The Games Reloaded

by Sam I Am the gate fan

SG-1 step through the gate, but Jack steps back onto the metal ramp alone, not knowing what happened between him leaving Earth and arriving back again, but is everything, as it seems!

2. The Games Reloaded Part Two

The Games, Reloaded

By Sam I Am –

Rating: PG-13 (can't honestly be any more than that)

Warnings: Sam/Jack (that's a warning for anyone who don't like that!)

Category: Sam/Jack Romance, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, probably AU fic as it couldn't happen in the series, friendship and a little bit of SG-1 Humour thrown in for good measure. (If there's anything I missed out someone tell me!)

Spoilers: 'The Gamekeeper' and any other of the usuals(you know what they are!)

Time frame: Sometime during Season 4, after 'Divide and Conquer' (I think!)

Summary: SG-1 step through the gate, but Jack steps back onto the metal ramp alone, not knowing what happened between him leaving Earth and arriving back again, but is everything, as it seems!

Disclaimer: Stargate SG-1 and its characters are the property of Showtime / Viacom, MGM/UA, Double Secret Productions, and Gekko Productions. No copyright infringement is intended. No money is being made. The original characters, situations, and story are the property of the author. Not to be archived without permission. All songs are sung by Queen and the lyrics were used without permission (Sorry!) No Copyright intended, they just fit the story... and Queen are the coolest! In here there is also a few lines from the beginning of the novel 'The Wizard of Oz' by Frank L Baum. Again no copyright intended! If you want to archive my story TELL ME, or, to borrow a phrase from our beloved Colonel, I am SO gonna kick your ass!

Author's Notes: As most of you have guessed from the title, I couldn't help but notice that the Gamekeeper's machine is awfully similar to the Matrix, but without the whole robots trying to take over the world thing! So naturally I make a few comments in the story, not a lot, but I couldn't help but see the similarity.

Dedications: As always to my Best Pal/Editor. A fellow Queen fan and a good friend always encouraging me (even when I get 48% in the end of year Biology exam!) Thanks a lot, Baby! Also thank you to my friend, Cammy and her most insistent line 'Have you got anymore stories?' everyday for the past few months since I let her read one! And finally to all the S/J peeps out there. You rock! Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Everything that has a beginning has an end including... The Games, Reloaded!

Part Two

I want to break free. I want to break free.

I want to break free from your lies,

You're so self-satisfied. I don't need you.

I've got to break free.

God knows! God knows I want to break free!

I Want to Break Free

Jack

There's no chance for us. It's all decided for us.

This world has only one sweet moment,

Set aside for us.

Who wants to live Forever

Jack entered the General's office cautiously as the man observed him, taking a sip of steaming coffee from the mug in his hands. He spoke as he placed the mug down, "It's great to see you, Colonel and I apologise for my behaviour in the Gate room this morning."

Jack gave his friend a small sigh, "It's understandable from what I've heard."

General Hammond nodded and then motioned to the chair before his desk, "Please take a seat, Colonel."

Jack moved to the chair and lowered himself down into it as he murmured, "You wanted to see me, Sir?"

The General sighed wearily, "I've been told you've been... extremely wilful about seeing Dr. Jackson, Major Carter and Teal'c."

"Major?"

The General seemed to freeze for a split second, as if in blunder, before lifting his coffee and taking a sip hurriedly, before saying, "I'm so used to talking to you about Major Carter, I almost forget..." He sighed again and fixed Jack with an apologetic look, "There is something I need to tell you before I allow you to see them."

Jack's hopes lifted for a second as he said, "I can see them?"

The General snorted slightly, "Yes, Son. I've decided you should meet with them." His smile fell as he spoke seriously, "There is something about Dr. Carter that I should tell you."

Jack decided not to let the General know that he knew precisely what he was talking about. He spoke, feigning curiosity and anxiety, "What?"

"The inhabitants of K8W 721 somehow affected Dr. Carter's brain. We don't know how or why they did, but the effects caused serious fits."

"Oh God," Jack exclaimed, not entirely acting.

General Hammond took another sip of coffee and continued, "We didn't realise when she first returned as her first fit came a week after. Dr. Fraiser had just given her clearance to leave the base. Dr. Carter was driving home when she had a serious seizure and her car swerved straight across the road, two cars hitting it simultaneously on each side."

Jack sat in a shocked silence as he realised what the General was saying. The older man continued in his serious low tone, placing the hot mug on the table, "Thankfully, no one in the other cars were seriously injured, but... Dr. Carter's back was broken severely and she only just pulled through. Truth is Colonel... she's paralysed from the waist down."

"Jesus," Jack murmured, the shock finally sinking in. When he'd heard the conversation in the Infirmary a few minutes ago... it just didn't seem real. Everything was finally registering with his brain. It wasn't just a nightmare... this was really happening...

The General spoke again, "Dr. Carter's seizure haven't stopped and an 'old acquaintance' of ours has expressed a concern that she should be placed in special care. As far as we can tell we have managed to hide some of the Doctor's problems from him, but we know it can't be long until he discovers them."

"What other problems?"

General Hammond's age was beginning to show as he pulled a hand over his face with a sigh, "I've been told by quite a few people that she is suicidal and that she often drifts off into silent trances, her mind elsewhere. She has slight delusions... and it was reported that she sits in your quarters and talks to you." The General gave him a look before continuing, "Her health has been extremely poor and Dr. Fraiser informed me only today that... she won't be with us for much longer. She assured me she will be around for a year at the least, a year and a half being the predicted maximum. I'm sorry, Colonel. This must be hard for you. I know how much you care about Samantha."

Jack looked at the man shocked. First of all he'd mentioned 'feelings' and secondly, he'd called her Samantha. He either called her Dr. Carter or Sam, but never Samantha.

The General fixed him with that omniscient look again! "Don't look so surprised, Jack. I've known for quite some time how you two feel about each other," the man said, his blue eyes boring into Jack, "Returning home, not realising you were ever gone, discovering you've missed almost 3 years of your life and then finding out... someone you care about deeply is extremely sick must be difficult for you."

"Yeah," Jack mumbled not really sure what else he could say. He observed his superior officer as the man nodded gently.

After a second he murmured, "I'll summon Dr. Carter, Dr. Jackson and Teal'c. You will all meet in the Briefing room, tomorrow 1000 hrs. Understood?"

Wow. The General was pretty high strung! Jack nodded mutely and stood as the General muttered, "Dismissed."

As Jack left he couldn't help but notice the General's coffee mug... and the fact it wasn't on a coaster!

If there was one thing Jack O'Neill knew about his CO, it was the fact mugs always had to be on a coaster. Hammond didn't care about most mess, but that irritated him. So why was the hot coffee mug sat on the polished wooden surface?

Jack's eyebrow rose, but he didn't comment as he left the room, his 'Bodyguards' leading him back to his quarters.

The next day at 1000hrs, Jack O'Neill stood outside the briefing room waiting to be called to enter. Daniel, Sam and Teal'c were all in there, the General, no doubt, trying to explain so as not to send them into shock induced comas when he entered... Jack shuddered. The fact that Sam actually might...

