It took longer than they'd hoped to get all the prisoners out of the underground cavern. Many of the women were in an advanced stage of pregnancy and therefore were moving slowly. As well, there were quite a number of young children who needed help getting up the steep ladder to the outside.

Daniel's small troop helped and watched for any of Matsya's Jaffa. They'd managed to pick off a couple but then the initial attack had stopped. They hoped it didn't mean they were regrouping for a second attack.

By the time the last of the women and children had made it to the surface Gro'Mal indicated that he heard Jaffa advancing to their position.

"Go!" Daniel waved the big man forward.

"What of you Daniel Jackson?" (What was it about these Jaffa, Daniel wondered? Did they always have to be so formal?"

"Don't worry about me, just go. I'll be up in a minute." As the Jaffa followed the rest up the ladder Daniel carefully laid the last of his naquada 'bombs' around the base of the ladder. He then quickly began to climb. Just before he got to the top he heard the Jaffa burst into the small chamber below. He frantically pulled himself up the last few inches but didn't quite make it before the sound of staff weapons reached his ears.

Even more unfortunate was the staff blast which reached his leg. With an 'ooph' he reached the top but would have fallen back had it not been for the strong arms which reached down and grabbed him.

Looking up, he was relieved to see the matching faces of two Jaffa – two 'friendly' Jaffa pulling him to safety. It was only then that he felt the burning on his leg.

"Ow! Shi – crap!" He looked around at all the young faces staring at him. He didn't want to be responsible for teaching alien children some of the more colourful earth words. "That hurts!"

Just then an explosion pierced the air and those closest to the hole were thrown to the ground. Once the dust had settled Teal'c stood and looked down but the hole was gone, now filled with rocks and dirt.

"It is sealed but we must depart quickly. Ba'al's forces may have heard the noise. Are you able to travel Daniel Jackson?"

"Oh yeah, no problem Teal'c." Daniel stood and promptly fell back down, the pain now burning fiercely. "Or maybe not!" Gro'Mal instantly strode over, reached down and pulled Daniel to his feet. He then swung the Tauri over his shoulder.

"Now we must leave", the fierce Jaffa grunted. Teal'c nodded.

"Kraneas, can you lead the way. I will follow and watch for Jaffa." With that they all headed out, as quickly as they could with the prisoners.

Teal'c kept looking back, worried that at any moment he would see either Ba'al's or Matsya's soldiers following. It was more likely to be Ba'al's as he predicted that Matsya's Jaffa would prefer to stay hidden.

"Teal'c" a fierce whisper came back to him from the man now hanging upside down over Gro'Mal's shoulder.

"Yes?" he walked closer to his friend.

"Anyone coming? Ooph" he cried as his nose hit Gro'Mal's armour on the back. "Hey, be careful there!"

"Not yet but I must watch carefully. How are you doing?"

"Oh fine. Nothing that one of Janet's 'happy cocktails' won't cure. God, I wish we could go faster."

"It is difficult with the women and children but so far it does not appear that we are being followed."

The group kept walking, far from silently, as both women and children cried out whenever they stumbled or fell. It was a miracle, thought Daniel, that they'd been able to get this far without being found.

It took over an hour but they finally made it to the clearing where Sam and Jack were waiting on the ship. Kraneas had stopped everyone, telling them to be quiet, and had checked out the area. When it appeared everything was okay he gestured for them to continue.

The ship had remained cloaked but the returning warriors knew where it was located. Teal'c walked up and, reaching out, touched the hull with his hand. He then knocked, giving the pre-arranged signal. The outer door opened and Sam was waiting.

"Did you get everyone?" she asked.

"We were unable to retrieve the male prisoners but we got all the women and children."

"Okay, let's get them inside quickly." Gro'Mal came first, still carrying Daniel.

"What happened?" Sam asked, running over to Daniel. He looked at her from his position hanging over Gro'Mal's shoulder.

"Hi Sam."

"Hi Daniel", she grinned slightly. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Just a little staff weapon burn. I'll be fine."

"Good", she said in relief. "Put him down over there, beside Colonel O'Neill. I'll look at him in a minute. She then turned to help as the women and children began to stream in.

