I'm so sorry for the LONG delay in posting. I had company and then went to DC for a conference. On my way back I broke my ankle and have been laid up unable to use the computer until now. Here's a short chapter and I'll try to post a couple more this week. I'm sorry it's not longer but I can't sit without my leg up for long (I need a laptop!). Feedback please!

"I had no idea Major!"

"No idea of what Sir?"

"That you were a closet sadist!"

Sam just grinned but continued to gently push Jack's leg. The muscles had stiffened over the weeks of inactivity and she knew she had to help him regain some flexibility and strength before he even attempted to try and walk.

"I'm just trying to help Sir. I'm not trying to hurt you."

"I know. But do you have to enjoy it so much?"

"I'm sorry", she replied, trying not to grin even more.

"No you're not."

"No, I'm not. Well, I'm sorry it hurts – but you know I'm only trying to help you Colonel."

He sighed. "I know Carter, I know. " He paused, looking down at his legs. "It just – it just helps you know - to complain I mean."

She stopped in surprise and looked at him but he was looking down, not meeting her eyes. She knew it was difficult for the Colonel to deal with any physical limitations and/or therapy. He'd probably had to put up with it too much in his career. What surprised her was not his complaining – that was normal for him – but what wasn't was his admitting to the reason behind the complaints.

She immediately continued with the stretching, knowing he'd be uncomfortable having said even that much. Part of her was incredibly touched that he'd open up with her like this. Another part felt sad that he thought that he had to hide his fear and pain behind complaints after so many years of working closely with her. She wished he could be more open and allow her to comfort him. But even as the thought entered her mind she discarded it. That just wasn't Jack O'Neill. It wasn't that he didn't allow her to comfort him – he just wasn't able to openly admit the need. You had to be good at 'reading between the lines' with him.

"There, I think that's enough for today." She reached down and pulled the blankets back over his legs. Although he would deny it if asked, she could tell that he was starting to feel some improvement. The swelling was almost gone in his ankles and the wounds had all scabbed over and were healing. The knee was also looking much better. She thought it probably needed surgery – but with support it would most likely be okay enough for him to walk on.

The Colonel took a deep breath and pulled himself up so that he was in a sitting position, leaning against the back of the bed. He was slightly pale and sweaty so she grabbed a cloth and, wetting it, started wiping his face. The fact that he let her continue also showed how much he'd come to trust and rely on her.

"Hungry Carter?" he asked as she finished with the cloth.

"A bit Sir. How about you?"

He grinned and waggled his eyebrows. "Yup! I could eat a horse."

"Don't let Atta hear you say that. He might think you mean it."

He laughed. " He'd kill me! He's pretty obsessed with horses isn't he? He used to talk all the time about his stallion."

"Really?" she asked casually. She continued to clean up after their 'therapy session', not wanting to appear too overly interested. Jack had said practically nothing about his time aboard the galley so any hint was something not to be treated lightly. She knew, however, that if she made a big deal of it he'd clam right up.

"Oh yeah! Some days I wanted to clobber him after listening to him go on and on about the great Saracen for hours at a time. I can tell you the complete blood line of that damned horse!"

"Well, I guess horses are important to these people. They're a sign of wealth and power – and for some men they can be a proof of their machismo. Kind of like cars – or trucks - are in our world."

He raised his eyebrows at her. "Are you accusing me of trying to prove my manhood by driving a truck?"

She raised her eyebrows right back at him. "I wouldn't accuse you of that Sir", she said respectfully, although he didn't trust the gleam in her eye.

"I have that truck because I often cart equipment for the kids from the youth center – you know, sports equipment and stuff."

"Oh yes, I'm sure you do. I know that if it wasn't for that you'd have a – a Toyota or Smart car or something."

He cracked a laugh at that. "Oh yeah. Can you picture me trying to unfold myself from one of those? Almost as bad as the time I had to have you give me a ride in your car."

"No, I'm afraid I can't quite picture it. I must admit that your truck suits you better."

"Shows off my 'machismo'?"

