Domus Quod Familia - Home and Family
Thank you to all my lovely reviewers - and thank you for your kind words on my ankle. I'll try to get back to everyone but am having to type in short spurts since I can't sit for long - I do love hearing from you! This chapter is pretty much angst and romance but the adventure is coming - and don't worry - I haven't forgotten poor Teal'c.
"Jack, I just wanted to say - "
"Not now Daniel", Jack interrupted. He was determined that today was the day he would start to walk and he didn't want anything to distract him. He knew what Daniel wanted to talk about and he so didn't want to go there. He couldn't deal with it right now.
"But Ja -"
"Nope, not now! Go get Carter and then you can help me."
"What? Why? Help with what and why do you want Sam?" Daniel looked suspiciously at the older man. He knew Jack was avoiding the discussion and wondered what he was up to.
"I want to stand up Daniel and you said it yourself – it wouldn't be right to not have Carter here when I do. She was the one who's made this possible."
"Oh. Okay." He turned and walked to the door. "I still have something to say."
Jack waved him off. "Just get Carter." After Daniel was gone he took a deep breath. He'd avoided that one but knew Daniel would come back to it. To use one of the clichés he hated so much the archaeologist was like a dog with a bone – and unfortunately, he was the bone.
He heard the voices of his teammates and friends as they approached his room and sat up straight. He cleared his face of any emotion and put on his Colonel O'Neill mask. This was something he was used to – pretending everything was fine.
"Hey guys! Ready to help the Colonel get back on his feet?" he grinned over to Carter who grinned back. Neither of them smiled with their eyes.
"Yes Sir! Should we get Atta to help?"
"Nope. I'd rather have you Major – I mean to help me stand." Damn, watch what you say Jack! "Come on – give the old man a hand." He scooted forward to the edge of the bed and held his arms out.
"Sorry Sir." Sam didn't move.
"What?" he asked, puzzled.
"I don't see an 'old man' here – just you Colonel."
He couldn't help it – he smiled at her. "Okay then, help me stand."
"Certainly Sir." With a nod she and Daniel moved toward him and helped him to his feet.
Over the next few days Jack grew stronger and stronger. Pretty soon he could walk from his bed to the window all by himself. He promised himself that by the end of the week he'd be able to walk his entire bedroom – and then it was outside!
He could feel his legs and back growing stronger each day and was relieved. Of course, he didn't tell anyone about the fact that his knee felt like crap. It was weak and extremely painful. He figured he probably shouldn't actually walk on it but he'd be damned if he'd stay down anymore.
It was Sam who finally realized that it was bothering him. "Sir, sit down!" she ordered.
"What?" he looked at her in surprise. Her voice reminded him of well – him – when in command mode. He didn't often hear it addressed to him.
"Sit down …. Sir! Your knee, it's bad right?"
"It's fi - "
"No it's not. Just sit or I'll get Atta and Daniel and Germanicus in here and have them sit on you."
"Hey Major, you're being a bit bossy. I am your CO you know."
"Right now you're my patient Sir so get your butt on the bed."
He turned and glared at Daniel, sure he'd heard a 'snort' from the archaeologist. Daniel returned his look innocently. He narrowed his eyes. He didn't trust the man. Daniel could be veeeery sneaky.
"Insubordination!" He looked at Sam who had her arms crossed and was tapping her foot. "Fine, I'll sit. But I'll get you Jackson!"
"Me? I didn't do anything."
"You were thinking it though. I know you."
Sam was truly grinning by this time. She so loved these guys. "Come on Sir, put your leg up. I'm going to bind that knee and it'll be easier to walk." She walked over to the side table where there were bands of cloth laid out. She wished she had a tensor bandage but would have to make do with what she had.
She slowly wrapped his knee, ignoring his complaints. Once she was finished she stepped back. "Okay, that should be better." Of course it was, realized Jack, but he wasn't going to say anything. He didn't want to destroy his image. He looked suspiciously at Sam and Daniel, sure they were both sharing 'I told you so' looks – but he wasn't able to catch them at it.
Between his forays into mobility, Jack spent the rest of the time conferring with his team and with Atta and Germanicus about the possible attack by the Adrano. Everyone was worried, knowing this could mean the destruction of the Alemanni.
