He watched as Sam moved to rise, but getting up a tree was a lot easier than getting down as they all quickly learned. There was a collective gasp from onlookers as one of Sam's feet slipped and they thought for a moment she'd lose her balance, but somehow she remained clinging to the tree. A second yowl sounded from above, this one even more pathetic than the last one. Looked like Sam was well and truly treed.
Chapter 17
Colonel Jack O'Neill was looking at the tree critically, assessing the branches to see how easy it would be to climb. Some of the branches were spread far apart and it would be difficult, particularly if he were carrying Carter back down. It would not look good to come to her rescue only to fall out of the tree himself. Jack debated going back to the picnic site for the pack, although he didn't think Sam would appreciate going for another ride.
Someone shouted for his attention and he noticed an airman waving towards the opening to the base. A ladder! While they had been busy dealing with the dog and the now treed Carter, someone had sent for more help and had thought to bring a ladder. Perfect.
Jack quickly directed the ladder to be placed against the trunk of the tree, not far from the branch where Sam still clung. She hadn't budged from her precarious hold on the branch. Jack put a restraining hand on Teal'c as he moved to climb the ladder. Shaking his head, he said, "No Teal'c, I'll go. She was my responsibility." Teal'c merely nodded and stepped out of the way. He too felt he had failed Major Carter. They had allowed themselves to get too relaxed, forgetting that their friend and teammate was in an unfamiliar body, with dangers none of them had ever considered. As such, she now needed their protection more than ever. They had forgotten, and Major Carter had nearly paid the price.
Eyeing the ladder, Jack made sure it wouldn't move. He took a deep breath and started up, sensing Teal'c and Daniel taking positions on either side to help steady the ladder. In next to no time, Jack was alongside the branch where Carter was holding onto for dear life. She didn't seem to be aware of his presence.
Not wanting to startle her, Jack called softly to her. "Carter... Carter, come on, it's me, Jack. C'mon Sam, snap out of it." When she still didn't respond he gently reached out his hand and touched the back of her neck, figuring if she startled he'd have a good grip on her. That got her attention, her head whipped around suddenly, and he was met with wide blue eyes. Sam blinked, and mewled plaintively.
Jack soothed her, absently stroking the soft fur behind her head. "Its ok Carter, I've got you. Gonna get you down now ok?" He continued talking to her as he slipped his hand around under her getting a good hold, and used his free hand to loosen the death grip she had on the tree with her claws. Sam didn't even seem to realize they were sunken into the bark of the tree. She must have been really spooked. He suspected that it had been a very long time since one Major Samantha Carter USAF had felt so completely helpless.
After releasing Carter's hold on the tree, he cradled her close. Quickly, he realized he would need both hands unless he wanted to risk falling off the ladder. "Sorry Carter. Going to get real cozy here." He apologized as he popped Sam into his jacket, zipping it up part of the way to secure her. He felt her squirming a bit as she mewled at the sudden change in position, but she settled quickly, realizing he'd need to concentrate to climb back down the ladder.
As Jack reached the ground, a large cheer erupted from the gathered crowd. Jack was startled, he hadn't realized so many people had come out at the news that Major Carter was in trouble. Jack spied the General talking to Doctor Fraiser. Hands slapped Jack on the back as Sam poked her head out the opening in his jacket. She looked like she was reconsidering the movement when Jack gave her no choice in the matter, quickly unzipping the jacket and handing the unwilling Major over into the waiting arms of Captain Brunsfeld.
Jack smirked, better her than him. His smirk disappeared quickly however, when Doctor Fraiser rounded on him, passing him a Kleenex. Jack suddenly remembered his collision with Teal'c, and was startled to see a little blood on the Kleenex as he pulled it away. Janet ordered him to the infirmary in a tone that brooked no arguments. Jack had no choice but to follow in the wake of Captain Brunsfeld, Major Carter, and one Doctor Janet Fraiser, who should not be crossed.
A/N: Hope you liked this one. Doesn't Jack make a nice hero? I should have put a Sam whumping warning on this story. Sorry it was a little short, but the next few will be better. Promise!