Many of them looked frightened, remembering the all too recent journey in this vessel. Sam tried to reassure them and had them led back to the 'holding rooms'. The conditions weren't much better than on the first journey but at least there was water and they would be free to use the latrine.

It took a few minutes but finally the last of the women got on board. Teal'c came forward to help Sam.

"We are ready to depart Major Carter. Everyone is settled. Do you need my assistance?"

"Yes Teal'c, please. Can you watch and make sure no one sneaks up on us? I have to lower the shields briefly on take-off. I may need you to man the weapons if there is an attack." He nodded and sat in the co-pilot's seat as she readied the spacecraft.

Sam lowered the shields and began to power up the engine. Almost instantly staff weapon blasts could be heard from outside.

"We have been discovered Major Carter. We must depart quickly."

"I know Teal'c, I know." She was moving as quickly as possible but couldn't do anything about getting the engines on line sooner. As the ship was rocked with more blasts she prayed that there was no serious damage.

"Yes!" The engines began and without further hesitation she lifted the craft into the air. "Here we go." Sam reached down and flicked the 'on' switch for the shields and immediately turned the craft and headed in the opposite direction. The Jaffa continued to shoot in the direction she had originally been heading.

They watched as the men on the ground grew smaller and smaller. The ship shook a bit and Sam was worried that something vital may have been hit. After a few seconds it seemed to settle and they continued to head out of the atmosphere.

"I think we made it Teal'c." Sam relaxed and looked over to the man beside her and smiled.

"I believe you are correct Major Carter. Congratulations."

"No, it was all of us who did it Teal'c. Can you watch her for now? I've input the coordinates of the planet with the Stargate. I need to check on Daniel."

"I will look after things here, do not worry."

Sam walked over to the back of the cock-pit where Jack and Daniel lay side by side. Jack was asleep or unconscious, although shivering quite violently. Daniel had propped himself up and was looking down at the Colonel, a frown between his eyes.

"Daniel, how are you doing?" Sam squatted down carrying the 'first aid' supplies she had been able to pull together.

"Fine. It's not that bad, just hurts like hell."

"Yeah, that's a staff blast for you. But I should clean it up and bandage it. It's going to be a while before we get home and you don't want to get an infection." She reached down and carefully pulled the material away from the burn on the side of his lower leg. Daniel was right, it wasn't too deep. The fact that it hurt so badly was actually a good thing. It's when a burn doesn't hurt that you have to worry as it can mean nerve damage. As she worked on his leg she noticed that Daniel's sole attention was on Jack. He didn't even seem to notice when she cleaned his leg, except for a small wince.

"Sam, he's getting worse."

"I know Daniel. I've run out of the medicine. We'll just have to get him back to Janet."

"Is there nothing else we can do?"

"I'll stay close to him if Teal'c can pilot this spacecraft. It seems to help when I'm near."

"Yeah" Daniel kept staring, not listening too closely to what Sam was saying. "I wish there was something we could do. He looks so miserable. Why is he so cold?" He looked up at her then, a puzzled expression on his face.

"I don't know Daniel. I've never seen anything like it. Something in the poison he was given is affecting his system. All we can do is wait." Sam finished bandaging Daniel's leg and went over to Jack. Reaching out with her hand she gently touched his tousled hair.

She waited for him to settle, hoping that her touch would again bring him relief. After a few minutes it did, but not nearly as much as before. With the medicine having run out she was afraid he would become very ill. Closing her eyes she stayed by his side, offering what comfort she could.

Daniel rested for a while but started to feel nervous. He kept looking at Jack and worrying and yet there was nothing he could do. Finally, after a couple of hours, he struggled to his feet.

"What are you doing Daniel? You have to be careful of that leg."

"Yes, I know Sam. I just need to get up and stretch for a while. My butt is sore. I'm going to go and visit Teal'c for a while."

"Okay. Tell him to call me if he wants me to take over."

"No, I think you'd better stay with Jack. Teal'c will be just fine."

He limped over and sat beside his friend who looked at him and nodded.

"How is your leg Daniel Jackson?"

"Fine Teal'c. A bit sore is all."

"And O'Neill? How is he faring?"

"Not so good I'm afraid. Sam thinks he's getting worse. We ran out of medicine. I just wish we knew what was wrong with him." He glanced over at Teal'c and was surprised to see an expression of indecision on his face, something rarely seen on the Jaffa.