"Do you think it's true?" Jack asked. "Are they really planning to attack?"
"Probably", Germanicus answered. "There's been talk of it for a long time but there was still a lot of opposition by many among the Adrano. With the increasing number of victories by the Alemanni I expect the pressure has grown."
"You said they were amassing an army", asked Daniel. "How big are we talking?"
"I'm not sure although I've heard rumors that it could be as many as three or four legions."
"So, we're talking fifteen to twenty thousand men?" asked Jack
"About that many, yes."
Daniel whistled. "That's huge. How many Alemanni are there?"
"That's even harder to say. The Alemanni aren't like the Adrano – we're not one people. There are numerous tribes spread throughout the eastern region. Many of us have joined together to fight but there are many still who only fight the Adrano when they move into their territory. There is still infighting amongst the tribes."
"Still – you must have some idea of how many you can muster." Jack spoke sharply, his military persona at the forefront.
"Well, we know we could probably raise five or six thousand fighting men right now. If we sent messages to some of the outlying tribes we might increase that to eight or ten at the most. It's still far short of what the Adrano have."
"True." Jack stopped and looked deep in thought. "Still, they'd be coming into your territory which gives you some advantage." He looked up at Germanicus. "You say they are planning to come when the snow melts? When will that be?" Winter had arrived a couple of weeks previously, after a mild autumn. Now snow covered the ground and it was bitterly cold.
"Usually the spring thaw comes after the month of Februarius."
"So that's what, about 3 months from now?"
"Yes. Sometimes it comes earlier, sometimes later, but that is about right."
"So, we have that long to get ready." Jack replied.
"But get ready how? It is winter and not much can happen."
"It'll have to if you want to beat the Adrano. Unfortunately you can't wait until spring. It'll be too late by then. You need to send out messengers and get the tribes to send men to fight. You need to be ready by the time the Adrano get here."
Atta and Germanicus still looked worried, although Sam thought they looked better now that they had Jack helping them. Looking over at her CO she thought that he, in fact, looked worse. She could see the worry lines on his forehead.
It was after the two brothers had left that Sam turned to O'Neill. "What is it Sir?" she asked. She knew something was bothering him.
"Hmmm", he replied distractedly.
"You look worried Colonel. Do you think they have a chance against the Adrano?"
"Who? Germanicus and the Alemanni?" She nodded. "Yes, they have a chance." He paused, staring out the window. Eventually he turned and focused his eyes back on Carter. "I just don't know if we should be helping them."
"Why not?" she asked, surprised. Daniel looked at him with something approaching shock.
"You're telling me you don't want to help them Jack? Why ever not? They've helped us."
"I know Daniel, and I'm not saying I don't want to. It's just …. hell, you're the ones usually telling me not to jump in with guns blazing. I just don't know if it's right for us to come to this planet and interfere with their history. How do we know the Alemanni are any better than the Adrano? Sure, Atta and Germanicus are great and have become friends, but what about the rest of the Alemanni? If they're anything like their counterparts on ancient earth they're a pretty nasty bunch. I just don't know if we should be helping them. And hey, Carter, you haven't said anything about screwing with the time line."
"I know Sir, but we've already interfered. I don't see that this will make a difference now, especially since we won't be introducing any modern weapons or anything. We – or you I should say – can simply use your knowledge of ancient Roman wars to help them."
"This just feels – wrong some how."
"What should we do then Jack? We can't just sit around and not help. The Adrano would come and we'd either be dead or back to being slaves. I don't know about you but that's not something I want to have happen again." Daniel looked at his two friends as he said that and caught a quick glimpse of terror on both of their faces. The identical expressions were quickly erased but he knew he'd struck an open wound.
"Yeah, you're right I guess. We can help then, but we'll have to stick to ancient battle techniques and weapons, as much as I hate to say that. I really wish we had a few P-90's and some zats. We could really get those bastards!"
Sam and Daniel looked at their friend and commander in concern. At first he had been hesitant, which didn't seem like him – and then he appeared full of anger and ready to get the Adrano. They were confused as to what was happening.
They weren't the only ones. Jack too was confused. He was filled with a burning anger and hatred to the people who had harmed him – and his teammates. Some of his nightmares were filled with images of him making them suffer and this scared him. He didn't want to turn into a person who enjoyed killing or who acted out of personal revenge and that was what he was afraid was happening.
