Chapter 10 – Laying Low

"So much for safe," Jack muttered, referencing Thor's earlier statement, as he set about checking Sam's wound. Elevating her leg, Jack removed the bandage, which was now bloody and dirty, and was relieved that the rate of blood loss had seemingly slowed.

A dull moan from Sam had Jack glancing up in concern.

"I have morphine in the med pack if you need it. Just say the word," he said, trying to comfort his injured friend.

Sam shook her head even though pain was etched into her face.

"No, we don't know how long we're gonna be here. We should save it."

Not able to meet Jack's eyes, Sam wouldn't voice her fears that now they'd never get home. She couldn't figure out how to get to the Stargate if they couldn't see the Hidden. It seemed like an impossible task. But Jack could tell what was going through her head. If they were ever going to get off this planet then he needed Sam to be as close to full strength and fitness as possible. She wouldn't be able to do that if she'd lost all hope.

"We're gonna take this one step at a time. First: see what damage has been done. Second: Get you walking. We'll figure out the rest later," he said before adding, "There'll be a way Sam."

The light from the entrance of the cave was dim and not enough for Jack to adequately examine Sam's leg. Holding a torch between his teeth, Jack cut open Sam's trousers around her wound some more to get a better look. Using a little water, he cleaned her up as best he could and was grateful to see that whatever weapon had been used against them hadn't cut into Sam too deeply. Infection would be the main worry but otherwise Jack's mediocre skills as a medic, plus some rest, would do for now. Retrieving clean gauze and bandages from their standard med pack, Jack patched Sam up as best he could before sitting back with a triumphant sigh.

Throughout Jack's work, Sam did her best to stay still and quiet. Calming from the exertion of running for their lives, some of her colour did return. Just enough that she no longer appeared to be about to collapse. Head resting against the cold rock behind her, she tried to distract herself with thoughts of the previous night as she knew what was to come. Nose wrinkled and cheeks pinched in pain, Sam tried to breathe through it all and tried her hardest not to let on to Jack how much pain she was in, so adamant was she that the morphine be saved. Once Jack sat back, Sam let out a long breath and relaxed. Briefly closing her eyes, she was only just starting to realise how tiring the day had been so far. Her brain logically surmised that it was probably the blood loss talking but either way her eyes felt heavy.

"After some rest you'll be almost new again," Jack gave her a lopsided grin at his attempt of a positive bedside manner.

Tidying up after himself, he pulled out one of the sleeping bags and laid it over Sam before sitting next to her. Offering his subordinate some water, his thoughts drifted back to tactics and planning their escape. Daylight was no use for them. They were at a distinct disadvantage. The Hidden could clearly see them. The speed to which they had been spotted had surprised Jack but it had proved his earlier idea wrong. There was obviously something more going on than simply mining. If it hadn't been for their need to get home, Jack might have considered investigating that. But especially now with Sam having been injured, that would have to wait for another day.

"I think I need to go out at night. See what they're up to then," He said out loud – more to himself than anything.

Sam's eyes shot open and she turned her head to give him a shocked look. "After what just happened? Do you think that's safe, sir?"

"Not sure we have much choice," Jack murmured. "Anyway, the dark will help hide me. They won't be able to see me so easily. It'll make it equal."

"Unless they have night-vision," Sam murmured back automatically before biting her lip.

"Well then, I guess I'll have to go find out if that's so. You aren't going to change my mind, Sam, and you can't come with me."

Looking at her, Jack found his features softening into a gentle smile. Here, in this quiet, secluded, cave, he couldn't help but break rank and protocol. Leaning in, he kissed the corner of Sam's mouth – the unpredictability of what was to come making him brave in his feelings towards her.

Finding herself increasingly too tired to fight with him, Sam tried to make herself fit back into that box of a perfect soldier. Splitting up wasn't usually a good idea but she'd just slow him down and they needed more information before they decided what to do.

Squishing her feelings down to fit with all the rules she had been happy to abide by, until recently, it all started to unravel once more as she felt his lips tenderly touch her skin. Turning her head, Sam managed to catch Jack's lips with her own for a brief, comforting, kiss. One to put both of their minds at ease, for the time being.

"Sleep," Jack half ordered Sam. "The suns won't go down for a while. We seem safe enough for now. I'll keep watch."

However much she was tempted to fight it, Sam couldn't. Sleep pulled at her every bone and she found her head sliding towards Jack's shoulder. She might wake up with a crick in her neck but she'd be happier for it. Jack's smell. Jack's warmth. It was all she needed. Moments after her head hit his shoulder she was fast asleep.

Sighing, it was Jack's turn to lean his head back against the rock. He was true to his word and stayed awake and alert. P-90 resting by his side, just in case. Feeling safe, despite the danger, in the knowledge that Sam would be okay.

N.B.

I'm so very sorry for the delay in updating this story. It's my first multi-chapter fic and I got stuck with how to proceed and then work distracted me.

I hope everyone has been enjoying the story so far and thank you to everyone who is sticking by me and this story to the end. There should be only 2-3 more chapters to go.

Thanks again