Life's Problems – Part 5
A/N: As promised...here is the next chapter. Thanks to the Brandie and TZMaverick for Beta reading this!! For Spolier Alerts - see Part 1.
"Taken?!" Jack and Sam said in unison.
"I'm sorry did they not inform you that he has been captured?" Ian said looking back and forth between Jack and Sam
"No. They didn't give any information except they haven't heard from him in over a month!" Sam said cheeks flushed with anger.
"I'm afraid to inform you he has been captured by Olokun, one of the Goa'uld System Lords."
"I thought he and his army were captured by Anubis, and therefore, dismantling Olokun's forces." Daniel said
"He was, but when Anubis was supposedly destroyed, we believe Baal took control of the super soldiers, and making him the most powerful system lord. Olokun is commanding the remaining Jaffa that weren't with Anubis when he was defeated." He said looking at Daniel.
"Olokun is looking for redemption among the other System Lords. We believe that he is working with Baal, or at the very least knows where Baal's new home world is located." Ian said to the entire group.
"Now that we have a weapon that can destroy the Super Solider, we can come closer to defeating the Goa'uld, if we can find Baal. You father, knowing the importance of this mission, volunteered."
"Why are you telling us all this?" Jack said suspiciously. "It's not like the Tok'ra have ever been so forth coming with information before, other than Jacob of course."
"Selmak was my mentor many years ago, when I was first blended. Selmak saved my life many times. I feel if the Tau'ri are going to join in the search for Selmak and Jacob, then you must be given the Intel that will aid you in your search." Ian said looking at Jack. Jack nodded his approval, a bit surprise by the amount of Intel.
"Are you sure that's it Olokun that has my father and not Baal?" Sam knew the extent of Baal's torture and size of his army now. If Olokun, being a smaller army, did have her father it would be easier to rescue him ... at least she hoped.
"Yes all reports show that he made contact with Olokun on his home world. We, however, have not been able to locate it. This morning is the first Intel which has narrowed our search to these four planets."
Jack and the rest of SG-1 were satisfied with Ian's explanation of the events surrounding Jacob's disappearance, and decided it was time for action.
The group sent a Malp through to each of the four planets to gather more information. Afterwards they all returned to the Briefing Room along with the team leaders of SG-3, 5, and 7.
"O.K. folks, we determined there are two desert planets, a beach planet, and my favorite a forest planet. There is no visual confirmation of Jaffa or super soldier near the gate on any of the planets; although, they could be hiding just waiting for us to show up."
"I suggest that SG-1 go to PXR-277." Daniel spoke up quickly. "That would be the beach planet." Clarifying for anyone that couldn't remember which planet it was.
"And why is that Daniel?"
"Olokun is impersonating the god of the sea. So it would make since that he would be on a planet that was full of water."
"I agree with Daniel, Sir. They always return to a planet that supports their persona." She said not looking up from the printouts.
"Alright then, SG-1 and SG-7 you will leave in 2-hours to go to the beach planet. SG-3 and SG-5 you will leave in 2 ½ hours for the forest planet. I guess that leaves the Tok'ra with the two desert plants, dismissed." Jack knew if Daniel was right then Jacob would be on one of those two planets. He wanted the SGC to be the ones to find him. This would at least allow Carter some time with Jacob before the Tok'ra returned with another important mission.
The leaders of SG-3, 5, & 7 all left to inform their teams about their missions. Ian left through the Stargate to inform the Tok'ra of the latest developments.
Teal'c was helping Daniel gather all the printouts they had scattered all over the conference room table. Sam was going over all the printouts for PXR-277 again; she couldn't afford to miss anything.
Jack was watching her intensely. He wanted to make sure she was okay... who was he kidding he wanted to make sure they where O.K. He wanted to smooth over any problems he may have caused her at his house, and this morning in the commissary.
Daniel noticed Jack watching Sam and decided that he and Teal'c should give them some privacy. Daniel nodded towards the door when Teal'c looked over at him. Teal'c bowed his head in understanding, and the two left quietly.
"We'll find him Carter."
Sam looked up and noticed that she and Jack were the only ones left in the room. "Yes Sir. We will!" She stood up to make her exit as well.
Jack stepped in front of her to prevent her exit. They were still a couple of steps away from each other.
She looked at him, her eyes questioning his move. She became a little nervous.
