To my wonderful readers - thanks for your patience with this story. RL has caught up to me in a big way and it's becoming harder to find time to update. I will definitely complete this story, but I can't promise to be as good about updating as I was before. I hope you understand and KEEP REVIEWING! It means so much - thank you.

"General!" she yelled as she raced to get to him before he hit the ground. She managed to catch hold of him just enough to keep him from banging his head, but ended up following him down. "Where's Caroline?" she asked as she felt for a pulse. She found it – just – but couldn't help but notice that he was completely still. It terrified her.

"She's with some of the wounded", replied Reynolds. "I'll get her." He scurried down into the Gateroom where most of their 'force' was stationed. Lam and Nurse Soto, who was looking a little worse for wear with a bandage around her arm, were helping two of the more seriously wounded. Chang especially looked bad and his uniform was covered in blood.

"Doc, can you come?" The Colonel asked. "General O'Neill's in trouble and needs your help."

"I'm sorry Colonel", she said, "I can't leave the Airman right now. I'm trying to stop this bleeding. Maybe Soto can help if someone will take her place?"

Lola Ferretti moved over. "I can help. I've had some advanced first aid training."

Nurse Soto picked up some medical supplies and followed Reynolds back into the Control Room.

Sam was sitting, the General's head in her lap. He was still alive, but she was extremely worried. It seemed to her as if each passing second his breathing grew a bit worse and his heart seemed to be beating ever more slowly.

"Where's Doctor Lam?" she asked when she saw Soto.

"She's helping Airman Chang. He's been seriously wounded and may not make it. I'm sorry – I can check the General."

Sam nodded, knowing there was nothing anyone could do although she wanted to scream. O'Neill – Jack – was too important. They couldn't lose him.

After a few minutes of checking his vitals, the nurse sat back.

"Well?" Sam asked. Teal'c was also standing close, looking concerned.

"I don't know. His vitals don't look good but I can't tell what's wrong without more sophisticated testing equipment. There's certainly some renal failure and his pulse is weak and his blood pressure is extremely low. His respiration isn't good either and his oxygen levels are low. Besides that he has a fever and I'm pretty sure it's getting worse. I'm going to put in an IV and then let's put him in the recovery position. We need to cover him and keep him warm. Other than that, I don't think there's much we can do here. We really need to get him to the Infirmary."

Everyone but Sam looked to the Colonel to see if he'd authorize a move. After a brief moment he shook his head. "Not until we know where the other aliens are", he replied to their silent inquiry. "We may still need to leave here quickly."

Sam continued to stay close, as did Teal'c and Nurse Soto, who continuously monitored his vital signs. Fortunately the IV seemed to have stabilized him a bit and he wasn't getting worse, although he wasn't getting better either.

After a few moments Teal'c stood up and walked over to Reynolds. "Have you located any of those who are still missing?"

"No, and it's worrying me. Chloe and Felgar were supposed to head towards Cassie and help her – they never made it. I mean, if it was just Felgar I'd simply assume he got lost but his wife is smart and would keep him on tract. And we haven't heard a thing from Dr. Jackson or Lou and they're both highly capable. I'm thinking something's seriously wrong."

It was a couple of minutes later when Hayes and Peters returned. "We couldn't find any evidence of any more aliens, although this is a large base and they could be hiding," Hayes informed everyone. "Hey, what's wrong with Jack?" he noticed the prone body of his favorite general, Samantha Carter at his side.

"We don't know Sir", Sam answered quietly. "He hasn't been doing well since we were tortured on the Heptae ship and seems to have gotten steadily worse. He just collapsed a minute ago."

"I'm sorry!" He walked over and knelt down beside them. "Everything will be okay Colonel Carter", he said calmly. "You know Jack. He gets himself into these situations but always manages to get out of them. I'm sure he will this time too."

"I hope so Sir", she answered, although she didn't sound hopeful. Maybe this was the one time Jack wouldn't bounce back.

"Has anyone contacted Thor?" Carter suddenly looked up. If there was anyone who could help it would be their alien friend.

"We've tried Colonel, but still no luck. Something's still jamming our communications." Siler answered.

Just at that moment a voice could be heard coming from the intercom. Everyone in the control room sat up in surprise – and shock. Ian had a grin on his face.

"People of Earth, I am H'ptari, leader of the Heptae. You are to release my son and give yourselves up immediately."