The other thing which bothered him was the fact that Germanicus and his people were counting on him – Jack O'Neill – to save them. The pressure was almost too much. He'd fought for his planet for years and knew that sometimes it was his team that had stood between earth and annihilation – but he really didn't want that responsibility for a whole other race of people. Especially not now, not when he was still feeling the effects of the last few months. He worried that he'd be the death of these people who had grown to be his friends.
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"So, how many?"
"We have over 7000 Oneo and more are coming every day." Atta looked down at his friend as he watched the men preparing weapons and readying themselves for battle.
Jack was much better and could get around on his own but was still unable to stand for long periods of time. Over the last three weeks he had been helping with plans for the Alemanni defense and looked weary. Atta suspected he wasn't sleeping well. He had heard from some of the servants that Jack experienced nightmares most nights. He wished Samanta would return to his bed.
"Has the word been sent to everyone?"
"Not yet although messengers have gone out to all the regions. Most have responded positively although a few have refused to come. I believe the threat of the Adrano coming into our lands has frightened many."
"Yes, well I hope it's going to be enough. How are the weapons coming?" A factory had been set up, under Carter's direction, to design and build more efficient weapons. They had made sure to keep them low-tech although Carter was itching to develop a few more sophisticated ones although she knew she couldn't.
"They are coming fine. Samanta has been of great help although many of the men are still resentful." For the most part the Alemanni were pretty traditional and the men didn't like the idea of a woman taking the lead in something as 'manly' as weapons production.
"Ha! They should see her fight. She could beat any of the men."
Atta looked down at his friend again. Why do you not realize how much you desire and need Samanta, Oneo, he thought. You would both be much happier were you together. He had seen both of them become quieter and less happy this last little while. He had heard that they were no longer sharing a bed. He wanted to shake his friend but knew he had to stay out of it.
"Do you think we will be ready Oneo?" Atta returned to the subject of the battle looming ahead.
"I hope so. We have to keep working." O'Neill looked out at the frozen field in from of him. It was still cold and yet thousands of men were arriving to prepare for the fight ahead. They had brought as much as they could with them but provisions were short. Germanicus people were trying to cope as well as possible but it was a bleak winter ahead.
Everything looked grey, thought Jack. He felt like everything around him was bleak and dull and cold. It wasn't just what was around him – he himself felt the bleakness pressing into his soul. He unconsciously gave himself a shake and turned to look at his friend.
"Let's get Germanicus and my team. Now that the men are arriving we need to start planning. There's no time to waste."
That evening he had Daniel and Sam come to his room to discuss the roles they were going to take in the battle. He still felt unsure about their involvement although he was beginning to believe this was now their new home so maybe it was time stop worrying about it.
"So, I guess we need to help kick some Adrano butt!"
"Are you sure Jack? You didn't seem too sure before. Do you think we should get involved in local affairs?"
Jack took a deep breath and bent forward, his elbows on his knees. "Look guys – I think we need to start thinking of this as home. Maybe we need to accept that we're now part of this fight."
There was silence as Daniel and Sam looked at him blankly. Finally, Daniel frowned and went to speak but Sam interrupted.
"You don't think they're coming for us do you Sir?"
"I don't think so Carter. I think if they knew where we were they would have found us by now. It's been months and for all we know Teal'c didn't even make it back. Hammond would have no way of knowing where we are."
"I don't believe it." Daniel stood up and walked to the window. "They'll find us." He turned and faced O'Neill. "Maybe you don't want them to find us!"
"What!" Jack stood and faced the younger man. "Why the hell would you say that? Of course I want them to find us – I just think we need to start facing reality."
"I don't think this is about reality – I think this is about you and Sam."
"Daniel!" Sam exclaimed. "What are you saying?" It was her turn to stand and face her friend. The look of hurt in her eyes stopped him cold.
"I'm sorry Sam – Jack – I didn't mean that. I'm just – I just don't like the thought of not going home. I didn't mean that", he repeated. He glanced at Jack who looked like a statue. After a second Jack relaxed and nodded.
