Chapter 6

Most of the day they spent running, taking cover, watching and waiting, and running yet again. In the late afternoon they stopped to rest, the woods were quiet and they had not seen nor heard a Jaffa since the mornings encounter. It was becoming chilly as the sun went down but not freezing. They were only supposed to be here for a few hours. They knew nothing of this planet, not the length of the day or the change of seasons, not the flora and fauna or the lay of the land. Unfortunately they were getting some first hand experience.

Not risking a fire, cold rations, a swig from the almost dry canteen and a hard bed with boots on was the order of the night. Rations were going to be a bit of a problem; all, but this night's meal, were on the damned F.R.E.D.

"How's your chest?" Jack asked.

"A little sore, I think I got a little cooked but not too bad."

"Maybe I should have a look."

"In your dreams"

A smile flickered across his face. "I'm serious. I remember only too well."

"I got the new improved model, thicker ceramic plates and extra padding."

The smile came again, he though her padding was quite adequate and quite lovely, thank you very much, but knew however he tried to say it, it would probably come out as offensive.

"I should take a look at your shoulder, Sir"

He didn't reply. It was throbbing.

Carter opened up the first-aid kit from her pack and pulled out antiseptic wipes and a hypo of lidocaine. She wanted him to take off his vest and jacket but the exposure to possible attack was more of a worry than clear access to the wound. Pulling the fabric out of her way Sam injected the pain killer and waited before attempting to clean the wound.

"While you're at it, Carter, do you think you could get this damn thing out. I think I picked it up while dancing with that Jaffa."

Imbedded deeply in the heel of his left hand was a thorn. She teased at the dark stub in the red and swollen flesh. When she picked up the lidocaine he stopped her.

"Don't waste it."

She managed to get her fingernails around it and yanked out the inch and a half long thorn. Sam let him clean up his hand. This kept him busy while she turned her attention to more important matters. Certain that the analgesic had taken effect Sam swabbed the burn, cleaning it of the filth driven into it by the ragged nails and steely fingers of the dying Jaffa. Holding on to his arm she noted how warm it was, too warm. Her fingers on his forehead were flicked away but not before noticing that his general temperature seemed normal. She dressed the wound as best she could and gave him two Tylenol to keep the fever at bay. Sam took out some analgesic cream squirted a little on her hand and weaseling under her uniform rubbed it on her chest.

"Woulda been glad to help"

She glared at him trying not to smile and not succeeding very well.

"How long has it been?" He asked

"Since?"

"The first shot"

"36 – 40 hours or so."

"My teeth feel furred." Jack popped a piece of gum in his mouth and offered a piece to Sam. "It's experimental for men in combat that don't have time to brush. Really, Doc Fras… shit, Brightman gave it to me."

"Think she was trying to tell you something, sir."

Even though her tone was light he had seen her wince when 'Frasier' had nearly come out of his mouth.

"I take first watch." He said.

They sat on one of the sleeping bags side by side in the dense foliage leaning against a large boulder. O'Neill wrapped a sleeping bag around them, tucking it behind their shoulders. As she leaned against his right side, Sam's mind was flooded with thoughts of another fire fight; the one in which Janet Frasier died and O'Neill nearly did. O'Neill seemed to read her mind or perhaps the same pain afflicted him.

"We going to get out of this you know. The Jaffa will get bored, if they are not already and we'll waltz back to the gate and go home."

Without turning back toward him she gave a half hearted "Yes, sir".

He patted her arm and gave it a squeeze. "Gotta work on you confidence, Colonel."

Her chin on her chest, she tucked her nose under the edge of the sleeping bag a tried to sleep.