Disclaimer pt 1
Song-You'll be in my Heart-Phil Collins
Summary: Jack tries to hold it together as he prepares to rescue Sam from Ba'al's compound. Will he be there on time to rescue her and the baby.
We came through the Stargate and were greeted by the rebel Jaffa that would be accompanying us to Ba'al's planet. They informed Master Bra'tac that the Tok'ra had delivered the ships they'd promised, but had to leave to re-locate to there new base.
Master Bra'tac, Ray'ac and Ray'nor would each be leading a Jaffa squad and I was in charge of SG-2, SG-3, and SG-8, along with Jacob and Arla.
Arla was worried that the other Tok'ra operative that was still at Ba'al's prison did not escape and could be dead. She said that Vahe' might not have recognized him since he had been with Ba'al for some time. We agreed to wait and see if he would be of any help to us once we arrived at the planet.
We all had the same objective: to rescue Sam and Teal'c, and to bring down Ba'al's prison. We went over final details and double-checked on the rendezvous place. There would be no communication until we arrived at the planet, and the three ships would also be cloaked. We boarded the cargo ships and headed to the planets. I told my team to rest up and to check over all the supplies we had brought along. I asked Ferretti if he had acquired what I had asked for and he handed me a backpack. Inside was the ribbon device Sam had used on Seth and a healing device. I thanked him and headed to the bridge.
Jacob was flying our cargo ship while Arla was navigating. Bra'tac and Ray'nor were navigating the ship that carried his team and Ray'ac. I got to the bridge and stood next to Jacob. He seemed lost in thought and I asked if he was okay.
He turned to me. "How can you stay so detached, Jack? My mind is racing right now, wondering if we're going to arrive in time to save them. I keep seeing Sam in my mind, thinking of all the torture she's enduring, and it tears me up inside. I fear these emotions that are flashing in my head might affect my judgment. Jack, what if we're too late?"
I thought long and hard before I answered.
"Jacob, I have to be detached. I can't let my emotions rule me right now. Too much is at stake. Not only are the lives of Sam and Teal'c at risk, but the lives of every single man on each of these ships. I think of their families and the responsibility I have in bring them home safely. I won't lie to you; sometimes it's too much to bear, but it's what I've been trained to do. I have to keep everyone's best interest in mind."
Jacob nodded and asked how I was holding up. I said as good as could be expected. I was anxious and wanted to get there as quickly as we could. I asked if the cargo ship could get us there any quicker. Jacob said that we were on maximum power and were traveling as fast as we could.
I told him I had something he could use during the attack. I took over the flying and he opened the backpack. He pulled out the ribbon device and the healing device. He said he hoped we wouldn't need to use the healing device. I said I wanted to be on the safe side. I asked if he had any problems using the ribbon device. He put it on his hand and activated it.
"Jack, if I get a chance, I'm going to blast that son of a bitch all the way to hell. He's caused enough havoc, and if I can I will put a stop to him once and for all, I will. No one hurts the people I care for and he's due for a wake up call."
"Stand in line Jacob. I have a score to settle with him. He's holding my life and future in his hands, and if I get the chance, I will kill him myself."
Jacob nodded and said he understood. But there were others that wanted a crack at him. I nodded and turned to look at my team. They were here for the same reason. It had gotten personal. The line had been crossed and they had all come up to me at one time or another expressing there desire to kill the snakehead that had singled handily ruined my life.
Jacob said I should get some rest, but I refused. I wanted to be here, but Jacob insisted.
"Jack, we need you to be sharp. I know you haven't rested for at least 24 hours, so go ahead and get some rest. We will be there soon, and once we have Sam back, I know you're not going to leave her side until we're back home."
I finally agreed and went back to where the SG teams were trying to rest. They were as wound up as I was but we all finally settled down.
