Super-duper short chapter, but i wanted to post something before I head into surgery this morning. I'll get back to posting daily afterward. Wish me luck!
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"Tell me again why Lya insisted he come along," Jack jerked his finger toward Mark in a half-humorous, half-serious way, drawing a scowl from Sam's brother. The guy was slowing them down. While Jack typically wouldn't care, Lya had been very specific in them not being cloaked while on this—how did she put it—oh yeah, a journey. Like that didn't sound even remotely ominous.
"His presence is essential," Sam shrugged. "I know he's moving a little slower than we normally travel, but if Lya wanted him here," she shrugged again.
"He's slower than Daniel when the guys discovered new ruins," Jack rolled his eyes.
"Hey!" Mark called from ten paces behind them, "I am right here. I can hear you!"
"That's the point," Jack called back over his shoulder before winking at Sam. Truthfully, he wasn't overly upset, but Mark deserved some payback for that little scene this morning. Even if he did just tease his sister, Sam had been embarrassed. Jack has seen her deflate before his eyes and that was unacceptable.
"Sir," Sam came to a halt and motioned to the woods just up ahead. All teasing payback ended as Jack's senses went on full alert.
"Take cover!" He yelled just as a staff blast plowed into the tree next to their heads. Launching himself at Mark, he pulled the man with him as he took cover behind a large, fallen tree. Across the way, Sam was hunkered down behind a grouping of trees, her P90 aimed in the general location of where the blast had come from. Through the trees, a small Jaffa patrol could be seen.
With some quick hand motions, the two officers quickly communicated and formulated a plan. Sam ducked further down and began making her way around, the intent to come up from behind.
"Where's Sammy going!?" Mark whispered fiercely.
"Shhh!" Jack ordered, grabbing a fitful of the guys jacket and pulling him along behind.
"O'Neill, where's my sister!" Mark fought Jack's hold.
"She's going around the long way," he bit out. "Now stay down, follow close, and for the love of god, shut the hell up."