Teal'c was a straightforward kind of man – well Jaffa. You usually got what you saw. And no one would ever accuse him of being indecisive. He lived by a simple code; one of honor and sacrifice. So, to see him looking as if he was unsure of something threw Daniel's world a bit off kilter.

"What is it Teal'c?" the younger man looked at his friend. He could have sworn that Teal'c was actually biting his lip. Certainly he glanced over at Daniel, uncertain whether to speak.

"You know, don't you?" It came to Daniel suddenly. Somehow Teal'c had figured out what this was about.

"I do." He spoke quietly with a glance to where Sam was sitting.

"Well for God's sake, tell us. Why would you keep it a secret? We may be able to help him." Sam glanced up, disturbed by Daniel's loud exclamation.

"Shhh! You must be quiet Daniel. Major Carter cannot know."

"What? What are you talking about Teal'c? What is this?" Daniel was seriously wondering if his friend had lost his marbles. "This isn't that 'women are evil' thing again is it? You don't think that Sam is going to harm him or something." Please let it not be that. He couldn't deal with that right now.

"No Daniel. I am not suffering the effects of that any longer. I do not believe Major Carter to be a threat. I am only doing what O'Neill made me promise to do."

"Jack? What did he make you promise?"

"That I would not say anything to Major Carter about what was wrong with him."

"What? What are you saying Teal'c? Why wouldn't Jack want her to know? She knows more about first aid than any of us. What could be so terrible that he wouldn't want her to kn - " abruptly he stopped and looked at Teal'c. "Oh my God Teal'c, it's because he is dying, isn't it? He doesn't want to worry her? Well, it's not working because I think she knows." He looked at his friend in exasperation but caught a strange look on his face. "That's not it? What then? Come on, you have to tell me."

Teal'c looked over at Daniel seriously. Could the archaeologist refrain from telling Major Carter? He doubted it. In some ways this would be a good thing. It would allow him to keep his promise to O'Neill and yet insure his survival by letting Daniel tell the Major what was needed to save him. He couldn't decide what to do.

Teal'c sighed, knowing that by telling Daniel and letting him tell Samantha he was in essence betraying O'Neill's confidence anyway. He looked at Daniel again.

"I will tell you but you must swear, on everything you hold dear, that you will not tell Major Carter what I am about to tell you. This promise must be kept no matter how you feel. O'Neill would hate both of us were you to reveal what I am about to say."

Daniel realized he had rarely heard Teal'c speak so solemnly before. He stared into his friend's eyes, knowing this was deadly important. After a moment he nodded, fully aware that this may be one of the more difficult challenges of his life.

"O'Neill was ordered to mate with and impregnate Major Carter. He refused." Both of the men understood exactly why O'Neill had refused such a command. "When he would not comply D'jindra gave him two substances which would increase his desire and his fertility – and that of Major Carter. The problem was that they were never to be given together. For women they have little effect. For men they create a terrible addiction, which has only one antidote. Without that antidote the man will eventually die."

"Okay, so Jack is addicted and needs an antidote. So, what is he addicted to and what's the big deal about telling Sam? She'll understand. It's not like he started drinking or taking drugs on his own. This was an alien induced addiction and she might know a way to get a hold of the antidote, or even to manufacture it."

"No Daniel Jackson. You see, it is she to whom O'Neill is addicted, and she is also the antidote."

"Huh?" Daniel looked thoroughly confused. "How can he be 'addicted' to her? That doesn't make sense."

"I do not understand how it works. All I know is that D'jindra told Ba'al that the chemicals produced a serious addiction in the man to the woman he was with at the time he received them. According to him there is no cure. Somehow the substances change the man's physiology and brain chemistry permanently – that is why the sarcophagus did not work to heal him."

"Okay, so you really mean it when you say that he's addicted to her. Hey, is that why he always seems better when she's around?" Teal'c nodded but again cautioned Daniel to keep his voice down.

"I believe so. That is why I suggested to Major Carter that she stay close to him. It seems to bring some relief."