I was leaning against the wall and closed my eyes. Ferretti was next to me checking his equipment. I was thinking of what Janet had told me. I was going to be a father again. Maybe life wasn't as cruel as I thought it was. Maybe the powers that be would actually let me win one. I smiled and closed my eyes and imagined Sam pregnant and wondered if she'd waddle around like Sara had. I wondered what type of cravings she'd have. I then imagined her being tortured, screaming out for me to help her. Oh Sam, what are you going through right now? It kills me to think of what he's doing to you. How many times had she'd been put in the sarcophagus? Would this affect the baby? What if I'm too late and I lose them both? I let out a small moan and was shaken awake by Lou.
Ferretti asking if I was alright. He had heard me moan and thought I was having a nightmare. I looked at him and said that this whole thing was a nightmare. I wished that I could just wake up and have Sam next to me.
"We'll get them back, Jack. I feel like I let you down. I should have done something more, but Vahe' surprised me. I should have been more alert. I forgot your number one rule: if it seems too easy then it usually is. What I'm trying to say, Jack, is that we will do everything we can to bring Sam home."
The rest of the team chimed in and agreed with Ferretti. I was speechless. If I said anything I'd probably lose it right here in front of these guys, but looking at each one of them, they knew what I wanted to say. I nodded to them and Ferretti said they should get some more rest.
I thanked Lou and told him he had nothing to apologize for. I knew he had done everything in his power to keep Sam safe, and he had saved Daniel's life by following Sam's orders to leave her and Teal'c behind.
He looked away and was quiet. I told him to wake me in an hour. I turned to my side and put my hand on the pocket that held Sam's picture and sent out a silent prayer, willing her to hang on, that I was on my way.
Ferretti woke me as requested and I felt ready to go. I sat up and asked if everyone was ready to roll and everyone gave the thumbs up sign. I went to the bridge to see what Jacob was up to. I walked up to Jacob and he looked a million miles away. I saw a stray tear fall. I was about to leave him alone when he called me out.
"I was talking to Sam's mom. I was asking her to keep an eye on our little girl. I feel her close by at times like this. She's her guardian angel I know she's kept Sam safe for me. She's always helping her get out of all these scrapes she gets into, and I know she's with her right now."
I squeezed his arm and told him to put in a good word for me. He turned around and said that he already had, and that if she were alive today, she'd approve of me marrying her daughter. I suddenly realized that I didn't want anything to happen to him. Sam needed her dad, as did Mark.
Lou came to the bridge and asked how much longer till we arrived at the planet. Jacob said we were about to come out of hyperdrive and should be able to see the planet. I told Lou to get the guys ready. We'd be landing and I wanted to be ready as soon as we stepped off the ship.
"Jacob, I think you should stay behind with the ship. Once we get Sam and Teal'c out of there, we're going to have to make a clean getaway."
He started to shake his head. "No, Jack. I'm coming along with you. You're going to need me and I won't stay. Sammie needs me. I have to be there when we find her and Teal'c, so forget leaving me behind. I'm not staying."
I said he was being stubborn and that I needed him to be around just in case things got really bad. I reminded him of the letter I wanted him to give to Sam. He pulled it out of his pocket and asked me what was so important that I had put it in writing. Why couldn't I just tell him what was in the note. I really wanted to tell him, but Jacob looked like he was at the end of his rope, and I didn't want him to have the knowledge that his daughter was pregnant. He didn't need the added pressure. I told him it was personal and once Sam had read it, he'd understand. He nodded and said he was still coming. He suggested that I should have one of the teams stay with the ships. I reluctantly agreed.
I asked for a team to stay with the ship and SG-3 decided to stay behind since Captain Marks had flown a cargo ship on a previous mission. I told him to go up front with Jacob to ask any questions. I then told the rest to get their gear together, that we were landing shortly.
We landed with no problems and waited for the rebel Jaffa that were meeting with us. When the signal was given, O'len, the leader of the rebels came forward and greeted us.