Reynolds looked calm and simply raised his eyebrow. Taking the mike in hand he spoke into it. "I don't think so H'ptari. I suggest you are the one to give up. We have your son and his friends and we're pretty happy the way we are."

"You do not understand", answered the alien leader. "If you do not surrender immediately, and give me back my son, I will kill one of your people."

Suddenly the tension increased among the humans. "What people?" asked Reynolds.

"We have…" there was a short pause "Daniel Jackson and Major Ferretti. I am sure you do not want them to die."

"Uh no, but I'm sure you don't want your son to die either." The Colonel looked to Hayes and Carter, wondering what he should do.

"If you kill my son, you will all die!"

"Nah, I don' t think so. You see, we know this area pretty well – much better than you do – and we know how to get out of here so you'll never find us – and we'll take your son with us."

"You do not value the lives of your friends?"

"Sure we do – so why don't you give them back to us and we'll call it even."

There was silence after that, although none of the people in the Control Room believed that the Heptae would give up. However, it allowed some time for Reynolds to give instructions for a few of the remaining troops to try and locate the intruders.

When there was no more communication from the alien, the Colonel and everyone grew worried. "They could be trying to advance to our position", Teal'c commented. "I believe we must go and try and capture them."

Reynolds agreed and divided those still able into groups of three. They then headed out, armed as much as possible, to try and intercept the aliens.

"I think it's safe now Felgar", Chloe whispered to her husband. They were hidden under boxes of toilet paper in one of the supply cabinets. They'd almost made it to Cassie when they discovered she'd been rescued. At the same time, they thought they heard more of the aliens. Deciding that discretion was definitely the better part of valor they'd quickly hidden themselves.

"If anyone had been in danger we wouldn't have done this you know", Felgar justified. Chloe simply smiled and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

"I know sweetheart, but no one was in immediate danger so it was better to hide."

"Okay, but I still say we should go and find some aliens and – and 'kick butt!".

"Whatever you say dear", his long-suffering wife muttered. She loved him dearly but sometimes he could be – irritating.

They carefully opened the door into the hallway but fortunately everything seemed quiet. "We'd better let Colonel Reynolds know where we are", Chloe said softly.

"Uh okay", Felgar stood for a moment, looking confused. "Where's my radio?" he finally asked.

"Don't you have it? It was in your pocket."

"It's gone. I must have dropped it somewhere."

Okay, she loved him – she really did – but right now it wasn't alien butt she wanted to kick. "Fine, let's just make our way to the Gate room. We'd better hurry in case the Colonel decides he wants everyone to gate out."

They walked carefully down the hallway, watching closely for any sign of aliens. It was a shock when Felgar stopped suddenly. Chloe ran into his back and let out a soft 'yelp'.

"Shhh", he whispered. He pointed up ahead and it was then that Chloe heard what sounded like voices. She was pretty sure it was Daniel Jackson so she smiled and went to walk ahead. Her husband grabbed her arm and pulled her back, at the same time covering her mouth with his hand.

She practically bit him she was so mad. What the hell was he doing? She went to pull away when she heard it herself – the voices were no longer of people she knew. In fact, based on the harsh tone and the threats, she was pretty sure they were listening to one of the aliens.

"You will die if your friends don't co-operate", the voice said.

It was clearly Jackson who replied. "Uh, my friends won't respond to blackmail, however I'm sure they'll be open to discussing this with you. Look, you want your son and they want us – we can do a fair trade and everyone will be happy."

Yup, Dr. Jackson all right, thought Chloe. He couldn't help but try and reason with everyone.

"I do not want to discuss human. I want my son and I want Earth to suffer."

"Kiss my ass you alien slimebag. You're not getting anything from us. There's no way in hell our 'friends' will give your son back so no point threatening them." There was a short pause followed by "ass hole!".

All right! Way to go Major Ferretti, thought Chloe, you tell 'em!

She felt an insistent tug on her arm and realized her husband was trying to tell her something. He used very confusing hand signs and she didn't have a clue what he meant. After a short, but hurried whispered conversation she figured out what he was planning.

She shook her head violently. No, no way was he going to do that. "No" she whispered. "You'll get killed."

With a small (but very cute, she decided) grin, he proceeded to shimmy up closer to the area from where the voices were coming. Carefully, he peaked around the corner. He stayed perfectly still for what seemed like a long time and then he drew his head back. Turning around he held up five fingers. She assumed that meant five aliens. Still – it was way too many for them to deal with.