"If you say so Sir." With that she picked up the basin of water and walked towards the door. He narrowed his eyes at her – sure she'd just had the last laugh.

"Don't forget I'm starving Carter", he called after her as she left.

"I'll be back Colonel", she answered from the hall. He laid his head back and smiled. He knew that his conversations with Carter were every bit as much part of his therapy as were the exercises. He could tell that day-by-day he was getting stronger – not just physically – but emotionally as well. He could feel a lessening of the dark depression and fear he'd had for so long. Oh, it was still present – but for shorter periods of time – usually when Sam – or sometimes Daniel or Atta were with him – he felt almost back to normal.

He thought too that Sam was beginning to feel better. She'd started to fill out over the last few days and was looking more rested. He also caught her smiling more – usually when he was being incredibly grumpy! In actual fact, that was one of his main reasons for complaining. It was true that it helped when things got particularly difficult – but often he did it to help Carter. He knew that he was her mission – and having a 'project' with a specific goal was just what she needed to help her heal.

Surprisingly, Daniel hadn't said a word about their sleeping arrangement. The fact that it was totally innocent – just two people who'd been through extreme trauma needing some comfort – wasn't something they advertised and yet no one made a peep. At first, Sam had been embarrassed when Daniel had walked in on them one morning. However, even that had faded after a while and it was just considered normal. No one thought anything of it – at least as far as they knew.

Jack realized, however, that as innocent as it was now it wouldn't continue that way for much longer. He was finding it way too habit forming and knew the longer it went on the harder it would be to stop. He was also getting much stronger and with that it was more difficult to keep any feelings out of the equation – at least any inappropriate feelings. He'd woken up a few times with her plastered against him and had quickly had to suppress his reaction. He didn't want any repeat of that first night!

"Here you go Colonel." Sam entered carrying a tray with a steaming bowl of soup and some fresh bread. He could hear his stomach growl as he smelled the fragrant meal.

"You going to have some too Carter?"

"I'll have some later Sir."

"Here, share mine." He gave her a hunk of the warm bread. He took a bite of soup and then offered her a spoonful.

"Sir –" He stuck the spoon into her mouth, stopping her protest. Grinning, he then took another bite. After that he took turns feeding her and then himself. Somehow, he found the whole experience rather - endearing. There was something so domestic about this scene. He knew he could really grow to like it.

"So, you are still lying around on your butt I see Oneo?" Atta walked into the room, his loud and energetic presence disturbing the quiet domesticity of the last few minutes. Sam stood up and, smiling, excused herself.

"I'm going to go see what Daniel is up to Colonel."

"I'm sure he's looking either at books or rocks Major."

"Probably Sir." With a final smile at Atta she left the two men alone.

"You are a fortunate man Oneo", Atta said as he watched Sam leave. He then turned to the Colonel. He couldn't help but grin at the besotted look on Oneo's face as he watched the woman leave. Oh, he has it bad, he thought. I wonder if he even realizes it?

"Huh? Sorry Atta, what did you say?" Jack turned and looked at the man who had become like another brother to him.

"Just that you are fortunate to have someone like Samanta."

"Oh. Yeah, she's a good officer."

"Officer? Yes, I'm sure she is." Atta just looked at Oneo, not saying anymore.

"What?" Jack asked, uncomfortable at the look he was being given.

"Nothing. I just wanted to see how you were doing."

"Better – it won't be too long before I'm up and around. Once the damned swelling goes down I should be able to get off this bed."

"You are looking better indeed my friend. Just do not rush it – your body will let you know when you are ready to move. After that you and I have a date."

"Don't worry! I remember. I have to whup your butt. We still have to come up with another bet though."

"Hmmm. I will have to think about that one Oneo. In the meantime – I was wondering if you would like to get out of this room. It is a beautiful day outside and I thought you might like to enjoy the last of the fall weather. Soon it will be winter and it will be too cold to be out for long."

"How are you proposing I get out? I still can't walk and I don't particularly want to be carried."