He informed us that our presence on the planet had gone unnoticed. They had gotten help from the Tok'ra operative that Arla had been working with. He had access to the security systems on the base and had overridden them. Jacob was pleased to find out that he had not been captured and he would be of assistance to us. O'len showed us to a cave that held the disguises we'd be using. We changed into the Jaffa armor and I told each one of my men to leave their flap jackets on. We would need the protection they gave us when things got bad. I helped Jacob put his armor on and then we were ready. The Jaffa said we had to wait for the signal. Yu's ships were in the atmosphere and ready to attack. I told everyone to stay alert. I asked if he had any news on Colonel Carter and Teal'c.
"Ba'al has been torturing them endlessly. I was witness to one of these sessions. Your Colonel has courage that I have never seen before in even our fiercest warriors. Others would have given up the information already, but still she does not say anything. He's using Teal'c to try and get Colonel Carter to give up the information, and then using her to try to get him to betray his people. Two of our best warriors are with them now. We know where they are, and if they get separated, they will have one of our men with them at all times."
I felt the bile start to rise to my throat. Tortured endlessly. The words kept going over an over in my mind. I bit my lip and tried to stay calm. I felt everyone looking at me. I asked if he had any more information. O'len informed us of a cargo ship that had arrived and was in the docking bay. He kept talking, but all I could think of was Sam. Stubborn to a fault, that was my Sam. She wouldn't give up any information. What had that cost you, Sam? How much of your soul had been snatched away. It had taken me weeks to get back to normal. How long would it take you? We were on the damn planet. I wanted to go in guns blazing and blow this son of a bitch to hell. I started to grip my gun.
Jacob came up to me. I looked at him and went back to my soldier face. I asked how much longer we had to stay out here and wait.
Bra'tac said we would be getting into position soon, but did not want to tip off Ba'al that we were here.
"This has got to be a surprise. He has to think that Yu has found him on his own and that he was not tipped off by our people. If he finds out he has spies in his ranks, it may be dangerous for our brothers in the compound. They have all been informed and are only waiting for the attack to fight."
I nodded and Ray'ac asked if O'len how Teal'c was fairing. I felt like such a selfish ass. I had forgotten about Ray'ac. His father was being held by this monster and I had not once asked how he was doing. Teal'c was the only family he had left, and if anything were to happen to him then he would have no one.
O'len said the last time he had seen Teal'c, he had been revived by the sarcophagus and was being taken back to his cell. Ray'ac thanked him.
I told Lou to keep the guys close and told Jacob I'd be back. I went to see how Ray'ac was doing. He was sitting on a boulder and when I found him. He moved with lightning speed and had his staff weapon ready to fire. I raised my hands and said that I was sorry to have crept up on him.
He lowered his weapon and sat back down. I walked up and sat down next to him.
"General, I have been so caught up with this mission that I have not even asked you how you are fairing. We both have someone we care about being tortured. I feel useless and wish it was me instead of him."
I agreed with him and told him I wished the same. We both understood what it was to have someone we loved deeply in peril and not be able to help them. Ray'ac stood up and turned to me.
"I spoke to my father and he told of the time you were being held by Ba'al. He said that you came back a changed man. But you were only saved because Colonel Carter was there to help you through the darkness. O'Neill, can you please tell me what he put you through so I can have a clear image of what my father is going through."
I could hear the emotions in this young man. I'd watched him grow up quickly without his father, who was fighting for his people's freedom. I had seen him used as a weapon against his family and led to believe his father was a traitor. It almost destroyed Teal'c to see his son used that way. Ray'ac had felt shame and thought himself not worthy of his father's trust. I had seen him grow to be a teenager, angry at Teal'c for not being there for he and his mother.
But at this moment he was more. He was a man Teal'c would be proud of. He wanted to know what his father was experiencing so he could help him we he was returned. It made me realize what a great leader he would be someday. I started to detail what was done to me. I spoke in a whisper and was never interrupted. When I was done, I looked up and Ray'ac held out his arm and I took it. He lifted me up and we embraced.
