Thankfully now that FF is back up, I can start reposting more frequently, well as much as my spare time will allow. I'm glad your all still enjoying the fic, just let me know when you get bored and I'll start spicing things up a bit, or finish it sooner than planned, but for the mean time, I'm enjoying myself, and want to play with the characters for a lil while longer.  As for where this story is headed…I have noooo idea, I'm just making it up as I go along. As for the ending, i'll see where the wind takes me.  Kryptonite and Mugseymalone, I know how much you like long chapters, so this is for you! (You'll regret ever saying those words!)

Thanks again for all your reviews, they are much appreciated, specially those that take the time to review each chapter.  Also thanx to those who emailed me asking where the next chapter was.  I promise (technology and my army full of muses allowing), that you won't have to wait a week before I post the next chapter.

Also as this chapters a little longer than normal, cos I just wanted to finish the sequence. Sooo finally shutting up now, go brew yourself a coffee and take a pew (that's British speak for 'seat', for those that didn't know)

Spoilers as usual from Season 2 onwards.

Rating PG13 – Dunno why though, mild swearing?

Disclaimer – nothing of Stargate belongs to me, unfortunately, but I have to keep myself busy until Season 7 is shown in the UK! Aaaarggghhhh, I have to wait 3 more months!

End of Chapter 12

Carter desperately trying to push herself up off the ground grunted through the effort of rising to her feet. Her eyes darting towards her CO as he shouted in pain.  "You OK?" she asked breathlessly trying to grab hold of his outstretched arm, so that he could pull her the rest of the way up.

"Peachy!" he replied sarcastically through gritted teeth. "Cmon Carter, put a bit of effort in there." He teased trying to ease the worry he'd heard in her voice.

Carter, struggling to get on her feet, shot him a dirty look.  "Effort! What do ya think I'm doing…Sir?" Then with a last grunt, grabbed his hands, and eased herself to a standing position. Unfortunately with the strain of standing for the first time in god knows how long, she was greeted with an almighty head rush. Suddenly she felt very sick and clammy. Jack seeing that she was about to pass out, held her steadily for a few moments until the dizziness had subsided, but not before the nausea completely took over causing her to vomit.

Jack absently rubbing her back to ease her suffering gently said "Better out than in Carter."

Taking a deep breath to get rid of any last remnants of nausea, she muttered a word of thanks. Looking directly at her, he asked seriously "You good to go?"

Carter now starting to feel the strain said, "Do I have a choice?"

With a dead pan expression on his face, as the building shook violently once more, he said to her, "Yeah, we can either die…or not."

With a slight shakiness in her voice, she replied, "I'll take door number 2."

 Grinning, Jack said, "Good to have ya back Carter."

Chapter 13 – The Attack

Looking at her intensely, Jack doubted she'd be able to get very far, but then again she could surprise him as she had in the past.  Not wanting to take any chances, and knowing that Jacob would be pissed if anything else happened to his daughter, he decided the best option was to carry her out, and he hoped to god his ankle wouldn't give way with the extra pressure that would be placed upon it.

He knew full well that Carter would give him a hard time on this and would possibly throw a hissy fit, but, if they were gonna make it out alive, he had no other alternative, but to make it an order.

"Carter, look," he started, remembering the old plaster analogy, "We haven't got time to argue, so I'm making this an order.  You can't walk far and this is the only way I know to get us both out in one piece, sooo… I need to carry you outta here."

"Sir, not wanting to break a direct order, but.. I don't think so. I can walk, believe me…besides you don't look to steady yourself." She replied with stubbornness taking over from fatigue, she slowly but purposefully tried to make her way out the cavern, and kinda expected that he would follow.

Jack wasn't having any of this, he was gonna carry her whether she liked it or not, and tapped her shoulder to ensure she was facing him. As if right on queue, she turned herself around, now both face to face; with bent knees he promptly picked her up and carefully positioned her over his shoulders in a fireman's lift.  Carter too shocked to speak at first began to protest.  "Sir!"

"Don't Sir me Carter. Now is not the time." He grunted as he shifted her to a more comfortable position.

Seeing that there was no room for argument in his voice, she kept silent...for now.  As quickly as they possible could, they began to make their way out. Jack felt as if his ankle was going to snap in two, it was definitely not a good idea to carry Carter, but he had run out of options a couple of minutes back.