"I will help as I'm sure will Daniel or Germanicus. You can put your arms around our shoulders. If you do not want to go I understand and will not press you – I just thought I'd ask."

"No, I want to go. It'd be great to get out of here. Not that this is bad – it's a great place and I appreciate all you and your brother have done for us."

"It is simply the way we treat our family – and that is what you have become Oneo."

So, with Daniel's help – and with Sam giving encouragement from the sidelines, Atta helped Oneo move outside.

As he lay back on the lounge chair and took in a breath of sweet air, Jack pondered on their future. For the first time he admitted openly to himself, that they could end up spending the rest of their days on this planet. What shocked him the most about that thought was how little it bothered him!

"So Jack, how are you doing?" Jack had snoozed for a couple of hours, enjoying the warm sunlight and fresh air.

"Fine Daniel." When his friend looked at him suspiciously Jack grinned. "Really Daniel. I feel pretty good. I'll feel better when I'm up moving around but I am getting better."

Daniel returned the smile and sat down on the small stone seat beside Jack. "Yeah, you're definitely looking better. With Sam helping you I'm sure you'll be up and around in no time."

The two men sat quietly for a few minutes, each thinking about Sam. Finally, Daniel looked up, a serious expression on his face.

"Jack?"

"Yeah?" Jack raised his eyebrows. He could tell something was bothering Daniel.

"What's going on with you two?"

Damn! He'd so hoped Daniel wouldn't say anything. He'd been surprised at the lack of comments prior to this – but at the same time relieved. Obviously the fact that he was doing better meant that reprieve was up.

"What do you mean?" See if I can stall him for a minute, thought Jack.

"Jack! You know what I mean. We've been here for two weeks and you've been sleeping with Sam every night. I'm just wondering what's going on. I care about you both, you know and I don't want to see either of you get hurt."

"No one is going to get hurt Daniel." Jack leaned back and closed his eyes.

"How can you say that? Are you two together?"

"Together?"

"Yes – as in 'a couple'?"

"No, of course not. We can't, you know that."

"Of course not? Jack, you're sleeping together. That's not usually normal behavior for two people not involved with each other."

"Daniel, Sam's been through a rough time. She just needed some – comfort. She went through a lot of trauma."

"So, you're just helping her through this tough time?"

"Yeah."

"And what about you?"

"What about me?"

"You went through a bad time yourself. I thought maybe you needed some comfort too."

Jack didn't reply and kept his eyes shut. This was getting way too close to home for him.

"Jaaack?"

"What!"

"What about you?"

"Okay, so fine. Maybe I needed the comfort too. There, are you happy now."

"Not really. I get the fact that you needed each other after what you've both been through but I still think someone – probably both of you – are going to get hurt. Unless you think we're not getting off this planet and you plan to make a life together."

Jack sighed and opened his eyes. Turning to look at Daniel he spent a second getting his thoughts together. Finally, he spoke.

"Daniel, I don't know if we're going to get home or not. Some days I think we'd better just except that this is our life now and make the best of it. Then I remember that Teal'c and General Hammond – hell, even Siler and Walter – are still out there and I'm sure they will find us. As far as Sam – uh Carter – is concerned, the last thing I want to do is hurt her. I – I appreciate the warning." With that he leaned back and put his arm over his eyes, refusing to talk any more.

Daniel watched him for a moment and then stood up. "If you ever want to talk Jack –" Jack lowered his arm and raised his eyebrows at Daniel. "Okay, okay, I know it'll be a cold day in hell, yadda yadda yadda, - but remember I'm here for both of you okay? And Jack – watch out." With that Daniel returned to the house.

Jack spent the rest of the afternoon thinking about what Daniel had said and about what he knew to be true. He really wasn't sure whether or not they'd make it home but, until he'd lost all hope he knew he had to stop things from going any farther with Carter. If, and when, they decided that this was their new home well then he could proceed. For now, however, he knew what he had to do.

With that depressing thought he lay back and tried not to think of anything more.