The SF beside him picked up the phone by the door as it let out half a shrill ring. The man spoke, "Yes, Sir," he looked up at Jack and gave a small nod.

Jack took in a deep breath to compose himself, before gently opening the door and slowly stepping into the room.

Straight away, his eyes fell on his team and he felt his heart clench in his chest. Teal'c sprang from his seat as if someone had suddenly poured molten metal all over his head. The look of complete and utter disbelief on the Jaffa's usual expressionless face made Jack blink.

Upon entering Daniel had fallen, most ungraciously, from his seat and was now still collapsed in a heap on the floor peering over the top of the table at him in unprecedented surprise as he whispered, "Oh my God!"

The person who Jack wanted and feared seeing the most was sat in her wheelchair with her back facing him. He knew from the way the muscles in her shoulders tensed and the way her hands, that had been lying on the table, relaxed before he entered, now were pressing into the table so hard they were turning white, that Sam was terrified of turning around.

He didn't blame her. In her position he would be too. He knew Samantha Carter well and knew that she conquered fear better than anyone he'd ever seen. She'd turn around. She wasn't one for sticking her head in the sand!

Slowly, still in her rigid position Samantha Carter reached one hand down to the rim of the wheel, her eyes closed as if still fearing what she would see, she turned her wheelchair until she faced him.

In the background he could see everyone else had frozen like statues, barely breathing from trepidation and anticipation of the moment the beautiful, although now handicapped, doctor opened her eyes and saw him.

The General had stood as he'd entered and was stood at the head of the table his blue eyes fixed on Sam and himself. Teal'c had moved to the back of Daniel's chair, helping the man to his feet and they now stood close together, staring at Jack as if they'd just witnessed a resurrection. Jack guessed in a way they had...

It was then he saw movement before him. Sam's eyelids flickered as hesitantly her eyes opened... She stared at him blankly. Her jaw didn't drop and she didn't suddenly start fitting... she just stared at him with her breathtaking eyes.

Everyone else suddenly disappeared. Only he and Sam seemed to exist. She was in her jeans and white t-shirt, her pristine lab coat on top of that, sat in that wheelchair, her wide, deep blue eyes staring up into his, making him feel as if he could drown in them. She wasn't moving an inch as if she was frightened to even breathe, as if he would disappear all of a sudden if she took her eyes off him.

He suddenly found his voice and it came out in a small croak as he whispered, "Sam?"

That's when her expression cracked. Her whole body began to tremble, her eyes began to water and a soft whine of absolute loss and agony left her lips for a second as she whispered, "J-J..." She gave a soft gasp, "Oh my god! I-It's you... You're alive!"

In one swift movement Jack moved forward and fell to his knees before her, Sam throwing herself from her wheelchair into his arms. She was shaking hard and Jack could faintly hear a voice, must be the General, alerting Dr. Fraiser.

She pulled her face back and stared at him as she murmured, "We... I... Oh God!" She used her arms fiercely pulling him to her tightly. She began crying as Jack began to rub her back gently, trying to calm her slightly. Beneath his fingers he could feel the way her bones were damaged toward her lower back. He looked down at her legs. They were quite literally thrown to the side out of the way.

Jack winced at the thought when he felt Sam convulsing fiercely. The Doctor and her medical team chose the correct time to speed into the room, pulling Sam from him.

He looked on helplessly, the Doc and her medical team injecting her with something. He felt absolute horror at what he was witnessing. Slowly, as whatever Fraiser had injected her with began to take effect, the convulsions in her body stopped and she finally lay still on the floor taking a huge gasp for air and beginning to choke and splutter.

Jack noticed for the first time that Daniel and Teal'c were now knelt beside her. Daniel clasped her hand tightly as he hushed the violently choking woman, who looked extremely pale and sickly from her sprawled position on the floor, legs still bent at odd angles, lifeless and practically dead.

Sam finally calmed down as the gentle Doctor and her team lifted the woman onto the gurney they'd brought with them. Janet spoke tiredly, "Let's get her to the Infirmary. See if you can run a scan on her brain for any causes..."

"But Doctor, you know that there never is..."

"Well, maybe this time there will be!" The Doctor snapped before apologising to the young male nurse, "Sorry, Pete. Just try anyway."

"Yes, Ma'am," he mumbled as him and the rest of the medical staff left with Sam on the gurney.

Jack sat by Sam's bedside, looking at her beautiful face intently, as if wanting to remember everything about it in one instant. He'd known for a long while how he felt about Samantha Carter and truth was he'd been in denial about it from that split second on some unimportant day, whilst on some unimportant mission. That split second when, without warning, one small and innocent, yet powerful and dangerous, thought floated into his head...

'I love her.'

Jack sighed gently. Sam had been unconscious for about 5 hours. In those 5 hours, he'd never left the Infirmary and had been talking with Teal'c and Daniel. Once they'd both got over the shock that he was alive, they'd told him everything that had been happening around here whilst he'd been gone. Daniel and Janet even taught him what to do if Sam began fitting, both of them quite rightly assuming Jack was never moving more than 10 yards away from her... for the rest of her life...

Now they'd both gone, probably to give him some time alone, even though both had made up excuses that were so lame Jack couldn't even remember them now. The truth was that Jack was glad they were gone. When they were near he had a sick feeling in his stomach, something just not sitting right.

A flicker of blue caught Jack's attention and without realising it he was staring into Sam's eyes. He smiled hesitantly at the look of horror on her face as she stared at him, "Hi Sam."

"Oh my God! It can't be..."

"It's me," Jack sighed and then looked away unwilling to watch in case the woman began to fit again. That had been so scary...

"It wasn't a dream... You... You're really here?"

He felt gentle fingers clasp round his as she let out a gasp. He couldn't help it. He turned to look at her. And she was smiling.

Jack felt himself smile back as Sam pulled him into another tight hug, "Oh Jack! I can't believe... You are... I can't believe..." She hugged him even tighter as she shuddered with shock, tears building in her beautiful eyes, "You have no idea how much I've missed you."

"Actually I do. Well, sorta," Jack replied.

"What?"

Jack cleared his throat, "Yesterday, when Janet kicked you out of my quarters, it was because of me. The General didn't want everyone to know I'd returned for some reason, so I was confined to quarters... I found that letter... addressed to me..."

Sam stared at him sadly for a second, "No one can understand what this is like for me."

"Who dragged the pen from your hand?"

"What?" Sam frowned at then closed her eyes slowly in realisation. She spoke without opening them, "No one. I cried myself into a fit." Her beautiful blue eyes opened again as she put on a smile, "Can we stop talking about this? You've probably heard enough from everyone else and I really don't like talking about it."

Jack nodded and then frowned curiously, "I can't tell what month it is because there are no windows! What's the date?"

"30th May."

"It's May! Really! Man, I need a new calendar!" She grinned at that. He continued, "May. I like May."

"Why?" she asked curiously.

"You know!" She looked worried for a second and then lost the look, "I always go to my cabin in May. It's so peaceful that time of year. Minnesota's great and I love my cabin..."

"I never went when I had the chance," she sighed gently and then leant her head on his shoulder, "Tell me. What's it like?"

Jack didn't know how he could explain it to her. He sighed and looked at her, "Why don't I show you?"