Things were getting way to serious for Jack, as he tried to weave his way around the fallen debris that scattered the corridor, he could do with a little light relief right about now.  Having Carter tossed over his shoulder, brought to mind some primitive instincts in him, and if the situation hadn't been so dire, he might even have found it quite erotic.

The further down the corridor they travelled, the slower his pace became, and he knew that carrying her like this was quickly becoming counterproductive. Reluctantly he decided he'd have to put her down for the moment. Jack knew that just ahead of them was the stone steps that had caused his ankle to turn, and the last thing he wanted was to drop her; he'd never forgive himself. Whatever was happening on the surface was getting decidedly nearer as the energy bursts increased in strength.

Gently he eased her off his shoulder and looking directly at her whilst she tried to steady herself, he noted she had a curious look on her face. Then, with a deadpan expression that only Carter could muster she said,  "What's wrong? Had enough of the cavemen fantasy Sir?"

He was expecting her to say something, but definitely not that, and knowing that they may never make it to the top, he laughed at the unexpectedness of her statement, and hell if they both died here, he knew he'd die the happiest man on the planet.

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Daniel had made contact with Jacob, and the others, and told them that Sam was awake and alert, although starting to feel the effects of what had occurred. Jacob's relief was more than evident to Daniel.  Even Teal'c had managed a small smile saying that he was relieved she had returned to them.  Jonas as usual grinned his goofy grin. Jacob, wanting to speak to Sam raised his walkie-talkie, but either they were too far out of range or there was interference nearby as all he got was static.

"So how is she really Daniel?" Jacob asked picking up the pace through the rugged terrain, they had walked almost five miles at this point, finally coming to the clearing where the ship was based at the end of the dunes. 

"She'll be ok I think, but I'm not a doctor Jacob, and to be perfectly honest I'd be happier if she was back in the SGC."

"It won't be long Daniel." Jacob advised knowing that this was just as hard on Daniel as it was on him.

As they entered the craft, Teal'c advised Jacob that he would start the pre-flight sequence.  The sooner they all got out of here the better, thought Jacob, their plan was to pick up Sam and Jack and head for the Stargate approximately 20 clicks from their current position.

"Pre-Flight check has been completed, we can commence flight sequence." Teal'c informed Jacob approximately 5 minutes later, who was now seated at the control centre. Jonas was slightly behind him seated at the comms station.

"Buckle up everyone, this ship is not exactly in tip top condition." Jacob advised them.

Teal'c turning directly to Jacob with a slight lift of his eyebrow asked, "Is this something that you wish to share with us Jacob Carter?"

"We….um, had a little problem landing a few days ago. We hit a severe weather storm, and it damaged some of the engine components, but we should be ok, as long as we don't use the hyper drive…I think?"

Daniel taking a seat looked at all three of his comrades, remembering the conversation they'd had when the Earth was due to be hit by a giant asteroid. That ship hadn't been exactly sturdy either. Specifically looking at Teal'c he said with a slight smile, "I'm confident."

Teal'c recalling the importance of those words, replied, "Me too!"

Then the pair looked directly at Jonas to complete the saying, but he looked at them blankly.  Jonas didn't have a clue what the two of them were talking about and said, "What?"

Jacob smiled, he knew what they referring to, Sam had told him a while back what had gone on in that mission, and had told him of there new phrase throughout the near suicide mission.

They literally hadn't got 100 feet off the ground when a death glider swooped down and fired upon them. It hit the side of the ship, and caught them completely off guard.  The ship shook slightly and veered off to the left, which caused Jacob to lose control for just a split second. "What the hell?" Jacob shouted trying to regain control. Quickly performing an evasive manoeuvre, they just narrowly avoided a second hit.

Jacob was now in full command mode and yelled for Teal'c to check the status of their weapons. Teal'c responded without hesitation, "Weapons systems are non functioning, preparing to override….no effect. It appears that they were damaged when we got hit."

Barking out orders Jacob shouted, "Jonas try and get the radio working, we need to let Jack and Sam what's happening, Teal'c I need you to take over, whilst I try and repair the damaged systems.  Daniel, if Jonas can't reach Jack and Sam, go and warn them.