"Ready to go in now Colonel?" Sam walked up and sat down beside him. She looked so pretty, he thought. Even with the scarf still wrapped around her head she looked fresh and young and innocent. While he knew consciously that she had seen too much in this universe to be truly innocent any longer, there was still an air of goodness about her that had never been touched. As for her youth – well, she was no longer the young, fresh faced officer she'd been when he'd first met her. Now, however, she had written in her face the maturity and wisdom of a woman who had seen and experienced many wonders – he found that way more beautiful than the blank slate of youth.

"Uh, in a minute Carter." She looked at him in surprise, unsure of his tone of voice.

"What is it Sir?"

"I just wanted to talk to you for a minute." He stared at her briefly, already feeling the pang of hurt that was to come. "I was thinking …" She smiled slightly. "I do think occasionally you know Carter!"

"I know Sir – you think a lot. I just don't hear you say it that much. It's usually my line."

He smiled back at her but the expression quickly faded. "Look, I've been thinking about our – uh – sleeping arrangements. I think we'd better stop." He glanced up at her quickly and then down. In that brief look he could see the hurt already forming. Damn! Daniel was right, as usual.

"I know Sir", she answered softly. "It's just – it's been - "

"I know Major. It's been – nice" (great O'Neill – couldn't you think of a better word to describe what had been freaking wonderful!). "I mean, it's been more than nice. It's been - " He stopped, unsure how to proceed. "I just think we're both okay enough now not to need it anymore and I'm afraid if we continue …."

"I know Colonel. I understand…. And thank you." She stood up and turned towards the house. "I'll get Atta and Daniel to help you back in." She quickly started to walk back.

"Sam!" She stopped but didn't turn around.

"Yes Colonel?"

"This doesn't mean the therapy has to stop?"

"No, of course not Sir." She looked almost as if she was going to say something else but then her shoulders dropped. Again, without turning she spoke, "I'll send Atta."

He nodded, unable to answer. After she'd gone he could feel the black depression beginning to return. For the first time in days he dreaded the night ahead. God damn you Daniel! Why did you have to say anything? As he lay there he slowly calmed down, knowing it wasn't Daniel's fault. In fact, the man had done the right thing. The way they were headed they could have done something from which neither would have recovered.

"Damn it all to hell!", he muttered. "You must really have it in for me!" he spoke to the heavens. A fleeting thought crossed his mind – he really wouldn't mind if Teal'c didn't find them!

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Sam was quite proud of herself. She'd managed to tell Atta that Jack was ready to come inside in a calm and steady voice. He hadn't seemed to notice that her heart felt like it had been ripped to shreds. Of course, if it had been Daniel it would have been a totally different thing. He would have instantly realized something was wrong.

She quickly made her way into the Colonel's room and collected the few things which she'd left there and then made her way back to her room. She flopped down on the bed and stared at the ceiling.

She wasn't angry – she knew that what Jack had said was right. In fact, she'd been thinking much the same thing for the last few days. The fact that she realized he made the right decision didn't make it any less painful and it didn't hurt any less. Unconsciously echoing the Colonel she swore. "Damn!" Why did life have to be so bloody complicated?

Over the next couple of weeks she kept working with the Colonel and he improved steadily day by day. He continued to complain – and she continued to smile – but the warmth and easy camaraderie of those first couple of weeks was gone. The joking and teasing was forced, as if they were both trying to maintain the façade that nothing had changed while in reality everything had.

Daniel, of course, picked up on it right away and tried to grill her about it. She'd actually snapped at him, telling him to mind his own business. It was so unlike her that he'd immediately gotten quiet and then left. She would have apologized but knew that would simply open things up again so she stayed quiet. What she didn't know was that he'd immediately gone in to see Jack.

"So, you did it."

"Did what Daniel?" Jack asked. He was sitting in a chair and was slowly rotating his ankles. He was determined to be up and walking in the next couple of days.

"You hurt her."

Jack looked up at that and frowned. "What?" he asked, confused.

"Sam. You hurt her."

"Daniel, you don't know what the hell you're talking about. Just leave it alone – please."