"Yeah, I know Danny. I don't want to think that way either but eventually we'll have to accept that we're here to stay." He grinned crookedly. "Hey, I'm not quite ready to give up on Teal'c – but I'm not going to dwell on getting home. Right now I think we need to concentrate on how we're going to help the Alemanni. If we lose this whole discussion will be meaningless anyway."
"Okay, so how are we going to do this?" Daniel smiled slowly, willing to drop the discussion about home and allowing his complete confidence in Jack to shine through.
"Yes Sir - how do we plan on beating them?"
"Well …" For the next hour they discussed tactics and ideas – pulling in everything they knew from earth's history, and from their own.
"So, is this going to work?" Daniel asked as they got ready to head to bed.
"I hope so Danny. If not it won't be for lack of trying."
Daniel wished them good night and left. As Sam was leaving to head to her room Jack grabbed her arm and held her back.
"What is it Colonel?" she asked, surprised.
"I – I just wanted to ask you something."
After a short silence Sam frowned. "What Sir?" she asked, puzzled by his awkwardness.
He didn't speak again and she was growing worried. He looked so serious.
"Sam", he took a deep breath. "The next couple of months are going to be about this war and – and I think we need to give Teal'c a bit more time." Again he stopped and she felt like she wanted to scream. "But – once it's over – I wanted to ask if – would you consider -"
"What Colonel? What are you trying to say?" She walked up to where he was standing.
"I just want to know if you think you might think of me as something other than 'Colonel O'Neill. You know – maybe we could – get to know each other as just Jack and Sam?" There, he'd said it. He couldn't look at her, unsure of how she would react.
This time it was she who didn't say anything. He finally had to look, frightened at how she'd react. Fortunately, and to his relief, she was smiling, although gently.
"That would be – nice Sir." She realized as soon as the words came out that they sounded tepid so she tried again. "Actually it's more than nice and anyway – I already do think of you as Jack – at least to myself, although I know it's wrong. But, when the war is over – then yes, I'd like to get to know you as Jack – never as just Jack though. You're too special for that." She leaned forward and gently kissed his cheek and then walked to the door.
"Good night Colonel - Jack." With that she left, slowly closing the door behind her.
Grinning, he went to bed. That night he slept better then he had in a long time.
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"The scouts have arrived. The Adrano are eight days out. Reports say they have at least 12,000 men, many of them on horses." Atta was speaking quickly, obviously nervous now that the day was coming quickly.
"We'll be ready Atta, don't worry." Jack stood up and limped over to the window. He looked out on the slushy terrain surrounding the buildings. The thaw had set in the previous week although it still froze at night. Unconsciously rubbing his knee, he knew it was time for the Alemanni to prepare for the battle.
"Tell Germanicus it is time. He must tell his officers to move out at first light. The women and children must also leave and get to the hills. They should have time to hide before the Adrano army gets here."
"Some of them are refusing to leave their homes."
"If they refuse then tie them up and carry them. The Adrano will show no mercy and a protecting a house isn't worth being killed or enslaved. Sam and Daniel will lead the women to safety and watch over them."
"They aren't too happy about that. They want to take part in the battle."
"I know, but neither of them have any experience in ancie – ur your style of warfare. Sam is a fantastic soldier but isn't strong enough for the hand-to-hand combat of your soldiers and Daniel, while strong enough, doesn't have the skills. They'll be better off protecting the women."
"What about you Oneo? You can still barely walk on that leg." It was true. His knee had not healed like the rest of him and he had trouble standing or walking. He needed a cane but refused to use one even though Sam and Daniel gave him hell.
"No, but I can ride a horse." That also was true. Although he hadn't ridden much in the past few years he had been a good rider at one time. Over the last few weeks he'd been practicing again, this time wearing armor and using Alemanni weapons. He wasn't as good as some of the soldiers but he was halfway competent.
"Samanta will not be pleased."
"No, but she'll accept my decision. She'll follow orders."
But she didn't accept his decision. In fact, she gave him hell for it.
"No way Sir! You can't take part in the battle. Your knee is still bad." When he went to interrupt she continued. "I know, you're going to ride. But you still need the knee to truly control the horse, and what if you fall off?"
