DISCLAIMER: The characters mentioned in this story are the property of Showtime and Gekko Film Corp. The Stargate, SG-1, the goa'uld and all other characters who have appeared in the series STARGATE SG-1 together with the names, titles and backstory are the sole copyright property of the people who made them up. This fanfic is not intended as an infringement upon those rights and solely meant for entertainment. All other characters, the story idea and the story itself are the sole property of the author.

A Snake In The Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush

Part five

Sam was keeping an eye on the time, counting down to when they could expect help. At 1500 Jack's senses went on full alert when he thought he heard something.

'You must have imagined it sir,' Sam told him. 'It's going to be at least another five hours before help can get here. How's he doing?' Sam looked over at Teal'c who was supporting Rothman, keeping him afloat and trying to keep him conscious.

'Dr Rothman requires medical attention. If he does not receive it soon he will die,' Teal'c stated.

'Ok, lets keep his circulation going and try to keep him with us,' Jack ordered. 'How are you doing Major?'

'I'm alright. A little cold but I can hang in here a while longer. What about yourself sir?'

Jack's reply never came as at that moment they became aware that there were definitely noises coming from above.

'Carter?' Jack asked.

'It's too early for a rescue team it has to be someone else searching for the Temple.'

'Teal'c get Rothman as far as away as possible, Carter, we'll cover the hatchway,' Jack snapped out.

Silence fell as the hatch opened, two guns trained on the head that was now peering through, but it was too dark to make out who or what it might be.

'Jack? Sam? Anyone there?' Called out a familiar and most welcome voice.

'Daniel, you sonofabitch!' Jack exclaimed. 'How did you get here so quickly? We figured it would be hours yet before anyone came looking. You have got someone else with you haven't you?'

'Oh yes, SG6 and SG12 are here. I'll tell you later how we got here so soon, right now I suppose you'd like to get out.'

'Ya betcha,' Jack said with enthusiasm.

'Just hurry up it's freezing down here,' Sam added, followed by: 'That would be most welcome,' from Teal'c.

'I'll see you soon then.' Daniel's head disappeared to be replaced by Colonel Gray's who proceeded to direct the rescue operation.

Rothman was lifted out first, Jack and Sam securing the rope harness around him. Once he was out and on solid ground with Summers providing him with medical assistance, the other members of SG1 were helped out and taken to the edge of the ravine.

Dry clothes were provided all round to help prevent hypothermia from setting in. Jack and Sam were both looking a little blue around the face and hands, with teeth chattering in spite of the warm air now around them. Teal'c appeared to be unaffected but was glad of the dry clothing.

Jack's expression changed when he saw Clare standing at the edge of the group, but Colonel Gray insisted on getting back to the Stargate as quickly as possible, not allowing Jack the opportunity to find out what she was doing there. It was still warm in the open but he could see the sun starting to set and was determined to get them all back to safety before any further problems could beset them with the fall of darkness. Apart from that, Dr Rothman needed urgent treatment which they could not provide off-world.

Pushing ahead as fast as he dared, Gray marched them back to the 'gate, pausing only for brief rests. Just after the time that SG1 were due to report in, they were all stepping through the 'gate and back on to the ramp at the SGC.

Janet stood waiting with her team of medics, whisking Rothman off immediately, followed closely by Jack, Sam and Teal'c, Janet standing no nonsense and ensuring they were escorted by members of her team for a check up.

Clare stood uncertainly to one side of the ramp where Colonel Gray and Daniel were talking to General Hammond, reporting on the success of the rescue, the other members of the SG teams having already departed to shower and change. Just as she thought she'd been forgotten, Hammond turned to her.

'You've earned our thanks and respect, Clare. Well done.' Hammond smiled at her before speaking again. 'Now, isn't there some place you two should be?'

Daniel pulled a face but obeyed, guiding Clare out of the gate room and to the infirmary, going willingly for once as he wanted to see how his friends were doing.

Rothman had been taken to a separate room, he was suffering from pneumonia but would make a full recovery in time. Sam and Jack were lying in their beds, Janet having seen fit to keep them in overnight. Teal'c was sitting on the edge of his bed, having suffered no lasting ill effects once he had returned to the warmth.

Janet hurried up as she saw her latest patients. 'Good, you got here then. I was afraid I might have to send out the search parties, but I should have known you wouldn't keep away from the others,' she smiled.

'Clare,' Janet turned to her, 'I suggest you make use of the facilities again quickly, I want you in that bed in ten minutes.'

'I'm ok, really, Dr Fraiser,' Clare protested. 'I only need a shower, I feel fine.'

Dr Fraiser said nothing, but gave her a look which had Clare scurrying off to the shower clutching what she needed.

'Daniel, same goes for you. No - no arguments, just go.' Janet held up her hand to stop his protests.

Daniel was back first, Janet checking him over quickly pronounced him to be unharmed but would keep him in for further observation that night. Clare returned while Janet was with Daniel and got into bed, suddenly feeling drained.

She'd been fine until she'd gotten out of the shower, and all of a sudden it had seemed a real effort to dry and dress herself. She crawled into bed pulling the covers around her, closed her eyes for a moment and was asleep almost immediately.

Janet surveyed the scene before her. Teal'c had gone to his quarters having seen the rest of his team safely in Janet's hands. Sam, Jack, Daniel and Clare were all fast asleep, despite the protests all round that they were fine and really didn't need to be kept in. Janet smiled to herself, glad to have them all back safe and sound, wishing that it could always be this easy.