"Okay, so maybe this is true, but you said that the antidote is Sam. Her presence only helps him a bit – it doesn't make him better. So how can she be the antidote?" When Teal'c didn't answer Daniel repeated the question. "Teal'c, you know something. Come on, tell me."

"They must 'Mai'thun' Daniel Jackson. If they do not, O'Neill will die."

"Mai'thun? What is that? Wait a second, I think I heard that before but what does it mean?" Teal'c said nothing more, worried that he had said as much. Daniel was muttering to himself, clearly trying to figure out what the word meant.

"Mai'thun – could be a derivation of the word 'maiy' which means - " Daniel stopped dead. Teal'c heard him take a sharp breath, the sound harsh in the stillness of the cabin. "Oh my God! Teal'c, do you mean they have to …?"

"Yes Daniel Jackson, they must. It is the only way."

"Crap! That's why Jack didn't want you to tell Sam. He doesn't want her to know because she'd insist on helping him."

"I believe that is so Daniel Jackson."

"The idiot! The stupid moron. What the hell is he thinking? He'd rather die than tell Sam? I'm going to kill him!"

"Would that not defeat the purpose?"

"I don't mean really kill him. I mean I'm going to, to, God I don't know what. Actually, I don't have to do anything cause when Sam finds out she's gonna kill him."

"If he doesn't die first."

That brought Daniel down to earth with a crash. "Teal'c, what are we gonna do with those two? They obviously love each other. This could be just what they need to get around the regulations and actually try and have a life together."

"I believe O'Neill feels that being forced to come together is not a good way to begin a relationship. He feels it would end up causing resentment and anger."

"Yeah, that's still better than death!" Daniel sighed. He could actually kind of understand where Jack was coming from. There would always be doubt from both sides that they were together out of love and not necessity.

"Let's hope Janet can fix him then." Teal'c looked over and nodded. After a few minutes of silence Daniel spoke again. "Hey, do you think that it's a one shot deal?"

"I do not understand what you mean." Teal'c answered.

"I mean, do you think that if they uh 'mai'thun' that Jack will be cured. I mean, if they only have to do it once then maybe they could just acknowledge they love each other and go from there."

"I do not know. All I know is that D'jindra said there was no cure and that the condition was permanent. Whether they would have to continue to – I do not know."

"No. Hell, sounds awful doesn't it?" Daniel snorted. "Having a sickness for which the only cure is sex! I just wish they could have worked things out before this, then it wouldn't be so bad."

"We can only hope that Dr. Frasier can help."

"Yeah. In the meantime it's going to be hard not to say anything." As Teal'c looked at him sternly Daniel quickly continued. "Don't worry, I won't tell Sam."

"Hey, what are you guys whispering about over there?" Sam had gotten up and was moving closer. "It sounds like you are telling secrets or something."

"No Major Carter. We simply did not wish to disturb O'Neill."

Sam looked back at the Colonel with a worried frown. "I don't think you could – he's unconscious. I was coming to check and see how far we are from the planet with the Gate."

Teal'c looked at some of the controls. "I believe we should arrive in a little under 18 hours. Are you concerned that O'Neill may not make it?"

"Sam?" Daniel asked when she didn't reply.

"I just don't know." Both men could hear the sob in her voice. Daniel stood up and put his arms around her.

"Come on. You need to rest. We'll make sure he makes it, okay?" He led her over to where Jack was lying. Daniel then went and collected some jackets and laid them on the ground next to the Colonel. "Lie down Sam. You need to sleep. Just cuddle up against Jack – that way you'll warm him up and you'll be able to rest better yourself."

Sam looked at the Colonel and then up at Daniel. She should feel embarrassed, uncomfortable at the way he assumed she'd sleep next to Jack. Instead she just felt tired and sick. With a slight nod she got down and scooted up next to Jack. Putting one arm over top of him she rested her head on his chest. She even went so far as to hook her one leg over top of his. She justified it by saying to herself that it would help keep him warm. Although that was true, the more urgent need for her was simply to be as close to him as she could get.

She didn't know why, but as each hour passed she felt herself craving his touch and his closeness. She had started to fantasize about lying with him naked, pressed up against his body. She felt horribly guilty for even thinking such a thing when he was lying sick and possibly dying. The problem was that no matter what she did her mind kept flipping back to those images and those cravings.