She opened her eyes wide and smiled, "Really? You'll take me!"

"Of course. Why not?"

"For a start Janet won't be too happy..."

"I know what to do. I've been learning from Daniel and the Doc," he said seriously as she nodded and smiled quietly.

"Also, I didn't think you'd want to take me," she glanced at the wheel chair beside her, "I thought you'd never... like... me again..." her voice trailed away as she looked into his eyes.

"You're meant to be smart, but that was the stupidest thing I've ever heard you say!" he let out a small chuckle, "Carter, I will always... like... you," Sam snorted at Jack's voice. She smiled happily, "I always have and I always will."

"So," she stared into her lap, "You don't think I'm ugly..."

"Are you nuts?!? Carter?" he cupped her face in his hand forcing her to look into his eyes as he spoke, "You're beautiful and I know this sounds really corny, but it's not just about what you look like that matters. I like you, not what you look like! No! That sounds wrong! Ah damn! I'm not good at this!"

She just chuckled, "I know you don't have a clue what to say, but you don't have to say anything!" She leant in and kissed him on the cheek. He pulled back shocked. He stared at her for a second. He knew he loved her. He'd loved her almost from Day One, but this... this was strange. Carter would find it too awkward to kiss him like there had never been any regulations between them. She just wouldn't...

And what was just as strange was that she'd just repeated what the Sam who'd come through the Quantum Mirror had said when he'd found out that in her reality they'd been married. The strange thing was he'd never told Carter about that moment so how did she know word for word what she'd said?

He shook the thought away deciding to carry on as normal even though he had the feeling everything was not as it seemed.

He grinned, "Right. Pack your bags. We're going to Minnesota when the Doc releases you!"

Four days later, they arrived at the cabin. Once there, Jack and Sam spent the whole day reminiscing about the good old times. Jack couldn't help but grin. Samantha Carter was sat in his old arm chair in his cabin in Minnesota, sipping a beer and smiling and laughing as if nothing was wrong. She was finally here and she loved it. He could tell. He'd seen it the second they pulled down the bumpy dirt track in his truck, driving slowly towards the wooden cabin. Her eyes had lit up with wonder her face almost glowing with excitement as she got lost in the beauty of it. She'd looked at him and grinned.

They'd always had a way to speak to each other without words and when she grinned at him he knew precisely what she was saying: 'Why in God's name didn't I just come with you when you first asked me?!?'

After a second, Sam sipped her beer before she glanced at her watch, "It's getting late."

"You want to go to bed?"

Sam giggled and blushed at the double meaning in his question before she whispered, "No, I'll stay up for a bit longer. Hey, why don't you put the radio on or something?"

Jack pushed himself up off the couch and moved to the sound system stowed in the corner of the room. He turned on the radio and soft music began to fill the room, spilling out of the speakers. Jack felt colour rushing to his cheeks and was about to change the channel when a soft voice spoke, "Jack?"

He turned to look at the woman sat in the armchair, her useless legs lying on the matching footstool. She looked nervous as she whispered, "Would you... I mean... Would you dance with me?"

Jack smiled realising that was the precise thought that had entered his head. He stepped towards her, unsure why he was doing this. She hesitantly lifted her arms and he bent slightly so she could fasten them around his neck. He placed his at the base of her back and supported her in his arms as he stood up straight again. She seemed to weigh nothing and he gently began to sway with the beautiful woman in his arms. After a second her eyes met his and she was smiling. A true happy smile. Jack couldn't believe the woman in his arms was the same that had considered suicide not so long ago.

She spoke softly, her eyes bewitching him so he just stared into hers, "Thank you."

"For what?" Jack asked confused.

Sam's smile faded for a second, "For making me happy. Making me feel like I belong somewhere." He watched as her eyes lowered to her legs dangling downwards, "Making me feel..." Her eyes met his as she whispered, "Making me feel loved."

Jack swallowed hard not really sure what to say. He held her close to his body and continued to sway. She laid her head on his shoulder as he rested his chin on her head. He sighed and murmured into her hair, "You're welcome."

They danced, Jack unsure as to why he could hold her up, for what felt like hours, until Sam let out a small yawn and said with a teasing grin, "You can take me to bed now!"

Jack chuckled at her humour and in one swift movement tipped her to one side and hooked her legs over his left arm. She let out a small giggle of surprise as he wiggled his eyebrows at her, "Yes, My lady."

He carried her through the cabin, her arms still wrapped around his neck. He stepped into the guest room, pushing the door open with his foot as he murmured, "If you need anything just shout." He'd already put all her stuff in here for her and she had a small en-suite bathroom. Her wheelchair stood by the side of her bed, just in case...

His eyes fell on the woman whose eyes gazed at him in a sort of confusion. He smiled and gently lowered her to the bed as he murmured, "Sweet dreams, Sam."

She continued to stare at him, her deep blue eyes wide with her surprised expression. After a few seconds her arms dropped from around his neck slowly and she whispered, "Jack? Why... Why are you doing all this for me?"

Jack stood up straight and mumbled, "Well, I... I... I'm really tired. I think I'm going to get to bed."

Sam's face fell slightly in disappointment before she smiled sweetly, "Night Jack. Oh, can you pass me my bag?"

Jack just nodded and grabbed her bag for her, placing it on her lap before turning to leave. He swivelled back around and murmured hurriedly, "If you want... The sun rises are pretty spectacular here... If you want we could..."

Sam grinned, "I'd really like that."

Jack sighed relieved and smiled back, "OK. I'll wake you up in the morning, OK?"

"Sure. Goodnight."

Jack grinned happily in reply and left her room feeling so happy he couldn't explain it. He wandered to his room sitting down on the bed and realised why his heart was racing and his hands shaking.

He breathed shakily, "I... I made her happy..."

They sat on the old bench by the lake as the sun rose over the mountains. Sam sighed happily as she dropped her head onto his shoulder. He watched her as she smiled dreamily. She was in a world of her own, not really concentrating on anything. It was strange. She was never seen without the look of thinking on her face, but now her face seemed almost blank.

"I'm tired of this place. I'm tired of waking up every morning and wishing I hadn't woken at all. I'm tired of being alive."

Her sighed statement struck a chord in Jack's heart that made slight panic rise in his throat! This was so hard for him to comprehend! It just didn't seem real!

He turned to stare at her as the first light of the new day shone upon her face and illuminated her hair with its golden rays. She turned to him, "And when I do go it won't matter. I will always love you, Jack, even when I die. Always." They were to close for comfort. Not that Jack didn't want to kiss her, but it felt wrong! It all felt so wrong! It wasn't right! He turned away from her!

She seemed to sigh frustrated, "Why won't you kiss me?"

He was so shocked he turned to stare at her. Her expression changed to something he'd never seen her wear before. It wasn't Carter! Whatever it was, it wasn't Carter! No one had been who'd they'd said they were! It all began to make sense now! Daniel was a fraud! Teal'c was a fake! Doc. Fraiser was an impostor! And as for General Hammond...

"You're not Carter!"

She spoke irritated, "Kiss her! That's what we want to see and yet you still resist! The woman you love just declared her love for you and you still won't! Colonel O'Neill, you are too hard to please!"