"I can't Jack. I warned you and now look – she practically bit my head off and that's not like Sam. She's hurting!"

"And why are you blaming me?"

"Because its your fault. You're her CO. You're the one who initiated it. You're the one who invited her into your bed. You should have known better Jack!" Daniel was pacing around, angry and upset.

Jack stared at his friend, hurt and bewildered. Didn't Daniel know that he'd done what he had to protect Sam, not to hurt her? And didn't he know that he was suffering every bit as much? Of course, the younger man was right. He should have known better. He had to take responsibility – he was the superior officer. God, what had he done?

Suddenly, as Daniel paced, continuing to mutter something, Jack looked inward, not liking what he saw. Why was it that he always destroyed the things he loved? He should have known better by now. He'd just needed some comfort and tenderness – and wanted to give some in return – but he should have known that God, or life or the universe didn't want that for him. He should have simply sucked it up like usual rather than try and reach out. All he'd ended up doing was hurting Sam – and himself.

Daniel had continued to talk but Jack hadn't heard a word his friend had said. Instead, he'd slowly descended to the space he'd been in on the galley. Maybe he should have let go then, he thought. Maybe everyone would be better off if he hadn't returned. Sam certainly would be.

With a grunt he suddenly grabbed the arms of his chair and pulled himself to his feet. He was damned if he was going to waste any more of people's time baby-sitting him. It was time he got off his ass and got moving.

"Jack! What are you doing?" Daniel rushed over and grabbed him as his legs gave out, unable to hold himself up. After a few deep breaths he steadied and pushed Daniel's hands away.

"I can do it! Just leave me alone Daniel." Holding on to the back of the chair, and leaning most of his weight into it, he tried to pull his legs forward. He only made it a few inches before the muscles gave out again. This time he landed in a heap on the floor.

"What the hell are you doing Jack? You're not ready for this. You could have hurt yourself."

Jack laughed ironically at that. Daniel was overly concerned about him hurting people today.

"I'm fine Daniel. I need to move sometime."

"But why didn't you wait for Sam? She's the one that's been helping you." Daniel reached down and helped him onto the bed. "She'd be hurt if you started to walk when she wasn't around."

"Hey, according to you I've already hurt her unbearably. What's one more thing?" Jack rolled over so his back was facing Daniel. He didn't want to talk or listen or think anymore. "Daniel, I'm tired and I'd like to sleep so can you - ?"

"Ah – yeah, okay." Daniel was staring down at his friend. What had just happened? He turned and walked slowly to the door. It took him all of four steps when he'd realized. God, what an idiot you are Jackson! He'd just gotten angry and accused his best friend of hurting Sam when instead he should have been there supporting him. Jack was hurting too and, if Daniel knew his friend at all, he figured he had just added a whole truckload of guilt right on top.

"Jack -"

"Not now Daniel", the Colonel answered in a soft, weary voice. "Please, not now."

Daniel watched him for a few more seconds and then nodded silently. Okay Jack, he thought to himself, I'll give you now – but you're not doing this to yourself! As he left the room he continued to curse his own meddling. Jack had done the right and honorable thing and he'd blasted him for it. Idiot!

"Daniel! Oneo!" a sharp voice was calling down the corridor. Suddenly, Germanicus appeared, sweaty and frantic looking.

"What is it Germanicus?" Daniel stopped and asked the older man.

"Wait. We must tell Oneo – and Atta is coming." Just then his younger brother appeared and the three men made their way quickly into the Colonel's room

"Oneo!" Germanicus walked over and shook the man in the bed.

"Hey!" Jack muttered and rolled onto his back. Seeing the faces above him he quickly pushed himself to a seated position. "What is it? What's wrong?"

"It is the Adrano!" Germanicus answered. "They have amassed a huge army and are planning to march on us. They have vowed to enslave or kill all Alemanni in revenge for the battle they lost. They will be here as soon as the snow melts!"

Jack and Daniel looked at each other. Closing his eyes Jack sighed. They had stepped from one war right into another. God help them all.