Misplaced distrust: chapter 11

Author's note: I would like to thank you all so much for the reviews for the last chapter. That was so nice of you if you did review. This is unfortunately the last chapter in the story. It was never meant to be a saga, but I intend to pick up an old story now and get a bit further on that. Probably Dangerous Connections. Ohhh I can't wait. :D


The forest was dark and the foliage thickened as they made their way back to the city. The leaves overhead blocked out the moonlight, and Sam stuck close to Teal'c who was half supporting, and half carrying Daniel along.

"What happened to the Unas?" She asked him quietly.

"SG-15 disposed of them," he told her.

"Oh." Was all Sam said.

They continued on in silence until the lights of the city, and the white walls became visible. Teal'c turned to a member of SG-15.

"You." He said, "Go ahead and make sure someone will be there to meet us, and show us where to take Daniel Jackson."

The soldier took off across the littered soil, his boots thudding softly, and cracking the small twigs that strayed his path.

"How does he seem?" Sam whispered.

"His pulse is strong, and he is not overheated, I believe it is merely exhaustion and pain that are causing him to struggle."

"That's a relief to know. I was really worried about him; it's been a long time since he took any painkillers. Maybe we should drug him up and take him straight back to the SGC?"

"I do not believe that would be wise Colonel Carter, the walk will be too much, and I would rather do it in daylight. Sunrise is in just under an hour. We will leave then."

"Whatever you think is best Teal'c."

Teal'c nodded at her, and Sam fell back to walk with SG-15.

"How are you Colonel Carter?" Major Collins asked.

"Fine Collins, just a bit tired and dusty."

The walls were towering over them by now, and the dark outline of the entrance was starting to form out of the dusky light. In the doorway stood the man Teal'c sent for help and four guards, who were carrying a stretcher between them. Teal'c laid Daniel on it and followed the guards to a large square building a few meters away.

As they left another man became visible in the dingy light.

"Colonel Carter, you must be exhausted, please come with me to quarters Altor has set aside for you." Liman smiled congenially at her. His teeth glowed white against the grey backdrop.

"I'm going to see how Daniel is." She answered, "We are leaving for home as soon as it is light so I won't need any rest for now. Thank you all the same."

She turned to face the direction the group had gone in, but he stopped her with a hand on her shoulder.

"You cannot leave."

Incredulously she muttered, "I beg your pardon?"

"Your friends killed many of the beasts in the forest, the man who came for help told us. You cannot leave until you help rid us of them once and for all."

"Liman. My concern is Daniel, when I have got him home I will recommend that a team is sent back to finish negotiations with your people. I'm sure they will come to an agreement with you."

"Very well. I do not wish to pressure you but please speak with Altor before you leave. He has a proposition for you."

Sam nodded wearily, "Okay." And she walked away without a glance back.


Daniel was conscious when she found the others. SG-15 was standing outside, and Daniel was washing down painkillers with Teal'c's canteen. She smiled gently.

"How're you feeling?"

Daniel looked up and the squint faded into a genuine smile when he saw her.

"Well, considering I have a broken leg, that is tied together right now, not too bad."

She grinned.

"Its good to be out of there Daniel, thank you. I need to go and see Altor, and then lets go home shall we?"

"That would be wonderful Sam." He said with a sigh, and settled back against the bed.

The birds were beginning to sing as Sam stepped across the dewy grass to where Altor stood waiting for her. The light from the rising sun shone on the white walls and illuminated the robes of the officials standing around their ruler.

"Altor. We are going to take Daniel home now. A team will be through in a couple of days to finish our discussions.

"How is Daniel?" He asked carefully.

"His leg is broken, and he's a bit battered but he should be fine."

Altor smiled. "That is good news. Then please listen to what I have to say, we would like your world's help in eradicating the beasts of the forest, perhaps in exchange for supplies of the drug Daniel wanted to take home with him?"

"I think that could be arranged." Sam held out a hand for Altor to shake.

Teal'c and SG-15 were carrying Daniel towards her on the stretcher.

"I look forward to seeing your representatives in a few Days Colonel." Altor said, then turning to the stretcher, "I wish you a speedy recovery Daniel, there is much of the temple for you to explore now."

"Yes Altor. Thank you for you understanding, and I would be honoured. Now come on Sam, you'd better take an end of this. We can't have you shirking the work can we?" And he smiled at her. Inside Sam was glowing.

Altor handed her a small box.

"A token of good faith." He said. "You will be giving us much in the way of freedom. It is the least I can do."

But as Sam walked away waving over her shoulder, with Daniel at her side laughing and joking freely, she thought to herself. 'No Altor, its you who has done so much for me.'


Awwww. So what do you think? You know the drill...