Teal'c swiftly took over from Jacob as he went around back to the crystal engine components, hoping in someway he could repair the damaged systems, if not, they were gonna be sitting ducks.  His thoughts then turned to his daughter and Colonel O'Neil, hoping that they hadn't got caught up in this.

Jonas tried to raise them on the communications device, but after three consecutive attempts, he didn't get very far. Then turning to face Daniel, he said with a note of urgency in his voice, "I can't raise them Doctor Jackson, there's too much static.  I'll keep trying, but it doesn't look very…"

Before he had a chance to finish his sentence, Teal'c accelerated causing them to both grip the sides of the chair as the force of the craft moving upwards caused them to lurch.  Daniel not missing a beat said, "Problems, Teal'c?"

"Nothing to concern yourself with Daniel Jackson." His knuckles paling as he attempted to keep the pressure constant. "I believe now would be a good time to warn Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter."

"I won't be long, let Jacob know what's happening, Jonas keep trying to reach them." Daniel advised before he dematerialised.

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Considering the graveness of the situation, Jack O'Neill stood with a slight grin on his face, he wanted so much to tell her his feelings, but now just wasn't the greatest time for them to be having this kind of discussion. "Now, is sooo not the time for talking about my fantasies Major." Under his breath he was saying "Maybe later though."

Both had managed to get to the stairs in one piece, more out of luck than anything else, the energy blasts were definitely getting close, and becoming more intense the closer they got to the outside. As they attempted to climb the first steps, Jack thought he had heard a rustle behind them, and was about to turn around, but not before he heard Daniel shouting his name.

"Daniel" Both exclaimed as they turned around simultaneously.

"Look Jack we've got some serious problem happening up on the surface, the ship…" Jack cut him off before he had the opportunity to explain what was going on, sure he needed to know, but he needed the cliff notes version, and Daniel was renown for fitting a 10 minute conversation into a three hour presentation, and now was not the time.

"Later Daniel, I need you to help me get Carter up the steps, we haven't got much time, the buildings gonna go any minute. Do ya think you can…I dunno…orb us out of here?"

"No Jack, it doesn't work that way, but I can help you both up the stairs." With that he scooted around to the other side of Sam, and put his arms around her waist, as they tried to help each other make it to the top in time.

As they climbed the stairs slowly, they could hear behind them the crashing of walls coming in on themselves. Both Jack and Daniel casting slight glances at Carter who had been very quiet since their climb began, noted she had a look of pure determination on her face. Jack mumbling continuously to himself as they all made their way towards the entrance; his ankle continuing to give way with each step he took, the pain increased in intensity. Muttering to himself he said,  "Stupid ankle… and just what is the point of having this glowy stuff if you can't do nothing with it."

"Jack, I wish I could just get you and Sam outta here, don't you realise how infuriating it is for me to just standby knowing I can't do anything." Daniel retaliated getting annoyed with Jack, he was his best friend, but sometimes he could be a right pain is the ass. "Ya know what Jack…"

Before he had the chance to argue his point Jack said, "ssssshhhh"

"What, you're shushing me now, cos you don't agree."

"Daniel!  Will you just shut up for one minute! I'm not arguing with you, I heard something coming from the surface." Jack said through gritted teeth, suddenly coming to a complete stop.

"Will you both shut up!" Both stared at Sam who had just managed at the right time to find her voice again.

Mid way up the stairs, both looked at each other in turn, then directly looking at Carter said in unison. "Sorry."

Then in the midst of the silence, they heard scurrying not far from their position.  They heard a number of voices shouting to head for their position.  They were all in deep trouble now, as they realised whom the voices belonged to. All Jack could think of saying was, "Oh f'crying out loud, *could* this day *get* any worse."

"That's what I was trying to tell you Jack"

Jack looking at Daniel with an incredulous expression on his face said "Daniel, now is not the time to say I told you so, save it for later."  Giving himself a few seconds to think of a way to get out of there alive asked, "Anyone got a Zat handy?"

Carter looking apologetic replied, "No", Daniel advised them that as he was an ascended being, he wasn't permitted to carry anything that could take the life of another.

"Great, just great, this day just keeps on getting better and better." Thinking for a moment he said, "Ok Daniel, you help Sam get as far up the steps as possible, and I'll stall them as much as I can."