Not according to Felgar, it seemed. He gestured for a few more seconds until he finally sighed and moved back to her. Leaning down he whispered into her ear.

As far as rescues went, it was quite specatacular. Both Felgar and Chloe came out with 'guns blazing'. Felgar had decided he could take on three, leaving two aliens for his wife. The way it actually turned out – Felgar tripped over something as he ran into the room and went flying forward. He managed to take out two aliens in the process – one hit his head on the side of a table and was out like a light. The other lost his weapon as it flew across the room. He then was totally winded when Felger landed violently on top of him.

While this was going on, Chloe had come in, quite a bit more sedately, and had zatted two of the aliens before they even had time to react. Unfortunately, the fifth alien, and clearly the 'big kahoona', was in an awkward positon for a clear shot – either from Chloe's zat or Felgar's flying ninja routine.

"Stop or I will kill you." The aliens voice was terrifying in its coldness. Chloe stopped dead although Felgar continued to roll around in pain from being used as a landing pad.

"I'm stopped', she said quietly.

"I should kill you now." The alien continued.

"Why?" asked Chloe. "We were just trying to help our people. We've never done anything to you."

"You exist – that is enough."

"I see. We exist and you use us until we're no good and then you discard us?"

"That is correct."

"Phew – you are one bad-assed people – or should I say aliens. You should try being nice to people for a change. It'll make you feel much happier."

"Silence!" He walked over and prodded the fallen human in the side. Felgar looked up at his wife with a look of apology. She looked back at him with tenderness.

"It is good you are here. I now have more humans with whom to bargain." H'ptari turned and walked to Chloe. "You are a female. That is interesting – your people seem to have many female warriors. No matter, you will die alongside your man."

"No she WON'T!" Felgar had managed to pull himself to his feet and grabbed the first thing he could – which happened to be a chair. He swung it as hard as he could and hit the Heptae leader across the back. H'ptari went flying across the room and landed face-first against the wall.

Felgar followed him swiftly and pulled his head back and slammed it against the wall a second time. "There, that'll teach you to threaten my wife!" As H'ptari oozed to the ground Chloe couldn't help a small cheer.

'Yes!" she said. "That's my man."

"Colonel. Colonel Reynolds?" The Colonel looked in surprise at his companions. 'Felgar?' he mouthed.

"Yes Felgar? Are you and Chloe okay? Where are you?"

"Uh, we're in one of the VIP rooms sir."

"Okay – what are you doing there? I thought I told you to get to the Gate room?"

"Yes Sir. It's just that we have a bunch of aliens held captive here. Chloe is just releasing Dr. Jackson and Major Ferretti."

There was dead silence from the other end of the radio. Felgar looked worriedly at his wife.

"Repeat that Felgar."

"Uh, we have the H'ptari and a bunch of his guys here. They've all been neutralized and I've got them tied up. Dr. Jackson and Major Ferretti are here. They're okay – what?" his voice was heard speaking to someone. "Oh yeah – sure – here you go."

"Colonel?"

"Yes, is that you Major?"

"Yes Sir. We're here and we're safe. Felgar's right – we have five of the aliens including their leader. What would you like us to do?"

"Just tell me one thing. How did you capture them?"

"Well – we didn't actually. Jackson and I were caught and they had us tied up. You heard the bastard – he was threatening to kill us. He's crazy and I think he would have done it."

"So, how did you escape."

"Uh – Felgar and Chloe Sir. They rescued us."

"They – rescued you?"

"Yes. They managed to take out all five aliens. It was quite – heroic."

Reynolds couldn't help but frown at Ferretti's tone. He'd definitely have to ask the Major what that was about. Knowing Felgar, he was sure there was some story behind this. "That's great. Put Felgar on."

"Yes Sir – Colonel Sir", Felgar's voice answered.

"I guess we owe you our thanks and our congratulations Felgar. Nice job."

"Thank you Sir. It was my duty Sir. I did it for the General – I mean for all of you of course, especially for Dr. Jackson and Major Ferretti – oh, and for my wife – can't forget h-"

"Yes – well great job. Now, can you all make your way to the Gate room?"

"Yes, but what about the prisoners?"