She also continued to feel sick and dizzy. The next 18 hours were going to seem the longest in her life. As she drifted off to sleep she had one last thought. Opening her eyes she looked at Daniel who was standing watching her.

"How are the women?" She was asleep before he answered.

"Teal'c."

"Yes Daniel Jackson?"

"I'm gonna go back and check and see how the women and kids are doing. Call me if you need me."

"I will."

Daniel opened the door into the back of the ship and went in search of Kraneas. Things seemed pretty quiet so he hoped that that indicated everything was okay. As he got nearer the holding area he could hear some soft voices and one or two cries but nothing that sounded serious.

"Kraneas", he called. The Tokra was sitting talking to one of the women. He stood up when Daniel called and, excusing himself, walked over.

"How are things back here?" Daniel asked.

"They are reasonably well. At first the women were quite upset and fearful but between Gro'Mal and myself we were able to calm them down. Many of the women – the ones who were with Matsya the longest, are worried that they have no where to go. The ones who are pregnant are especially worried. Even those who know where they are from are saying they do not want to return home – they would not be accepted by their people."

"Yeah, it's the same throughout the universe, isn't it? Women are assaulted and abused and then punished by their own people as a result. We'll have to consider what to do with them. What about the women who were kidnapped recently, at the same time as Jack and Sam?"

"They do not want to return either to their home. Most of them became slaves and were not raped although there are three that are pregnant. They have said they will go anywhere but do not want to return to their men. I guess they weren't treated very well on their planet."

"No, that's an understatement. Well, I guess we'll have to take them to earth and see where we can send them from there. There must be some planets where they'll be welcomed."

"Yes. In fact, I have an idea."

"Really? What?"

"There is a planet called Protea that we recently came across and on which there is a desperate shortage of women. Most of the women had been taken as slaves by the Goa'uld – much like Matsya did. It has left the community in need of women and children if their society is to continue."

"Won't there be a danger of the Goa'uld returning and doing the same thing again?"

Kraneas smiled. "No, the Goa'uld who took their women was Chronos. I understand that a group of Tauri called 'SG1' put an end to him. The planet has since petitioned the Asgard to give it 'protected planet' status."

"Oh. Well, that sounds good. But are they going to treat the women well? These women don't need to be anywhere where they are going to be treated badly. They've had enough abuse."

"We will make sure although my understanding is that the people on Protea are very kind, very gentle. I think they will be only too happy to have both the women and children join them. I know that they love children very much. There was much grieving over the loss of their sons and daughters."

"Okay, let's check it out. If it looks good we can offer it as a choice." As Daniel was speaking he saw one of the women begin to make her way over. After a moment he realized it was Martia.

"Martia, how are you?"

"I am well Daniel Jackson. I thank you and your friends for saving us. We are all grateful."

"You're welcome Martia. We are glad we were able to help."

"We are all worried about what will happen to us now. We do not wish to return to our former lives but have no where else to go."

"We were just discussing that. Do not worry – you may tell the others that we will not force you to go anywhere you do not wish to go. We are trying to find you a home where you will be treated kindly and well. You will be able to decide though."

The woman looked at him gratefully although still with doubt. Her experience of men did not lead her to trust willingly in their words.

"How are Jack and Samantha?" she asked, changing the subject.

"Sam is fine. Jack isn't doing well at all. We're hoping our doctor – uh 'healer' can help him."

"I hope so although I do not believe he will be able to help."

"Uh – it's a 'her' and why don't you think so?"

"My mistress told me that the Kopra and Roshu would have a permanent effect and that nothing could prevent or change it. Jack is now joined permanently with Sam and unless they both accept that and do something about it he will die."

"So you know about that, do you?"

"Yes, I was the one who gave him something to help for a short while. I also told him he would only live if he and Sam joined with one another. I do not understand why he will not do so. He loves her and she loves him."

"Yeah, I know. I don't get it either. Maybe they'll figure it out. I guess the good news is that they were together when he was given that stuff. It would have been worse if he'd been with some other woman."

"Why would that be?"

"Well, he would have been 'joined' to someone other than the one he loved. That would have really been hard."

"No that is not true. Did you not know this?"

"Know what?"