Suddenly, Jack realised what was happening! He jumped away from her as he stared around him. No, it couldn't be, but as black-cloaked figures appeared out of nowhere he realised it was happening!

"You again!" he growled as Carter disappeared and was replaced by a familiar man with a funny hat and a cloak.

"Yes. It is I."

"What the hell are you doing?" He turned to the cloaked figures, "We set you free! Why the hell did you let him plug you into those machines again? And what are you doing on K8W 721?"

"Our world was destroyed by the Goa'uld," the Gamekeeper grimaced, "This world is much less wonderful. It's a barren wasteland, but it is able to sustain life and so it was a good choice."

Jack spoke angrily, "Then there are no plants for them to ruin! Why in God's name are you still using your machines?"

"My people began to use the machines by their own will trying to see our old world and live there. They became addicted to the machines. They have to stay in. After a year, they did not wish to see our world anymore. It was too painful, so I adapted..."

Jack glared at him, "What the hell is going on?"

"I've updated the system so as you can experience your imagination as well. Dreams and nightmares..."

"So, you're saying this is my imagination?"

"Yes," he said and then his expression changed, "I have to go immediately," he groaned, "My last impersonation! I connected with her! Oh dear... I will return soon after I have to sort out this mess!"

With that they all disappeared and Jack was left standing by the lake confused and not knowing what was really going on.

Jack was sat in a deep thinking session for hours. The same unanswerable and very confusing problems kept playing themselves, then rewinding back to the beginning and playing again. It was like a non-stop flow of questions Jack couldn't even begin to answer.

Why had the Gamekeeper left so suddenly? What had he been babbling on about? How was the real Carter tied into this, as he knew somehow she was? Where were his friends? Were they experiencing the same crazy nightmare? Would they be trapped forever? How could he escape...?

That had been the only one he could even begin to answer. He had to find one of those doors that, in the last Gamekeeper scenario, had led from the SGC to the Gamekeeper's greenhouses.

Once he got out he could free Sam, Daniel and Teal'c from whatever warped dreams, nightmares and imaginary realities they were living.

He suddenly felt very alone. No one in this place was real. He wondered how the other's felt.

They were all probably beginning to work it out themselves by now. He knew he wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer and that he was the least likely person to work it out first.

He would just have to hope that he was able to find a way out of this soap opera version of his life and rescue his friends.

"OK, let's find the way out!"

Jack jumped into his truck. There had to be one logical place where an exit was in all their 'games'. Somewhere they could all get to no matter where they were. The exit had to be somewhere that would be in all their imaginary realities...

Then it struck him! 'How did you get here, O'Neill? That's how you get out!'

He suddenly began to speed down the road. Ideas popped into his head. This whole place was his imagination. This whole world was under his control, in a manner of speaking. Jack felt a small smile on his face as he imagined the road would have no cars on. He closed his eyes for a second and when he looked up all the cars were gone. They'd disappeared without a trace! Perfect! This was going to be a cakewalk!

Suddenly, the Gamekeeper appeared in the passenger's seat. He did not look like a happy camper!

"Colonel O'Neill! What are you doing? If you leave... they'll have nothing to watch and they'll blame me!"

"Oh, won't that be a terrible shame," Jack said sarcastically. He glanced at the man again as he said angrily, "I'm not gonna spend the rest of my life in this hell hole!"

The Gamekeeper spoke soothingly, "But you could have whatever you want. You can live your perfect life."

"It wouldn't be real," Jack replied, determined to not even be slightly tempted by the offer.

The persuasive tone in the Gamekeeper's voice was strong, "You can live your life however you want. If you want I can even make you forget that this isn't real. You could live in heaven for the rest of your life. Don't you want to live in you ideal world?"

Jack gritted his jaw tightly, "What about my friends. Not only Carter, Daniel and Teal'c, but the people on Earth waiting for us. Teal'c's son and wife, Carter's Dad, Fraiser and Cassie, General Hammond... everyone we know will be waiting for us to come home and I don't want them to go through what you showed me they'd go through."

"But it's your imagination. You imagine they'd take it that hard, but how do you know?"

"Because I know those people," Jack replied snappily, "And I know they won't rest until we're home, safe and sound."

The Gamekeeper spoke softly, "I can understand your dilemma, Colonel." He looked up at him and spoke, "But consider this. You could be with her here. Forever."

"What?" Jack said shocked.

The Gamekeeper gave him a knowing smirk, "You know who I'm talking about, Colonel. You are obviously not as unintelligent as you led me to believe." Jack frowned at the man angrily, but he continued to speak, enticingly, "You could be with her here, but if you go back..." He stared at him piercingly, "The honest truth is Colonel, you two can never be together in the real world. Even if you retired she'll probably go off with some gorgeous Doctor, someone she can talk to about her job and Astrophysics isn't exactly your forte, is it? Let's face it, Colonel, Samantha Carter is a very beautiful woman and very beautiful women don't wait around for men like you."

Jack tried to block out the voice and concentrate on the road, not that he really had to concentrate. Though he tried, the voice continued to talk, piercing into him like a verbal dagger. Jack felt his heart hurting and his mind reeling, but there was no way to block out that voice.

"Stay here and I can make you forget that we ever had this conversation. You could live in a Utopia with her, blissfully unaware. Not only would you benefit, but my people will also be happy. You could have her just like you always wanted."

Jack realised something, "If I stay, the rest of my team will never figure it out. If I've figured it out before them, then chances are they won't figure it out. They are all way smarter than me. That's why you're trying to stop me!"

"Yes. I need you, Colonel. But you can need me too. Just think of the perfect life you and Samantha could ha..."

"What would happen to Sam?"

The Gamekeeper goggled at him as he murmured nonchalantly, "What?"

Jack looked at the man as he slammed his foot on the brake coming to a halt in the middle of the deserted road. He could see a fear in the Gamekeeper's eyes as Jack spoke, "If I stay, none of them would be free. They'd all be living nightmares. You're only cutting me a deal so I won't rescue them. You're people want to see suffering. Sam would be stuck in a nightmare for the rest of her life." He sighed and stared at the steering wheel, "Even if she will never love me in real life that doesn't stop me from loving her." He looked up at the Gamekeeper, "And I won't let you do that to her or Daniel or Teal'c."

"Colonel!"

He stared at the panicking alien for a second and then said smirking, "You're not here!" The Gamekeeper disappeared, a look of shock on his face. Jack couldn't help but grin, "Finally!"

Suddenly, another idea floated into his mind. He'd just thought of a quicker way to get to the SGC. He closed his eyes and when he opened them again he was stood on the ramp. Why hadn't he realised before? The Gate had never been shut off the entire time he'd been here! The Gate was the exit!

He could hear General Hammond yelling, "Close the Iris! He's escaping!"

'The Iris is stuck!' he thought as he began running. The Iris jammed and he could hear the Gamekeeper screaming curses as he dived into the event horizon.

He toppled down the steps and landed flat on his face. He looked up hesitantly and was surprised to find he was in the room from the MALP footage. He stared around wondering whose mind he'd just hopped, or more precisely tumbled, into. He saw the door before him. He stepped up to it and hesitantly pressed the button beside it.