"Jack/Sir" Both spoke together, then frowned as this was getting to become a habit between the three of them. It was if their thoughts were merging as one, which tended to happen between good friends. Sometimes though it just becomes annoying, and this was definitely one of those times.  Daniel nodded for Sam to be speak first.

"Sir, please, we either all go together to the surface, or we try and find another way out." Sam's eyes betraying her feelings for a slight moment, if they were gonna die, they should die together, not alone on some barren planet.  Suddenly, as if something shocked her, Sam shivered slightly; her body becoming taught as she received a flash back to what happened. It only lasted a moment, but it was too fragmented to remember specifics. Jack didn't miss her momentary lapse of concentration asked, "You ok?"

"Yes sir, I'm fine…just a strange feeling, that's all." She replied and raised her hand to her head shaking it slightly to get rid of the strange sensation that lingered.

Jack sighed; he really didn't want to leave either her or Daniel. Neither of them were armed, and he didn't want to risk losing her a second time.  "OK Carter, you win, we'll do it your way, but I'm warnin' ya, if you get shot in the leg, don't come running to me" he added softly.

Grinning, she replied optimistically, "Agreed"

Feeling left out, Daniel said, "Hey! What about me?"

"Ya know Daniel, I hate to tell ya this, but unless it's escaped your notice….*your dead*!"

"Um thanks for the reminder Jack. I never would have realised." He retorted sarcastically, suddenly feeling as if he were back as part of the team, and enjoying every moment. 

He missed this part of the team dynamics, and just being with them here, now, he hadn't realised *how* much.  It was just like old times. Not that he didn't enjoy being an ascended being; it was just that he missed his friends, and the action that went along with it.  As an ascended being he wasn't permitted to interfere, and by helping them now, and when Sam had died, he had broken the rules in a major way, and he was unsure of what the consequences were going to be when he returned.

They were only a few feet now from the surface, and the Alien voices had increased in volume; they were now able to hear them with distinct clarity. There really was no other way of getting out of this.  They couldn't go back, as the majority of their initial escape route had been compromised with fallen debris. They had to go forward.

Finally they reached the entrance. Jack spotted them first, running towards them with increasing speed; staff weapons charged and ready. The Goa'uld struck first, firing at them in quick succession, only narrowly missing their targets. An explosion rocked the entrance, which in turn forced them to move further forward towards the heat of the battle.  With Sam and Daniel crouching behind the Colonel, who at this point had managed to hit a few Jaffa, finallyl realised that they were completely surrounded, and that this was one crisis they couldn't escape, it was time to end it here and now before they all wound up dead.  Before giving up his Zat, Jack told Daniel to leave and go get help from Jacob and the others.

Daniel was adamant that he was not going to leave his friends behind, but Jack persuaded him that he was not leaving them behind; he was just going to get reinforcements. With the army of Jaffa swiftly approaching he shouted, "Go!"

With a look back at his friends one last time, he stated matter of fact "I'll be back soon, hang in there."

The Goa'uld advancing quickly, were upon them, Jack had thrown down his Zat, then protectively brought her closer, now both standing side by side. He was adamant that noone was gonna hurt her, even if it meant risking his life.  The Goa'uld Jaffa approached with vehemence ordering them to surrender.

Jack turning to Carter softly said, "Didn't I just do that?"

Carter not relishing in what was to come said simply "Yes Sir?"

Jack continued, he was no on a role, "Not very smart these Jaffa are they?"

She had to smile at that and thought, "Good ol' Colonel", he always knew how to ease a tense situation, and knowing what he was trying to achieve she allowed herself the comfort of his protection and replied, "No Sir, they're not."

Raising their hands in a defence mode she moved closer to the Colonel, ensuring that whatever happened she was not going to lose it now.  Surviving on adrenalin alone, Carter thought that it was about time she picked herself up, dusted herself off and with more confidence and determination than she felt, prepared herself for what was to come.

With thoughts churning in Jack's mind he said softly, "Yep, very bad day."

End Chapter 13

I know it's a long one, but I wanted to finish it there so that I could get the new character in for the next chapter. As usual, grateful for all your comments, I wasn't sure about this one, sorry too many drinks at the BBQ we had for father's day, my brains gone a bit fuddled.