"The Kopra and Roshu will only work on those who care for each other already. If they did not love each other all that would have happened was that they would have taken the other in aversion – physically and emotionally. The substances act on the body but are affected by the mind and emotions. The addiction only happens to those who love each other already. It was for this reason that D'jindra took a great risk. If it had not worked Matsya would have been very angry as it would mean they could never mate."

"Really? What if it was one sided? I mean, what if it was just Jack who loved Sam – would it still have worked?"

"Not according to my mistress. She said that the change comes as a result of the two 'auras' meeting and and it is that which causes the change to happen in the male. If it is one sided the change will not occur."

"Wow! Did you tell this to Jack when you told him about the Kopra and Roshu?"

"No, I do not believe I did. I did not think I had to. I was sure they already knew they were loved by the other."

Daniel reached down and gave Martia a gentle kiss. "Thank you! You may just have saved Jack's life." He turned and headed back to the front of the spacecraft but turned around just before leaving. "And don't worry – we'll find you a great place to live!"

When Daniel returned he could see that Sam was sleeping, curled up closely with Jack. He stared at them for a moment.

"You guys deserve to be together", he whispered softly, "and I'm going to do my damndest to see it happens."

After he had told Teal'c what Martia had related to him the two sat and spoke quietly for a long time, trying to decide what to do.

"I say we tell Jack. He can make the decision."

"I do not think he will understand. Not now. Why do we not tell Dr. Frasier. She can then decide what to do with the information. I still do not think we can tell Major Carter until we have permission from O'Neill."

In the end they decided to wait, unless it looked like it was urgent. They would tell Janet when they got back to earth.

"Major Carter", Teal'c called out. Sam awoke with a start and looked fearfully down at Jack. When she saw he was breathing steadily she relaxed and looked over at Teal'c.

"I'm awake Teal'c. What is it?" Sam had been awake on and off during the trip but had remained close to Jack.

"We are approaching the planet. We should touch down in 10 minutes."

"Good", Sam stood up and stretched, covering Jack back up with the coats and blankets. It didn't take long, after she had left his side, for him to start shivering. "Any signs of civilization?"

"Not that I can see. I will keep the ship cloaked until we determine that it is safe." Sam watched out the porthole until they got close enough to see the land. It looked wild, with trees and lakes as far as the eye could see. So far neither of them had seen any signs of life.

"There", Daniel was pointing out his side. "There's the gate and it doesn't look like there's anyone around." Teal'c turned the craft towards the gate and set it down a couple hundred of feet away.

"Daniel, can you tell Kraneas that we have arrived and help prepare the women. I will go and see to the gate and ensure it is working."

"Do you want me to go as well Teal'c?" Sam felt like she had done nothing to help and was feeling somewhat guilty.

"No, you must look after O'Neill. Stay close to him. As soon as I have determined it to be safe I will come and get him. We must get him home quickly."

Sam nodded and sat back down behind Jack. Reaching down she pulled him up so that his head and torso were supported by her chest.

"Saaaam", Jack was awake.

"Shhh. We're almost home Jack. Take it easy."

"Ho -?"

"Yes, home. Teal'c is just checking out the gate and then we're going home. We'll have you in the Infirmary in no time."

"Joy!" he whispered. "No …. needl..es, kay?"

She laughed. "Sorry Jack, I can't promise that. You know how much Janet loves her needles. I can promise to hold your hand though when she sticks you with one."

"Swe…et" She sat there and stroked his head, offering what comfort she could. For the first time in days she began to have hope. Janet would fix this.

"The gate appears to be working Major Carter. I will let Daniel Jackson know and then we must go." Just then Daniel came into the front cabin, followed by a long line of women and children.

"We're ready to go Teal'c."

"Good. I will take O'Neill first with Major Carter. I will let General Hammond know you are coming. You can follow with the others."

"Okay Teal'c, just get him home."

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

"Unauthorized activation." Walter announced as the gate began to dial.

"Who is it son? Do we have an IDC?" Hammond was walking down from his office.

"Nothing yet Sir."

"Then keep the iris closed." The two men watched as the gate continued to dial. Finally they could hear it open but saw nothing but the grey iris.

"It's …. SG1 Sir!" Walter turned to the General in shock.