The door rose up letting in a flurry of snow. Once the door was open, Jack was shielding his eyes from the snow that bombarded him. He knew it wouldn't be long before the Gamekeeper and his cloaked cronies caught up with him.

He stepped out into the snow storm.

'No Snow!' Jack thought closing his eyes, but he could still feel the snow sting as it hit him. He opened his eyes and was greeted by the same winter wonderland!

Why didn't it work...?

'Of course, you dumb ass! You're not in your imagination anymore! Who ever imagined this is the only one who can change anything!'

He let out a shuddery sigh and began to make his way through the blizzard. He hugged his arms around his chest.

'Note to self: Never step onto a frozen wasteland in jeans and a t-shirt!' He thought to himself as he stumbled forwards, 'Time to find Daniel, Teal'c and Sam!'

Teal'c

I'm just the pieces of the man I used to be,

Too many bitter tears are raining down on me.

I'm far away from home and I've been facing this alone

For much too long.

Too much Love will Kill you

Teal'c watched over his companions worried. They were all still shivering. He'd built up the fire as much as he could, but their condition continued to deteriorate. They needed to get to the Gate or they would all perish in this bitter cold.

They'd survived these two weeks and after the few days they'd spent totally snowed in Teal'c was sure they would get through this, if only they got back to Earth. They were running out of supplies and Teal'c knew that Colonel O'Neill would depart this life soon. He was surprised he'd even endured this long. It was peculiar and Teal'c could not understand why his comrade was not dead. By all respects he, Major Carter and Daniel Jackson should all be deceased by now.

Teal'c wondered why no one had been sent after them yet. They were supposed to have contacted Earth a week and four days ago and yet no one had been sent after them.

He gave a small shiver himself and pulled himself closer to his team mates and the tiny flame licking at the last of the wood. Daniel Jackson opened one eye slightly and croaked hoarsely, "T...?"

"I am here, Daniel Jackson," Teal'c murmured in return.

Daniel tried to give a small smile, but failed as he fell back into unconsciousness. Teal'c sighed. It had been the same with all of them for days. He'd only been able to keep each one awake for the maximum of an hour a day when he fed them as much as he could and gave them water although supplies were low and they were diminishing fast...

Teal'c heard something and turned quickly to the entrance. He lifted up his staff and stood up shielding his friends. He pointed his weapon at the entrance.

"Teal'c, I know you've g-got your staff ready to- sh-shoot me, but could you at least- let me in out of this g-goddamn b-lizzard first?"

Colonel O'Neill! He looked down at his unconscious companions in confusion, "You are not Colonel O'Neill! He is within this cave with the other members of SG-1! This is a deception."

Jack sighed as he stood outside the cave. He was freezing. He needed Teal'c to stop the snow and dry his clothes because he got hypothermic.

"T-Teal'c, listen to me! Have the- other me, C-Carter and Daniel been acting st-strange? I mean stranger th-an usual!"

Teal'c nodded, "They have, indeed."

"They're f-fakes, Teal'c. It's the G-G-Gamekeeper! You have to- trust me! He's using our imaginations, our d-reams and our nightm-mares to create this, but he made mi-mi-mistakes. T-T-Trust me, p-lease!"

Teal'c sat in silent consideration and then spoke, "I trust you!"

"NO!"

Major Carter, Daniel Jackson and Colonel O'Neill were suddenly attacking him. They began to strangle him. Teal'c couldn't fight them off though he tried.

"Teal'c, you have to imagine they're not here! Imagine they disappear!"

Teal'c closed his eyes and suddenly the pressure around his neck disappeared. He took in a deep breath and opened his eyes. Colonel O'Neill stood staring at him, his skin pale and his hair plastered to his forehead, snow caking him. He was wearing jeans and a t-shirt. He was soaked to the bone from walking in the blizzard and was shivering violently, as he hugged his bare arms around him.

"W-way to go!" He spoke desperately, "I realised it was the Gamek-keeper in my own n-nightm-mare. It's a l-ong story. He pro-probably knows about what just happ-ened. Can you 'imagine' us dry- and back at the Gate?"

"I can."

Jack blinked and the next second found himself in the room in dry BDUs. He also felt back to his normal body temperature which was a relief. He nodded to Teal'c who was also in dry clothes, "I would've stopped the storm and stuff, but you can only imagine things in your own reality. I think we're gonna need some weapons before we go find Daniel and Carter."

Teal'c inclined his head, "As you wish," and a huge weapon rack appeared by the wall. Jack frowned. Scary! The guy reminded him of a Genie...

"Nice!" Jack said approvingly and began to grab himself a good supply of weaponry. There was thumping on the door. Jack stared at the door and then said, "Teal'c...?"

"I have already locked the door efficiently, O'Neill."

Jack nodded, "Right let's go! To infinity and beyond!" Teal'c gave him a look of utter confusion as Jack shook his head and ran toward the event horizon, "Never mind!"

Daniel

When you're tired of life and all hope is lost,

Hold out your hand.

Cos Friends will be friends right till the end.

Friends will be Friends

Daniel's ears pricked up as he heard the sound of gunfire, but not any old gunfire. A P-90! The cries of dying Jaffa filled the halls. Someone was coming to rescue them!

He heard the Jaffa calling to each other in shock and alarm, as Daniel stood up getting ready to help Sam up. She groaned as he lifted her up and supported her by his side.

"What's going on?"

"Someone's coming to rescue us!"

"But that's impossible!" Sam said angrily. She shoved Daniel out of the way and opened the door. How could she do that with a huge wound in her side? And how come she could open the cell door?!?

Daniel watched in horror as Sam grabbed a staff weapon from one of the Jaffa lying on the floor in the fire fight and pointed it at him! She leant heavily against the wall, as she glared at him.

"Sam? What are you doing?"

"Who did you think of? Tell me!"

"Think of? I don't know what you mean! Sam, what's wrong with you?"

"Nothing's wrong with me," Sam said fiercely, as she shot the staff weapon. It just missed his left side.

"Something's wrong with you! Something's wrong with Teal'c and something was wrong with Jack! This is... is my worst...

"Nightmare?"

Daniel looked up to see Jack and Teal'c stood in the hallway. Daniel looked at Jack's broken body beside him and then back up in shock, as Jack shrugged, "Just a guess!"

Sam turned to him her eyes blazing with cold fury, "You won't get out! When you get to the Gate, the Gamekeeper has a nice little surprise for you! You will all be plugged in again and the system will be perfected! You don't stand a chance! Daniel can't imagine that I disappear!"

Jack gritted his jaw as he said, "Who said Danny had to make you disappear?"

He closed his eyes and pulled the trigger on the Zat three times and Sam vanished.

"NO! SAM!" Daniel yelled.

Jack ran over to him as Teal'c kept watch in the doorway, "She's not real, Daniel! Nobody in this reality is real! It's the Gamekeeper! He's updated his little 'Matrix' and used our imaginations to create entertainment. Please you have to trust me!"

"The Jack I know would never kill her!"