"If I fall off it'll probably be because I'm dead Carter!" He felt terrible for saying that as soon as he saw her expression. "I'm sorry", he said softly. "that was a stupid thing to say. Look, I'll be careful but you know as well as I that I have to be there. I'm the one who's the best qualified to lead this thing. I can't go off with the women and children – you know that."
"Yes, I do", she sighed. "But why are you sending Daniel and me with them. We're both good soldiers and we should be with you."
"No Carter. Look, I know you're a great soldier. In fact, you're one of the best I've ever served with. But this is a different kind of war, one you're not used to fighting. This requires brute strength and stamina and I'm sorry, you just don't have enough of either. Besides which, I don't think the Alemanni would allow you to fight. You know what they thought of you simply helping with the weapons. It would cause problems."
She looked angry and part of him sympathized with her but a huge piece of him was glad. Not the solder in him – no, that part really wanted her at his side – but the man, well, that part was glad she'd be out of harm's way.
"Carter, you know how important it is to get the women and children to safety. There may even be fighting and I'm counting on you and Daniel to keep them safe. Please."
"All right Colonel – but I would like to officially protest this order."
"Okay", he grinned. "I'll note that in my report." He watched for a few minutes as she tried to come to terms with his decision. When he saw that she'd calmed down he spoke again. "If we get through this – I actually plan to dispense with any reports Carter – so you can just tell me to go to hell cause I won't be your CO any more."
"No?" she looked at him quizzically. "Why not?"
"Because I'll be 'just Jack', remember."
"No Sir – don't you remember?" She reached up and gently touched his cheek. "You'll never be just Jack – but I will enjoy getting to know 'Jack' – and telling him where to go when he makes stupid decisions … Sir!"
"Hey Jack!" Daniel's voice interrupted the brief interlude and O'Neill turned quickly to his friend.
"What is it Daniel?"
"I just heard a stupid rumor."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. Atta told me you were planning on having me be a babysitter. I told him that was ridiculous and that I'd be joining you. Crazy huh?"
Sam beat a hasty retreat. "Coward!" Jack called after her and then turned to the younger man. "Uh Daniel, I'm afraid it's not a rumor. I need you to go with Sam and escort the women and children to safety. They have to get out of the way of the advancing armies."
"What! No way Jack. Sam can handle that just fine. I'm going with you."
"Why?"
"What do you mean 'why'? I'm going to help the Alemanni. I'm perfectly capable. I'm not a baby."
"I never said you were. I know you're competent – you've proved that many times over." He held up his hand as Daniel went to interrupt. "Look, I'd trust you with my life Jackson. In fact, I have, many times. But this is different. This is a completely different type of warfare than you're used to and you don't have the training for this."
"And you do?"
"Well, at least I understand it and yes, I've studied some of the techniques that will be used but – it's more than that." He stopped, not wanting to continue.
"What? You don't think I'm strong enough? I hate to say this Colonel but right now I'm in better shape than you are. You can barely walk!"
"I know that Daniel but that's not the point."
"Then what is the point?"
"This battle – Daniel, it'll be bloody and awful and I don't want you to have to deal with that. I know you're competent but you're not a soldier. You're a scientist, an archaeologist and you don't need the memories that you'll end up with after this one."
"And you do?" Daniel asked softly. "Jack, you haven't had to deal with this either."
"I have no choice and I can handle it."
"Can you? I don't know about that. I think you've had enough to deal with. I think you should be the one to go with Sam. Or at least you need to stay back and consult and command. You're more valuable doing that then fighting. If you get killed then we're all up the creek."
Jack was silent, knowing that what Daniel said was true but not liking it. He didn't feel right about sending people into a battle he was not taking part in himself.
"I have to go Daniel and you'll be with Sam. That's an order."
"Really? And what if I disobey that order? What will you do? We're not on earth anymore and you said yourself you don't think we're going to be rescued. That means you're not my commanding officer anymore."
"Does it? I'll just talk to Germanicus and see what he says. I may not have the authority of the US Air Force anymore, but I certainly have the authority from the Alemannis."
"And you'd use that?" Daniel asked incredulously.
"Yup! Damn right I would."
"What is this really about? You know I can handle myself. I've been practicing with the men for months. I'm a pretty good rider now and have learned to use the weapons. I know it will be bloody but that's our life here. So, tell me the truth. Why don't you want me to go?"