"Then open her up quickly Sargeant." Walter immediately hit the control and suddenly the event horizon was shining its brilliant blue light.

It was another minute before a figure appeared through the gate carrying someone in his arms. At first they thought it was some unknown Jaffa but Hammond started and looked more closely.

"Teal'c!" he turned and headed for the gate room, calling for guards as he did so. The SF's in the gateroom pulled their weapons and trained them on Teal'c. It was at that moment that another figure appeared, dressed in a very skimpy leather tunic.

"Major Carter!" Hammond stopped and looked at the two arrivals. It was then he realized that the third figure was that of O'Neill, either dead or unconscious.

"We have to get him to the Infirmary Sir." Carter spoke urgently. Hammond could hear Walter call for a medical team. He knew they'd be here in seconds.

"What is going on Major and what has happened to Colonel O'Neill?" At that very moment the doors opened and Janet came roaring in with her med team.

"Sam! Thank God you're back. What's happened?" She walked over to Teal'c and looked at the Colonel. "Put him on the gurney. What's wrong with him?"

"We think he's been poisoned. Some kind of alien drug that's having a real bad effect."

"Okay people, let's get him to the Infirmary." Janet and her team left quickly. Sam and Teal'c went to follow.

"Wait a minute", the General stopped them. "I need to know what's going on. And Teal'c, you're not going anywhere until I get some answers."

"Sir, Teal'c can explain everything. Can I please go with Janet? I promise I'll tell you everything but I need to let her know about the Colonel."

"Fine Major, you go. Teal'c, you stay and tell me what's going one." Sam ran out and left the men. Before Teal'c had a chance to speak more people began to come through the gate. Hammond's eyes grew big and he turned to their very own Jaffa.

"Okay, I think you have some explaining to do!"

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Janet had sent O'Neill for a series of tests including an MRI. She'd already taken blood and tissue samples and had checked all his vitals. So far she had no idea what was going on. Sam had stood by the whole time looking pale and sick. She'd explained briefly what had happened but didn't have enough details to help in trying to discover what was wrong.

While she waited for Jack to return from his tests Janet decided it was time to check on Sam. The nurses had already taken blood samples and given her an initial exam but Janet needed to see for herself how her friend was doing.

"It's good to have you back Sam." Sam smiled at her although it was obviously a struggle. "How are you doing? And don't give me the SG1 standard 'I'm fine' – I want the truth."

"The truth? Okay. I'm exhausted and I feel nauseated and dizzy. I'm worried sick about J- the Colonel and I want this to be over. Is that good Janet?"

"Let's deal with the physical symptoms right now Sam. As for Jack, we're looking after him, okay? Just leave him to us – we'll figure out what's wrong."

"I'm afraid I'm going to lose him Janet. He's been so sick."

"Hey", Janet went up and hugged her friend. "I know it's been hard but you're home now, Jack's home. We're gonna look after you." Janet began another exam of her friend although she was as gentle as possible. She knew Sam had been through what was probably a horrible experience and was going to need a lot of TLC - and probably some therapy.

"Janet", Sam spoke softly.

"What?" Janet looked and realized that there was something very serious going on with her friend.

"I think I need to take a pregnancy test."

Janet was silent for a moment although her heart sank. God, she'd been afraid of this. She knew it was important for her to act calmly and professionally although she really wanted to rant at the unfairness of it all.

"Okay Sam. Do you think it's a possibility?"

"I don't know. Maybe. I've been feeling sick and dizzy. I just - I just need to know."

"All right. I'll get one of the nurses to get me a kit .."

"No! Please Janet. I don't want anyone else to know."

"Okay Sam, take it easy. I'll get one right now." Janet walked to the supply room and picked out one of the tests. God, she felt sick herself. If Sam was pregnant this was going to add a whole new trauma to having obviously been raped.

"Here you go sweetie. Go on and take it. I'll wait here."

Sam walked to the bathroom. She came out a very short time later carrying the stick.

"So?" Janet asked softly.

"I don't know. I can't look at it."

"Do you want me to?"

"Yes, please." Sam sounded like she was going to cry. Janet took the stick and looked down and then back up at her friend, tears in her eyes.

"So? Am I pregnant or not?"

Evil, evil 'queen of the cliffies' me! To be continued tomorrow!