Jack sighed, "Daniel, I swear!" He pulled a hand through his hair as he murmured, "The Gamekeeper made mistakes! I wasn't sure if this was yours or Carter's reality until you said that we'd all been acting strange and that this was your worst nightmare. Daniel, if you want you can bring her back to life, but I'll probably have to kill her again and I don't want to have to do that again..."

"What?"

"This is a controlled figment of your imagination, Daniel Jackson. You can envision what you wish, but I believe it would be most constructive if you transmit us to the Gate!"

"Why?"

"It's the exit," Jack said hurriedly, "You know! It's how to get from one reality to another. We have to go through the Gate, where, I assume, we'll enter Carter's Crazy Conundrum! But we have to go now! The Gamekeeper's been tracking me ever since I found out the truth. Please, Daniel. Trust me on this one. Imagine us back at the Gate."

Daniel closed his eyes and the next second they were stood metres away from the huge ring of metal. Jack smiled reassuringly at him and then his smile dropped. Daniel looked up again. Stood between them and the Gate was...

"My Daniel," she cried happily.

Daniel's jaw dropped, "Sha're..."

Jack shook his head in anger, "The bastard! The crafty Son-of-a-bitch!" Jack shook his fist at the sky as he yelled, "I'm going to kill you!"

Daniel watched his beautiful wife as she stared at him with large sad eyes. She spoke anxiously, holding out her arms towards him, "My Daniel, please. Do not believe them!"

Jack grabbed Daniel by the shoulders, "Daniel, she's a trick! She's dead. She's not there! You have to make her disappear!"

Daniel stared at him as though he had lost it. He pushed away, "You shot Sam! How do I know you're not the trick?"

"He has a valid point, O'Neill!"

"Teal'c! Whose side are you on?"

"Yours, O'Neill. I was stating that Daniel Jackson has a most appropriate statement!"

Jack raised his eyes to the heavens before turning to his best friends, "Daniel, please!" Jack said his eyes pleading, "Do you remember what the fake Carter said? This is a trick! The Gamekeeper is using your memory of Sha're to stop you from going through. We have to get to Sam, Daniel! She's probably stuck in some horrible nightmare of her own. You have to believe me!"

"Daniel Jackson, if we do not leave now and are recaptured by the Gamekeeper, the programme will be completed and we will be stuck in one of these realities indefinitely!"

"Daniel, I don't want to go back!" Jack said quite desperately, "I'd rather spend my vacation on Netu!" Daniel watched Jack and saw the pain in his eyes as he murmured, "I don't want to see that again."

Teal'c spoke, "Daniel Jackson, if you still do not believe we are sincere, imagine that whoever is the impostor here, disappears."

Daniel turned to Sha're. She continued to plead with him in Abydossian frantically, as Daniel closed his eyes. Sha're vanished, as did her pleading.

"Way to go, Danny," Jack said quite solemnly as him and Teal'c ran up to the Gate, "Come on!"

Daniel nodded slowly, "Let's go save Sam."

Sam

One by One,

Only the good die young,

They're only flying too close to the sun,

And life goes on, Without you.

No-one but You

Sam could hear screams from outside the house. The sound of clunking armour and the plodding of metal-garbed feet made her realise what was happening.

Suddenly, a figure appeared in the doorway. They came in. Serpent guards. They grabbed her and Daniel, both of them fighting fiercely to loosen the iron grips holding them. One went for Lizzie, but she dodged and started to run.

"Run, Lizzie. RUN!" Sam yelled as she kicked one of the Jaffa in the crotch. Lizzie made it through the doorway, but was scooped up by someone. Sam was struck across the face and kicked in the back of the knees. She buckled and fell to the floor, grimacing from pain.

Some Jaffa dragged Amy and Josh into the room. Josh was struggling and Amy was crying. Sam stared at the man who'd picked up Lizzie.

"Kneel before your God," one of the Jaffa said cruelly.

As Lizzie's captor's eyes flashed, Sam felt her heart stop. The familiar man stood in the doorway holding the squealing toddler. He threw her to a Jaffa as he spoke, his voice that of a Goa'uld, "Major Carter and Dr. Jackson."

"Teal'c..." Sam said brokenly, feeling a shocked tear trail down her cheek.

"I am not Teal'c!" He yelled angrily, "I am Apophis, your God!"

They were dragged outside, if you could call it outside. The house was actually a cave. It was carved into the rock face like hundreds of others that covered the insides of the gargantuan cavern. The Jaffa dragged her along. Her world span, as what seemed like fictitious facts sank in. Teal'c was now a Goa'uld, none other than Apophis. What Sam didn't understand was how a Jaffa could become a Goa'uld. She knew it was impossible and yet it had happened. Had the universe been turned upside down in nine years?!?

They were dragged to a circle. First, the Jaffa frogmarching the twins and Daniel were ringed up with their prisoners.

The Jaffa holding her yanked her under the ring, as Teal'c and the serpent guard that was now holding Lizzie stepped under it as well. She felt the rings whoosh around her, as she was transported up to a ship.

She was in a large room that was filled with a bright, ghostly blue light. She could see the Stargate was shimmering before her. So this ship had a Stargate. There had been none in the cavern. This must have been how they'd got in there. There had been no visible entrances or exits in the cavern.

She was dragged next to Daniel and the twins. Josh was now also crying gently like his sister. Lizzie was still struggling against the arms of the Jaffa clutching her as she hit him with balled fists and kicked him with her little, booted feet.

"Take them to the cells!" Teal'c said nastily

They'd been sat in the cell for a long time. Lizzie sat on her knee and Amy and Josh snuggled up to her. Josh was wheezing slightly and Sam gently rubbed his chest trying to calm him down as best as she could. Daniel sat there watching sadly and murmured, "Lizzie, come here."

The little girl got up and walked over to the man and collapsed into his arms with a small sigh as she wrapped her arms around him. The man smiled softly and did the same, holding the tiny child to him.

After about an hour, Lizzie and Josh had fallen asleep. Daniel held Lizzie in his arms and Josh's head lay in Sam's lap. She gently stroked the boy's sandy hair. His breaths were still wheezy and every now and then he took in a breathless gasp.

Amy sat next to Sam staring at her twin brother and her little sister. Sam looked at her. Tears filled her ocean blue eyes as she murmured, "We're going to die."

Sam shook her head and pulled the girl towards her, "No. Oh, Amy, no. I won't let them hurt you, you hear me?" Sam felt tears in her own eyes.

"I don't want to die," she whispered fearfully.

Sam let out a shuddery breath as she murmured, "Your Dad is watching over us and he won't let anything happen to you."

Amy just nestled further into Sam's arm. Sam shared a glance with Daniel. He looked down at the tiny child rolled up in a ball sucking her thumb and then glanced over at the boy wheezing in his breathless stupor and his twin sister crying softly and fearfully into Sam's shoulder.

His pale blue eyes then fixed her with a stare so penetrating Sam almost felt herself flinch. The stare was one of hopelessness and inevitability, and Sam hated it.

Suddenly, the door began to open and some Jaffa strolled in. They grabbed them and dragged them out of the room. Josh was hauled up. His wheezing increased terribly and Sam felt an unrivalled fear grab her heart. Sam was being dragged beside him and kept murmuring, "It's OK, Baby. Mommy's here. Keep breathing. Nice deep breaths."