"Because I can't lose you Danny." Jack answered softly. "I can't lose you or Sam, okay?"
"But Jack, we've been fighting together for years. You could have lost us at any time. In fact, you have lost us on more than one occasion."
"Yes, but you always came back. I don't think you will on this planet and …" he stopped talking, embarrassed. The truth was, he couldn't survive alone on this planet without Daniel or Sam and knew there was a good chance either or both of them could fall. "That's enough Daniel. Just do as I ask, okay?"
Daniel realized that this was important to his friend so he simply stopped arguing. He'd discuss this more with Sam but for now he let it go. He was determined to accompany the men into battle, as much as he hated the thought. He smiled to himself when he realized that his reason for going was the same as Jack's was for excluding him. There was no way he wanted to stay on this planet without his friend.
So far Jack had shown a remarkable talent for getting himself hurt and in trouble on this planet, and Daniel wanted to be sure to be there to help him.
Early the next morning Sam led the group of women and children as they headed away from the route the Adrano were taking and towards the hills to the south. There were a series of hunting lodges that they'd use while they waited for the results of the battle. There was much crying and hugging going on as soldiers said farewell to their wives and children. Many of them knew they would never see each other again.
Sam looked around, trying to find the Colonel in the crowd. Finally, just as they were ready to leave she saw him limp over towards her.
"So Carter", he said as he walked up to her. "You take care of yourself and everyone."
"I will Sir."
"Germanicus estimates it'll be a week before the battle begins so it'll probably be a couple of days after that before we can come or send messengers. Just stay down and keep everything under control."
"I will. You look after yourself Colonel. Don't go getting yourself hurt again, okay?"
"Don't worry Major. I'll watch out. I have plans you know!" He smiled at her. After a couple of minutes she turned and headed towards the wagon she was sharing with Atta and Germanicus' wives and families. Just as she went to step up she heard his voice.
"Sam." She heard Jack walk up to her. His hands gently took her arms and turned her around. "Take care of yourself, please."
"You too Jack." She reached up and cupped his cheek with her hand. He leaned into it and,
"Oh hell!" he grabbed her and pulled her to him. He then kissed her passionately. It was when he heard someone clearing his throat that he finally broke the kiss. It took him a second to regain his equilibrium and get his breathing under control but he eventually stepped back from a very dazed Sam Carter.
"Sorry", he muttered but she shook her head.
"I'm not – Jack." She then swung herself up into the wagon, not saying anymore. No one else seemed to be looking at them as the wagon slowly pulled away. He waited and watched, slowly raising his arm to wave. Sam returned the gesture and watched him until one of the children grabbed her arm, wanting her attention. With a final look she smiled and then bent her head to speak to the young girl.
"We're ready Jack." Daniel's soft voice interrupted him and he turned.
"Okay." He strode (or limped actually) over to the horse given to him by Germanicus. It was an ugly, but extremely powerful stallion that he named 'Kawalski'. When Daniel had teased him about the choice for a name he'd turned to his friend.
"Kawalski saved my butt more times than I can remember. He was a true and loyal friend Daniel. And anyway", he grinned, "he'd love the fact that I named a horse after him!"
Once Jack had mounted his horse Germanicus turned and motioned for his army to head out. Daniel pulled up beside his friend and CO and they rode towards the mountains where they were to take their stand.
They must have traveled for almost an hour, Jack deep in thought, before he turned and looked at his friend. For a moment he stared blankly and then he pulled to an abrupt stop.
"What the hell!" he practically shouted. "What are you doing here?"
"Uh, riding a horse?"
"Daniel, don't screw with me. You're supposed to be with Sam. We discussed this."
"I know and you were wrong. I spoke with Germanicus and he agreed that I could come. I also spoke with Sam and she thought I should come too so you were out voted."
"This isn't a God-damned democracy Daniel – this is the army. You are supposed to obey my orders."
"Well actually, Germanicus is the commander of this army and he said I could come. He outranks you."
"Not as far as you're concerned! Hell – we talked about this Daniel. You agreed."
"Not really. I just stopped arguing. I'm coming Jack so you might as well just accept it and enjoy the company. There's nothing you can do about it."
Jack glared at his insubordinate friend and spurred his horse, leaving Daniel behind. He was so angry he was afraid he'd end up hitting the man! Why did he have to be so bloody obstinate?
