The sun was high in the sky by the time Sam and Jack packed his gear and got walking. At dawn, Jack had taken one look at her and couldn't bear to wake her up. She looked so peaceful with head on his chest, lips slightly parted. Instead, he'd let her sleep well into the morning, convincing himself her body and mind needed the rest.

Neither of them mentioned what had happened in the middle of the night. The door to that room was firmly closed in the light of day. Instead, Sam had merely taken his hand and started walking further into the forrest.

Jack was becoming concerned about their water and food supply. They had one, maybe two days of MREs left, but their water would run out by the end of the day. He'd kept his ears out for the sounds of a stream, but all he heard were animal sounds so far.

The peacefulness of the forest shocked him. After the bombings yesterday, the quietness was a stark contrast. If he didn't know any better, he'd swear they were on a hike in the woods near his cabin back on Earth.

"Sir, listen," Sam jerked him to a stop. "Do you hear that?"

"It sounds like voices," he said hearing a few words carried on the breeze.

"Female voices," Sam clarified with a smile. "I think we need to check it out."

Jack nodded his agreement and followed along, careful to watch for any signs of danger. He figured it was a good sign that they heard women before men, but that didn't mean the men weren't nearby, or that they weren't as nasty as Zabar and his goons.

"Look," Sam pointed ahead of them; a flash of vibrant colored dresses in the distance. "I bet they can help us." She started forward, but Jack held her back. "What?" She asked.

"Proceed carefully. It seems odd for women to be alone, especially with what happened in the city. Let me do the talking," he said before motioning her forward. "Remember what planet we're on."

Nodding, she started forward again, him right behind her; their fingers still intertwined.

"Hello?" Sam called once they were within earshot. Jack sighed heavily, as she ignored what he'd just ordered. It was like Daniel's impetuousness had infected Sam. At least she, being an officer and his second-in-command, should have the good sense to do some recon before charging into a situation.

At Sam's tentative greeting, the three women gasped and turned to flee.

"Wait!" Sam called, "please."

The woman in a red dress stopped, turning around, her head cocked in question. "He lets you speak?"

"Of course," Sam answered automatically, but Jack felt her stiffen next to him as she bristled. "Who are you?"

"I am Bettany," she said taking a step forward

"Bett!" The woman in blue hissed at her. "It could be a trap."

"It's not I swear," Sam said dropping Jack's hand and taking a step forward. "We need your help." She took another step and her cuff started vibrating, the sound audible to everyone present.

"Cater," Jack warned stepping forward and grabbing her hand.

The woman in blue gasped and jump back as a woman dressed in green fled. Bettany, however, took a step closer.

"You wear a slave cuff?" Bettany asked curiously.

"Not by choice," Sam couldn't help her scoff.

"Can you help get it off?" Jack asked gently.

Bettany looked from Jack to Sam several times before responding. "You wish to free your slave?"

"Yes, er, no," Jack paused.

"What he's trying to say is, yes, he wishes to free me, but no, I'm not his slave," Sam explained.

"He's stolen you?" Bettany's eyes widened and she took a step back.

"I didn't," Jack said raising his arm so she could see their matching cuff colors. "Technically, she's mine, but I do not consider her a slave. She is my partner. My equal." He prayed Bettany would understand; hoped Sam's instincts were not wrong.

Loud shouts erupted around them. Grabbing Sam, he tried to figure out where the danger was, so he could shield her from view. However, his stomach bottomed out when he realized they were surrounded by several armed men.

"Wait!" Bettany shouted, running to the man standing closest to them. Catching her around her waist, the man tried to shove her behind his back. "Teegan, no," her voice ordered. "They are here for help. I do not believe him to be a slaver."

The one she called Teegan stared at Bettany for long seconds. Jack couldn't help but think that's how he must look when he stares at Sam trying to decide whether or not to trust her judgement. He usually ended up trusting her.

"Does my wife speak the truth?" Teegan finally asked them.

"She does," Sam answered as Jack groaned inwardly—so much for keeping up the appearance of master and slave. The men surrounding them appeared shocked by Sam's boldness, but Teegan looked mildly amused.

"Does this woman do your talking for you?" He asked Jack.

"Most days," Jack answered with a sigh. Sam glared at him.

Teegan threw his head back and laughed. "My wife speaks the truth, no slaver would admit to such a thing. Come," he motioned them to follow. "Let us see if we can help you."