The Jaffa kicked her every time she spoke, but she didn't care. Josh wasn't going to die like this. "Keep breathing. It's OK, Honey. Just keep breathing deeply. You're going to be fine, Baby. It's OK. Shhh. It's OK. Mommy's here."

A few more Jaffa joined them as they stepped onto the Pel'tac of the mother ship. Teal'c turned to face them, as they were dropped to the metal floor.

Sam looked up. Lizzie was absolutely petrified, the twins were trembling slightly, as Amy let out shuddery sobs and Josh, shuddery gasps, but Daniel looked very defiant. More so than she'd ever seen him.

Teal'c cursed them in his Goa'uld voice, "Tau'ri Scum!"

"Hey Teal'c! Nice to see you too!" Daniel said trying to stand up, rewarding himself a kick in the ribs and a shove back to the floor.

"Kneel before Apophis, your God!"

"You never were and never will be my God! You used to be my friend, but then again you used to be humane! Some things change!"

Daniel got another kick in the ribs!

Sam stared at him, "Daniel, don't..."

She was hit hard across the face again. This time with a metal boot. Amy let out a whimper, as Josh gasped harder and Lizzie began to cry, "You big bully! Leave Mommy alone!"

She got up and tried to kick Teal'c. Sam screamed, "Lizzie, NO!"

What a bad time to start speaking, Lizzie?!? Sam had never heard her speak before. She'd discovered the answers to many of her questions, during the two weeks after her memory loss:

1. Why had she been sleeping with Daniel?

She needed to have another child and, Daniel had told whilst blushing profusely, she'd prefer to have a child with him than... anything else she may have considered.

2. Why did she need another child?

Otherwise she would be taken to become a concubine for Yu. Yu was becoming agitated with their original pact as Lizzie was 3 years old, but hadn't spoken yet.

3. Why didn't Lizzie talk?

If she began talking she would be old enough for Sam to be taken away. Lizzie hadn't spoken by her own choice since the day she'd been born.

Sam escaped the Jaffa that was holding her and pulled the little girl into her arms, protecting her from the Jaffa surrounding her. She awaited the kicks, but they never came. All that came was Teal'c's cruel laughter.

"She has spirit. Just like her father."

Sam looked up and felt tears coming to her eyes as she looked up at her friend. One of the five men she had once cared about above all others. The first had been her father. She wondered what had become of him and the Tok'ra. She preyed that he was alive and safe somewhere in this universe as with the second man, her brother. She hoped that his family were safe too. The third was the man kneeling near by a look of absolute hatred on his face as he stared at the fourth. The fourth had been one of her closest friends and now he was her biggest enemy. And the fifth...

Sam's mind raced. Out of the blue she felt herself wishing Jack was here. Wishing he was still alive...

"I know what you're thinking and you're wrong," Teal'c said quietly a sinister smirk appearing on his lips.

Sam looked at him in shock, "What?"

"Whose ship was he on when he was killed? You didn't think I would leave him there to rot did you?" He laughed again, as Sam gasped, "Send him in!"

Sam turned around and caught Amy and Josh's eyes, as Josh spoke breathlessly, "Mommy?"

"Shh Josh," she said quietly, as she crawled closer to the panting boy and continued to stroke his back softly. Daniel caught her eye, a look of horror on his face. He murmured shocked, "It can't be!"

"Oh, but it is, Dr. Jackson. It is."

Suddenly, the three Jaffa that had left dragged in a man. His head drooped and his face was hidden. His familiar clothes were ragged and torn. Through the rips in the material Sam could see huge welts and silvery scars. They dropped him to the floor.

"Colonel O'Neill," Teal'c grinned maliciously, "I have some guests to see you. I believe you call it a family reunion."

The man looked up in absolute fear and his jaw dropped, as he saw them. His deep brown eyes fell on Daniel who was gawping like a goldfish.

He spoke with a croaky voice that was barely similar to the strong voice Sam remembered, "Daniel..." Daniel nodded. Jack then stared at the children and Sam saw tears in the man's familiar eyes, "Amy... Josh..." His eyes finally fell on the little girl enclosed in Sam's arms. He let out an incoherent sound of pain as the little girl stared back at him in confusion. His eyes rose so slowly as if he was frightened to look at her, as if praying that his family weren't really here. Sam felt their eyes connect suddenly. His face as he stared at her was full of emotion. Sadness, fear, happiness, concern, but mainly an expression she thought she'd never see in his eyes and yet now it was so clearly visible.

His voice was a hushed whisper as he said her name, "Sam..." Suddenly, he turned to Teal'c, hatred burning in his eyes, "Let them go! They've done nothing to..."

Jack was kicked and gave a short cry of pain, as Teal'c said venomously, "Nothing! They destroyed my fleet! They destroyed my former body! I was nothing but a scarred and broken host!"

Jack couldn't deny it. He looked up, panting slightly from pain as he looked at the man, "The children did nothing!"

"Colonel, whose children are they? Two slaves! What does it matter if they live... or die!"

Jack managed to stand up. He fought against his captors, "You dare and you're a dead man!"

"Jaffa, kree!"

Suddenly all the Jaffa threw Daniel, the children and Jack in a line before Teal'c holding a staff. Sam was being dragged upright and pulled away from them. He engaged the staff and aimed it at Daniel's chest.

"Please! Don't do it!" Sam cried in shock and found two Jaffa holding her back. The children watched in fear as Daniel closed his eyes slowly.

He whispered, "Bye Guys." The staff fired and Daniel dropped to the metal floor. Amy screamed in shock as Lizzie began wailing like a siren.

"No!" Sam whispered shocked.

The end of the staff pointed towards the next person in the line kneeling before Teal'c.

"Josh... NO!" She began to yell and two more Jaffa had to come and restrain her as she fought fiercely to get towards her son, "Not my children! Don't kill my children!"

Josh knelt there facing Teal'c. His asthma attack was in full swing now and he took sharp breaths. He stared at him and muttered, "Guess now... I'm... allowed to swear so... Stuff you, asshole!"

The shot fired and Sam felt frantic tears in her eyes. She watched as her son's body slumped to the floor, a huge wound on his chest, his eyes still wide with fear. Amy and Lizzie stared at the body of their brother. Amy looked as if she were about to be sick and Lizzie continued to cry and whimper terrified. Jack began to yell at Teal'c. He was struggling to get to the Goa'uld as some Jaffa held him back. Angry tears filled the man's eyes as he yelled, "You son-of-a-bitch! I'm gonna kill you! I'm gonna kill you for this! You fucking bastard!"

The staff moved along the line to the next victim. Sam shook her head, as tears fell from her eyes, as she begged, "NO Please! Apophis! Stop please! Teal'c! I'll do anything! Please, don't hurt my daughter!"

Amy glanced at her for a second and then at her father, who was still shouting and fighting against the Jaffa like he was possessed. His eyes were also welling with tears, as she whispered, "I love you, Dad. I love you, Mom..."

The words stopped abruptly as the shot hit her head, sending her sprawling sickeningly to the floor, dead. Blood poured from the girl's head, spreading across the floor in a dark scarlet pool.

