WARNING: Extremely short chapter!

I must apologise for the chapter length, I must also apologise for the delay. I just broke up school for a while so I'll maybe conclude this soon. Big thanks to those who reviewed and to those of you still reading.

Chapter 15

Jack's head hurt and even the dim light inside the tent made his eyes ache. His condition wasn't made any better by the rather loud wailing coming from the tiny child in the corner of the room. He rolled onto his stomach and pushed himself up into a sitting position. He never wanted to be on the receiving end of a hand device again.

"You gonna get that Carter?" he asked rubbing his eyes. When his vision returned he was surprised to see her bed empty. An exhausted looking Islyndor pushed open the tent and went over to the rough cradle, tossing tangled black hair over her shoulder she firmly motioned that Sam was outside. She didn't look happy. He decided that it was time to leave.

He found Sam on the edges of the camp staring out into the desert. The camp fires were a fair way behind them and the bitter night air was beginning to hold an edge. He dropped down into the cold sand beside her with a groan.

"Sir!" she said, startled, quickly swiping a sleeve across her eyes.

"You cryin' Carter?" He peered round to try and get a better look.

"No," she said turning away, "Why would I be crying?"

"Sam." He said gently, "What she did to you wasn't right, it was a form of rape. You understand that don't you?" She sniffed but didn't answer. It was a while before she looked back at him tears rolling down her face. It broke his heart, he put an arm round her shoulder and pulled her into him.

"All that time, I would have done anything to protect her." Sam said brokenly, "Now..." she left off and sighed deeply. She looked up and made eye contact, something deeply sad shining from within her. "I can't take her back with me. I can't take care of a child."

"What?"

"I can't take care of this child." She admitted softly looking down again as tears started to make fresh tracks down her cheeks. Jack held her tighter.

Right, I'm going to sort this out and finish it once and for all. Please bear with me and review.

Coffee Bean

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