"I'm sending some people to help you – just hold on." He gestured to Teal'c, Siler and Hayes. They all nodded and headed out, zats in hand.

There was a short period of silence in the Control room as everyone tried to get their heads around the fact that Felgar and his wife, of course, had just saved their respective butts. The only one not looking either shocked, or happy, was Ian – the H'nru. He had a blank look on his face although he was clearly disappointed, to say the least.

It didn't take long for everyone to arrive back, including the prisoners. Felgar and Chloe were received with whoops of joy and lots of back-slapping. They were definitely the heroes of the hour.

"Colonel", a soft voice interrupted his pleasure at having the leader of the Heptae in his control. He turned and looked at a somber faced Colonel Carter. "Sorry Carter, what is it?"

"I'm just wondering if we can get the General to the Infirmary now. He's not doing very well."

"Of course Sam." Damn, he couldn't believe that he'd forgotten in the heady rush of pleasure at their capture. "Teal'c?"

"I will take him", the big man answered. He gently lifted O'Neill and turned towards the Infirmary.

"Let's get the other wounded there as well. Doc", he spoke into the mike into the Gate room. "We're taking the wounded to the Infirmary."

It was an hour later and Sam was sitting outside the Infirmary with Daniel, Teal'c and Felgar, who saw himself as an honorary member of SG1 after their mission of a few years earlier. Sam would have preferred him not to be there, but she didn't have the heart, or the energy, to ask him to go. Caroline had kicked them out when she was having trouble working around them. They were all tense – Jack had looked terrible.

Fortunately, Chang was out of danger although he was still unconscious and was hooked up to various machines. Sophie Kinross had finally passed out, but was okay now after a little pain medication and some rehydrating. Daniel had spent quite a bit of time at her side until she'd finally fallen asleep. Caroline couldn't help a bit of a grin – there were definitely feelings there.

So now, her main task was trying to figure out what was wrong with General O'Neill. Other than a few bruises and red marks on his chest she couldn't see any obvious signs of injuries. However, as she began to get the test results back, it didn't look good.

She sighed over the last test. God – it was worse than she'd thought. How was she to tell his friends? She looked helplessly at the man she'd come to admire and respect. Life just wasn't fair.

At that moment she was surprised to see his eyes begin to open. At first, he looked disoriented and she could tell he wasn't quite with it. After a few seconds his gaze sharpened.

"Doc?" he croaked.

"Yes General. Don't try and talk. You're in the Infirmary and we're looking after you now."

"No use." He said softly.

"Sorry Sir?" she asked, unsure if she'd heard him right.

"No use. Dyin' – I know."

"Sir!"

"Don't – lie Doc. I know what they did."

She bit he lip and then nodded. "I'm sorry General. If there was anything I could do- "

"I know – Caroline. You're a good – Doc, but I've had it."

She could feel the tears well up in her eyes. Damn! There had to be something she could do!

"There's – something – you can do for me", he got out slowly. She looked up in shock – had she said it out loud?

"What Sir?"

"Don't – tell my – team. Don't want 'em to know. Something I – have to do – first."

"But Sir – "

"No, please?"

She finally nodded, although she hated to keep the truth from family or friends – it never went well.

"One other thing", he continued.

"What is it?"

"Can you – can you give me something – to help me up? Something I have to do."

"General, you're really sick. I don't think you should be up – you need to rest."

"Why?" he asked simply.

His words started the tears up again. Why indeed? She finally looked at him and gave a small smile. "I'll get something, but I don't know how effective it'll be or how long it'll last."

"T'sokay. Just need it for a little while – I'm a tough old bastard – you know!"

"No you're not Sir. You're a fine man and officer and I'm proud to have served under you!" She turned away before he could struggle to answer her. She returned a moment later with a needle.

"This should help get you up – but again, I can't promise for how long." She injected him in the hip and within a couple of minutes he felt a – small – surge of energy. He still felt like crap but he figured he might be able to get up for long enough to do what he had to do.

With a groan and a short 'thanks' he pulled himself to his feet. He was dressed in hospital pants and a wrap around shirt, but he couldn't be bothered to change. He didn't figure he had that long. He stumbled his way to the door, the Doc holding on to his arm.

"Thanks Doc. I can take it from here." He gave her a grateful smile and opened the door. Standing on the other side were the three people he cared most about in the entire world.

"Let's go campers! We have some aliens to defeat!"