasn't trying to wipe away her tears anymore. There was no point in doing that.

"Jack…"

He looked into her eyes and saw the purest fear ever. Then she closed her eyes and her head fell to one side. He was calling her name but she was not responding. Those liquids kept on flowing into her and he couldn't stop them.

He was pleading her to wake up and be okay but the only result he got was another tube. This one connected differently. It just stopped in the moment of contact with the skin on the side of her head. And yet another liquid, bright green, started to flow in there.

Jack screamed, horrified and angry, but it was not helpful. He had no idea what to do. This was just wrong, all wrong! He was looking at her, breathing heavily, not quite understanding what the hell just happened.

He persuaded himself to touch her pulse point. At first he would swear his knees were going weak… she was... NO! She couldn't be... he had to focus... he had to try again and harder... he gathered all the strength left and stood his ground... As a soldier, as a man, as a friend... as he always had to.

He would need every possible power and strength to save her… because although he had no idea about her exact condition, he managed to find a pulse, it was faint but steady and it definitely was there.

A/N: Hate me now? Muhehe… well, next should be up in a week – max. Hopefully soon. But (as I said before) I really have to work on the next chapter and it will take some time… bye for now, Isobel