"Uh ... Carter listen ... have you got a few minutes I wanted to talk to you." He was fiddling with a pen in his hand, indicating his own apprehension.
Now Sam was definitely nervous. "Well, Sir. I do need to get ready for this mission."
"I know I just wanted to make sure you're ok with ... everything."
"Everything ... Sir?"
"Yeah you know ... this morning in the commissary." Jack decided to start with the easiest to explain. "Daniel was trying to confuse me. I was annoyed with him and it had nothing to do with you or your dad, honest Carter."
"It's O.K. Sir. I understand." He sounded genuine, and she knew how often he sticks his foot in his mouth, despite his best intentions. She decided this fell in that category.
She shook it off as another Jack moment and turned to leave, but he stopped her once again.
Jack decided to continue since that went so well. "Look Carter, I know yesterday at my house was a bit ... awkward. I promise I was going to tell you and the rest of SG-1 about Kerry and me."
Sam was quietly looking down at the floor. She wasn't sure she wanted to get into this right now.
Jack noticed her silence, 'What does that mean ... Is she upset because I'm dating Kerry ... or something else?' He really wasn't out to hurt anyone. "I'm sorry I..."
"It would have been easier." Sam said quickly. She decided to be honest about her feelings for once. She didn't blame him. She just wished she would have had some time to prepare for the meeting.
"Easier? What does that mean?" He said sarcastically. He was annoyed because he didn't know what he should do or say, and she was confusing him. It came out harsher then he meant to say it.
She looked up with anger in her eyes. "Yeah Jack ... It would have been easier to learn about your 'girlfriend' before I actually met her." She said raising her voice to match his.
"What do you care who I date...you're marrying Pete right?" He yelled. This was the first time either of them had spoken to the other about the dreaded subject.
She felt a stab of regret as she watched his eyes change from raging anger to heartfelt sadness. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words wouldn't come. She stepped towards him to touch his arm to tell something, but what ... that she was sorry... she never meant to hurt him ... she was having second thoughts about Pete. He took a step away from her. It all sounded hollow now.
She looked down at the floor. She had wanted to tell Jack about her engagement. She just couldn't face him. At the time, she was scared he would talk her out of it. Looking back now, she was more scared he wouldn't talk her out of it.
She looked back up to explain why she couldn't bring herself to tell him. "Jack ..."
"I understand." Jack said quietly. His military mask was put firmly back into place, "Look Carter you need to get ready for your mission, that's more important."
She knew she couldn't argue. She sighed and left the room.
Jack's head was spinning. He didn't know what just happened. He didn't mean to yell at her or sound so callous; especially after she was so willing to accept his apology about the commissary incident. He didn't mean to make things worse, and he never meant to bring up her engagement. That was still a sore spot for him. The fact that she never told him about the engagement, and that it happened so quickly had cut him deeper then she would ever realize. He wanted her to be happy, but he always hoped it would have been with him.
Sam made her way to the locker room with a heavy heart. The realization hit her full force. She was to blame for her own heartache, and worse for the pain she saw in Jack's eyes. If she hadn't given-up on him and any future they might have had, then neither of them would be going through this emotional tug-of-war. He was right she was engaged to Pete and he had every right to move on with his life. It's not like they ever had a relationship to begin with. She sat down on the bench in the locker room, and put her head in her hands. 'When did life get so complicated?' she thought with a sigh.
'If I'm in love with Pete, then why does it hurt so much knowing Jack has moved on. And when did he become Jack instead of the General for-cryin-out-loud ...Argh!'
Sam decided it was time she ended this self-discovery, especially when she started using his catch phrase. She stood up ran her hands through her hair and decided it was time to prepare for her mission.
Her personal life may be in chaos, but her professional life demanded her full attention right now without any emotion baggage getting in the way. She had a rescue mission to prepare for and six guys that were counting on her to lead them.
Sam was completely in soldier mode when she entered the gateroom. Daniel, Teal'c, and SG-7 were all waiting for her at the end of the ramp. The wormhole was engaged.
Jack was standing in the control room, still a little shocked at what happen in the briefing room earlier. "O.K. SG-1 and SG-7 you have a go."
It was already decided that Sam and SG-1 would take lead on this mission. "O.K. guys let's move out."
The 7 members walked through the Stargate to the unknown that awaited them on the other side.
Up Next - Finding Jacob