"Thank you. I know that was painful to recount and I will forever be grateful for what you did. My father has a great respect for you and your people. He says that you all are his family. I am honored to call you friend and consider you a wise mentor and a great addition to my family."
I hugged him back and said that I was the lucky one.
"We will get them back, Ray'ac. We have lots to celebrate once this battle is over and we will do it together."
"Indeed".
I laughed and told him how much he sounded like his father. Lou came looking for us and said it was time to move out. We both followed him back to the group. We were separated into two teams and would be coming in at opposite points of the prison. Lou's team, Ray'ac's team, and two of the rebel Jaffa would be coming with Jacob and I. Bra'tac's team, Ray'nor's team, SG-8 and O'len would be going together. Jacob decided to have Arla stay behind since we had guides to the prison. If we needed to get away quickly, she would be ready. We all had communicators to alert each other when we were in position. We would be extracting Sam and Teal'c while the other team would be placing explosives around the compound.
We split up and started for compound. We moved quickly through the shadows without any one noticing us. We started to go to where they were being held.
We got to the cell and open it up. It was dark and I pulled out a small flashlight. I lit the room and found it empty.
I told them the room was clear and they came in. I was leaning against the wall, trying to keep my disappointment and anger at bay.
I asked our guide what happen. "I thought you said they were here, that they had not been moved. Dammit, you guys should have had your facts together. We came down here to rescue an empty room? Well, that's peachy. Do you know where they've been taken, or are we going to have to break down every door? Are they back with Ba'al? We're wasting time here. Get on that communicator and find out were they are now!"
Jacob pulled me to the side and Ray'ac apologized for me, explaining who Sam was to me and why it was important for me to find her. The guide said that this is where they had been, and he didn't know where they were being held.
"Let me seek out some of our brothers and ask if they know if they were taken back to the torture chamber. I will return shortly."
Lou said he was going with him and had his team stay with us. I started to walk with them and Jacob told me to stay. I glared at him and he said no.
"Come on Jack, you've held it together these last couple of days. Don't blow it, not when we're this close."
I nodded and went off to the corner of the cell. My cell wasn't as dreary as this one this one was. She must have been cold in here. The despair she must have felt, wondering if I'd ever find her again. I shook that thought out of my mind. I had to be strong. Sam needed me right now and I would not fail her. She had to know we were having a baby. Our child was here in this hellhole.
I felt ill and tried to block out the scenarios that were floating around in my head. I kept thinking of when we got out of here, when I would find her and when I'd finally get to tell her about our baby.
I rubbed my hands on my face and tried to block out the bad. I thought of the song that had been floating around in my head. I closed my eyes and thought of what Sam's reaction would be once I told her of the baby. The song kept coming back to me.
Come stop your crying, it will be all right
Just take my hand, hold it tight
I will protect you from all around you
I will be here don't you cry
For one so small,you seem so strong
My arms will hold you keep you safe and warm
This bond between us can't be broken
I will be here don't you cry
cuz you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart
Always
Why can't they understand the way we feel
They just don't trust what they can't explain
I know we're different but deep inside us
We're not that different at all
cuz you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
Don't listen to them, cause what do they know
We need each other, to have and to hold
They'll see in time, I know
When destiny calls you, you must be strong
I may not be with you, but you gotta hold on
They'll see in time, I know
We'll show them together cuz...
You'll be in my heart
I believe, you'll be in my heart
I'll be there from this day on
Now and forever more
You'll be in my heart
no matter what they say
you'll be here in my heart always
Always...
I'll be with you
I'll be there for you always
Always and always
Just look over your shoulder
Just look over your shoulder
Just look over your shoulder
I'll be there always
The guide came back and said that Sam had been taken to Ba'al's chamber and that Teal'c was in the torture chamber. I got up and tried to appear calm. His chamber? What the hell was he doing to her? I had to save her now. Jacob saw me tense up and spoke out.
"We should split up. Jack, Ferretti's team, and I will go retrieve Sam. The rest of you will go after Teal'c."