Through his anger, however, there was a small piece of him that was glad Daniel was along. Somehow he felt better knowing that at least a part of his team was with him. Now, if he could only have Teal'c and Carter he'd be much more sure of victory.
The thought of Sam led ultimately to the remembrance of that kiss. It had been unwise – but wonderful. It also made him determined to win this damn war and return in one piece. He'd be really pissed if he went and got himself killed just as he had a chance with her.
By the time they camped for the night Jack's leg and butt were killing him. It had been years since he'd spent so long in the saddle. Daniel was in even worse shape although he didn't have a bum leg.
They planned to reach the mountains by late the following day and would then spread themselves out along the trails and passageways. Much like they had done with the previous victory against the Adrano, they planned to force the opposing side to fight on their terms. Many of the Alemanni were mountain dwellers and knew how to fight amongst the rocks and cliffs. They would also be able to pull off some ambushes from a few strategic locations.
An advance force had gone ahead weeks before to plan and build some 'booby traps' for the Adrano. Jack prayed that they would work but knew that anything could happen in battle. He was pretty sure the Adrano would be expecting something different this time so would be more prepared.
One of the things which was an unknown was the weather. It was still winter in the mountains and could be treacherous – which was good to a point. If it got too bad, however, it could be just as dangerous for the Alemanni. There was always danger of an avalanche or rockslide. The planned ones would be good – the spontaneous ones not so good.
The second night, as they hunkered down in their tents and blankets Daniel and he spoke quietly.
"So Jack, do you think we'll win?"
"I don't know Daniel and I don't want to jinx it by saying anything."
"Jinx it? I didn't know you were superstitious."
"I think all soldiers are, to an extent – especially before a big battle. This isn't something I've experienced for a long time but I remember that no one wanted to talk about winning or losing the night before a battle."
"What did you talk about then?"
"Usually home and family", Jack said softly. "I used to talk to the guys about Sara and Charlie. I always carried a picture and would hold it and show it around. It was my good luck talisman." He stopped for a moment. "I had a picture of Charlie when we were brought here but it was lost so I just have to remember him in my head." Daniel looked at him sadly, knowing how difficult these memories were. "Of course, before I'd always think about making my way home to them but now it's different. Now, I just hope that Charlie'll watch out for me – for us", he turned and smiled at Daniel. "Sara – well, she's got a new life now and doesn't have to worry about me anymore." Jack leaned back and stared up at the tent ceiling.
"I still think about Share", Daniel added softly. "I think about her watching over me as well. I can almost hear her say "Danyel – be careful!" She used to tell me that all the time when I'd go running to look at some new discovery. She was always afraid I'd fall down a sand dune or something and break a leg." He too stopped talking, lost in his memories.
"I just wish there was someone waiting at home for me." Daniel spoke again. "Someone who cared whether I lived or died."
"There is Daniel. Sam cares a great deal – and everyone at the SGC – even though they may not know where we are and we may not see them again. They care – and so do I."
Daniel looked over in surprise, never having heard Jack speak quite so openly before about his feelings. But then again, as he had said, this was different from anything they'd experienced before.
"Me too Jack – I care", he paused, "and I know Sam certainly does!" He glanced over again and was pretty sure he saw Jack squirm. He figured it was about time to lighten things up a bit. "That was some kiss Jack!"
"Daniel!"
"What? It's not like you guys tried to hide it or anything. God, I could practically see the steam!"
"Daniel!" Jack coughed out, a warning in his voice.
"Look Jack – I'm happy for you both. You don't need to hide things you know."
"We're not hiding anything."
"No? I guess you're not – not if that kiss is anything to go by."
"That was the first time – I mean – at least for a - hell Daniel, we haven't been doing anything."
"No?"
"No. Look, if everything goes okay and we make it through this then we may decide to – change things – but nothing's happened yet, okay."
"Okay Jack."
"Fine – let's get some sleep – it's going to be a long, hard day tomorrow."
"Okay", Daniel repeated. Soon everything was quiet and Daniel could feel his eyes drift shut. Just as he was about to fall asleep he spoke again.
"But it was an amazing kiss Jack." Jack's boot almost hit him on the head.
