Part 4

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The guards hit Jack over and over while Ziffel yelled at him to tell him the truth about why they were there. Jack just kept telling him to go to hell. He had endured far worse torture than the beating the two goons were giving him. He would just hope they would finish so he could get back to Sam. He didn't like the way she looked before they dragged him away. It wasn't that she looked physically hurt it was what she said to him before they pulled him away from her.

"You are indeed a strong man"

"Bite me" that last remark earned him a punch from Ziffel himself

"Take him back to the cell"

When Jack got back to the cell he was relieved when the guards didn't take Sam again. She was still curled up in the corner with her head resting on her bent up knees. Being sure not to spook her he cautiously laid a hand on her arm

"Sam" he called to her softly

"Jack" her reply was a large sob

"C'mere" he pulled her into a strong hug and rocked them back and forth while she silently sobbed into his chest

"I'm sorry. I just…." She apologized lifting her head from his chest to look at him. Softly tracing the bruises that had begun to form on his cheek

"We're gonna get out of this" he replied placing both hands on either side of her head to make sure she couldn't look away

"Yes sir"

"What happened to Jack?" he asked as he leaned in to give her a kiss

 "Jack we can't" she stated, turning her head to the side

"Is that what you wanted to talk about when you invited me over?" The disappointment was evident in his voice. "Because if that's what it was you could've just told me when…"

"No I…"

She was interrupted by the sound of the door being unlocked. Readying themselves they waited for the guards to come in but they never did. Instead Daniel and Teal'c entered the room.

 As they headed towards the large city that lay beyond the vast forest, Daniel explained that the tracks he and Teal'c had followed weren't those of Lieutenant Powell being chased but those of another group of people who were in fact trying to help the remaining members of SG-8. Once it was discovered they had been captured, the Trifanni, the people who helped Powell, agreed to help Daniel and Teal'c rescue them. It seemed the Trifanni often used the stargate to trade with other planets and were interested in forming relations with Earth.  Apparently the group who had captured them were rebels who let it be known that they thought trading with other planets was wrong. They thought SG-8 had come to trade so they attacked in order to keep them for doing so

Upon arriving at the city Jack and Sam were introduced to Chancellor Nolanti, the head of the Trifanni government. He heartily greeted them and expressed his hopes that their two governments could be friends. Jack became slightly unnerved when the man held onto Sam's hand a little longer than he thought necessary.

"Come, we will discuss the possibility of trade between our two worlds over dinner"

"Not that we aren't eager to form an alliance or eat, its just we need to let our boss know what is going on"

"General Hammond already knows"

"Excuse me?" Jack asked

"When we lost contact with you we contacted Hammond and told him what was going on"

"Oh, ok"

"It is settled then" Nolanti replied leading them to the dining hall

Jack was sure to sit as close as possible to Sam during dinner. He didn't like the way Nolanti stared at Sam or how he some how always found a reason to touch her hand or arm. Ok, so he was jealous. Who wouldn't be though? Nolanti was a fairly handsome man, who obviously had a lot of power among his people. He knew Sam wasn't attracted to the power aspect but the man was younger and seemed to be quite the charmer.

As if sensing his trepidation about Nolanti Sam edged closer to Jack being sure to let their thighs touch.

 "Samantha"

Jack's stomach rolled at the sound of the man's voice. Why, on every planet, did men feel the need to call Sam, Samantha? It wasn't so much that they said it but they way in which they said it. Most of the men they met seemed to say it with admiration but Nolanti said it like someone who was talking about a good steak. It made him ill. He was brought back to reality by Sam's calls

 "Sir, sir"

"Hmm…what?"

"Chancellor Nolanti has offered to show us the power plant where the power source for their weapons is produced"

"Sweet"

"There is no need for Colonel O'Neill to accompany us. I am sure he would much rather prefer to discuss the trade agreement with my cabinet. Also his wounds require rest"

Ok now Jack definitely wanted to go. His wounds, as the man put it, were not that bad. He had gotten worse during training exercises. This guy was so obviously trying to get rid of him so he could be alone with Sam. That was exactly why he was about to tell him that he was going with but Sam seemed to beat him to it

 "The diplomacy is Daniel's department" stated Sam

"Yes and weapons are mine" he replied rather smugly. Silently thanking Sam for not only saving him from the boring discussions that were going on but also for picking up on the fact that the man didn't want him around

"Very well"

It was obvious the man was disappointed but Jack didn't care. He could tell Sam wanted him along by the thankful look she gave him as they rose to leave

"Teal'c make sure he doesn't get into trouble will ya?" he said pointing to Daniel, who was in a deep discussion with one of Nolanti's cabinet members

"Indeed I will O'Neill"

Jack and Sam then followed Nolanti and two of his body guards out of the dining hall.

To be continued…