We agreed to meet back at the ship and remembered to start the attack as soon as Yu made his presence known. Jacob asked for directions on how to get to Ba'al's chamber. I was grateful that Jacob had stepped in. I was still coming to grips with the knowledge that Ba'al had Sam in his chambers.
We went our separate ways and started to plant the explosives with timers in different areas. We were almost at the chamber but stopped when we saw how heavily guarded it was. We fell back and assessed the situation.
"Jack, what do you think? Are we going to be able to get in there without too much trouble? How many guards do you think are inside?"
Jacob was asking me this while I stood and kept a watch on the guards. There were three outside and must be more inside. Someone yelled out and I stiffen. It was Ba'al calling in the guards. I motioned to Lou and Jacob, and they moved in for a closer look. They passed by the doors, but were too late. They had been closed. They waited and two guards came out. The came upon Jacob and said to guard the door. They were retrieving the other prisoner and would return shortly. Jacob nodded and stood guard with Ferretti on his side. Once they were gone, Jacob used his communicator to warn Ray'ac of the guards that were coming. Ferretti tried to open the doors to the chamber, but they were locked.
I thought I heard a noise and looked up to see what it was. Jacob went pale and looked like he was about to collapse. Ferretti grabbed him by the waist and I moved to where they were. I pulled Jacob to the side while Ferretti stood guard. '
I asked what had happen. Jacob couldn't speak and I asked Ferretti. He was trying to find the words to speak.
"O'Neill, it is Selmac. Jacob could not speak because of what he heard."
I felt my heart in my throat. I opened my mouth but nothing came out. I closed my eyes and asked what he had heard.
"It was Samantha, crying out in pain. It hurt him deeply. I am sorry to have to tell you this, but it has also affected me. I told Jacob he has to be strong just like you. We have to keep our feelings at bay. Too much is at stake."
I walked away from Jacob.
I was about to tear the door down when Ferretti said we had company coming. Jacob moved back into place and I hid off to the side.
I peek around the corner to see two guards pulling Teal'c into the chamber. He looked like he had been worked over and was bleeding from a head wound. Four other guards were behind them. One press the door pad with the combination and the doors open. Ferretti and Jacob were about to step in but were told to stay outside and stand guard outside. The door closed and I came out of hiding.
"We've got to get in there now! Who knows what hell he's putting them through. Lou, do you have any C-4 to blow the doors?"
Jacob agreed but said we should wait for Ray'ac and his team. Ferretti started to place the C-4 on the door when Ray'ac appeared with his team. We informed them that Teal'c and Sam were in the chamber with Ba'al, and that his men and that we were about to blow the doors down and rescue them.
The guide nodded no.
"We have to wait till Lord Yu starts his attack. There are other things at stake here. We cannot jeopardize all that we have planned and worked for. Please be patient. We will rescue them when the time comes."
Ray'ac said he agreed with me, that we should just go in and save them, but we had to comply with O'len's plan. We contacted Bra'tac and told him of the developments. He told us that they were through planting the explosives throughout the compound and had not been detected.
"Lord Yu is late in starting his attack. He should have been here already. Just wait we will be there shortly."
I hated waiting. I stood by the door, listening for anything. Ray'ac came next to me and was doing the same. We heard Teal'c yelling that his life was not worth saving. I looked at Ray'ac and watched him grip his staff weapon. I heard crying. It was Sam. I could her the panic in her voice. I then heard Ba'al yelling to bring her to him.
I was losing patience. Before I could speak, staff weapons started to engage in what sounded like a fight. I yelled for Bra'tac and Rac'nor to come over we listened to the firefight. I heard Sam scream to Teal'c to help her. I'd had enough but was stopped by O'len, pleading me to wait.
I then heard Sam scream out.
"Jack, please help me! I don't want to be a host!"
I lost it then and I told everyone to move back, that we were blowing the door. Everyone had heard enough and the door was blown.
As soon as the explosion went off, I went in yelling out Sam's name, hoping I wasn't too late.