The rest of the team stared at the hole where the rock had been in silent amazement before O'Neill broke the spell murmuring, "Nice!"
"Should we not depart before more Jaffa come to investigate the source of the commotion?" asked Teal'c
"Yeah", agreed O'Neill, mentally shaking himself. "Come on everyone, let's move." He led the way, with Teal'c bringing up the rear down numerous identical corridors. Luckily, they were deserted for the time being. But Jack feared with every passing minute and every wrong turn that their luck couldn't hold out for much longer, and that any second an army of Jaffa would appear around the next corner ready to apprehend them. Finally, they found the tunnel that led back to the hidden entrance in the Temple. Merrick leaning heavily against Daniel, was on the verge of unconsciousness. Stumbling forward with her head resting against Daniel's shoulder it took all her energy to be able to put one foot in front of the other.
Navigating their way through the fallen rubble of the Temple and scattered remains of the town was an arduous process. Moving as quickly and as silently as they could manage, navigating around the worst of the rubble, the unspoken tension filling the air urged their tired limbs forwards. By the time they finally reached the edge of the buildings, Carter too was having to help Daniel drag Merrick towards and up the hill. Jack and Teal'c moved ahead to the summit to gain a better visual and provide cover for the others. Looking down, they saw Jaffa streaming from the temple into the ruins, quickly gaining ground on them.
Jack ran back to the struggling trio and relieved Sam, ordering her to go ahead with Teal'c to the gate. Forcing himself under Merrick's right arm, he helped Daniel support her up the hill. Glancing over his shoulder as he reached the brow, he could see the Jaffa flooding out of the ruins towards them. It wasn't surprising that they had made their position so easily. A slow moving, cumbersome trio hardly blended in with the surroundings, but he had hoped for a little more time. Looking at Daniel he stated, "We don't have much time", impressing not only a need for speed, but also imparting a feeling of dread. Moving ever more hastily, they made their way down the dip towards the Stargate, temporarily concealed from the onslaught of pursuing enemies. As they got closer Carter turned to the DHD, dialled Earth and proceeding to input SG-1's iris code. Turning back to view the Colonel's progress, she spotted the first of the Jaffa taking their positions at the top of the hill.
Jack realised how close the enemy were behind them. He saw Carter swing her P90, aiming at a point above them, and Teal'c drop to one knee, his staff weapon laid over his shoulder and ready to fire. Seeing the open Stargate behind her, Jack shouted, "Carter! Go! Tell Hammond we're coming in hot." She hesitated, reluctant to leave the rest of her team. Catching Jack's eye, she saw determination etched in every line of his face as she spun on her heel and ran towards the shimmering, watery gateway. Pausing before she stepped through, she gazed at Jack, an entire conversation in half a second, before she stepped through and the Jaffa began to fire.
Daniel, Jack and Merrick hurried ungainly towards the gate attempting to avoid enemy fire while Teal'c covered them. Reaching the top step, Jack ducked out from under Merrick's arm. Glancing down, he saw that she was unconsciousness and pushed her and Daniel towards the Stargate. Standing alone and unconcealed in front of the open wormhole, Jack shouted, "Come on!" He watched Teal'c dash towards him, staff blasts hitting the earth all around. As he came up the gate steps, Jack turned and leapt into the wormhole, confident Teal'c was only seconds behind him.