Sam's scream was like that of a wounded animal and pierced the air like a lightning bolt. The Jaffa let her fall to her knees, as she wept and watched as the staff moved along to Lizzie, "No, not my baby! Don't hurt her!"

The little girl was crying, as Teal'c watched her. He spoke darkly, "I shall not kill this one. My daughter is in need of an eligible Tau'ri and this one has much spirit and courage. She shall become a host."

"No!" The little girl said stubbornly and sniffed, "No, I won't!"

"You will!" Teal'c said slightly angrily and nodded to one of the Jaffa, who then stepped towards her. He lifted her up and held his palm across her mouth, "Jaffa, bring me my dau..."

The Jaffa screamed and cursed in pain as Lizzie sunk her pearly white teeth into his hand, drawing blood. He dropped her and Sam watched as Jack scooped her up. He shoved Teal'c over and all the Jaffa ran around their 'God' to protect him.

Jack grabbed Sam's hand and ran with her sliding under the descending door. They reached the corridor and ran along until Jack dragged Sam into a little inlet in the wall. Hidden behind a huge black tablet, he pulled her into his arms fiercely, as if never wanting to let her go again. She clung on equally tightly. She hadn't seen him for 4 years. He opened his arms slightly so the little girl could wiggle in between their body, as they all wept quietly.

They listened intently as the Jaffa passed and Sam looked up and stared into his watery eyes. She saw the pain in his eyes as he stared into hers. He leant forward and kissed her tenderly as she did the same. He touched her face with his hand as his lips trailed over hers, before moving to her face, kissing away her heartbroken tears gently. She pulled away after a second and he pulled her back into a hug, as he whispered, "Sam. I never thought I'd see my Sam again." She heard him sniff as he looked down at the little girl crying into his chest, "And my little girl."

After a few moments he got up and peaked outside into the passage as Sam clutched to her young child. Her baby. Another tear rolled down her cheek, as Jack whispered, "Coast's clear. Let's move out." He took Lizzie into his arms and they walked down the corridor. He whispered, "What's her name?"

"Elizabeth O'Neill. But it's just Lizzie."

Sam saw him nod slightly as he murmured, "Lizzie."

Lizzie was staring at him as she whispered, "Daddy?"

Sam murmured, "Yeah Sweetie. This is your Dad."

The little girl threw her tiny arms around his neck as he hugged her tightly. He squeezed his eyes shut and held the small girl to him as he whispered brokenly, "My little girl," over and over. Sam felt another tear roll down her cheek. He hadn't seen his kids for around four years and now the only two he knew... were gone.

Sam felt more tears as she whispered, "Josh. Amy. I broke my promise." She pulled her arms around her chest tightly as they rounded another corner.

A line of Jaffa stood before them grinning pleased. A trap! Before Sam's body could kick into action and begin running back the way they came, there were two shots and Sam felt a scream rip from her throat, "Jack!"

She watched as he fell to the corridor floor. His face was a picture of agony. Sam looked at the child in his arms. Her eyes were wide with fear as she stared at her scorched stomach for a second and then fell back, her head lolling to one side.

"NO!"

Jack looked at her and took a shuddery gasp, his eyes wide and glazed over telling her he was about to die. He spoke his voice broken, but so sincere she felt burning tears dripping from her face, "I love you, Sam."

She spoke desperately, unable to stop crying, "Jack, NO! Don't leave me here on my own! PLEASE! Don't die! Don't die..." He stared at her sadly and then closed his eyes and released his final breath.

Dead. They were both dead.

Sam looked up terrified, as she saw the Jaffa grinning, ready to shoot her. She watched as a small group ran in the opposite direction. She then glared at the ones who stood before her and yelled, "There's one O'Neill, you're not going to murder... and that's me!"

She heard shots behind her as she darted around the corner and back down the corridor as fast as she could. She dodged three shots and bounded around the next corner. She had considered just letting them shoot her, but she decided that even though death was what she wanted she would not kill herself until she'd had her revenge on him.

She'd kill him. She'd hold her last breath until she saw his eyes glow and his chest stop rising and falling. She would kill him, if it was the last thing she ever did.

As she rounded the next corner, she was grabbed and a metal-gloved hand was held across her mouth as she was dragged into the shadows behind some black tablets. She struggled pointlessly and watched as the Jaffa ran by and turned to face her captor in confusion. A serpent guard stood there still holding her to him gently as he murmured, "Sam, we're getting you out of here."

The minute she heard the voice, she gasped. She could barely speak and she felt her mouth dry out in a split second, "Jack?"

The serpent guard just pulled her into a hug and whispered, "Thank God. Thank God it was all a lie. I thought... I thought I'd never see you well again." She didn't know what he was talking about and she tried to pull away. He let go, but clasped her hands gently as he murmured, "Trust me, Sam."

It was then he noticed two Jaffa walking down the corridor. They looked around and then darted into the shadows as well.

"O'Neill, we shall have to run. They will soon postpone their chase and return to their posts."

Jack nodded, "OK. Let's run." He turned to her, "Can you?"

Sam didn't hear him.

Jack watched her worryingly. It was shock, he could tell. She was shivering and even in the dark, Jack could tell her pupils were dilated and her breathing was erratic.

"Teal'c, carry Carter! We have got to go!"

They ran down the corridors, Teal'c carrying Sam in his arms. They hid from two patrols and finally reached the Gate room. As the door lifted they were faced with at least thirty Jaffa.

"Major Carter! Imagine they do not exist immediately!" Teal'c said urgently, as Jack stood protecting them from the Jaffa's firing.

Jack got shot in the side and collapsed. Sam shrieked and closed her eyes, "GO AWAY!"

The Jaffa disappeared and Daniel helped Jack up and supported him as they ran to the Gate.

"Sam, imagine that when we step into the Gate, we wake up! Please!"

Just as they stepped into the Gate, Jack opened his eyes. He pulled himself out from the machine and turned so he was facing it. He walked the wrong way round and tripped falling over backwards. He scrambled as far away from the machine as possible, before standing up again and looking around him. He was in a grey room filled with the machines. He looked at his side. There was no wound. He gave a small, relieved sigh and turned.

Daniel and Teal'c had already stepped out, but Carter still stood there shaking as she held back terrified and horrified sobs.

"Sam?" Daniel said sadly.

She shook her head, "No... No..."

"It was the Gamekeeper, Sam. He created a new programme that uses our imagination and subconscious to create realities. It was all a nightmare or a dream. None of it was real."

Sam stepped out and Daniel pulled her into a hug. She suddenly pulled away in shock and gave a visible shudder. She pulled her arms around her, "I broke my promise..."

"Sam?" Jack said warily.

"My children," she whispered with a tear finally making it down her cheek, "I promised them."

"You never had any children, Sam," Daniel said anxiously, "It wasn't real."

She began to shake harder and began to murmur fearfully, "Not them please. Not my babies. Not my friends. Not them. Don't kill them please..." She paused and said breathily, "Please Teal'c! Apophis! Don't take him from me again. Don't kill him..." She collapsed. Jack ran to her side. She was unconscious.

Read on in 'The Games Reloaded (Part Three)'

Copyright (c) 2004 Sam I Am